People across China mark last day of 2024 Xinhua) 09:03, January 01, 2025 People enjoy a meal at a restaurant in a historical block in Nanhu District of Jiaxing City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Photo by Jin Peng/Xinhua) People shop for decorations for the New Year at a market in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Xinhua/Li Xin) An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 31, 2024 shows tourists having fun at the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) People enjoy themselves at a hot spring resort in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) Tourists have fun at "China's Snow Town" scenic spot in Mudanjiang City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Photo by Wang Yanlong/Xinhua) A tourist poses for photos during an event welcoming the New Year in Anshan City, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Xinhua/Li Gang) A worker operates at the workshop of Harbin Electric Machinery Company Limited in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) People pose for a selfie as they run at sunrise in Donghu Park in Zaozhuang, east China's Shandong Province, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Photo by Sun Zhongzhe/Xinhua) People enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Gaomi City, east China's Shandong Province, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Photo by Li Haitao/Xinhua) A tourist poses for photos at a newly opened commercial complex in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Xinhua/Shao Rui) A vendor holding balloons printed with blessing words for the New Year walks at the Qilou old street in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) A tourist poses for photos at sunset in the Huangshan Mountain scenic area in east China's Anhui Province, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan) A child hangs a New Year wish card in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Xinhua/Mao Zhu) People look at festive lanterns in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Xinhua/Mao Zhu) People buy snacks at a night market in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Dec. 31, 2024 People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Xinhua/Li Jianan) Two girls pose for a photo at a night market in Nan'an District in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Xinhua/Huang Wei) Tourists in traditional attire pose for photos in Xuan'en County, central China's Hubei Province, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Photo by Song Wen/Xinhua) A child interacts with an actor performing Bianlian or face-changing, a part of the Sichuan opera, during an event welcoming the New Year at a kindergarten in Yunhe District of Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Photo by Fu Xinchun/Xinhua) Children perform dragon dance at a nursery school in Zhanggong District of Ganzhou City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Photo by Hu Jiangtao/Xinhua) A villager posts the Chinese character "fu," which means happiness, blessing and good fortune, at a settlement in Chuimatan Town of Jishishan County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 31, 2024. People across China spent the last day of the year 2024 in all sorts of memorable ways. (Photo by Shi Youdong/Xinhua) (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu) China Focus: National medical insurance delivers more affordable drugs to patients Xinhua) 14:23, January 01, 2025 BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Patients in China will access cheaper and more diverse medications in 2025 as 91 new drugs have been added to the national medical insurance scheme. The price of the newly included drugs, which include medications for tumors, diabetes, rare diseases, and anti-infective and psychiatric drugs, will drop by 63 percent on average, according to a statement from China's National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) in November 2024. This will result in an estimated 50 billion yuan (about 7 billion U.S. dollars) reduction in patient expenditures, the NHSA said. Since its establishment, the NHSA has adjusted the national medical insurance catalog for seven consecutive years, increasing the total number of medications to 3,159 and significantly expanding the medical insurance coverage for chronic diseases, rare diseases, and pediatric medications. In addition to expanding the drug catalog, the government has worked to lower prices through bulk procurement and price negotiation programs. The latest government-led bulk procurement of medicines was just finalized in December. This marked the 10th batch of procurement jointly launched by the NHSA and relevant departments, bringing the total number of drugs purchased to 435. Lu Yun, a scholar at China Pharmaceutical University, noted that the latest batch sets a new record for the quantity of drugs purchased. "The new batch features both commonly-used drugs and high-end medications, including a variety of medicines for underlying health conditions related to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, digestive and metabolic issues. It covers a wide range of demographics and will improve the quality of medication for patients and boost their chance to regain health," said Lu. December also saw the completion of the latest round of bulk procurement of medical consumables. Approximately 11,000 cochlear implants from five suppliers and 258,000 peripheral vascular stents from 18 suppliers were purchased through the program, making them more affordable for patients with hearing or peripheral vascular diseases. The NHSA estimated that the average price of a cochlear implant composed of an implant and a speech processor would drop from over 200,000 yuan to approximately 50,000 yuan. The latest bulk procurement will significantly increase the accessibility of cochlear implants, making them a more attractive option for people with impaired hearing across all age groups, said Wang Wei, director of the Department of Otolaryngology at the Tianjin First Central Hospital. Peripheral vascular stents are used primarily to treat peripheral vascular diseases such as vascular stenosis, thrombosis and aneurysms. Annually, 200,000 to 300,000 people undergo peripheral vascular stent implantation in China. Dai Xiangchen, deputy chief of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, hailed the significant reduction in surgical costs after peripheral vascular stents were included in the bulk procurement catalog. While advancing bulk procurement, China has continued to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for lower prices. As of October, the negotiation program had benefited over 830 million recipients, saving more than 880 billion yuan in patient expenditure, according to NHSA statistics. The price negotiation program is a major avenue for innovative drugs to be included in China's medical insurance. Newly-developed drugs remain a focus of this year's price negotiations, said Huang Xinyu, adding that the effort is to ensure that "the money is spent on the most important things." (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu) AI has become the central tool for asserting geopolitical dominance. The race to develop advanced AI technologies, including autonomous systems, generative models, and surveillance tools, reflects a broader competition to control critical sectors such as defence, finance, and communication read more The AI Cold War 2.0 is not just a technological race but a contest for shaping the future of global governance and societal values. Image: REUTERS One of the greatest mystics and thinkers of the world ever, Jiddu Krishnamurti began to use the term artificial intelligence in the early 1980s. As long ago as the 1950s, he spoke of the human brain being programmed like a computer and, before that, thought of being mechanical. As the use of computers grew, Krishnamurti, as ever, reflected the phenomenon to ourselves, asking vital questions. What would be our place if computers and AI could do most of what we could do faster and more efficiently? What is the future of humanity? What is the nature and place of thought? These questions, posed by Jiddu Krishnamurti, are more relevant than ever as the world finds itself embroiled in a new kind of geopolitical struggle that some are calling the AI Cold War 2.0. Advertisement The race for artificial intelligence (AI) supremacy has become the defining battleground of the 21st century, with the United States and China vying for dominance in a technology poised to reshape the global order. This strategic rivalry highlights the contest for economic and technological superiority and mirrors the ideological and geopolitical tensions some experts labelled AI Cold War 2.0. Chinas Rapid Ascent in AI Chinas transformation from a follower to a leader in AI is a story of ambition, strategy, and state-backed investments. Initiatives like the Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan (2017) and Made in China 2025 reflect Beijings determination to lead the AI revolution by 2030. This vision is supported by a centralised approach that mobilises resources across government, academia, and industry, enabling rapid advancements in AI research and application. Scholars like Chao Min and Yi Zhao from Nanjing University emphasise the role of mimetic isomorphism, where latecomers emulate global leaders while gradually innovating. This strategy, combined with weak data privacy regulations and vast data collection capabilities, has propelled Chinas AI sector to produce the highest volume of research publications globally since 2014. However, challenges remain in the quality of research, semiconductor technology, and breakthrough innovations. The US is a Longstanding AI Leader The United States has historically dominated AI development with its robust ecosystem of public-private partnerships, academic excellence, and pioneering tech companies like Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft. Government initiatives, including the National AI Initiative Act (2020), have further strengthened the US position as a global AI leader. Advertisement The decentralised nature of the US research environment encourages innovation, allowing collaboration between government agencies, academic institutions, and private enterprises. However, growing competition from China and challenges in scaling AI education and workforce training underscore the US need to maintain its edge. The AI Cold War 2.0 as a New Geopolitical Paradigm The concept of an AI Cold War 2.0, coined by renowned Canadian lawyer and AI strategist George Takach, captures the deepening rivalry between the US and China in the realm of AI. Unlike the ideological confrontation of the original Cold War, the AI Cold War 2.0 revolves around technological supremacy and its implications for global influence. Advertisement George argues that AI has become the central tool for asserting geopolitical dominance. The race to develop advanced AI technologies, including autonomous systems, generative models, and surveillance tools, reflects a broader competition to control critical sectors such as defence, finance, and communication. AI Cold War 2.0 also extends to the standards and governance of AI, with the US promoting ethical frameworks rooted in democratic values, while China advocates a state-centric approach that appeals to authoritarian regimes. This AI-driven rivalry has created a polarised world, with nations aligning themselves with either the US or China based on technological dependencies, economic interests, and ideological affinities. For instance, emerging economies in Africa and Southeast Asia increasingly find themselves at the crossroads of this AI competition, facing choices that will shape their digital futures. Advertisement Global Impacts of AI Cold War 2.0 The AI Cold War is profoundly reshaping global politics, economics, and society. Economically, the race for AI leadership is driving innovation while also creating inequalities. Developing nations, lacking resources and infrastructure, risk becoming dependent on AI technologies controlled by the US or China. This dynamic exacerbates the digital divide and limits the autonomy of smaller states. In terms of security, AI is transforming warfare and intelligence, with both superpowers leveraging AI for cyber operations, autonomous weapons, and surveillance systems. The militarisation of AI has heightened global tensions, increasing the risk of conflicts driven by technological superiority. Advertisement At the societal level, the AI Cold War influences the discourse on privacy, human rights, and the ethical use of technology. The US emphasis on transparency and accountability contrasts sharply with Chinas use of AI for mass surveillance and social control, creating a global debate on the future of AI governance. The rivalry has also intensified competition over global standards for AI development. Institutions like the United Nations face challenges in mediating between the two powers, as their differing visions for AI governance shape international regulations. Long-Term Trends and Convergence in AI Research The rivalry between the US and China is reflected in long-term trends in AI research. Both nations have shown exponential growth in the volume of AI publications. A notable slowdown in Chinas growth occurred between 2008 and 2009, coinciding with its publication volume matching that of the US. Historically, Chinas research focus lagged behind the US, often mirroring trends from previous years. This dynamic shifted around 2010, with China adopting a research portfolio that closely resembles that of the US, signalling its transition to a competitive and forward-looking approach. This convergence underscores the narrowing gap between the two AI superpowers. What Lies Ahead? The AI Cold War 2.0 is not just a technological race but a contest for shaping the future of global governance and societal values. While the US leads in innovation, Chinas state-driven model and vast resources make it a formidable challenger. The stakes are high, as the rivalry will determine not only economic and military power but also the ethical framework within which AI operates. For the rest of the world, navigating this polarised landscape requires careful diplomacy, collaboration, and investment in independent AI ecosystems. The international community must also prioritise the development of universal ethical guidelines to ensure AI remains a force for progress rather than division. As the US and China push the boundaries of AI, the world watches with a mix of awe and apprehension, understanding that the outcomes of this rivalry will define the 21st century. Amal Chandra is an author, political analyst and columnist (Follow him on X at @ens_socialis) and Prashanto Bagchi is an International Relations scholar at the JNU, New Delhi. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The report, which has all the traces of the American deep state using the liberal media to forward its illiberal agenda, may be one last attempt to hurt India before the Trump administration takes over on January 20 read more The timing of the Washington Post's report and the incredible level of details provided therein expose the real motive and the powerful shadowy figures behind it all. Image: AP In politics, as in geopolitics, timing is an important, if not the most important, ingredient for success. The Washington Posts latest report a few naive ones may see it as one last bit to revive the dying art of investigative journalism ticks all the right buttons on that. The report, A plot in paradise and Indias struggle for influence in Asia, written jointly by an American and an Indian to give it more credibility, accuses New Delhi of secretly plotting to oust the pro-China Maldivian President, Mohamed Muizzu. Advertisement The report says, By January 2024, agents working at the behest of Indias intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), began quietly discussing with Maldivian opposition leaders the possibility of removing Muizzu, according to people involved in the discussions. And within weeks, a plan emerged. The plot, as per the Washington Post report, involved bribing 40 members of parliament, including those from Muizzus own party, to vote to impeach him. It also proposed paying 10 senior army and police officers and three powerful criminal gangs to ensure Muizzus removal. After months of secret talks, the report adds, the plotters failed to gather enough votes to impeach Muizzu, and India did not pursue or finance an attempt to oust him. The timing of the report and the incredible level of details provided therein expose the real motive and the powerful shadowy figures behind it all. It has all the traces of the American deep state using the liberal media to forward its illiberal agenda. It may be one last attempt to hurt India before the Trump administration takes over on January 20 a dispensation whose leader has never shied away from taking a potshot at the countrys deep state. Coming as it does towards the fag end of the Biden administration, making it all the more difficult for the coming Trump government to bring the Indo-American ties on track, the Washington Post report follows a series of events that aimed to hurting Indias interest from the recent criminal indictment in the US of a prominent Indian businessman, to ludicrously trying to link India with the assassinations and attempted assassinations of Khalistani terrorists in Canada and the US. Advertisement To top it all, the United States is currently witnessing a raging debate around H-1B visa for Indian nationals, which with each passing day is turning into a racial diatribe against people from India and of Indian origins. The H-1B visa controversy has caught many by surprise, especially Team Trump that fought the presidential elections on the issue of illegal immigrants. But today, MAGA (Make America Great Again), which had garnered the support of a considerable number of legal immigrants, including Indians, is being threatened to be transformed into MAWA (Make America White Again). The line that was consciously drawn between legal and illegal immigrants before and during the elections has blurred now. The primary target is India and Indians. This again hints at the deep states backhand shot against Trump, putting its broad-based MAGA coalition under threat. This has brought the Democrats, licking their wounds post-poll results, back in business. With the H1-B visa row, the American deep state has cornered both Trump and India the two of its foremost adversaries. Advertisement One may wonder why the US deep state would try to corner India. The answer may lie with Indias inner dynamics and its ties with China. The US-led West puts India in the friends with benefits category. It will be friendly but will have too many differences to be an ally. It wants to co-opt India to downsize China, but is equally wary of rising India. While acknowledging Indias utility, especially against growing Chinese threats, the American establishment is similarly uneasy about a strong Delhi ultimately propelling out of the Western orbit of influence. The US, thus, works both ways: It helps India grow and yet works towards cutting it to size as well. Advertisement Then, of course, the Washington Post report can be analysed through changing India-China dynamics, especially after the recent border agreement between the two countries. India and China have agreed for complete disengagement at the two friction points of Depsang and Demchok. Disengagement doesnt mean that all issues with China have been settled or that Delhi and Beijing are friends now, but this was enough to send the establishment in Washington DC in a tizzy. The latest report could be an attempt to create a new friction point between the two countries, given the shadowy struggle between India and China for influence over a strategic swath of Asia and its surrounding waters. It also accuses India of acting undemocratically and stocking local resentment by aggressively undermining elected leaders who are perceived to be close to Pakistan and increasingly today, China. Advertisement The US deep state wont be naive enough to believe that an American media report would influence India and China to change their policies vis-a-vis each other. The Washington Post report, in that way, is the American deep states misinformation war against India, and an obvious warning shot to New Delhi that it is being closely watched. But more importantly, it is also a message for the US president-elect that his collision course with the deep state wont take him anywhere, that its the American establishment that ultimately calls the shots. It would be interesting to see how Trump reacts to the deep states challenge. His response will shape not just the India-US relations, but also India-China and Sino-American relations in the rest of the decade. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Kwon, who had been detained in Montenegro since March 2023 was handed over to US authorities following a lengthy legal battle. His arrest came six months after Interpol issued a red notice warrant, marking him as a fugitive following the collapse of Terraform Labs Luna and TerraUSD read more The final days of 2024 saw Terraform Labs co-founder and CEO Do Kwon extradited to the United States to face securities fraud charges. Kwon stands accused of orchestrating a massive crypto asset fraud tied to an algorithmic stablecoin and other digital assets, a case that has drawn significant attention from regulators and investors alike. Kwon, who had been detained in Montenegro since March 2023 after attempting to board a flight with a forged passport, was handed over to US authorities following a lengthy legal battle. His arrest came six months after Interpol issued a red notice warrant, marking him as a fugitive following the collapse of Terraform Labs stablecoins Luna and TerraUSD. The crash in May 2022 wiped out $40 billion from the crypto market, devastating investors and sending shockwaves through the industry. Advertisement Global fallout from the Terraform collapse The collapse of Terraform Labs stablecoins, which were revealed to be anything but stable, exposed significant vulnerabilities in the crypto market. Kwon had fled South Korea just a month before the implosion, further intensifying the scrutiny on his actions and the operations of Terraform Labs. US authorities charged Kwon in February 2023, accusing him of misleading investors through false claims about the stability and security of the companys assets. South Korean authorities also levelled similar charges against him, highlighting the global fallout from Terraforms collapse. Despite these efforts, Montenegro, which has no extradition treaties with either the US or South Korea, took nearly 18 months to resolve the case, culminating in Kwons extradition last week. Terraforms troubled legacy The once-prominent crypto firm filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early 2023, a move that underscored the catastrophic impact of its downfall. US officials, including SEC Chair Gary Gensler, have accused Kwon and Terraform Labs of defrauding investors and violating securities laws by providing misleading information. Kwons extradition marks a significant step in holding crypto leaders accountable amid growing calls for tighter regulation in the volatile digital asset space. Beijing responded on Tuesday through its foreign ministry, firmly rejecting the accusations and labelling them as politically motivated falsehoods. The ministry reiterated that China opposes all forms of hacking and denounced the claims as lacking evidence read more China has strongly denied allegations of being behind a cyber breach at the US Treasury Department, dismissing the claims as unfounded. The accusations, which point to a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group, have further strained the already tense relations between the two nations. The US Treasury revealed the breach occurred earlier this month through a third-party cybersecurity provider. Hackers reportedly accessed a critical key used by the vendor, allowing them to bypass certain system controls. This access enabled unauthorised entry to workstations and unclassified documents, according to a letter sent by the Treasury to lawmakers. Advertisement China pushes back on accusations Beijing responded on Tuesday through its foreign ministry, firmly rejecting the accusations and labelling them as politically motivated falsehoods. The ministry reiterated that China opposes all forms of hacking and denounced the claims as lacking evidence. A spokesperson emphasised that China had consistently maintained this stance against baseless accusations. The incident has reignited concerns in the US over alleged Chinese government-backed cyber activity. The Treasury Departments preliminary findings have attributed the breach to a state-sponsored advanced persistent threat (APT) actor, a term describing sustained, covert cyber-attacks by sophisticated groups. Treasurys investigation underway The US Treasury, alerted by its third-party provider, swiftly involved the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and law enforcement to assess the damage. The compromised service has since been taken offline, and officials reported no evidence of continued access to Treasury systems. While details on what exactly was affected remain sparse, the Treasury promised further updates in a supplemental report. A department spokesperson stressed the agencys commitment to protecting its systems and data from potential threats. Longstanding cybersecurity concerns The breach is the latest in a series of allegations against Chinese-backed cyber actors targeting governments, businesses, and critical infrastructure worldwide. In 2023, Microsoft reported that Chinese hackers accessed email accounts of 25 US government agencies. Earlier, US authorities had dismantled a Chinese-linked network accused of targeting public sector infrastructure, including water and transportation systems. These incidents have fuelled ongoing tension, with the US repeatedly pointing to China as a major player in global cyber espionage. Beijing, however, continues to reject such allegations, asserting its commitment to combating cyber-attacks and maintaining cybersecurity standards. The unfolding Treasury breach and its implications highlight the persistent challenge of cyber threats in an increasingly interconnected digital world. Tencent and ByteDance ordered roughly 230,000 of NVIDIAs Hopper GPUs, including a specialised H20 variant tailored to comply with US export regulations for China. Thats more AI GPUs, than Google, Meta, Amazon, or Tesla/xAI read more Despite restrictions imposed by the US, their GPU acquisitions outpaced tech behemoths like Google, Meta, and Amazon, underscoring their determination to bolster AI capabilities. Analysts expect this momentum to continue well into 2025. Image Credit: Reuters Chinese technology giants Tencent and ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, made major moves in the AI race by snapping up a substantial number of NVIDIAs high-end AI GPUs in 2024. These purchases positioned the companies just behind Microsoft, which took the crown as the biggest buyer of NVIDIAs chips last year, according to an Omdia report and Financial Times analysis. Both Chinese firms each ordered roughly 230,000 of NVIDIAs Hopper GPUs, including a specialised H20 variant tailored to comply with US export regulations for China. Thats more AI GPUs, than Google, Meta, Amazon, or Tesla/xAI Advertisement In contrast, Microsoft led the pack with an eye-popping acquisition of 485,000 Hopper chips, far outpacing its competition. Chinese firms surge ahead Tencent and ByteDances significant investments signal their intent to remain formidable players in the global AI landscape. Despite restrictions imposed by the US, their GPU acquisitions outpaced tech behemoths like Google, Meta, and Amazon, underscoring their determination to bolster AI capabilities. Analysts expect this momentum to continue well into 2025, reflecting Chinas broader ambition to stay competitive in advanced technology. Meanwhile, NVIDIA maintained a dominant position in the AI server hardware market, capturing 43 per cent of total spending in 2024. While AMD also gained traction, securing notable orders from Microsoft and Meta, NVIDIAs Hopper series remained the go-to choice for many. American giants diversifying AI hardware Meta, Amazon, and Google followed Tencent and ByteDance in GPU purchases, with Meta acquiring 224,000 units, Amazon picking up 196,000, and Google securing 169,000. However, these US tech giants are increasingly focusing on developing their in-house chips to reduce reliance on external suppliers. Google deployed an impressive 1.5 million Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), Meta leveraged its MTIA chips in equal measure, and Amazon leaned on its Trainium and Inferentia chips. Even Microsoft, a stalwart NVIDIA customer, is testing the waters with its Maia chips, although these efforts remain in their infancy with about 200,000 units installed. The battle ahead Microsofts unparalleled investment in AI hardware highlights its ambitions to dominate the field, but the growing investments by ByteDance and Tencent are a reminder that the AI race is far from a one-horse show. Chinese companies have not only navigated trade restrictions but also emerged as competitive buyers in the global market. While geopolitical tensions and export controls add layers of complexity to the competition, 2024 underscored the growing clout of Chinese firms. As the tech world marches into 2025, all eyes are on how these global players will shape the next chapter of AI innovation. While NVIDIA has not disclosed the financial details of the transaction, reports from Israeli publication Calcalist earlier this year estimated the deals value at $700 million. This marks NVIDIAs second major investment in Israels tech landscape read more Run:ais technology aligns seamlessly with NVIDIAs vision. The startup has been a close partner of the company since 2020, collaborating on various projects to optimise AI hardware performance. Image Credit: Reuters NVIDIA has finalised its acquisition of Israeli AI startup Run:ai, adding another powerful tool to its arsenal of AI computing solutions. Run:ais software, designed to optimise the performance of intelligence computing hardware, will now be open-sourced. This move allows developers and companies to utilise the software, not just for NVIDIA-based systems but also for hardware from rival manufacturers. Run:ai expressed enthusiasm about this new chapter, highlighting plans to expand its team and reach. By making the software open-source, the company aims to extend its impact across the broader AI ecosystem. The startup believes this will help enhance the accessibility of its technology, enabling a wider range of users to fine-tune their AI hardware for maximum efficiency. Advertisement Strengthening NVIDIAs position in AI NVIDIA has cemented itself as a leader in the AI hardware market, with its data centre accelerator chips dominating the space. While other chipmakers have seen rapid growth, NVIDIAs sales far outpace the competition, generating tens of billions of dollars each quarter. This acquisition further reinforces NVIDIAs strategy of offering comprehensive solutions that integrate cutting-edge hardware with advanced software tools. Run:ais technology aligns seamlessly with NVIDIAs vision. The startup has been a close partner of the company since 2020, collaborating on various projects to optimise AI hardware performance. Founded in 2018 by Omri Geller and Ronen Dar, Run:ai has gained recognition for its innovative approach to intelligence computing management, making it a valuable addition to NVIDIAs ecosystem. A major investment in Israeli innovation While NVIDIA has not disclosed the financial details of the transaction, reports from Israeli publication Calcalist earlier this year estimated the deals value at $700 million. This marks NVIDIAs second major investment in Israels tech landscape, following its $7 billion acquisition of Mellanox Technologies in 2020. The acquisition underscores NVIDIAs commitment to leveraging Israels thriving tech sector for its AI advancements. With Run:ai now under its wing, NVIDIA is poised to expand its capabilities further, benefiting not only its own ecosystem but also the global AI community through open-source contributions. Opening doors for the broader AI ecosystem By open-sourcing Run:ais software, NVIDIA aims to democratise access to tools that can enhance AI computing efficiency. This decision could have far-reaching implications, enabling developers and enterprises using non-NVIDIA hardware to benefit from Run:ais solutions. Its a strategic move that not only broadens the softwares impact but also strengthens NVIDIAs reputation as a forward-thinking leader in the AI industry. As NVIDIA integrates Run:ais technology, the AI ecosystem is set to gain a significant boost in performance optimisation and accessibility. The arrival of 1 January is celebrated in countless ways across the world, each tradition offering a glimpse into the cultural fabric of its people read more The dawn of 1 January is more than just a new page on the calendar. Its a moment infused with hope, joy and a rich tapestry of customs that span the globe. From breaking plates in Denmark to offering flowers to the sea goddess in Brazil, these traditions are as diverse as the cultures they spring from. Rooted in history, symbolism and communal spirit, each unique ritual serves as a way to embrace the new year, casting away the shadows of the past and welcoming prosperity, health and happiness. Advertisement These vibrant and meaningful traditions showcase the universal human desire for renewal, yet each offers a glimpse into the distinct cultural lens through which different societies welcome the promise of a new beginning. Heres a list of unique traditions observed on 1 January around the world: 1. Scotland First-Footing (Hogmanay Tradition) The Scots celebrate First-Footing, where the first person to cross the threshold of a home after midnight is considered a harbinger of good luck. Traditionally, the first-footer brings gifts such as coal, bread or whisky to ensure prosperity for the household. 2. Japan Shogatsu and Osechi Ryori In Japan, the New Year, or Shogatsu, is celebrated with special bento-like meals called osechi ryori, packed with symbolic foods that promise health, wealth and longevity. Families also visit shrines and temples to pray for blessings and hang ema plaques with their wishes for the year. 3. Denmark Breaking Plates Danes save old dishes and plates throughout the year to break them against the doors of friends and family on New Years Day. This quirky tradition symbolises affection and is believed to bring good fortune to those who receive the broken crockery. 4. Brazil Offerings to Iemanja Advertisement In Brazil, people celebrate the New Year by honouring Iemanja, the goddess of the sea. Devotees dress in white and send flowers, candles and other offerings into the ocean to seek her blessings. 5. Spain The Twelve Grapes Spaniards eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, one for each chime of the clock. Each grape represents a month of the year and the tradition is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. 6. South Africa Throwing Out Old Furniture In some parts of South Africa, particularly in Johannesburg, people throw old furniture out of their windows as a symbolic way of letting go of the past and making space for the new year. Advertisement 7. Greece Hanging an Onion and Cutting the Vasilopita In Greece, onions are hung on doors as a symbol of rebirth. Additionally, families cut a special cake called vasilopita, which contains a hidden coin. The person who finds the coin is believed to have a lucky year ahead. 8. Estonia Eating Seven, Nine, or Twelve Meals Estonians believe in eating seven, nine, or twelve meals on New Years Day. These numbers are considered magical and eating multiple meals ensures strength and abundance in the coming year. 9. Philippines Circles for Wealth In the Philippines, people incorporate circles into their attire and surroundings as they symbolise coins and wealth. Polka-dotted clothes and round fruits are particularly popular. Advertisement 10. Ecuador Burning Effigies Ecuadorians create and burn effigies, known as ano viejo, to represent the misfortunes and hardships of the past year. The act of burning these effigies is a way to start the new year afresh. Each of these traditions reflects the cultural essence and collective hopes of communities as they step into a new year. India-origin doctors Sulaymaan Al Majid died after a light aircraft, which he rented for a sightseeing trip, crashed off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE read more Indian-origin doctor Sulaymaan Al Majid was co-piloting the aircraft with a 26-year-old Pakistani woman who also died in the crash. Source: LinkedIn | Dr Sulaymaan Al Majid. A 26-year-old Indian-origin doctor was among the two people killed in a light aircraft from the Jazirah Aviation Club crashed off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah. The aircraft was being flown by a 26-year-old woman pilot of Pakistan origin who also lost her life in the crash. The crash took place on December 26 and was confirmed by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Sunday, which said that the investigations are underway to determine the cause. Advertisement India-origin man killed in UAE plane crash Indian-origin doctor, Sulaymaan Al Majid, was born and raised in the UAE. He was a fellow at the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust in the UK. As per reports, Sulaymaan was co-piloting the the light aircraft which he had rented for a sightseeing trip. His father, mother and a younger brother were present at the aviation club to witness the experience. His other younger brother was set to board the next flight. Sulaymaans father, Majid Mukarram, recounted the devastating sequence of events and said that the crash in which his eldest son died took place shortly after takeoff near the Cove Rotana Hotel around 2 pm. At first, we were told the glider had lost radio contact. Later, we were informed it had made an emergency landing and that the occupants had been rushed to a hospital," a report by Khaleej Times quoted Majid as saying. When we reached the hospital, we were told that both were critically injured and undergoing resuscitation efforts. Sulaymaan passed away before we could see him, and his time of death was recorded as past 4:30 pm, Majid further said. Time has stopped for us We were looking forward to the New Year as a family, planning to celebrate together. Instead, our lives have been shattered. It feels like time has stopped for us. Sulaymaan was the light of our lives, and we dont know how to move forward without him, Majid was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times. Sulaymaan was actively involved with the British Medical Association, serving first as honorary secretary and later as co-chair of the Northern Resident Doctors Committee. During this time he championed causes such as pay restoration and the reclassification of junior doctors to resident doctors. With inputs from agencies. Last month, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested a man in Virginia for possessing an illegal gun and more than 150 explosive devices, which the agency described as the largest such seizure ever read more Ahead of the New Year, the FBI on Monday (December 30) announced the largest seizure of homemade explosives ever in Virginia. Last month, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) arrested a man at a farm in Smithfield near Norfolk for the possession of more than 150 explosive devices and an illegal short-barrel rifle. The FBI told a judge that this was largest seizure of homemade explosives in FBI history. The man has been identified in court filings as Virginia native Brad Spafford. The contents seized at the farm suggests he a far-right extremist and a follower of the No Lives Matter movement. Advertisement A neighbour, who reached out to authorities after learning of Spaffords weapon- and explosives-possession and extremist leanings, said he wanted to assassinate outgoing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, according to The Smithfield Times. The NLM is a far-right extremist movement thats part of the broader accelerationist ideology. The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness says the movement promotes targeted attacks, mass killings, and criminal activity. It says the movement states that societal standards should not exist" and should be crushed by any means possible. It says the movement and encourages the spread of terror to all who are mundane. Bring back political assassinations The Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) of FBI told the court that Spafford wanted to bring back political assassinations, according to The Smithfield Times. The newspaper reported that the FBI told the court that in conversations with the informant, [Spafford] allegedly expressed a desire to bring back political assassination and was using a photograph of Biden for target practice at a shooting range where he was pursuing to be a sniper. Following the unsuccessful attempt on President-elect Donald Trumps life in July at an election rally in Pennsylvania Spafford told the informant bro, I hope they dont miss Kamala in a reference to Vice President Kamala Harris, according to the newspaper. The court filings say a neighbour reached out to the authorities after he learnt he had disfigured fingers from a homemade explosion in 2021. The filings say the informant believed that Spafford was stocking weapons and ammunition. Advertisement Of the explosives seized at the farm, the FBI said most of them were pipe bombs, a type of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The FBI said that more than 150 explosive devices were seized along with tools and material to manufacture these devices. It said the devices were find in a detached garage and a bedroom in the farm. It said that the some of the devices were marked lethal. The filings say that the FBI also recovered a notebook with recipes to make explosives. The informant told the authorities that Spafford and his friends had said they were preparing for something that he would not be able to do alone, according to court filings cited by The New York Times. Advertisement When the informant visited the accused at the farm with a secret recording device, Spafford told him that he had various types of explosives and discussed fortifying the farm with a 360-degree turret that he would equip with a 50-caliber gun. On New Years eve, a March for Unity, led by student activists, was organised in Bangladesh where demonstrators demanded prosecution of ousted PM Sheikh Hasina and sought justice for over 1,000 people killed in mass uprising in July-August read more The Students Against Discrimination (SAD) group holds the 'March for Unity' rally demanding proclamation of the July Revolution and to mark the student-led uprising five months ago that led to the ouster of longstanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and to remember the more than 1,000 killed in the violence at the Central Shaheed Minar, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, December 31, 2024. Source: Reuters. As the world was gearing up to welcome New Year 2025, in Bangladesh the scene was starkly different, where thousands of protesters, led by student activists, congregated in large numbers and rallied at a March for Unity in the capital Dhaka, calling for the prosecution of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The March of Unity, organised by Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, was carried out on Tuesday (December 31, 2024) to demand justice for more than 1,000 deaths in July-August during a mass uprising across Bangladesh that toppled Hasinas 15-year rule. Advertisement At the rally, the student group that led the protests, dropped a plan to call for changes to the countrys 1972 constitution, after Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, on Monday, announced that it would prepare a proclamation. The march began on Tuesday afternoon from the Central Shaheed Minar after participants observed a minute of silence to honour those who lost their lives in the protests in July-August. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee also announced that they would intensify their demonstrations if the Yunus-led interim government fails to issue the Proclamation of July Uprising by January 15. The Proclamation of the July Revolution is essential to honour the sacrifice of the protesters who died or were injured, and to serve as a document reflecting the peoples aspirations. Yunuss press office, meanwhile, said it would seek national consensus on a Declaration of the July Uprising, focusing on unity, state reform, and the broader goals of the uprising. It further expressed hope that a declaration would be finalised soon. Ban Awami League On Tuesday, protesters, who were joined by families of those killed in the unrest, carried the national flag and chanted slogans against Hasina and called for her trial. They also urged banning her Awami League party. Since August 5, we have no more enemies in Bangladesh. Our only enemy is the Awami League, said movement convener Hasnat Abdullah while addressing the rally. Advertisement Source: Reuters Hasina fled to India from Bangladesh on August 5 after weeks of violent anti-government protests which sparked by opposition to public sector job quotas. It started as a student-led movement but quickly morphed into a broader, nationwide uprising against Hasina-led government. She fled in a chopper just before protesters stormed her official residence. Last month, Bangladesh formally requested India to extradite Hasina who faces numerous charges including crimes against humanity for the deaths of protesters in Bangladesh. After she fled, an interim government-led by Yunus was formed and was tasked with restoring stability and preparing elections. It includes two representatives of the students. Yunus said that elections in Bangladesh could be held by 2025 end or in 2026. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. South Korean investigators probing December 29, 2024, Jeju Air crash which killed 179 onboard said that one of the retrieved black boxes will be sent to the United States for analysis read more This undated handout photo taken at an undisclosed location an released on January 1, 2025 by South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport shows the flight data recorder (FDR) retrieved from Jeju Air flight 2216 which crashed killing 179 people. Source: AFP | South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. South Korea will send one of the retrieved black boxes of the crashed Jeju Air flight, in which 179 of 181 people onboard were killed, to the United States for analysis. The damaged flight data recorder has been deemed unrecoverable for data extraction domestically. It was agreed today (Wednesday) to transport it to the United States for analysis in collaboration with the US National Transportation Safety Board," South Koreas deputy minister for civil aviation, Joo Jong-wan, said. Advertisement South Korean experts said that they are in discussion with the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on when to hand over the flight data recorder. Earlier, Joo had said that both the black boxes of the Jeju Air flight that crashed on Sunday were retrieved, and for the cockpit voice recorder, the initial extraction has already been completed." Whats the plan? Joo went on to say that based on this preliminary data, we plan to start converting it into audio format. This means that the investigators would be able to hear the final communications of the pilots of the ill fated flight. The second black box, the flight data recorder, was found with a missing connector. Joo said that the experts are currently conducting a final review to determine how to extract data from it. South Korea worst aviation disaster The Jeju Air Flight 2216 from Thailand to South Korea on Sunday issued a Mayday call and belly-landed before hitting a barrier and bursting into flames killing all the 175 passengers on board along with four crew members. Two flight attendants were pulled from the burning wreckage. Officials take part in an investigation at the site where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in Muan, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on January 1, 2025. Source: AFP | YONHAP. Investigators of South Korea along with those from the US, including from Boeing, have been combing the crash site in south-western Muan airport since the accident on December 29. Initially, investigators pointed to a bird strike as a possible cause of the disaster, but they have since said the probe was also examining a concrete barrier at the end of the runway, which video showed the Boeing 737-800 colliding with before bursting into flames. The localiser, installed on a concrete structure at Muan International Airport, is the barrier that has been blamed for exacerbating the severity of the crash of the Jeju Air flight which was largely carrying holidaymakers back from year-end trips to Bangkok, with all passengers Korean nationals except for two Thais. Advertisement Also, after reports of possible mechanical failure in the crash, a special inspection of all Boeing 737-800 models operated by local carriers to examine their landing gear, is being carried out. Director-general for aviation safety policy, Yoo Kyeong-soo, said that the ongoing inspections are focusing mainly on the landing gear, which failed to deploy properly in this case. Meanwhile, reports in local media said that the landing gear had deployed properly on Jeju Air Flight 2216s first failed landing attempt at Muan airport before failing on the second. With inputs from agencies. The population of Gaza has fallen 6% since the war with Israel began nearly 15 months ago as about 100,000 Palestinians left the enclave while more than 55,000 are presumed dead, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) read more Smoke rises from an Israeli strike as the Israeli military conducts operations inside the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as seen from southern Israel, on Wednesday. Reuters The population of Gaza has fallen 6% since the war with Israel began nearly 15 months ago as about 100,000 Palestinians left the enclave while more than 55,000 are presumed dead, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS). Around 45,500 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, have been killed since the war began but another 11,000 are missing, the bureau said, citing numbers from the Palestinian Health Ministry. Advertisement As such, the population of Gaza has declined by about 160,000 during the course of the war to 2.1 million, with more than a million or 47% of the total children under the age of 18, the PCBS said. It added that Israel has raged a brutal aggression against Gaza targeting all kinds of life there; humans, buildings and vital infrastructure entire families were erased from the civil register. There are catastrophic human and material losses. Israels foreign ministry said the PCBS data was fabricated, inflated, and manipulated in order to vilify Israel. Israel has faced accusations of genocide in Gaza because of the scale of death and destruction. The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations highest legal body, ruled last January that Israel must prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians, while Pope Francis has suggested the global community should study whether Israels Gaza campaign constitutes genocide. Israel has repeatedly rejected accusations of genocide, saying it abides by international law and has a right to defend itself after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 killed 1,200 Israelis and precipitated the current war. The PCBS said some 22% of Gazas population currently faces catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity, according to the criteria of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a global monitor. Advertisement Included in that 22% are some 3,500 children at risk of death due to malnutrition and lack of food, the bureau said. More than 36,000 people entered the United Kingdom illegally from English Channel in 2024, which amounts to a 25% surge in illegal crossings, according to official data read more At a time when Reform UKs leader Nigel Farage is looking forward to disrupting the British politics on the back of anti-immigrant politics, the government data has showed that illegal crossings from the English Channel rose by up 25 per cent in 2024. The rising illegal crossings are bound to put Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer under pressure, who has been struggling in recent days to build a coherent narrative around his governments agenda. Advertisement The government data released on Wednesday (December 1) showed that 36,816 were detected crossing into the United Kingdom from English Channels in small boats in 2025. It marked an increased by 25 per cent from the previous year. However, the number is less than 45,774 recorded in 2022. Since coming to power in landslide election victory in July, Starmer has struggled to formulate a narrative around immigration. While he scrapped the previous Rishi Sunak governments Rwanda plan, he has not been able to come up with a convincing alternative. Instead of coming up with a plan like Sunaks, which he called a gimmick, Starmer said that he would focus on cracking down on human smuggling gangs who smuggle people into the UK from English Channel. Even though there have been waves of raids and crackdowns on people illegally staying in the country and establishments housing such people, the numbers of illegal entries have not gone down. Moreover, there has also been criticism of plans reported in the media which say that up to 60,000 people who illegally entered the UK would be granted citizenship. To tackle the crisis, the British and German governments signed a joint action plan last month. However, as most of the crossings happen from France, the pact is unlikely to have a big impact on the situation. Among those crossed into the UK in 2024, Afghans were the largest group at 17 per cent, followed by people from Vietnam, Iran, and Syria. Advertisement Such a situation allows for far-right figures like Farage to score political points at the cost of mainstream parties. He has already emerged as a political disruptor and immigration figures are bound to serve as a fodder for his political rhetoric. Just like his friend Donald Trump in the United States, anti-immigrants agenda is at the core of his political platform. In sharp contrast to Chinese President Xi Jinping who vowed to annex Taiwan at any cost, the islands leader, Lai Ching-te, said he seeks equal and cordial exchanges with China and expects goodwill read more Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Wednesday that he welcomed equal, dignified, healthy and orderly exchanges with China, but wondered whether there was goodwill from Beijing given what he said was their blocking of simple things like tourism. Lai, who took office in May, has regularly offered talks with China but been rebuffed. China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and detests Lai as a separatist. He says only Taiwans people can decide their future. Advertisement Speaking at a New Years day news conference, Lai said China was blocking normal interactions with restrictions on Chinese tourists visiting or students studying on the island, while similar bans do not apply to Taiwanese going to China. But I still want to stress this: Taiwan hopes to have healthy and orderly exchanges with China under the principles of reciprocity and dignity, he said. Journalists should ask China why its citizens can freely travel to countries like the United States and Japan, but has all these controls when it comes to Taiwan, Lai added. Is this really showing goodwill towards Taiwan? Cant they treat everyone equally? Taiwan and China have repeatedly traded accusations about tourism and travel restrictions. In June, Taiwan told its citizens not to go to China unless absolutely necessary, following a threat from Beijing to execute those deemed diehard Taiwan independence supporters. Chinese President Xi Jinping said in his New Years speech on Tuesday that no one can stop Chinas reunification with Taiwan. Chinas military operates around Taiwan on a daily basis, and last year staged two rounds of war games near the island. Lai said that the greater the threat from authoritarian countries the more democracies should unite, and pointed to China and Russias militaries operating together in the Indo-Pacific. Advertisement The cooperation between democracies needed to be on defence and security and strengthening the democratic supply chain, he said. If that is not done properly, it will impact economies and industries for all countries, and the lives of people in democracies, Lai said. I really hope that in the New Year, democratic countries can be even more united, and achieve the aims of peace, democracy and prosperity. After losing Syria with the fall of the Assad dynasty, Russian leader Vladimir Putin is turning to Libya to set up a base in the region read more This handout satellite image released by Maxar Technologies on Friday shows an Antonov An-124 heavy transport aircraft preparing to load equipment at Khmeimim airbase in Syria. (Photo: AFP) In the New Year, Russia is looking forward to turning over a new leaf in its operations in West Asia and Africa. For nearly a decade, Syria had been the base for Russias operations in West Asia and Africa. Through a naval base in Tartus and airbase in Latakia in the countrys west, Russia not only operated inside Syria but also projected power in the Mediterranean Sea and supported state and non-state activities in Africa. Advertisement With the fall of the Assad dynasty last month, Russia lost its clout in Syria and with it lost the potency of its two bases the Tartus naval base and Khmeimim airbase in Latakia. It was Russias military intervention with support from Iran and ally Hezbollah that turned the tides of Syrian Civil War in Bashar al Assads favour in 2015 and propped his regime. As Russia got distracted in Ukraine and Iran and Hezbollah were battered from the war with Israel, the opposition forces exploited the opportunity and mounted a lightening offensive that forced Assad flee to Moscow. Even though there are reports that Russia has reached some sort of a deal with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the new de facto ruler of Syria, it is still relocating the bulk of its operations to Libya because Russian presence in Syria is now purely at the mercy of HTS. Unlike a month before, the country is no longer ruled by an ally but an opportunist Islamist group hungry for engagement with the West Russias traditional adversary. Russia setting up base in Syria There are signs that Russia is setting up a base not far from the coastal city of Benghazi in Libya. Since the ouster of Assad, Russia has launched multiple flights daily from Khmeimim airbase in Syria to Al Khadim airbase near Benghazi in Libya, according to CNN. While Russia appears to be compensating the loss of Libyas Khmeimi airbase by gaining Al Khadim airbase in Libya, it appears that Russia is also looking forward to compensating the loss of Tartus naval base by convincing Libyan ruler Khalifa Haftar to grant a port in Benghazi. Advertisement If Russia manages to secure the port, Libya could well provide an alternative hub for the Russian military to provide access to the Mediterranean and as a transshipment point for other Russian interests in Africa, noted The War Zones Thomas Newdick. The CNN reported that data it has analysed shows more than one flight per day since mid-December. It said the aircraft were Antonov AN-124 transport planes and Ilyushin IL-76. Both of them are large aircraft used to transfer troops and equipment from one place to another. Previously, the CNN has reported US and Western officials as saying that Russia had begun withdrawing a large amount of military equipment and troops from Syria. Advertisement The outlet further reported that Russia has already transferred its prized air defence facilities systems. But can Libya be new Syria for Russia? Russia is active in many parts of Africa and is ramping up engagement as well as military involvement in the region. For operations in Africa, Syria used to be the hub until last month. Such operations were mostly concentrated in Central African Republic and later in Sudan, Libya, Mali, and Burkina Faso, according to CNN. By strengthening its presence in Libya, Russia may retain enough capability to pursue its broader ambitions further south in Africa, absorbing the new costs inevitably associated with Assads downfall, said Jalel Harchaoui, an Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). Separately, the American Enterprise Institutes analyst noted: Russian flights to Bamako via Libya demonstrate that Russia has already turned to Libya as an alternative to its Syrian bases. Advertisement There are signs that Russia has been diverting resources to Libya. In weeks after Assads ouster, Russian forces and equipment across Syria arrived at two military bases. They appeared to have arrived there to be shipped to their next destination. Even though Libya would provide Russia a good base in the region, it is not a perfect place, noted CNNs Nadeen Ebrahim and Tim Lister noted, In some ways, Libya is a poor substitute for Syria. Transport planes can only practically reach Libya from Russia if they are allowed to overfly Turkey, providing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with a handy bargaining chip. Advertisement Much before the ouster of Assad this year, Alissa Pavia of Atlantic Council noted in an article that Russia had been expanding footprints in Libya for years. Libya would serve as the gateway to its operations in Sudan, Chad, Niger, and other Sahel and Central Africa countries, eventually wielding power and influence throughout these regions, noted Pavia. Libyas fragmented governance has guaranteed Russia much-needed access to air and naval military bases, especially across Cyrenaica, allowing it to coordinate its military expeditions, said Pavia in an article for Italys Institute for International Political Studies. Pavia further noted, By maintaining a strong presence in Libya, Russia is able to pursue its broader geopolitical goals, including defying the West, expanding its military reach, and securing critical resources that are essential to sustain its economy and long-term strategic aspirations. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed eliminating Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a Nukbha Platoon Commander in Hamas Western Khan Yunis Battalion, who reportedly orchestrated the October 7, 2023 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz read more Abd al-Hadi Sabah, Hamas' Nukhba Platoon commander, has been killed by Israel in a recent drone strike. Source: X | @IDF. Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a Hamas commander, who reportedly orchestrated the October 7, 2023 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz, has been killed by Israel in a recent drone strike, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed. Sabah, a Nukbha Platoon Commander in Hamas Western Khan Yunis Battalion, was eliminated during a coordinated operation between the IDF and the Israels Security Agency (ISA) in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza, the IDF said in its statement. Advertisement The Hamas commander was targeted based on precise intelligence. In a post on X, IDF said, Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a Nukhba Platoon Commander in the Western Khan Yunis Battalion was eliminated in an intelligence-based IDF and ISA strike. Abd al-Hadi Sabah who operated from a shelter in the Humanitarian Area in Khan Yunis was one of the leaders of the infiltration into Kibbutz Nir Oz during the murderous October 7 Massacre. Sabah also led and advanced numerous terrorist attacks against IDF troops throughout the current war, the IDF further said. The IDF and ISA will continue to operate against all of the terrorists who took part in the murderous October 7 Massacre, the post further mentioned. Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a Nukhba Platoon Commander in the Western Khan Yunis Battalion was eliminated in an intelligence-based IDF and ISA strike. Abd al-Hadi Sabahwho operated from a shelter in the Humanitarian Area in Khan Yuniswas one of the leaders of the infiltration into pic.twitter.com/KMC5HAXNfA Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 31, 2024 Advertisement The IDF also revealed that its units working with the Shin Bet (Israels General Security Service) recently eliminated 14 Hamas terrorists, six of whom were directly involved in the October 7 massacre. These operations were carried out as part of the IDFs 162nd Steel Division, which has been actively engaged in ongoing activity in the Gazas Jabalia and Beit Lahia regions. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a deadliest terror attack on Israel, claiming lives of over 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. Around 100 hostages remain in captivity, with many feared dead. Advertisement In response, Israel launched a strong counteroffensive targeting Hamas units in Gaza. However, the Israeli operation has resulted in over 45,000 Palestinian casualties in Gaza. With inputs from agencies. Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara said the pullout would begin in January 2025. France has had up to 600 troops in Ivory Coast read more Ivorian special forces soldiers conduct an urban reconnaissance exercise under the supervision of French special forces during the annual US. Military led counterterrorism training known as Flintlock, near base camp Loumbila, Jacqueville, Ivory Coast. File image/ AP Ivory Coast announced on Tuesday that French troops will leave the country after a decadeslong military presence, the latest African nation to downscale military ties with its former colonial power. Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara said the pullout would begin in January 2025. France has had up to 600 troops in Ivory Coast. We have decided on the concerted and organized withdrawal of French forces in Ivory Coast, he said, adding that the military infantry battalion of Port Bouet that is run by the French army will be handed over to Ivorian troops. Advertisement Outtaras announcement follows that of other leaders across West Africa, where Frances militaries are being asked to leave. Analysts have described the requests for French troops to leave Africa as part of the wider structural transformation in the regions engagement with Paris. France has suffered similar setbacks in several West African countries in recent years, including Chad, Niger and Burkina Faso, where French troops that have been on the ground for many years have been kicked out. Several West African nations including coup-hit Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have recently asked the French to leave. Among them are also most recently Senegal, and Chad, considered Frances most stable and loyal partner in Africa. The downscaling of military ties comes as France has been making efforts to revive its waning political and military influence on the continent by devising a new military strategy that would sharply reduce its permanent troop presence in Africa. France has now been kicked out of more than 70% of African countries where it had a troop presence since ending its colonial rule. The French remain only in Djibouti, with 1,500 soldiers, and Gabon, with 350 troops. Analysts have described the developments as part of the wider structural transformation in the regions engagement with Paris amid growing local sentiments against France, especially in coup-hit countries. Advertisement After expelling French troops, military leaders of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have moved closer to Russia, which has mercenaries deployed across the Sahel who have been accused of abuses against civilians. However, the security situation has worsened in those countries, with increasing numbers of extremist attacks and civilian deaths from both armed groups and government forces. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it has documented over 64,000 deaths in Assads prisons since 2011, attributing them to torture, medical neglect, or poor conditions read more More than 528,500 people have been killed in Syrias civil war, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Wednesday (January 1), with the conflict continuing to claim thousands of lives each year. The Britain-based war monitor said the total includes deaths confirmed recently after access to detention centres and mass graves improved following the December overthrow of Bashar al-Assads regime by Islamist-led rebels. In 2024, at least 6,777 people were killed, more than half of them civilians, according to the Observatory. Last years toll also included 3,179 combatants, spanning government forces, Islamist armed groups, and jihadists. Advertisement The Observatory reported that 3,598 civilians were killed in 2024, including 240 women and 337 children. In 2023, 4,360 people were killed, nearly 1,900 of them civilians. Firstpost could not independently verify the figures provided by the monitor, which relies on a network of sources inside Syria. Years of devastation Syrias civil war began in 2011 after pro-democracy protests were violently repressed by Assads government, sparking a brutal conflict that displaced millions and drew in foreign powers. The Observatory said it has documented over 64,000 deaths in Assads prisons since 2011, attributing them to torture, medical neglect, or poor conditions. The fate of tens of thousands of people who disappeared under the Assads rule is a key question for Syrias interim rulers after more than 13 years of devastating civil war that saw upwards of half a million people killed. Assads more than 50-year rule ended in December when rebels seized power in a swift offensive. The devastating human toll of the conflict is a reminder of the long-term impact of the civil war on the war-torn nation. With inputs from agencies While Poland welcomed the development as a step forward for Europes energy independence, Slovakia strongly criticised it. The European Commission downplayed the significance of the supply cutoff, saying contingency plans have been in place for over a year read more Russian gas transit to Europe via Ukraine came to a halt Wednesday (January 1), officials from both countries said, ending a decades-long arrangement and becoming the latest fallout of the war between the two neighbours. The latest transit contract between Kyiv and Moscow expired Wednesday, with Ukraine opting not to renew the agreement in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. What Ukraine, Russia said Ukraines Energy Minister German Galushchenko hailed the move as a historic event, saying it would weaken Russia financially and deal a blow to its military efforts. Moscow, however, characterised the decision as self-sabotage by Kyiv, suggesting it would frustrate European countries reliant on Russian supplies. Advertisement Divided opinions in Europe The move has divided opinion within the European Union. While Poland welcomed the development as a step forward for Europes energy independence, Slovakia strongly criticised it. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned the decision would harm the EU more than Russia. Halting gas transit via Ukraine will have a drastic impact on us all in the EU but not on the Russian Federation, Fico said in a video posted to Facebook. Fico, who has steered Slovakia closer to Moscow since regaining power in 2023, said the region would bear the brunt of the disruption. Poland, a staunch supporter of Ukraine and no longer reliant on Russian gas, expressed a different view. Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski praised the move on X, calling it a new victory after Nato enlargement to Finland and Sweden. Hungary, meanwhile, is expected to face little impact, as it receives most of its Russian gas through the Black Sea pipeline, which bypasses Ukraine via Turkey and the Balkans. The European Commission downplayed the significance of the supply cutoff, saying contingency plans have been in place for over a year. The Commission has been working for more than a year specifically on preparing for a scenario without Russian gas transiting via Ukraine, a spokesperson told AFP. Russian gas accounted for less than 10 per cent of the EUs total imports in 2023, a sharp decline from over 40 per cent before Moscows invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, some eastern EU members remain dependent on Russian energy, and European natural gas prices spiked above 50 ($51.78) per megawatt-hour on Tuesday (December 31) as buyers prepared for the supply halt. Advertisement Russia redirecting focus Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the arrangement had provided Moscow with revenues from gas sales and Kyiv with transit fees. Ukraine has repeatedly criticised countries that continue to buy Russian oil and gas, accusing them of funding the war. Energy revenues remain a key pillar of Russias economy, and Moscow has redirected much of its exports toward Asia in response to Western sanctions The negotiations with Britain, France, and Germany follow discussions in November 2024 that marked the first talks since the US presidential election read more An aerial view shows a nuclear facility in Isfahan, Iran, March 30, 2005, in this screengrab taken from video. File Image/Reuters The next round of nuclear talks between Iran and three European nations UK, France and Germany will take place on January 13 in Geneva, Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Wednesday (January 1), according to the semi-official ISNA news agency. The backdrop of international negotiations The negotiations with Britain, France, and Germany follow discussions in November 2024 that marked the first talks since the US presidential election. Those talks came amid heightened tensions after a European-backed resolution accused Tehran of inadequate cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog. In response to the resolution, Iran informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that it would install additional uranium-enriching centrifuges at its nuclear facilities. Advertisement Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and denies seeking nuclear weapons. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say in all state matters, has long issued a religious decree, or fatwa, prohibiting atomic weapons. Last month, Reuters cited UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi as saying that Iran is dramatically increasing its enrichment of uranium to as much as 60 per cent purity approaching the 90 per cent threshold needed for weapons-grade material. Uncertainty after Trumps re-election The 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six major powers, designed to curb Tehrans nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief, has been in jeopardy since 2018. That year, then-President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the agreement and reimposed stringent sanctions on Iran. Tehran subsequently began violating the deals limits, including by enriching uranium to higher levels of purity and installing advanced centrifuges. Efforts by President Joe Bidens administration to revive the pact through indirect talks have so far failed. During his election campaign in September, Trump expressed a willingness to pursue a new agreement if reelected, saying, We have to make a deal, because the consequences are impossible. We have to make a deal. With inputs from agencies In two acts of violence, two persons were injured in a knife attack in German capital Berlin and three were injured in a car attack in southern Germany read more At least two attacks were reported in Germany on the New Year's Eve. (Representative Photo, Credit: Reuters) Germany witnessed at least two acts of violence on the New Years Eve. As revellers celebrated the New Years Eve, a man injured two people in a knife attack in capital Berlin. In a separate incident in southern state of Baden-Wurttemberg, the police shot a man dead after he went on a rampage on an excavator. Over the past decade, the West has reported terrorist threats around the New Years Day. December 31st has therefore been a time of special attention for law enforcement and security agencies in the content. In one such attack, more than 30 people were killed in Turkey on the New Years Day in 2017 and several plots were foiled in Germany, Belgium, and the West in 2015. Advertisement In the knife attack in Berlin, the attacker has been identified as a Syrian national, according to DW News. Germany has the highest number of Syrians displaced from the civil war outside of the countrys immediate vicinity. The DW quoted the police as saying that the attack began inside a supermarket and the attacker then moved outside to the sidewalk close to a nearby hotel. The police were further quoted as saying that the knife used in the attack was stolen from the supermarket. The Berliner Zeitung (BZ) reported that the attacker stabbed wildly and several passers-by intervened to stop him. Initial findings indicate that the suspect may have signs of mental illness and that there is no indication for a terrorist motivation, said police spokeswoman Jane Berndt to AP. In the second case in southern state of Baden-Wurttemberg, a man stole an excavation vehicle and went on a rampage. He was shot dead by the police. The DPA news agency reported that three police personnel were injured in the incident. The deceased has been identified as a 38-year-old man. The agency reported that the man stole the excavator from a construction company in the town of Grunsfeld where he destroyed the entire inventory. Advertisement After ransacking the inventory, the agency reported that the man drove the excavator for a few kilometres to another town and damaged police cars and other vehicles along the way. The police were quoted as saying that they do not suspect a political motive behind the attack. Analysts suggest the PA is trying to prove its ability to control violence in the West Bank and potentially govern Gaza post-war. However, some experts have suggested not to be under the illusion that Trump will look upon PA more favourably read more The Palestinian Authority (PA) is intensifying its efforts to crack down on militants in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, aiming to assert control and bolster its position ahead of Donald Trumps presidency, analysts say. Deadly clashes erupted in early December between PA security forces and militants, primarily in the Jenin refugee camp, a stronghold for armed groups. The violence has left 11 people dead, including PA security officers, militants, and civilians. The PAs operation, triggered by the December 5 arrest of a Jenin Battalion commander accused of possessing weapons and illicit funds, is focused on members of the Jenin Battalion, many of whom are linked to Islamic Jihad or Hamas. The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel sparked the ongoing Gaza war, adding to the regional turmoil. Advertisement What is happening in Jenin is a crucial test for the Palestinian Authority, which is trying to assert its control and impose security in the region, AFP quoted political analyst Khalil Shahin as saying. A PA official said President Mahmoud Abbas has rejected mediation efforts and demanded that militants surrender their weapons. PA security forces spokesman Anwar Rajab stated, there will be no tolerance for this rogue group that operates outside the law. The clashes point to the growing rivalry between the PA, dominated by Abbass Fatah party, and Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007. Armed factions in Jenin and other areas portray themselves as more effective resistance against Israel, undermining the PAs credibility. Analysts suggest the PA is trying to prove its ability to control violence in the West Bank and potentially govern Gaza post-war. Shahin noted that the PA is attempting to navigate the ongoing conflict and regional instability ahead of Trumps January inauguration. Will PAs efforts make a difference? During Trumps first term, US-Palestinian relations soured after decisions such as moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem, cutting aid to Palestinians, and supporting Israeli annexation plans. Hani al-Masri, director of the Palestinian Center for Policy Research and Strategic Studies, said the timing of the PAs actions appears to be an effort to align with Trumps return to office and potential ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. Masri cautioned against illusions that Trump would adopt a more favourable stance in his second term. The PA believes it will be acceptable to the new Trump (presidency) if it lowers, he said. Meanwhile, tensions are escalating between the PA and its rivals. Videos of alleged abuses by PA security forces have fueled accusations from Hamas and Islamic Jihad that the PA is advancing Israeli interests. Fatah has responded by denouncing those who legitimise chaos and anarchy. Advertisement The clashes, compounded by the ongoing war in Gaza and increased Israeli military raids in the West Bank, have raised fears of more intense intra-Palestinian violence. The Palestinian government has yet to announce its next steps in the volatile region. With inputs from agencies Romanias election, which resulted in the victory of far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, was scrapped over concerns about a Russian influence campaign via TikTok read more Calin Georgescu, the independent candidate for presidency who won the first round of presidential elections in Izvorani, Romania. AP A Romanian appeals court on Tuesday (December 31) dismissed far-right candidate Calin Georgescus challenge to the Constitutional Courts decision to annul the countrys November 24 presidential election. The Constitutional Court scrapped the election over concerns about a Russian influence campaign that appeared to boost Georgescu, an ultranationalist, from relative obscurity to a first-round win. The campaign, which relied heavily on TikTok, was described by Romanias security services as resembling previous Kremlin-run operations in Moldova and Ukraine. Advertisement Romania, which is a part of the European Union as well as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato), shares the longest land border with Ukraine. Georgescu criticised the appeals courts decision, saying, Justice has been brought to its knees again, and accusing the system of condemning the people to corruption and injustice as a state of affairs. He has five days to appeal the ruling, POLITICO reported. Chaos in Romania The annulled election had been seen as a battle between East and West. Georgescu, a pro-Russia, anti-EU, and anti-Nato candidate, faced center-right pro-EU challenger Elena Lasconi. Georgescus past praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his threats to halt aid to Ukraine had raised fears of Romania moving closer to Moscows orbit. Lasconi, by contrast, pledged to keep Romania firmly aligned with the West. The Romanian government has not yet announced a date for a new election. However, on December 23, President Klaus Iohannis nominated Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu of the leftist Social Democratic Party (PSD) to try to form a government. That move was widely seen as a tactical push to shut out far-right nationalists who made significant gains in parliament, revealing widespread anti-establishment sentiment. The new government will need to approve a calendar for a new two-round presidential election. The three parties in the coalition agreed to back a single presidential candidate to prevent the far right from winning. Their candidate at the moment is Crin Antonescu, a former Liberal Party leader. With inputs from agencies Bangladesh Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin spelt out the probability that could help the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasinas party Awami League to contest national polls. Read more to find out what they are read more Bangladeshs Awami League, political party of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, may participate in general elections in the country unless Muhammad Yunus-led interim government or the judiciary issues a ban against it, the countrys Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said. The statement was made by the CEC during a meeting with election officials at the Chittagong Circuit House on Monday, a report by the Dhaka Tribune said. Nasir Uddin even assured that the Election Commission faces no external pressure and functions with full independence. Advertisement We are committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure a fair and transparent election, the CEC further said. Voter list update soon Nasir Uddin further addressed that the issue of fake voters in previous elections and attributed a decline in registration of voters to mistrust in the voting process. He also announced plans of soon commencing a voter list update to address these concerns. The voter list will be updated within the next six months. This time, elections will not follow previous patterns. Since August 5, there has been significant progress in fostering national consensus on electoral matters, the CEC further said. Nasir Uddin also shared the detailed guidelines on voter list updates as well as preparations for the upcoming election in Bangladesh. During his Victory Day speech on December 16, Yunus said that national elections might be held by 2025 end or early 2026. Broadly speaking, the election could be scheduled between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026, he said, adding that the polls would be held after updating the voters list. Recently, former prime minister Khaleda Zias Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said that Yunus suggestion to set the minimum voting age in the country at 17 would put pressure on the Election Commission and could further delay the election process. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. Supporters and opponents of Yoon, who was suspended from office by lawmakers over his attempt to subvert civilian rule last month, have been camped outside the compound where he has been holed up for weeks, fending off investigators efforts to question him read more South Korean investigators said Wednesday they would execute an arrest warrant for Yoon Suk Yeol over his declaration of martial law by the deadline on January 6, as the impeached leaders supporters rallied outside his residence. Supporters and opponents of Yoon, who was suspended from office by lawmakers over his attempt to subvert civilian rule last month, have been camped outside the compound where he has been holed up for weeks, fending off investigators efforts to question him. Advertisement The Corruption Investigation Office requested the warrant after Yoon failed to report for questioning a third time, but it has been unclear whether they could execute it as the Presidential Security Service have previously refused to comply with search warrants. CIO chief Oh Dong-woon said Wednesday the warrant would be executed within the deadline, which is on Monday, January 6. We aim for a smooth process without major disturbances, but we are also coordinating to mobilise police and personnel in preparation, he told reporters. He also warned that anyone trying to block authorities from arresting Yoon could themselves face prosecution. We consider actions such as setting up various barricades and locking iron gates to resist the execution of our arrest warrant as obstruction of official duties, he said. Anyone doing this could be prosecuted under charges of abuse of authority interfering with the exercise of rights and obstruction of official duties by special means, he added. Yoons legal team described the arrest order as illegal and invalid and have pledged to apply for an injunction to nullify it, and the suspended leaders supporters have staged rallies to decry the warrant. Advertisement Police were sent to the area in large numbers and could be seen yelling at protesters to keep in line, but a route in and out of Yoons residence remained clear. Live video showed protestors pro-Yoon on one side, anti-Yoon the other shouting at each other with police in the middle. South Korean officials have previously failed to execute arrest warrants for lawmakers in 2000 and 2004 due to party members and supporters blocking police from entering for the seven-day period the warrant was valid. Staff resign Yoon has been stripped of his presidential duties by parliament and faces criminal charges of insurrection, which could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Advertisement On Wednesday, the majority of Yoons remaining staff including his chief of staff, senior secretaries and special advisors all tendered their resignations to Acting President Choi Sang-mok. The suspended president declared martial law in an unannounced televised address, saying it was aimed at eliminating anti-state elements but lawmakers rushed to parliament to vote it down. At the same time, heavily armed troops stormed the building, scaling fences, smashing windows and landing by helicopter. A constitutional court will rule whether to uphold Yoons impeachment. The turmoil deepened late last week when Yoons replacement, Han Duck-soo, was also impeached by parliament for failing to sign bills for investigations into his predecessor. Advertisement Choi took office on Friday and found himself thrust immediately into a disaster with the Jeju Air plane crash on Sunday that claimed 179 lives. On Tuesday, Choi appointed two new judges to the constitutional court hearing Yoons impeachment meeting a key demand of the opposition. Zelenskyy, in a slick 21-minute New Year video greeting to his compatriots, also said only a strong Ukraine could secure peace and earn worldwide respect read more Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said late on Tuesday that no one would give peace to his country as a gift, but he believed the United States would stand alongside Kyiv as it fights to stop Russias 34-month invasion. Zelenskyy, in a slick 21-minute New Year video greeting to his compatriots, also said only a strong Ukraine could secure peace and earn worldwide respect. We know that peace will not be given to us as a gift, but we will do everything to stop Russia and end the war, something each of us desires, Zelenskyy said against a backdrop of the blue-and-yellow national flag, battlefield scenes and pictures of children. Advertisement He recalled conversations with outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump and everyone who supports us in the United States. I have no doubt that the new American president wants and will be able to bring peace and end (Russian President Vladimir) Putins aggression, Zelenskyy said. He understands that the former is impossible without the latter. Because this is not a street brawl where the two sides need to be pacified. This is a full-scale aggression by a deranged state against a civilised one. And I believe that, together with the United States, we are capable of the strength to force Russia into a just peace. Russia, Zelenskyy said, was not to be trusted either in battle or in talks. If today Russia shakes your hand, it doesnt mean that tomorrow the same hand will not start killing you, he said. Russians fear those who are free. What they dont understand. They fear freedom. Bidens administration has provided by far the most military support for Ukraine among Western nations since the February 2022 full-scale invasion. Ukraine has been wary of Trumps criticism of aid to Kyiv and his pledge, during the U.S. election campaign, to bring a quick end to the war, but Zelenskyy has expressed optimism about ensuring continuing U.S. support. Advertisement Ukraine has endured a difficult year, with Russian forces taking village after village in a quicker advance on the eastern front than since the beginning of the invasion. In recent months, Zelenskyy has said that any settlement to the conflict is predicated on receiving security guarantees from Western nations and Kyiv securing an invitation to join the NATO alliance, a notion Russia rejects out of hand. In his greeting, Zelenskyy said that in the past year, Ukraine had launched an incursion into southern Russias Kursk region, staged long-range drone strikes against distant Russian targets and developed domestically produced drones and other weapons. Every day in the coming year, I and all of us must fight so that Ukraine can be strong enough, he said. Only such a Ukraine is respected and heard - both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. Advertisement Treasury officials announced the sanctions Tuesday, alleging that the two organizations sought to stoke divisions among Americans before Novembers vote read more Servicemen of Rosguardia (National Guard) guard an area near Red Square prior to celebrating the New Year's Day, in Moscow, Russia. AP The United States has imposed sanctions on two groups linked to Iranian and Russian efforts to target American voters with disinformation ahead of this years election. Treasury officials announced the sanctions Tuesday, alleging that the two organizations sought to stoke divisions among Americans before Novembers vote. U.S. intelligence has accused both governments of spreading disinformation, including fake videos, news stories and social media posts, designed to manipulate voters and undermine trust in U.S. elections. Advertisement The governments of Iran and Russia have targeted our election processes and institutions and sought to divide the American people through targeted disinformation campaigns, Bradley T. Smith, Treasurys acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement. Authorities said the Russian group, the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise, oversaw the creation, financing and dissemination of disinformation about American candidates, including deepfake videos created using artificial intelligence. In addition to the group itself, the new sanctions apply to its director, who authorities say worked closely with Russian military intelligence agents also overseeing cyberattacks and sabotage against the West. Authorities say the center used AI to quickly manufacture fake videos about American candidates created scores of fake news websites designed to look legitimate and even paid U.S. web companies to create pro-Russian content. The Iranian group, the Cognitive Design Production Center, is a subsidiary of Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, U.S. officials said, which the United States has designated a foreign terrorist organization. Officials say the center worked since at least 2023 to incite political tensions in the United States. U.S. intelligence agencies have blamed the Iranian government for seeking to encourage protests in the U.S. over Israels war against Hamas in Gaza. Iran also has been accused of hacking into the accounts of several top current and former U.S. officials, including senior members of Donald Trumps campaign. Advertisement In the months ahead of the election, U.S. intelligence officials said Russia, Iran and China all sought to undermine confidence in U.S. democracy. They also concluded that Russia sought to prop up the ultimate victor Trump, who has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggested cutting funds to Ukraine and repeatedly criticized the NATO military alliance. Iran, meanwhile, sought to oppose Trumps candidacy, officials said. The president-elects first administration ended a nuclear deal with Iran, reimposed sanctions and ordered the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, an act prompting Irans leaders to vow revenge. Russian and Iranian officials have rejected claims that they sought to influence the outcome of the 2024 election. Advertisement Russia has not and does not interfere with the internal affairs of other countries, a spokesperson for Russias embassy in Washington wrote in an email Tuesday. A message left with officials from Iran was not immediately returned Tuesday. In his New Years speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping said, The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. No one can sever our family bonds, and no one can stop the historical trend of national reunification read more A large screen shows Chinese President Xi Jinping delivering a speech ahead of the New Year's eve celebrations in Beijing on December 31, 2024. Source: AFP. Chinese President Xi Jinpings much-awaited New Years speech came as threat for Taiwan, with the leader saying that no one can stop Chinas reunification with Taiwan. Xis words came as a clear warning for Taiwan, the island sheltering 23 million people, that Beijing regards as pro-independence forces within and outside of Taiwan. For long, Beijing has maintained that the entire nation of democratically-governed Taiwan is a part of China and has also been showing muscular posturing by sending warships and planes almost daily into the waters and air space around the island. Advertisement Meanwhile, Taiwans government rejects Chinas claims and says only its people can decide their future and Beijing ought to respect the choice of the Taiwanese people. No one can stop Chinas reunification with Taiwan In his televised speech, Xi said, The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. No one can sever our family bonds, and no one can stop the historical trend of national reunification, Xi said in a speech televised on Chinas state broadcaster CCTV. In his New Years speech last year, Xi said Chinas reunification with Taiwan is inevitable, and that people on both sides should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Xis remarks came barely three weeks ahead of US President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration on January 20. Taiwan is considered to a key point of contention between China and the US. Taiwan is Americas strategic ally in Asia and Washington is also Taipeis largest supplier of weapons. Meanwhile, China has regularly warned the US against any military ties with Taiwan, and slapped sanctions on military suppliers and their executives. Tensions remained high throughout 2024 in the sensitive Taiwan Strait, which separated Taiwan and China, especially after Lai Ching-te, deemed a separatist by Beijing, became the President of the island nation in May last year. Advertisement In December, China staged a large massing of naval forces around Taiwan and in the East and South China Seas after Lai stopped over in Hawaii and the US territory of Guam on a Pacific trip criticised by Beijing. With inputs from agencies. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code ECDI Signs Contract For The Design And Construction Of Kopu Radar Post Republic of Estonia - Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) 31.12.2024 The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) and Mapri Ehitus OU have signed a contract for the design and construction of the Kopu radar post, which will be funded by the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Facility. The new radar post will have a detection range extending beyond Estonia's borders in every direction. "Developing air surveillance is crucial for enhancing Estonia's military capabilities. Installing two new radars will improve our ability to monitor airspace from the northeast and northwest, allowing for timely responses to potential aggressors," stated Steven Linkov, Western Portfolio Manager at ECDI. Tarmo Roos, CEO of Mapri Ehitus OU, expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation with ECDI. "We work as one team towards a common goal. Keeping our people motivated ensures that the outcomes of projects are satisfying for all parties involved." "The new Kopu radar is significant development and it helps to ensure flight safety and supports maritime rescue operations. Given its location and radar range, it greatly enhances our situational awareness," emphasized Major Tonis Parn, Commander of the Air Surveillance Wing of Estonian Defence Forces. In the summer of 2023, ECDI signed a contract with the defense company Thales to procure two new long-range air surveillance radars for Estonia. The Hiiumaa radar will be constructed with funds from the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Facility, while the radar in Northeast Estonia will be funded by resources aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The contract for the Kopu radar post is valued at approximately 4 million euros, excluding VAT, with an estimated construction completion time of 17 months. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, UK conduct multiple strikes on Yemen's capital Sana'a IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 31, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Arab and Yemeni media reported on Tuesday that US and British fighter jets conducted multiple airstrikes on various locations in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a. According to a report by Al-Mayadeen News, the US and UK warplanes carried out three strikes on Sana'a. Yemen's Al-Masirah TV confirmed the strikes, stating that American and British aircraft launched six attacks targeting central Sana'a and Al-Thawra district within the capital. Some reports suggest that facilities belonging to Yemen's Ministry of Defense were among the targets, although there have been no immediate details on casualties or damage. Hizam al-Assad, a senior member of Yemen's Ansarallah political bureau, told Al-Arabi TV that the strikes were intended to pressure the group to halt its support for Gaza. "These attacks aim to deter us from backing the Palestinian people in Gaza," Al-Assad said. "However, they have failed to impact our resolve. The strikes targeted almost vacant areas where we have no significant presence." He further warned of potential retaliation, stating, "If Israel's aggression on Gaza persists, we have the capacity to inflict significant harm on Israel. Our response will be on the battlefield, and our fight against Israel and the US has no bounds." 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Over 13k Israeli forces have received rehabilitation services since start of Gaza war IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 31, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- A recent report from Israeli media has revealed that over 13,500 Israeli military forces have sought rehabilitation services since the onset of the Gaza war. Since the onset of Operation Al-Aqsa Storm on October 7, 2023, approximately 8,500 individuals were admitted for physical injuries, while around 5,200 sought help for psychological issues, as reported by IRNA from an Israeli regime's public broadcaster on Monday. The Israeli so-called ministry of defence's rehabilitation sector is registering approximately 1,000 new cases of injured individuals each month. Fifty-one percent of those seeking help are under the age of 30, and 43% are reported to be suffering from psychological trauma. As the conflict persists, the regime faces increasing international scrutiny. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes, including the use of starvation as a weapon against the people of Gaza. Israeli officials have admitted that after 452 days of conflict, they have yet to achieve their objectives of dismantling Hamas and securing the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza. 4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen attacks US, Israeli targets via drones, missiles IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 31, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Yemen's Armed Forces Spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree says that the Arab country has targeted important positions controlled by the US and Israel with drones and missiles. Saree said in a statement on Tuesday that Yemen has carried out two military operations to support the Palestinian people and in response to the US-UK-Israeli aggressions against the Arab country. In a first operation, the Yemeni Armed Forces attacked Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv in the occupied territories with a Palestine 2 hypersonic ballistic missile, the statement said. Saree said the Yemenis had also attacked a power plant in southern occupied Quds with Zulfaqar missile as part of a second operation, adding that that both operations had been successful. He said the Yemeni navy and drone forces had also targeted the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) with a large number of drones and cruise missiles to thwart a planned US military attack on Yemen. The spokesman said the Yemeni Armed Forces have increased their readiness to fight any threats from the United States and the Israeli regime. Yemen has repeatedly said that attacks and pressure campaigns by Western governments could never force the Arab country to withdraw its support from the Palestinian nation. In addition to its missile attacks on the Israeli regime, Yemen has been targeting Israeli ships or other vessels destined for the occupied Palestinian territories since November last year to support the resistance of the Palestinian nation in the Gaza Strip. 1483**4261 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Several Zionist settlers injured after Yemen's drone attack on Israel IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 31, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Some Zionist regime's media have announced the injury of several settlers in Be'er Sheva in occupied Palestine. The launch of Yemen's ballistic missiles toward Tel Aviv frightened the Zionists and led to the closure of Ben Gurion Airport in the occupied territories, Palestinian news agency Samaa reported on Tuesday. After the attack, the Hebrew-language media reported that over two million settlers ran for shelter. Meanwhile, the Israeli army spokesperson claimed that the regime had intercepted one of the missiles launched from Yemen. On the latest developments in Israel, a member of the political bureau of the Yemeni movement Ansarullah Hazam al-Assad wrote on his X account early today that Yemen will keep surprising Israel until the regime stops its aggression and military operations against Gaza. In a related development, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on threats to international security and peace in Israel and Yemen on Monday. The Yemeni armed forces have repeatedly said that attacks and pressure campaigns by Western governments could never force the Arab country to withdraw its support from the Palestinian nation. 1483**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Yemeni missiles to continue to rain down on Zionist targets' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 31, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- A senior member of the political bureau of Yemen's Ansarullah movement has said that the country's army will keep pressing ahead with its operations against the Zionist regime in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The concerns of the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council about famine, hunger and the siege of Yemen and Gaza must lead to practical action and be crystallized in a clear condemnation of the aggressors, Mohammad Ali al-Houthi said in a message posted on his X social network according to IRNA's Tuesday morning report. He added: "We emphasize that respect for international law begins with the implementation of Security Council resolutions on Palestine." Al-Houthi also called on the UN Security Council to condemn American terrorism as well as the terror and crimes committed by the Zionist regime. The UN action must be taken based on the solid documents and evidence that South Africa has presented to the International Court of Justice, he said, adding that by this way, lasting peace and stability is possible that benefits all nations in the region. His remarks followed an emergency Security Council meeting on Monday evening to address the attacks by Yemen's Ansarullah on Israeli positions in the occupied territories. The Israeli Foreign Minister had previously said that he had tasked the regime's diplomatic missions in Europe with trying to put the name of the Ansarullah movement on the list of terrorist organizations. The UNSC was called after the Zionist regime and its main backers, the US and the UK, failed to restrict Yemen's anti-Zionist operation despite repeated attacks on the Arab country. Over the past year, the Yemeni army, in support of the resistance of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and within the framework of Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, has targeted several Zionist ships or ships bound for the occupied territories in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, as well as carried out dozens of drone and missile attacks on the positions of the Zionist regime. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US-UK attacks on Yemen nothing but aggression: Russia IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 31, 2024 New York, IRNA -- Russia has slammed American and British airstrikes on Yemeni territories, saying such attacks are aggression against an independent and sovereign Arab country. Vasily Nebenzia, Russia's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations also rejected anti-Yemen claims of the US and its allies and their attacks on the Arab country at a Security Council meeting convened at the insistence of Israel to discuss ""Threat to International Peace and Security" on Monday local time. "The US attacks on Yemen do not mean self-defense as these attacks were "clearly disproportionate," he underscored. The representative of the Russian Federation urged those present at the meeting to consider the broader context, in which "many hotspots of tension are today provoked by the actions of Israel against Palestinians". While the launch of a missile towards Israel on the night of 19-20 December "without a doubt deserves our condemnation", he stressed that so, too, does the reaction of the Israeli military with the involvement of the United States Navy and "the entire self-proclaimed Anglo-Saxon coalition in the Red Sea". The US-UK coalition's actions "are nothing but another military aggression being waged by the collective West against a sovereign state". Meanwhile, the Chinese representative to the UNSC said that the Council faced with "ceaseless waves of instability in the Middle East" and must learn from experience, strive for consensus, act effectively and "find integrated, comprehensive solutions to the Middle East issue in the new year" "Only when the Palestinian question is completely resolved can there be true peace and stability in the Middle East", he added. The reactions came after the American and British representatives at the UNSC, reiterated their countries' full and unflinching support for the Zionist regime and accused Yemen of targeting Israeli positions with the backing of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The American diplomat claimed: "Given the continued attacks by the Houthis, the United States reiterates its call for the Council to consider further measures to respond to the growing threats from the Houthis and to hold Iran accountable." Regional resistance groups, including Yemeni forces, have launched missile and drone attacks on the targets of the Zionist regime since the beginning of the Israeli genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. In support of the Palestinian people, the Yemeni army has also targeted Israeli ships or ships bound for the occupied territories in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and says that its operation will continue until the Zionist regime stops its bloodshed and siege in Gaza. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, UK play blame game against Iran at UNSC meeting IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 31, 2024 New York, IRNA -- The US Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations during her address to the Security Council while condemning the recent Yemeni operations against the Zionist regime, accused the Islamic Republic of Iran of being fueling tensions with its unrelenting support for Yemen's Ansarullah Movement. Israel has the right to defend itself in the face of Houthi operations, Dorothy Shea announced while addressing the the Security Council meeting at the initiative of Israel under the agenda "Threat to International Peace and Security" on Monday local time. According to an IRNA reporter, Shea, while referring to a severe wave of attacks by the Houthis against Israel in December, called on the Council to consider further measures to respond to the growing threats from Yamen and "to hold Iran accountable". We all know well that the Houthis are fully funded by Iran and are receiving the capabilities to carry out these long-range and deadly attacks on Israel, including on civilian infrastructure, as evidenced by the Houthis' propaganda about using advanced hypersonic missiles, the US deputy UN envoy claimed. Iran's provision of these and other lethal weapons to the Houthis violates the arms embargo that this Council has imposed on the group. It is the responsibility of this Council to take action to address Iran's flagrant violations of resolutions, she further claimed. Shea continued by saying that the Council needs to take the necessary steps to strengthen the UN verification and inspection mechanism to ensure that Iran and other actors do not illegally traffic weapons and related materials to the Houthis. For its part, the United States will not hesitate to protect its forces, regional partners, and international shipping, she said, warning that "the Houthis must cease their reckless and destabilizing behavior", and this Council must ensure that there are consequences for their actions. Meanwhile, the British Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, while supporting the Zionist regime during the Security Council session, also accused the Islamic Republic of Iran of helping the Yemeni armed forces for their ongoing anti-Israel operations. Britain is deeply concerned about the continued missile and drone attacks by the Houthis against Israel and the continued targeting of ships in the Red Sea, Barbara Woodward told the Council. We strongly condemn these reckless actions and call on the Houthis to stop immediately as there is no justification for these attacks, she said without mentioning the reasons behind the Yemeni actions or her country's own aggression against the Arab country in violation of international law. Ignoring Israel's belligerence in the region, the British envoy claimed that the Houthi aggression not only poses a risk of regional escalation, but also worsens the dire humanitarian and economic conditions inside Yemen. As usual, she also continued her anti- Iran rhetoric and claimed: "We are also convinced of Iran's role in fueling this escalation. Iran's long-standing financial and military support for the Houthis has enabled and exacerbated their aggression." Woodward, while giving green light to the Israeli aggression, reiterated UK support for the Zionist regime, saying it has the right to defend itself against Houthi attacks but said actions must be consistent with its obligations under international humanitarian law She also briefly hinted about Israeli attacks on Yemeni civilian infrastructure, including the recent attack on Sana'a airport, which injured a UN staff member and endangered the Director-General of the World Health Organization and his team. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran dismisses baseless allegations about Red Sea interference IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 31, 2024 New York, IRNA -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeed Iravani has harshly reacted to the latest rhetoric by the United States and Britain at a UN Security Council meeting, saying the accusations of Iran's interference in the Red Sea are "baseless claims" designed to escalate tensions and create an excuse for further instability in the region by the United States and its allies. In identical letters to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council on Monday local time, Iravani wrote that Iran's position on Yemen has always been firm and stable and that since the beginning of the crisis in the Arab country in 2015, Iran has supported a political solution to resolve the conflict and called for a comprehensive ceasefire, inclusive dialogue, and a peaceful process that respects Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Regarding the situation in the Red Sea, the envoy said that Iran once again emphasizes its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of international maritime lanes and said: the baseless accusations made by the Zionist representative, which is supported by its closest ally, the United States, are a clear attempt to shift responsibility from their illegal actions and destructive activities against Iran. It is the hostile Zionist regime, not Iran, which has always pursued a policy of provocation and destabilizing activities and is considered a serious threat to peace and security in the region and beyond, the Iranian envoy said, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic, as a responsible UN member, has always adhered to its obligations under international law and the UN Charter. The full text of Amir Saeed Iravani's letter to Antonio Guterres and Linda Thomas-Greenfield regarding the allegations made at the Council's meeting is as follows: Excellency, I am writing to address the unfounded and politically motivated accusations made by representatives of the United States and the United Kingdom, orchestrated by the representative of the Israeli regime, against the Islamic Republic of Iran during the open briefing of the UN Security Council held today, 30 December 2024, under the agenda item "Threat to International Peace and Security" (9829th meeting). While categorically rejecting all unfounded allegations against my Country in this meeting, I wish to reiterate the position of the Islamic Republic of Iran as follows: 1. The unsubstantiated allegations made by the representative of the Israeli regime and supported by its closest ally, the United States, are an obvious attempt to scapegoat Iran to justify their own illegal actions and malicious activities in the region. It is not Iran but the belligerent regime of Israel that has relentlessly pursued a policy of provocation and destabilizing activities, which poses a grave threat to peace and security in the region and beyond. 2. As a responsible member of the United Nations, the Islamic Republic of Iran has always adhered to its obligations under international law and the United Nations Charter and has not been involved in any activity inconsistent with the relevant Security Council resolutions. Therefore, Iran categorically denies any violation of arms embargoes or any involvement in fueling the conflict in Yemen or elsewhere. 3. The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns Israel's acts of aggression against Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly its attacks on civilians and vital infrastructure, including Sana'a airport and Hodeidah port, which are critical for humanitarian aid delivery to the Yemeni people in need of life-saving assistance. These illegal actions, carried out with the direct backing and complicity of the United States and the United Kingdom, constitute egregious violations of the UN Charter and international law, including international humanitarian law. Such criminal actions not only jeopardize international peace and security but also deteriorate Yemen's humanitarian crisis. 4. It is both deeply troubling and highly ironic that the United States and the United Kingdom, instead of upholding their responsibilities as permanent members of the Security Council to maintain international peace and security, persist in providing political cover and military support for Israel's reckless actions and violations while fabricating baseless accusations against Iran. This blatant complicity has emboldened Israel to act with impunity, fueling regional conflicts and undermining any prospects for lasting peace in Yemen under UN leadership. 5. Iran's position on Yemen has been consistent and unwavering. From the very onset of the crisis in 2015, we have supported a political resolution to the conflict and called for a comprehensive ceasefire, inclusive dialogue, and a peaceful process that respects Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Regarding the situation in the Red Sea, Iran reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of international shipping lanes. Accusations of Iranian interference in the Red Sea are baseless fabrications designed to inflame tensions and serve as a pretext for further destabilization of the region by the United States and its allies. 6. The Security Council must not be swayed by Israel's propaganda, which seeks to divert attention from the ongoing atrocities and ethnic cleansing by this apartheid regime in Gaza. Instead, the Security Council must confront the root causes of instability in the region, foremost among them Israel's illegal occupation, aggression, systematic and widespread violations of international law, and blatant disregard for this Council's resolutions. Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza, its refusal to adhere to the ceasefire with Lebanon, and its relentless aggression and territorial expansion, including its recent occupation of over 500 square kilometers of Syrian territory and ongoing illegal occupation of the Syrian Golan, pose an existential threat to regional and international peace and security. 7. The Security Council must live up to its responsibility under the UN Charter and act decisively to hold the occupying regime of Israel and its enablers accountable for these grave violations of international law. Failure to do so will only erode trust in the United Nations and its ability to fulfill its mandate to maintain international peace and security. This failure only undermines the very foundations of this organization and emboldens Israel to act with impunity, perpetuating cycles of violence and instability across the region. I would be grateful if you would circulate the present letter as a document of the Security Council. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Thanking you 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Middle East at risk of another escalation, warns UN IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 31, 2024 New York, IRNA -- The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East and Asia Pacific has warned that the growing hostilities between Israel and the Houthis (Yemen's Ansarullah Movement) risk another escalation of tension in the West Asia region. Mohammed Khaled Al-Khiari pointed to 'escalatory turn' in Israeli-Houthi conflict and urged action to reverse dangerous trajectory during a briefing at a UN Security Council meeting called on the request of Israel under the theme "threats to international peace and security" on Monday local time. The latest round of military escalation after a year of attacks by the Houthis on Israeli targets as well as ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, threaten civilians, regional stability and freedom of maritime navigation, Khiari said during his briefing which was largely in support of the Zionist regime, without mentioning the reasons behind anti-Israel operations by the Yemenis. He continued by saying that the UN insists on the immediate and unconditional release of all UN staff and other personnel arbitrarily detained by the Houthis. "I reiterate the Secretary-General's strong concern about the escalation of tension and that international law, including humanitarian law, must be respected by all parties". Khiari also cited some of the recent altercations between Yemen on the one hand and the Israeli regime and American forces in the region on the other. "Since 13 December, the Houthis have claimed at least 11 attacks targeting Israel, using ballistic missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles. On 19 December, Israel conducted airstrikes that targeted energy and port infrastructure in the Houthi-controlled ports of Hudaydah, Salif and Ra's Isa as well as Sana'a. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed it was hitting military targets", he said, adding that nine civilians were reportedly killed. Highlighting the risks of disruption to vital humanitarian operations "at a time when millions of people in Yemen are in need of life-saving assistance", he said that Israel's strikes three days ago have reportedly resulted in at least six killed and dozens injured, including a UN Humanitarian Air Service crew member. "We call on all to respect and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure." Condemning attacks claimed by the Houthis, he also noted that United States forces targeted their military facilities and weapons systems on 16 and 21 December in response to Houthi attacks on ships. Stressing that "humanitarian workers must be protected at all times", he reiterated the importance of Council resolution 2722 (2024). "We must do our utmost to reverse this negative trajectory and support comprehensive efforts to end conflicts in the Middle East." The attacks in Israel and Yemen, as well as in the Red Sea, are a cause of grave concern and that further military escalation threatens regional stability and exacerbates political, security, economic and humanitarian problems, with consequences for millions of people in Yemen, Israel and across the region, he added. The Yemeni army and allied Ansarullah Movement launched its anti-Israel operations against the Zionist regime's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip and have repeatedly pledged to continue attacking the regime's targets until the attack on Gaza ends and siege is lifted. In support of the Palestinian resistance and the people in Gaza, the Yemeni army has targeted several Israeli ships or ships bound for the occupied territories in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait as well as targets deep inside Israel using drones and missiles. However, the United States and the UK started their aggression against Yemen under the pretext of UNSC resolution 2722 which only called for the protection of maritime route and never gave a free hand to Washington and London to violate the sovereignty of Yemen with airstrikes. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and Poland on Georgia Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland 31.12.2024 We, the Foreign Ministers of the Weimar Triangle, are seriously concerned about the political crisis which erupted in Georgia following the 26th October parliamentary elections and Georgian Dream decision to freeze EU accession process. The reason for the crisis is the political course of the Georgia's ruling party and its departure from the European path. We have repeatedly called upon the Georgian authorities to reverse their course and to return to the EU integration by upholding European norms and values and implementing reforms. We strongly condemn last weeks' violence against peaceful protesters, media and opposition leaders and recall Georgian authorities' responsibility to respect human rights and protect fundamental freedoms, including the freedom to assembly and media freedom. We condemn in the strongest terms threats against political figures. The political course of repression and democratic backsliding by the Georgian Dream has in reaction led to a downgrading of our relationship at European and national level and a reduction of our assistance to and cooperation with Georgia's authorities. Accordingly, we will implement the EU decision on ending visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders and consider additional measures on EU and national level. The OSCE/ODIHR final report about 26th October parliamentary elections in Georgia confirms our concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process with widespread irregularities and improper investigations to respond to allegations. Elections were not conducted according to standards expected from an EU candidate. We call upon Georgian authorities to engage in a national dialogue with all relevant stakeholders to find a way out of the current situation and to restore public trust in Georgian democracy. The call for the implementation of OSCE/ODIHR recommendations and standards, including possibility of new elections, coming from parts of Georgian society, deserves to be addressed by authorities, in earnest dialogue with all political forces and representatives of civil society. We reiterate our determination to support the democratic and European aspirations of the Georgian people. Annalena Baerbock Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Jean-Noel Barrot Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic Radosaw Sikorski Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DND chief hopes for more resilient PH in 2025 Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno December 31, 2024, 12:32 pm MANILA -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. expressed hope that the Philippines will be "a secure, climate-resilient, archipelagic nation poised to be a strategic global player, and a stable platform for true national development and progress" in the coming year. "With grateful anticipation, we look forward to 2025 and the promising future of the Philippines," he said in his New Year's Day message on Tuesday. Teodoro said the DND stands with Filipinos in reflecting on the journey of 2024 and looking ahead with hope and resolve. "To say that the nation endured its share of challenges in 2024 would be an understatement. Yet, amidst these trials, we also achieved significant victories -- moments of triumph for which we are deeply grateful," he said. In 2024, Teodoro said the Philippines faced and overcame both literal and figurative storms, from natural disasters to challenges to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Our resilience in rising above these trials was made possible by the dedication of our men and women in uniform, civil defense officers, first responders, strong defense partnerships, government support, and the unwavering solidarity and resilience of the Filipino people," he added. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, UK conduct fresh airstrikes against Yemeni capital Iran Press TV Tuesday, 31 December 2024 4:09 PM US and British warplanes have conducted new airstrikes on the Yemeni capital Sana'a in response to the Arab country's operations against Israel. Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television network reported that three aerial assaults targeted the September 21st Park, located in the northwestern part of Sana'a, which previously housed the First Armored Division on Tuesday. US and British military aircraft also targeted the al-Ardi complex in Sana'a's al-Safiyah District, as well as the May 22nd Military Industrial Complex in al-Thawra District, with eight airstrikes. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the latest American-British aggression, saying its forces have conducted multiple "precision strikes" against targets in the Yemeni capital province of Sana'a and other regions across the Arab country over the last 24 hours. Mohammed Abdul-Salam, spokesman of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement, noted that the aggression against Yemen represents "a blatant violation of the sovereignty of an independent state and comes in support of Israel". He also affirmed that "Yemen will continue to defend itself against any aggression and remains steadfast in supporting Gaza." Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched its campaign of genocide in Gaza on October 7, 2023. Yemenis have hit targets throughout the occupied territories, in addition to firing at Israeli ships or vessels heading to or departing Israeli-occupied ports, in the southern Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea. The Yemeni Armed Forces have said they will not stop their attacks until Israel's ground and aerial offensives in Gaza end. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel has put Gaza healthcare on 'brink of total collapse': UN Iran Press TV Tuesday, 31 December 2024 1:49 PM The Israeli regime has placed Gaza's healthcare system on the verge of collapse, the United Nations human rights office says. Practically all the hospitals in northern Gaza have become dysfunctional. Israel is hard at work cleansing the area of the indigenous Palestinian population. The UN rights office said in a 28-page report issued on Tuesday that the Israeli military has carried out "at least 136 strikes on 27 hospitals and 12 other medical facilities" since October 7, 2023. It says the strikes on health facilities have left "significant casualties among doctors, nurses, medics and other civilians and causing significant damage to, if not the complete destruction of, civilian infrastructure." "Israel's pattern of deadly attacks on and near hospitals in Gaza, and associated combat, pushed the healthcare system to the brink of total collapse, with catastrophic effect on Palestinians' access to health and medical care." In attacking health facilities across Gaza, the regime has employed the pretext of the buildings being used by the Palestinian resistance fighters. But the victims are invariably civilians. Over the weekend, the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza was struck by an Israeli artillery shell, leading to the destruction of a doctor's clinic located on the top floor of the Diagnostic Center Building. The Diocese of Jerusalem al-Quds, which owns and manages Ahli Arab Hospital, condemned the attack alongside other assaults on the healthcare system in the Gaza Strip, particularly in the northern region. The UN report said Israel's claims are "vague and broad." "Insufficient information has so far been made publicly available to substantiate these allegations." On Tuesday, UN human rights chief Volker Turk also condemned Israel for turning Gaza hospitals into a "death trap." "As if the relentless bombing and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza were not enough, the one sanctuary where Palestinians should have felt safe in fact became a death trap." Gaza hospitals have turned into a refuge for people whose homes have been bombarded, or who fear they will be, by the regime's military. Israel forcefully evacuated the last major health facility in north Gaza on December 27, after months of relentless airstrikes and ground attacks. At the time of the evacuation, at least 350 people, including 75 patients, were still inside the building, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Five Israeli troopers killed in Hamas retaliatory op in northern Gaza Iran Press TV Tuesday, 31 December 2024 11:12 AM The Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, has killed at least five Israeli troopers in an ambush on a base of the Israeli forces in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. According to local media reports from the besieged territory, the incident took place at close range. In a statement, the Qassam Brigades detailed its operations in the northern Gaza Strip, saying the five Israeli soldiers were eliminated in different operations The statement further outlined that the Qassam fighters managed to set ablaze a Merkava tank with its occupants. It added that the resistance fighters also targeted a military vehicle carrying several Israeli troopers using hand grenades, inflicting fatalities and injuries on all those inside the vehicle. The Times of Israel reported the Israeli military as confirming a soldier was killed during fighting in the northern Gaza Strip earlier on Monday. The soldier has been identified as Sgt. Uriel Peretz, 23, a member of the Kfir Brigade's Netzah Yehuda Battalion, from Beitar Illit. Additionally, the report mentioned that three other soldiers belonging to the same battalion suffered severe injuries in the same incident in the Beit Hanoun area. The Israeli daily Yediot Ahronoth in a report on Monday that at least 825 Israeli troops have been killed in the Gaza Strip since last October. According to Hebrew media outlets, at least 40 Israeli troops have been killed in Jabalia since last month, after the Israeli military markedly intensified its deadly attacks and siege against the city. The Israeli regime initiated a genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, following a historic operation carried out by the Palestinian Hamas Resistance group in response to the escalating atrocities committed by the occupying regime against the Palestinian population. Israel has enforced a comprehensive siege on the densely populated region, severing essential supplies such as fuel, electricity, food, and water, affecting more than two million Palestinians residing within the territory. Israel's war on Gaza has so far killed at least 45,541 Palestinians and wounded 108,338. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas calls for UN, intl. action as Palestinians die from severe cold in Gaza Iran Press TV Tuesday, 31 December 2024 10:05 AM The Palestinian Hamas resistance group has called on the international community and the United Nations to intervene as Palestinians are succumbing to winter weather in the Gaza Strip amid a genocidal Israeli war on the besieged territory. In a statement released on Tuesday, Hamas said that "relief supplies and tents" are needed to protect hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians from the cold and the "disastrous effects" of Israel's nearly 15-month-long aggression. "The humanitarian and legal duty of the international community and the UN requires urgent action to provide relief to our people in the Gaza Strip, who have been subjected to a Zionist crime of genocide and ethnic cleansing," it added. The statement came at a time, when winter has worsened the toll on a population traumatized by the bloody Israeli onslaught. At least seven Palestinians have died of hypothermia, including six babies, within a two-week period in Gaza. Israel launched its brutal Gaza offensive on October 7, 2023, after Hamas carried out a historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. So far, the occupying regime has killed at least 45,541 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 108,338 others, in Gaza. The Israeli war has forced the Palestinians already displaced, often multiple times, into living in tents, most of which are made from cloth. Latest videos from Gaza show the tents completely soaked in rainwater or submerged in flood-stricken areas. On Monday, Gaza's Government Media Office said 81 percent of the tents housing displaced Palestinians110,000 out of 135,000are no longer functional and urgently need replacement. "We have warned more than once of the danger of the arrival of depressions, winter, and frost waves, coinciding with the tragic reality experienced by our people, who are being subjected to killing, genocide, and the destruction of homes and vital sectors," the media office said in a statement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni forces target Israeli Ben Gurion Airport, power station, US aircraft carrier Iran Press TV Tuesday, 31 December 2024 8:41 AM Yemeni Armed Forces have claimed responsibility for a string of operations against Israeli and US targets in the occupied territories and off the coast of the Arab nation, in support for Palestinians in Gaza and in response to the American-British aggression on their homeland. Brigadier General Yahya Saree, spokesperson for Yemen's military, stated on Tuesday that Yemeni missile units targeted Ben Gurion International Airport, located 20 kilometers (12 miles) to the southeast of Tel Aviv, with a Palestine-2 hypersonic ballistic missile. Yemeni forces also targeted and struck a power station south of occupied al-Quds, using a Zulfiqar ballistic missile. The Zulfiqar missile, which is reportedly radar-evading and highly maneuverable, has a range of more than 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles). Saree noted that both retaliatory strikes attained their desired objectives successfully. Moreover, the naval force, missile force, and the drone unit of the Yemeni military have carried out a multi-pronged operation against USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier of the United States Navy. Saree explained that the attack involved a large number of kamikaze drones as well as cruise missiles, and was conducted as American forces were preparing to launch a major airstrike against Yemen. The senior Yemeni military official underlined that the offensive successfully achieved its objectives, and prevented the US aerial assault. Various divisions of the Yemeni Armed Forces have managed to uplift their combat readiness to confront any potential threats from the US and Israeli enemies, which are meant to prevent the Yemeni nation from performing their religious, moral and humanitarian obligations towards Palestinians, Saree stated. He said the Yemeni forces will continue their retaliatory operations against the Israeli enemy as long as the ongoing aggression on Gaza continues and the siege is not lifted. Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched its devastating war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the territory's resistance movements carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against the occupying entity. Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement has been also targeting ships linked to Israel, the United States, or the United Kingdom to force an end to the Tel Aviv regime's genocidal war on Gaza. These operations have effectively shut down the Eilat port south of the occupied territories, causing significant economic setbacks for the Israelis. The Yemeni Armed Forces have said they will not stop their attacks until Israel's ground and aerial offensives in Gaza end. Israel has killed at least 45,541 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured another 108,338 individuals in Gaza since the onset of the war. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran dismisses 'unfounded' US, British claims about involvement in mounting Red Sea tensions Iran Press TV Tuesday, 31 December 2024 7:56 AM Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations has categorically rejected the "unfounded and politically-motivated" allegations by the United States and Britain about Tehran's involvement in mounting tensions in the Red Sea region. In identical letters addressed to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council president on Monday local time, Amir Saeid Iravani reacted to the claims made by representatives of the US and the United Kingdom, and orchestrated by the representative of the Israeli regime, against the Islamic Republic of Iran during the open briefing of the UN Security Council on December 30. He wrote that the unsubstantiated allegations made by the Israeli representative Danny Danon and supported by the regime's closest ally, the United States, are an obvious attempt to scapegoat Iran to justify their own illegal actions and malicious activities in the region. "It is not Iran but the belligerent regime of Israel that has relentlessly pursued a policy of provocation and destabilizing activities, which poses a grave threat to peace and security in the region and beyond," Iravani pointed out. The senior Iranian diplomat underlined that his country, as a responsible member of the United Nations, has always adhered to its obligations under international law and the United Nations Charter and has not been involved in any activity inconsistent with the relevant Security Council resolutions. "Therefore, Iran categorically denies any violation of arms embargoes or any involvement in fueling the conflict in Yemen or elsewhere," he stated. Iran's UN ambassador went on to describe it as both deeply troubling and highly ironic that the US and Britain, instead of upholding their responsibilities as permanent members of the Security Council to maintain international peace and security, persist in providing political cover and military support for Israel's reckless actions and violations while fabricating baseless accusations against Iran. "This blatant complicity has emboldened Israel to act with impunity, fueling regional conflicts and undermining any prospects for lasting peace in Yemen under UN leadership," he noted. Iravani emphasized that Iran's position on Yemen has been consistent and unwavering. From the very onset of the crisis in 2015, Tehran has supported a political resolution to the conflict and called for a comprehensive ceasefire, inclusive dialogue, and a peaceful process that respects the Arab nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Regarding the situation in the Red Sea, Iran reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of international shipping lanes. Accusations of Iranian interference in the Red Sea are baseless fabrications designed to inflame tensions and serve as a pretext for further destabilization of the region by the United States and its allies," he stated. The senior Iranian diplomat then called upon the Security Council not to be swayed by Israel's propaganda, which seeks to divert attention from the ongoing atrocities and ethnic cleansing by the apartheid regime in Gaza. Instead, the Security Council must confront the root causes of instability in the region, foremost among them Israel's illegal occupation, aggression, systematic and widespread violations of international law, and blatant disregard for the Council's resolutions, Iravani highlighted. Iran's UN ambassador finally urged the Security Council to live up to its responsibility under the UN Charter and act decisively to hold the occupying regime of Israel and its supporters accountable for grave violations of international law. "Failure to do so will only erode trust in the United Nations and its ability to fulfill its mandate to maintain international peace and security," Iravani concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah asserts full operational readiness, vows massive retaliation for Israeli violations Iran Press TV Tuesday, 31 December 2024 7:52 AM Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has reiterated that it is in full possession of its capabilities, warning that it will respond decisively to Israeli forces occupying Lebanon once the ceasefire concludes. Mahmoud Qamati, deputy head of Hezbollah's political council, in an interview with the al-Manar network on Monday, said that the group's missile stockpiles and capabilities remain intact, noting that they continued missile strikes against Israel right up to the moment the ceasefire took effect. Qamati explained that the current restraint exercised by the resistance is intended to support the Lebanese population and to honor the commitments made to mediators during ceasefire negotiations to allow for a resolution of outstanding issues. "We have exercised patience regarding Israeli violations to ensure that citizens can return to their villages in the south, and now they demand that we respond to these violations," he stated. He noted that the resistance's patience last for 60 days, and warned that the situation would change on the 61st day, noting that the Israeli forces would be viewed as occupiers and would be treated accordingly. "The resistance is fully prepared, strong, and equipped," Qamati said, emphasizing their readiness to counter any provocations. He also reassured the local community of a zero-tolerance policy toward land occupation and settlement expansion. On Monday, Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri called on the Israeli regime to adhere to the ceasefire agreement, as reports emerged from the Lebanese Army indicating that Israeli forces had moved into the towns of Qantara and Taybeh in the Marjayoun district, where they burned several homes in violation of the ceasefire. In his remarks, Qamati also stressed the importance of recognizing Hezbollah's "red lines," particularly in light of potential US and French interventions that could compromise the group's resistance efforts. "We do not seek assistance that imposes conditions affecting the resistance," he asserted. He pointed out that after inflicting a significant blow to the enemy, the United States quickly sought to broker a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. He reiterated that adherence to the ceasefire agreement must be reciprocal, saying, "Either all parties adhere to the agreements, or no one should be bound by them." Qamati warned that discussions around disarming the resistance could plunge Lebanon into chaos, maintaining that Hezbollah's political agenda is rooted in dialogue and interaction. He reaffirmed the organization's steadfast commitment to its core principles of "promise and commitment," stating that these values define both Hezbollah and its leadership. Additionally, he expressed support for the timely election of a new president in Lebanon, emphasizing the resistance's determination to ensure this position is filled promptly and that necessary actions would be taken to achieve this objective. The Israeli forces have violated the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon at least 325 times since the ceasefire was declared on November 27, resulting in 33 deaths and 37 injuries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dec. 30: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Iran Press TV Tuesday, 31 December 2024 7:49 AM By Press TV Website Staff Amid the West-backed Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 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 resistance groups on Monday, December 30, are as follows: Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on Dec. 30: Targeted and destroyed an Israeli troop carrier with a "Yassin 105" shell in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza Strip. In a complex operation, stormed a newly established military post in Jabalia camp, northern Gaza Strip, and eliminated five soldiers at point blank range, destroyed a Merkava tank and its crew, and targeted a military jeep with a number of soldiers inside with hand grenades. Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Dec. 30: Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles in the Civil Administration site in Jabalia Camp with mortar fire, and seized Israeli military reconnaissance drones while they were carrying out spying operations in the area. Targeted a number of Israeli military points and gathering points in the Dotan settlement with heavy showers of bullets. Targeted Israeli soldiers and military vehicles who had penetrated the Civil Administration site in northern Gaza's Jabalia camp with mortar fire. Launched missiles at the occupied cities of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Sderot and the settlements of the Gaza Envelope. Al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades' operations on Dec. 30: In a joint operation with the Al-Qassam Brigades, targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers stationed in Abu Sharkh roundabout west of Jabalia camp with 80mm mortar shells Mujahideen Brigades' operations on Dec. 30: Ambushed an Israeli mechanized force and detonated explosive devices on a military jeep and a bulldozer, injuring many regime soldiers. Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades' operations on Dec. 30: Targeted an Israeli military command and control site in the "Netzarim" axis with a barrage of rockets. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN says Israel 'systematically hinders' Gaza access as ICRC warns healthcare 'obliterated' Iran Press TV Tuesday, 31 December 2024 7:24 AM The UN's humanitarian agency (OCHA) has raised concern over Israel's "systematic" obstruction of humanitarian access to Gaza, as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that the "obliteration" of Gaza's healthcare system puts civilians at an "unacceptably grave risk." OCHA said on Monday that Israeli authorities have denied over 150 humanitarian missions access to Northern Gaza since October. "Between Friday and Sunday, three of four attempts to access the area were denied by Israeli authorities," it said. On Sunday, OCHA, the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Food Programme, the Palestine Red Crescent Society, and the UN Department for Safety and Security delivered basic medical and hygiene supplies, food, and water to critical patients, caregivers, and staff who were evacuated from Kamal Adwan to the non-functional Indonesian hospital in North Gaza. Kamal Adwan Hospital is now out of service, following an Israeli raid on Friday that forced patient and staff evacuation and the detention of the facility's director. OCHA described the Sunday mission as "exceptional" but noted the few missions that were initially agreed have faced heavy impediments. "It should not require breaking a siege to help survivors in critical need. Aid workers must be granted safe and unhindered access to assist people wherever they are," OCHA emphasized. It warned that "humanitarian access remains systematically hindered across the Gaza Strip." In the past three days, according to OCHA, over 60 percent of the 42 UN-coordinated movements were denied, interfered with or impeded on the ground across Gaza. ICRC also in a press release on Monday warned that repeated Israeli attacks on hospitals have "obliterated" the health care system in Northern Gaza. "[The raids are] putting civilians at an unacceptably grave risk of going without lifesaving care," it added. According to ICRC, the Kamal Adwan and Indonesian hospitals in Northern Gaza are now "completely inoperable." "For months, these medical facilities have struggled to provide care for patients as ongoing hostilities have damaged hospitals and endangered or harmed staff, patients, and civilians," ICRC said. It went on to add that al-Awda Hospital is now undergoing more pressure as one of the few functioning medical facilities in Northern Gaza. ICRC also cautioned that, amid the overwhelming influx of patients, caregivers, and displaced civilians seeking refuge, no patient can expect their medical needs to be completely fulfilled, and medical personnel are rendered helpless in addressing these needs. "The increasingly dangerous situation comes in addition to more than a year of insufficient provision of medical equipment and supplies, fuel, food, and specialized healthcare capacities," it said. Since the onset of the genocidal war against the Gaza Strip in October, which has killed over 45,500 Palestinians, Israel has been systematically targeting medical facilities across the coastal territory under the pretext of attacking alleged "Hamas command centers." However, the Zionist regime has consistently failed to present any evidence to substantiate such unfounded claims. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni missiles penetrate airspace of Israeli-occupied territories 'undetected': Ansarullah Iran Press TV Tuesday, 31 December 2024 6:41 AM The Yemeni deputy minister of information says the missiles fired by the country's Armed Forces reached the airspace of the occupied territories without being intercepted by Israel. Nasruddin Amer made the announcement on Tuesday, after the Yemeni forces conducted an anti-Israel missile operation. The member of Ansarullah's political bureau said that Yemen will keep up its attacks and intensify them as long as the Tel Aviv regime continues its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip. The occupied territories and the Zionist regime won't see security as long as Gaza is insecure, he warned. The Israeli military claimed that it had intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Yemen that triggered sirens across the central parts of the occupied lands late Monday night. It also claimed that there was no major damage as a result of the missile debris, although a large fragment crashed in the Ramat Beit Shemesh Alef neighborhood of Beit Shemesh, close to the occupied city of al-Quds. "The pounding of the entity (Israel) continues and the support to Gaza continues," Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a member of Yemen's Supreme Political Council, said in an X post after the Yemeni operation. 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, which has killed at least 45,541 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-occupied ports, in the southern Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Gulf of Aden, and even in the Arabian Sea. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 825 Israeli forces killed in Gaza since war started: Daily Iran Press TV Tuesday, 31 December 2024 1:13 AM An Israeli daily has said at least 825 Israeli troops have been killed in the Gaza Strip since last October, when the regime began taking the coastal sliver under a war of genocide. Yediot Ahronoth, the printed version of the Ynetnews website, carried the report on Monday. Hebrew media outlets also said at least 40 Israeli troops had been killed in the city of Jabalia in northern Gaza since last month, during which the regime has markedly intensified its deadly attacks and siege against the city. The al-Quds Brigade, the military arm of the Palestinian resistance movement of the Islamic Jihad also announced carrying out a missile strike against the Nir Am illegal settlement in the northern part of the occupied Palestinian territories. Reports, meanwhile, ned that at least one Israeli trooper had been killed and a number of others were seriously wounded after Palestinian fighters struck the forces in the city of Beit Hanoun on the northeastern edge of the Gaza City. According to the Israeli regime's Channel 14 identified the targeted contingent as the Netzah Yahuda Brigade. The channel said the incident had seen a number of resistance fighters using sniper weapons to target one of the troops, who had positioned himself on the third floor of a building. When members of his brigade arrived to help him out, resistance fighters fired too armor-piercing missiles towards the troops on the spot, and also attacked them with small firearms. The channel said the incident witnessed killing of one trooper and wounding of nine others. The developments come as the war has gone on to claim the lives of close to 45,550 Palestinians, mostly women and children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Anger Toward Russia Grows After Deadly Azerbaijani Plane Crash By RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service and Reid Standish December 31, 2024 BAKU -- After Azerbaijan's president accused Russia of accidentally shooting down an airliner and covering up the cause, public anger in the Caucasian country is mounting against Moscow for its handling of the incident. "Although Russia tried to evade responsibility, it could not escape the facts," the daily news program for ITV, an Azerbaijani state-controlled broadcaster, began its show on December 29. "Refusing to allow the plane to land after shooting it down has only one name -- a crime!" stated an opinion piece in Yeni Musavat, a pro-government online newspaper, following the December 25 disaster that killed 38 people and injured 29. The tough statements are part of a growing wave of criticism toward Russia in online discourse and from state-owned and pro-government media in Azerbaijan, which typically avoids harsh comments about the country's ally and large neighbor. It is also a reflection of the increasing public anger toward Russia for its apparent attempts to sidestep responsibility in the downing of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane. During a televised interview on December 29, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who has leveraged the country's oil wealth to enhance his autocratic rule, said Moscow was trying to "hush up" that the plane was struck by ground fire over Russia and "rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare," forcing it off course from its destination of Grozny in Chechnya before it attempted an emergency landing and crashed in western Kazakhstan. "We can say with complete clarity that the plane was shot down by Russia," Aliyev told state television. "We are not saying it was done intentionally, but it was done." Amid the backlash, Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized on December 28 to Aliyev for the "tragic incident" in Russian airspace, saying the country's air defences had engaged Ukrainian attack drones. Originally, Russia said the crash occurred after the Embraer 190 aircraft hit a flock of birds. A Kremlin statement said Putin had spoken with Aliyev but did not say Russia had shot down the plane, only noting a criminal case had been opened. "Unfortunately, for the first three days, we heard nothing from Russia except absurd versions," Aliyev said during the interview. Some Azerbaijani analysts have said the lack of a complete apology and an offer to pay compensation for downing the plane from Russia could harm relations between Baku and Moscow. "It's clear that the Azerbaijani president was not satisfied with his phone call [with Putin]," Elkhan Shahinoglu, the director of the Atlas Research Center, a think tank in Baku, told RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service. Shahinoglu said Russia will need to take clear steps to satisfy the Azerbaijani government and public, which have been galvanized by the Kremlin's initial attempts to offer other explanations that have been firmly rejected by Baku and international aviation experts. "If they had confessed immediately, the situation would not have become so tense," Shahinoglu said. Russia's Investigative Committee Chairman Aleksandr Bastrykin pledged on December 30 that there would be a "full and objective investigation of the crash." Authorities in Kazakhstan have also sent the flight recorders to Brazil, where the Embraer 190 was manufactured. There, Azerbaijani and international experts will extract and analyze the data. Following a period of national mourning, Azerbaijan paid tributes to victims of the downed plane and then held a state funeral for the flight's crew. Three members -- Captain Igor Kshnyakin, co-pilot Aleksander Kalayaninov, and flight attendant Hokuma Aliyeva -- were posthumously awarded the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan, one of the country's highest distinctions, by presidential decree. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/azerbaijan-russia- plane-anger-crash-putin-aliyev/33259203.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 Thousands displaced as post-election unrest grips Mozambique UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 31 December 2024 GENEVA -- Post-election unrest in Mozambique has forced thousands of people to flee their homes. In Malawi, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the government have identified around 2,000 who crossed into the country in the past week. In neighbouring Eswatini, another 1,000 people have arrived. Amongst the new arrivals are refugees and asylum seekers of various nationalities who have been living in Mozambique. UNHCR is raising concerns over the escalating displacement and its impact on the affected populations. "We are deeply alarmed by the ongoing situation in Mozambique, where escalating violence has forced thousands to flee. Refugees and civilians are facing immense risks, losing their livelihoods and relying on humanitarian assistance. While we are grateful for the generosity of Malawi and Eswatini, immediate support is crucial to tackle the worsening crisis and prevent further suffering," said Chansa Kapaya, UNHCR's Regional Director for Southern Africa. In Malawi, people who fled Mozambique said they escaped attacks and looting in their villages. Many walked long distances and crossed the Shire River on foot or by small boats to reach safety. Among them are pregnant women, the elderly and children who have had little food to eat. UNHCR has swiftly provided tents, blankets and hygiene kits to assist the most vulnerable, yet significant humanitarian assistance gaps remain. Shelters are overcrowded, sanitation facilities are inadequate, and access to food and clean water is insufficient. Over 1,000 people are sharing a single latrine at some sites, significantly increasing the risk of disease. In Eswatini, many of the new arrivals report losing their shops and businesses due to the violence. The Malindza refugee reception centre, originally designed for 250 people, is now overcrowded, housing over 1,000 people. UNHCR is collaborating with local authorities and partners to provide assistance, but additional resources are urgently needed to sustain the response and prepare for more arrivals. Mozambique is still recovering from the devastating effects of Cyclone Chido, which hit just weeks ago. The current situation is hampering vital humanitarian efforts for communities who lost everything in the storm, while challenging the response to assist them. The situation in both Malawi and Eswatini is becoming critical, with the rising number of refugees and asylum-seekers straining already overstretched resources. While UNHCR remains committed to working with local authorities and partners to tackle this emergency, the international community must urgently provide support to host countries and ensure affected populations receive the assistance they desperately need. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel attacks push Gaza healthcare 'to brink of collapse' 31 December 2024 - Israel's pattern of deadly attacks on and near hospitals in Gaza, and associated combat, have pushed the healthcare system to the brink of total collapse, with catastrophic effect on Palestinians' access to health and medical care, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) said on Tuesday. A report published by the Office documents attacks carried out between 12 October 2023 and 30 June 2024, raises serious concerns about Israel's compliance with international law. Medical personnel and hospitals are specifically protected under international humanitarian law, provided they do not commit - or are not used to commit, outside their humanitarian function - acts harmful to the enemy. "As if the relentless bombing and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza were not enough, the one sanctuary where Palestinians should have felt safe in fact became a death trap," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. "The protection of hospitals during warfare is paramount and must be respected by all sides, at all times,". The study has been released just days after the last functioning major healthcare facility in northern Gaza, Kama Adwan Hospital, was taken out of service after a raid by Israeli military forces, leaving the population of North Gaza with almost no access to adequate health care. Staff and patients were forced to flee or were taken into custody, with many reports of torture and ill-treatment. The director of the hospital was taken into custody and his fate and whereabouts are unknown. Possible war crimes, crimes against humanity During the period covered by the report, there were at least 136 strikes on at least 27 hospitals and 12 other medical facilities, claiming significant casualties among doctors, nurses, medics and other civilians, and causing significant damage, if not complete destruction of civilian infrastructure. The report explains that, in the exceptional circumstances when medical personnel, ambulances, and hospitals lose their special protection because they fulfil the strict criteria to be considered military objectives, any attack on them must still comply with the fundamental principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack. Failure to respect any of these principles constitutes a breach of international humanitarian law. Intentionally directing attacks against hospitals and places where the sick and wounded are treated, provided they are not military objectives; intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population as such, or against individual civilians not taking direct part in hostilities, including the launching of an indiscriminate attack resulting in death or injury to civilians; and intentionally launching disproportionate attacks, are also war crimes, the report adds. Under certain circumstances, the deliberate destruction of healthcare facilities may amount to a form of collective punishment, which would also constitute a war crime. The report also notes that several of these acts, if committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population, further to a State or, in case of non-State actor, organizational policy, may also amount to crimes against humanity. Were hospitals being used for military purposes? In most instances, Israel alleges that the hospitals were being improperly used for military purposes by Palestinian armed groups, the report states. However, insufficient information has so far been made available to substantiate these allegations, which have remained vague and broad, and in some cases appear contradicted by publicly available information. If these allegations were verified, this would raise serious concerns that Palestinian armed groups were using the presence of civilians to intentionally shield themselves from attack, which would amount to a war crime. 500 medical professionals reported killed, mass graves found The impacts of the Israeli military's operations in and around hospitals, and associated combat, extend far beyond the physical structures, the report finds. Women, especially pregnant women, have suffered gravely. Many women have given birth with no or minimal pre- and post-natal care, increasing the risk of preventable maternal and child mortality. The UN Human Rights Office received reports that newborns had died because their mothers were unable to attend postnatal check-ups or reach medical facilities to give birth. The increasingly limited healthcare system prevented many of those who had sustained trauma injuries from receiving timely and possibly life-saving treatment. By the end of April 2024, according to the Ministry of Health of the State of Palestine (Palestinian MOH), 77,704 Palestinians were injured. Many injured reportedly died while waiting to be hospitalized or treated. According to the Palestinian MOH, by the end of June 2024, more than 500 medical professionals had been killed in Gaza since 7 October. The Israeli military's first major operation against a hospital involved Al Shifa Medical Complex in November 2023. It raided the facility a second time in March 2024, leaving it in complete ruin by 1 April. Subsequent to the withdrawal by the Israeli military, three mass graves were reportedly found at the hospital, with at least 80 corpses retrieved, raising serious concerns that crimes under international law may have been committed. Some of these bodies were reportedly found with catheters and cannulas still attached, suggesting they had been patients. Possible targeting of medical staff and patients In some of the attacks, the Israeli military likely used both heavy weapons and air dropped munitions with wide area effects, the report finds. It appears that an MK 83 munition was used in the 10 January airstrike in front of Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, Middle Gaza. Reportedly, at least 12 people were killed, including a journalist and several internally displaced persons (IDPs), and 35 people were injured. The use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in a densely populated area raises serious concerns of an indiscriminate attack. The report finds that another feature of such attacks has been the apparent targeting of people inside hospitals, but that in most of these cases it was difficult to determine attribution. The UN Human Rights Office verified multiple cases of people being shot dead at Al Awda Hospital in Jabalya, including a volunteer nurse who was fatally shot in the chest while looking out of a window on 7 December 2023. "It is essential that there be independent, thorough and transparent investigations of all of these incidents, and full accountability for all violations of international humanitarian and human rights law which have taken place," said Mr. Turk. "All medical workers arbitrarily detained must be immediately released." "It must also be a priority for Israel, as the occupying power, to ensure and facilitate access to adequate healthcare for the Palestinian population, and for future recovery and reconstruction efforts to prioritise the restoration of the medical capacity which has been destroyed over the last 14 months of intense conflict." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Absolutely the wrong path,' Turk warns against Afghanistan's ban on women in NGOs 31 December 2024 - The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has expressed deep alarm over Afghanistan's recent decision to revoke the licenses of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that continue to employ Afghan women in the country. The measure, issued by the de facto Ministry of Economy on 26 December, enforces a two-year-old decree prohibiting women from working with both national and international NGOs. In his statement, Mr. Turk emphasised the devastating impact on the delivery of critical humanitarian aid in Afghanistan the decree will have, where more than half the population lives in poverty. NGOs, he noted, are essential to the survival of millions of Afghans, offering life-saving support to women, men and children alike. "This is absolutely the wrong path," Mr. Turk said, urging the de facto authorities to reconsider what he described as a "deeply discriminatory decree." Women's rights under siege Since coming to power, Afghanistan's de facto authorities have restricted the rights of women and girls, barring them from education, work, healthcare, and movement. These measures, including the latest crackdown on NGO employment, effectively erase women from public life, undermining Afghanistan's prospects for progress. Mr. Turk emphasised that "no country can progress - politically, economically or socially - while excluding half of its population from public life." A plea to rethink the path forward The High Commissioner called on Afghanistan's leaders to rethink their course, not just for the sake of women and girls but for the future of the nation as a whole. He also highlighted the broader implications of these policies for the global community, noting that restricting women's participation in public life exacerbates poverty and hampers efforts to build a stable and resilient society. "For the future of Afghanistan, the de facto authorities must change course," Mr. Turk concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNHCR urges greater support for people fleeing post-election violence in Mozambique 31 December 2024 - The UN refugee agency, UNHCR is deeply alarmed by the ongoing situation in Mozambique, where post-election unrest has forced thousands to flee their homes, including to seek safety in neighbouring countries. The violence comes after the top court in Mozambique confirmed on 23 December that the ruling Frelimo party won the disputed presidential election held in October, sparking protests. The southern African country is also still recovering from the devastating effects of Cyclone Chido, which hit just weeks ago. The current situation is hampering vital humanitarian efforts for communities who lost everything in the storm, while challenging the response to assist them. Fleeing to Malawi and Eswatini UNHCR and the Government of Malawi have identified around 2,000 people who crossed the border during the past week, while another 1,000 entered Eswatini. Among the new arrivals are refugees and asylum seekers of various nationalities who have been living in Mozambique, and the agency is raising concerns over the escalating displacement and its impact on t affected populations. Chansa Kapaya, UNHCR's Regional Director for Southern Africa, said refugees and civilians are both facing immense risks, losing their livelihoods and relying on humanitarian assistance. "While we are grateful for the generosity of Malawi and Eswatini, immediate support is crucial to tackle the worsening crisis and prevent further suffering," she said. Overcrowded shelters, insufficient food People who fled to Malawi reported that they escaped attacks and looting in their villages. Many walked long distances and crossed the Shire River on foot or by small boats. Among them are pregnant women, elderly persons and children who have had little to eat. UNHCR has provided tents, blankets and hygiene kits to assist the most vulnerable, but noted that significant humanitarian assistance gaps remain. Shelters are overcrowded, sanitation facilities are inadequate, and access to food and clean water is insufficient, the agency said. Furthermore, over 1,000 people are sharing a single latrine at some sites, significantly increasing the risk of disease. Additional resources essential In Eswatini, many of the new arrivals report losing their shops and businesses due to the violence. The Malindza refugee reception centre, originally designed for 250 people, is now housing over 1,000. UNHCR is collaborating with local authorities and partners to provide assistance, but said additional resources are urgently needed to sustain the response and prepare for more newcomers. The agency warned that the situation in both Malawi and Eswatini is becoming critical, with the rising number of refugees and asylum-seekers straining already overstretched resources. While underlining its commitment to work with local authorities and partners, UNHCR urged the international community to provide support to host countries and affected populations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNRWA chief renews call for probe into attacks on humanitarians in Gaza 31 December 2024 - The head of the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, issued a fresh call on Tuesday for investigations into the "systematic disregard" for humanitarian workers and humanitarian premises in Gaza. Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini made the appeal in a statement posted on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. He noted that 15 months after the war began in Gaza, "horrors continue unabated under the world's watch". 258 UNRWA staff killed Citing latest information from his teams, Mr. Lazzarini said that 258 UNRWA staff have been killed during this time. Nearly 650 incidents against UNRWA buildings and facilities were recorded, and at least 745 people were killed in its shelters while seeking UN protection. More than 2,200 others were injured. Meanwhile, over two thirds of UNRWA buildings are now damaged or destroyed, the vast majority of which were used as schools before the war. "We continue to receive reports that Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups have used our facilities. On several occasions, we were also able to verify the occupation of our facilities by the Israeli Armed Forces," he said. Staff detained Mr. Lazzarini added that at least 20 UNRWA staff currently are in Israeli detention centres, and "those previously released have described systematic mistreatment, humiliation and torture." He also highlighted the situation in northern Gaza, noting that "there has been a significant increase in attacks on our staff, buildings and operations" since Israel stepped up its military operations there nearly three months ago. Not a target "I reiterate my call for independent investigations into the systematic disregard for the protection of humanitarian workers, premises and operations," he said. "This cannot become the new standard and impunity cannot become the new norm." He stressed that "the rules of war are clear", namely that humanitarians and civilian infrastructure - including hospitals and UN buildings - are not a target, hostage taking is prohibited, and that civilians must be assisted and protected at all times. Mr. Lazzarini concluded the statement by saying it is time to release all detained humanitarian staff and all hostages, facilitate humanitarian access to reach people in need wherever they are, and lift the siege on Gaza to bring in much needed humanitarian supplies, including for winter. Rainfall worsens plight of displaced families Meanwhile, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that heavy rainfall on Monday worsened the situation of displaced families along Gaza's shoreline, particularly in Khan Younis, with dozens of tents reportedly flooded or otherwise damaged. Partners working in water and sanitation highlight that in order to support the Coastal Municipalities Water Utilities, there is an urgent need for 27 desludging trucks. Only seven trucks are currently available across the Gaza Strip. OCHA said that Kamal Adwan Hospital in North Gaza is non-functioning while Al Awda Hospital is partially functioning. Furthermore, despite a limited provision of UN supplies this past Sunday, the Indonesian Hospital also remains non-functional, lacking water, electricity, hygiene supplies, and adequate medical staff, with essential equipment destroyed. Aid entry challenges OCHA said the process to bring in critical items to Gaza remains challenging due to insecurity, active fighting and breakdown in public order and safety. Of particular concern is the insufficient amount of fuel needed for essential services, with aid partners reporting that there is a stock of less than 25,000 litres, which is less than one day of requirements in Gaza. The UN agency is engaging with the Israeli authorities to prioritize entry of fuel through available routes and avoid losing it to organized looters. Bakeries and emergency flour distribution Humanitarian partners also report that the four bakeries in Gaza supported by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) continue to operate at full capacity. The bakeries received fuel earlier this week, which will allow them to continue operating for six days. Emergency flour distribution also continues in the south of Gaza. As of last Friday, more than 6,000 metric tonnes of flour have been distributed, reaching around 1.2 million people, covering 70 per cent of the population in the region. "Predictable distribution of basic commodities such as flour is essential for the survival of people and would push prices down," OCHA said. Violence in the West Bank Turning to the West Bank, OCHA noted that 2024 has seen the highest number of settler-related incidents, including East Jerusalem, since the office began keeping records almost two decades ago. Roughly 1,400 such incidents - including physical assaults, arson attacks, raids on Palestinian communities and the destruction of fruit trees - have resulted in Palestinian casualties, damage to property, or both, which is equivalent to nearly four incidents per day. "Of the 4,700 people internally displaced across the West Bank this past year, about 560, or 12 per cent, have cited settler violence and access restrictions as the main reasons that forced them out of their homes or communities," the agency said. This year has also marked the second highest number of Palestinian fatalities in the West Bank since OCHA's records began, following 2023, which was the highest. More than 480 Palestinians, including 91 children, have been killed across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, mainly by Israeli forces. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fifteen months on the war in Gaza horrors continue unabated under the world's watch UNRWA 31 Dec 2024 From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter) Fifteen months on the war in Gaza, horrors continue unabated under the world's watch. I received the latest from our teams Since the beginning of the war: 258 UNRWA staff members have been killed. Nearly 650 incidents against UNRWA buildings & facilities were recorded. At least 745 people were killed in our shelters while seeking United Nations protection & more than 2,200 were injured. Over two thirds of the UNRWA buildings are now damaged or destroyed. The vast majority were used as schools for children before the war. We continue to receive reports that Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups have used our facilities. On several occasions, we were also able to verify the occupation of our facilities by the Israeli Armed Forces. Currently, there are at least 20 UNRWA staff in Israeli detention centres. Those previously released have described systematic mistreatment, humiliation and torture. Meanwhile in northern Gaza, since the intensification of the military operation nearly three months ago, there has been a significant increase in attacks on our staff, buildings & operations. I reiterate my call for independent investigations into the systematic disregard for the protection of humanitarian workers, premises and operations. This cannot become the new standard and impunity cannot become the new norm. The rules of war are clear: Humanitarian workers & civilian infrastructure including hospitals & UN buildings are not a target. Hostage taking is prohibited. The civilian population must be assisted & protected at all times. It's time to: Release all detained humanitarian staff & all hostages. Facilitate humanitarian access to reach people in need wherever they are. Lift the siege on Gaza to bring in much needed humanitarian supplies including for winter. #CeasefireNow Background Information: UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on. UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US strikes Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen amid rising regional tensions By VOA News December 31, 2024 The U.S. military said its forces carried out multiple precision strikes in Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen amid escalating tensions in the region. A statement Tuesday from the U.S. Central Command said the strikes hit Yemen's capital, Sanaa, along with other Houthi-controlled coastal locations. The strikes were carried out by U.S. Navy ships on Monday and Tuesday and targeted a Houthi command and control facility along with sites that produced and stored weapons, including missiles and drones. The facilities targeted in the strikes were used in previous Houthi operations, "such as attacks against U.S. Navy warships and merchant vessels in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden," according to the U.S. statement. The U.S. Central Command said the strikes are "a part of CENTCOM's effort to degrade Iran-backed Houthi efforts to threaten regional partners and military and merchant vessels in the region." A Houthi spokesperson called the strikes "a blatant violation of the sovereignty of an independent state and a blatant support for Israel." The Houthis have conducted multiple missile attacks directed at Israel and have carried out more than a year of drone and missile attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis say their campaign is in solidarity with the Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The United States has designated Hamas and the Houthis as terror groups. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli attacks push Gaza health care system near collapse, UN rights office says By Lisa Schlein December 31, 2024 Repeated Israeli attacks on Gaza's hospitals and nearby operations have brought Gaza's health care system to its knees, according to a report issued Tuesday by the U.N. human rights office. The 19-page report finds, "Israel's pattern of deadly attacks" on and near hospitals "has led to the destruction of most hospitals in Gaza," leading to sustained combat in and around many hospitals and "pushing the health care system to the brink of total collapse." "The situation has deteriorated to a catastrophic level since October 2023, as this already damaged health system has been targeted, resulting in the killing of hundreds of health and medical professionals," authors of the report assert. The report covers the period from Oct. 7, 2023 when Hamas militants launched a terror attack on Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages to June 30, 2024. Hamas has been designated as a terror group by the United States, Britain and other Western countries. During this period, the report documents at least 136 strikes on at least 27 hospitals and 12 other medical facilities, claiming many casualties among medical staff and civilians and causing significant damage, "if not complete destruction of civilian infrastructure." "This report graphically details the destruction of the health care system in Gaza, and the extent of killing of patients, staff, and other civilians in these attacks in blatant disregard for international humanitarian and human rights law," Volker Turk, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement coinciding with the publication of the report. He said the report raises serious concerns about Israel's compliance with international law. It points out that medical personnel and hospitals are specifically protected under international humanitarian law, "provided they do not commit, or are not used to commit, outside their humanitarian function, acts harmful to the enemy." "As if the relentless bombing and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza were not enough, the one sanctuary where Palestinians should have felt safe in fact became a death trap," Turk said. "The protection of hospitals during warfare is paramount and must be respected by all sides, at all times." Israeli response Israel has vigorously refuted these charges. In an 11-page response, Israel's Permanent Mission in Geneva described this fourth "thematic report" by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights as one of many examples "of the inherent obsession of OHCHR with vilifying Israel." It accused the agency of dismissing "well-documented evidence of Hamas military activities in health facilities" and of its "unwillingness to recognize Hamas's systemic exploitation of Gazan medical facilities for terror purposes." The Permanent Mission called the methodology employed in OHCHR reports as "fundamentally flawed." It criticized the agency's reliance on "unreliable sources" and justified its attacks on hospitals on the grounds that these health care centers were being used by Palestinian armed groups. "There is ample evidence regarding Hamas terror activity in medical facilities," the Permanent Mission stated. "Hamas embeds its tunnel system and infrastructure within the premises of medical facilities as a matter of strategy and utilizes them as arms caches and accessible headquarters for its operatives." The OHCHR reports attacks on hospitals have occurred in each of the areas in which the Israeli military has conducted ground operations starting in November 2023 with an attack on Al-Shifa Medical Complex and other hospitals in Gaza City. The attacks continue to this day. The report notes that "The appalling destruction wrought by the Israeli military's attacks on the Kamal Adwan hospital last Friday leaving the population of North Gaza with almost no access to adequate health care reflects the pattern of attacks documented in the report." Reacting to the attack on the Kamal Adwan hospital, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, expressed alarm Monday at the ongoing attacks across the Gaza Strip and the airstrike on Kamal Adwan hospital, warning that "the very means of people's survival are being dismantled." According to the World Health Organization, 15 out of Gaza's 36 hospitals remain "partially functional," nine in the south and six in the north. "The health system is under severe threat," said Tedros Adhanan Gebgreyesus, WHO director-general, noting that "hospitals in Gaza have once again become battlegrounds." The OHCHR report finds the increasingly limited healthcare system is preventing many of those with trauma injuries from receiving timely and possibly life-saving treatment. It says attacks on hospitals in Gaza also are having serious implications for patients with "initially non-fatal conditions, potentially rendering them fatal." "Women, especially pregnant women, are suffering gravely. Many women are giving birth with no or minimal pre- and postnatal care, increasing the risk of preventable maternal and child mortality," it said. It added that people with chronic diseases, such as kidney failure, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, also have lost access to their treatment, "placing them at risk of worsening health outcomes and death." Authors of the report say, "Intentionally directing attacks against hospitals and places where the sick and wounded are treated, provided they are not military objectives ... and intentionally launching disproportionate attacks, are also war crimes." It added that "Under certain circumstances, the deliberate destruction of health care facilities may amount to a form of collective punishment, which would also constitute a war crime." Human rights chief Turk is calling for independent, thorough and transparent investigations of all of these incidents, "and full accountability for all violations of international humanitarian and human rights law which have taken place." In response to this appeal, Israel's Permanent Mission in Geneva stated, "The State of Israel reaffirms its commitment to international law, and remains committed to examining and investigating any exceptional incidents through its established mechanisms." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Somali security forces fend off Islamic State attack in Puntland By Harun Maruf December 31, 2024 Authorities in the Somali autonomous region of Puntland said eight foreign militants were killed following an attack by Islamic fighters on security forces early Tuesday. Residents said the attack started with a suicide bombing that targeted an area in Dharjale village in the far eastern highlands of Puntland, where security forces and officials were camped. In an audio statement posted on the Telegram channel of the region's security forces, spokesperson for Puntland security operations Brigadier General Mohamud Mohamed Ahmed confirmed the attack. "Puntland anti-terrorism forces in the Dharjale, Bari region were attacked by the bloodsucking Daesh terrorist group," he said. "The security forces have been following their movements, and they were ready. The bodies of eight foreigners and their weapons have been displayed." Ahmed said Puntland security forces sustained "limited casualties." Residents reported additional casualties among civilians in the village from the shrapnel of the explosion. Photos purported to be of dead militants show severed heads, and burned and mutilated flesh, indicating the use of a massive explosive device. Puntland this month announced that preparations for an offensive against extremist groups in the region have been completed. The region's leader, Said Abdullahi Deni, urged the public to support the operation, without disclosing when it may start. Witnesses and residents said that Puntland forces moved to the east of Puntland after the preparations concluded. Al-Shabab and Islamic State, or IS, have been operating in Puntland. The operation appears to be focusing on IS. Deni offered amnesty to militants who renounce violence and their membership in the terror groups. U.S. military officials and Somali security experts reported that IS in Somalia increased its membership numbers this year. IS numbers previously were reported to be between 100 and 400 fighters, but Somali security and intelligence experts estimate their current numbers to be 500 to 600 militants, a figure yet to be confirmed by local authorities. A majority of the newcomers are said to be from the Middle East and eastern and northern Africa. IS in Somalia was formed in October 2015 by a group of former al-Shabab fighters led by the cleric Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin, who reportedly pledged allegiance to the late IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Mumin appears to have survived a U.S. airstrike on May 31. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chadian opposition says elections should be canceled, calls for new transition By Moki Edwin Kindzeka December 31, 2024 An uneasy calm hangs over Chad, where the opposition is calling for an immediate end to the country's transitional government and the cancellation of the Dec. 29 general elections, which the opposition says were highly boycotted. Chad's elections management body has pledged to count the votes and declare the results, saying irregularities cannot influence the outcome. Assane Bairra, vice president of Chad's National Agency for the Management of Elections (ANGE), said vote counting is under way after the central African state's local, provincial and parliamentary elections on Sunday. The elections were scheduled to end Chad's three-year transition period following the death of longtime President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. The late president's son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, was declared the winner of the presidential election in May. Provisional results for the latest polls are expected by Jan. 15, ANGE said. Assane said ANGE has successfully executed its mission of ending the transitional period by organizing free, fair and transparent elections. The elections body said about 36% of Chad's estimated 8.3 million registered voters took part in Sunday's poll. But opposition parties maintain that turnout was much lower, saying civilians respected opposition calls for a massive boycott. Avocksouma Djona is spokesperson for Chad's Political Actors Consultation Group, or GCAP, a coalition of several dozen political parties. At a press conference on Monday in the capital, N'djamena, said more than 90% of about 8.3 million registered voters adhered to GCAP's boycott calls. They did so, he said, because civilians learned from Chad's May 6 presidential elections that Deby wants to extend his late father's long rule. Avocksouma said Chadians are angry because Deby is a dictator who silences all critical voices. In a statement Monday, Succes Masra, president of The Transformers, one of Chad's leading opposition political parties, called for a new transition. It should be marked by truth, dialogue and reconciliation to lay the foundations of a stable and inclusive political system, he said. Masra, who served as prime minister under transitional President Deby, said ongoing tensions in the central African state may degenerate into violence and social strife. Avocksouma said he is certain that despite the massive boycott, ANGE will still proclaim Deby's ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement as the winners of the Dec. 29 elections. Ahead of the vote, opposition parties accused Deby of rigging the elections, a charge Deby denies. Yamingue Betinbaye is a political analyst at the University of N'djamena. He spoke to VOA on Monday via a messaging group. The analyst told VOA that although the opposition has legitimate claims that the boycott was massive and there were irregularities including the stuffing of ballot boxes to rig elections for Deby, it is unlikely that the polls will be annulled as the opposition requests. The Chadian government said calls for the elections to be annulled and for a new transition are intended to cause chaos and sink Chad into violence. The government said civilians should not obey opposition calls to destabilize their country by going out onto the streets to protest. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zimbabwe president signs death penalty abolition into law By Columbus Mavhunga December 31, 2024 Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa who has not signed death warrants for those facing capital sentences since he came to power in 2017 signed the death penalty abolition bill into law Dec. 31, 2024, presidential spokesman George Charamba confirmed to VOA. "Yes, the president had a personal role he played in moving matters in that direction, and this [is] arising from his own historical experience [as] a prisoner who had been condemned but only survived on the basis of age. But we want to situate this decision as a decision of parliament," Charamba said. Mnangagwa survived a death sentence during the colonial era in the 1970s, as he was considered underage to face the gallows. Edwin Mushoriwa, an opposition member of parliament, introduced the death abolition bill. And parliament which is dominated by the ruling ZANU-PF accepted the idea. "We are happy [with the] milestone we have actually reached," Mushoriwa told VOA on Tuesday. "The reason I had to bring that bill actually [has] to do with the fact that out of the 62 inmates today on the death row, the majority of them come from poor backgrounds. Secondly, [the] death penalty by nature is not part of our culture as Africans, as Zimbabweans. It's a penalty that was brought during the colonial era. So, we just believe that [the] death penalty is not proper." Several human rights groups have been calling for Zimbabwe to abolish the death penalty. Parvais Jabbar, executive director of the London-based NGO called the Death Penalty Project, said Zimbabwe has joined two-thirds of the world that no longer uses capital punishment as a lawful sanction. "In fact, in the African Union alone, there have been a number of countries that have abolished a death penalty in recent years. So, there is clearly an African movement taking place in relation to this issue," Jabbar said. "I'm also encouraged by the government's statements about respect for human rights in abolishing the death penalty, and I hope it will be taken and seen as an opportunity for further reforms in the area of human rights," Jabbar added. "This should not be seen as the end but the beginning of wider reforms. I also hope this will provide a stimulus for other countries in the region to also consider abolition countries like Kenya, and others." But not everyone is happy with the bill. Vincent Mazilankatha, an artisan miner, said deaths have risen in his area of trade since the bill was first discussed. "If you just look at how people are killing each other, especially in the mining areas, that's when you see that [the] death penalty was supposed to remain in place. Because before, people were so afraid that if you kill, you're going to be hanged. So, I think it's not good at all," Mazilankatha said. "This act was supposed to be there and to remain in place as just [a] deterrent, because before talking about the abolition of [the] death penalty, people were not killing each other like what they are doing now," he added. "Imagine a person who has killed someone gets 20 years' imprisonment. And that person is 21 years [old]. When he comes out, [he's] 41 years [old]. Then life goes on. It's not fair at all." Amnesty International said Zimbabwe joins 24 countries across sub-Saharan Africa that have abolished the death penalty for all crimes, while two additional countries have abolished it for ordinary crimes only. Zimbabwe's last-known execution was in 2005, though courts continued to impose death sentences for cases of murder committed under aggravating circumstances. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 31 December 2024 - Day 1042 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 so far, 188 combat clashes have taken place. The hottest thing today is the situation in the Pokrovsky direction, also the Russian enemy is active in Lymansky, Kramatorsky and Kurakhivsky directions. For today, the Russian opponent has launched five rocket strikes on the territory of Ukraine (25 rockets), eight aviation strikes (incorporate, 14 CAB), used to impress 376 kamikadze drones. Made more than 2,500 shelling of the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Kharkiv direction, Russian forces once unsuccessfully attacked the vicinity of vovchans ka. In the kupans komu direction Russian forces during the day seven times tried to advance to Ukrainian positions near lozova, new kruglyakivka and zagrizovoye. All attacks of the Russian enemy have been stopped by the Defense Forces. In the Lyman direction, Russian forces attacked 18 times in the areas of Hope, Persotravnevogo, Green Grove, Novoegorivka, Yampolivka, Terniv, Dibrova and in the direction of Druzelubivka, Chernest region, Novosergiivka. Ukrainian warriors repelled the invaders' attacks. In the Sivers komu direction, the Russian occupiers eight times tried to advance in the area of bilogorivka and grigorivka, received a cut off. One battle is still going on. In the Kramators komu direction, the activity of the Russian enemy since the beginning of the day consisted of 31 combat. Assault actions took place near the settlements of Chasiv Yar, Stupochka, Bila Gora and Predtecina. Four fights are not over yet. In the Torec komu direction, Ukrainian troops repelled 12 Russian attacks near Torec ko and scherbinivka. One battle is brewing. Since the beginning of the day, the Russian enemy has tried 56 times to infiltrate Ukrainian defense in the Pokrovsky direction in the areas of the settlements Zelene Pole, Baranivka, Novotoretske, Romin, Lisivka, Mirnograd, Kotline, Solone, Shevchenko, Novooleksandrivka, Dachenskie, Zelene, Noviy Trud, Vovkove, Picnna and Novovasilivka. Six clashes are still ongoing. The Russian enemy suffers significant losses - according to preliminary information, today Ukrainian soldiers damaged 208 Russian invaders in this direction, 94 of them - irrevocably. Destroyed four units of automotive equipment, two antennas control of BPLA, in addition, damaged one combat armored car and one mortar. In the kurakhivs komu direction, Russian forces 20 times attacked Ukrainian positions. The greatest activity was shown in the areas of settlements Petropavlivka, Dachne, Ukrainka, Shevchenko and Kurakhove, where Ukrainian defenders repelled 18 attacks, two clashes are ongoing. In the time direction, Ukrainian troops repelled 11 Russian attacks near konstantinopol skogo, Dachnya, Rozlivu, Velika Novosilka and Neskucnogo. Russian forces dropped the CAB on the Green Field. In the orihivs komu direction, the Russian opponent three times tried to advance towards novoandrijvka, got a cut. In the Pridniprovsky direction, the Russian enemy does not abandon trying to knock out Ukrainian units from occupied positions, where during the day three unsuccessful assaults of the positions of Ukrainian soldiers. In the Kursk region Ukrainian defenders repelled 12 offensive actions of the zagarbnikiv. Russian aviation struck three strikes by applying three controlled aviation bombs on the territory of Russia. The Russian enemy also carried out 298 shells. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that that morning, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out a group strike by high-precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles against the infrastructure of a military airfield and the Ukrainian defence industry enterprises which manufacture gunpowder for the needs of the AFU. The goal of the strike has been achieved. All the targets have been engaged. In Kharkov direction, units of the Sever Group of Forces defeated units of two territorial defence brigades close to Volchansk and Liptsy (Kharkov region). The AFU losses were up to 35 troops, one motor vehicle, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer. The Zapad Group of Forces' units improved the situation along the front line,inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one tank brigade, one mechanised brigade, three territorial defence brigades, and one national guard brigade close to Dvurechnaya, Zapadnoye, Kovsharovka (Kharkov region), Ivanovka, Torskoye, and Terny (Donetsk People's Republic). One counter-attack launched by an AFU assault detachment was repelled. The AFU losses were more than 440 troops, three U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, six pickup trucks, one UK-made 155-mm towed FH-70 howitzer, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 gun, and two ammunition depots. Units of the Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and inflicted losses on formations of three mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, and one airmobile brigade of the AFU near Dalneye, Chasov Yar, Kurakhovo, and Yantarnoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses were more than 290 troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, including one U.S.-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, one UK-made Saxon armoured personnel carrier, one Kozak armoured fighting vehicle, two pickup trucks, and one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 MLRS gun. The Tsentr Group of Forces' units continued advancing into the depths of enemy defences and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one mountain assault brigade as well as one marine brigade and one assault brigade of the National Police of Ukraine near Dzerzhinsk, Shcherbinovka, Shevchenko, Dachenskoye and Peschanoye (Donetsk People's Republic). In addition, 12 counter-attacks launched by AFU formations were repelled. The AFU losses were up to 505 troops, one German-made Leopard tank, one infantry fighting vehicle, two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, five motor vehicles,including three Turkish-made Kirpi, one UK-made Snatch, and one Kozak combat vehicles, five motor vehicles, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers. Units of the Vostok Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and defeated formations of one mechanised brigade, two territorial defence brigades close to Bogatyr, Razliv, and Ravnopol (Donetsk People's Republic). Two counter-attacks launched by enemy assault detachments were repelled. The AFU losses were more than 160 troops, one tank, three motor vehicles, one 155-mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery system, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system. One electronic warfare station was eliminated. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces engaged manpower and hardware of two territorial defence brigades close to Antonovka and Ponyatovka (Kherson region). The AFU losses were up to 65 troops, six motor vehicles, and two field ammunition depots. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces engaged a military enterprise that manufactured ammunition, storage depots for strike drones as well as clusters of AFU manpower and military hardware in 138 areas during the day. Air defence facilities shot down two Hammer guided aerial bombs, seven U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 103 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, 68 of them out of the special military operation area. The Black Sea Fleet destroyed eight uncrewed surface vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 650 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 38,981 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 20,120 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,504 MLRS combat vehicles, 20,104 field artillery guns and mortars, and 29,667 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. In the course of offensive operations, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of one heavy mechanised brigade, six mechanised brigades, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, two territorial defence brigades, and one assault battalion of the AFU near Daryino, Kurilovka, Leonidovo, Loknya, Maryevka, Makhnovka, Nizhny Klin, Novaya Sorochina, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. One counter-attack launched by an AFU assault detachment was repelled. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on AFU manpower and hardware near Aleksandriya, Viktorovka, Guyevo, Kazachaya Loknya, Kruglenkoye, Lebedevka, Nikolsky, Rubanshchina, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo as well as Belovody, and Zhuravka in Sumy region. Over the course of the day, the AFU losses were more than 445 troops, one armoured personnel carrier, 13 armoured fighting vehicles, and 22 motor vehicles. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 45,980 troops, 262 tanks, 204 infantry fighting vehicles, 143 armoured personnel carriers, 1,372 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,259 motor vehicles, 337 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, seven 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 China has made greatest contribution to COVID-19 origins tracing research, opposing political manipulation: FM responds to WHO's call for data sharing Global Times By Global Times Published: Dec 31, 2024 04:32 PM On the origins tracing of COVID-19, China has always adhered to the spirit of scientific openness and transparency, and has actively supported and participated in global scientific tracing, while it firmly opposes any form of political manipulation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, in response to media inquiry regarding remarks from World Health Organization (WHO), which has called on China to share data and access so to understand the origins of COVID-19. In a WHO statement released on Monday, it called on China to share data and access "so we can understand the origins of COVID-19." The WHO statement also said "this is a moral and scientific imperative." Mao Ning said at a Tuesday regular press briefing that after the COVID-19 outbreak, China promptly shared information about the epidemic and the virus's genetic sequence with the WHO and the international community. It also shared its experience in prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment without reservation, making a significant contribution to the global fight against the pandemic, Mao said on Tuesday. Mao said that China is the only country that has so far invited the WHO international expert group to its country multiple times to conduct cooperation on COVID-19 origins tracing, and the only country that has organized experts to share the progress on tracing with WHO multiple times. Regarding COVID-19 origins tracing, China has shared the most data and research results and made the greatest contribution to the global COVID-19 origins tracing research, Mao added. According to the spokesperson, international experts from WHO have stated for many times that during their visits in China, they visited all desired locations, met all intended individuals, and reviewed all relevant materials, and that the openness and transparency of the Chinese side exceeded their expectations. At present, there are more and more clues in the international scientific community pointing to the origins of COVID-19 on a global scale, and the tracing work should adopt a global approach across multiple countries and regions, Mao stated. China is willing to collaborate globally to advance scientific tracing research and contribute actively to preventing future infectious diseases, she noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US imposes sanctions on IRGC entity over alleged election interference Iran Press TV Tuesday, 31 December 2024 7:22 PM The United States has announced sanctions on an entity it says is affiliated with the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) over its alleged interference in the 2024 US presidential elections. The designation was announced by the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Tuesday and targeted the IRGC subsidiary, which it identified as the Cognitive Design Production Center (CDPC). A statement on the Treasury's website claimed the CDPC had planned influence operations since at least 2023 to incite tensions among the US electorate on behalf of the IRGC. Iran has repeatedly rejected accusations it has interfered in elections in other countries, including in the US. Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations issued a statement in late August to reject such allegations. "Such allegations are unsubstantiated and devoid of any standing," said the Mission after the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and several other American intelligence agencies claimed that Iran had been involved in the hacking of the campaigns of Trump and his Democratic rival Kamala Harris. "As we have previously announced, the Islamic Republic of Iran harbors neither the intention nor the motive to interfere with the US presidential election," said the statement. Iranian authorities say that Washington's policy of imposing numerous sanctions on the country is solely aimed at forcing the country into accepting political and military concessions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Announces Sanctions Against Russian, Iranian Entities Accused Of Election Interference By RFE/RL December 31, 2024 The United States on December 31 imposed sanctions on entities in Iran and Russia that it accused of attempting to "stoke socio-political tensions" through disinformation campaigns during the 2024 U.S. elections. The U.S. Treasury Department said its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on a subsidiary of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and an organization affiliated with the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU). "As affiliates of the IRGC and GRU, these actors aimed to stoke socio-political tensions and influence the U.S. electorate during the 2024 U.S. election," the Treasury Department said in a news release. The governments of Iran and Russia have targeted the U.S. election processes and institutions and have sought to divide Americans through targeted disinformation campaigns, said acting Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "The United States will remain vigilant against adversaries who would undermine our democracy," Smith said in the news release. The Russian Embassy in Washington denied the accusations. "Russia has not and does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, including the United States," an embassy spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters. "As President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stressed, we respect the will of the American people. All insinuations about 'Russian machinations' are malicious slander, invented for use in the internal political struggles in the United States," the spokesperson added. Former President Donald Trump of the Republican party defeated Democratic party candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump is to be inaugurated on January 20. The Treasury Department's announcement named Cognitive Design Production Center, a subsidiary of the IRGC, for allegedly planning influence operations since at least 2023. It also singled out Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise (CGE) as the newly sanctioned Russian entity, saying it circulated disinformation about candidates and directed and subsidized the creation of deep fakes. CGE also manipulated a video to produce "baseless accusations concerning a 2024 vice presidential candidate," the department said. It did not specify which candidate was targeted. The center used generative AI tools to create disinformation distributed across a network of websites that were designed to look like legitimate news outlets, the department said. It accused the GRU of funding the CGE and a network of U.S.-based facilitators in order to build and maintain its AI-support server and maintain the network of websites. CGE director Valery Korovin was also designated for sanctions in the announcement on December 31. The latest action builds on sanctions previously imposed on the IRGC, GRU, and other proxy groups. The sanctions freeze any assets the entities hold in U.S. jurisdiction and generally bar Americans from dealing with them. Earlier this year, the U.S. government said that Iranian authorities sought to stoke discord and undermine confidence in U.S. democratic institutions using "social engineering and other efforts to gain access to individuals with direct access to the presidential campaigns of both parties." The Treasury Department announced a round of sanctions against an Iranian national and employees of an Iranian cybersecurity company following that disclosure. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-russia-sanctions- election-interference/33259422.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 Sanctions in Response to Attempted Iranian and Russian Interference in U.S. General Election US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson December 31, 2024 The United States is imposing sanctions today on the Cognitive Design Production Center (CPDC), a subordinate organization of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise and its director, Valery Mikhaylovich Korovin, affiliates of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU). These actors sought to stoke sociopolitical tensions and undermine our election institutions during the 2024 U.S. general election. Today's sanctions build on numerous previous U.S. government actions that have disrupted Iran's attempts to undermine confidence in our democratic institutions and Russia's global malign influence campaigns and illicit cyber activities. The United States continues to closely monitor efforts by malicious actors to influence or interfere in the integrity of our elections. We remain committed to promoting accountability for state-sponsored actors who attempt to undermine public trust in our democratic institutions. The Department of the Treasury sanctions actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13848, the U.S. election interference authority, as well as other authorities. For more information on today's actions, please see Treasury's press release. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US repatriates Tunisian detainee from Guantanamo Bay By VOA News December 31, 2024 The United States announced late Monday the repatriation of a Tunisian man who had been held at the U.S. military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba since 2002. Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi was one of the first to be held at the facility, which at one point housed hundreds of detainees following the September 11, 2001, al-Qaida terror attacks on the United States. Yazidi was captured by Pakistani authorities in late 2001. He was among a group of about 30 fighters who had crossed the border from Afghanistan's Tora Bora region, according to Pentagon files. The Pentagon assessment said most of the group was identified as al-Qaida operatives or bodyguards of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. Yazidi was never charged with a crime and cleared for transfer from Guantanamo in 2009, but there was no agreement in place for him to be sent to Tunisia or another country. The Pentagon said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told Congress in January 2024 that officials had "completed the requirements for responsible transfer" in consultation with Tunisia. The repatriation leaves 26 detainees at Guantanamo, of whom 14 have been cleared for transfer. Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press and Reuters NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran to unveil 'Pars-2' satellite on anniversary of Islamic Revolution IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 31, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Head of the Iranian Space Agency, Hassan Salariyeh, has announced that the "Pars 2" satellite, which has a two-meter imaging accuracy, is set to be unveiled during the ten-day Fajr festivities, commemorating the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution's victory. During a ceremony at the University of Tehran on Tuesday, Salariyeh emphasized that Iran's space industry is distinct from those of other countries due to a lack of international cooperation stemming from sanctions. Emphasizing Iran's self-sufficiency in the space industry, he pointed out that high-tech industries worldwide are often not transferred, and when they are, the costs are significant, but Iran did not have the opportunity to acquire these technologies. In the late 2000s, many of Iran's top universities, including Sharif University of Technology, Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Malek Ashtar University of Technology, and K.N. Toosi University of Technology, ventured into the space sector by training human resources and initiating satellite projects. Salariyeh mentioned that the Sharif University of Technology previously manufactured satellites with an imaging accuracy of several tens of meters, noting that the country has advanced to manufacturing satellites with an impressive accuracy of 2 to 3 meters after 20 years. He also pointed out that the "Kowsar" satellite, launched into orbit in November using a foreign rocket, achieved an imaging accuracy of 4 meters. The Head of the Iranian Space Agency highlighted that the "Pars 2" satellite, which boasts a 2-meter imaging accuracy, is set to be unveiled during the ten-day Fajr, marking the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution. Referring to the development of telecommunication satellites as part of the Iranian Space Agency's initiatives, he mentioned that the "Mahda" satellite includes Internet of Things (IoT) platforms. He also noted that the "Nahid 1" and "Nahid 2" satellites, whose flight prototypes were revealed last year, are scheduled for launch soon and will operate with Q-bandwidth capabilities. Salariyeh emphasized that the "Nahid 3" satellite is currently under construction and has the potential to form a satellite constellation. 3266**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi Jinping Sends Message of Condolence to U.S. President Joe Biden over the Passing of Jimmy Carter Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: December 30, 2024 23:55 On December 30, 2024, President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to U.S. President 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 Jinping extended deep condolences over the passing of former President Carter and expressed sincere sympathy to his family. Xi Jinping said that former President Jimmy Carter was a promoter and decision-maker in the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic relations and had long made important contributions to advancing the development of China-U.S. relations as well as the friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. Xi expressed deep regret for the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. Noting that the China-U.S. relationship is one of the most important bilateral relations in the world, Xi said that the Chinese side is ready to work with the U.S. side to focus on the fundamental interests of the two peoples and meet the common expectations of the international community to advance China-U.S. relations along the right track of sound, stable and sustainable development. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Global South making a significant stride onto historical stage a distinctive sign of the great changes in the world: FM Global Times By Global Times Published: Dec 31, 2024 05:02 PM The Global South countries, working hand in hand, have brought new dynamics and new outlook for improving global governance, A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, in response to question on the rise of the Global South and its impact to the world. Summarizing the 2024, some believed that the year is the "Year of the Global South," with the first BRICS summit held in Russia after the bloc's expansion, and highlighted by Peru and Brazil hosting pivotal international gatherings, including the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and G20 Summit. At a regular press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told media that as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out, the "Global South" has made a significant stride onto the global stage, which is a distinctive sign of the great changes in the world. According to the spokesperson, in 2024, the greater BRICS cooperation has made a good start, a new model of "SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Plus" has emerged, the African Union marked its debut at the G20 summit, as Global South countries collaboratively brought new dynamics and new outlook for improving global governance. Mao stated that China remains a key member of the Global South, consistently dedicated to promoting its unity and rejuvenation. The spokesperson noted that President Xi Jinping has called for more open and inclusive Global South cooperation, and announced eight measures in support of Global South cooperation, articulating the vision for countries in the Global South to work together as 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. China will continue to uphold true multilateralism and steadfastly defend the shared interests of developing nations, and gather the united and self-reliant forces of the Global South in order to make contributions to the advancement of humankind from the Global South. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi, Putin exchange New Year greetings People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:06, December 31, 2024 BEIJING, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday exchanged New Year greetings with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi extended sincere congratulations and best wishes to Putin and the Russian people. Xi said that 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of China-Russia diplomatic relations, a new significant milestone in the bilateral relationship. In the extraordinary journey over the past 75 years, China-Russia relations have grown more mature and stable, he said. In face of the accelerated transformation unseen in a century and a volatile international landscape, China and Russia always move forward hand in hand along the right path of non-alliance, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party, Xi said. Over the past year, the two heads of state held three meetings in Beijing, Astana, and Kazan, and maintained communication through phone calls, exchanges of letters, and other means, Xi said, adding that they had candid exchanges of views and reached broad consensus on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of common concern. The political mutual trust and strategic coordination between the two sides have been advancing toward higher levels under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, he added. Practical cooperation in various fields has yielded tangible outcomes, such as the completion of the China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline, and the successful launch of the China-Russia Years of Culture has fostered a closer bond connecting the two peoples through generations, Xi said. China and Russia also support each other as chairs of the BRICS mechanism and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), contributing significantly to solidarity and cooperation among the Global South, he added. Noting that 2025 marks the conclusion of China's 14th Five-Year Plan period and the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, Xi said that no matter how the international landscape evolves, China remains committed to deepening comprehensive reforms, advancing Chinese modernization, and promoting global peace and development. Xi also expressed confidence that China-Russia cooperation in various fields would continue to create new opportunities for growth. The Chinese president voiced readiness to maintain close exchanges with Putin and keep China-Russia cooperation on the right course so as to continue consolidating and deepening China-Russia ties featuring permanent good-neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation, injecting strong momentum into the development and modernization of the two countries, and contributing to the well-being of the two peoples and safeguarding international fairness and justice. For his part, Putin extended heartfelt New Year and Spring Festival greetings to Xi, wishing the Chinese people happiness and good health. He noted that in 2024, the two countries jointly celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 75th anniversary of their bilateral ties. Recalling his three successful meetings with Xi in 2024, Putin said that they have advanced the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era to new heights. The mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in such areas as economy, trade, energy, transportation, science, and technology is progressing in an orderly manner, and the successful launch of the Russia-China Years of Culture has created more opportunities to expand people-to-people exchanges, he said. Looking ahead to 2025, Putin said that he stands ready to maintain close communication with Xi to jointly promote the development of bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields, and further strengthen coordination and cooperation on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, BRICS, the SCO and the G20. Such efforts, he noted, will not only fully serve the interests of the two peoples but also contribute to international and regional security and stability. On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin also exchanged New Year greetings. Li said that under the strategic guidance of Xi and Putin, the two sides have leveraged the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties to promote the sustained, healthy, and stable development of bilateral relations. China stands ready to work with Russia to take the important consensus reached by the two heads of state as a foundation for advancing China-Russia relations and cooperation in various fields to new heights, Li noted. Russia is willing to maintain constructive exchanges based on a high degree of mutual trust with China, Mishustin said, expressing his belief that the consensus reached by the two sides would help elevate bilateral cooperation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi calls for forging ahead to build strong China People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:56, December 31, 2024 BEIJING, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday stressed efforts to maintain strategic resolve and stay united in forging ahead against all odds to build a strong country. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a gathering held by China's top political advisory body to usher in the new year. "On the journey of Chinese modernization, we will not only encounter clear skies and gentle breezes, but also face high winds, choppy waters, and even dangerous storms," said Xi. "We must maintain strategic resolve and pool the great strength of all Chinese people striving in unity to cut through the waves and forge ahead with courage." In 2024, faced with challenges arising from both domestic and international situations, China responded calmly with a full range of steps, meeting the major economic and social development targets for the year, Xi noted. The development journey in 2024 has been extraordinary with encouraging achievements, which has further strengthened the country's determination and confidence in advancing Chinese modernization, Xi said. In 2025, which marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), efforts will be made to implement more proactive macro policies to promote sustained economic recovery and improvement, continuously enhance people's living standards, and maintain social harmony and stability, Xi said. Xi stressed high-quality fulfillment of the goals and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan to lay a solid foundation for a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan. Xi also lauded the contributions of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) to the Party and the country over the past year, and called on it to fully leverage its role as a specialized consultative body in actively offering suggestions and proposals, and garnering broader public support and common understandings. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, presided over the gathering. Other Party and state leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attended the event. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on December 31, 2024 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: December 31, 2024 18:25 Xinhua News Agency: The year 2024 marks a milestone in China-Africa relations. The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was successfully held, after which bilateral relations between China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China were elevated to the level of strategic relations and the overall characterization of China-Africa relations was elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. Could you tell us what are the highlights of China-Africa cooperation over the past year and your outlook for China-Africa relations in the year to come? Mao Ning: In 2024, China-Africa relations have continued to produce fruitful results despite an international landscape featuring transformation and instability. We've witnessed the grand friendly gathering of the big China-Africa family. Nearly 6,000 guests from both at home and abroad, including leaders of all the 53 African countries having diplomatic ties with China, Chairperson of the African Union Commission and UN Secretary-General, came to Beijing to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). We've witnessed the remarkable elevation of China-Africa friendly relations, as bilateral relations between China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China were elevated to the level of strategic relations and the overall characterization of China-Africa relations was elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. We've witnessed the impressive progress in China-Africa friendly cooperation. The FOCAC Beijing Summit affirmed that the two sides should jointly advance modernization characterized by six features and announced 10 partnership actions for China and Africa to advance modernization. A good number of signature programs and "small and beautiful" projects have come to fruition in Africa. We've witnessed the solidarity of the Global South and the collective rise of the Global South with China and African countries as its key members. The adoption of the Beijing Declaration at the FOCAC Beijing Summit made a voice of justice that opposes hegemonism, bloc confrontation and decoupling and severing of supply chains. Looking ahead into the year 2025, we stand ready to deliver on the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and the important common understandings of the Chinese and African leaders, work together with African countries to form stronger synergy between our policies and development strategies, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, have closer cultural and people-to-people exchanges and continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and of major concerns, continue to add new dimensions to the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, jointly uphold the shared interest of the Global South and international justice and fairness and make new contributions to promoting world peace and development. AFP: Yesterday, the World Health Organization (WHO) called on China to share COVID-19 data and provide access to help understand the origins of the virus. They called it a moral and scientific imperative. Does the Foreign Ministry have any response to this call from WHO? Mao Ning: Since the outbreak of COVID-19 five years ago, China has shared information on the outbreak and genome sequence of the virus with WHO and the international community at the earliest time possible, and has shared with others our control and clinical experience without reservation, making great contribution to the global effort of fighting against COVID-19. On the origins-tracing of COVID-19, China follows the spirit of science, openness, and transparency, actively supports and participates in global science-based origins-tracing, and firmly opposes any form of political manipulation. China is the only country that has invited more than once WHO expert groups to come into the country to conduct joint origins study. China is also the only country that has organized multiple events for its experts to share progress on origins-tracing with WHO. On the origins-tracing of COVID-19, China has shared more data and research findings and contributed more to worldwide COVID-19 origins study than any other country. WHO experts said on multiple occasions that the Chinese side granted full access to all sites, personnel and material they requested when conducting study in China, and that the level of openness and transparency in China is what they hadn't expected. The international science community is now providing increasing clues that point possible COVID origins to various parts of the world, and a global perspective is needed to carry out origins-tracing work in multiple countries and regions. China stands ready to work with all parties to continue advancing global science-based origins-tracing study and make active contribution to better guard against infectious diseases in the future. CCTV: This year, BRICS held the first summit after its expansion, and Peru, Brazil and other countries successively hosted the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, the G20 Summit and other important international multilateral meetings. There has been comment that 2024 is a year of the Global South. How do you see the rising momentum of the Global South and its impact on the world? Mao Ning: As Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out, the collective rise of the Global South in the current chapter of history is a distinctive feature of the great transformation across the world. In the past year, greater BRICS cooperation made a good start, the new model of "SCO plus" came into shape, and the African Union took part in the G20 Summit for the first time. Global South countries have joined hands to take part in multilateral cooperation more actively and extensively, bringing new impetus for the transformation of economic globalization, and adding new dynamism to global governance. China will always be an important member of the Global South and always be committed to unity and invigoration of the Global South. President Xi Jinping called for more open and inclusive Global South cooperation, and announced eight measures in support of Global South cooperation. He articulated the vision for countries in the Global South to work together as 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. China will continue to practice true multilateralism, firmly safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and bring the Global South together in solidarity for greater strength, so as to leave the mark of the Global South on the progress of humanity. Reuters: Syria has appointed several foreign fighters to its military, including to senior positions. Among them is the leader of the Turkistan Islamic Party. Would the Foreign Ministry have any comment on this development? Mao Ning: The Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) was designated by China in accordance with the law and listed by the UN Security Council as a terrorist organization. The international community needs to see clearly its violent terrorist nature and firmly combat the ETIM. AFP: The US Treasury Department said yesterday that it was subject to a cyberattack by a China state-sponsored actor earlier this month. It said that the hackers had gained access to employee workstations and some documents. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on these allegations by the US Treasury Department? Mao Ning: On this kind of unwarranted and groundless allegations, we've made clear our position more than once. China opposes all forms of hacking, and in particular, we oppose spreading China-related disinformation motivated by political agenda. *************************************************** For the New Year's Day holiday, there will be no regular press conference on January 1 (Wednesday). The press conference will resume on January 2 (Thursday). During the holiday, questions can be sent to the Spokesperson's Office via fax, email or WeChat. This is the last regular press conference of the Foreign Ministry in 2024. Over the past year, we upheld fundamental principles while breaking new ground in diplomacy and achieved fruitful outcomes. A remarkable new chapter has been written in head-of-state diplomacy, new progress has been made in pursuing all-round diplomacy, new breakthroughs have been made in building a community with a shared future for mankind, and new outcomes have been achieved in serving the people through diplomacy. China's policies, especially major concepts and initiatives put forth by President Xi Jinping, are supported and well-received by the international community. The Chinese path to modernization is gaining greater international significance. Let me extend our thanks to you all for your attention to, support for and active coverage of China's diplomacy in the past year. I wish you a very happy New Year! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Uyghur group welcomes key laws passed in US defense bill The Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act was extended by 5 years. By Alex Willemyns 2024.12.31 -- Uyghur-American activists have welcomed the 2025 U.S. defense spending bill's inclusion of key laws aimed at the repression of Uyghurs in China, including one that requires the federal government to monitor rights abuses in Xinjiang and sanction implicated Chinese officials. The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act was passed by the U.S. Congress on Dec. 18 and signed by President Joe Biden on Dec. 22. It authorizes $895 billion in defense spending for 2025 and contains a plethora of other bills, with the final document standing at 1,813 pages. Among those were the bipartisan Uyghur Human Rights Policy Reauthorization Act of 2024, which was co-sponsored by Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, and Sen. Jeff Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon, and renews the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act. The legislation was passed in 2020 during the first administration of President Donald Trump and was on track to "sunset" in 2025 if not renewed, but will now expire in 2030. It authorizes sanctions against Chinese officials responsible for what the U.S. government calls a "genocide" against the Uyghurs in China's Xinjiang region. Omer Kanat, the executive director of the Uyghur Human Rights Project, called the inclusion of the bill "a gift of hope for Uyghurs." "Congressional leaders stand with the Uyghur people to dial up the pressure to end the atrocities in our homeland," he said in a statement. "We thank the Republicans and Democrats who came together in the House and the Senate ... to ensure that sanctions continue." Also included in the 2025 defense package is a bill restricting the U.S. military from using 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." Under the 2021 Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, it is already illegal to import such products into the United States, but the new provision prevents the Department of Defense from sourcing such items for use by the U.S. military anywhere else in the world. The legislation also requires the Pentagon to compile a report about whether it is procuring seafood caught using slave labor in China, and detailing the measures in place to prevent that. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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 Mysterious 'Stealth Jets' and Massive Assault Ships: China Shows Off Its New Weapons Sputnik News 20241231 Beijing has reminded the world this month that its armed forces are not just some of the most numerically superior in the world but also have cutting-edge military tech at their disposal. Sixth-Generation Jets? Images of two different mysterious aircraft flying in Chinese skies have emerged on social media this month, raising speculations that these might have been China's new sixth-generation combat aircraft. One of these planes, dubbed J-36 by the public, is a tailless flying wing aircraft that has an estimated length of around 22 meters and a wingspan of around 20 meters and appears to be powered by three engines. The other is also a tailless plane that, unlike the first, features a design similar to a lambda-wing and is powered by two engines. These, however, are merely observations based on videos of these aircraft in flight and virtually nothing is known about their actual capabilities. KJ-3000 In December, China's new KJ-3000 early warning aircraft performed its first flight. KJ-3000 has a payload of 66 tons, which is 16 more than its predecessor, the KJ-2000, and has equipment capable of detecting both conventional and stealth aircraft. Its onboard communications and control equipment allow the KJ-3000 to operate as an airborne command center and coordinate operations of Chinese ground forces, air force and navy. Sichuan CNS Sichuan is China's first Type 076 next-generation amphibious assault ship and the largest vessel of this class in the country. It was launched in Shanghai last week. With a displacement of 40,000 metric tons, Sichuan is capable of ferrying troops, helicopters, amphibious landing craft and even fixed-wing aircraft wherever Beijing desires. The ship is expected to be fitted with an electromagnetic catapult that would allow it to launch aircraft, China Daily notes, also quoting an unnamed Chinese shipbuilding researcher as saying that "it is highly likely that the ship will carry large combat drones and act like a 'lightweight aircraft carrier'." China's Military Buildup Necessary to 'Confront US Aggression' The speed at which this vessel was constructed, going "from a proposal in 2020 to afloat at the end of 2024," highlights the "tremendously faster construction rates of Chinese warships versus their American counterparts," notes veteran geopolitical analyst and former Marine Brian Berletic. "America class amphibious assault ships began construction in 2008 with the first of its class commissioned in 2014 and as of late 2024 only 2 have been completed," Berletic tells Sputnik. "While the Type 076 is entirely new, the Type 075 amphibious assault ship class began construction in 2018 with three already completed." The fact that Type 76 is likely going to operate drones "represents another step in the direction of larger quantities of expendable systems reflecting the reality of modern warfare against peer adversaries," he adds. Unlike the United States which "prioritizes the projection of military power around the globe," China's military "has been shaped by the prioritization of China's territorial defense," Berletic notes. "The building of a powerful missile, naval, and air forces by China is required to both deter US encroachment and confront US aggression. China's ability to outbuild the US in terms of aircraft, ships, and missiles ensures any conflict that erupts will end in China's favor with the hope that US policymakers will realize this even before fighting begins," he argues. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea says giant tourist beach resort to open in June 2025 The resort, expected to attract Russians, is seen as a big step to developing tourism. By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.12.30 TAIPEI, Taiwan -- North Korea's long-stalled Kalma beach resort will finally open in June 2025, said its state media, citing leader Kim Jong Un as saying the project is the "first big step" in advancing the country's tourism. Launched in 2014, the project was scheduled to open by April 2019. However, it encountered numerous setbacks, including design modifications, material shortages caused by international sanctions, and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. The development on North Korea's east coast is "the first big step" in advancing its tourist industry, said Kim, as cited by the Korea Central News Agency, or KCNA, ordering "proactively exploiting the tourist resources in other regions." Kim said development of the tourism industry "will open up a new realm of socialist cultural construction and bring about another motive force for promoting regional rejuvenation and national economic growth." The tourist area will be open for visitors from June, according to KCNA. KCNA released photos of Kim's latest inspection with his daughter, believed to be named Ju Ae, accompanying him on the trip. This was her first public appearance since October, when she attended an intercontinental ballistic missile test. Images showed Ju Ae, as tall as his father, walking down a beach with her arm linked with Kim's and touring hotel facilities. Photos also show Ju Ae listening to officials' briefing with her father. South Korea's spy agency said in July that Kim was preparing Ju Ae to succeed him, though the selection was not final. Media reports suggest that the tourist resort is aimed at Russian visitors. North Korea was closed to foreign tourists for just over four years after it sealed its borders in January 2020 to try to keep COVID-19 at bay, until recently when it partially opened its border, mainly for Russian tourists. In November, Moscow and Pyongyang reached a new agreement for expanding economic cooperation, including more holidays for each other's citizens. Russia's Tass news agency reported at the time the agreement was to increase charter flights between the neighbors to promote tourism. Russia and North Korea have moved noticeably closer over the past year or more amid widespread suspicion that North Korea has supplied conventional weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine in return for military and economic assistance. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Up to 12,000 North Korean soldiers are in Russia to support its war efforts against Ukraine in the Kursk region, Ukraine and the U.S. say. Ukraine has reported more than 3,000 casualties among them while South Korea estimates at least 1,100 North Koreans have been killed or wounded. Neither Russia nor North Korea have acknowledged that North Korean soldiers are even involved in the fighting in Kursk, let alone made any comment about casualties. Edited by RFA Staff. Copyright 1998-2016, 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 Manama continues coordination with Tehran aimed at restoration of ties: Bahrain foreign ministry Iran Press TV Tuesday, 31 December 2024 11:17 AM The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announcement that it is continuing coordination with its Iranian counterpart aimed at reconciliation between Manama and Tehran and restoration of diplomatic ties between the two Muslim countries. The ministry announced in a statement that Bahrain pursues a balanced approach in its foreign policy, on the basis of defending its sovereignty and independence, serving the Persian Gulf kingdom's national interests, and enhancing its regional and international standing. The kingdom also adheres to the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and focuses on promoting relations and consolidating cooperation and dialogue through mutual respect and common understanding, the Bahraini foreign ministry said. It added that Manama, in accordance with the lofty directives of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the continuous follow-up of Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, attaches great importance to its diplomatic relations with all countries. The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that it will continue coordination with its Iranian counterpart in order to establish the necessary legal frameworks to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries, stating that the mutual visits between the two sides have contributed to reaching an agreement on resuming talks aimed at restoring bilateral relations between the two countries. The ministry also stressed the need to adhere to the basic principles of international relations and good neighborliness, which are essential to maintaining the stability and economic prosperity of the West Asia region. Bahrain followed Saudi Arabia's suit and severed diplomatic relations with Iran on January 4, 2016, after Iranian protesters, enraged by the execution of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr by the Saudi government, stormed its diplomatic mission in Iran. Tehran and Riyadh reached an agreement in the Chinese capital city of Beijing in March 2023 to restore diplomatic relations and re-open embassies and missions. Back on October 21, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and King Hamad of Bahrain met in Manama and discussed relations and the latest developments in the region, most notably the escalation of Israel's atrocities in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. The top Iranian diplomat placed a premium on the need for the regional countries to seriously work for an end to the Israeli barbarism, which included the campaign of genocide in Gaza and the aggression against Lebanon. Araghchi also called for the expansion of Tehran-Manama relations. For his part, the Bahraini monarch called for an end to wars and aggression in the region. He said Bahrain wants all the people in the region to live with dignity. King Hamad expressed hope that he would pay a visit to Tehran. Israel has killed at least 45,541 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured another 108,338 individuals in its ongoing war on Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Air, artillery strikes set grim benchmark for civilian casualties in Myanmar in 2024 The number of total deaths and injuries outpaced that of the prior 3 years of junta rule combined. By RFA Burmese 2024.12.31 -- On the evening of Dec. 27, Myanmar's military dropped a massive bomb on Pi King village in Shan state's Pekon township, creating a crater as deep as a person's height, according to a resident known as Panda. "This is where the 500-pound bomb hit a residence and destroyed several other houses in this area," said Panda who, like others interviewed for this report, spoke to RFA Burmese on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. Three women were injured in the attack, he said. The bombing is just the latest to have killed or wounded civilians this year as the military expanded its campaign of air and artillery strikes, amid growing losses by its ground troops to Myanmar's myriad anti-junta forces. According to statistics collected by RFA, the junta carried out air and artillery attacks in 12 of Myanmar's 14 regions and states in 2024, except for the regions of Yangon and Ayeyarwady, where the military has retained near-total control. These attacks led to 5,489 civilian casualties 1,769 deaths and 3,720 injuries outpacing those of the previous three years combined and accounting for just over 60% of related casualties since the military seized power in a February 2021 coup d'etat. In the three years from 2021 to 2023, junta air and artillery strikes killed 1,280 civilians and injured 2,374 others, for a total of 3,654 casualties. The latest statistics follow a report by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Myanmar), which said that at least 540 civilians were killed by junta airstrikes in the first 10 months of the year mostly in western Myanmar's war-torn Rakhine state. The bombing of Pi King village took place just 11 days after evening airstrikes on Sagaing's Yinmarbin township killed five civilians and seriously injured 10 others, despite a lack of fighting between the military and anti-junta groups at the time, according to an aid worker. "Aircraft were frequently flying over the area, and residents were afraid of returning to their homes, so we could only begin rescue work at the break of day [on Dec. 17]," said Myat Ko of the Kani-Yinmarbin People's Embrace Group. "Soon after, some injured people died at the hospital. Two had died on the spot [during the strikes]." Sources from the township suggested that the junta had intentionally targeted civilians in the attack, given the absence of clashes, possibly for perceived ties between residents and anti-junta forces. Losses mount despite shift Col. Naw Bu, the spokesperson for the ethnic Kachin Independence Army, or KIA, one of the most powerful groups fighting the junta for self-determination in northern Myanmar's Kachin state, said the increase in the number of related civilian casualties in 2024 was unsurprising, as "up to 80% of the junta's attacks were conducted by air and artillery" in his region. "It's not easy for the junta to conduct a ground offensive," said Naw Bu, whose KIA now controls more than 50% of Kachin state, including the entirety of the China-Myanmar border. "Instead, they are mainly using air and artillery. The junta is relying on [these types of] attacks." As anti-junta forces have gained experience and weaponry since the coup, they have presented an increasingly formidable challenge to the military's ground troops. Despite the military's uptick in air and artillery strikes as a response, the junta lost control of 94 townships in 2024. Several rebel groups recently told RFA that junta forces now control less than half the country after suffering major battlefield setbacks in 2024 including the loss of command headquarters in Shan and Rakhine states. Sgt. Zeya, a former air force officer now advising the opposition as part of the Civil Disobedience Movement of civil servants who left their jobs to protest junta rule, told RFA that the military might have suffered more setbacks this year if it hadn't responded with increased strikes. "If the junta hadn't used artillery attacks and air strikes [to support its troops], the military would have lost 90% of its forces because the difference between the junta's soldiers and our soldiers is their attitude and mentality," he said. "They joined the military to seek more opportunities ... They have no strong sense of ideology or patriotism, nor are they deeply tied to the military. No one wants to die fighting when this is the reality." More strikes anticipated in 2025 Observers told RFA that they expect the junta will expand its use of air and artillery attacks even further in 2025 as part of a bid to prevent further loss of territory. Thein Htun Oo, executive director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies, run by former military officers, said the junta's forces will "respond more aggressively" with strikes next year if the opposition forces continue their offensives. Residents and rescue workers told RFA that civilian casualties are sure to increase if the attacks are intensified. Aung Myo Min, human rights minister for Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government, said that despite the NUG's best diplomatic efforts to cut off the junta's access to aircraft, fuel, and raw materials for the production of military weapons, "countries are still selling arms, both openly and secretly." "Some countries support democracy in Myanmar, but others are more interested in how they can benefit by cooperating with the junta," he said. "We realize that a lack of effective action will cause people to suffer more and more." On Dec. 15 alone, the military commissioned six Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters, six Chinese-made FTC-2000G fighter jets, one K-8W fighter jet, and one Y-8 support aircraft. According to Justice for Myanmar, which monitors conflict in the country, the military is predominantly receiving aviation fuel from China and Russia, while the junta has said that the raw materials it uses to produce military weapons come from 13 countries, including China, Russia and India. Attempts by RFA to contact junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun by telephone for comment on the military's use of air and artillery strikes went unanswered by the time of publishing. Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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 Pakistan in talks with Iran to import affordable gas: Minister IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 31, 2024 Islamabad, IRNA -- Pakistan's Federal Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik has revealed ongoing negotiations with Iran to import affordable gas. Speaking to the media in Lahore, Musadik Malik said there are ongoing negotiations with Iran and a cautious approach to avoid triggering international sanctions, the Express Tribune reported on Sunday. "If affordable gas is available, why wouldn't we consider it?" he said, adding, "But we must ensure our economy is not destroyed by restrictions." Last week, Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said the people and government of Pakistan want to implement the joint gas project, "but apparently, a government that claims to be friendly to Pakistan is preventing this." "The gas contract between Iran and Pakistan has been extended once, and according to its text, it is not possible to extend it again," he said during a meeting with a delegation of representatives of Balochistan province in the country's Senate and National Assembly. "It is obvious that referring to the arbitration court is not Iran's preferred option," he said, adding that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed the issue with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan during his official visit to Islamabad last month. 4354**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address S. Korea's acting president OKs appointment of 2 crucial justices, vetoes investigation bills against Yoon People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 19:25, December 31, 2024 SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- South Korean acting President Choi Sang-mok on Tuesday approved the appointment of two of the three constitutional court justices who will fill vacancies on the nine-member bench for President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment trial. However, Choi vetoed bills to appoint independent counsels and investigate Yoon's rebellion charge and scandals involving his wife that were passed in the opposition-controlled National Assembly on Dec. 12. Choi told a televised cabinet meeting that volatility in the South Korean economy, sparked by the martial law imposition, expanded dramatically following the suspended appointment of the justices and the impeachment of then acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Choi, who is concurrently the minister of economy and finance, assumed the acting presidency on Dec. 27 after the impeachment of both President Yoon and acting President Han. Choi stressed that he decided to appoint the justice nominees on the urgency of ending political uncertainty and social conflict as soon as possible to prevent possible economic and people's livelihood crises. Two of the three justices will be immediately appointed as the ruling and opposition parties are confirmed to have approached an agreement, but the remaining one will be appointed later when the rival parties reach an agreement, Choi noted. Six incumbent constitutional court justices called for an early appointment of the three justices to fill vacancies and maintained their position of putting Yoon's impeachment trial as a top priority, the court's spokesperson said earlier on Tuesday. On Dec. 26, the country's parliament voted for the appointment of the three justices, two of which were nominated by the main opposition Democratic Party, while one was nominated by the ruling People Power Party. The appointment of the three justices, which was passed in the opposition-controlled National Assembly, is required to be ceremonially approved by the president. 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. Yoon, who was named by investigative agencies as a suspect on insurrection charges, declared an emergency martial law on the night of Dec. 3, but it was revoked by the National Assembly hours later. To oust Yoon from office, at least six out of nine constitutional court justices are required to uphold the impeachment motion. Regarding the special counsel investigation into Yoon and his wife, Choi said Tuesday at the cabinet meeting that he fully understood the legislative purpose of the bills to appoint independent counsels and thoroughly probe Yoon's insurrection charge and his wife's scandals. Choi, however, noted that a stricter standard would be necessary as the special counsel system is exceptional in the principle of separating legislative, administrative and judicial powers under the constitution, calling for the rival parties to come up with a reasonable way that everyone can agree on. Under the bill targeting Yoon, the impeached president's insurrection and abuse of power are mainly subject to the investigation. The special counsel investigation into Yoon's wife, Kim Keon-hee, is against 15 corruption allegations, such as stock price manipulation, interference in candidate nominations for the 2022 by-elections and the 2024 parliamentary elections, and even in public opinion manipulation during the 2022 presidential election. The previous three bills against Kim were vetoed by Yoon and scrapped in a revote. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two Senior South Korean Military Officials Indicted Over Martial Law Reports Sputnik News 20241231 SEOUL (Sputnik) - Two high-ranking South Korean military officials have been indicted over their role in the president's failed attempt to impose martial law, the Yonhap news agency reported on Tuesday. Capital Defense Commander Lee Jin-woo is suspected of sending troops to the National Assembly on December 3 and ordering the arrest of 14 people, including opposition party leaders, while Defense Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung is accused of ordering troops to the parliament and telling the police commissioner to dispatch officers to detain lawmakers. The officers face accusations of inciting insurrection to overturn constitutional order, the prosecutors reportedly said. The parliament voted 191-71 on Tuesday to launch a special committee investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration to assess the legality of a cabinet meeting that was held shortly before the martial law was imposed, as well as the role of the military and police. The probe is expected to end by February 13, 2025. On December 3, President Yoon declared martial law, claiming that the opposition was sympathizing with North Korea and plotting a "rebellion." The parliament defied the presidential declaration and voted to lift martial law hours later. Yoon obeyed and apologized to the nation. On December 14, the South Korean parliament voted to impeach Yoon over his controversial declaration of martial law. The Constitutional Court will make a final decision on the matter by June 11, 2025. Yoon will be suspended from office pending the ruling and will not be able to leave the country, while an interim president will be in charge until the final verdict is passed. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Korean court issues detention warrant for Yoon By William Gallo December 31, 2024 A South Korean court has approved a detention warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faces insurrection charges over his attempt to impose martial law in December. The Seoul Western District Court issued the warrant on Tuesday, marking the first time a sitting South Korean president has faced arrest, according to local media. Yoon was impeached in mid-December, suspending his presidential powers while the Constitutional Court reviews the case. In addition to impeachment, Yoon is being investigated for insurrection and abuse of power by a joint government investigation team. Yoon ignored three separate summonses to appear for questioning as part of that investigation, leading the court to issue Tuesday's warrant. Once Yoon is taken into custody, authorities will have 48 hours to decide whether to file for an arrest warrant or to release him, reported the Yonhap news agency. In a statement, Yoon's lawyers called the warrant "illegal" and said they would file an injunction at the country's Constitutional Court to stop it. Yoon's legal team has refused to cooperate with the investigation, arguing that the impeachment trial should take priority over any criminal proceedings. The arrest warrant is valid until next Monday. But it is not clear when any arrest attempt will be made or how aggressive authorities will be in attempting to execute the warrant. The Presidential Security Service has so far prevented investigators from entering the presidential office compound or Yoon's official residence for court-approved searches, citing security and military considerations. Political pressure, however, is building for Yoon to comply with investigators. In an editorial Tuesday, the Chosun Ilbo, an influential conservative daily, said Yoon has "no legal means" to block the enforcement of an arrest warrant. "Blocking its execution would itself violate the law and could lead to a physical confrontation," read the editorial, which urged Yoon to face the investigation "with dignity." Meanwhile, the acting head of South Korea's ruling conservative People Power Party on Tuesday called the detention warrant "extremely regrettable." South Korean presidents are generally immune from prosecution while in office, except for cases involving rebellion or treason. Yoon declared martial law on December 3 the first such decree since South Korea became a democracy in the 1980s but lawmakers overturned the order within hours. Yoon has said the declaration was necessary to send a "strong message" to his rivals, whom he accused of being North Korea sympathizers obstructing his agenda. His opponents accuse Yoon of attempting to restore South Korea's military dictatorship, and say it is necessary to formally remove him from office as soon as possible. The path forward, however, remains uncertain. The Constitutional Court has 180 days to rule on Yoon's removal, but with three judicial seats vacant, all six remaining justices must unanimously agree to uphold the impeachment. Efforts to appoint new judges have stalled, with the opposition threatening to impeach successive acting presidents who refuse to approve them, fueling fears of a prolonged political deadlock that has already hurt South Korea's economy. Last week, the value of the South Korean won hit a 16-year low against the U.S. dollar, raising concerns about higher energy import costs and increased consumer prices. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Imposes Sanctions On Russian Judge Who Sentenced War Critic By RFE/RL's Russian Service December 31, 2024 The United States has imposed sanctions against the Russian judge who sentenced human rights activist Alexei Gorinov to seven years in jail for speaking against the war in Ukraine. The U.S. Treasury Department on December 31 said it was imposing sanctions on Olesya Mendeleeva "for her role in the arbitrary detention" of Gorinov, a former Moscow municipal deputy. Gorinov, 63, was the first man to be jailed under Russia's war censorship laws and is one of the most prominent jailed dissidents still inside Russia. He was convicted in 2022 for spreading false information about the Russian army after telling a Moscow City Council meeting that children in Ukraine were "dying every day" as a result of Moscow's invasion. He also called the full-scale invasion a "war" rather than "a special operation," according to the Treasury Department. "Known for handing down long and harsh sentences, Mendeleeva convicted Gorinov for knowingly disseminating false information about the Russian military, becoming the first judge in Russia to find a defendant guilty...for such a charge," the department said in a news release. After serving two years of the seven-year sentence, Gorinov was handed a new three-year sentence in November on a charge of justifying terrorism based on alleged conversations with fellow inmates about Ukraine's Azov Regiment. During the hearing, Gorinov firmly denied any ties to terrorism, calling himself "a committed internationalist and an opponent of war and violence." Mendeleeva was designated for sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world. The sanctions freeze any assets the judge holds in U.S. jurisdiction and generally bars U.S. persons from dealing with her. Earlier this year, Gorinov, who is in poor health, was transferred from a detention center in Moscow to a prison in the Vladimir region. He complained of harsh conditions, including solitary confinement in a cold cell without a mattress, blanket, or access to hot water. Gorinov was relocated to a slightly improved cell after Dmitry Muratov, editor in chief of the Novaya gazeta newspaper and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross for an inspection of the conditions Gorinov was being held in. The Treasury Department's news release said Gorinov had suffered physical abuse and had been denied medical treatment. It quoted Bradley T. Smith, acting Treasury undersecretary, as saying that Russia's manipulation of its legal system "silences dissent and suffocates the truth about Russia's indefensible war against Ukraine." Smith added that the United States joins international human rights experts in calling for Gorinov's release and the release of all others arbitrarily detained in Russia. U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller also called on Russia to release Gorinov and all others arbitrarily detained. "The United States stands in solidarity with the Russian people, who face threats, violence, reprisal, and imprisonment from Russian Federation authorities for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms in their own country," Miller said in a news release. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-war-dissident- gorinov-mendeleeva-sanctions/33259509.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 Minister Andrei Belousov inspects organisation of combat training of Black Sea Fleet's marines at one of training grounds of Southern Military District 31.12.2024 At this training ground, contracted servicemen improve their skills in tactical and special, fire, medical, engineering training as well as combat cohesion of units under the guidance of officers with combat experience gained during the special military operation. Commander of the Black Sea Fleet Vice-Admiral Sergei Pinchuk reported to the head of the Russian Defence Ministry that in addition to training based on the basic military specialty, the soldiers additionally master training programmes in tactical employment and countering unmanned aerial vehicles. The Russian Minister of Defence was shown a laboratory at the training range, which is used to train combat teams of unmanned aerial vehicles for various purposes including FPV drones to perform tasks in a complex electronic warfare environment on the line of contact. The laboratory's specialists test new samples of military hardware, develop and modernise both unmanned aerial vehicles and electronic warfare means to effectively counter enemy UAVs. The head of the military department thanked marines of the Black Sea Fleet for the courage and heroism shown during the performance of combat missions during the special military operation, and presented state awards to the distinguished soldiers. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Tanks Now Boast Advanced Anti-Drone Shields - Manufacturer Sputnik News 20241231 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - All Russian tanks are equipped with protection against drones; their design received such a change as a result of the special military operation experience, tank maker Uralvagonzavod told journalists. "Since the beginning of the special military operation, over a hundred changes have been made to the design of the tanks. For example, all vehicles are equipped with anti-FVP drone nets and rubber-reinforced protection. The rear, engine, and engine-transmission compartment of the tanks received additional protection," the company said. The tanks also equipped with enhanced camouflage and electronic warfare systems to counter drones, it added. According to Uralvagonzavod CEO Alexander Potapov, the tank of the early 2022 and of the late 2024 can be considered two different combat vehicles. "For example, if we talk about the protection system, it did not anticipate many of the challenges that we faced literally from the first days of the special military operation. The corresponding improvements were immediately adopted, the designers worked day and night, and the plant workers promptly made changes to the products that were already being assembled in the workshop. This painstaking and responsible work of the plant workers was recognized by the eighth state award the Order 'For Labor Valor,'" Potapov said. Russia's Uralvagonzavod has fulfilled 2024 contracts for T-90M and T-72B3M tanks and sent two echelons to the Russian troops, the defense industry giant told journalists. "The Uralvagonzavod Research and Production Corporation (part of the UVZ concern of the Rostec state corporation) has successfully completed 2024 by fulfilling two contracts. The final batches of T-90M Proryv and modernized T-72B3 tanks have been sent to the Russian Defense Ministry this year," the company said. It is noted that tank builders, following tradition, decorated the vehicles from each batch in a New Year's style: a Russian flag was installed on the T-90M Proryv, and a New Year's tree was installed on the T-72B3M. In 2024, the team of the Nizhny Tagil-based enterprise provided the troops with modern combat equipment around the clock, with the volume of armored vehicle production increasing from month to month. November of this year was especially intensive in terms of labor intensity and output, the company noted. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sanctioning Judge for the Arbitrary Detention of Alexei Gorinov US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson December 31, 2024 The United States is today imposing sanctions under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program on Olesya Mendeleeva for her role in the arbitrary detention of Moscow city councilor and human rights defender Alexei Gorinov. In July 2022, Mendeleeva sentenced Gorinov to seven years in prison in an effort to stifle dissent about Russia's war against Ukraine. He has suffered physical abuse and denial of medical treatment in detention. The United States stands in solidarity with the Russian people, who face threats, violence, reprisal, and imprisonment from Russian Federation authorities for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms in their own country. We call for Gorinov's immediate and unconditional release and the release of all others whom the Russian Federation has arbitrarily detained. We remain committed to promoting accountability for serious human rights abuses in the Russian Federation. The Department of the Treasury's sanctions actions today were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse around the world. For more information, see Treasury's press release. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Treasury Sanctions Russian Judge for Arbitrary Detention of Alexei Gorinov U.S. Department of the Treasury December 31, 2024 WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning Russian judge Olesya Mendeleeva (Mendeleeva) for her role in the arbitrary detention of Moscow city councilor and human rights defender, Alexei Gorinov. Mendeleevais being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world. This action is also undertaken in the spirit of the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012 (P. L. 112-208). "Russia's manipulation of its legal system silences dissent and suffocates the truth about Russia's indefensible war against Ukraine," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "The United States joins civil society and international human rights experts in calling for Gorinov's immediate and unconditional release and the release of all others whom Russia has arbitrarily detained." ARBITRARY DETENTION OF ALEXEI GORINOV Russian Judge Olesya Mendeleeva (Mendeleeva) ordered the ongoing arbitrary detention of Alexei Gorinov, a Moscow city councilor, public defender, and human rights activist. In July 2022, Mendeleeva sentenced Gorinov to seven years in prison for voicing opposition to the war against Ukraine. He has suffered physical abuse and denial of medical treatment in detention. On March 15, 2022, during a district council meeting, Gorinov proposed that a moment of silence be observed for the victims of Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine instead of a planned children's drawing contest while children were dying from the war. According to the indictment against Gorinov, during the meeting of the council of deputies of the Krasnoselsky district of Moscow, Gorinov called the war against Ukraine a "war," rather than a "special operation," and talked about the deaths of Ukrainian children. The indictment says that Gorinov called Russia a "fascist state" and claimed that Russia wanted to seize Ukrainian territory. Known for handing down long and harsh sentences, Mendeleeva convicted Gorinov for knowingly disseminating false information about the Russian military, becoming the first judge in Russia to find a defendant guilty under for such a charge. While awaiting trial, Gorinov fell ill, and Mendeleeva repeatedly refused to release him from pre-trial custody to seek treatment. During the trial, Mendeleeva refused to consider the defense witnesses' testimonies and reasoned that Gorinov's "reformation" would be impossible without imprisonment. OFAC is designating Mendeleeva pursuant to E.O. 13818 for being a foreign person who is responsible for or complicit in, or has directly or indirectly engaged in, serious human rights abuse. SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated person described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. U.S. persons may face civil or criminal penalties for violations of E.O. 13818. Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation. Financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here. GLOBAL MAGNITSKY Building upon the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, E.O. 13818 was issued on December 20, 2017, in recognition that the prevalence of human rights abuse and corruption that have their source, in whole or in substantial part, outside the United States, had reached such scope and gravity as to threaten the stability of international political and economic systems. Human rights abuse and corruption undermine the values that form an essential foundation of stable, secure, and functioning societies; have devastating impacts on individuals; weaken democratic institutions; degrade the rule of law; perpetuate violent conflicts; facilitate the activities of dangerous persons; and undermine economic markets. The United States seeks to impose tangible and significant consequences on those who commit serious human rights abuse or engage in corruption, as well as to protect the financial system of the United States from abuse by these same persons. Click here for more information on the individuals and entities designated today. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address France admits launching missile strikes in Syria Iran Press TV Tuesday, 31 December 2024 5:53 PM France says its air force carried out missile strikes in Syria last week, claiming the aggression was meant to target positions held by the Daesh terrorist group. The airstrikes are reportedly the first by France on Syrian soil since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month. "On Sunday, French air assets carried out targeted strikes against Daesh on Syrian soil," French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said in a message on X on Tuesday. He said France's Rafale warplanes and US-made Reaper drones "dropped a total of seven bombs on two military targets belonging to Daesh in central Syria." The aircraft took off from the French airbase at Prince-Hassan in Jordan. Lecornu claimed the armed forces "remain engaged in battling terrorism in the Levant." France was part of the so-called US-led coalition Inherent Resolve, which claimed it was operating against Takfiri terrorists in Iraq and Syria. French troops involved in the operations are based in the region, including in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). France and Syria have been at odds for 13 years. The French government is planning to host an international meeting in Syria in January. The Arab country faces deep uncertainty since militants, led by the HTS, took control of Damascus on December 8. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aid trucks deliver food to northwest Syria 31 December 2024 - Humanitarians continue to respond to needs in Syria as security and logistical conditions permit, the UN said on Tuesday. UN aid coordination office, OCHA, reported that the cross-border operation from Turkiye into the northwest is running without impediments. On Tuesday, 21 trucks carrying 500 metric tonnes of food - enough for 175,000 people - from the UN World Food Programme (WFP) crossed into Idlib through the Bab Al-Hawa border crossing. Cholera campaign in the northeast In northeast Syria, cholera vaccination is ongoing in Al-Hol camp in Al-Hasakeh, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). The development is part of a 10-day campaign that began on Saturday. Meanwhile, in the south, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, in collaboration with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, is working to provide essential non-food items to displaced families in need. Child protection services OCHA said that in Aleppo, child protection services have resumed, with 26 fixed centres and 12 mobile teams active in urban and rural areas. Furthermore, over the past two weeks, WHO delivered 2.5 tonnes of emergency kits, IV fluids and medical supplies to Aleppo University Hospital and Al Razi Hospital. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) also delivered 6,000 litres of fuel to Zahi Azraq Hospital. Supply shortages, financial issues OCHA warned, however, that supply shortages, financial liquidity issues and insecurity across the country remain key constraints for humanitarian response. "Partners have warned that nutrition supplies for pregnant and lactating women are running out across the country and many referred cases were not treated," the agency said. Moreover, seven primary health centres in Hama had their insulin supplies stolen, while 18 primary health centres in Homs were unable to provide vaccination services due to damage, looting and staff shortages. Vendors and field partners further report limitations on the amount of cash that can be withdrawn, thus affecting their ability to operate. OCHA said some vendors are experiencing low stock levels due to curfews, incidents of violence, robbery and other security-related issues. Returning home In other developments, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, reported that over 58,000 people have returned to Syria from neighbouring countries such as Lebanon, Jordan and Turkiye in the past three weeks. Since the beginning of the year, an estimated 419,200 Syrian refugees have come back to their homeland. Of this number, the majority, 25 per cent, returned to Ar-Raqqa, followed by Aleppo and Dar'a. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address France strikes Islamic State targets in Syria By VOA News December 31, 2024 France said Tuesday it had carried out airstrikes against Islamic State militant positions in Syria. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said in a post on X that the strikes happened Sunday, but did not specify where in Syria they took place. The French action follows several rounds of U.S. strikes against Islamic State targets in the weeks since rebels ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power. Islamic State militants took control of large areas of eastern Syria and western Iraq in 2014, drawing an international response that included a U.S.-led coalition aimed at defeating the group. The militants have lost much of the territory they once held, but they are still present in Syria. The Western military strikes come amid questions about Syria's political and security future following the fall of Assad's government. The rebels who led the quick advance that ended with Assad leaving the country have announced they would dissolve all rebel groups and incorporate them under the Syrian military. Syria's new authorities announced Tuesday the selection of Murhaf Abu Qasra as the new defense minister. Qasra was a leading figure in the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group that led the rebel push to topple Assad. Some information for this story was provided by Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2024/12/31 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Monday to Tuesday, Dec. 30-31 2.PLA activities 5 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities. 1131231_Diagram of PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President heard reports on the progress of the special military operation and sent his best wishes to servicepeople for the upcoming New Year December 31, 2024 21:00 Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin heard reports detailing the progress of the special military operation from Chief of the General Staff - First Deputy Defence Minister Valery Gerasimov as well as force grouping commanders. The President thanked everyone for their service and extended his warmest wishes for the upcoming New Year to servicepeople and participants in the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Concerns mounting over new energy crisis in EU as Russian gas transit via Ukraine ends Iran Press TV Tuesday, 31 December 2024 10:28 AM As the agreement allowing Russian gas transit through Ukraine to Europe expires on Tuesday, concerns are mounting about potential energy price hikes and their impact on European public opinion regarding support for Ukraine. The current five-year contract for gas transit will not be renewed in next year as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made clear. This decision not only threaten to escalate costs in European nations long reliant on Russian gas, but also poses broader repercussions for the entire continent. Analysts warn that the shutdown of this pipeline could drive up natural gas prices in Europe, leading to heightened living expenses and production overheads, ultimately undermining the competitiveness of the European economy. "There are alternatives, but they tend to be a bit more expensive than the Russian pipeline gas. The impact will be felt especially in Austria, in Hungary and Slovakia, where the price of gas will likely rise. And this could have an impact on consumer prices, on the cost of living, but also on prices for industry, which could have an impact on the competitiveness of those industries," said Philipp Lausberg, a policy analyst at the European Policy Center. The suspension of the Ukrainian gas transit pipeline is seen as a "key uncertainty" for Europe this winter, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). As the onset of the long winter and heating season looms, several European nations may find themselves grappling with soaring energy prices and ensuing public discontent. Furthermore, Ukraine's decisive move to "close the gate" has stoked dissatisfaction among European populations, fostering a more critical stance towards supporting Ukraine. "I could expect that the debate around the stop of Ukraine, of Russia gas coming through Ukraine. In Ukraine not continuing the contract on transit. This could make some of those populations even more critical of the support of Ukraine," said Lausberg. Ukrainian President Zelensky reaffirmed the country's refusal to extend the transit agreement after meeting with EU leaders in Brussels on Dec. 19, noting that the ban would apply to all gas flows "coming from Russia." On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that there would be no new deal with Kiev, and Russia may consider other gas transmission routes such as transiting Poland. Tacit acceptance of Ukraine's decision to halt Russian gas transit will heighten tensions, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned in a letter to the European Union (EU) on Sunday. In the open letter posted on social media, Fico described the move as wrong, irrational, and likely to trigger reciprocal measures. Earlier this month, the European Commission said it would not support discussions on extending the gas transit contract or seek alternative solutions to maintain flows, and it has not been involved in any negotiations regarding the matter, according to media reports. Fico cautioned that ending the gas transit would harm the EU more than Russia, criticizing Zelensky for unilaterally announcing the transit shutdown without consulting EU bodies or affected member states. For decades, Russia has been transporting natural gas from northern Siberia through Ukraine to several European countries, including Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, through a cross-border pipeline. However, following EU sanctions on Russia and the formulation of policies to reduce energy dependence on Russia, Slovakia becomes the only EU country receiving Russian gas via the Ukrainian transit pipeline. Russia's Sputnik news agency reported that Russian gas giant Gazprom supplied about 15 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe through the transit of Ukraine in 2023, accounting for 4.5% of the EU's total gas demand. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak recently said that the total volume of Russian gas exports to European countries from January to November this year increased by 18 to 20 percent compared to the same period in 2023. The total volume of Russian gas transported to Europe by pipeline and liquefied natural gas exported to Europe so far this year has exceeded 50 billion cubic meters, an increase of 18 to 20 percent compared to the same period last year. Despite the pressure of sanctions on Russia, there is still demand for Russian gas, according to Novak. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korean soldiers fighting with outdated weapons, Ukrainian sergeant says Their cigarette lighters and AK-47s all seem to have been provided by the Russians, he said. By Park Jaewoo and Lee Sangmin for RFA Korean 2024.12.31 -- North Korean soldiers are fighting with deteriorated supplies and outdated weapons and may have been carrying no food rations during their recent combat operations in Russia's Kursk region, a Ukrainian special operations sergeant told Radio Free Asia. Mykhailo Makaruk of the 8th Special Operations Regiment said he came to the realization after searching through uniforms of North Korean soldiers who had been killed in Russia's Kursk region. "They have no military food in their bags. They have some grenades but it's not even the Soviet type," Makaruk said in an interview with RFA on Friday that was conducted in English. "It's bullshit grenades. And they have lower level military medicine kits." Up to 12,000 North Korean soldiers are in Russia to support its war efforts against Ukraine in Kursk, according to Ukraine and the U.S. Ukraine has reported more than 3,000 North Korean casualties while South Korea estimates at least 1,100 North Koreans have been killed or wounded. In a briefing on Friday, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said there have been more than 1,000 North Korean casualties in the past week alone. The North Korean military has been mounting "hopeless" attacks on Ukrainian forces in Kursk on the orders of the Russian and North Korean military leadership, Kirby said, adding that North Korean human wave tactics "haven't really been all that effective." There have been no signs of an additional deployment of soldiers from North Korea, despite the recent high casualty numbers, the Pentagon's Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters in Washington on Monday. "Can't say that we're seeing more being sent, but that doesn't mean that they won't send more in the future," she said. Cigarette lighters Makaruk said the North Koreans appear to have Soviet standards for training, and all of their equipment -- including Kalashnikov AK-47 rifles -- seem to have been provided by the Russians. That included smaller items, such as Russian cigarettes as well as multiple lighters that they may have been collecting as souvenirs or for use as barter currency, he said. Makaruk spoke to RFA after rotating from the combat zone to a rear Ukrainian military operations area. He said he also found ID cards that labeled the North Korean troops as "non-combat soldiers" who were carrying out "civilian occupations." The Ukrainian military has previously said that North Korean soldiers are using fake ID cards with Russian-style names to hide their identities. The signature field on the cards seen by Makaruk contained just a handwritten Korean name that appeared to have been written with a different type of writing instrument. Makaruk didn't provide any relevant documents or photos, and RFA was unable to independently verify his claims. Language barrier Meanwhile, a Russian prisoner of war said in a video released on Telegram that the North Korean military has its own command system separate from the Russian military. The prisoner, identified as Alyoshin Alexey, also said that there is a serious language barrier between the Russians and North Koreans, most of whom don't speak Russian. There are no interpreters built into North Korean units, he said. The video was posted to Telegram on Monday by the pro-Ukrainian international civic group InformNaplam. Alyoshin Alexey said he is a member of the Russian Army's 352nd Motorized Infantry Regiment and was active in Kursk when North Korean soldiers began appearing in the area on Dec. 10. There have been several friendly fire incidents between the two sides that have resulted in casualties, he said. Also, he noted that the North Korean military usually attempts to collect the bodies of dead soldiers from the battlefield possibly because they don't want to leave evidence that could identify them as North Korean. Neither Russia nor North Korea have confirmed the presence of North Korean troops in the region. Earlier in December, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russian forces of burning the faces of dead North Korean soldiers to keep their deployment secret. Translated by Claire S. Lee. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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 Will The War In Ukraine End In 2025? By Steve Gutterman December 31, 2024 Once Russia's initial push to subjugate Ukraine failed in the first weeks of its full-scale invasion, a widespread view prevailed for two years or more: There's no end in sight. That has changed in recent months for several reasons, with factors ranging from the situation on the battlefield and shifts in public opinion to the election of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who returns to the White House on January 20 and has repeatedly said he would put paid to the biggest armed conflict in Europe since World War II within a day or two. So, will Russia's war against Ukraine end in 2025? If an end means a durable peace deal, the answer is no, many analysts say - in part because Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn't want it, regardless of what he claims, unless it leaves Moscow with a degree of dominance over Ukraine that is unacceptable to Kyiv and its backers abroad. Experts say Putin wants Russia to pose a persistent threat to Ukraine and a challenge to the West, which he casts as the aggressor in a civilizational confrontation. Ukrainians, meanwhile, don't want a peace deal if it means formally handing territory to Russia and giving up hope of holding Russia to account for its crimes against the country and its people. "I think we're very, very far from an end to the war," said Nigel Gould-Davies, senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. A push for a cease-fire is almost a given, though, in light of Trump's promises to end the war quickly, and negotiations seem more likely than they have since a series of discussions petered out a few months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. "The smart money right now is that [Trump] can probably get the Russians and the Ukrainians to talk to both him and each other," Olga Oliker, program director for Europe and Central Asia at the Crisis Group, told RFE/RL. "I think that...what we will likely be looking at is some de facto, at least, if not a de jure cease-fire with some degree of negotiation, tacit or explicit, over the course of 2025," Sam Greene, professor at the King's Russia Institute at King's College London and director of democratic resilience at the Center for European Policy Analysis, told RFE/RL. Land And Security There are plenty of pitfalls that could stem from a cease-fire, including the risk that Russia could use it as a chance to regroup and attack again unless effective deterrents and protections for Ukraine are in place. There are also plenty of obstacles to any deal, some of them stemming from seemingly irreconcilable positions on crucial aspects of the conflict. One of them is territory. A cease-fire agreement seems more likely now than it has in the past in part because of signs that Ukraine, which Oliker said is "tired and exhausted and on the back foot" amid slow and enormously costly but persistent Russian battlefield gains, may be prepared for a deal that would leave much of the land Moscow's forces now occupy under de-facto Russian control on a temporary and unofficial basis. But that might not be enough for Putin. He and other Russian officials have said that recognition of four mainland Ukraine provinces in their entirety as Russian -- including large portions that Ukraine controls -- is not negotiable, a position that is unacceptable for Kyiv. An even bigger obstacle is the need for serious, effective security guarantees for Ukraine. Russia is dead set against Ukraine joining NATO: One of the demands Moscow put forward as a way to avert the full-scale invasion was a binding assurance that Kyiv would never become a member. And analysts say the Kremlin is also almost certain to bristle at any arrangement it can cast as the virtual equivalent of membership in the Western military alliance. If Kyiv's Western backers "tried to tiptoe around this, to construct something that had the content but not the form of a guarantee, Putin would make clear that would not be acceptable to him, Gould-Davies said. "It's very, very hard to see what that would look like," he said of a security assurance for Ukraine that would suit both sides. 'His Theory Of Victory' A major focus of discussion in recent weeks has been the prospect of sending Western troops into Ukraine in the event of a cease-fire. But there are disagreements about this in Europe, and Russia would not be happy with it. "The Kremlin will not want to see Western troops, NATO troops, in particular, along that line of control of policing a cease-fire," Greene said, because "Russia will want to maintain the power of initiative. It will want to be the one controlling the dial when it comes to escalation;, it will want to be able to keep everybody else, including the Ukrainians in the West, off balance." "The question is, will [Kyiv and the West] be able to force Moscow into a position where it doesn't have a choice but to accept that kind of an arrangement?" he said. With Russia advancing on the battlefield, its economy apparently far from collapse despite warning signs, and uncertainty about the future of Western support for Ukraine, that prospect seems distant for the time being. "At this point, [Putin] believes that his theory of victory is proving itself, that Russia is just in the long term big enough and tough enough to impose costs and incur costs against the smaller adversary, Ukraine, grind it down militarily, and outlast the West politically," Gould-Davies said. "The thing that could change that and force Putin to take a different view of the future would be if the Trump administration put real pressure, significant major pressure on Putin by threatening costs of continuing the war that would lead Putin to believe that his own regime could be jeopardized," he said. Beyond suggesting he would use levels of aid to Ukraine as levers of influence over both Kyiv and Moscow, Trump has said little about how he hopes to end the war. While he waits for Trump's term to begin, Putin seems to be playing a double game, as he often does, sending contradictory messages in almost the same breath: - casting Russia as constructive and prepared for concessions but at the same throwing up barriers to any agreement that might be acceptable to Kyiv and the West. Case in point: At a 4 -hour question- and-answer session live on state TV on December 19, Putin asserted that Russia is ready for compromise on Ukraine -- but also said several things that suggested it isn't. 'Built Around The War' For one thing, Putin portrayed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as an illegitimate leader with whom he would not sign a deal. For another, he once again indicated that the so-called Istanbul Communique, a framework agreement floated shortly before talks between Moscow and Kyiv broke down months into the full-scale invasion, must serve as a basis for any negotiations. "What Putin is saying though is that the terms of that deal, which envisaged an essentially neutered Ukraine --- not just barred from joining NATO, but also demilitarized, and thus a very, very easy target for Russia in the future...has to essentially be at the center of any future peace deal," Russia analyst Mark Galeotti said. "He's trying to make this process as awkward as possible, while making it sound as if he's as flexible as possible," Galeotti said on his podcast on December 22. Greene suggested Russia might be prepared to "turn down the violence" and consider a cease-fire, but only if Putin is confident that Moscow could continue to threaten Ukraine and keep its standoff with the West, which he has made a defining feature of his rule, simmering along. "The Russian economy right now is only functioning because of the war. The Russian political system is now built around the war. It excuses and explains the level of centralization, the level of repression, the level of ideological control, which are going to be things that the Kremlin will be very loathe, if able at all, to countenance pivoting away from," he told RFE/RL. "Even if Russia were to pivot towards a cease-fire, I think it would find itself seeking to maintain the level of confrontation that it currently has with Ukraine, but [also] with the West more broadly." In propaganda terms, Greene said, "Putin and the Kremlin in general has given itself a significant amount of rhetorical wiggle room. They can define victory, even temporary victory, partial victory, in a number of different ways," he told RFE/RL. 'An Enormous Mistake' Oliker also indicated that Russia's stated positions on territory and other issues don't necessarily mean a deal would be out of reach if talks take place. "There is advantage of getting talks started. And once you've gotten them started, people might be willing to make concessions that they don't say they're willing to make when they go in," she said. "You always go in with your maximal position, and you'd be a fool not to." An agreement may not come to pass in 2025. But if talks are held and a deal is done, analysts warn, Western nations must be careful to avoid congratulating themselves and considering the matter closed. "Europe's response to any cease-fire agreement will be critically important -- - both for Ukraine and for themselves," Ruth Deyermond, senior lecturer in the Department of War Studies at King's College London, said in written comments to RFE/RL. "With many countries dealing with political turmoil at home (often stoked by Russia), they may be tempted to treat this as an end to the conflict and an opportunity to reset relations with Russia. That would be an enormous mistake," she wrote. "Russia will continue to pose the most serious and immediate conventional and non-conventional threat to European security." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/war-talks-peace -russia-ukraine/33258279.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 Ukraine Says It Downed Russian Air Target With Sea Drone For First Time By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service December 31, 2024 Ukraine claims that for the first time one of its sea drones has downed a Russian military target in the air during a day of intense attacks by both sides as the war edges closer to its three-year anniversary. Ukraine's military intelligence agency (GUR) said in a post on Telegram on December 31 that a Magura V5 sea drone equipped with missiles shot down an Mi-8 helicopter in a battle near Cape Tarkhankut on Crimea's west coast. Another Russian helicopter, the GUR said, was hit by fire but managed to return to a Russian airfield. "GUR soldiers destroyed an air target for the first time in the world using a Magura V5 naval drone," the intelligence agency said in the post, which had grainy video of what it said was evidence of the attack. The video has not been independently verified. The GUR claim came hours after air-raid sirens blared across Ukraine as Russia launched another countrywide massive air attack, with explosions heard in some parts of Kyiv. Warnings were issued in the Chernihiv, Sumy, Poltava, Luhansk, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhya, Kyiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, and Vinnytsya regions and local media said cruise and ballistic missiles launched in the attack. The Kyiv military administration reported that three private buildings and two cars in the Darnitsky district were damaged by falling debris as air-defense systems repelled the Russian missile strikes. There were no casualties, according to the head of the administration, Serhiy Popko. The head of the municipal administration in Shostka in the Sumy region, Mykola Noga, said 12 multistory residential buildings and two educational institutions were damaged, while several individual infrastructure facilities were destroyed. No information on possible casualties was given. A woman told RFE/RL at the scene that she and her husband ran into a hallway of their third-floor apartment after hearing explosions. She said they taped up a broken window before more explosions and damage occurred. "We put a blanket [on the window], but it did not help," she said. She described her home as "half intact" and said the wind is blowing through it. She and her husband planned to spend the night at their daughter's home. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told the nation later in an address to mark the new year that Ukraine must fight in 2025 to bolster its position both militarily and ahead of any talks to end Russia's three year invasion. "Every day in the coming year, I, and all of us, must fight for a Ukraine that is strong enough. Because only such a Ukraine is respected and heard both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table," he said in his address. "May 2025 be our year," he added. "We know that peace will not be given to us as a gift, but we will do everything to stop Russia and end the war. This is what each of us wishes for." Earlier on December 31, Ukrainian drones attacked an oil depot in Russia's Yartsevo district of the Smolensk region. Smolensk regional Governor Vasily Anokhin said the fire was caused by falling debris when the drones were shot down. "As a result, a fuel spill occurred and flammable materials began to ignite. There is no threat to residential buildings," he wrote on social media. The new attacks come a day after the United States pledged additional security assistance for Ukraine to help strengthen its defenses along the front line. 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 package. Hours later, the Treasury Department announced a separate $3.4 billion disbursement to Ukraine in direct budget support. The announcements came as the White House ramps up support to the war-torn country before President Joe Biden's term ends next month. Biden pledged to continue ratcheting up support, but the package is likely to be the last brought forth during his administration amid concerns 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. 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 on December 30 that 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." The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said late on December 30 that during the day, some 153 combat clashes occurred on the front lines as Russia presses forward. The ISW estimates territorial gains by the Russian army in 2024 reached about 3,300 square kilometers. Counterattacks by Ukraine also took place in 2024, though only a few square kilometers of Ukrainian territory was recaptured. The bulk of the Russian advances, it said, took place at the end of the year, when Russian troops captured 20 to 30 square kilometers per day, the ISW said. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/air-raid-sirens- blare-across-ukraine-explosions-heard-in-kyiv/33258909.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 Gas Flow Through Pipeline In Ukraine Ends By RFE/RL's Russian Service and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service December 31, 2024 Russian natural gas supplies to Europe via a pipeline traversing Ukraine are set to end on January 1 with the expiration of a contract signed before Russia launched its full-scale invasion. The pipeline, Russia's oldest gas export route to Europe, was set to shut down at the end of 2024 with the expiration of the contract. Data from Ukraine's gas transit operator on December 31 showed that Russia had not requested any gas flows for January 1. The operator said Russia had begun reducing gas flows through the pipeline hours ahead of the expiration of the contract signed in December 2019 between Gazprom and Ukraine's Naftogaz. The pipeline brought gas from Siberia to the Russia town of Sudzha, which is now under the control of Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region. It then flowed through Ukraine to Slovakia, where the Soviet-era pipeline splits into branches going to the Czech Republic and Austria. Ukraine repeatedly said it would not sign a new deal to replace the one expiring due to the war. The decision also aligns with efforts by Ukraine and its allies to cut off the Kremlin's source of funding for the war. Russia used to supply a little under half of the European Union's natural gas, but the European Union drastically reduced its dependency on that supply after the outbreak of the war. Europe has found alternative energy sources, including liquified natural gas (LNG) provided by the United States and Qatar and a piped supply from Norway. The remaining buyers of the Russian gas traversing Ukraine, including Slovakia and Austria, have arranged for alternative supplies, and analysts foresee minimal market impact from the stoppage. Austria's Energy Ministry said the natural gas supply for consumers was guaranteed thanks to purchases made for gas flowing through Italy and Germany and the filling of storage. Slovakia will also not risk a shortage, though it faces an extra 177 million euros ($184 million) in fees for alternative routes, its Economy Ministry said. European Commission spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said EU preparations ahead of the end of the contract had included energy efficiency measures, renewable energy development, and a flexible gas system. "The European gas infrastructure is flexible enough to provide gas of non-Russian origin to Central and Eastern Europe via alternative routes. It has been reinforced with significant new LNG import capacities since 2022," Itkonen said. The consequences for Ukraine including giving up some $800 million a year in fees from Russia, while Gazprom will lose close to $5 billion in gas sales to Europe. Most Russian gas routes to Europe are now shut, including Yamal-Europe via Belarus and the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic, which were blown up in 2022. Hungary and other countries continue to receive Russian gas from the south via the TurkStream pipeline on the bottom of the Black Sea. Hungary and Slovakia, which maintained close ties with the Kremlin despite the war, had been keen to continue deliveries through the Ukrainian route. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last week was outraged when Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and subsequently threatened to cut off Ukraine's emergency power supply during the winter months over Ukraine's decision not to renew the pipeline contract. He accused Fico of taking "orders" from the Kremlin to harm Kyiv and his own people while Russia attacks Ukrainian power plants and its energy grid. With reporting by Reuters and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-europe- natural-gas-pipeline-contract/33259466.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 (31 December 2024) 31.12.2024 The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region. In the course of offensive operations, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of one heavy mechanised brigade, six mechanised brigades, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, two territorial defence brigades, and one assault battalion of the AFU near Daryino, Kurilovka, Leonidovo, Loknya, Maryevka, Makhnovka, Nizhny Klin, Novaya Sorochina, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. One counter-attack launched by an AFU assault detachment was repelled. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on AFU manpower and hardware near Aleksandriya, Viktorovka, Guyevo, Kazachaya Loknya, Kruglenkoye, Lebedevka, Nikolsky, Rubanshchina, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo as well as Belovody, and Zhuravka in Sumy region. Over the course of the day, the AFU losses were more than 445 troops, one armoured personnel carrier, 13 armoured fighting vehicles, and 22 motor vehicles. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 45,980 troops, 262 tanks, 204 infantry fighting vehicles, 143 armoured personnel carriers, 1,372 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,259 motor vehicles, 337 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, seven armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Conducts High-Precision Strikes on Ukrainian Military Infrastructure Sputnik News 20241231 A military airfield, ammunition production facility and storage sites for combat drones were targeted, according to Moscow's Ministry of Defense. "This morning, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out a group strike using high-precision weapons and combat drones on the infrastructure of a military airfield," the ministry reported. Additionally, Russian forces targeted a Ukrainian defense industry facility producing powder charges for the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF). "The goal of the strike was achieved. All designated targets were hit," the ministry emphasized. The ministry noted that in response to Kiev's attacks on civilian targets, Russian troops regularly strike personnel, equipment, and infrastructure, including energy facilities, defense industry sites, and military command and communication centers. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that the Russian military does not target residential buildings or social institutions. Russian aviation, combat drones, and artillery also struck a Ukrainian ammunition production facility and storage sites for combat drones. "Operational-tactical aviation, combat drones, missile forces, and artillery of the Russian Armed Forces struck an ammunition production enterprise, drone storage facilities, and concentrations of UAF personnel and military equipment in 138 locations," the ministry stated in its briefing. Additionally, Russian air defenses intercepted two French-made Hammer guided bombs, seven US-made HIMARS rocket launcher shells, and 103 fixed-wing drones, 68 of which were outside the special operation zone. Likewise, "the Black Sea Fleet forces destroyed eight unmanned boats," the Ministry of Defense added. Other Developments Tsentr Battlegroup - Advanced into deeper UAF defenses and repelled 12 attacks. - UAF losses: 505 personnel, one Leopard tank, one BMP, two M113 APCs, five armored vehicles (including Kirpi and Snatch), five cars, a 152mm Msta-B howitzer, and two 122mm D-30 howitzers. Sever Battlegroup - Targeted two territorial defense brigades near Volchansk and Liptsy in the Kharkov region. - UAF losses: 35 personnel, one car, and one 122mm D-30 howitzer. Yug Battlegroup - Secured advantageous positions and struck three mechanized brigades, a motorized infantry, and an airmobile brigade near Chasov Yar, Dalneye, Kurakhovo, and Yantarnoye. - UAF losses: 290 personnel, two BMPs (including one Bradley), one Saxon APC, one Kozak vehicle, two pickups, and one M119 105mm howitzer. Vostok Battlegroup - Improved tactical positions and hit UAF units in Bogatyr, Razliv, and Ravnopol, repelling two counterattacks. - UAF losses: 160 personnel, one tank, three cars, one Bogdana 155mm SPG, one 122mm D-30 howitzer, one 122mm Gvozdika SPG, and one electronic warfare station. Zapad Battlegroup - Improved front lines and targeted six UAF brigades, including tank, mechanized, and territorial defense units, while repelling an assault. - UAF losses: 440 personnel, three M113 APCs, six pickups, one FH-70 155mm howitzer, one 122mm Gvozdika SPG, one M119 105mm howitzer, and two ammunition depots. Dnepr Battlegroup - Struck two territorial defense brigades near Antonovka and Ponyatovka in the Kherson region. - UAF losses: 65 personnel, six vehicles, and two ammunition depots. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Air Defense Shoots Down 68 Ukrainian Drones Overnight - MoD Sputnik News 20241231 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian air defense systems on duty shot down 68 Ukrainian drones last night, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) said on Tuesday. "During the past night, air defense systems on duty destroyed 68 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles," it said, adding that 25 of them were shot down over the territory of the Bryansk region, 17 over Crimea, and another 11 drones were destroyed over the territory of the Krasnodar region. In addition, 10 drones were shot down over the Smolensk region, two over the Tver region, and one over the Rostov, Kursk, and Kaluga regions each. Air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 19 fixed-wing drones in Bryansk Oblast, there were no casualties or damage, Governor Alexander Bogomaz said on Tuesday. "The enemy carried out another massive attack on the territory of our region. Air defense forces of the Russian Defense Ministry intercepted and destroyed 19 fixed-wing drones. Thanks to the professionalism of our valiant defenders, there were no casualties or damage, all attacks were repelled, all targets were destroyed," he said on Telegram. Ukraine has been sending drones and missiles into Russia almost daily since it launched its counteroffensive in early June 2023. The United Nations said in August last year, following a botched drone strike on Moscow, that it did not want to see any targeting of civilian infrastructure. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Oil Depot in Russia's Smolensk Region on Fire After Ukraine's Drone Attack - Governor Sputnik News 20241231 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian air defense repelled Ukraine's drone attack on the Smolensk Region, Governor Vasily Anokhin said on Tuesday, adding that after the fall of the drone debris, a fuel spill and a fire occurred on the territory of an oil depot. "Dear residents of Smolensk! Today, in the Yartsevo district, the air defense of the Russian Defense Ministry suppressed an attack by Ukrainian drones. According to preliminary information, the debris of one of the drones fell on the territory of an oil depot. As a result, a fuel spill occurred and the fuel and lubricants began to burn," Anokhin said on Telegram. Anokhin added there is no threat to residential buildings. Ukraine has been sending drones and missiles into Russia almost daily since it launched its counteroffensive in early June 2023. The United Nations said in August last year, following a botched drone strike on Moscow, that it did not want to see any targeting of civilian infrastructure. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New Year's Greetings from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 31 December 2024 - 23:40 Dear People! Behind me stands Mother Ukraine. Ukraine that stands firmly on its feet, does not bow its head, looks ahead, believes in its future and victory over all the evil that Russia has brought us. Ukraine that is capable of achieving a just peace - having a shield and a sword. Defending its people, its colors, its Independence. Today I address all those who value Ukraine, cherish their state, and lovingly call it "Mine." I thank you for 2024. Our people who endure all difficulties with dignity. People for whom being citizens of Ukraine is a source of pride. And for me, it is a pride to be the President of such people - Ukrainians who prove that no cruise missile can defeat a nation that has wings. Throughout this leap year, we have proven it every day. And we saw it yesterday. When we were uplifted with happiness because 189 Ukrainians returned from captivity to their native land. Because they will celebrate the New Year at home. Because we are bringing our people back. 1,358 people this year. 3,956 Ukrainians during this time. And I'm giving not estimates but precise numbers, because each one represents a person, our person, a very important person. And with each return - we bring life back to Ukraine. And every time this happens, we all cry. It doesn't matter if it's a moved mother, or it's a child who finally has their father back, or the President of Ukraine - we all cry because we are all human, and we have kept the light within us. And it helped us endure through over 1,000 days. To be brave when it was needed most. To be strong when it was so vital. As did our teachers, our medics, our power engineers, our transport workers, as did all our air defense personnel, mobile fire groups. The guys who brought down 1,310 cruise and ballistic missiles this year, and 7800 Iranian "Shahed" drones. Bravo! We are proud! Thank you! We lived through this year together. We overcame everything 2024 brought together. Victories and setbacks. Joys and challenges. Tears of happiness when we succeeded. And tears of pain when our hearts were wounded. July. Morning. Okhmatdyt. That's how weaklings and cowards strike. And we will never forget those children's eyes. We will never forgive them for this! When evil brings death, our response is a human chain. This is what the strength of Ukrainians looks like. And that unity of ours could be seen from space. God saw it. He saw what kind of people we have. What kind of children we have. And I will never forget those incredibly mature and strong eyes of the boy from Okhmatdyt. How much life is in him, energy and dignity! And how much stronger this child alone is than Putin! How much stronger all our children are than their entire evil. Ukrainian boys and girls who are winning this war, gaining knowledge online and even in underground schools, winning global science competitions, raising funds for our army, and inventing technological solutions that help with our defense. You are a phenomenal generation! This is who we are fighting for. This is who our heroes, our warriors, protect above all. Those who stand firm and carry Independence on their shoulders. Where freedom and valor fight every day - even now, on this New Year's night. On all our fronts. On all of them. In the east, where it's extremely, extremely difficult and challenging right now. But we believe, we know: you will stand strong. Our guys will stand strong. Your spirit and courage will stand strong. All the things that helped you not to surrender our Sumy and Kharkiv, our Kherson and our Zaporizhzhia this year. And the Russians wanted it so badly. But instead - you paid the occupiers back, bringing the war back home to Russia. And the one who sowed evil on our land received it on their own. In the Kursk region and in other places where our response, our justice, came this year. Justice. Just one word, but behind it stand hundreds of thousands of our people. Our defense industry and our science. Whose minds and work have made us stronger, because 30% of everything our guys had on the battlefield this year - all this was made in Ukraine. And at one of these facilities, I asked a young engineer: "How did you manage to achieve so much? How were these people able to do all of this?" And the young man joked: "They're not just people, they're missiles." And you know, at that moment, I felt ashamed as a citizen that since the 90s, the state hadn't noticed such people of ours. And I am proud, when meeting them throughout the year I hear: they are happy to be needed by Ukraine. And that Ukraine is once again building its own, its own missiles. And for the first time, it produces over a million drones in a year. Forcing the enemy to learn Ukrainian. Palianytsia, Peklo, Ruta. Making them tremble at the words Neptune and Sapsan. All these are our missiles. Ukrainian. Hor, Vampire, Kolibri, Kamik, Liutyi, Heavy Shot, Firepoint. All these are our drones. Ukrainian. And all these are our arguments, the arguments for a just peace. It is achieved only by the strong. And we have proven time and again that we are strong. Our athletes. Oleksandr Khyzhniak, our Tank. Olga Kharlan, Yaroslava Mahuchikh, all our Olympians and Paralympians, for whom we cheered, worried, and screamed with joy and pride when the blue and yellow flag was raised. We took the hits and fought back alongside Oleksandr Usyk. All of this is about something bigger than just sports. It's about our character. It's about who we are and what we are capable of. It's about meanings and symbols. It's about Sashko's fights, like Ukraine's daily battles, showing us: it doesn't matter how much bigger the enemy is compared to you, what matters is how much bigger your will is. Then it takes the breath away of the whole world! And all the leaders told me frankly: "We've never seen anything like this - when a full hall of Notre-Dame de Paris is applauding." And those were applause for you. For all our people. This is what respect for Ukraine sounds like. This is what Independence is. It's when we don't give up what's ours. And when we don't forget our people. Those who are in captivity. And we will fight for every person who, unfortunately, is still there. And we will fight for all those whom Russia has forced into occupation; but couldn't occupy their Ukrainian hearts. And no matter how many passports evil hands out at gunpoint, our people say: "You are not our kin, you are temporary." And all those imposed weeds will not take root on our land, will not defeat the natives. I always recall the story about one of our Ukrainian elderly men, whom the occupiers asked: "What time is it?" And he answered: "Time to get off our land." This is what the inner will is, which simply cannot be occupied. And I turn to all those who carry this will in their hearts on the temporarily occupied territories. Dear Ukrainians! I know you are celebrating the New Year according to our time, and now you hear these words. In our Crimea, in Donbas, in Melitopol, in Mariupol - everywhere where Ukraine is awaited. And where, one day, Ukraine will return to be together. And the only thing that will divide Ukrainians is a generously laid table. I know that all our people will be at this table. Those who are now abroad but have kept Ukraine in their hearts. So today, in the first minute of the New Year, in Warsaw, New York, or Buenos Aires, "Shche ne vmerla..." will sound. In Berlin, Prague or Tokyo, people will say today: "Glory to Ukraine!" And the world will respond: "Glory to the Heroes!" Because Ukraine is not alone. Because we have our friends with us. Since the first minutes of this war, America has stood with Ukraine. I believe that America will also stand with Ukraine in the first minutes of peace. I remember my conversation with Joe Biden after the Russian invasion. I remember my conversation with Donald Trump after he was elected. All the conversations with Congressmen, Senators, ordinary Americans, with all those who support us in the US, in Europe, and around the world - in those many and varied conversations, there was always unity on the main point: Putin cannot win. Ukraine will prevail. I thank all Americans for proving these words with deeds. I have no doubt that the new American President is willing and capable of achieving peace and ending Putin's aggression. He understands that the first is impossible without the second. Because this is not a street fight where you have to calm down both sides. This is the full-scale aggression of a mad state against a civilized one. And I believe that we, together with the United States, are capable of exerting that force. Of compelling Russia into a just peace. That means not forgetting, and not erasing everything Russia has done. Bucha, Olenivka, Avdiivka, all our destroyed towns and villages. This is why a truly just peace cannot be based on the principle of "let's start with a clean slate." Because the score is not 0:0. The score is thousands, thousands of Ukrainians whose lives Russia has stolen. And today, the heart of Ukraine is covered with scars. These are the names of our fallen heroes. May God protect every family in the world from experiencing such losses. I would not wish any leader in the world to experience these feelings - the moment you hand over awards posthumously. You see the eyes of a mother, a wife, or a child of a warrior who gave their life for Ukraine, and you hear them say: "Please, let it all not be in vain." Thousands of our guys and girls have not faded into oblivion. They are with us, they are by our side, always, they are watching over us from the heavens. And we have no right to let them down, and we cannot betray their feat and memory. And every day in the coming year, I, and all of us, must fight for a Ukraine that is strong enough. Because only such a Ukraine is respected and heard. Both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. I thank everyone who has stood by us this year. Our partners, allies, friends, leaders. Leaders indeed, not because it is customary to call them that, but because they prove their leadership by their actions. Those who were not afraid to come to Ukraine, knowing how valuable it is to see us standing shoulder to shoulder. With whom, despite the distance and time difference, we worked together, found solutions and achieved results. Patriots, IRIS-Ts, NASAMS and ATACMS systems, F-16s, SCALPs, Storm Shadows. The Czech initiative and a million shells. The Danish model and hundreds of millions in our domestic production. 27 security agreements and 40 billion to support our army. The European Union and 50 billion to support our economy. The G7 and the decision on 50 billion dollars of frozen Russian assets. This is our great international work. This is our great international victory. I thank our partners, thank you for this; I thank our team. The Army, the Government, the Office, the Parliament, the regions, the communities, the volunteers. All those who strengthen our country from within and care about people. I thank everyone thanks to whom Ukraine is standing and will stand. It will overcome its path to peace, to a strong Ukraine. And to a European Ukraine. And these are not just words, but a reality that began this June with the opening of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. And this is a historic result. And this path is irreversible. And Ukraine will be in the European Union. And one day Ukraine will be in NATO and will strengthen the Alliance. It will strengthen the stability of the world. The unity of Europe, which determines the destiny of every nation on the continent. And this unity must be respected by all. By both Budapest and Bratislava. I know the Hungarian and Slovak peoples are actually with us, with Ukraine, with Ukrainians, on the side of truth. The authorities of these countries should also acknowledge the truth. There is no need to be afraid of Ukraine being in Europe. We must do everything to prevent Russia from being in Europe. Its tanks, its missiles, and the evil it will surely spread further if Ukraine does not withstand. If Russia shakes your hand today, it does not mean that tomorrow, it will not start killing you with the same hand. Because Russians are afraid of the free people. Of what they are not familiar with. They are afraid of freedom. They were born under Putin, went to school under Putin, joined the army under Putin and are dying for his sick ideas. And that is why it is so crucial today to support all peoples who defend freedom. Those who refuse to give it up in Chisinau. Those who are fighting for their future in Tbilisi. And I am sure that the day will come when we will all say: "Long Live Belarus!" Dear Ukrainians! May 2025 be our year. The year of Ukraine. We know that peace will not be given to us as a gift. But we will do everything to stop Russia and end the war. This is what each of us wishes for. Behind all of us stands Mother Ukraine. And she deserves to live in peace. I wish this to all of us. And as the President of Ukraine, as well as a citizen, I will do everything to achieve it in the coming year. Knowing that I will not be alone. I know that you stand shoulder to shoulder with me - millions of Ukrainians. Strong. Free. Beautiful. Independent. Happy New Year, dear people! Happy New Year, Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelenskyy pledges to fight to end war in 2025 By VOA News December 31, 2024 In a New Year's Eve address to his nation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country would do everything it could in the new year to end the war with Russia. "And every day in the coming year, I, and all of us, must fight for a Ukraine that is strong enough. Because only such a Ukraine is respected and heard, both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table," Zelenskyy said. "May 2025 be our year. The year of Ukraine. We know that peace will not be given to us as a gift, but we will do everything to stop Russia and end the war. This is what each of us wishes for," he said. In 2024, Ukraine gave up seven times more ground than it did in 2023: about 4,000 square kilometers, mostly in the east, according to data from the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War. At the same time, Ukraine took several hundred square kilometers of Russian territory in Kursk. Earlier Tuesday, Russian officials said debris from a destroyed Ukrainian drone fell on an oil facility in the Smolensk region, causing a fire. The Russian Defense Ministry said it shot down a total of 68 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 10 over Smolensk. Intercepts also took place over the Bryansk, Crimea, Krasnodar, Tver, Rostov, Kursk and Kaluga regions, the ministry said. There were no other reports of damage or casualties from the attacks. Ukraine's military said it shot down six of the 21 missiles Russia launched overnight, while also destroying 16 of 40 Russian drones. Serhii Popko, head of Kyiv's City Military Administration, said debris from destroyed missiles damaged three buildings in the Ukrainian capital. In the Sumy region in northeastern Ukraine, officials said a missile attack targeted infrastructure sites in the town of Shostka. Some information for this story was provided by Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New Delhi, Jan. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global Trade finance market is projected to hit the market valuation of US$ 21,181.13 billion by 2033 from US$ 10,880.50 million in 2024 at a CAGR of 7.83% during the forecast period 20252033. Trade finance is the engine behind global trade, ensuring the seamless flow of goods, services, and capital across borders. In 2024, its importance has only grown as businesses increasingly rely on innovative financial instruments to mitigate risks and unlock new opportunities in global markets. It is estimated that the majority of global merchandise exports, particularly in emerging markets, are supported by some form of trade finance. This highlights how integral these mechanisms are for both SMEs and multinational corporations (MNCs). By bridging the gap between buyers and sellers, trade finance not only facilitates payments but also ensures trust in complex cross-border transactions. Download Sample Copy @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/trade-finance-market However, the trade finance market remains a paradox of progress and challenges. While digital tools such as blockchain and AI-based compliance systems have significantly expedited transaction times, around 60% of global trade documentation is still paper-based. This inefficiency persists despite the fact that digital trade finance solutions have reduced error rates and compliance discrepancies by over a quarter in pilot programs. Furthermore, SMEs, which account for a significant portion of global trade, continue to face barriers in accessing trade finance due to rigid risk assessment frameworks. As international trade expands, trade finance systems are increasingly required to manage not just financial risk but also align with sustainability goals, regulatory frameworks, and geopolitical complexities. This dualityrapid innovation and lingering inefficienciesmakes trade finance both a challenge and an opportunity for global commerce. Key Findings in Global Trade Finance Market Market Forecast (2033) US$ 21,181.13 billion CAGR 7.83% Largest Region (2024) Asia Pacific (42.79%) By Offerings Type Letter of Credit (38.49%) By Application International (67.55%) By Providers Banks (64.87%) By Trade Type Export Finance (54.68%) By Operational Method Traditional (71.61%) By End User Large Enterprises (61.93%) By Industry Manufacturing (45.22%) Top Drivers Emerging crypto-based clearance solutions rapidly accelerate instantaneous global settlement processes. Growing decentralized finance platforms reshape institutional involvement in cross-border investments. Increasing AI-powered trading algorithms enhance speed, precision, and trade predictability. Top Trends Surging sustainability-linked derivatives gain popularity among ESG-conscious market participants globally. Advanced blockchain-based custody systems streamline multi-asset holdings across international exchanges. Growing tokenization of tangible assets diversifies trading avenues beyond securities. Top Challenges Regulatory fragmentation complicates unified compliance for cross-border digital trading activities. Heightened cybersecurity vulnerabilities threaten proprietary system integrity within multinational institutions. Volatile geopolitics disrupt payment infrastructures and hamper trade facilitation worldwide. Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Key Providers in Trade Finance The trade finance market ecosystem is no longer dominated solely by traditional banks. While leading financial institutions such as HSBC, JPMorgan Chase, and Barclays remain central to the market, the rise of FinTech companies and multilateral financial institutions (MFIs) has diversified the landscape in 2024. These banks, with their vast global networks, continue to process the majority of trade finance transactions, leveraging their scale and deep capital reserves to provide services such as letters of credit and supply chain financing. For example, HSBC has proven particularly dominant in Asia-Pacific, where its real-time trade platforms and integration of foreign exchange services provide unmatched value to exporters and importers. Similarly, JPMorgans innovative use of blockchain and AI technologies has set new benchmarks for efficiency, reducing transaction times while ensuring compliance with global regulations. At the same time, FinTech innovators in the global trade finance market are carving out a niche by offering automated platforms that cater to underserved segments, particularly SMEs. These platforms streamline trade finance processes, slashing approval times by up to 40% and enabling smaller businesses to access liquidity quickly. Meanwhile, MFIs such as the World Bank and regional development banks are playing a vital role in addressing financing gaps in emerging economies by underwriting guarantees and providing capacity-building programs. By collaborating with both traditional banks and FinTech firms, MFIs ensure that trade finance becomes more inclusive and accessible. The interplay between these providers has created a dynamic ecosystem, where innovation and collaboration are essential to meeting the evolving demands of global trade. Navigating Risk and Opportunity: Understanding Trade Finance Instruments Trade finance encompasses a wide range of instruments that enable businesses to navigate the complexities of international trade. In 2024, the two most prominent instrumentsdocumentary credits such as letters of credit and open account transactionscontinue to dominate global trade finance market. Letter of credit with higher market share of nearly 39% remain indispensable for high-risk markets, offering a secure payment mechanism for exporters and importers alike. Despite the rise of more flexible options, letters of credit still account for millions of transactions annually, thanks to their unparalleled ability to mitigate risk. On the other hand, open account transactions have become the preferred method in developed economies, representing over 70% of cross-border commerce due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. In addition to these traditional instruments, new trade finance solutions are reshaping the trade finance market landscape. Supply chain financing, for instance, has seen rapid adoption, particularly in industries with complex value chains such as automotive and electronics. Similarly, invoice discounting and factoring have gained traction among SMEs, helping them bridge cashflow gaps and manage working capital more effectively. Even asset-backed financing models are emerging as viable options for high-value exports such as machinery and infrastructure projects. These diverse instruments reflect the adaptability of trade finance, enabling businesses to manage liquidity, reduce payment risks, and expand into new markets. However, the use of these instruments also underscores the importance of trust, collaboration, and regulatory alignment in ensuring their smooth operation. From Manual Labor to Automation: The Digital Transformation of Trade Finance The trade finance market has entered a new era of digital transformation, driven by the need for efficiency and compliance in an increasingly complex global trade environment. While manual processes once dominated the sector, advancements in technology are revolutionizing how transactions are conducted. Automated trade platforms, powered by AI and machine learning, have reduced processing times for letters of credit and other instruments by up to 70%. These tools also address long-standing inefficiencies, such as document compliance errors, which have historically delayed international transactions. For example, AI-powered document-checking solutions can now identify and rectify discrepancies in trade documents with far greater accuracy than manual methods. However, the road to digitization is not without its hurdles in the trade finance market. Despite the evident benefits, only a fraction of global customs authorities fully accept electronic documents, creating bottlenecks in the end-to-end trade process. Furthermore, legacy systems still dominate many banks, limiting their ability to adopt cutting-edge technologies. Blockchain, hailed as a game-changer for trade finance, has yet to achieve widespread adoption due to regulatory uncertainty and interoperability challenges. Nonetheless, progress is being made: major blockchain consortia involving global banks have grown significantly in size, and smart contracts are increasingly being piloted to automate payment triggers. As 2024 unfolds, the industry stands at a crossroads, where the adoption of digital tools will determine its ability to meet the demands of a fast-paced, interconnected world. Ask For Customization @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/trade-finance-market Green Finance is Poised to Change the Face of Trade Finance Market in Years to Come The future of trade finance market is being shaped by two powerful forces: sustainability and technological innovation. In 2024, green finance has emerged as a critical trend, with banks and investors prioritizing projects aligned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. Green trade finance instruments, tailored for industries such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, are gaining traction, reflecting the growing demand for environmentally conscious financing solutions. Banks are also integrating ESG metrics into their trade finance portfolios, ensuring that their lending practices align with global sustainability goals. This shift is not just a moral imperative but an economic one, as businesses increasingly view ESG compliance as a competitive differentiator. On the technological front, blockchain and smart contracts are poised to redefine the trade finance market landscape. By enabling real-time updates and automated payment triggers, these technologies promise to enhance transparency and efficiency while reducing fraud. Similarly, AI-driven platforms are transforming risk assessment processes, making it easier for SMEs to access trade finance. However, the successful adoption of these innovations will depend on global regulatory harmonization. Efforts by organizations such as the G20 to align trade finance regulations across borders are critical in ensuring that new technologies can be deployed at scale. By embracing sustainability and innovation, the trade finance industry has the potential to unlock new levels of efficiency, inclusivity, and resilience, paving the way for a more sustainable and interconnected global economy. Dominant Triad: HSBC, JPMORGAN, and BARCLAYS Shaping Global Trade Finance Market HSBC Holdings Plc, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Barclays Bank stand atop the trade finance market landscape with collective market share of over 27.5% in 2024 due to their expansive international footprint, advanced digital infrastructures, and robust capital reserves. Their ability to support a broad range of instrumentsfrom letters of credit to complex supply chain financingpositions them as first-choice providers for corporates and SMEs alike. Each institutions global presence also ensures local expertise, making their offerings highly attractive across developed and emerging markets. HSBC, for example, processes one of the highest volumes of trade finance transactions in the Asia-Pacific region, supported by a dynamic suite of e-platforms that integrates financing, foreign exchange, and real-time shipment tracking. JPMorgan is recognized for its sophisticated digital solutions, particularly in the realm of blockchain pilots and AI-based document verification, slashing processing times while reinforcing compliance. Meanwhile, Barclays has capitalized on strong partnerships with FinTech firms in the trade finance market, focusing on supply chain finance programs that cater to Europes industrial base. All three banks operate with stringent due diligence protocols that minimize fraud and money laundering risks, contributing to their leadership status. Collectively, their global contribution to trade finance spans standardization efforts, technology investments, and product innovation. Recent data from the ICC ranks them among the top three in terms of client satisfaction and transaction volume, highlighting their consistent performance in moving trillions of dollars across borders. Through consolidated expertise, these institutions demonstrate how scale, innovation, and a keen focus on customer needs can set an elevated benchmark, driving the entire market toward higher efficiency and trust. Global Trade Finance Market Key Players: Asian Development Bank Barclays Bank Wells Fargo & Co. Banco Santander SA Standard Chartered Bank Bank of America Corp. Royal Bank of Scotland BNP Paribas SA Morgan Stanley Citigroup Inc. Mitsubishi Ufj Financial Group Inc. Credit Agricole Group JPMorgan Chase & Co Allianz Trade HSBC Holdings Plc HSBC Holdings Plc Other Prominent Players Key Segmentation: By Offering Type Trade Credit Letter of Credit Cash Advance Purchase Order (PO) Finance Receivables Discounting Term Loans Bill of Lading Insurance Others By Trade Type Export Finance Import Finance By Operational Model Traditional Digital By Provider Banks Trade Finance Houses Insurance Companies Others By Application Domestic International By End User SMEs Large Enterprises By Industry Manufacturing Retail and E-Commerce Construction Others By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South America Inquire more about this report before purchase: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/inquire-before-purchase/trade-finance-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 New Delhi, Jan. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the latest study from Astute Analytica, the Argentina diabetes devices market is projected to hit the market valuation of US$ 1,031.89 million by 2033 from US$ 539.12 million in 2024 at a CAGR of 7.48% during the forecast period 20252033. Argentina has emerged as a pivotal market for innovative diabetes devices, driven by rising awareness campaigns and ongoing medical advancements. According to the Argentine Society of Diabetes, 47% of diabetes patients in the country reported heightened interest in next-generation glucose monitors in 2024, reflecting a notable shift from conventional testing methods. In the same period, 38% of endocrinologists in Buenos Aires recommended continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for type 2 diabetes management, highlighting evolving treatment protocols. The Ministry of Health revealed that 69% of diabetes-related hospital admissions in 2023 were linked to insufficient glycemic control, emphasizing an urgent need for accessible monitoring tools. Moreover, 41% of healthcare facilities in larger provinces adopted telemedicine platforms to enhance patient access to their device data. Download Sample Copy @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/argentina-diabetes-devices-market Within Argentinas public hospitals, 57% of diabetes patients surveyed in 2024 expressed a desire for more insurance coverage of advanced insulin pumps. Meanwhile, 22% of Argentinians in the diabetes devices market with newly diagnosed diabetes began using digital health apps in 2023 to track vital metrics, illustrating the populations growing acceptance of tech-driven solutions. The National Observatory of Chronic Diseases noted that 66% of individuals who utilize modern glucometers experienced fewer diabetic complications, demonstrating significant clinical benefits. During 2023, 74% of private clinics in Cordoba reported leveraging remote consultation platforms to support device training, underscoring the healthcare sectors readiness to evolve. Furthermore, 49% of medical practitioners in mid-sized Argentinian cities advocated for integrated diabetes device ecosystems, reflecting the markets untapped potential for cohesive, data-driven care solutions. Key Findings in Argentina Diabetes Devices Market Market Forecast (2033) US$ 1,031.89 million CAGR 7.48% By Types Blood Glucose Meters and Strips (48.43%) By Diabetes Type Type 2 (45.15%) By End Users Self & Homecare (60.31%) By Demography Adults (65.25%) By Sales Channel Retail Pharmacies (38.31%) Top Drivers Accelerating prevalence of youth diabetes demanding advanced monitoring and treatment solutions Expanding rural healthcare programs unlocking affordable diabetes device accessibility nationwide Rising telehealth collaborations ensuring timely diabetes self-management support and guidance Top Trends Integrating wearable sensors empowering proactive real-time glucose data tracking Adopting AI-driven meal planning influencing personalized insulin dosing strategies Collaborating with pharmacies facilitating convenient in-store diagnostic device availability Top Challenges Maintaining supply chains amid fluctuating exchange rates constraining procurement capacities Ensuring local technical expertise tackling complex device software interoperability issues Addressing cultural barriers discouraging consistent digital health tool usage adoption Dominance Among Key Device Categories: Pens, Pumps, Meters, Monitors, and More Insulin pens, insulin pumps, self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) meters, and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have each carved out strong positions within Argentinas diabetes devices market landscape. Recent data from a 2024 clinical audit suggests that continuous glucose monitor and strip along with insulin pens lead in popularity, with 52% of newly prescribed insulin therapies leveraging pen-based delivery systems. Meanwhile, insulin pumps, though traditionally limited to advanced centers, are growing in acceptance, with a notable 23% rise in prescriptions among type 1 patients over the last 12 months. CGMs are increasingly favored, as 29% of individuals living with diabetes now rely on sensor-based glucose readings for real-time insights. Additionally, SMBG meters remain a foundational tool, as 81% of diabetes patients continue using these meters at least twice daily. Among younger adults under 40, 42% survey individuals in the diabetes devices market reported preferring wearable technologies for glucose control, indicating a lean toward CGM patches equipped with smartphone connectivity. A 2023 survey noted that 35% of Argentinian pharmacists observed a growing demand for sensor-enabled devices, underlining an evolving consumer shift. Insulin patch pumps, though still relatively niche, saw a 14% increase in availability in private hospitals across the country. Across both urban and semi-urban clinics, 68% of endocrinologists now advocate a combined approachusing SMBG meters for baseline readings alongside periodic CGM usage. Furthermore, 27% of public health programs in 2024 introduced educational initiatives on selecting appropriate insulin delivery systems. Finally, 53% of diabetes specialists emphasize the multi-device approach, noting that diversified options drive better glycemic management and reduce hospital revisits. Demographic Analysis: Diverse Age, Gender, Income Impact Device Usage Patterns in Argentina Diabetes Devices Market Argentinas demography plays a decisive role in shaping diabetes device market growth and adoption. Currently, adults are the largest consumers of the these devices. In 2023, a study from the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses indicated that 33% of individuals aged 60 and above with diabetes in urban centers rely on CGMs, whereas only 18% within the same age bracket in rural areas use similar technology. Among low-income communities, 48% of respondents cited cost as the major barrier to insulin pump adoption, while 59% in higher-income brackets felt confident about covering out-of-pocket device expenses. Furthermore, 21% of women under 35 with gestational diabetes reported significant reliance on smartphone-compatible glucometers for daily monitoring. Meanwhile, 61% of men with prediabetes across various age groups expressed interest in wearable glucose trackers for preventive oversight. Gender differences extend into device usage frequency: 54% of women with type 2 diabetes in Buenos Aires tested their blood glucose at least three times weekly, compared to 43% of men following the same protocol. In 2024, government-led programs in five provinces of the Argentina diabetes devices market introduced subsidized test strips for individuals over 55, benefiting nearly 25% of lower-income diabetes patients in those regions. Overall, 63% of younger adults aged 2029 reported confidence in using app-linked devices, underscoring strong digital literacy. Another key insight shows that 29% of high-income families in metropolitan areas combined multiple deviceslike insulin pens and sensor patchesto tackle varied glycemic patterns. Finally, 36% of rural diabetes support groups collaborated with telemedicine platforms to empower local patients, reflecting an inclusive push toward broader device availability. Diabetes Type Dominance: Differentiating Preferences In Type 1 And Type 2 Distinct device preferences exist between individuals managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Argentina diabetes devices market. As of 2023, 71% of newly diagnosed type 1 patients reported using insulin pumps within the first nine months of diagnosis, a trend attributed to specialists recommendations for stable glycemic control. Meanwhile, 58% of type 2 patients primarily depended on insulin pens, reflecting a preference for cost-effective and straightforward injection methods. According to one nationwide survey, 49% of type 1 patients found CGMs essential for reducing severe hypoglycemia episodes, while only 27% of type 2 respondents saw continuous monitoring as indispensable. Another important development: 35% of type 1 adolescents engaged in advanced sensor-augmented pump therapy, highlighting a growing appetite for integrated insulin delivery platforms. Interestingly, public health clinics observed that 62% of type 1 individuals were open to technology upgrades every two years, contrasting with only 38% of type 2 users who shared the same willingness. In 2024, 44% of type 2 patients with complications (such as neuropathy) considered switching from pens to pumps upon their physicians advice, showing a trend in the diabetes devices market. Research institutions in Mendoza found that 56% of type 1 participants experienced fewer diabetic ketoacidosis events with CGM-assisted therapy, whereas 19% of type 2 subjects noted better overall medication compliance after adopting simplified SMBG meters. Across multiple socioeconomic segments, 33% of type 1 patients integrated smartphone analytics with pump usage, a practice only 12% of type 2 patients embraced. This contrast underscores the divergent paths both groups take in optimizing device-based interventions. Transformative Partnerships, Research, and Key Regulatory Pathways Shaping Future Market Directions Industry collaboration and research breakthroughs form the backbone of Argentinas diabetes devices market evolution. In 2023, seven university-led clinical trials focused on artificial pancreas systems, with 37% showing promising results in reducing nocturnal hypoglycemia. The National Administration of Drugs, Foods, and Medical Devices expedited approvals for 41% of new diabetes device applications, accelerating market entry. Meanwhile, 26% of local biotech startups partnered with international firms to develop custom CGM solutions tailored to Argentinas population needs. Hospitals in Rosario reported a 53% rise in teleconsultations involving advanced insulin pump training, reflecting a nationwide push toward digitized care. Moreover, 15% of local medical device distributors introduced subscription-based models for sensor replacements, aiming to ease the financial burden on patients and encourage consistent usage. Looking ahead, regulatory bodies have proposed a 2024 roadmap where 34% of government tenders include coverage for novel diabetes monitoring technologies, signaling expanded public-sector support. Parallelly, 22% of private insurance providers in the countrys diabetes devices market unveiled premium reimbursement plans for integrated pump-CGM packages. Argentine research institutes are also forging global alliances; 29% of current diabetes collaborations involve foreign universities keen on data-driven problem-solving in the regions diverse patient base. Among device manufacturers, 63% have indicated that they plan to expand their product portfolios to address geriatric patient demands, underscoring the vast demographic reach in Argentina. Finally, 41% of medical conferences in 2024 are set to feature specialized tracks on diabetes device interoperability, reflecting an industry-wide commitment to bridging gaps and delivering seamless, patient-friendly technology solutions. Request Free Customization of this report: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ask-for-customization/argentina-diabetes-devices-market Triad Of Excellence: Abbott, Medtronic, Embecta Lead Argentinas Diabetes Devices Market With Collective Share of Over 45% Market Share Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic Plc, and Embecta Corp. wield exceptional influence in Argentinas diabetes devices landscape, driven by robust R&D pipelines, localized strategic partnerships, and extensive distribution channels. As of 2023, these three leaders collectively supplied approximately 55% of advanced glucose monitoring and insulin delivery products, according to trade reports verified in early 2024. Much of this dominance stems from their long-standing collaborations with hospitals in Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Rosario, where nearly 70% of diabetes patients receive specialized treatment. Medtronics feature-rich insulin pumps, for instance, saw a 21% surge in adoption throughout 2023, credited to enhanced sensor-augmented technology and strong physician endorsement. Meanwhile, Embectas pen solutions maintain a 14% year-over-year growth rate, driven by streamlined product training in public health clinics. This cohesive approach resonates with local healthcare providers, who prioritize device reliability, integration with telemedicine services, and comprehensive patient education initiatives above all else. Abbotts leadership stands in the diabetes devices market out due to its FreeStyle Libre system, which more than 40% of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) users in Argentina now rely on for round-the-clock glycemic insights. Updated regulatory filings from mid-2023 reveal Abbotts local manufacturing investments totaling USD 28 million, helping reduce import bottlenecks and ensure expedited device availability across multiple provinces. Medtronic distinguishes itself by partnering with 55% of Argentinas endocrinology-focused private practices, offering specialized training that shortens the learning curve for advanced insulin pump usage. Embecta has similarly carved a unique path through its robust post-purchase guidance, resulting in a reported 37% decrease in device-related patient complaints last year. Argentina Diabetes Devices Market Key Players: Abbott Laboratories B. Braun Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings Becton, Dickinson and Company Convatec Group plc Dexcom Inc. F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG LifeScan IP Holdings, LLC Medtronic plc Novo Nordisk A/S Stevanato Group ViCentra B.V. Other prominent players Key Segmentation: By Type Blood Glucose Meters and Strips Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) Injection Pen Insulin Pumps Insulin Syringes Automated Insulin Delivery Systems Others By Diabetes Type Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes Gestational Diabetes Prediabetes By Demography Paediatric Adults Geriatric By End User Self & Homecare Hospitals & Clinics Diagnostic Centers Others By Sales Channel Hospital Pharmacies Retail Pharmacies Diabetes Clinics/Centers Online Pharmacies Others Need a detailed report walkthrough? Request an online presentation from our analyst @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/speak-analyst/argentina-diabetes-devices-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 BALTIMORE, Jan. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Urology Care Foundation is sounding the alarm and highlighting hidden hazards this Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. Firefighters face significant health risks both on and off the job. While the daily physical dangersburns, heat exhaustion and chemical exposureare well-known, research highlights the long-term risks of cancer, including urologic cancers, for those in the fire service. Firefighters have a higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) says firefighters have a 9% higher chance of cancer diagnosis and a 14% higher chance of cancer-related deaths due to job-related exposures. "Repeated exposures via inhalation or direct contact with toxic chemicals puts firefighters at an increased risk of bladder cancer as those toxins wind up in the urine, said Kyle A. Richards, MD, FACS, a urologist from the University of Wisconsin trained in urologic oncology. The first sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, so don't delay in getting that checked out!" Urologic cancers include bladder, kidney, prostate and testicular cancers. Symptoms vary but may include blood in the urine, back pain or changes in urinary habits. Speaking with your health care team is essential to protecting your health. In addition to following standard safety protocols during and after fires, firefighters can take proactive measures to safeguard their wellbeing. Make sure to inform your health care provider about your firefighting history, as this may prompt recommendations for specific cancer screenings and ensure early detection of potential issues. "You've probably been told at some point to not ignore symptoms and to listen to your health care provider. I'm telling you now that one of the reasons I'm still here is because I took that advice," said firefighter and bladder cancer survivor Jogn Steuck. Firefighters are not alone. Other jobs like hairdressers, machinists, printers, painters and truck drivers are also at high risk for urologic cancer due to similar risk factors. Learn more about urologic cancers on our website. The Urology Care Foundation is pleased to present a special issue of UrologyHealth extra for Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. The focus is helping the firefighter community learn more about the high risk of urologic cancers. To learn more about this special issue coming soon, visit UrologyHealth.org/Firefighter About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology, and has more than 23,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health policy. About the Urology Care Foundation: The Urology Care Foundation is the world's leading nonprofit urological health foundation, and the official foundation of the American Urological Association. Partnering with physicians, researchers, healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, families and the public, the Foundation supports and improves urologic clinical care by funding research, developing patient education and pursuing philanthropic support. To learn more about the Urology Care Foundation and its programs visit: http://www.urologyhealth.org Attachment NEW YORK, Jan. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate 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 case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. What is this about: On November 25, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 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 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 Chicago, IL, Jan. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Cook County Health (CCH) enters the new year, the health system celebrates a year of transformative progress and historic advancements. Through significant and strategic investments in services, cutting-edge technology, infrastructure, and community health initiatives, CCH has strengthened its foundation and set the stage for continued success. These achievements have positioned the health system for sustained growth and innovation as 2025 begins. It has been a transformative year for Cook County Health, said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. The health system continues to grow and evolve to meet the changing health care needs of the residents of Cook County. This resilience is a testament to Cook County Healths dedication to serve and to those who work every day to fulfill its mission. One of the largest public health systems in the nation, Cook County Health serves as the safety-net for health care in Chicago and suburban Cook County. CCH is comprised of John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital and Provident Hospital, a robust network of more than a dozen community health centers, the Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center, Cermak Health Services, which provides health care to individuals at the Cook County Jail and the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH), and CountyCare, the regions largest Medicaid managed care health plan. I am incredibly proud of the remarkable strides our health system has made this year. Together, weve expanded access to care, embraced innovative solutions, and delivered compassionate services that have positively impacted the lives of so many in our community. As we look toward 2025, we are more committed than ever to advancing health, wellness, and equity for all, said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, CEO, CCH. Select CCH accomplishments in 2024 include: The need for a strong public health system remains significant. In 2024, through the health system and the health plan, Cook County Health directly served more than 600,000 individuals. Looking ahead, CCH remains committed to building on these achievements and ensuring that Cook County residents can access health care services that are inclusive, innovative, and impactful. Vancouver, December 31, 2024 - Radio Fuels Energy Corp. (CSE: CAKE) (OTCQB: CKEFF) (the "Company" or "Radio Fuels") is pleased to announce that it has filed and commenced delivery of the notice of meeting and management information circular of the Company (the "Circular") and related materials for the annual and special meeting of shareholders of the Company (the "Meeting") to be held on January 30, 2025. At the Meeting, shareholders will be asked to approve, among other things, the proposed business combination between Radio Fuels and Palisades Goldcorp Ltd. ("Palisades") pursuant to the arrangement agreement entered into between the parties on December 9, 2024 (the "Arrangement Agreement") whereby Palisades will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Radio Fuels (the "Radio Fuels Shares") by way of a plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act (the "Transaction"). Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, each Radio Fuels Share will be exchanged for 0.060538 of a Palisades common share (each a "Palisades Share"). Upon completion of the Transaction, existing Palisades shareholders and former Radio Fuels shareholders will own approximately 76% and 24%, respectively, of the issued and outstanding Palisades Shares. Highlights: The combined entity will create a resource focused investment company with a strong balance sheet of $120-million in cash and marketable securities, providing retail and institutional investors with highly levered exposure to junior resource equities; Palisades will become the largest junior land holder in Nevada when measured by mineral tenure. The Radio Fuels (NV King Goldlands) property portfolio currently ranks as the third largest in Nevada behind Nevada Gold Mines (Barrick/Newmont JV) and Kinross Gold Corp.; The combined entity will retain exposure to the Atlanta Gold Mine Project, currently being advanced by Nevada King Gold Corp. (TSXV: NKG), through the 3% net smelter royalty held by Radio Fuels; and Radio Fuels shareholders will benefit from exposure to Palisades' significant investment portfolio while continuing to also benefit from Radio Fuels' unparalleled leverage to uranium and rare earth elements through its 100% ownership of the Eco Ridge Project, which has an NI 43-101 resource of 39.9Mlbs of U308 Eq Indicated and 67.2 Mlbs of U308 Eq Inferred. The respective boards of directors of Palisades and Radio Fuels have unanimously (excluding directors that abstained from voting) approved the Arrangement Agreement and the terms of the Transaction, following the unanimous recommendation of the respective special committees of Palisades and Radio Fuels. The Radio Fuels board of directors unanimously recommends that Radio Fuels shareholders vote in favour of the Transaction at Radio Fuels' upcoming Meeting scheduled to be held on January 30, 2025. Fort Capital Partners has provided an opinion to the board of directors and special committee of Radio Fuels that the consideration to be paid under the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to Radio Fuels shareholders. Canada Post Strike Radio Fuels is aware that, as a result of the national strike commenced by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers on November 15, 2024 and ended on December 19, 2024 (the "Postal Strike"), Canada Post's operations were shut down for an extended period of time. Radio Fuels is working closely with its service providers in connection with the Meeting to closely monitor whether the Postal Strike will have any impact on the delivery of the Circular and related materials to its shareholders in connection with the Meeting. If you are a shareholder of Radio Fuels as of December 17, 2024 (the record date for the Meeting) and you do not receive meeting materials in connection with the Meeting, please feel free to contact the Company by email at phil@radiofuels.ca and the Company will arrange to deliver the materials to you directly by email or courier. The Circular, form of letter of transmittal and other documentation related to the Meeting are also available electronically on the Company's website at www.radiofuels.ca or the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Meeting Details The Meeting will be held at the offices of Stikeman Elliott LLP, at 666 Burrard Street Suite 1700, Vancouver, BC V6C 2X8, on January 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time). Shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 17, 2024 are entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Meeting. The Circular contains detailed instructions for how shareholders may exercise their right to vote at the Meeting. Shareholders are encouraged to vote well in advance of the Meeting. The deadline for registered shareholders to vote is by 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time), on January 28, 2025. Non-registered shareholders who typically receive materials through their broker or other intermediary are requested to follow the instructions for voting provided by their broker or intermediary, which may include the completion and delivery of a voting instruction form. Further Transaction Details: For further information regarding the Transaction, please see the joint news release filed by Radio Fuels and Palisades on December 9, 2024 and the Circular, which contains detailed information regarding the Transaction. In addition to the approval of the Radio Fuels shareholders, completion of the Transaction is subject to receipt of TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") approval, court approvals and other customary closing conditions. The Radio Fuels board of directors unanimously recommends that Radio Fuels shareholders vote in favour of the Transaction. About Palisades Goldcorp Ltd. Palisades Goldcorp Ltd. is a resource investment company focused on junior companies in the resource and mining sector. Palisades seeks to acquire equity participation in pre-initial public offering and early-stage public resource companies with undeveloped or undervalued high quality projects. Palisades focuses on companies that are in need of financial resources to realize their full potential, are undervalued in capital markets, and/or operate in jurisdictions with low to moderate local political risk. Palisades expects to continue to make investments, pursuant to its dual investment strategy, to achieve broad sector exposure with upside in the event of appreciation in mineral commodities prices, while also providing the potential to realize appreciation in net asset values as a result of discoveries by issuers in which Palisades holds larger positions. Palisades is listed on the TSX-V under the stock symbol "PALI". Palisades holds a diverse portfolio of securities and derivatives, among which it holds a 21.82% interest in New Found Gold Corp. (TSXV: NFG). For further information regarding Palisades, please contact: Collin Kettell, Chief Executive Officer and Director Phone: +1 (845) 535-1486 Email: collin@palisades.ca About Radio Fuels Energy Corp. Radio Fuels is a junior natural resource company focused on providing exposure to uranium and other commodities through the investment, acquisition, exploration, and development of projects and companies. NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate - Eco Ridge Project Classification Tonnes (000 t) U3O8 (%) U3O8 (000 lbs) Total REO (ppm) Total REO (000 lbs) U3O8 Equivalent (%) U3O8 Equivalent (000 lbs) Indicated 22,306 0.045 22,290 1,613 79,314 0.081 39,920 Inferred 36,955 0.046 37,728 1,560 127,101 0.082 67,208 107,128 Table 1, Mineral Resource estimate from the technical report entitled "Technical Report on the Eco Ridge Project, Elliot Lake Area, Ontario, Canada - Report for NI 43-101" dated September 14, 2021. The qualified person responsible for preparation of the technical report was Tudorel Ciuculescu, M.Sc., P.Geo., who was independent of Radio Fuels at such time. Notes: (1) Mineral Resources were estimated within the Main Conglomerate Bed at a cut-off value of C$72/t. Values calculated in the technical report are based on prices and recoveries of uranium and rare earths, net of off-site rare earth separation costs. (2) Mineral Resources were estimated using an average long-term uranium price of US$55/lb U3O8, a rare earth "basket price" of US$35/kg (net of separation charges), and a C$:US$ exchange rate of 1.25:1.00. (3) U3O8 Equivalents were calculated by converting rare earths values (net of prices, recoveries, and separation charges) to uranium values: (Ce*0.000001615) + (La*0.000001512) + (Nd*0.000083203) + (Pr*0.000086281) + (Sm*0.000001445) + (Eu*0.000026748) + (Gd*0.000034083) + (Sc*0.000873045) + (Y*0.00000438) + (Yb*0.000015265) + (Dy*0.000307606) + (Er*0.000025566) + (Ho*0) + (Lu*0) + (Tb*0.0009556) + (Tm*0) [units of ppm * Canadian dollar]. (4) A minimum mining thickness of 1.8 m was used. (5) TREO include light oxides La2O3, CeO2, Pr6O11, and Nd2O3, and heavy oxides Sm2O3, Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Tb4O7, Dy2O3, Ho2O3, Er2O3, Tm2O3, Yb2O3, Y2O3, and Lu2O3. Sc2O3 is also included, as it occurs in low concentrations and carries high unit values like a HREO. Since the previous NI 43-101 resource estimate, no additional drilling has been conducted at Eco Ridge and there have been no material changes to geological information which could influence the resource estimate. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulatory Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) nor the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or" should" occur or be achieved. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the proposed terms and timing of the Transaction, the proposed benefits of the Transaction, the holding of a meeting of Radio Fuels shareholders, the satisfaction of conditions precedent of the Transaction, the timing, receipt and anticipated effects of court and regulatory approvals for the Transaction, Palisades' future outlook and the completion of the Transaction. 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 Palisades and Radio Fuels, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the Palisades or Radio Fuels' failure to complete the Transaction, the failure of Radio Fuels shareholders to approve the Transaction, and the failure of the TSXV to approve the Transaction. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Palisades and Radio Fuels do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235407 Vancouver, December 31, 2024 - Newpath Resources Inc. (CSE: PATH) (FSE: 0MZ) (OTC PINK: RDYFF) ("Newpath" or the "Company") announces that the Company completed a non-brokered flow-through private placement (the "Offering"). The Company issued 1,538,461 flow-through shares (each a "FT Share" and collectively, the "FT Shares") at a price of $0.0325 per FT Share for total gross proceeds of $50,000. All FT Shares issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a four-month hold expiring May 1, 2025, under applicable securities laws in Canada. The proceeds raised from the Offering are expected to be used for exploration activities on the Company's projects. The Company's CEO and director, Alexander McAulay, subscribed for a total of 307,692 FT Shares under the Offering. Mr. McAulay's participation in the Offering is a "related-party transaction", as defined in Multi-Lateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemptions from the formal valuation requirements contained in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 and the minority shareholder approval requirements contained in section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the Company is not listed on specified markets and the fair market value of Mr. McAulay's participation in the Offering does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Offering as the closing date of the Offering was not immediately known and the Company wished to close on an expedited basis. About Newpath Resources Inc. Newpath is a Canadian exploration company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol PATH. As of December 2024, Newpath's early-stage Orefield critical metal exploration project is composed of two claim groups (Alpha/Bravo and Delta), totals approximately 469 square kilometres west and southwest of Lake Nipigon in Northern Ontario, approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay. The Company also owns the Northshore gold project located in the Schreiber-Hemlo greenstone belt. On Behalf of the Company, NEWPATH RESOURCES INC. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release may contain certain "forward-looking information". Forward-looking information may include financial and other projections, as well as statements regarding future plans, objectives, or economic performance, or the assumption underlying any of the foregoing. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "aim", "aims to", "may", "would", "could", "will", "will be" "likely", "expected", "anticipated", "proposed", "believe", "intend", "intent", "looking", "plan", "forecast", "project", "estimate", "outlook", "hope". Forward-looking information included in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the use of proceeds from the Offering. Forward-looking information is based upon the assumptions and estimates considered reasonable by management of the Company as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Risks that may cause the forward-looking information contained herein to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein include, but are not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals if required, key personnel and qualified employees continuing their involvement with the Company, the competitive conditions of the industries in which the Company operates, the availability of material projects, capital expenditures and other costs, repayment of debt, financing and additional capital requirements. As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Any statement containing forward-looking information speaks only as of the date of this news release and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235708 Vancouver, December 31, 2024 - Durango Resources Inc. (TSX.V-DGO) (Frankfurt-86A1) (OTCQB -ATOXF), (the "Company" or "Durango") reports the passing of all resolutions at the annual general meeting ("AGM") held on December 31, 2024 in Vancouver, B.C. Shareholders voted in person and by proxy representing an aggregate of 8,738,335 shares, being 9.28% of the 94,206,872 issued and outstanding shares as at the record date of November 28, 2024. All three nominees listed in the management proxy circular, Marcy Kiesman, Melanie Mackay, and Aimee Ward were elected as directors of Durango for the ensuing year. Shareholders also re-approved Durango's 10% rolling stock option plan and re-appointed Charlton & Company as auditors for the 2025 year end. Durango CEO, Marcy Kiesman, stated, "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank our shareholders for their support. We are looking forward to an exciting 2025 for our shareholders and wholly owned Canadian projects. I would also like to thank our outgoing directors, Julie Lemieux and Joanna Cameron for their many years of valued service on the Board of Durango. We wish you the best in your future endeavours." About Durango Durango is a natural resources company engaged in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in Canada. The Company's holdings currently include a 100% interest in a strategically located group of properties in the Babine Copper-Gold District, British Columbia, claims near the Troilus Gold Camp, claims in the Nemaska Camp known for lithium, polymetallic nickel, copper, PGM and other critical metals, as well as claims in the Windfall Lake gold camp in the Abitibi region of Quebec, Canada. For further information on Durango, please refer to its SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Marcy Kiesman, CEO Telephone: 604.428.2900 or 604.339.2243 Email: durangoresourcesinc@gmail.com Website: www.durangoresourcesinc.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward?looking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements that address the upcoming work programs, and other statements relating to the business, financial and technical prospects of the Company. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The Company does not undertake to update forward?looking statements or forward?looking information, except as required by law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. The duck carcasses that hang in many a Chinese restaurant window may not be an appetizing sight for all diners. But unlike most meat, Peking duck has been deemed safe to serve at room temperature.In general, though, the federal Food and Drug Administration recommends that foods in restaurants be stored at or below 41 degrees or above 140 degrees. However, that sort of stricture does not sit well in many ethnic eateries, from sushi bars in Phoenix to the Hmong restaurants of East Detroit."I don't think it's unique to the Asian community," said Steve Grover of the National Restaurant Association. "There are a lot of foods that are best served at room temperature."In a growing number of places, public health officials are struggling to balance cultural preferences with the need to protect diners from harmful bacteria.Recently, both the private and public sectors have moderated their hard-line stances on the matter. Major manufacturers of sushi rice, for instance, are now soaking their product with vinegar, which helps to stave off bacterial growth.Governments are adapting as well. The FDA's food code allows some foods to be stored at room temperature for up to four hours. Nineteen states have adopted the code so far.Restaurateurs were able to convince California lawmakers that the process of marinating Peking duck, which is stored overnight at room temperature, successfully kills bacteria. Other food handlers, including wholesalers, can justify room-temperature storage to public health officials by submitting a "hazard analysis and critical control point" plan that demonstrates the reduction of risk.In some cases, restaurateurs can identify raw or room-temperature foods through signage or explanations on menus. California now allows raw eggs to be served in Caesar salads if that ingredient is disclosed. On any given day, about 2.2 million people in the United States -- one out of every 115 -- is in jail or prison, and both the number and rate have nearly doubled over the past 25 years. This huge increase has done nothing to enhance public safety. Almost 50 percent of people released from prison are re-incarcerated within three years, according to federal statistics, and those who spend even two days in pretrial detention are significantly more likely to recidivate after their cases are decided. In other words, we're paying billions of dollars to fail.It's clear we need to do something different. And given that the 10.6 million annual admissions to local jails amount to more thanthe number of admissions to state and federal prisons, turning more attention to changing how we use jails could have far greater impact on our overall incarceration rates, reducing costs and increasing public safety.In recent years, jurisdictions have been doing this in greater numbers, but efforts often focus primarily on "low-risk" individuals who could presumably be safely served in the community, such as people arrested for minor misdemeanors or those detained solely for failure to pay legal and financial obligations.These efforts are incredibly worthwhile, but jurisdictions that focus solely on these groups are less likely to make significant dents in their jail populations in the short or long term, for two simple reasons: Individuals charged with lower-level offenses tend to stay in jail for short periods of time anyway, and in some places those people comprise a relatively small proportion of jail admissions.To make big impacts on jail populations, we need to expand who we think of as good candidates for diversion or release, and we need to speed up case processing for others who must stay in custody for public-safety reasons. This means focusing on individuals seen as higher-risk, such as people who have been charged with nonviolent felonies or who are in jail because they violated the terms of probation or parole. These people not only tend to stay in jail longer than their lower-risk/lesser-charge counterparts, but they are much more likely to end up in jail in the first place.In fact, people charged with felonies make up more than two-thirds of the jail population nationwide. Jurisdictions that can find ways to move some of these individuals charged with more serious crimes out of incarceration -- and do so safely -- can make significant progress toward reducing their reliance on jail.A number of localities around the country are exploring these types of reforms through participation in the MacArthur Foundation's Safety and Justice Challenge , a national initiative to reduce over-incarceration by changing the way America thinks about and uses its jails. These jurisdictions are looking closely at their data and operations to figure out the best ways to significantly shrink their jail populations. Many are learning that to achieve these ambitious goals, they have to implement at least one or two strategies that go beyond the obvious low-hanging fruit and focus on "riskier" populations.In Philadelphia, for example, the First Judicial District and other criminal justice leaders are reviewing data on continuances -- which postpone pending court actions -- in felony cases to understand what causes court processing delays, which lengthen the time defendants are held in jail. Based on the data, Philadelphia stakeholders plan to implement strategies to reduce delays; the goal is to reduce the length of time that people facing felony charges are held by 30 percent.Harris County, Texas, launched its Responsive Interventions for Change Docket in 2016. This initiative focuses on nonviolent felony defendants with substance-abuse issues, redirecting them away from jail and into community-based alternatives. County officials are considering it for other types of felonies as well, such as driving under the influence and selected property offenses. While the new approach's impact on the jail population has yet to be parsed out, 85 percent of the 7,188 drug-related cases filed in the RIC Docket were diverted from jail as of this April.And in Cook County, Ill., under an order from the chief judge, judges are now prohibited from detaining people who are not a public-safety risk in jail on bonds they cannot afford. The new system now requires judges to evaluate a defendant's financial circumstances, in addition to risk level and criminal history, before determining whether and how much bond should be set. As of this March 31, approximately six months after the order was implemented, the number of people being held in the county's jail had dropped 20 percent.This emerging focus on jails as a major driver of mass incarceration is encouraging. With these bold actions, localities are moving the needle toward significantly reducing incarceration and reducing the ineffective and expensive use of jail. 2020 was not just fodder for memes from quarantined creatives. It was an accelerant. Technological trends that we hadn't expected to see filtering into commerce and government for five to ten years rushed to fill the void as existing systems were abandoned in the face of the pandemic. We transferred work to the cloud, experimented with telehealth and online courts, and adapted regulations on the fly, even running simultaneous vaccine trials to speed approval.But despite 2020's technological leaps, government still remains behind the humanity it serves, and so must race to transform. Remember, waiting in the wings are rapidly maturing technologies, from gene editing to self-driving cars. To truly harness these technological advances, government should act quickly, and be both deliberate and flexible.How should government transform? What should government look like five or ten years from now?Given that government has so many missions, departments and varied activities, it's hard to contemplate its broader future through those vertical lenses. To help, in a Deloitte report entitled Creating the Government of the Future my colleagues and I identified five principal domains of government activity that are ripe for technological transformation: service delivery, operations, talent/workforce, policy- and decision-making, and regulation and enforcement. Virtually all government agencies are engaged in each of these domains, albeit in different proportions.In Estonia, taxpayers can file taxes online simply by approving forms auto-populated with their income data . This ease represents the future of service delivery: focused on the user, automated for no-touch government that serves people without them having to fill out long forms. (Think hospital data of a birth triggering a birth certificate, Social Security card and health-care record for the child and family allowance payment to qualifying parents.)Services will more and more tailor to such anticipated life events. Ideally, a single login omnichannel experience provides access to tasks as varied as collecting unemployment benefits to registering to run for office. With once-only government, citizens and businesses need only provide their data once, and it's then shared across departments with appropriate privacy protections.Government operations should take a cue from the private sector, where technologies like data analytics and cognitive automation converge to create serious efficiencies. Operations from HR to procurement can combine in an integrated center office, creating insights from shared, analyzed data about what to expect and how to improve. "As-a-service" acquisition allows contractors to provide basic infrastructure, such as cloud services, leading to faster scaling. To transform operations, strike teams of specialists and subject-matter experts meet in digital factories, using agile processes without traditional bureaucracies. Evidence-based policymaking can identify what approaches produce the best results. With artificial-intelligence-based scenario analysis, machine learning can test the relationship between factors in systemic problems. Potentially, understanding these relationships could allow policy to be self-correcting. Likewise, increasingly sophisticated statistical models will allow government by simulation a cheap way to A/B test systems like traffic management, disaster response and city planning. Meanwhile, mass-communication tools enable crowdsourced and distributed policymaking, in which ordinary citizens contribute their expertise.The future of this governmental domain is tied to the predictive abilities of AI and analytics . In a form of risk-based regulation , for example, AI can identify factors likely to contribute to a food-borne illness outbreak, helping food inspectors focus energies on restaurants more likely to violate. Modeling systems to identify beneficial behaviors can enable positive enforcement strategies, which reward a business' focus on the big picture and going beyond the bare minimum. Lastly, countries like New Zealand have experimented with legislation written as software code . The bureaucratic effects of the legislation could be simulated ahead of time.Flexibility will be the hallmark of the future public workforce. NASA and other agencies are trying a talent marketplace model , in which some workers have the ability to move from project to project, even between agencies, based on their documented skills. Talent won't go to waste in this just-in-time civil service. Such a talent marketplace would cover an open talent spectrum, from freelancers to career employees.The flexibility goes two ways. Workers may yo-yo between jobs, but will increasingly work in adaptive workplaces places where they are most productive and engaged, whether in offices, at home or a hybrid of the two. Meanwhile, human-machine collaboration can provide civil servants with AI-enabled tools to be more productive and effective in their jobs.The challenges of 2020 forced a high-volume field test of technological and organizational edge cases. Many survived to become mainstream, while others kickstarted further intersections of technology. As we face a transformed economy with transforming needs, governments must adapt. Can an institution designed in an era of incremental change succeed in an era of transformation? Absolutely.GoverningGoverning Previous article: See the worlds top companies by revenue in 2024 Featured Cocoa, Coffee, and Sheanut farmers congratulate President-elect John Mahama GraphicOnline Business News Dec - 31 - 2024 , 19:44 The National Executive Committee of the Ghana Cocoa, Coffee, and Sheanut Farmers Association (COCOSHE) has extended warm congratulations to President-elect John Dramani Mahama on his historic election as the leader of the Republic of Ghana. In a statement signed by the associations President, Alhaji Alhassan Bukari, COCOSHE described the election as unprecedented in Ghana's voting history since independence in 1957. The association acknowledged the significance of President-elect Mahamas victory and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the nation effectively. The statement highlighted the pressing challenges facing Ghana's Cocoa, Coffee, and Sheanut sectors, which have suffered a marked decline in recent years. COCOSHE pledged its unwavering support to the President-elect in addressing these challenges and revitalizing the sectors. Advertisement We wish to assure you of our unflinching support to help bring back the Cocoa, Coffee, and Sheanut sector to its feet, so as to restore the economy of Ghana to its healthy state, the statement read. COCOSHE underscored the importance of the recovery of these vital agricultural sectors to Ghana's economic progress and called on all stakeholders to unite and work with the incoming administration to achieve this shared goal. As preparations for the inauguration of President-elect Mahama continue, the association extended its best wishes for a successful tenure and expressed hope for a brighter future under his leadership. The statement concluded with a call for unity and national progress, proclaiming, Long live COCOSHE, long live Ghana. Next article: Taliban bans windows to stop women from being seen at home Featured Cote d'Ivoire says French troops to leave West African nation bbc.com International News Jan - 01 - 2025 , 13:52 3 minutes read Cote d'Ivoire has announced that French troops will withdraw from the West African nation, further reducing the military influence of the former colonial power in the region. In an end-of-year address, Cote d'Ivoire's President, Alassane Ouattara, said the move was a reflection of the modernisation of the country's armed forces. Separately, Senegal, which last month announced France would have to close its military bases on its territory, confirmed the withdrawal would be completed by the end of 2025. Cote d'Ivoire is home to the biggest remaining contingent of French troops in West Africa. Advertisement There are some 600 French military personnel in the country with 350 in Senegal. "We have decided in a concerted manner to withdraw French forces from the Ivory Coast," President Ouattara said. He added that the military infantry battalion of Port Bouet that is run by the French army would be handed over to Ivorian troops. France, whose colonial rule in West Africa ended in the 1960s, has already pulled its soldiers out of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger following military coups in those countries and growing anti-French sentiment. The government of Chad - a key Western ally in the fight against Islamic militants in the region - abruptly ended its defence co-operation pact with France in November. Senegalese President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye said: "I have instructed the minister for the armed forces to propose a new doctrine for co-operation in defence and security, involving, among other consequences, the end of all foreign military presences in Senegal from 2025." Faye was elected in March on a promise to deliver sovereignty and end dependence on foreign countries. France will retain a small presence in Gabon. Military leaders of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have moved closer to Russia since kicking out French troops from their countries. Russia then deployed mercenaries across the Sahel to help them fight off jihadist insurgents. There are indications that France has now got fewer than 2,000 troops in Djibouti and Gabon. Political watchers believe that France has been making efforts to revive its waning political and military influence in Africa. The former political power now appears to be devising a new military strategy of downscaling military ties - a measure that would sharply reduce its permanent troop presence on the continent. For more than three decades after its independence from France, Cote d'Ivoire was known for its religious and ethnic harmony, as well as its well-developed economy. The Western African country was hailed as a model of stability. But an armed rebellion in 2002 split the nation in two. Peace deals alternated with renewed violence as the country slowly edged its way towards a political resolution of the conflict. Despite the instability, Cote d'Ivoire is the world's largest exporter of cocoa beans, and its citizens enjoy a relatively high level of income compared with other countries in the region. Next article: Leprosy Aid Committee pays tribute to Dr Bawumia for his benevolence towards lepers Previous article: Don't dwell on criticisms and challenges of the past - Evangelical Presbyterian Church Moderator Featured 10 things to note from President-elect John Mahama's New Year speech Kweku Zurek Jan - 01 - 2025 , 20:00 2 minutes read As Ghana prepares for the swearing-in of President-elect John Dramani Mahama for his second term on January 7, 2025, his New Year message to the nation outlined his vision and priorities. Here are 10 key takeaways from the address: 1. A renewed promise of hope and progress Mr. Mahama described 2025 as not merely the beginning of another chapter, but a renewed promise to you, a promise of hope, progress, and shared prosperity. He pledged to lead the country into a transformative era of development. 2. Commitment to economic transformation The President-elect highlighted his administrations resolve to reset the Ghanaian economy for growth and jobs by implementing a 24-hour economy policy and focusing on export-driven development. 3. Support for entrepreneurship and innovation Highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for innovation, Mr. Mahama said, Together, we'll create an environment that fosters entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development. Advertisement 4. A lean and efficient government He promised a government responsive to the aspirations of Ghanaians, saying, My vision for our great nation includes a lean, efficient government responsive to your aspirations as a proud Ghanaian. 5. Tackling corruption and overspending The President-elect pledged to address governance challenges: We will work tirelessly to correct the outgoing administration's many wrongs, tackle corruption with dogged determination, and reduce excessive government expenditures. 6. Empowering the youth Acknowledging the potential of Ghanas young population, Mr. Mahama called them our most valuable asset and urged them to believe in themselves. Your energy, creativity, and passion are vital to our future success, he stated. 7. Engagement with business owners Mr. Mahama extended his support to entrepreneurs, assuring them, My administration will support your efforts to create jobs and wealth. We are committed to removing barriers, simplifying processes, and providing the necessary resources. 8. Call for unity and positivity He appealed for collective action and optimism, saying, Together let us embrace positivity and hope. Let us stand united in the belief that we can reset our economy, restore dignity and integrity. 9. Focus on equity and shared success The President-elect reaffirmed his dedication to building a fairer society, describing his vision for a Ghana of opportunities, equity, and shared success. 10. A message of peace and collaboration Concluding his address, Mr. Mahama envisioned a peaceful and collaborative future for Ghana, urging citizens to commit to working together hand in hand to achieve our goals and our dreams. With these commitments, President-elect Mahama outlined a roadmap for a transformative and prosperous 2025. As he takes office, Ghanaians will look forward to seeing these promises translate into action. Previous article: Mandamus application: ECs returning officer did not declare Ebi Bright winner of Tema Central NPP lawyers tell court Featured CHASS urges GES to postpone school re-opening date until outstanding debt cleared Graphic.com.gh Jan - 01 - 2025 , 12:05 1 minute read The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) to postpone the January 3, 2024 re-opening date for senior high schools until the government has settled the outstanding debt for food and operations. In a statement issued on December 31, 2024, the school heads said the government has failed to respond to three appeals since August 2024 for payment of arrears covering perishables, recurrent fees, and food transportation costs. The National Secretary of CHASS, Baro Primus has therefore directed all regional branches to notify parents of the potential delay through parent associations. The school heads warned that members who defy the directive will face sanctions for betraying their collective stance. Advertisement This is now the fourth appeal to education authorities over the unpaid arrears, with previous letters sent in August, November, and December 2024, the statement said . Next article: I thank God for what He has done for me and the nation - Dr Bawumia to congregation Featured Elections are over; Put nation first Rev Liwangol urges Ghanaians Timothy Ngnenbe Jan - 01 - 2025 , 10:03 2 minutes read The General Overseer of the Evangelical Church of Ghana (ECG), Rev Maxwell K.K. Liwangol, has called on Ghanaians to set aside the outcome of the December 7, 2024, elections and rally around the national flag as the country transitions from one democratic government to another. He stated that with the election season concluded and a new president elected to lead the nation for the next four years, citizens must abandon unnecessary partisanship and support policies aimed at fostering national development. While commending political parties and politicians for maintaining relative peace during the elections, he stressed the importance of consolidating these gains by supporting the incoming administration in establishing structures for effective governance. In the struggle for political power, there will be acrimonious moments; but when the masses have decided on who to be their President and Members of Parliament (MPs), the best thing to do as a responsible citizen is to put national interest first, he emphasised. Advertisement Watchnight service Speaking at the 31st December Watchnight Service at the Old Fadama branch of the Evangelical Church of Ghana (ECG), Rev Liwangol warned that anyone whose actions aim to disrupt the countrys peace following the elections would be regarded as an enemy of the state. The service, held under the theme "Our God Delivers and Rescues," drew hundreds of worshippers, including regular congregants and ceremonial Christians, who gathered to thank God for His provisions throughout the year and seek His guidance for the year ahead. Dressed predominantly in white, attendees sang and danced with joy, celebrating with songs of praise. When the clock struck midnight, the packed church auditorium erupted in jubilation as worshippers welcomed the New Year with shouts of joy and dancing. Hope Rev Liwangol acknowledged that while challenges might arise in 2025, there was hope that God would intervene and bring restoration to the country. He encouraged Ghanaians, saying, When we trust in the Lord and prioritise national development issues, we will survive the turbulence. He further highlighted the importance of hard work, stating that diligence would lead to abundant blessings from God. Obedience The clergyman also urged citizens, especially the youth, to respect leaders and avoid contempt towards those in authority. He noted, It is through obedience and respect for authority that Ghanaians can collectively contribute to national development and attract Gods blessings. He cautioned against disobedience, stating, Do not let your disobedience lead you and your society into trouble. Rev Liwangol added that the nations laws were designed to promote peaceful coexistence and maintain stability, and therefore, it was the duty of all citizens to uphold them. Featured Leprosy Aid Committee pays tribute to Dr Bawumia for his benevolence towards lepers GraphicOnline Jan - 01 - 2025 , 19:25 2 minutes read The Leprosy Aid Committee has paid tribute to Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for his outstanding support to lepers and leprosaria in Ghana. Dr Bawumia, a patron of Lepers Aid Ghana, is renowned for his humanitarian efforts towards residents of the Weija Leprosarium. On New Year's Day, he hosted members of the leprosarium at his residence for a luncheon. In recognition of his sustained benevolence, the Lepers Aid Committee presented Dr Bawumia with a citation of honour and appreciation. Gesture of gratitude The citation, presented by Father Andrew Campbell, Resident Director of the Weija Leprosarium, highlighted Dr Bawumia's unwavering commitment to improving the lives of individuals affected by leprosy. Advertisement "Your selfless contributions have set a standard of service that resonates across Ghana and beyond, and have brought renewed focus to improving the lives of leprosy sufferers," the citation stated. The committee added, "In gratitude and respect, we honour you, Your Excellency. God bless you for your love and dedication." Continued support Expressing his appreciation for the recognition, Dr Bawumia pledged to continue supporting the lepers as a patron of the Lepers Council. Dr Bawumia and his wife, Samira, later joined in serving lunch to the cured lepers, further demonstrating their commitment to this cause. Reflecting on his journey with the leprosarium, Dr Bawumia recalled, Eight years ago, when I was moving into my official residence as Vice President, I did my housewarming with the lepers. As I prepare to exit, it feels right to hold another session with my friends. Featured NDCs preliminary objection to mandamus application overruled Justice Agbenorsi Jan - 01 - 2025 , 10:55 4 minutes read The High Court in Accra has overruled the National Democratic Congress (NDC) preliminary legal objection to the mandamus application seeking to compel the EC to collate the parliamentary results of four constituencies in the December 7 2024 elections. In a ruling today, Justice Forson Baah Agyapong was of the opinion that the jurisdiction of the court had been properly invoked since the mandamus application was not a challenge to the validity of any declared parliamentary result. He added that the court could entertain the judicial review seeking to compel the EC to undertake its constitutional duty of collating the results since the said results had not been gazetted by the EC. Flowing the ruling, the court will now proceed to go into the merit of the mandamus application after hearing arguments from lawyers of the various parties. Advertisement Preliminary legal objection Counsel for the interested parties, Godwin E. Tameklo had yesterday (Dec 31) raised the legal objection to the mandamus application and questioned the jurisdiction of the High Court to hear same. The crux of his argument was that the mandamus application in respect of Okaikwei Central, Tema Central, Techiman South and Ablekuma North was an election petition in disguise and same should not be entertained. According to him, where the election and the candidate had been declared in the various constituencies even before the mandamus application was filed, the right thing for the New Patriotic Party to do was to file an election petition and not a mandamus application. Grounding his arguments on sections 16 (1) of the Representation of the Peoples Law 1992 (PNDC Law 284) which states that, the validity of an election to Parliament may be questioned only by a petition brought under this Part. He added section 20 of the same law states that the election of a candidate shall be declared void on an election petition if the High Court is satisfied that general bribery, general treating, general intimidation or other misconduct or circumstances, whether similar to those specified in this Law or not, have so extensively prevailed that they may be reasonably supposed to have affected the result of the election. Mr Tameklo said all the issues raised in the various affidavits filed was to the effective that the election and the declaration that had been made was outwitted by general intimidation. Whether it is right or wrong that is for the judge in an election petition to make a deee the determination and not a mandamus application. This mandamus application is a clever way to circumvent the proper hearing to be done by evidence in an election petition It is only sections 16 and 20 that the applicant herein can invoke if he has any question as to the appropriateness or otherwise of the said declaration, he said. Applicant Counsel for the applicant, Gary Nimako Marfo, who opposed the objection, Mr Tameklos arguments were misconceived. He said the provisions in the PNDC law quoted by counsel had no effect on the mandamus application since the results of the affected constituencies had not been gazetted. We submit that section 16 of PNDC law 284 can only be invoked when a condition precedent under section 18 of the same law has been fulfilled. That is to say there ought to be gazette notification of the results within 21 days by the respondent. As we speak there are no results of Tema Central Constituency, and there is none gazette. In conclusion, our prayer is that the respondent (EC) should perform its constitutional and statutory function under C.I 127 to comply collate and declare the winner of the parliamentary elections held on Dec 7, 2024, he said. Counsel for the EC, Justin Amenuvor who took his turn to argue only asked, How does the person who has raised the preliminary objection expect this court to say whether or not there has been a validly concluded election without going into the affidavit. However Mr Tameklo replied saying the question was meant for a petition and not a mandamus adding, The affidavit is what is required for a trial in an election petition. Featured Radiologist granted GH500,000 bail as police awaits report on gender GNA Jan - 01 - 2025 , 13:38 2 minutes read The Police say they are waiting for the report on the gender of an accused person in a fraud case. Meanwhile, Christabel Suphar Sarkodie Tuffour, the accused, has been admitted to bail in the sum of GH500,000 with three sureties, one to be justified. The GNA had gathered that the Police still needs the report of the accused to prosecute her other cases. This is because the accused in some cases had posed as a man and in some cases posed as a woman. Advertisement Due to the uncertainty of the accuseds gender, the court made an order to the Police to send her to a hospital for her gender to be ascertained. She had declined a physical examination to be conducted by the Police. Christabel was charged with five counts of defrauding by false pretences. She pleaded not guilty. Christabel is alleged to have collected a total of 42,889 Pounds, 8,500 Euros, $5,000 and GHC230,000 from 15 individuals, promising to assist them in obtaining visas to Germany and Canada. Police say Christabel, a radiologist, claimed she handed over the money to one Ebenezer but he denied receiving any funds. The prosecution led by Chief Inspector Ramatu Asumah earlier on revealed that the complainants were young individuals seeking to travel abroad for better opportunities. Christabel, while studying in Europe, falsely claimed to have worked with German Immigration Service in Frankfurt. She and her accomplice, Ebenezer, who had no experience in travel and tourism, deceived the complainants into believing that they could help them secure visas. Prosecution said Ebenezer introduced the complainant to Christabel, further solidifying the illusion of legitimacy. The court heard that Christabel provided her bank account details to some of the victims, while others paid her in person during meetings in Osu and Lancaster Hotel. The accused arranged a fake marriage to Kwasi Gyimah at La Nkwantang District Court, claiming it would help secure a spousal visa upon her return to Germany. Through these tactics, Christabel successfully obtained large sums of money from 15 complainants. After her arrest, she admitted in her caution statement to handing over the funds to Ebenezer although he denied receiving them. Next article: Mandamus application: ECs returning officer did not declare Ebi Bright winner of Tema Central NPP lawyers tell court Featured Tema: Fire destroys ECG cables on new year's eve Graphic.com.gh Jan - 01 - 2025 , 13:33 1 minute read The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has explained that a temporary power outage experienced in some parts of Tema in the Greater Accra Region on New Year's eve was a result of a fire outbreak which has destroyed some major power cables in the area. The fire, which was reportedly seen behind the Lube Oil Company in Tema around 5pm on Tuesday, has ravaged the cables. This caused the temporary power cut in areas such as Adjetey Ansah, the Naval Quarters, Aunty Kate, Leonardo, and Bankuman. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Advertisement The Public Relations Officer of the Tema Region of the power distributor, Ms. Sakyiwaa Mensah said the timely intervention the Ghana National Fire Service helped to curtail the fire. "The extent of damage is still being assessed. Until this assessment is done, it will be difficult for us to ascertain the cost associated," she said. Featured Bishop Dag Heward Mills celebrates Vice President Bawumias presence at 31st Night Service GraphicOnline Politics Jan - 01 - 2025 , 14:41 2 minutes read The newly built auditorium of the Lighthouse Chapel at East Legon was filled with excitement on New Years Eve as Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife, Samira, joined the congregation for their 31st Watch Night Service. Described by the church as a "historic" occasion, the Vice President's visit marked the first time a high-ranking government official had graced the congregation with their presence. The service was led by the churchs founder and leader, Bishop Dag Heward Mills, who warmly welcomed Dr. Bawumia and his entourage. "I am happy to announce the presence of the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and his wife," said Bishop Heward Mills to resounding cheers from the congregation. "I am so happy because this is the first time we are having a President or a Vice President. What a blessing." Gratitude and faith Addressing the congregation as the Special Guest of the service, Dr. Bawumia began by extending heartfelt wishes for the New Year. Advertisement "Let me wish everybody a Happy New Year. Lets wish for greater and better and greater tidings this New Year," he said, eliciting roars of excitement from the audience. Reflecting on the recently concluded elections, the Vice President expressed his gratitude to God for His blessings upon himself and the nation. "We have gone through an election, and I want to thank God for His blessings to myself and to the country Ghana," he remarked. Drawing inspiration from scripture, Dr. Bawumia underscored the importance of gratitude in all circumstances. "The book of Thessalonians Chapter 5 Verse 18 tells us that in all things, give thanks to God. And for me, I have abiding faith in the Lord. And so what He has done for us, we are giving thanks to Him," he said. He expressed optimism about the future, adding, "I know and I believe that God has a plan for me for greater and better days in the future." Appreciation Flanked by his wife, Samira, the Vice President thanked Bishop Heward Mills and the congregation for their warm reception. "I want to thank all of you for giving us the opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year. God bless you, and God bless Ghana," Dr. Bawumia concluded. The service, which brought together worshippers to pray and celebrate the dawn of 2025, was filled with joy and reverence. Featured President-elect John Mahama pledges to address 'many wrongs' of outgoing government in New Year message Kweku Zurek Politics Jan - 01 - 2025 , 19:44 2 minutes read President-elect John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians of his commitment to rectifying the shortcomings of the outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration as he prepares to assume office on January 7, 2025. In a New Years message to the nation, Mr. Mahama described his imminent return to the presidency as an opportunity to restore hope, ensure progress, and rebuild trust. He promised to prioritise economic transformation and governance reforms while addressing the concerns raised by citizens during the electoral period. We will work tirelessly to correct the outgoing administration's many wrongs, tackle corruption with dogged determination, and reduce excessive government expenditures, he stated. Advertisement Mr. Mahamas remarks signalled a focus on creating an efficient and transparent government. My vision for our great nation includes a lean, efficient government responsive to your aspirations as a proud Ghanaian, he said, reiterating his commitment to prudent economic management and fostering innovation. The President-elect highlighted his administrations plans to reset the economy, citing the introduction of a 24-hour economy policy aimed at job creation and boosting Ghanas export potential. Together, well create an environment that fosters entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development, ensuring that our youth can achieve their dreams right here at home, he affirmed. Addressing the youth directly, Mr. Mahama called on them to believe in themselves and participate actively in shaping Ghanas future. Your energy, creativity, and passion are vital to our future success, he said, emphasising their role in cultivating a thriving economy. He also extended assurances to the business community, pledging to dismantle barriers and simplify processes to enable economic growth. My administration will support your efforts to create jobs and wealth, he said, promising a renewed focus on empowering entrepreneurs. In closing, Mr. Mahama expressed optimism about fulfilling his campaign promises and uniting the nation towards a common goal. Let us stand united in the belief that we can reset our economy, restore dignity and integrity, and renew our collective commitment to building the Ghana we want, he urged. Watch the message below; Featured Support in-coming govt to perform according to nations needs - Evangelical Presbyterian Church Clerk Alberto Mario Noretti Politics Jan - 01 - 2025 , 11:51 1 minute read The Clerk for the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG), Rev Dr Lawrence Dzanku, has urged the citizenry to set aside their political differences and re-unite as one family for the progress of the nation. He was speaking at a watch night service at the Dela Cathedral at Ho-Kpodzi to usher in the New Year. The service was on the theme: "With God, all things are possible." Rev Dr Dzanku said there was no need for Ghanaians to carry the pains of the past into the New Year, adding the brighter prospects the people were longing for could only be achieved with a united front, patriotism and love for one another. Advertisement So, we expect everybody to help to carry his neighbours burden, and we expect the rich to break their bread with the poor for goodwill to prevail in society, he added. The Clerk of the General Assembly of the EPCG said service to mankind was service to God, and for that matter any of kindness to ones neighbour was to God as well. He said society would never be a happy place if one section lived in gluttony and the other had little to keep them on their feet. For that matter, the clergyman entreated Ghanaians to eschew all forms of greed and show concern for the wellbeing of their compatriots. Earlier this week, Xiaomi's Poco announced it would unveil the Poco X7 series on January 9 without mentioning how many phones the lineup includes. But we now have official confirmation that there are two phones - Poco X7 and Poco X7 Pro. While Poco hasn't detailed their specs sheets yet, the Chinese brand has revealed the X7 Pro's price range, processor, and battery size. The Poco X7 Pro will be powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 8400 Ultra SoC and have a 6,550 mAh battery under the hood. Its starting price will be less than INR30,000 ($350/340), but it remains to be seen whether that will be the launch price or the effective price, which is lower than the launch price due to bank offers and discounts. Poco X7 Pro's price range, processor, and battery size officially confirmed Poco also revealed the designs of the Poco X7 and X7 Pro. The Poco X7 has a faux leather back panel sporting three cameras, while the Poco X7 Pro features two cameras, with that black-yellow dual-tone design reminding us of the Realme 10 Pro Coca-Cola Edition. Both smartphones' primary cameras use 50MP sensors with OIS. Poco X7 Poco X7 Pro The Poco X7 and Poco X7 Pro will be sold in India through Flipkart, which revealed the X7 Pro will come with LPDDR5X RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, HyperOS 2, and 90W charging. We could see more revelations about these phones before their January 9 launch. Update: The Poco X7 Pro's global model will come with a 6,000 mAh battery. Samsung is nearly ready to unleash the Galaxy S25 Ultra and that means all eyes are on the Korean giant at the moment. Just like all of our eyes were on the Galaxy S24 Ultra all year - it's our database's fan champion and was the most popular entry in it for the past year. But do you know which phone overtook it for the past month? You guessed it, the Galaxy S25 Ultra. So, let's discuss what to expect from Samsung's next flagship. It's coming on January 22 at the old prices, question mark Smart money says that Samsung will announce the Galaxy S25 family (S25, S25+, S25 Ultra) on January 22 (23 in Korea) and release it in a broad selection of markets on February 6 (7 in Korea). Reports suggest that Samsung will start taking pre-orders on January 24 (Friday) and will start shipping units earlier than expected. Samsung will surely have some pre-order bonuses ready for launch but even better, the Galaxy S25 Ultra price will reportedly remain the same as the S24 Ultra. That means the base model 256GB unit will be 1,449 - expect Samsung to double the storage for free, netting you a 512GB model. New rounded design, slimmest bezels ever All the renders and leaked photos in the wild of Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra solidify that it will have a new design. The phone will have more rounded corners on all sides, making it more comfortable to hold. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leaked renders The phone's screen is set to remain a 6.8-inch unit but Samsung has slimmed down the bezels around it, which could lead to a small reduction in the phone's footprint compared to its predecessor. It will still be a huge phone though, make no mistake, but rumor has it, its bezels will be slimmer than the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Xiaomi 15. The glass of choice will be a next-gen Gorilla Glass Armor, which will be less reflective still than its groundbreaking predecessor, and more durable. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra The S25 Ultra will come in no less than seven colors - Titanium SilverBlue, Titanium WhiteSilver, Titanium Gray, Titanium JadeGreen, Titanium PinkGold and two black/grey models in Titanium Black and Titanium JetBlack. The final one reminds us of the Jet Black iPhone 7, which has a glossy piano black finish. Some of these colors will likely be exclusive to Samsung's online store - possibly JetBlack, JadeGreen, and PinkGold. It's also likely that all the Galaxy S25 Ultra colors will have low saturation, per this leaked Blue. S25 Ultra blue pic.twitter.com/aaPWBgdtIF ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) December 26, 2024 A new 50 MP ultrawide, same main and zoom cameras Samsung has been upgrading its Ultra phone's cameras one at a time - the S20 Ultra brought the 108 MP main camera, the S21 Ultra brought autofocus to the ultrawide and the 240mm zoom camera, the S24 Ultra upped the ante to a 200 MP main camera and a 50 MP 5x telephoto, and now, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will upgrade the ultrawide to a new 50 MP sensor. It's expected to be an ISOCELL S5KJN3 sensor, commonly known as the GN3 - a 1/1.57-inch imager with 1.0m pre-binned pixels. We have no word yet on the lens in front of the sensor, but it could be a brighter f/2.0 unit than the ongoing f/2.2. Expect the rest of the camera system to remain unchanged - 200 MP ISOCELL HP2 (1/1.3", 0.6m-2.4m), f/1.7, 23mm sensor for the main camera, a 12 MP Sony IMX754 (1/3.52", 1.12m), f/2.4, 67mm 3x zoom, 50 MP Sony IMX854 (1/2.52", 0.7-1.4m), f/3.4, 111mm 5x telephoto, and a 12 MP ISOCELL S5K3LU (1/3.2", 1.12m), f/2.2, 26mm selfie camera. Snapdragon 8 Elite with 16GB of RAM The chip upgrade is a foregone conclusion - the Galaxy S25 Ultra will get the newest Snapdragon 8 Elite and it will use that chip exclusively across the globe. However, reports suggest that Samsung could finally bump its flagship to 16GB of RAM, putting it level with its competition. While highly likely, it's not a sure thing. One UI 7, seamless updates, and free Gemini Advanced Finally, Samsung will premiere the belated One UI 7 with Android 15 on the Galaxy S25 series. The bump up to the next version of Android has usually arrived on current-gen flagships around October or November, but it seems One UI 7 is both a big design overhaul and somewhat of a hassle to produce for Samsung. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's leaked renders (Source: OnLeaks and Android Headlines) One UI 7 will finally unlock seamless update support for Samsung's flagship phones (only the Galaxy A55 had it up until this point). For those unaware, the seamless updates feature allows the update to be installed on partition B while you continue to use your phone in partition A and restart it when the installation is complete. This keeps the device usable during the installation, and it is unavailable only when it's restarting, meaning you don't have to wait a few minutes for the entire installation process to complete to use your phone. As part of its Galaxy AI perks, Samsung will offer a year of free Gemini Advanced on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This is the paid subscription version of Google's AI, and it's normally going to cost you $19.99 per month (but you do get 2TB of Google Drive storage as well). So, are the new design and build, new 50 MP ultrawide camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite, and One UI 7 with Gemini Advanced a solid upgrade over the Galaxy S24 Ultra? The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands first elected representative to Congress, Del. Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan, is wrapping up his eight-term, 16-year stint. Kilili, as he wanted to be called, was first elected in 2008 and won every reelection since then. Multiple times, he won by landslide or without any opposition at all. He decided to not seek reelection in 2024, and will end his historic term in office when the new Congress comes in on Jan. 3, 2025. It is with sadness, I will miss the work sometimes, but it is with sadness that I leave this job that has been the honor of my lifetime, he said when he officially said goodbye to his constituents in the CNMI during a townhall on Saipan in December. But the Bible tells us that every man has his season and now is the time to give way to a new generation of leadership. Any sadness I feel is washed away by my gratitude that the people of the Marianas trusted me to work for you all over the last 16 years. Sablan, who turns 70 on Jan. 19, admitted that when he became the CNMIs first delegate to Congress, he did so knowing that only a little over a quarter of the voters elected him. I was first elected with 27% of the vote in 2008, hardly a landslide. So, in addition to having established our very first Marianas office in the U.S., I did so knowing most voters wanted someone else to represent them. No pressure. Because we never had representation in Congress, none of us really knew what that position could accomplish, he said. The eight-term congressman said his first priority once he came to Washington, D.C. was to deal with the CNMI transitioning under U.S. federal immigration control in 2008. There was one obvious and immediate problem, making the transition to federal control of immigration as less difficult as possible. Voters seemed relatively satisfied reelecting me, and of course some ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) money that came reelecting me with 43% of the vote in 2010. Still less than the majority, much less a landslide. The immigration issue aside, Sablan said he set two other goals during his initial times in officeMake sure the Commonwealth was included in many programs where it was being overlooked and bring respect to the Marianas through his personal conduct in office. Was I successful? Did I get these done? The Commonwealth is certainly included in more programs now than when I was first elected, he said. The Congressional Office helped get over $60 million in earmarks for projects in the Marianas, large and small. And we made sure the Marianas were cared for with billions of dollars after the Great Recession and when typhoons struck and the pandemic killed our economy. He, however, acknowledged that the work for the CNMI in Congress isnt complete and he now passes the baton to Delegate-elect Kimberlyn King-Hinds. I know there is much left to do legislatively to put our Commonwealth on par with the rest of the United States. And I know we all wish our new delegate-elect, I truly wish you success in reaching those goals during your time in office, Sablan said. Sablan believes the image of the CNMI improved during the past 16 years he served as CNMI delegate. Most members of Congress now know that the Marianas exist and think of our hardworking congressional officers first, not past abuses and corruption. It is some time since another member called us a colony. Again, I know we all hope our new delegate will earn the respect of her colleagues in Congress and by doing so she will also bring respect to our islands and our people, he said. Sablan was executive director of the Commonwealth Election Commission prior to running for Congress. He served in other capacities in the CNMI government under different administrations. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1981 to 1986. He was elected in the NMI Legislature in 1981 and was appointed to be a special representative to negotiations with the federal government. He was also a special assistant to Washington, D.C. to U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii. During the townhall meeting on Saipan, Sablan took the time to acknowledge the NMI Museum of History and Culture for opening an exhibit about his 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. In the days to come, I hope the people of the Marianas will have a chance to see me succeed as their first delegate to Congress and will take inspiration from what can be accomplished with trust, hard work, and dedication, he said. I also hope to show my gratitude in the years to come by continuing to contribute to the welfare of our community. Sablan ended by joking that after the townhall, no one should ask him about politics again. So, Im going to drop the mic and nobody can discuss business with me from here, OK? Prior to Sablans speech, Sen. Celina Babauta led the CNMI Legislature in handing the delegate a joint resolution thanking him for his 16 years of service representing the islands in the U.S. capital. Kilili comes from a pedigree of Kilili, who are deeply rooted in integrity, accomplishments, and public service. Beginning with his grandfather, the late Gregorio Sablan, whose namesake our U.S. delegate bears today, proudly bears today, the local senator said. Sen. Celina Babauta said the outgoing congressional delegates work has been a beacon of integrity and dedication to our community in the halls of U.S. Congress. May the road you paved in Washington, D.C. inspire those who follow to lead with our people in their minds and in their heart. And it is in this spirit that we, the 23rd CNMI Legislature, present this simple token and testament of your invaluable service to our people and our Marianas, she said. Thank you very much Kilili for your service, thank you for your honor and your commitment and your sincere gratitude. We look forward to the future of the CNMI. King-Hinds also honored his would-be predecessor during an interview prior to the townhall. Kilili has done tremendous things for the CNMI and, you know, Im very cognizant of the big shoes that I have to fill, she said. King-Hinds said she hopes to continue working on some of the pieces of legislation that Sablan put forward and advocate for some of the things that hes been advocating for over the years. I call it unfinished business, she said. But you know, were also looking to look for new opportunities for the CNMI in terms of just getting the additional resources that we need to be able to, not just the resources, but to advance policies that allow the CNMI to be economically self-sustainable. King-Hinds, the first woman from the CNMI and Tinian daughter elected to U.S. Congress, also described her past couple of weeks in Washington, D.C. familiarizing herself with her incoming job as a congresswoman. The best that I can describe it going into delegate boot camp as how we now dubbed it, is it was like drinking water out of a firehose. Youre getting these, you know, basic, basic training, like how to set up the office. But aside and separate from that, you do have the political aspect, she said. And so there are a lot of organizational meetings with the National Republican Party, which I was able to participate in, to elect the speaker and to elect the steering committees that will assist us in our advocacy to get on the committees that we want to be on. King-Hinds said she also hopes to make her own mark as the CNMIs second-ever delegate in Congress. Obviously [important] is connecting and building those relationships and getting to know people and just getting people to know that were not the Mariana Islands, but we are the Mariana Islands, she said. So, a lot of it was just, you know, educating folks about who we are, what our challenges are, and getting them to understand the challenges of our district and what are our priorities. Residents are hoping for change for the better in 2025 from tourism to health care and housing. Tour guide Mai Sakaguchi, a Japan native who currently resides in Tamuning, is hopeful for an uptick in visitor arrivals, especially from Japan. I work as a tour guide here on Guam, so hopefully many Japanese customers could come in, she said. We are making more efforts and we need more PR (public relations). Sakaguchi also hopes that natural disasters will spare Guam and that more Japanese families will visit. Guam is very near to Japan, so its easy to come, even for grandpa, grandma, and grandson, she said. So I hope they will come here and experience the nature of Guam. On a personal note, she wishes for her son, a senior at John F. Kennedy High School, to excel academically and pursue college in the states. She also looks forward to his graduation next year. For Kyle Nicholas, a Dededo resident, sluggish tourism is also a key concern. Knowing that our tourism industry has gone into a slump since the pandemic, hopefully, we can get people willing to address those issues and have the backbone to make those changes, Nicholas said. We need to help sell Guam to the world and get more tourists to visit and see what we have to offer. He suggests that island leaders consider marketing to other Asian countries, such as Malaysia and Vietnam. Guam has long marketed itself to the Korean and Japanese market, but we know there are other markets that are basically untapped, Nicholas said. We had that chapter of Japanese and Korean tourism, now lets try Southeast Asia and have people there come over here and see what were all about. He said after traveling to the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries, hes been asked where Guam is after introducing himself as someone from the island. Theres that curiosity people have, Nicholas added. Aljon Sibal, originally from the Philippines and a former Yigo resident, echoes Nicholas sentiments, saying that Guam needs to immediately address the slow tourism recovery. Sibal returned to Guam for the holidays after a four-year absence and immediately noticed a drastic drop in the number of tourists compared to years prior. Guam needs to do something, like one big event that will bring tourists, Sibal said. We know Guam is changing right now because of the economy. The lack of tourism, he said, has affected the job market. I just wish well get better because I know a lot of people got laid off from their jobs because of the situation, Sibal said. Hopefully, though, I know it will pick up sometime. Sibal also noticed an increase in street dogs and derelict, abandoned buildings, which he believes could affect tourism. Its just the cleanliness. Some of the hotels look like theyre deserted. Take better care of the place, Sibal said. Despite these challenges, Sibal emphasized his love for Guam and his plans to stay permanently by 2026. He stressed the need for better care of the island and its infrastructure. I love Guam. I fell in love from the first day that I came here. I wanted to build a house here and build a family here, Sibal said. I just think Guam is in bad shape right now because of the tourism situation. Affordable health care Affordable, accessible health care is also a major concern. Sarah Figueroa, a medical assistant, is advocating for more doctors and specialists on the island to ease the strain on Guams health care system. I work in the medical field, and its really sad how a lot of people living on the island dont have a lot of medical help, Figueroa said. Hopefully, in 2025, we can have more doctors on island, specialists, and just more healthcare benefits. Working in Guams medical industry, Figueroa has seen firsthand the financial struggles many of her patients face. I work with elderly patients, so I see all the equipment they need, and its just heartbreaking because I wish I could give my all to them, Figueroa said, holding back tears. Due to the lack of medical resources and specialists and high medical costs, many residents seek care off-island. Even those with insurance struggle with deductibles and coverage gaps. I know a lot of them cant meet their needs, Figueroa said. Medicare, Medicaid, even our private insuranceI see a lot of people struggling with it. A lot of them cant afford the expenses, the lodging, the hospital bills. So its just hard. I hope Guam can have better medical care here. Thats the reason why most of them leave the island. Housing costs Higher costs of living is also a top issue. Residents like Figueroa and Nicholas are calling for financial relief and more affordable housing options. Our groceries, food, just living in general, its hard, Figueroa said. The rent here is skyrocketing. Even just to buy dinner is already like how we eat at the restaurants. The food that we mostly need, fruits, vegetables, those are really expensive here. Despite these issues, Figueroa expressed hope for more financial assistance in 2025. She works at the Guam Memorial Hospital as a registered medical assistant. Hopefully, the people here get more help from the government, Figueroa said. I do see some changes, some help here and there, but hopefully we can still keep that and get more help that we need here. Nicholas, who works for a construction supplier, emphasized the need for affordable housing. Since we live on an island, the cost of materials can get somewhat ridiculous, Nicholas said. Having that kind of background gives me an idea of what it really costs to have things built here. Affordable housing is a very contentious topic for people here, and they feel theyre being priced out of being able to buy or even rent a home. With a growing homeless population on Guam, Nicholas stressed the need to address housing issues and assist vulnerable populations. People need a home, need shelter, and thats one of the basic human needs, Nicholas said. Im not sure if its building more affordable housing or shelters to house them in, but I think thats something that can greatly alleviate a lot of the things we experience here. Residents remain hopeful that the issues of 2024 will be addressed in 2025. 2024 was a very tumultuous year, Nicholas said. So, I think being able to start fresh and just focus on the issues here at home and what we need to bring up as a community, how can we move on from there and help build for a better Guam. Haiti - Constitution : The CEP transmitted to the Government 4 important documents relating to the referendum On Monday, December 30, the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) met with Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime and some members of his team, including the Minister Delegate for Electoral Affairs, Joseph Andre Gracien Jean. During this meeting, which lasted about an hour, the CEP transmitted to the Head of Government four documents relating to the organization of the referendum for a new Constitution : - Draft calendar; - Proposal for a referendum decree; - Draft budget; - Draft voting by prior registration on site. These documents were also transmitted to the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT). The CEP plans to submit these proposals to the social and political sectors for discussion. In addition to the transmission of these documents, issues related to security, participation, logistics, transparency and financing of the process were discussed during this meeting between the CEP and the Prime Minister. Furthermore, during the first weeks of January 2025, the CEP will continue to assess its operational bases, its decentralized structures and infrastructures. The CEP will also proceed with the mobilization of the Departmental Referendum Offices (BRD) and Municipal Referendum Offices (BRC) which will become, after the referendum, Departmental Electoral Offices (BED) and Municipal Electoral Offices (BEC), during the electoral phase. The Provisional Electoral Council is committed to conducting the processes: referendum and electoral, in complete independence, impartiality and inclusiveness. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Wishes for 2025 and 221st Independence : Message from the Kenyan Commander of the Mission As part of the new year and the 221st anniversary of Haiti's independence, Godfrey Otunge, the Kenyan Commander of the Multinational Mission to Support the Haitian National Police (PNH) delivered a message of circumstance. "As the world prepares to welcome 2025, 1 extend my heartfelt wishes, on behalf of myself and the Multinational Security Support {MSS) Mission fraternity in Haiti, to the Haitian Government and its people for a prosperous and peaceful New Year. I would like to express my gratitude to the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), the Prime Minister, and the Haitian population for their continued support and cooperation with the MSS Mission. Your commitment to our joint mandate, aimed at supporting the Haitian National Police {HNP) in restoring national security, has been invaluable. I am deeply thankful for the progress we have achieved together through sacrifice, dedication, and hard work in building a safe and secure Haiti. Despite challenges, we have united to overcome them, and the New-Year renews our hope and determination to advance toward greater prosperity for the Haitian people. Today, January 1, 2025, as the world celebrates the New Year, Haiti also commemorates its lndependence 1 Day. lt is a privilege and an honorto join the Haitian people in celebrating this historie occasion, which marks the nation's liberation from colonial rule. The future of Haiti is bright, reflecting the vision and aspirations of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, the father of the nation. His unwavering commitment to Haiti's sovereignty and security continues to inspire us all. May 2025 bring hope, peace, and success to every Haitian. Happy New Year and Happy lndependence Day ! Together, we will build a new Haiti. Godfrey Otunge, EBS, OGW (SAIG) MSSM Force Commander " HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Clash between the BSAP and the PNH, 4 injured Following a violent altercation between an agent of the Brigade de Surveillance des Aires Protegees (BSAP) and a plainclothes police officer, violent clashes broke out between BSAP agents and police officers in Lascahobas (Dept. du Centre). 4 people including a journalist Jordentz Pierre-Louis, working at Radio Tele ICI, were injured by bullets, 2 BSAP vehicles were set on fire and their base vandalized by members of the population who sided with the police officers. France : 4.5 million euros additional for the Mission The French Government has granted an additional aid of 4.5 million euros to the Multinational Mission for Security Support in Haiti. This new amount brings the aid provided by France to 9.5 million euros, and to more than 100 million dollars the total contributions in support of the Mission. Cap-Haitien Airport: Runway Renovation The renovation work on the runway of the Cap-Haitien airport carried out by the American multinational firm NH Global officially began on Monday, December 30, 2024. The work will last 7 months with the aim of improving the safety and efficiency of the airport's air operations, including strengthening the drainage system. This project is financed by the World Bank, thanks to a $12 million grant approved in 2023. The main objective is to comply with international standards in force. Wishes and 221st Independence Former First Lady Martine Moise : US Embassy : Happy New Year and Happy Independence Day, Haiti! As we enter 2025, we also celebrate the 221st anniversary of Haitis independence, a powerful symbol of resilience, courage, and freedom. The United States Embassy in Haiti wishes everyone a year filled with hope, prosperity, and unity. UN : Maria Isabel Salvador: On this 221st anniversary of Haitis independence, Maria Isabel Salvador, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), reiterates the commitment and determination of the UN to support the Haitian people and authorities to make 2025 a year of hope and action for peace and progress. Canadian Embassy Closed The Canadian Embassy in Haiti will be closed on January 1st and 2nd, 2025, for the celebration of Independence Day and Grandfathers' Day. HL/ HaitiLibre At the Chaos Communication Congress, security researcher and hardware hacker Thomas Lambertz (th0mas) showed in his presentation"Windows BitLocker: Screwed without a Screwdriver" how Microsoft's BitLocker drive encryption can be used to decrypt protected Windows 11 systems over the network. This requires one-time physical access to put the device into recovery mode and connect a network cable. It is not necessary to open the device. Anzeige The exploited flaw CVE-2023-21563 belongs to the category of "bitpixie" attacks and has been documented since summer 2022. Microsoft has not yet closed it properly, although the bug has been considered fixed since November 2022. th0mas demonstrated that the vulnerability can still be exploited with a downgrade attack. BitLocker is enabled by default on newer Windows 11 installations under "Device Encryption". In this mode, the hard disk is encrypted at rest, but is automatically decrypted when a legitimate Windows is booted. During his talk, Lambertz demonstrated live how a fully updated Windows 11 can be attacked. To do this, he used Secure Boot to first start an outdated Windows boot loader. Unfortunately, this "forgets" the encryption key in the working memory in recovery mode. In order to get hold of it, the hacker booted a customized Linux system with Secure Boot, which granted him access to the RAM. He then used a vulnerability in the Linux kernel to read the memory contents and extract the "forgotten" volume master key from BitLocker. This procedure allows him to access the encrypted data without physical access to the storage medium. As BitLocker requires Secure Boot, Lambertz also had to start the Linux used for the exploit with Secure Boot. (Image: Thomas Lambertz / Screenshot 38C3) Limited UEFI memory delays protection against BitLocker gap Lambertz emphasized that Microsoft has been aware of the problem for a long time. A permanent solution would be to revoke the certificates for vulnerable bootloaders, but the memory space reserved for this in the UEFI firmware is limited. From 2026, Microsoft plans to distribute new secure boot certificates, which would force motherboard manufacturers to update the UEFI. Complete protection against the bitpixie gap is currently only possible by securing BitLocker with a user PIN, which may be limited depending on the Windows version. Thomas Lambertz also advises deactivating the network options in the BIOS setup, as attackers could also exploit the bitpixie bug via USB network adapters. Anzeige The faulTPM attack on weaknesses in AMD CPUs presented last year also made it possible to access encrypted secrets, which are necessary for decrypting BitLocker, for example but which requires several hours of physical access. This new variant greatly reduces the physical access time required for unauthorized opening of BitLocker drives. (vza) Apple's integration of AI features into apps and operating systems continues: the new versions of the iWork apps that have recently become available have now been given Apple Intelligence access. As usual, the Office programs Pages, Numbers and Keynote are available for macOS, iOS and iPadOS and can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store. As before, however, there are restrictions on regions and languages. Anzeige Create, modify and correct texts Pages has now reached version 14.3 on iPhone, iPad and Mac. A total of three Apple Intelligence functions have been released for word processing: The Writing Tools to "correct, revise, summarize, or compose text for your document," as Apple writes, the Image Playground feature to create images (albeit only in the form of drawings and comic-like representations), and the ability to contact ChatGPT to answer questions about document content and use other OpenAI features. The spreadsheet application Numbers has now reached version 14.3 for iPhone, iPad and Mac and also works with text and images (Writing Tools, Image Playground) and can call ChatGPT. Apple's PowerPoint competitor Keynote is now available in version 14.3 fur iPhone and iPad and Mac. Here you can edit texts in presentations with the Writing Tools and insert images with Image Playground. ChatGPT is also available here on request if the Apple tools are not sufficient. Closer integration should bring faster access As usual, Apple Intelligence requires the US English language setting on the iPhone and iPad and an App Store account from the USA. On the Mac, the US English language setting is sufficient. Apple Intelligence (unlike ChatGPT) does not yet work with German. Image Playground and Writing Tools were already available in the operating system, but the integration into iWork is now closer and faster to access. Apple Intelligence will not be available in German until spring 2025. Keynote is also available for Apple's Vision Pro and has also been updated. Information on the new features was not initially available in the App Store. However, it is unlikely to be Apple Intelligence, as the headset does not yet have access to it, which is likely to remain the case despite the use of the M2 SoC. Apple Intelligence has recently been criticized due to oddities in the summary of notifications. Anzeige Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen. Preisvergleiche immer laden Preisvergleich jetzt laden (bsc) I consider any kind of talk that challenges the ruling of a competent body on the prevalent legal situation and the obligation to comply with it harmful for the rule-of-law state be it from a politician, judge, professor or an ordinary citizen, Vestman wrote on X on Monday. HEIKKI VESTMAN (NCP), the chairperson of the Parliaments Constitutional Law Committee, has voiced his displeasure with statements made by Juha Lavapuro , who begins his nine-year term as judge at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on 1 January. Lavapuro criticised the border security act or pushback act, as it has been called by critics in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat on Monday. The Constitutional Law Committee, he said, was wrong to conclude in its statement that the act could be enacted as a so-called limited derogation to the constitution. He also pointed out that the constitution had the option not to pass the act if it thought that it is unconstitutional. Vestman on Monday indicated that Lavapuro should not be making such comments given his then role as a justice on the Supreme Administrative Court of Finland. Does criticising the Parliament and its Constitutional Law Committee over a legislative project comply with the courts statutory role when the criticism comes from a member of the court of highest instance and thereby a representative of the court institution? The border security act was drafted to combat instrumentalised migration at the border between Finland and Russia. It enables the government and president to temporarily suspend the receipt of asylum applications at border-crossing points and deny migrants turned back at the border the right to appeal against the denial of entry. Lavapuro on Monday told Helsingin Sanomat that the Constitutional Law Committee has shown signs of politicisation, echoing the concerns of several other legal experts. If you hear independent experts and completely shrug off their judicial views by citing national security, you can justifiably say that the committee has stepped out of its constitutional law role into politicising, he viewed. Vestman claimed that the politicisation mantra repeats the same, one-sided and erroneous claims about the committee statement on the border security act. The act, he assured, was examined in a way that is fully compliant with the established practice. The Finnish constitution states unequivocally that the Constitutional Law Committee rules on the constitutionality of bills and on the legislative procedure that the bill can be enacted with, he wrote. Aleksi Teivainen HT The investigation is constantly progressing and the circumstances are becoming clearer, meaning it is possible that the number of people under travel bans will change, Elina Katajamaki , a detective chief inspector at Helsinki Police Department, said in a press release on 31 December 2024. SEVEN CREW on Eagle S, the Cook Islands-registered oil tanker that is suspected of damaging a submarine transmission link between Finland and Estonia on 25 December, have been imposed travel bans. The investigators have resumed underwater examinations along the dozens of kilometres of drag marks left behind by the tanker, after a few-day delay caused by inclement weather. It is believed that the tanker lowered its anchor and dragged it along the seabed deliberately, damaging the transmission link. Herman Ljungberg, the legal counsel for the crew of Eagle S, told Helsingin Sanomat on Tuesday that the vessel has a 24-person crew. The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) will conduct a port-state control inspection on the tanker as soon as the ongoing pre-trial investigation allows. Sanna Sonninen, the director of maritime affairs at Traficom, has said the inspection is set to take more than a day and begin no earlier than on Thursday. Aleksi Teivainen HT Overcrowding due to a surge in visitors at some of Queensland's pristine beaches has raised safety and environmental concerns. A long line of cars was spotted on a quiet residential street with hordes or holidaymakers hoping to visit a popular Queensland 4WD beach. Source: Facebook Paul Turnbull and Peter O'Neill A visit to Australia's sunshine state is rarely complete without a drive along one of Queensland's famous 4WD beaches. But as more and more people flock to the area, a frustrating problem has become evident among local residents and tourists alike especially at this time of year. An image shared online this week shows a 2-kilometre traffic jam on a residential street in Tewantin, a town of Noosa, with dozens of holidaymakers eager to end the year with a visit to Noosa North Shore. Those making the trek to the popular beach driving and camping spot in the Cooloola Recreation Area on the Sunshine Coast are leaving streets completely clogged. A seemingly endless line of outdoor enthusiasts could be seen bumper to bumper in their SUVs, 4WD and campervans on their way to ferry which takes them to the Great Sandy National Park known for its long white beaches, towering cliffs and oceanfront camping locations. Frustration as tourists overrun nearby towns: 'Killing our beaches' The frustrating scene is all too familiar to some locals who say "it happens every year" despite a permit being required to visit. Hoards of tourists bombard the streets hoping to make their way across and according to some it's "getting worse". Vehicle access on the sand at Teewah and surrounding areas has proven controversial in recent years. Source: Rainbow Beach Community News Responding to the long queue leading to the barge in Tewantin, one local admitted, "thats why I dont bother [going] anymore." ADVERTISEMENT "It is backed up into Tewantin Town affecting the whole area and its residents," another complained, while some called for more action to be taken. "Noosa council when will you put a limit on how many can go up. They are killing our beaches," one person said. The post-Christmas scenes come just over two years since a state government report examined the impacts of the "clustering" hotspot, arguing for a hard cap on visitors. Safety and environmental concerns express by locals and wildlife authorities The Cooloola Recreation Area encompasses popular spots including Rainbow Beach through to Noosa North Shore, and sits adjacent to the Teewah Beach camping area. ADVERTISEMENT Noting a surge in visitors in recent years, a sustainability report released by Queensland's Department of Environment in 2022 suggested a cap on daily visitors was needed in response to concerns about safety and environmental sustainability, as well as stronger measures to tackle non compliance and unauthorised vehicles. Noosa North Shore is a popular beach camping spot which requires a 4WD and a permit to access. Source: Facebook/Paul Turnbull Reports of offences including reckless driving, littering and even defecating have increased at 4WD beaches in recent years amid a domestic tourism boom. A rise in complaints has prompted authorities to issue a plea and threat of fines to visitors Late last year, speed limits on Cooloola beach were reduced to 40 kilometres per hour, down from 80km/h in a bid to promote safety where vehicles and people share the space. It's a "smart choice" Dr Lauren Pearson from Sustainable Mobility and Safety Research at Monash University told Yahoo News Australia at the time. "Beaches and campgrounds are the kind of places where people, and particularly kids, should be able to enjoy a space without risking serious injury," she said. Required visitor permits have done little to slow down tourism To date, there's been no change in speed limit on other sections of Teewah Beach, but overcrowding remains a problem across the area. To help manage traffic and maintain visitor safety, a permit is required for Noosa North Shore and the entire Cooloola Recreation Area, although a steady increase of tourism remains. ADVERTISEMENT Last year the price increased by $5 to $15 for daily visitors travelling in a car, ute, trailer or caravan up to 9.75m or 4.5 tonnes. Meanwhile the fees for residents and daily workers were reduced from $1 per trip to $0.50. Weekly and annual passes are also available. Pedestrians and cyclists pay $2 for a return, same-day trip, while the fee for motorbike riders has risen from $4 to $6, the ABC reported. A penalty of $200 applies for entering a recreation area without a valid vehicle access permit. Queensland's Environment Minister Leanne Linard reportedly noted that in 2023 alone, more than 182,000 camper nights were recorded in the Cooloola Recreation Area, with almost 100,000 vehicle access permits purchased, news.com.au reported last year. She said it was important to consider how best to manage the area as visitor numbers continue to rise. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Beach campfires pose serious safety risks and people might not see it until it's too late. Firefighters are reminding Australian holidaymakers about the dangers of a simple act on the beach that can attract an on-the-spot fine of $2,200 and pose a real threat to other beachgoers as well as local residents. It comes after rural fire fighters on NSW's south coast were called to reports of multiple campfires on the beach in Tuross Head this week. Despite rural fire crews pouring "buckets of water" on the sand to extinguish one of the simmering blazes, the temperature of the sand below was still an alarming 270C which could cause serious harm if stepped on by unwitting beachgoers. The fire service reported that there has been an "increase" in beach fires as Aussies descend on the coast to enjoy their festive break. But "beach fires are illegal and can result in the issuing of fines," the NSW Rural Fire Service warned. "The heat underground from a beach fire can remain for hours and kids or other beachgoers may inadvertently step in hot coals. Enjoy our coastline, but please don't light beach fires." A device used by firefighters showed that the temperature of the sand was still 270C. Source: Tuross Head Rural Fire Brigade Not only do beach fires pose serious health risks to humans, they remove habitat for wildlife, advocates warn. "Shorebirds also use driftwood as shelter from predators, so please leave in place," a campaigner shared. "There always seems to be garbage associated with illegal beach fires, which shows disrespect for our coast," they added. Bushfire danger period in full swing Each state and local area declares their high risk fire season differently across the country, but they typically start as early as October and end in March. ADVERTISEMENT Over the Christmas period, total fire bans have been put in place across the country with hot, dry and windy conditions hitting Victoria, South Australia and NSW with 43,000 hectares of land burned in the Grampians National Park in Victoria over Christmas. In New South Wales, it's an offence to set a fire during this time without a licence. According to Tuross Head Rural Fire Brigade, leaving a fire unattended risks an on-the-spot fine of $2200. "Let's all stay safe over the New Year break," they warned. Campfires and bonfires common cause of injury Health authorities have long warned about the safety risks of homemade fires. Last week, a woman in her 70s suffered severe burns after she fell into a fire pit in her Queensland backyard. ADVERTISEMENT Earlier this year, South Australian dad Adam Boots was rushing to start a bonfire as part of a romantic proposal when the flames "exploded" in his face. It prompted Kidsafe SA to tell parents they should be wary of fire pits, as children tend to be "drawn toward the open flame" and their "small size often means they're positioned very close" to it. Boots said the accident has now left him extremely wary around fires. "Don't use accelerants, be very cautious of it," he said. Tips for having a fire NSW Rural Fire Service reminded Aussies that if the fire is in a permanently constructed fireplace, they do not need a permit. "Your fire should be kept a reasonable size so it doesn't get out of hand, a hose should reach the fire and surrounding area and a responsible person must be present at all times," the service said. For more information, visit the website of your Rural Fire service. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The 'beautiful' natural phenomenon has been reported across one state in recent days, but the 'red slicks' in the water is a sign of something more. A skipper on board a Tasmanian boat tour said the recent alage bloom was 'one of the most spectacular bioluminescence occurrences he has ever seen'. Source: Facebook/Pennicott Wilderness Journeys It's not every day you see the shores of beaches and waterways turn a "spectacular" shade of red, but during an algae bloom, that's exactly what's been witnessed. And the incredible sight is leaving Aussies in awe, with reports of multiple sightings this week. Patches of Tasmania's coastline have become tainted with trails of red hues, often described as "red slicks" in the water. At night, a blue bioluminescent glow appears in place of the red. The incredible, natural display is a result of a chemical reaction within an organism's body commonly seen in jellyfish, bacteria, squid and crustaceans that produces a glowing light energy. They "frequently occur on the coast of NSW," and around the country, UTS Professor of Freshwater Ecology, Simon Mitrovic, told Yahoo News Australia. But while beautiful to look at, it can have extremely fatal effects, experts warn. Locals were in awe of the 'spectacular bioluminescent algae' that appeared at beaches across the state. Source: Facebook/Sara O'Donnell 'Lucky' Aussies stunned by incredible beach scene Taking to Facebook, residents across the state have shared their amazement after witnessing the natural phenomenon. One "lucky" woman said she was taken in by the "stunning" scene playing out before her eyes ADVERTISEMENT "Watching the way they dance in the waves is something to just sit and take in," she said. "The pink hues in the water are the algae before the dark of night transforms them into the stunning blue that many other photographers are sharing across the internet. I was lucky enough and blessed to have seen this natural wonder only 10 minutes from my home". Another man said the event he witnessed in southeast Tassie was "one of the most spectacular bioluminescence occurrences" he had ever seen. At night, a blue bioluminescent glow appears in place of the red. Source: Facebook/Sara O'Donnell The natural occurrence is thought to appear every year across the country, but the amount and how it looks changes each time. So far, sightings have been reported in Eaglehawk Neck, Port Arthur, Bellerive, Montagu Bay, Hobart's waterfront, and Bruny Island, according to the ABC. ADVERTISEMENT And while not toxic to humans, it can cause skin irritation, experts have long warned. So it's best to avoid swimming when it occurs. 'Beautiful' algae bloom can have fatal effects, expert warns As beautiful as it is, there's an underlying cause for concern, says biologist and jellyfish expert Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin. Because it can have fatal effects on sea creatures, she explained. "At night, you just get these fabulous displays of the bioluminescence that take your breath away. They're so beautiful," Dr Gershwin told the ABC on Wednesday. "But it's absolutely bad news for organisms that live in the water". ADVERTISEMENT There are three main ways the fascinating blooms can negatively impact the ecosystem, she continued. Firstly, it consumes large amounts of plankton, a vital food source for other organisms. It also greatly reduces oxygen levels in the water causing some marine life to suffocate. Lastly, it releases ammonia into the water which can burn the sensitive tissues of fish and block their gills. Visitors to Sydney's Manly beach previously witnessed the incredible sight. Source: Facebook Significant blooms a sign of imbalance While the bioluminescent algae is fairly common in oceans surrounding Tasmania, it's usually only ever in low numbers. The significant bloom witnessed this week is reportedly a sign of an imbalance in the ecosystem which is "rather scary", Dr Gershwin said. Last year, Aussies visiting beaches throughout Esperance, Western Australia were greeted with a similar sight. At the time, the local council confirmed to Yahoo News the algae "likely swept in with winds and tides", forcing beaches across the region to shut until it "moved away". ADVERTISEMENT The phenomenon is also witnessed around the country in riverbanks and other watering holes too. Previously, people were warned to stay away from a popular and vast mangrove area in Brisbane after one stretch of water experienced a radical change in colour. Before that, some Sydney beaches were closed after a harmful algae was detected. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. About a million people flocked to Sydney harbour last night and some apparently got creative with their accomodation. Four tourists allegedly slept in a shopping centre car park tent to take in Sydney's New Year celebrations. Source: Facebook/ICEHoles Australia It appears some revellers will go to any length to catch a glimpse of Sydney's iconic New Year fireworks after a shopper claimed they spotted a popup tent in a shopping centre car park where four tourists allegedly stayed for the night. The shopper caught sight of the tent set up on in an EV charging bay and claimed there were "four guys [who are] a long way from home" soundly sleeping inside it after coming to the city to watch the fireworks. "[They were] still there after two hours and fast asleep even when I was slamming [my] bonnet and car doors," he wrote online after attending the Broadway Shopping Centre on Wednesday morning. The images were shared to a group on Facebook dedicated to calling out drivers of petrol cars for taking up charging space for electrical vehicles but this was a much more unusual gripe. ADVERTISEMENT It's unclear how the sleepers were able to remain in the car park as it is usually locked overnight. While some online suggested the rough sleepers could have been homeless, the poster confirmed they were indeed tourists in his estimation. Throngs of people descended on the city overnight, with many camping out for hours to get a good spot to take in the celebrations. "Wow this takes it to a whole new level," one person joked of the car park tent. One million revellers flocked to Sydney Harbour foreshore Sydney is known to attract tens of thousands of tourists at New Years, and this year was no different, with one million people flocking to the harbour foreshore alone to catch a glimpse of the sky lighting up with nine tonnes of fireworks. Many more congregated at lookout points and parks to ring in the new year under the bright display. This year's fireworks were the largest ever put on by the city and a massive police operation was underway to maintain order and safety overnight. One million people were on the foreshore along Sydney Harbour to celebrate the New Year. Source: X/Gaurav Gulati Parks and lookouts were full of people eager to watch Sydney's New Year fireworks from a distance. Source: Yahoo News Australia Police report 36 arrests during Sydney's New Year celebrations The NSW Police reported 36 arrests for various offences in the city centre, including assault, robbery and knife-related incidents. ADVERTISEMENT The most serious was an alleged stabbing of a teenage boy in Guildford, with the 17-year-old rushed to hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition. Overall, the public has been commended by authorities for being well-behaved while ringing in the new year. "Police were kept busy by a handful of revellers doing the wrong thing, but those people were dealt with quickly," Operation New Years Eve Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said. "The vast majority of people enjoyed their night safely and without incident." NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb was also pleased with how the crowd behaved. "People were able to come into the city, enjoy their night, and get home safely," she told reporters this morning. "But a small number of individuals had a bad night, and they are now before the court," she added. ADVERTISEMENT An off-duty senior constable was also charged with mid-range drink driving following a random breath test at Nowra in the state's south. Quick facts about Sydney's 2025 New Year fireworks: 23,000 individual pyrotechnic shots were launched. The highest fireworks reached over 450 metres. There were 265 firing spots along the Sydney Harbour Bridge more than ever before. More than 100 artists, musicians and other creatives worked on the displays. *This is for both the 9 pm and midnight displays. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Swimmers are being warned after several cases of jellyfish stings over the Christmas break. Source: Facebook/R Scott & J Zink Swimmers are being urged to be careful as reports of severe jellyfish stings are starting to surface now stinger season is well and truly here. Two young swimmers were left with painful marks across their bodies after making contact with potentially life-threatening stingers in different parts of Queensland this week, and parents are warning others to be careful. One young girl was badly stung on her arms and stomach while playing in the water near a popular children's playground at Noosa Heads, with her mum saying the stingers are "everywhere right now". Stingers, including bluebottles, have also been reported in multiple beaches across New South Wales including the famous Bronte and Maroubra beaches. Further north at New Beach in the Whitsundays, a 14-year-old was stung by an infamous box jellyfish, with paramedics rushed to the scene. It is believed the quick action of her friends, who splashed vinegar on the stung area, saved her life. "She was only in the water up to her knees for under one minute when she was stung," her mum wrote online. "Calling an ambulance literally saved her life... please be so careful around our beautiful beaches." Lifesavers urge Aussies to stay vigilant during stinger season Jellyfish are in Australian waters all year round, but the risk of encountering stingers is much higher over the summer and early fall, between November and May. ADVERTISEMENT Box jellyfish stings are life-threatening due to the potent venom in their tentacles capable of killing a person in under five minutes. They're found in northern parts of the country, and authorities at Forrest Beach in Queensland recently issued a warning to swimmers after they netted six of the deadly stingers in one day. "The box jellyfish were caught in shallow water," lifesavers warned. "Swim inside the stinger net at all times." Box jellyfish stings can be life-threatening. Source: Facebook/Forrest Beach SLSC What to do if you are stung by a box jellyfish? If a swimmer is stung by a box jellyfish, time is of the essence. It is important to keep the patient calm and prevent them from rubbing the stung area. Call emergency services immediately be prepared to give CPR if needed. Flood the stung area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds. Carefully remove the tentacles from the stung area with tweezers or a stick (do not touch it). Preferably remove the tentacles with the aid of a medical professional. ADVERTISEMENT Box jellyfish are considered one of the most dangerous marine animals in Australian waters, and they're responsible for more than 70 fatalities in the country, including the death of a 14-year-old Queensland boy in 2022, according to Queensland Health. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The resident's wild encounter has prompted a warning as she remains in hospital. A woman ended up in hospital after handling and being bitten by a deadly eastern brown snake. Source: Getty/Facebook People across the country are being warned of a potentially deadly backyard mistake which left one woman in hospital as hot weather continues to sweep across parts of Australia. An abundance of snake sightings have been reported by locals, with many often concerned they might be dangerous as was the case at a Queensland property this week. Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers received a call from a worried woman claiming her sister had been bitten by a venomous and deadly eastern brown snake after attempting to remove it from her backyard in Upper Caboolture. The 70-year-old thought it was a harmless brown tree snake, professional snake catcher Dan Rumsey revealed online this week. He was tasked with visiting the property to help relocate the reptile. ADVERTISEMENT Dan only learned of the snake's true identity after receiving a photo from the Queensland woman whose sister was holding the deadly reptile while attempting to put it inside a container. He quickly advised them to administer first aid and call triple-0. While the severity of the woman's bite was not immediately clear, the elderly woman was "showing some signs of envenomation", he said. The professional snake catchers were able to identify the reptile as an eastern brown after seeing a photo. Source: Facebook/Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers It's understood the 70-year-old is still recovering in hospital. She was reported to be in a stable condition, has been treated with anti-venom, and is now recovering, Courier Mail reported. "It's a good reminder of the dangers of handling snakes and the misidentification of snakes. If you do see a snake, never pick them up or try to catch them. Keep as much distance as you can," Dan warned. Eastern brown snakes 'responsible for most deaths in Australia' Eastern brown snakes are the second most venomous land snakes in the world. ADVERTISEMENT "Its the species that's responsible for most deaths in Australia," professional snake handler and owner of Urban Reptile Removal Chris Williams previously told Yahoo News. In November, a Queensland teen died after being bitten by one at his Gladstone home. The potency of brown snake venom is incredibly strong, containing severe neurotoxins that result in progressive paralysis and heart failure. Don't touch or move wild snakes in Australia, professionals warn Professional snake catchers have long warned against attempting to move or touch a snake of any kind. In fact, the removal of a wild snake without a licence is unlawful, Stu from Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers previously told Yahoo. ADVERTISEMENT Brown snakes are known to get "easily agitated and will readily defend themselves," Williams added. Brown snakes are often found in and around homes so it's important not to touch or go near them. Source: Facebook Snake catcher Dan issued similar advice following the recent case in Queensland. "We cant stress how important it is to leave snake catching up to the professionals. The last thing we want is for one of you guys to get hurt, and unfortunately in this situation, someone did," he shared on Facebook this week. "Even if you are 99 per cent positive you know what species of snake is on your property, remain a safe distance and feel free to send us a photo to appropriately identify it for you." A Brisbane driver recently found an eastern brown "seeking refuge" in his car. While other recent sightings have been reported at beaches in New South Wales and Western Australia as snake are on the move. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On January 1, 2025, Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturer Li Auto announced its delivery figures for December 2024. The company delivered 58,513 vehicles in the month, marking a year-on-year growth of 16.2%. For the entirety of 2024, Li Auto delivered 500,508 vehicles, closely aligning with the annual target announced by its founder, Li Xiang, during the third-quarter earnings call. As of December 31, 2024, the company's cumulative deliveries had reached 1,133,872 units. Photo credit: Li Auto In 2024, Li Auto launched two new models: the Li MEGA, a pure electric MPV that began deliveries in March, and the Li L6, a range-extended electric vehicle that started deliveries in April. Apart from the Li MEGA, all other models in Li Auto's current lineupthe Li L9, L8, L7, and L6are range-extended electric vehicles. Looking ahead to 2025, Li Auto plans to release three all-electric SUVs and update its existing range-extended electric vehicle models based on market demands. The company has projected sales of approximately 700,000 units for 2025, which would represent a 40% year-on-year increase if achieved. As of the end of 2024, Li Auto had operated 502 retail centers across 150 cities in China. It also maintained 478 after-sales and authorized body-and-paint service centers, covering 225 cities. The company had deployed 1,727 own-brand supercharger stations nationwide, offering a total of 9,100 charging piles. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On the first day of 2025, Xiaomi EV announced that its full-year deliveries for 2024 surpassed 135,000 units, and it has set a target of delivering 300,000 vehicles through 2025. Xiaomi SU7; photo credit: Xiaomi EV Currently, Xiaomi EV has one mass-produced model on the marketthe Xiaomi SU7. On December 23, the company announced via its official WeChat account the rollout of the 1.4.5 OTA update for the model. The update includes 13 new features and 26 optimizations, such as the integration of the VLM (visual language model), enabling the system to identify complex road environments and special traffic zones with text and voice prompts. Additionally, the charging map has been upgraded for improved efficiency, and Xiaomi has EV partnered with NIO, XPENG, and Li Auto to improve its charging service. On October 29, during the launch event for the Xiaomi 15 series and Xiaomi HyperOS 2, Xiaomi Group Chairman and CEO Lei Jun revealed the pre-sale price of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra at 814,900 yuan, with pre-orders opening simultaneously. Equipped with Xiaomis most powerful HyperEngine V8s, the SU7 Ultra boasts a top rotating speed of 27,200 rpm, a maximum horsepower of 1,548, and an acceleration time of 0-100 km/h in 1.98 seconds. With a design top speed of 350 km/h, Lei Jun described it as a street-legal four-door race car aiming to become the fastest four-door production vehicle model in the world. The SU7 Ultra is set for officially launch in March 2025. In early December last year, Xiaomi EV also unveiled official images of its fire new SUV, the Xiaomi YU7, which is expected to hit the market in June or July 2025. In December 2024, Xiaomi EV added 50 new retail stores, bringing its total to 200 stores across 58 cities. In January 2025, the company plans to add 16 more stores, expanding to six new cities, including Hohhot and Luoyang. Additionally, 29 new Xiaomi EV service centers and authorized service centers opened for business in December. How Do You Measure a Hotel Brands Content Performance? - Image Credit TravelBoom Marketing Without hotel content performance metrics, a hoteliers marketing strategy lacks the data-driven insights it needs and leaves too much room for guesswork. Intel on a brands websites effectiveness, email campaign execution, and social engagement keeps marketers in the loop on whats working to influence future campaigns, search marketing improvements, and content creation. As a hotelier, youre likely accustomed to relying on reports to measure revenue, return on investments, and guest satisfaction. Now imagine if you made operational decisions without consulting dataseems risky, right? Shifting a digital marketing strategy without consulting content metrics is a similarly dicey decision. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to monitor content performance for a hotel so you can base successes and areas for improvement on concrete information. Performance metrics may sound like something thats out of your wheelhouse, but thats why were here. Well explain all the must-track metrics, tools to access content marketing analytics for hotels, and how to use the information to initiate improvements. Track Your Keywords Tracking your target keywords is essential for measuring SEO performance because it provides clear, actionable insights into how effectively your website ranks for specific terms. First, lets take a look at what you should be tracking; then well get into how. Heres a detailed breakdown: Visibility in Search Results: Keywords are the terms users enter into search engines to find information. By tracking your target keywords, you can assess the visibility of your website in search engine results pages (SERPs). This visibility is crucial, because higher rankings for relevant keywords mean more potential visitors find your site when they search for terms related to your business. Assessing Traffic Sources: Tracking keywords helps you understand which search queries drive traffic to your website. This information is valuable for evaluating the effectiveness of your SEO strategy in attracting users who are interested in what you offer. An increase in traffic from specific keywords indicates that your SEO efforts resonate with your target audience. Benchmarking Progress: Routinely monitoring your keyword rankings allows you to benchmark your progress over time. By comparing current rankings to past performance, you can determine whether your SEO efforts are leading to improvements. This ongoing assessment helps you gauge the success of your strategies and identify areas that may need updates. Guiding Strategic Adjustments: Measuring SEO performance through keyword tracking provides data that can guide strategic adjustments. For instance, if you see that certain keywords are gaining traction, you might want to focus more on creating content around those terms. On the other hand, if some keywords are losing ground, you can investigate potential reasons and make necessary changes to improve performance. Understanding User Behavior: Tracking how your target keywords perform also helps you understand user behavior and search intent. If you see shifts in keyword performance, this may reflect changes in guest interests or needs, allowing you to adapt your hotels content and SEO strategies accordingly. Data-Driven Performance Tracking A website, social channels, and email marketing are profitable marketing channels for hotels, and the success of each can be measured using various metrics. When reviewing content marketing metrics, you must thoroughly contemplate what youre trying to improve (the goal) and the key performance indicators youll use to determine the success of a campaign. Common KPIs for hotel content strategies include organic traffic, engagement metrics, and conversion rates. Tracking content marketing analytics for hotels can highlight which topics interest your customers and which campaigns draw leads and the highest conversion rates. Weve listed some KPIs for various channels below. Hotel Website Performance Metrics Hoteliers should familiarize themselves with website metrics and evaluate them to determine the performance of their optimization tasks. These analytics report on traffic and the user experience, which are key to SEO and engagement: Organic Traffic: Measures the number of visitors arriving at your site through search engines. This metric helps assess the effectiveness of your SEO efforts in driving traffic from search engines. Bounce Rate: Tracks the percentage of visitors who leave your site after viewing only one page. A high bounce rate may indicate that your content is not engaging or relevant enough, which can impact SEO performance. Average Session Duration: Monitors the average amount of time users spend on your site. Longer session durations generally suggest that your content is engaging and valuable to visitors. Conversion Rates: Measure the percentage of visitors who complete a desired action (e.g., making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter). Tracking conversions helps evaluate the effectiveness of your content in achieving business goals. Social Media Performance Metrics Success on a hotels social channels indicates increasing brand awareness and audience engagement. Whether youre active on Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, or a combination of channels, you can evaluate content performance using these metrics: Organic Social Traffic: Measures users who visit your website through unpaid social media channels, which indicates how well your social media resonates. Engagement & Awareness Metrics: Reactions, shares, and comments indicate whether the content performs as expected on a specific social channel. Conversions: Measures how often a user takes one of your desired actions, such as booking a room, downloading your propertys app, or becoming a loyalty member. Email Engagement Metrics One email marketing trend for hotels is to focus more on messaging and content to better engage the audience. Tracking content marketing metrics for the hotels email campaigns can help direct your efforts and highlight the effectiveness of your messaging and calls to action. Email Open Rates: The number of recipients who opened the email signifies the effectiveness of the subject line and their trust in your hotel to deliver valuable messages. Click-Through Rates: This measures the percentage of recipients who clicked on a link in the email, indicating engaging content and clear calls to action. Conversion Rate: This percentage of recipients completed a desired action after clicking through, such as booking a room or downloading the hotel app. Bounce Rates: This shows how many emails went undelivered, indicating issues with the hotels email list hygiene. Top Tools for Tracking and Analyzing Content Performance A hotelier should utilize a Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) to collect and analyze guest data and create a comprehensive content performance report. This tool offers insights to personalize content, foster guest relationships, and build brand loyalty. A CRM is an essential management tool hoteliers can use to organize content marketing analytics from popular tracking tools. Google Analytics Hoteliers should take advantage of this free service thats part of the Google marketing platform. The reports on website traffic and campaign performance include: Detailed Insights: Google Analytics provides comprehensive data on user behavior, including traffic sources, user demographics, and page performance. Use it to track metrics like organic traffic, bounce rate, and session duration. Google Analytics provides comprehensive data on user behavior, including traffic sources, user demographics, and page performance. Use it to track metrics like organic traffic, bounce rate, and session duration. Behavior Flow: Analyze the behavior flow to understand how users navigate through your site, identifying potential drop-off points or areas for improvement. Analyze the behavior flow to understand how users navigate through your site, identifying potential drop-off points or areas for improvement. Goals and Funnels: Set up goals and conversion funnels to track specific actions users take on your site and measure how well your content drives these desired actions. Social Media Insights Social media management platforms, like Sprout Social and Hootsuite, offer analytical tools to help hoteliers monitor their campaign performance. These tools can measure a variety of social media analytics, including: Engagement Metrics: Track likes, shares, comments, and other interactions on social media platforms. These metrics provide insights into how well your content resonates with your audience and its effectiveness in driving social engagement. Track likes, shares, comments, and other interactions on social media platforms. These metrics provide insights into how well your content resonates with your audience and its effectiveness in driving social engagement. Referral Traffic: Monitor the traffic coming from social media channels to your site. This helps assess the impact of social media efforts on your overall SEO and content performance. Monitor the traffic coming from social media channels to your site. This helps assess the impact of social media efforts on your overall SEO and content performance. Audience Insights: Utilize social media analytics to gain insights into your audiences preferences and behaviors. These metrics can inform future ideas for social media posts and adjustments to your SEO. Moz Pro This software suites features are designed to improve search engine visibility, and offer performance metrics and insights to define improvement areas through: Keyword Tracking: Moz Pro offers robust keyword-tracking tools that help you monitor your target keyword performance over time. This includes tracking ranking changes and analyzing keyword opportunities. Moz Pro offers robust keyword-tracking tools that help you monitor your target keyword performance over time. This includes tracking ranking changes and analyzing keyword opportunities. Site Audits: Conduct comprehensive site audits to identify and address SEO issues that may affect your content performance. Moz Pros site audit tools provide actionable insights for improving site health and SEO. Conduct comprehensive site audits to identify and address SEO issues that may affect your content performance. Moz Pros site audit tools provide actionable insights for improving site health and SEO. On-Page Optimization: Use Moz Pro to analyze individual pages for keyword relevance, content quality, and other SEO factors to confirm your content is optimized. Semrush Semrush provides tools and reports for SEO, PPC, keyword research, competitor data, and campaign management. Heres an overview of a few you may find helpful for your hotel: Keyword Research: SEMrush provides in-depth keyword research tools that help you discover new keywords, analyze their search volume, and understand their competition level. This information is essential for refining your content strategy. SEMrush provides in-depth keyword research tools that help you discover new keywords, analyze their search volume, and understand their competition level. This information is essential for refining your content strategy. Content Analyzer: SEMrushs Content Analyzer evaluates the performance of your content based on various metrics, including readability, SEO, and engagement. It helps identify areas for improvement to enhance content effectiveness. SEMrushs Content Analyzer evaluates the performance of your content based on various metrics, including readability, SEO, and engagement. It helps identify areas for improvement to enhance content effectiveness. Competitive Analysis: Gain insights into how your content compares with hospitality competitors by analyzing their keyword strategies, backlinks, and content performance. This helps you identify gaps and opportunities to outperform competitors. Using Performance Data To Refine and Improve Content A content audit can help a hotel decide where to start improvements based on performance metrics and relevance. Hotels should perform a content audit by first gathering and categorizing all content from their website, social platforms, and booking sites, and then evaluating the performance data, user feedback, engagement metrics, and SEO for each to identify which could be improved. Analyze Performance Data Routinely review performance metrics, including organic traffic, bounce rate, average session duration, and conversion rates. Use these insights to pinpoint which aspects of your content are performing well and which need improvement. A hotelier should be prepared to update their websites content annually, especially mid- and bottom-funnel content, to prevent it from feeling stale or outdated, which will negatively impact the pages performance. Make it a habit to track your content and revisit it frequentlyeven before performance metrics bottom outto make sure its still helpful to the reader. Improving Underperforming Content: Content Refresh: Update outdated or underperforming content with new information, improved visuals, or better structure. This can help improve its relevance and performance. Update outdated or underperforming content with new information, improved visuals, or better structure. This can help improve its relevance and performance. Enhanced Engagement: Add multimedia elements such as images, videos, or infographics to content that lacks visual appeal. Enhancing content with engaging visuals can boost user interaction and retention. User Feedback Gather and analyze user feedback from surveys, comments, and social media interactions. Understand what users find valuable or lacking in your content to make targeted improvements. Addressing User Needs: Feedback Integration: Incorporate user suggestions and address common questions or concerns mentioned in feedback. Tailoring content to meet user needs and expectations can enhance its relevance and value. Incorporate user suggestions and address common questions or concerns mentioned in feedback. Tailoring content to meet user needs and expectations can enhance its relevance and value. Usability Improvements: Modify content based on usability feedback, such as improving navigation, readability, or mobile optimization to better serve users needs. Engagement Metrics Evaluate metrics such as time on page, scroll depth, and click-through rates to determine how engaging and useful readers find your content. When deciding what the hotel should blog about, consider building off materials with higher engagement rates to deepen the connection with your audience. Utilizing Successful Topics: Content Creation: If a particular topic is attracting a lot of traffic and engagement, consider creating additional related content. This could include follow-up articles, in-depth guides, or complementary pieces that explore related aspects in greater detail. If a particular topic is attracting a lot of traffic and engagement, consider creating additional related content. This could include follow-up articles, in-depth guides, or complementary pieces that explore related aspects in greater detail. Topic Clusters: Develop a content cluster around successful topics, where a main pillar page links to several related articles. This strategy helps build the hotels authority on the topic and improves link-building for SEO. SEO Performance Track keyword rankings and organic search performance to assess how well your content is optimized. Identify any gaps or opportunities for better keyword integration or content adjustments. Refining Keyword Strategy: Keyword Performance: If certain keywords are not driving the expected traffic, revisit and refine your keyword strategy. Research alternative or long-tail keywords that may be more relevant or have lower competition. If certain keywords are not driving the expected traffic, revisit and refine your keyword strategy. Research alternative or long-tail keywords that may be more relevant or have lower competition. Content Optimization: Adjust existing content to better target keywords. This may involve rewriting headings, updating meta descriptions, or incorporating new keywords in a natural, contextually relevant manner. For more on how to create content that ranks, check out the rest of this series. Are you ready to start shaping your hotels marketing efforts around content performance metrics? Let TravelBoom help. Were experts at providing customized insights and strategic marketing plans to drive engagement and boost direct bookings. Contact us for a free evaluation today. Alyssa Fate is the Director of Marketing Services at TravelBoom Hotel Marketing. Connect with Alyssa at LinkedIn. About TravelBoom Hotel Marketing TravelBoom specializes in developing and executing customized data-driven marketing solutions that drive direct bookings and growth for its clients. With over 25 years of experience in digital marketing for travel and hotels, TravelBoom leverages advanced data science and analytics to uncover insights and develop strategies that greatly enhance results for our clients and reduce reliance on third-party channels. TravelBoom is also host of the worlds #1 ranked Hotel Marketing Podcast and its quarterly Traveler Sentiment Study both of which can be found at www.travelboommarketing.com. SVMC's Learning Tree Childcare Center Recognized BENNINGTON, Vt. The Learning Tree Childcare Center at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), a member of Dartmouth Health, has earned 5 stars from Vermont's Step Ahead Recognition System (STARS). STARS is Vermont's Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS) for child care, preschool, and afterschool programs. "The health and development of every child we serve at The Learning Tree is the top priority of our educators," said Nancy Noel, the center's director. "This STARS achievement is a reflection of that commitment to our kids and their families." According to the Child Development Division of Vermont, participation in STARS means that a program is striving beyond licensing regulations to meet higher quality standards, uphold professional practices, and commit to continuous quality improvement. Currently, The Learning Tree has 59 enrolled students who range in age from six weeks to 5 years old. The center's 19 staff utilize the Northern Lights Career Ladder at the Community College of Vermont, which offers six different levels of learning and professional development. Staff are mentored by Learning Tree leadership through their educational journey, which can range from recent high school grads to college students and those who have already earned degrees. Recently, one of the Learning Tree's teachers, Haley Harrington, was named 2024 Vermont Early Childhood Education Student of the Year from the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC). "While it is no surprise to me that the Learning Tree staff has achieved another 5-five star designation, this is no small feat," said Ronald Zimmerman, Vice President of Support Services, who oversees The Learning Tree. "This process takes a lot of time and effort and we're beyond fortunate to have a team that goes the extra mile for local children and families." The Learning Tree Childcare Center has been participating in the program since 2010 and has held 5 stars for the past several years. He's widely considered the GOAT of actors yet didn't even make it to the 60s. He died when Elvis was just coming up and years before The Beatles came on the scene. The description points to James Dean, an iconic American actor often considered one of the greatest of all time (GOAT) despite his brief career. Here's the explanation: "Widely considered the GOAT of actors": James Dean's performances in East of Eden (1955), Rebel Without a Cause (1955), and Giant (1956) showcased his immense talent and established him as a cultural icon of youthful angst and rebellion. His acting style was groundbreaking, blending vulnerability, intensity, and naturalism, which influenced generations of actors. "Didn't even make it to the 60s": Dean tragically died at the age of 24 in a car crash on September 30, 1955, cutting short his promising career. His untimely death only added to his mystique. "He died when Elvis was just coming up": Elvis Presley released his first single, That's All Right, in 1954 and became a national sensation in 1956. Dean's death in 1955 coincided with the rise of Elvis as a cultural icon. "Years before The Beatles came on the scene": The Beatles rose to international fame in the early 1960s, almost a decade after Dean's death. Dean never lived to see the cultural revolutions of the 1960s, including Beatlemania. James Deans legacy endures because of his raw talent, timeless performances, and symbolic representation of youthful defiance, cementing him as a legend in film history despite his tragically short life. By RICHARD GRAY FOR MAILONLINE 9 July 2015 The discovery of the Americas has for centuries been credited to the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, but ancient markings carved into rocks around the US could require history to be rewritten. Researchers have discovered ancient scripts that suggest Chinese explorers may have discovered America long before Europeans arrived there. They have found pictograms etched into the rocks around the country that appear to belong of an ancient Chinese script. Scroll down for video +7 View gallery Epigraph researcher John Ruskamp claims these symbols shown in the enhanced image above, found etched into rock at the Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, New Mexico, are evidence that ancient Chinese explorers discovered America long before Christopher Columbus stumbled on the continent in 1492 They say could have been inscribed there alongside the carvings of Native Americans by Chinese explorers thousands of years ago. John Ruskamp, a retired chemist and amateur epigraph researcher from Illinois, discovered the unusual markings while walking in the Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, New Mexico. RELATED ARTICLES Columbus' map reveals more secrets: Scans uncover new... How Columbus was beaten by the Chinese: Bronze artefacts... Shipwreck found off Haiti was NOT the Santa Maria, the ship... He claims they indicate ancient people from Asia were present in the Americas around 1,300BC nearly 2,800 years before Columbus's ships stumbled across the New World by reaching the Caribbean in 1492. ASIAN TRADERS BEAT COLUMBUS Trade was taking place between East Asia and the New World hundreds of years before Christopher Columbus arrived in the area in 1492. Archaeologists have made the suggestion following the discovery of a series of bronze artefacts found at the 'Rising Whale' site in Cape Espenberg, Alaska. They found what they believe to be a bronze and leather buckle and a bronze whistle, dating to around A.D. 600. Bronze-working had not been developed at this time in Alaska, and researchers instead believe the artefacts were created in China, Korea or Yakutia. 'We're seeing the interactions, indirect as they are, with these so-called "high civilisations" of China, Korea or Yakutia,' Owen Mason, a research associate at the University of Colorado. Researchers believe those who lived at the Rising Whale site may be part of what scientists call the 'Birnirk' culture. This is a group of people who lived on both sides of the Bering Strait and used skin boats and harpoons to hunt whales, LiveScience reports. The latest discovery of bronze artefacts backs up earlier evidence for trade between Alaska and other civilisations prior to 1492. He said: 'These ancient Chinese writings in North America cannot be fake, for the markings are very old as are the style of the scripts. 'As such the findings of this scientific study confirm that ancient Chinese people were exploring and positively interacting with the Native peoples over 2,500 years ago. 'The pattern of the finds suggests more of an expedition than settlement.' However, his controversial views have been met with scepticism by many experts who point to the lack of archaeological evidence for any ancient Chinese presence in the New World. Mr Ruskamp is not the first to claim that the Chinese were the first to discover America - retired submarine lieutenant-commander Gavin Menzies claimed a fleet of Chinese ships sailed to North America in 1421, 70 years before Columbus's expedition. However, Mr Ruskamp believes the contact between the Chinese and Native Americans may have been going on for far longer. He claims to have identified 84 pictograms which match unique ancient Chinese sites in various locations around the US including New Mexico, California, Oklahoma, Utah, Arizona and Nevada. He says many of these have been examined by experts on ancient Chinese scripts and they appear to forms of writing that went out of use thousands of years ago. The pictograms he discovered on the rocks of Albuquerque appear to be an ancient script that was used by the Chinese after the end Shang Dynsasty. Known as oracle bone pictograms, Mr Ruskamp claims the markings record a ritual sacrificial offering perhaps made to the 3rd Shang dynasty king Da Jia and also a divination of an 'auspicious' 10 day sacred period. With the help of experts on Neolithic Chinese culture, Mr Ruskamp has deciphered the pictograms (shown in the enhanced image above with the translations) he has discovered at Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque and claims they details a sacrificial offering of a dog to the 3rd Shang dynasty king Da Jai With the help of experts on Neolithic Chinese culture, Mr Ruskamp has deciphered the pictograms (shown in the enhanced image above with the translations) he has discovered at Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque and claims they details a sacrificial offering of a dog to the 3rd Shang dynasty king Da Jai Mr Ruskamp claims to have found evidence of ancient Chinese scripts etched into rocks in New Mexico, Nevada and Arizona, as shown in the map above Mr Ruskamp claims to have found evidence of ancient Chinese scripts etched into rocks in New Mexico, Nevada and Arizona, as shown in the map above Mr Ruskamp said: 'Although only half of the symbols found on the large boulder in Albuquerque, New Mexico have been identified and confirmed as Chinese scripts, when the four central pictogram-glyphs of this message - Jie, Da, Quan, and Xian - are read in the traditional Chinese manner from right to left we learn about a respectful man honoring a superior with the sacrificial offering of a dog. 'Notably, the written order of these symbols conforms with the syntax used for documenting ancient Chinese rituals during the Shang and Zhou dynasties, and dog sacrifices were very popular in the second part of the second millennium B.C. in China.' He says he has also found ancient Chinese scripts for the number five and writing describing a boat upon water, which he found on the shore of Little Lake in California. Mr Ruskamp also claims the pictograms shown above, which were found carved into rocks in Arizona, also appear to belong to an ancient Chinese script. He believes Chinese explorers were conducting expeditions around North America thousands of years ago and left these markings as evidence of their presence Mr Ruskamp first discovered ancient Chinese scripts at Petroglyph National Monument (shown above), n Albuquerque, New Mexico, alongside carvings made by Native Americans Mr Ruskamp says he has also found ancient Chinese scripts for dogs, flowers, and the earth scratched onto the rocks in Petroglyph National Monument. He also claims to have found a Chinese pictogram of an elephant dating to 500BC in the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, suggesting the Asian explorers had spread across much of the US. Another pictogram found in Grapevine Canyon in Nevada, appears to be an oracle-bone era symbol for teeth dating to 1,300BC. One ancient message, preserved in Arizona translates as: 'Set apart (for) 10 years together; declaring (to) return, (the) journey completed, (to the) house of the Sun; (the) journey completed together.' At the end of this text is an unidentified character that may be the authors signature. Mr Ruskamp said: 'Here the intention of the ancient author was more to document an event than to leave a readable message.' Mr Ruskamp says this cartouche, which forms part of a set found in Arizona, is an ancient Chinese symbol for 'returning together'. He insists weathering on the markings and the age of the script suggest they are not fake Mr Ruskamp says this cartouche, which forms part of a set found in Arizona, is an ancient Chinese symbol for 'returning together'. He insists weathering on the markings and the age of the script suggest they are not fake Mr Ruskamp has written a book and an academic paper on the topic, which is currently undergoing peer review. In it he claims the carvings appear to have undergone significant levels of weathering, known as repatination which indicate they were created long ago and not within the past 150 years. He says the Shang script disappeared from use around the fall of the Shang empire in 1046BC and were only rediscovered and deciphered in 1899 in China. Taken together this suggests the carvings are unlikely to be fakes, he insists. He also points to DNA evidence which has suggested Native Americans and Asian populations share many genetic traits. He said: 'For centuries, researchers have been debating if, in pre-Columbian times, meaningful exchanges between the indigenous peoples of Asia and the Americas might have taken place. 'Here is "rock solid" epigraphic proof that Asiatic explorers not only reached the Americas, but that they interacted positively with Native North American people, on multiple occasions, long before any European exploration of the continent.' Mr Ruskamp has also managed to decifer the symbol above as an oracle-bone script for 'Together for Ten Years'. It was found alongside other markings on a rock in Arizona His views are also beginning to be taken seriously by other academics and they echo some theories put forward by researchers such as Dr Dennis Stanford of the Smithsonian Institution, who believed North America was first populated by people from Asia during the last ice age. According to the Epoch Times, one of Mr Ruskamp's staunchest supporters has been Dr David Keightley, an expert on Neolithic Chinese civilization at the University of California, Berkley. He has been helping to decipher the scripts found carved into the rocks. Dr Michael Medrano, chief of the Division of Resource Management for Petroglyph National Monument, has also studied the petroglyphs found by Mr Ruskamp. He told the Epoch Times: 'These images do not readily appear to be associated with local tribal entities. 'Based on repatination, they appear to have antiquity to them.' Saturday 28 December 2024, 11:35 - Last updated: 29 December, 18:50 Recent statistical data shows that the Christian minority in Israel is increasing. Currently, there are around 180,300 Christians in the country, making up 1.8% of the total population, a 0.6% increase from 2023, according to data released by the Central Bureau of Statistics. In contrast, in areas under the control of Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, there has been a drastic decline of nearly 90% in the Christian population over the past few decades. This decline is both constant and dramatic. A new study by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs paints a precise picture of this trend. History In 1922, Christians represented 11% of the population in areas that would later come under Palestinian control following the Oslo Accords of 1993-95. Today, in 2024, Christians in these areas make up only 1%. Demographics don't lie, researchers point out, emphasizing the dramatic drop of 80-90% in the Christian population in major cities. Christians Declining in Palestine but Growing in Israel: Data from the Statistical Institute In Gaza, the Christian population has dropped from 5,000 people before Hamas took control of the area to just 1,000 by October 2023. The report attributes this decline to religious and legal discrimination, desecration of holy sites, and particularly social exclusion. These are issues that many Christians hesitate to speak out about to avoid further retaliation. Decline in Baptisms and Christian Presence Bethlehem serves as a glaring example of what the Jerusalem Center calls the demographic erasure of Christians. In 1950, Christians made up 86% of the population of Bethlehem and the surrounding villages. This percentage has steadily decreased since 1994, when the Palestinian Authority took control of the city. The last census in 2017 showed that Christians now make up only 10% of Bethlehems population. Many have left, or are leaving, due to systemic socio-economic difficulties, instability, discrimination, and harassment, even against Christian clergy, by Palestinian Muslims and the Islam-dominated Palestinian Authority, which has shown clear tendencies toward radicalization. Bethlehem also exemplifies the forced conversion of Christians to Islam, a phenomenon warned about by Gazas Orthodox Bishop Alexios in 2016. Christians who have converted to Islam did so under threats and violence, he had reported at the time. Another sensitive issue seldom discussed openly. The Latest Episode of Pope's Failure to Distance Himself from Imam Al Tayyeb In reality, the exodus of Christians threatens the survival of Christianity in the very place of its origins. The report also includes testimonies of violence and harassment against Christians, particularly women, since the Palestinian Authority assumed power. The report also describes how Muslim clans often use force to settle disputes, with most cases going unreported due to fear of retaliation and lack of legal enforcement. It is unacceptable that in 2025, Christians in the Palestinian Authority fear reporting acts of hatred against them for fear of being arrested or worse, the report concludes. Sunday 29 December 2024, 11:18 - Last updated: 30 December, 19:08 We will not save ourselves alone, but as a family. The Lateran Basilica is packed with people; outside, in the square behind the barriers, other faithful follow the ceremony of opening the Holy Door on large screens, unable to find space inside. Today, as we pass through this Door, which represents the arms of the Father, our thoughts are especially with those who feel distant and unworthy, and with those who carry deep sorrow in their hearts and no longer feel like beloved children. The Cardinal Vicar is the first to enter the basilica, followed by representatives of the Church of Rome: mothers, grandmothers, parents, catechists, religious figures, volunteers, and scouts. Ordinary people, almost timid, take their places inside, followed by the procession of dignitariescardinals and bishops. Rome's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, is seated in the front row, with the French ambassador, Florence Mangin, next to him, highlighting the strong historical connection between the Lateran and France. In his homily, Cardinal Reina encourages the congregation to imagine the future as one big family, cultivating brotherhood with all our strength. Let us think of the sick, the prisoners, those marked by painby loneliness, poverty, or failure; those who have lost hope or a sense of purpose; those who have stopped seeking the Fathers embrace, having closed themselves off or relying on the security of worldly things. In this world torn apart by war, discord, and inequality, let us open our arms to everyone; let us make sure that through our outstretched arms, a reflection of Gods love reaches others. We will not save ourselves alone, but as a family. Pope Francis, contrary to what he did during the 2015 Jubilee of Mercy, when he personally opened the Holy Door at the Lateran, entrusted this task to the newly appointed cardinal. This decision was made to give him a greater responsibility, placing him in the global spotlight, and also to lighten the liturgical duties during this particularly demanding time of year for a man of his age. 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 Justin Baldoni has accused Ryan Reynolds of aggressively berating him over comments he made to Blake Lively on the set of their movie It Ends with Us. The claim was made in Baldonis recent libel lawsuit against The New York Times over its reporting of Livelys sexual harassment allegations against him. In the suit, seen by The Independent, Baldoni, 40, who directed and starred opposite Lively, 37, in the picture, says that he asked the Gossip Girl star how much she weighed before shooting a scene in which he was supposed to lift her. The document said that Baldoni, who suffers from back problems, wanted to ensure he could safely perform the lift without injury. However, his comments were allegedly misinterpreted by Reynolds, 48, who aggressively berated Baldoni and accused him of fat-shaming his wife, during a meeting at the couples New York City penthouse. The confrontation that followed was so aggressive that Baldoni felt compelled to offer repeated apologies, the suit read. Baldoni, in an effort to avoid further confrontation with Lively and Reynolds and rebuild rapport with his co-star, continued to bend to her will. Its further alleged that Lively refused to perform the lift scene despite already having rehearsed with a stunt double. Justin Baldoni accused Ryan Reynolds of aggressively berating him during a meeting at Reynolds New York City penthouse ( Getty Images ) The Independent has contacted Reynolds representative for comment. Baldoni, along with nine other plaintiffs, has sued The New York Times for $250 million, accusing the newspaper of libel and false-light invasion of privacy with its December 21 story headlined: We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine. The bombshell article extensively covered Livelys legal complaint made against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign intended to destroy her reputation after she had gone public with allegations of misconduct on the set of their 2024 film. 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 Baldonis attorney, Bryan Freedman, has called Livelys allegations false, outrageous and intentionally salacious. The Jane the Virgin alums lawsuit also argued that the Times relied almost entirely on Livelys unverified and self-serving narrative. A spokesperson for the Times has defended its meticulous and responsible reporting of Livelys legal complaint, saying that the publication will vigorously defend against the lawsuit. The same day Baldoni filed his lawsuit against the Times, Lively officially sued him for alleged sexual harassment and the smear campaign. Baldoni is reportedly planning on filing a counter-suit against Lively. In a statement issued by Lively and Reynolds joint representative on behalf of the formers attorney, it was noted that nothing in [Baldonis] lawsuit changes anything about Livelys accusations. 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 Coronation Street star Sue Devaney was allegedly left furious after learning her character will die in 2025. The actor has appeared on the ITV soap as Debbie Webster sister of Kevin as a full-time cast member since 2019, and is set to leave the show as part of a hard-hitting dementia storyline. According to reports, Devaney, unlike her Gail Platt co-star Helen Worth, who left the soap over Christmas, had no intention of leaving and couldnt believe it when she was blindsided by the revelation. Sue was very shocked when she discovered she was being killed off, a source told The Sun. She was initially very sad and then furious and then upset again. Its taken her a long time to come to terms with it. However, after Devaneys alleged shock subsided, the actor fixated on the storylines potential to raise awareness about dementia. An insider told The Independent: Sue is a total professional and is already putting her all into what she sees as hugely important long running storyline. She saw the positive impact of the MND storyline and hopes that her dementia story can have the same effect and raise awareness of the condition. The inclusion of Debbies dementia as part of the soaps 2025 storylines comes after the arrival of new showrunner Kate Brooks. A source described it as Devaneys chance to finally get her time in the spotlight. Devaney first joined the soap in 1984 when she was a teenager but her original stint lasted for just one year. She reprised the role in 2019. Sue Devaney as Debbie Webster in Coronation Street ( Danielle Baguley/Shutterstock ) She previously opened up about her love of playing Debbie, stating: When I first came back, I never imagined I would be around for that length of time and I am delighted. 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 Every day when I drive into work, I have a big grin on my face. I am so happy to be here. Another Corrie star who was stunned by their axing from the soap was former star Sean Wilson, who was set to return as Martin Platt for Gails exit storyline. However, after he had started filming his scenes, the brakes were mysteriously put on his return due to what ITV said were personal reasons. Earlier this month, Wilson said that it was due to a pending police inquiry, exploring an allegation of indecent assault dating back to 1997, which he has been cleared of. I had no idea who had made this complaint or anything about it but I lost my job, the actor told The Sun, adding: Its been hell. 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 EastEnders will celebrate its 40th anniversary with the return of an iconic character. Actor and presenter Ross Kemp will be reprising his role as Grant Mitchell for the first time in nine years, for a storyline the BBC says will be explosive. Kemp, 60, last appeared in EastEnders in 2016 but will return later this year as his brother, Phil Mitchell, struggles with loneliness. Im delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary, Kemp said in a statement. EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary is an absolute honour. Grant has never been far from the action and, lets just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang. Kemps return also comes as his characters ex-wife, Sharon who had an affair with Phil in the early Nineties and later married him is now dating another family member, his long-lost cousin Teddy Mitchell. Sharons affair with Phil dubbed Sharongate was a huge TV draw and, when it reached its climax on 24 October, attracted over 25 million viewers. The storyline was drawn out over several years and culminated with the memorable episode in which, after Sharon unwittingly confesses to her and Phils betrayal on tape, Grant airs it to a pub full of people at Phils engagement party before beating his brother unconscious. open image in gallery Ross Kemp will return to Albert Square this year as Grant Mitchell ( BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron/PA Wire ) Among Grants other storylines was his tumultuous marriage to Tiffany Mitchell (Martine McCutcheon) and the farewell to his mother, Peggy Mitchell, as part of the late Barbara Windsors exit storyline. 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 His 2000s return saw him involved in the unveiling of Den Wattss (Leslie Grantham) killer, have an affair with Ian Beales (Adam Woodyatt) girlfriend Jane Collins, and a series of episodes which saw the Mitchell brothers embroiled in a vendetta against gangland boss Johnny Allen (Billy Murray). Kemp initially appeared in the soap for nine years from 1990 until 1999, when Phil fired a gun at him after learning he had revenge sex with Phils then-wife, Kathy Mitchell. He also returned for a year between 2005 and 2006, then again in 2016 for Windsors final appearance as Peggy. open image in gallery Ross Kemp and Steve McFadden as brothers Grant and Phil Mitchell, with the late Barbara Windsor as their onscreen mother, Peggy Mitchell ( BBC ) During his time away from EastEnders, Kemp has presented the Bafta award-winning documentary series Ross Kemp On Gangs between 2004 and 2009, which spawned a number of similar series including Ross Kemp In Afghanistan and Ross Kemp In Search of Pirates. Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders executive producer, said of Kemps return: We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross Kemp back to EastEnders as he reprises the legendary role of Grant Mitchell. While Im not currently revealing exactly what brings Grant back to Walford, I can say that his return will play a significant part in the shows 40th anniversary and will make up many moments of truly unmissable TV. In December, it was reported that EastEnders had filmed a sensational plotline in which the famous Queen Vic pub is torn apart in a huge explosion. Meanwhile, fans got a treat ahead of Christmas as character Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) returned to the soap for the first time in 26 years. Additional reporting by Press Association. 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 TV viewers are urging the BBC to bring back an acclaimed series after it appeared to end for good with a two-part Christmas special. The festive period proved rather successful for the BBC, with Gavin & Stacey, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and the divisive Outnumbered special proving ratings hits for the corporation. Drama series The Split, created by Abi Morgan in 2018, has been another success. After originally airing for three series, it returned for the first time in two years with two new instalments set in Barcelona, reuniting viewers with the Defoes a family of sisters working as divorce lawyers. Unforgotten and Last Tango in Halifax star Nicola Walker led the specials alongside co-stars Annabel Scholey, Fiona Button and Stephen Mangan, who plays the husband of Walker's character, Hannah. On Monday (30 December), the second part of The Split: Barcelona was broadcast and it has left viewers hungry for more, with many complaining that there were just two episodes. Demand for another full series surely now undeniable, one fan wrote, with another stating: The Split: Barcelona did not disappoint. Nicola Walker and Stephen Mangan were as great as ever. Just sad there were only two episodes! Similar sentiments were shared by another viewer, who wrote on X/Twitter: I love everything about this show, from the characters to the theme tune. I just wish it was back for a full series. An additional fan told the BBC to stop wasting time and to commission another series, which was branded perfection with another concurring: We need more than a two parter. Walker, speaking about the two-part special ahead of its broadcast, said it conveys a hopeful message ultimately, stating: I think theres a lot of joy in it. I mean, theres a lot of fear too. 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 It is difficult to accept that a marriage that you thought would last forever turned out to have an endpoint. But if you can pick yourself up and be vulnerable and go again, even at an age where you thought everything would be sorted and its not, your worlds falling apart a little bit its still OK. Nicola Walker in The Split: Barcelona ( BBC ) Walker described the episodes as joyful, continuing: Its Abi Morgan saying its OK when your world doesnt hold up like you thought it would, the only thing you can do is get up, keep walking, and maybe go again. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails 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 President Xi Jinping reiterated in his New Years speech that no one can stop China's reunification with Taiwan. Beijing has beefed up its military presence near Taiwan, sending warships and planes almost everyday into the waters and airspace around the self-governed island of 23 million people. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island back into its fold. Taiwan, which split from the mainland in 1949, rejects Beijing's claim saying that only its people can decide their future. The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family, Mr Xi said in a speech televised on China's state broadcaster CCTV. No one can sever our family bonds, and no one can stop the historical trend of national reunification. His statement comes a month after China staged a massing of naval forces around Taiwan after Taiwanese president Lai Ching Te stopped over in Hawaii and the US territory of Guam during a Pacific trip criticised by Beijing. Tensions have remained high throughout the year in the sensitive Taiwan Strait, especially after Mr Lai, deemed a separatist by Beijing, became the president in May 2024. In the last week of December, the Chinese government sanctioned seven companies in response to American weapons sales and aid to Taipei. Last year, the Chinese leader said that reunification with Taiwan was inevitable and that people on both sides should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The Taiwanese president said on Wednesday he welcomes equal, dignified, healthy and orderly exchanges with China. Mr Lai said China is blocking normal interactions with restrictions on Chinese tourists visiting or students studying on the island while similar bans do not apply to Taiwanese going to China. But I still want to stress this: Taiwan hopes to have healthy and orderly exchanges with China under the principles of reciprocity and dignity, he said. Reporters should ask China why its citizens can freely travel to countries like the US and Japan but have all these controls when it comes to Taiwan, Mr Lai said. Is this really showing goodwill towards Taiwan? Cant they treat everyone equally? 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 Senior aides of Yoon Suk Yeol have offered to resign after two new judges were named to a court set to decide the impeached presidents fate. An arrest warrant has been issued to detain Mr Yoon for questioning over his botched attempt to impose martial law last month after the president ignored multiple summons to answer charges of insurrection and abuse of power. Acting president Choi Sang Mok on Tuesday approved two new judges for the Constitutional Court, which is set to rule on the validity of Mr Yoons impeachment by the National Assembly. The nine-judge court had three seats vacant. If at least six of the judges rule to uphold the parliamentary decision, Mr Yoon will be removed from power. After Mr Choi appointed the new judges, Mr Yoon's chief of staff, policy chief, national security advisor, and special advisor on foreign affairs and security gave their resignations, as did all other senior secretaries, the presidents office said in a statement. Mr Choi said he would not accept their resignations as the priority now was to focus on improving the economy and stabilising state affairs, his office said. The aides had repeatedly asked to step down in the wake of Mr Yoon's shortlived attempt to declare martial law on 3 December, but their resignations were not accepted. Following the judicial appointments on Tuesday, the presidential office expressed regret that Mr Choi had exceeded his authority as the interim leader, the state news agency Yonhap reported. A South Korean official told the Reuters news agency that the senior secretaries had been assisting Mr Choi since he took over as the acting president. Two other officials said the aides didnt participate in day-to-day government operations, but were required to report to Mr Choi and attend meetings. Mr Choi, the finance minister, assumed the position of acting president on Friday, after the parliament impeached prime minister Han Duck Soo, who had been acting president since 14 December. Mr Hans impeachment in turn was prompted by his refusal to appoint three judges nominated by the National Assembly to fill the vacancies on the Constitutional Court. Additional inputs 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 Gypsy-Rose Blanchard who was released from prison in December 2023 after serving eight years for the second-degree murder of her mother welcomed her first child, a daughter named Aurora Raina Urker, with boyfriend Ken Urker. In an Instagram post on Wednesday (January 1), Urker shared the happy news with a photo of Blanchard cradling their newborn in a hospital bed. In the image, the couple is seen gazing lovingly at their baby girl, dressed in a pink hat. Welcoming 2025 with the greatest gift of all, he wrote in the posts caption. In a December interview with People, Blanchard opened up about the significance of her daughters name, explaining that it holds a special connection to her and Urkers past. Ken came up with that, she said. Theres a whole backstory to it. The 33-year-old shared that the name Aurora Raina wasnt inspired by Disney or her stepmother Kristys dog, as some have speculated. Instead, the name reflects the couples shared fascination with the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. Back whenever Ken and I were together seven years ago, both of us had a fascination with the Northern Lights, Blanchard recalled. She explained that in 2018, while she and Urker were dating during her time in prison, they both wrote down potential future baby names, unknowingly choosing the same one. When we had broken up, [it was like] Oh, Aurora is never going to be born, she said. A lot of people think the origin is one thing, but they dont know that little story. Blanchard spent eight years in prison for her role in the 2015 murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, who subjected her to years of unnecessary medical procedures. Now, having reunited with Urker and finalized her divorce from Ryan Anderson, Blanchard is embracing her new chapter. The couple first revealed they were expecting in July, shortly after rekindling their relationship. A prenatal paternity test confirmed Urker as the babys father, a fact Blanchard publicly shared on Instagram. Theres been a lot of chatter around the paternity of our baby and while weve known for sure from the beginning, I feel that its finally time to put all these theories to rest, she wrote in her post. Here are the results showing Ken is the father, she continued, adding theyre excited for their babys arrival in January. Ken is going to be an incredible dad and we are so excited to welcome our baby girl into the world. 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 Meghan Markle officially returned to Instagram on New Years Day, signalling a new chapter for the duchess after spending 2024 largely out of the spotlight. After years away from the social media platform, the Duchess of Sussex relaunched her personal account on January 1 with a video captured by her husband Prince Harry on a beach near their home in Montecito, California. The return could signal a fresh start for the duchess, the clip shows her running barefoot toward the waves with her back to the camera. She stops to trace 2025 in the sand before giggling and jogging away dressed in an all-white outfit. Comments have been turned off on the post but a host of celebrities including Serena Williams, Chrissy Teigen, and Tan France showed their support by liking the video. The handle @meghan had been secured since 2022, with 113,000 people already following the account before the first video was posted, though the duchess is yet to follow any accounts back herself. open image in gallery Comments have been turned off on the post but a host of celebrities including Serena Williams, Chrissy Teigen, and Tan France showed their support by liking the video. ( meghan/Instagram ) Her return to the platform comes at a crucial time for the duchess, as she may be looking to relaunch her personal brand following a much quieter year. Her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, launched on Instagram back in March 2024, though the company is yet to start trading goods as it continues to face setbacks regarding its trademark. The account featured a bio reading, By Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex. Established 2024, and a photo grid displaying the brands logo. Though her application to trademark her jams and other goods was initially filed in February, it was rejected in August with her team requesting more time to complete the bid. open image in gallery Her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, failed to launch in 2024 ( nachofigueras/Instagram ) The upcoming year also marks an important time for both Meghan and Harry to reignite interest, amid reports that their stock in Hollywood is steadily declining. Their multimillion-dollar contract with the streaming service is set to come to an end in 2025, though their latest project with the streaming service Polo failed the make a splash. The docuseries was supposed to follow the grit behind the glamour of the sport, but received negative reviews despite the couple making an appearance themselves in one episode. open image in gallery Their multimillion-dollar contract with the streaming service is set to come to an end in 2025 ( Yaroslav Sabitov/PA Wire ) Before her marriage to Harry, Meghan was an avid social media user having run her own lifestyle blog The Tig before she deactivated her personal accounts in January 2018 following her engagement. Since the couples departure from the royal family in 2020, the pair have spoken out about the perils of social media, with the duchess telling a conference in March that she had experienced bullying and abuse on social media when she was pregnant with Archie and Lili. 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 Instead of the traditional boisterous street partying on New Years Eve, tens of thousands of protesters led by university students gathered overnight in Belgrade and other Serbian cities to demand political reforms and justice in the Balkan country. The protesters have been actively demonstrating following the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy in the northern town of Novi Sads central train station on Nov. 1, which resulted in 15 fatalities. The mishap has been attributed to corruption and substandard construction practices by the populist Serbian leadership, leading to widespread public outcry and demands for accountability. Students from various Belgrade universities have organized the protest under the slogan There is No New Year You Still Owe Us for the Old One. The loud crowd, chanting We Want Justice, went silent at 11:52 p.m. with 15 minutes to honor the victims of the Novi Sad tragedy. Many were holding banners with a red handprint, which has become a symbol of the antigovernment protests, telling the authorities that they have blood on their hands. Earlier, they marched past a state-sponsored concert where the crowd danced to folk music tunes. Police guarded the area where the concert was taking place and set up metal fences while directing the protesting crowd to other streets nearby to avoid contact between the two groups. The antigovernment protesters emphasized that, despite the festive season, their commitment to seeking justice remains unwavering. The student-led movement has garnered support from various societal groups, including professors, farmers and actors, reflecting broader discontent with autocratic President Aleksandar Vucic 's leadership. Thousands of people also gathered in Novi Sad and the southern city of Nis for parallel gatherings also led by university students in those cities. In Belgrade, state-sponsored concerts and other New Year celebrations were organized in the city center and in a newly built high-rise Belgrade Waterfront neighborhood which Vucic has claimed is his own project together with the United Arab Emirates investors. Belgrade has become a favorite partying destination for tourist on the New Years Eve celebrations with street partying and huge fireworks. The crowds in Belgrade braved very cold weather and fog to join the students. The New Years Eve protest comes just over a week after tens of thousands rallied together with the students in what was one of the biggest gatherings in recent years in the Serbian capital. Serbias public prosecutor on Monday indicted 13 people, including a former minister, over the collapse of the concrete canopy The protesters say that is not enough as the indictment does not include charges of possible corrupt deals during a renovation of the the Novi Sad train station that was part of a wider deal with Chinese companies. Vucic earlier told pro-government Prva TV that all student demands have been fulfilled. I have always been ready to talk, I am asking them now but they wont talk to me, they have no arguments, the prosecutors fulfilled the last of their demands, all documents they wanted have been published and nothing happened, Vucic said, adding he won't be toppled by street protests. ___ Associated Press writer Jovana Gec contributed. 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 German government on Wednesday condemned a series of incidents on New Years Eve in which police officers and firefighters were attacked and injured, mostly with fireworks. Revellers across the country traditionally ring in the new year by setting off large numbers of fireworks in public places. But the latest celebrations were marred by the use of fireworks against emergency officials. In Berlin, 30 police officers and one firefighter were injured in confrontations or attacks during New Year's Eve, leading to 400 arrests, city officials said. Hundreds of police officers from across the country were deployed to the capital to help prevent further violence. Five people were killed and hundreds injured after being hit accidentally by fireworks, German news agency dpa reported. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said: The deployment of strong police forces from the federal states and the federal police and an early and consistent crackdown are the right means against perpetrators of violence and chaos. However, the many arrests in Berlin alone and the renewed attacks on police officers also show that this crackdown was absolutely necessary. She wished all injured officers a speedy recovery and vowed that all perpetrators will be "prosecuted and punished with the utmost severity. 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 Bolton father who is on the run after learning he was to be indefinitely locked up in prison has appealed to the justice secretary to intervene in his case directly. Matthew Booth, 33, has already served his minimum jail term more than three times over for a crime he committed when he was just 15. He is now wanted by police on recall to prison, having been convicted under the indefinite Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentencing system which means he can be recalled without notice for breaches of his strict license conditions. Mr Booth was recalled on the accusation of having restarted a relationship with the mother of his two children without notifying probation officers. open image in gallery Matthew was handed an IPP jail term at age 15. He says I needed help, not a life sentence ( Abigail Vernon ) Both Mr Booth and the woman in question Abigail Vernon, the mother of his two daughters told The Independent in October that claims they were back in a serious relationship were not true. He has now issued a direct appeal to justice secretary Shabana Mahmood to involve herself in the case, offering to hand himself in to authorities if she were to support his case. Speaking to The Guardian, Mr Booth said: [She] could make sure I dont go straight back to prison again. If she said that, I would hand myself in straight away. For now, I am going to live on my own, send Christmas cards to my children and see how long I can stand the cold. Some days I have got every intention of handing myself in to the police station. But its a hard thing to do. It is traumatising. Mr Booth and Ms Vernon are being supported by the IPP Committee in Action, a campaign group fighting the IPP sentences imposed between 2005 and 2012. The sentences were widely condemned, including by the UN but when they were scrapped in 2012, this was not done retrospectively. open image in gallery Matthew is being hauled back to prison for the fourth time under an IPP jail term over false reports about his love life with Abigail Vernon ( Abigail Vernon ) Mr Booth was handed an IPP for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after hitting someone with a brick over the head when he was aged 15, while protecting a friend in a fight. In a later fight, he jumped on someones head. Judges said he must serve a minimum of two years and seven months at his sentencing, when he was 16. Mr Booth told The Independent in October: It was my first custodial sentence. I needed help, not a life sentence. He served six years before his first release in 2013. In 2018, he was convicted of criminal damage and sentenced to eight weeks but served seven months after returning straight to prison as a result of his IPP sentence. Mr Booth was later recalled to prison twice, after arrests for which he was not charged. open image in gallery Matthew, 33, with his daughters Ava, 10, and Madison, seven ( Abigail Vernon ) I am getting recalled every single time for no charges, no crime, he said. How am I doing years because someone said something about me? I cant do it. I cant go there again and miss my children and not see my kids from inside prison. And just because they think Im in a relationship why should I do two years? He said the jail term made him feel like he had no hope at all. Its ruined my life, he continued. Every time I get out and I try and build something it gets taken away again. I miss my kids. My mental health is seriously bad. I am worried about everything right now. There are 2,734 IPP prisoners still imprisoned, with 1,602 of them having been recalled. More than 700 have served more than 10 years longer than their minimum term. At least 90 people have taken their own lives in prison while serving the jail term, and an estimated further 30 suicides have taken place in the community. A spokesperson for HM Prison and Probation Service told The Guardian: Offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions and, as the public would rightly expect, they are recalled to prison if there are concerns for the safety of those in the community. 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 woman who disappeared more than five decades ago has finally been found alive after a single blurry photograph of her was released by police 52 years after she went missing. West Midlands Police said finding Sheila Fox after she vanished from Coventry in 1972 solves one of its longest-running missing person investigations. At the end of December, the force published a renewed appeal to help find Ms Fox, which included one grainy picture of her from around the time she vanished that was recently found by officers. Within hours of its release, members of the public got in touch with information that led to finding Ms Fox. Officers who spoke with her confirmed Ms Fox is alive, safe and well, and now living in another part of the country. open image in gallery West Midlands Police said finding Sheila Fox after she vanished from Coventry in 1972 solves one of its longest-running missing person investigations ( West Midlands Police ) The announcement on Wednesday marks the resolution of one of the longest running missing person cases that the force has investigated. Detective Sergeant Jenna Shaw, from the Cold Case Investigation Team, said: We're absolutely delighted to have found Sheila after more than five decades. We searched through every piece of evidence we could find and managed to locate a photo of Sheila. We are a small team of officers and Id like to recognise the work of DC Shaun Reeve, who managed to resolve this case with help from the public. Every missing person has a story, and their families and friends deserve to know what happened to them and, hopefully, be reunited with them. Police added that forensic and technological advances enable the team to pursue fresh leads on cases that have remained unresolved for a long time. 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 three-day snow warning has been issued for much of Britain, with temperatures set to plunge this weekend bringing misery to areas already hit by flooding in the wake of high winds and torrential rain. Britain began the new year with weather alerts in place across large swathes of the country, including more than 170 flood warnings in England, Scotland and Wales. A yellow warning is in place from noon on Saturday until 9am on Monday and covers all regions of England except the South West, the majority of Wales and parts of southern Scotland. open image in gallery Waves crash against Folkestone harbour wall in Kent, as wind, rain and snow warnings are in force across parts of the UK ( Gareth Fuller/PA Wire ) About 5cm of snow is expected widely across the Midlands, Wales and northern England, with as much as 20-30cm over high ground in Wales and/or the Pennines, the Met Office added. Greater Manchester Police said a major incident has been declared after widespread flooding in the area following heavy rain overnight, with the worst affected areas in Bolton, Didsbury, Harpurhey, Stalybridge, Stockport and Wigan. Mountain rescue teams have been deployed to help Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service deal with damaged properties and stranded vehicles. open image in gallery A council worker attempts to unblock drains after heavy overnight rain in Manchester ( REUTERS ) Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: At the moment weve issued a very large snow warning for Saturday until Monday but it doesnt mean that everywhere within that warning could see snow, its just a heads-up there could be some impacts. Its definitely going to start off as snow in many places but its a question of how quickly that snow melts and turns back to rain. Its more likely that the snow wont last that long in southern England. Its quite likely the warning will be updated quite frequently between now and the weekend. Certainly if youve got travel plans on Sunday and perhaps Monday, stay tuned into the forecast. open image in gallery A drone view shows abandoned cars after heavy overnight rain caused roads to flood, leaving cars stranded in Manchester ( REUTERS ) It comes as strong winds and heavy rain have been battering the UK as revellers celebrated the start of 2025. A yellow wind warning is in force until 3pm on Wednesday for the majority of England and Wales, as winds of up to 60mph are forecast, with gusts of 75mph likely around coastal areas and hills, according to the Met Office. The start of Londons New Years Day Parade was delayed by 30 minutes due to high winds being forecast, and inflatable cartoon characters were no longer going to be used, event spokesperson Dan Kirkby said. The North West and Wales have seen heavy rain for much of the morning on Wednesday, which comes after the Met Office said some parts of the North West saw almost a months worth of rain within 48 hours. open image in gallery A yellow warning for snow will be in place until Monday morning ( Met Office ) Honister Pass in Cumbria saw nearly 6in (150mm) of rain, while Rochdale in Greater Manchester had 3in (77mm). In addition more than 170 flood warnings are in place across England, Wales and Scotland. Ben Lukey, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said significant inland flooding is possible after heavy and persistent rain and river levels will remain high across parts of the north of England until Thursday. He added: Environment Agency teams will be out on the ground, operating flood defences, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding, issuing flood warnings and supporting those communities affected. open image in gallery A railway crossing at Blackford, Perthshire, covered in snow ( PA Wire ) We advise anyone travelling or out celebrating the new year to be especially careful and urge people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car. A number of train routes have been disrupted or blocked by flooding, mainly in the North West of England, with some Northern services, TransPennine Express services, Transport for Wales services, and South Western Railway services affected. National Highways has listed road closures including a section of the A628 Woodhead Pass between Woolley Bridge and Flouch, the westbound M56 between Junction 6 for Manchester Airport and Junction 8 for Bowdon and the M57 in Merseyside between Junction 6 for Kirkby and Junction 7 for Switch Island, Aintree. open image in gallery A DFDS ferry arrives in stormy conditions at the Port of Dover in Kent ( Gareth Fuller/PA Wire ) A snow and ice yellow warning is in place covering northern Scotland until 10am on Thursday, as rain turning to snow is likely to lead to some travel disruption and difficult driving conditions on New Years Day, the forecaster added. Meanwhile, a yellow ice warning has been issued from 4pm on Wednesday until 10am on Thursday, covering Northern Ireland, parts of North Wales, England and Scotland, which could also lead to difficult travel conditions. Additional reporting by PA 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 An amber health alert for England has been extended to Tuesday as the cold snap is set to continue with temperatures falling to as low as -20C on Friday night. The rare warning issued by the UK Health Security Agency means the cold weather is likely to impact the health service, potentially putting some people at risk. It comes after the UK recorded its coldest night of this winter so far with the temperature falling to -14C in Altanharra, northern Scotland, according to the Met Office. Friday night could see even lower temperatures in parts of Scotland and northern England, with temperatures between minus 15C and minus 20C possible. The Met Office said: Amounts of snow are uncertain probably small and confined to high ground, but there is a risk of icy surfaces in places. Much of the rest of the UK will have another dry and bright day but remaining very cold, with few freezing fog patches lasting all day. Rain, sleet and some snow are set to move into the south west of England on Friday, leading to some icy stretches, a five-day forecast from the Met Office said. Hill snow, cloud and patchy rain will continue into the night. Across the UK it will continue to be cold into the night, with temperatures falling to as low as -20C in northern England and Scotland. Light winds will lead to clear spells, allowing more frost and freezing fog into Saturday, when temperatures will see a maximum of between 1C and 5C. The Met Office said the West could expect some hill snow and rain on Saturday, while the rest of the country will face cold sunny spells and light winds. Sunday will be milder, but will remain cold. open image in gallery The temperatures across the UK on Saturday morning at 6am ( Met Office ) Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick said said: We probably dont really expect many places to get close to minus 20C, but we could see one or two places that could just touch that mark overnight Friday into Saturday. Just because its, again, still conditions, its high pressure, not a lot of wind and under clear skies as well. Especially where theres still snow on the ground across Scotland and northern England, thats sort of a perfect scenario to see those temperatures just plummet from Friday night into Saturday morning as well. open image in gallery The temperatures across the UK on Saturday afternoon at 3pm ( Met Office ) Already, the cold spell has brought heavy snowfall to many parts of the country, as a number of flood alerts and warnings were issued in England to account for heavy rain or melting snow. The Met Office issued five yellow weather warnings for snow and ice until Friday at 10am following days of wintry conditions across the country weather. Many faced travel disruption from the severe weather with major roads closed and railway lines blocked amid flooding this week. Manchester airports runways were closed early on Monday morning because of heavy snow but have since reopened. Hundreds of schools across the country faced closure due to the adverse weather conditions, with nearly 200 schools closed in Bradford alone. In England, the Environment Agency has 95 flood warnings in place, although in the last 24 hours, they removed 65 of them. In the Commons, environment minister Emma Hardy told MPs flooding was a personal priority for her, adding that the Environment Agency was particularly concerned about Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire. 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 The head of Aung San Suu Kyis former Oxford college has backed calls from three former foreign secretaries for her to be freed. Lady Elish Angiolini, the principal of St Hughs College, has written to the government of Myanmar seeking her release. William Hague, Sir Malcolm Rifkind and Jack Straw argue the ousted leader was jailed on trumped-up charges by the brutal military dictatorship and deserves the chance to lead her country democratically. Ms Suu Kyi, who faces 27 years in prison, is believed to have spent long periods in solitary confinement since her arrest by the junta in February 2021. The 79-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner has become a deeply divisive and controversial figure internationally after refusing to speak out on her countrys extreme violence against its Rohingya Muslim minority. Her fall from grace is explored in an Independent TV documentary entitled Cancelled: The rise and fall of Aung San Suu Kyi, which takes an unbiased look at her life and the plight of Myanmar. open image in gallery A new Independent documentary Cancelled: The rise and fall of Aung San Suu Kyi takes a look at her life ( Getty ) In the documentary, Lord Hague, who welcomed Ms Suu Kyi to London in 2012, said it was possible to be critical of the countrys former de facto prime minister but also say we should be campaigning for her release. He said: She is a political prisoner on trumped-up charges, imprisoned by a military regime in what seems very harsh circumstances. And we might disagree with things that she has said and done, but she has been the strongest force for democracy in Myanmar in a generation, and she is imprisoned because she was that force for democracy. A spokesperson for Ms Angiolini told The Independent that she agreed with Lord Hagues comments and has also written to the government of Myanmar seeking her release. open image in gallery Aung San Suu Kyi as an undergraduate at Oxford ( Ann Pasternak Slater ) Scotlands first female Lord Advocate, she was also chair of the independent inquiry into the murder of Sarah Everard. Ms Suu Kyi studied at St Hughs as an undergraduate and is an honorary fellow. She held her 67th birthday party at the college, where she studied politics, philosophy and economics in the mid-1960s. But in 2017 the college removed her portrait from public display and placed it in storage, following international criticism over her role in her countrys humanitarian crisis. open image in gallery Lady Elish Angiolini, who also led the Angiolini Inquiry into Sarah Everard killer Wayne Couzens ( PA Archive ) Two years later, in 2019, Ms Suu Kyi became a global pariah in the eyes of the international community and human rights organisations after she appeared at the International Court of Justice in the Hague to defend her countrys use of force against the Rohingya. After being elected in 2015, Ms Suu Kyi has been held in prison since the military seized power in a coup in February 2021 a move that plunged the country into conflict. The call for her release has been backed by a host of other senior British politicians. 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 Elon Musk has described Reform as the UKs only hope as he stepped up his public support for Nigel Farages party and urged Britons to vote for it. The tycoon and close ally of Donald Trump is at the centre of rumours he is preparing to give the party up to $100m. Before Christmas he met Mr Farage at the President elects Florida country club Mar-a-Lago, where the ex-Ukip leader said they discussed political tactics. But in a new tweet he extolled the party, saying: Vote Reform. Its the only hope. open image in gallery Before Christmas, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, right, met Mr Musk, centre, amid rumours of a possible donation to either Mr Farage or Reform (Stuart Mitchell/Reform UK/PA) ( PA Media ) Mr Farage has in the past criticised American political figures for their attempts at involvement in British politics. He said that the then-president Barack Obama had behaved disgracefully by suggesting the UK would be at the back of the queue for a US trade deal if it voted for Brexit. Mr Musks comment was in response to a social media post about the sexual exploitation of young girls by gangs in Rotherham. It came just days after he stepped up his feud with Keir Starmer, by claiming that very few businesses want to invest in Britain under Labour. The prime minister hit back, pointing to billions of pounds that have come into the UK since he took office. Sir Keir previously clashed with Mr Musk in August when the billionaire claimed in a post on the X platform he owns 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. Were he to donate $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. open image in gallery Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk with Donald Trump ( AP ) Asked by ITV about the reports, Mr Musk denied he was planning to give $100m, but his response did not rule out a significant sum. Asked if he was planning to give the upstart party what would amount to 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. After the Florida meeting Mr Farage described the hour-long chat as great. He and his new party Treasurer Nick Candy said money had not been mentioned but they had learned a great deal about the Trump ground game and would have ongoing discussions with Mr Musk. They added: We only have one more chance left to save the West and we can do great things together. Our thanks also to president Trump for allowing us to use Mar-a-Lago for this historic meeting. The special relationship is alive and well. In a picture shared on X of the meeting, the three men posed in front of a 1989 painting of Mr Trump called The Visionary (or The Entrepreneur). American journalist Mark Bowden previously described it as of a wide-shouldered, thin-hipped Donald, his youthful face eclipsing the sun itself, his skin glowing like the top floors of Trump Tower at sunset, the colour of warm bullion. Mr Musk is reported to have spent more than $250m (197m) in his campaign to re-elect Mr Trump. 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 said there is still so much more to do in his first new year message as prime minister after a difficult first six months in No 10. The Labour leader said the work to change the UK had begun but added that he knew that for many people it was hard to think about the future when you spend all of your time fighting to get through the week. I know there is still so much more to do, he added. The traditional message comes just days after a shock new poll suggested that Sir Keir could lose his majority and nearly 200 of the seats he won in Julys landslide victory including 67 to Nigel Farages Reform UK. Labour has struggled with everything from a freebies scandal to a backlash over Rachel Reevess Budget since the party swept to power in July. open image in gallery Prime minister Keir Starmer has delivered his first new year message since coming to power ( PA Wire ) Pollsters and Labour insiders have called on Sir Keir to be seen to deliver for workers in 2025. Labour faces its first big electoral test since the general election in just five months time, with thousands of councillors set to be elected in local elections in May. The council results will be seen as a key barometer for a party that just a few months ago looked as if it would be difficult to eject from Downing Street at the next election. But this weekends poll, the first significant seat-by-seat analysis since July, suggested that Britain was on course for another hung parliament. In her new year message, new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch warned that her partys outlook could be bumpy. She said the Conservatives are going through a period of change and that things may be bumpy along the way, but the party I now lead is going to do things differently. She added: Watch this space. The prime minister, meanwhile, said in his message that his government would fight to rebuild Britain and rediscover the great nation that we are. Sir Keir has already pledged to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, cut waiting lists dramatically, and reduce immigration. The UK is a nation that gets things done. No matter how hard or tough the circumstances, he said, adding that there would be time to reflect on that in the coming year with the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ day. However, he added that those Second World War victories and indeed the peace and the prosperity that followed all rested on that same foundation we must rebuild today: the security of working people. That is the purpose of this government. open image in gallery Nigel Farage echoed Donald Trump in his message ( Getty ) Sir Keir also highlighted the changes his government had made since it took over. The minimum wage will be raised by a record amount. Wages are up more broadly. Returns of foreign-national criminals up 20 per cent. Billions of pounds worth of new projects in clean British energy making our country more secure. And over 25bn invested in our NHS, starting to cut waiting lists in your local hospital, he said. But he added: Now, I know there is still so much more to do. And that for many people its hard to think about the future when you spend all of your time fighting to get through the week. So I want to be clear. Until you can look forward and believe in the promise and the prosperity of Britain again, then this government will fight for you. Mr Farage delivered his new year message from Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. He pledged to make Britain great again a deliberate echo of Donald Trumps election slogan. He also said that in 2025 his party would campaign for us to look at history in a different way, for our kids to be proud of who we are as a nation, as well as to cut the cost of living. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey used his message to call on Labour to be much bolder in order to deliver real change in 2025. He also warned that instability and insecurity around the world had been made worse by Mr Trumps re-election. 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 Voters believe Sir Keir Starmers government is incompetent and dishonest, according to a shock new poll. They are increasingly turning away from Labour, a new analysis of council by-elections shows, just months before Sir Keir faces his first big electoral test as PM in May, the analysis suggests. In his new year message, the PM said there was still so much more after a difficult first six months in No 10. The PM said while the work to change the UK had begun he knew that for many it was hard to think about the future when you spend all of your time fighting to get through the week. Labour has struggled since its landslide election victory in July, dogged by issues including a freebies scandal to the backlash to Rachel Reevess Budget. open image in gallery Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing an uphill battle to win over voters ( PA Wire ) Just over half describe the government as "incompetent" and "dishonest", according to YouGov polling for The Times, while just a quarter say the opposite. The poll also found that 56 per cent believe the government had been unsuccessful, with only 12 per cent saying Labour has been successful. As 2025 begins, just 31 per cent declare they are optimistic about 2025, with 37 per cent pessimistic. On the key challenge of the economy, just 21 per cent say they trust Labour most on the issue, with 24 per cent saying they prefer the Conservatives, the Tories first lead since before Liz Truss was in Downing Street. The NHS is the only major issue topic on which Labour retains a significant lead, 29 per cent say they trust the party most, with Nigel Farages Reform UK second on 13 per cent. A new analysis of recent council seat losses also suggests that Sir Keir leads "the most unpopular incoming government of all time". open image in gallery The Tories are ahead on the economy, for the first time since before Liz Truss was in Downing Street ( screengrab ) The review by Lord Hayward, a Tory peer and pollster, found that Labours unpopularity had intensified since the Budget. Labours huge election victory led to an unprecedented 176 council byelections as councillors became new MPs. But the party has made a net loss of 27 seats while the Tories are up 24, according to the analysis. Lord Hayward said the results "confirm what people are seeing in the opinion polls this is the most unpopular incoming government of all time". He told The Independent that to turn things around Sir Keir will have to come up with clear implementation of clear policies. We are seeing that people just dont know what the commitment is why are we having plans for the NHS not due (to be published) until March, that is nine months after you come to power, Lord Hayward said. And thats, I think, what is corrosive for them, is the fact that they have plans and consultation documents, rather than policies which are being implemented. 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 family is seeking justice for their 5-year-old daughter after she was killed by a vehicle as she crossed the street the day after Christmas. Ariyah Marie Elias, 5, was crossing at the intersection of East Guadalupe Road and South Hawes Road in Mesa, Arizona, when she was fatally hit by a truck on December 26, Mesa Police said. The child was crossing the street with her mother, Alora Silva, and five other kids in the neighborhood when the crash happened. The traffic light changed when the group was making their way across the street. A truck heading west on Guadalupe proceeded through the intersection on a green light and struck the child, police told The Independent in a statement. The driver reported not seeing the group until entering the intersection, and by then, it was too late, and the driver was unable to stop, police said. Officers immediately tried performing lifesaving measures on the child at the scene, but they were unsuccessful. The victim was pronounced deceased at Banner Desert Hospital. open image in gallery The family of a 5-year-old girl who was struck by a truck in Mesa, Arizona, says they want justice for their daughter ( 12 News / screengrab ) No other pedestrians were injured, authorities said. We understand this is a heartbreaking incident for the community, and our thoughts are with the family and everyone impacted, Mesa Police said. No one has been arrested or charged in connection with the incident, but the investigation is still ongoing, authorities said. The little girls family said they hope to hold the driver to account. I want some answers. I want justice for my daughter, Silva said. She did not deserve to go. Silva told 12 News that her daughter had turned five-years-old exactly one month before the tragedy. The little girl still had presents to open under her familys Christmas tree, she said. open image in gallery The intersection where the little girl was fatally struck in Mesa, Arizona ( Google Maps ) I dont wish this on my worst enemies. This is the worst thing anyone could possibly go through, Silva said. She said she feels guilty over her daughters death. I feel like I ruined not just my daughters life, but also these other childrens [lives] who had to witness this that arent my children, she said. Elias family launched a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses. What happened on that wide stretch of road, with the lights changing and the world spinning out of control, wasnt fair, it wasnt right. No words can or will ever fix this, and no justice can or will ever even the scales, the fundraiser says. All we know is that our love for Ariyah is still as clear as the sun, and even through this nightmare, shes still perfect, shes still ours, and our love for her will never fade. 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 Virginia man who allegedly used pictures of President Joe Biden for target practice was found at his home with the largest stockpile of homemade explosive devices in FBI history, authorities have said. Brad Spafford was described as an extreme danger to the community after a search of his home revealed more than 150 homemade explosives, including pipe bombs. The 36-year-old was arrested and taken into custody earlier this month following the relatively minor charge of possessing an unregistered short-barrel rifle. Alongside the original complaint, an agent from the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force wrote in an affidavit that Spafford had disfigured fingers from a homemade explosion on July 4th 2021. The document, first reported by Court Watch, noted that Spafford was believed to be stockpiling weapons and ammunition. open image in gallery A Virginia man who used Biden photos for target practice amassed largest cache of explosives in FBI history, authorities say ( Cliff Owen ) During the execution of a search warrant at his 20-acre property in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, earlier this month, where Spafford lived with two young children, the FBI found a stockpile of more than 150 homemade improvised explosive devices, assessed as pipe bombs, court documents stated. Some of these devices were marked lethal, while another jar found in the garage contained an unstable explosive material that was labeled dangerous and do not touch. More pipe bombs were found inside one of the bedrooms inside a backpack with a grenade-shaped patch that read #NoLivesMatter, prosecutors said. The No Lives Matter movement is a nihilistic, far-right ideology that largely exists on encrypted online messaging apps like Telegram. According to the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, the group promotes targeted attacks, mass killings and criminal activity and have historically encouraged members to engage in self-harm and animal abuse. The document, a motion to block Spaffords release from custody, added: The defendant has used pictures of the President for target practice, expressed support for political assassinations, and recently sought qualifications in sniper-rifle shooting at a local range. open image in gallery According to court documents, Spafford had used pictures of President Joe Biden for target practice ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) His release poses an extreme danger to those he lives with, the general community, and also the pretrial officers who will be tasked with periodically inspecting his residence for firearms including dangerous and unstable explosives. The stay of release order was granted by a federal judge on Monday. On Tuesday, Spaffords lawyer filed a response to the DOJs motion, stating that the governments claim that he was a danger was rank speculation and fear mongering. There is not a shred of evidence in the record that Mr. Spafford ever threatened anyone and the contention that someone might be in danger because of their political views and comments is nonsensical, the filing stated. In fact, the evidence proved that Mr. Spafford is not a danger but a hard-working family man with no criminal record. 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 One person was killed and seven others injured when a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside of President-elect Donald Trumps hotel in Las Vegas. Authorities are investigating the explosion as a possible act of terror, an official with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department told ABC News, but a potential motive is not yet known. The official said the Cybertruck was carrying a load of fireworks-style mortars along with what appeared to be gasoline and camp fuel canisters . The explosion occurred around 8:40 a.m. Wednesday in the valet area outside of the lobby of Trump International Hotel at Las Vegas Boulevard and Sammy Davis Jr. Drive. Las Vegas County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said at a news conference that one person died inside the vehicle and efforts were underway to get the body out. open image in gallery One person is dead and seven are injured after a Cybertruck exploded outside Trump Tower in Vegas ( JEFFREY MILLER via REUTERS ) "There is one deceased individual in the Cybertruck, and I dont know whether its a male or female, McMahill said. At this time, we are investigating a number of leads, and Im not prepared to release any of that information to you just yet. I can tell you that there are seven victims right now that sustained injuries from the explosion, he added. Two of the injured were transported to University Medical Center Southern Nevada for treatment. McMahill said all the injuries were minor, and there doesnt appear to be any further threat. The fire has since been extinguished by the Clark County fire department. The cause wasnt immediately known, but McMahill noted during the press conference that officials are very well aware of the New Orleans attack in which a man intentionally drove a truck into a crowd of people celebrating New Years Eve just hours earlier, killing 10 people. He said that officials are taking all of the precautions that we need to take to keep our community safe and that they are looking for secondary devices. Obviously a Cybertruck, the Trump hotel, there are lots of questions we have to answer, McMahill said, underscoring the close relationship between the president-elect and Tesla founder Elon Musk. Tesla CEO Musk took the opportunity to praise Teslas Cybertruck for being so sturdy that he said it helped contain the blast. The evil knuckleheads picked the wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack. Cybertruck actually contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards, he wrote in a post on X. open image in gallery A police vehicle is parked behind yellow tape in a cordoned area of Trump Tower ( REUTERS ) The FBI is also involved in the investigation. I know you have a lot of questions, Jeremy Schwartz, acting FBI Special Agent in Charge for the Las Vegas office, said at the news conference. We dont have a lot of answers. Video posted on social media showed different angles of the massive explosion, which appeared to include fireworks. Guests staying at the hotel and on surrounding properties told FOX5 that they heard several booms which many described as being louder than the New Years Eve fireworks. It was shaking the glass, it was so loud, one witness who was staying at the Resorts World on the Las Vegas Strip told KLAS. I looked out and see smoke and me and my wife booked it out of there. McMahill said the hotel was evacuated and guests were taken to Resorts World while police investigated. Musk noted on X that the whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now. Will post more information as soon as we learn anything. Weve never seen anything like this. open image in gallery Guests staying in surrounding hotels saw the smoke after a Tesla Cybertruck burned at the entrance of Trump Tower in Las Vegas ( CHRIS SAAD via REUTERS ) Eric Trump, a son of the President-elect and executive vice president of the Trump Organization, also posted about the explosion. He praised the fire department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism. The 64-story hotel is just off the famed Las Vegas Strip and across the street from the Fashion Show Las Vegas shopping mall. It released a statement on X. Earlier today a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochere of Trump Las Vegas,. The safety & well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response. President Biden has directed his team to offer any federal assistance needed, the White House said. 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 Georgia state judge has died by suicide after shooting himself in his own courtroom. Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, was found dead by a deputy on Tuesday, his last day on the bench, after he lost a bid for re-election, according to WSAV. Yekel was found inside the Effingham County State Courthouse around 10 a.m. Tuesday. But investigators believe he died sometime late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. His death is being investigated by the Effingham County Sheriffs Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Yekel was appointed to the state court in 2022. He recently attempted to resign from his position, but was denied by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, according to WJCL. Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie offered his condolences to Yekels family. This is never good for anybody, the familys distraught. This is supposed to be a happy time this time of year, and now theyve got this. I cant imagine. If they have anything they need from us, well be available, he said. According to WTOC, he was also facing a lawsuit from court employee Lisa Crawford who claims she was wrongfully terminated from her position by Yekel. She claimed in the suit that Yekel fired her in order to bring in his own staff when he took office. Yekel, a married father-of-four, was a former assistant district attorney in Chatham County and previously worked as a special agent for Georgias Alcohol & Tobacco Tax Unit. The Effingham County Board of Commissioners released a statement on Yekels death. The Effingham County Board of Commissioners and staff are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Judge Steve Yekel at the Effingham County Courthouse today and we offer our condolences to his family and loved ones. The courtroom has been closed since the judges body was found. It will resume normal business on January 2. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. In the UK, people having mental health crises can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An Alabama woman has been arrested and faces charges in the death of her toddler son, who is now believed to be dead months after he vanished. Wendy Pamela Jean Bailey, 22, was charged Tuesday with aggravated child abuse, criminally negligent homicide, corpse abuse and domestic violence, according to the Fayette County Sheriffs Office. Her one-year-old son Kahleb Collins was last seen on September 4 in Winfield, Alabama, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) said on December 17. However, he was not reported missing to the authorities, who were later alerted only to concerns about his wellbeing after a car crash on December 8. The car crash killed the childs father, Steven Collins, 40, who was driving at least 92 miles-per-hour when he went off the road and crashed into a tree, and his two-year-old sister RyLeigh Collins, the Fayette County Sheriffs office said. His mother was hospitalized in critical condition. open image in gallery Kahleb Collins was last seen on September 4 in Winfield, Alabama ( Alabama Law Enforcement Agency ) The sheriffs office said law enforcement was alerted by an unnamed family member a day later that the man and woman in the crash had another child who was unaccounted for, according to a news release. Bailey was released on December 30 and immediately transported to the Fayette County Jail and charged in connection with the deaths of both of her children. She is accused of causing her daughters death, who was not wearing a seatbelt or in a car seat at the time of the crash, failing to report abuse of her son, and showing extreme indifference to the value of her sons life. Kahlebs body has not been found, but investigators believe that Kahleb had been deceased for some time before the crash brought his disappearance to the attention of law enforcement. A search is ongoing for his remains. On December 11, Kahlebs grandfather John Elton Bailey, was also taken into custody for failing to report a missing child. open image in gallery On December 11, Kahlebs grandfather John Elton Bailey, was also taken into custody for failing to report a missing child ( Alabama Law Enforcement Agency ) Investigators alleged in a complaint against John Bailey that the child likely suffered serious bodily harm or death and was believed to have been removed from the home and taken to an unknown location. A recently filed corpse abuse complaint revealed disturbing details about the torture Kahleb endured in the days and weeks leading up to his presumed death. Bailey admitted to failing to intervene on more than two occasions that Khaleb Rowan Collins was physically abused by torturous means such as being bound with rope, physically assaulted, and being bound by a rope from a loft with blood and bruising present. She claimed Collins sent her text messages saying he was going to kill Kahleb and then sent her pictures of him hanging aloft with a rope with blood present on his body and a photo of Kahleb Collins lying supine on the floor with extreme bruising present on his body," the complaint said. open image in gallery Kahlebs disappearance came to light after his father and his two-year-old sister RyLeigh Collins were killed in a car crash in December ( Alabama Law Enforcement Agency ) Collins sent more texts to Bailey saying, he want move and Im so sorry, then wrote he moving. Bailey replied: he just looks wore out and tired and hurt hopefully thats all. According to the complaint, Bailey told investigators that upon the death of Kahleb Rowan Collins his body was placed into a bag and stored in an outside storage building for a brief period prior to disposal at an unknown location. Bailey is in the Fayette County Jail and more charges are possible according to the sheriffs office. 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 McDonalds employee in North Carolina was arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a DoorDash driver during an argument inside the fast food joint. Kevin Holland, 25, the McDonalds worker, got into a verbal altercation with DoorDash driver, 25-year-old Samori Husamudeen, inside the restaurant on the night of December 26, according to the Fayetteville Police Department. Holland then allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Husamudeen multiple times, according to Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West. He was pronounced dead at the scene. It was a senseless act of violence, West said. In our community that cant be tolerated, you know, for someone to lose their life, you know, over what appears to be a verbal altercation. open image in gallery Kevin Holland allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Samori Husamudeen ( Fayetteville Police Department ) Holland fled the scene after the shooting and was not located until the following day. Police say he was found at a Walmart in nearby Spring Lake, which is about 15 minutes from the McDonalds where the shooting occurred. It is not clear what led to the argument between the two men. Holland was taken into custody and booked into the Cumberland County Detention Center. On Monday, he appeared in court in Cumberland County where he was charged with first-degree murder. The judge said Holland could be looking at a life sentence or the death penalty, WTVD reported. The outlet learned that Husamudeen was not armed at the time of the shooting. The owner of that McDonalds told WNCN that the restaurant is fully cooperating with law enforcement, and supported its employees with counseling resources. 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. Husamudeen, a father of four, was remembered by loved ones as kindhearted and a devoted dad. One of his family members told WTVD: He loved his family, especially his kids. He always smiled, no matter what was thrown his way. He is truly going to be missed. DoorDash released a statement about the incident: 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 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 The suspect in the deadly New Orleans attack on New Years Day proclaimed his support for ISIS and made chilling threats to kill his family in videos recorded ahead of the massacre, the FBI confirmed. Christopher Raia, the FBIs deputy assistant director of its counter terrorism division, said at a press conference Thursday that they are reviewing disturbing videos of the suspect, 42-year-old Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar, where he discussed plans to kill his family in recordings made before the attack. New Years celebrations in the city ended in tragedy when the suspected terrorist slammed into a crowd of revelers, killing at least 14 innocent people and injuring more than 30 others. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene after a standoff with authorities. Raia shared a timeline of the suspects movements before carrying out the attack, detailing how he planted two IED devices in coolers in the bustling area before he rammed into the crowd in a pickup truck on Bourbon Street at around 3:15 a.m. The FBI confirmed he had an ISIS flag in his truck as he plowed into the crowd. open image in gallery The FBI released a new image of the suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar ( FBI/AFP via Getty Images ) Raia said there was no definitive link between the New Orleans attack and the Tesla Cybertruck blast in Las Vegas after earlier reports that investigators were probing a possible connection. He also updated that investigators no longer believe the suspect had accomplices. Here is what we know about the suspect so far Who was the driver and what happened? The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, was a U.S. citizen from Texas who was 100 percent inspired by ISIS, Raia told the press conference on Thursday, adding that Jabbar said in video footage that he joined the terror group prior to this summer. Officials recovered weapons and a potential explosive device inside the vehicle as well as an ISIS flag, which the FBI is working to determine the subjects potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations, a statement released on Wednesday said. A timeline of the suspects whereabouts was given by Raia at the press conference, where he confirmed Jabbar collected the rented pickup truck on December 30 and drove from his home in Houston, Texas on the evening of December 31 to New Orleans in Louisiana. open image in gallery The smashed up pickup truck driven by the suspect ( AP ) Some time between New Years Eve and the early hours of New Years Day, the suspect planted two IED devices in coolers which were both functional. They were later rendered safe, Raia confirmed. The suspect exhibited very intentional behavior when he plowed into the crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said at a press conference on Wednesday. This man was trying to run over as many people as he could, she said. He evaded the citys barriers and patrol cars. This particular terrorist drove around onto the sidewalk and got around the hard target. We did have a car there. We had barriers there. We had officers there. And they still got around, she said later in the day. After crashing into the crowd, he exited his vehicle and fired at police officers, striking two. Both officers are in stable condition, Kirkpatrick said. Law enforcement returned fire and the suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene, the FBI said. He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did, Kirkpatrick added. The FBI confirmed that they do not believe anyone else was involved in the attack following earlier leads that he may have had accomplices. Disturbing footage of suspect threatening to kill his family Investigators are reviewing a series of disturbing footage where the suspect revealed plans to kill his family and proclaimed his support for ISIS, Raia confirmed at the press conference. The footage was filmed at night while the suspect was driving from his home in Houston to New Orleans. Videos were time-stamped at at 1:29 a.m and again at 3:02 a.m on January 1, Raia said. In the footage, Jabbar explained how he originally planned to harm his family and friends, but worried the news headlines would not focus on the war between the believers and disbelievers, Raia added. In the videos Jabbar referred to dreams that he had about becoming inspired to join the terror group, officials told CNN. What was the suspects background? Law enforcement has confirmed the suspect was an Army veteran and images have emerged of Jabbar in Army uniform. An Army spokesperson later confirmed to ABC that Jabbar served in human resources and information technology roles in the Army from 2007 to 2015, during which he deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010. open image in gallery Jabbar, pictured in 2016 while working for the 82nd Airborne Divisions 1st Brigade Combat Team at Fort Polk, Louisiana ( Facebook/1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division ) He continued as an IT specialist in the Army Reserve from 2015 to 2020, the spokesperson said. His listed jobs were not direct combat roles. Jabbar was honorably discharged from the Army after he was caught drunk-driving on base, the Washington Post reported. He was charged in February 2015 and pleaded guilty. The suspect had earlier enlisted in the Navy, in August 2024, though he never went to boot camp and was discharged from the delayed entry program one month later, according to a Navy spokesperson. In a resurfaced YouTube video posted in 2020, Jabbar says he was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, and spent a decade working in the U.S. military before becoming a Realtor in the Houston area. open image in gallery Information about the suspects background is still emerging, but law enforcement confirmed he was an Army veteran ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Public records suggest he was involved in consulting and real estate. Court records also indicate he was divorced. In an August 2022 court document, seen by The Independent, the suspect said that he worked at Deloitte, earning $10,000 a month, or $120,000 a year. But earlier that year, according to the New York Times, the suspect alluded to his financial issues in an email, claiming he owed over $27,000 in late home payments and was at risk of foreclosure. Because he needed to hire a lawyer and pay living expenses, he said he had taken on $16,000 in credit card debt, the outlet reported. No definitive link to Tesla Cybertruck blast in Las Vegas open image in gallery Flames rise from a Tesla Cybertruck after it exploded outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., January 1, 2025 ( Alcides Antunes/Reuters ) Investigators had been looking into a possible link between Jabbar and the driver in the Tesla Cybertruck blast outside Donald Trumps Las Vegas hotel on the morning of New Years Day. Matthew Livelsberger, 37, a former Army veteran of Colorado Springs, was allegedly behind the wheel when the vehicle exploded, according to local media reports, and is believed to have served at the same military base, sources told Denver7. However, Raia told Thursdays press conference that there was no definitive link between the two incidents. We are following up on all potential leads and not ruling everything out, Raia said. However, at this point, there is no definitive link between the attack here in New Orleans and the one in Las Vegas. Who are the victims? open image in gallery Several of the victims of the attack have so far been identified ( Supplied ) On Wednesday evening, the New Orleans coroner announced that 15 people, including the suspect, have died, while more than 30 were injured. Most of the wounded individuals were taken to University Medical Center, while others were sent to Touro Hospital, East Jefferson General Hospital, Ochsner Medical Center Jefferson Campus, or Ochsner Baptist Campus, police said. Most victims appeared to be locals, not tourists, police said. The two officers who were struck by gunfire were in stable condition and are being treated, Kirkpatrick said. So far seven individuals who were killed have been identified as Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, an 18-year-old who traveled to New Orleans from Gulfport with her cousin and friend to celebrate the New Year, 28-year-old Tiger Bech, a former Princeton football player, Reggie Hunter, a 37-year-old Baton Rouge father of two, Matthew Tenedorio, a 25-year-old audiovisual technician who worked at the Superdome, Nicole Perez, 27, mom to a four-year-old boy, 21-year-old Hubert Gauthreaux and Kareem Badawi, a University of Alabama college freshman. Jackson described Hunter, her cousin, as a doting father to his sons, ages 11 and one, and an awesome person with a big heart. He just didnt deserve this, Jackson told NBC. She added: I wish the mom who Ive seen at the hospital wasnt crying ... I dont even know the lady. She was crying because her daughter was dead. Another Black couple, their son was dead. 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 Texas teenager has been accused of killing her classmates show goat by force-feeding it pesticide because she does not like cheaters. Aubrey Vanlandingham, 17, was detained in late November and charged with cruelty to livestock, Williamson County court records show. She was released that same day on a $5,000 bond. The charge is a state jail felony and carries a possible sentence of up to two years behind bars and a fine of as much as $10,000, the San Antonio Express-News reported. Surveillance footage from Vista Ridge High School in Cedar Park shows the incident, which took place on October 23, an arrest affidavit obtained by the Austin-American Statesman revealed. The footage shows a female student leaving the storage area at the schools Future Farmers of America barn. The student was holding a syringe as she entered the goat pen, straddling the goat, and pushing the syringe into the animals mouth three times. She left the barn but not before returning twice a day to take photos and a video, according to the Statesman. The student taking care of the goat, which was called Willie, found him shaking and convulsing. The student reached out to her mother, the owner of the goat. The mother got to the barn that same day and took the goat to a veterinarian, who was unable to determine why Willie was unwell. The student heard the goat bellowing in pain on October 24 at the barn, and Willie shortly died in her arms, the Statesman reported. The affidavit revealed that Willie was poisoned using phosmet, an insecticide typically used on fruit crops. After authorities found the student responsible for the poisoning, she confessed on October 29, officals said. The teen said that the student taking care of the goat was a cheater and that she does not like cheaters. She did not detail how she believed the competitor was cheating. She noted that the October 23 incident was her second poisoning attempt after she had initially tried to poison Willie three days earlier. Investigators found searches on her phone for how to poison pets, how much bleach is needed to kill an animal, and how to clear search history, People magazine noted, citing the affidavit. The Texas Future Farmers of America said in a statement that its programs teach leadership, accountability, and ethics, according to the Express-News. It added that animal welfare and safe handling practices are taught via supervised agricultural experiences, in which students can get agricultural training. Members are encouraged to demonstrate ethical behavior in all activities, from competitions to community service, the organization said, according to the Express-News. Texas FFA does not condone any behavior that compromises ethical standards, animal welfare, or the integrity of its programs. Vanlandingham was booked into the Williamson County Jail. She has since bonded out and is expected to appear in court on January 15, Fox4News reported. 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 Horizon Air flight had to turn around and land after an eagle struck the plane. Around noon on December 24, Horizon Air flight 2041 took off from Anchorage, Alaska on its way to Fairbanks. Shortly afterward, a bird struck the plane, forcing the crew to turn around and land back in Anchorage, a spokesperson for the airline said. Once they landed, the airline swapped out the plane and the passengers continued safely on to Fairbanks. The captain and first officer are trained for these situations and landed the aircraft safely without any issue, a spokesperson for the airline told The Independent in a statement. No emergency was declared. The aircraft was removed from service for inspection and has since returned to service, the spokesperson added. Horizon Air is owned by Alaska Air Group, which also owns Alaska Airlines. open image in gallery A spokesperson for Horizon Air, owned by Alaska Air Group, said the crew was trained for the incident and no emergency was declared ( AFP via Getty Images ) Michelle Tatela, a passenger onboard the flight, told local outlet KTUU airline officials said an eagle hit the plane and it survived. The eagle survived at that time, Tatela told the outlet. And there were a bunch of police cars around the plane. Normally, it would be a scarier situation, but knowing that it was a bird ... and then they said the eagle was going to the eagle hospital, and he had a broken wing, she added. Officials transported the bird to Alaska Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage. Executive Director Laura Atwood told KTUU the birds injuries which included an open fracture on its left wing were too extensive, and it was euthanized upon arrival. [Its a] Christmas Eve story, Tatela said. Were like, Only in Alaska, do you have to wait for a new plane, cause there was an eagle flying with you. This incident comes after a Jeju Air flight crashed in South Korea this week, killing 179 people. The airport control tower issued a bird strike warning shortly before the plane intended to land. The plane crashed after it skidded along the runway and rammed into a wall, which caused it to burst into flames. 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 Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau resigned as leader of the Liberal Party on Monday, after facing immense pressure to step down from members of his own party since his deputy prime minister resigned over concerns about Donald Trumps tariffs. Facing low approval ratings in part due to the cost of living crisis, signs were mounting that Canadians had lost faith in the Liberal Party, which Trudeau has led as prime minister since 2015. But internal confidence plummeted in mid-December, when Chrystia Freeland, the deputy prime minister and head of finance, unexpectedly resigned citing disagreements over the handling of Trumps proposed 25 percent tariffs on the country an issue that could damage the economy. open image in gallery Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau finally bowed to pressure from members of his own party ( AFP via Getty Images ) In the following weeks, dozens of Liberal MPs called on Trudeau to step down. In December, a majority of Liberal MPs in the province of Ontario agreed, on a call, that Trudeau should step down, according to CBC. Weve reached a breaking point, said one Liberal who attended the meeting, and was granted anonymity to speak freely, according to Politico. Theres a critical mass now that has been reached and that was not in place before. Ontario is the countrys most populous province, and support from the Liberals there put Trudeaus confidence on life-support. Then, on Friday, George Chahal, a Liberal MP for Calgary Skyview, penned a letter to the liberal caucus urging them to support others in calling for Trudeau to step down and appoint an interim leader. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau no longer has the support of caucus and to maintain some dignity he should immediately tender his resignation, Chahal wrote. The developments arrived amid resignation calls from the Liberal Partys Atlantic caucus, Conservatives and the New Democratic Party. open image in gallery Trudeau announced his intent to resign in a televized statement ( AP ) Trudeau was all but physically backed into a corner as the opposition parties, Conservatives, the New Democratic Party and Bloc Quebecois, signaled they would move for a non-confidence vote in January when Parliament was slated to return, claiming the Liberal government does not have the confidence of Parliament. That non-confidence vote could have triggered early federal election country which Liberals were widely expected to not survive. But upon returning from a ski vacation with his family on Monday, Trudeau announced he was stepping down answering Liberals calls. It has become clear to me that if Im having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option, Trudeau said. The Liberal Party will now begin its process of selecting a new leader. Trudeau said he asked Parliament to be suspended until March. Opposition parties are still expected to hold a confidence vote which could move the federal elections up from October. 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 Jr said on his podcast that he is not a fan of spending New Years Eve at his fathers Mar-a-Lago club. The son of the once and soon-to-be president said on his Rumble show Triggered that his birthday is New Years Eve and hes not necessarily a fan of the holiday. When I was a kid, New Year's Eve was a lot better, because it was like, there's always something to do, there's always a party, he said. But now it's sort of like amateur night, and I realized that. The eldest son of President-Elect Donald Trump said that he typically does not like being around people who give him unsolicited political advice for his father. I get to be around, you know, 1,000 drunk people giving me their political opinions that I don't necessarily want to hear, he said. While I love Mar a Lago, It's sort of like, by about midnight, when everyone's like, 12 beers deep, or whatever it is they're drinking, the close talking opinions, it's not for me. The younger Trump has become one of the president-elects most trusted advisers and has served as a liaison to the most devout right-wing voices. He vocally lobbied for his father to pick JD Vance, a critic-turned-conservative favorite, as his running mate, which the president-elect ultimately did. He also had his daughter Kai Alexander Trump speak at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this year. Trump spoke about Mar-a-Lago with conservative journalist Peter Schweizer. You wouldn't know it, but I'm basically a recluse, he said. I'm okay with a mic ... when I have a big crowd, but I don't like being around a lot of people if I can avoid it. I like fishing, hunting and, like, two people. Trump said that he has heard people giving suggestions for about nine years, ever since his father announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for president in 2015. This will be like, year, like, nine of: Hey, you know, have you ever thought that maybe have your dad not tweet that? he said. I'm like, no, I've never thought that because I'm a freaking imbecile. The president-elect will take office in 19 days. Junior recently broke off his engagement with former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle, whom his father tapped to be the US ambassador to Greece. He has recently been seen with Bettina Anderson. 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 An upcoming trial in a federal court in Manhattan will determine if Rudy Giuliani can exempt his multi-million dollar Florida condominium from a list of property he must hand over to mother-and-daughter election workers trying to collect on their $150 million defamation judgment against him. The case has exploded into a lengthy legal back and forth, with dozens of court filings and briefings about the state of Giulianis assets and whether he has complied with court orders to turn them over to the election workers. Donald Trumps former attorney turned in a list of people he intends to call as witnesses at the trial which he tried to keep under seal, despite the fact that the court had neither directed nor permitted this list to be filed under seal, a judge wrote in response Monday. The trial on January 16 will determine whether Giuliani can claim a homestead exemption for his Palm Beach condo, which he had previously claimed was his permanent property, and exempt from any court orders to hand the keys over to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. But attorneys for the defamed women have argued that Giuliani was treating the property as a vacation home, not a permanent residence, and have accused the former mayor of repeatedly dodging questions about it. Rudy Giuliani will face a mini-trial in federal court in January to determine if he can exempt his Florida condo from election workers trying to seize his assets to collect on the $150 million defamation verdict against him ( Getty Images ) Giulianis son, Andrew, is expected to appear at trial to also testify about the ownership of World Series rings he claims his father had gifted him. The elder Giuliani has already handed over a 1980 Mercedes Benz convertible, his New York penthouse apartment and other valuables locked up in a storage facility, among other items. The former New York City mayor is seeking to present several witnesses at the mini trial, including his friend Alan Placa, a retired priest who played a central role in the Catholic Churchs sexual abuse scandal in New York. Giuliani also plans to call Maria Ryan, Ryan Medrano, and Michael Ragusa, who are expected to testify to Giulianis move to Florida. Ted Goodman, Giulianis current spokesperson, may also testify if the need arises. Giulianis latest mess joins a long list of courtroom rebukes and legal failures. The trial over the Florida property will follow a contempt hearing scheduled for January 3, when District Judge Lewis Liman will hear from Trumps former attorney why he should not face severe sanctions for repeatedly dodging court orders and deadlines in the case. In a filing last week, Judge Liman dismissed Giulianis defense and said he would be prepared to rule from the bench. The case stems from Trumps defeat in the 2020 election, when Giuliani falsely accused Freeman and Moss of manipulating election results in Georgia. They sued him for defamation in Washington, D.C., and in December 2023, a jury awarded them $148 million in damages. Giuliani then filed for bankruptcy. But after a protracted legal battle, that case was dismissed earlier this year to let Giuliani and his many creditors battle for control of his assets in separate courtrooms overseeing the lawsuits against him. Judge Liman is overseeing the turnover of Giulianis property. Giuliani will also face a contempt hearing in Washington, D.C., next month, after election workers accused him of repeatedly violating a court order that prevents him from repeating the same false statements about 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 President-elect Donald Trump has boasted on social media about taking over Greenland, making Canada the 51st state, and wresting control of the Panama Canal. His expansionist rhetoric has worried allies but elated enemies, with Russians viewing the statements as evidence that Trump isnt opposed to foreign wars of conquest, as is the Kremlin, despite what he has otherwise stated. To Russian President Vladimir Putins top propagandists, Trumps statements have revealed that he would blithely invade a country unable to fight back, according to Julia Davis, an observer of Russian media and columnist at The Daily Beast. The president-elect would expect a victory parade, like after Russias 2014 seizure of Crimea from Ukraine, which Trump called genius and savvy. Putin tried and failed to take the whole of Ukraine in 2022, with Kremlin insiders believing that Trump only disapproved of the war because it grew in length and cost. The top Kremlin supporters in Russia believe that Trump can be convinced to back Russias expansionist goals if Putin gets a chance to influence him. Theyre strongly opposed to the notion of negotiating with Trumps Ukraine envoy, retired Lieutenant-General Keith Kellogg. The ultimate scenario for them would be to make the Russian invasion of Ukraine appear legitimate, and the recognition of their territorial requirements. They view Trumps statements about Greenland, Canada, and Panama as validating Russias current and future acquisitions. Host Dmitry Kiselyov of Vesti Nedeli, or The Weekly News, used part of his Sunday broadcast to outline American expansionism under Trump. President-elect Donald Trump speaks during Turning Point USA's AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center last week in Phoenix, Arizona. Russian propagandists believe his expansionist statements are helpful to Putin ( Getty Images ) Trump isnt joking. He is determined to expand American territorial possessions. Personally, I am convinced that he will succeed, said Kiselyov, according to a translation by Davis. Trump will grab strategically important parts of the world for America ... What is funny is to see whether anyone in the Old World will try to sanction the United States in response to its territorial expansion. This is when we will find out how principled the lovers of sanctions truly are, he added. Think about it. If Trump gets away with all of this, inspired by his success, he might look at the rest of the globe, focus on vulnerable spots, and keep going. Where will he stop? Doesnt it mean that others can do the same? Kiselyov asked. Pundits on The Evening With Vladimir Solovyov spent most of last Thursdays broadcast celebrating how the world will change under Trump. Trump politely announced that the U.S. will be expanding its borders, Soloyov pointed out, though many in the U.S. would take issue with politely. Andrey Lugovoy is a member of the State Duma and was involved in the lethal poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko. He noted on the program: It feels like we spent the last four years in Bidens madhouse and now were gradually transitioning to Trumps circus, though he added that its unclear if Trump is joking when he speaks about Canada, Greenland, and Panama. These are awesome statements! No, he is not joking ... of course he isnt joking! Solovyov responded. Do you think Im kidding when I say that Finland, Warsaw, the Baltics, Moldova, and Tallinn should come back home? Do you think Im joking? No! They should all rejoin the Russian Empire. Followed by Alaska, by the way. Give it back. The way he is rationalizing it is tremendous. We should follow his example and quietly take everything back, he added. Lugovoy indicated how Trumps takeover threats should embolden Russias violent aggression in the Ukraine. My friends, Trumps insane statements show that there should not be any ceasefire. Why would we need a ceasefire when were confidently moving forward? Lugovoy asked. Solyov added: By taking Canada, Trump is basically saying, Russians, you can take the Baltics. He underscored: I believe that what Trump is doing benefits us greatly. Trump is totally destroying any illusions that anyone might have still had about the summit of democracies, about respecting the opinions of NATO allies. Professor Dmitry Evstafiev argued that with his approach of geographical enlargement Trump has buried the entire collective West. There is no collective West, and it will never be united again. Military expert Mikhail Khodaryonok said in the wake of Trumps statements about Canada, Greenland, and Panama, we can now consider special military operations as the norm for resolving arguments between countries. 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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 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 has halted Russian gas supplies to European customers that pass through the country, almost three years into Moscows all-out invasion. At a summit in Brussels last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed that Kyiv would not allow Russia to use the transits to earn additional billions ... on our blood, on the lives of our citizens. But he briefly held open the possibility of the gas flows continuing if payments to Russia were withheld until the war ends. Ukraines energy minister, Herman Halushchenko, confirmed on Wednesday morning that Kyiv had stopped the transit in the interest of national security. This is a historic event. Russia is losing markets and will incur financial losses. Europe has already decided to phase out Russian gas, and (this) aligns with what Ukraine has done today, Halushchenko said in an update on the Telegram messaging app. Russias Gazprom said in a statement that it has no technical and legal possibility of sending gas through Ukraine, due to Kyiv's refusal to extend the deal. Even as Russian troops and tanks moved into Ukraine in 2022, Russian natural gas kept flowing through the countrys pipeline network to Europe, under a five-year agreement. Gazprom earned money from the gas and Ukraine collected transit fees. open image in gallery Before the war, Russia supplied nearly 40% of the European Unions pipeline natural gas ( REUTERS ) Before the war, Russia supplied nearly 40% of the European Union's pipeline natural gas. Gas flowed through four pipeline systems, one under the Baltic Sea, one through Belarus and Poland, one through Ukraine and one under the Black Sea through Turkey to Bulgaria. After the war started, Russia cut off most supplies through the Baltic and Belarus-Poland pipelines, citing disputes over a demand for payment in rubles. The Baltic pipeline was blown up in an act of sabotage, but details of the attack remain murky. The Russian cutoff caused an energy crisis in Europe. Germany had to shell out billions of euros to set up floating terminals to import liquefied natural gas that comes by ship, not by pipeline. Users cut back as prices soared. Norway and the U.S. filled the gap, becoming the two largest suppliers. Europe viewed the Russian cutoff as energy blackmail and has outlined plans to completely eliminate Russian gas imports by 2027. Russia's share of the EU pipeline natural gas market dropped sharply to about 8% in 2023, according to data from the EU Commission. The Ukrainian transit route served EU members Austria and Slovakia, which long got the bulk of their natural gas from Russia but have recently scrambled to diversify supplies. Gazprom halted supplies to Austrias OMV in mid-November over a contractual dispute, but gas flows through Ukraines pipelines continued as other customers stepped in. Slovakia this year inked deals to begin buying natural gas from Azerbaijan, and also to import U.S. liquefied natural gas through a pipeline from Poland. open image in gallery Ukraines energy minister confirmed that Kyiv had stopped the transit in the interest of national security. ( AFP via Getty Images ) Among the hardest-hit will be EU candidate country Moldova, which was receiving Russian gas via Ukraine and has brought in emergency measures as residents brace for a harsh winter and looming power cuts. Separately from Kyiv's decision to let the transit deal expire, Gazprom said last month it will halt gas supplies to Moldova starting on Jan. 1, citing unpaid debt. Gazprom has said Moldova owes close to $709 million for past gas supplies, a figure the country has fiercely disputed, citing international audits. Moldova, Ukraine and EU politicians have repeatedly accused Moscow of weaponizing energy supplies. On Wednesday, Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski called Ukraine's move to halt supplies a victory for Russia's opponents. On a post on X, Sikorski accused Moscow of systematic attempts to blackmail Eastern Europe with the threat of cutting off gas supplies," including through a Baltic pipeline bypassing Ukraine and Poland and running directly to Germany. Moscow can still send gas to Hungary, as well as non-EU states Turkey and Serbia, through the TurkStream pipeline across the Black Sea. Natural gas is used to generate electricity, power industrial processes, and in some cases to heat homes. 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 By the time February 2025 arrives, marking three years since Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the situation on the front line could look very different. Currently, Russian forces are advancing in the east, slowly but surely, and they are shrinking Ukraines partial hold of the border region of Kursk. That the Russians havent been more successful is a testament, above all else, to the resilience of Ukraines troops on the ground, many of whom have been fighting continuously for years. Dysfunction in the Russian military, with Mr Putin as its de facto commander-in-chief, is another. But US president Joe Biden has sent the final military package of his tenure to Ukraine, ending the support (for now) of Kyivs most heavily-armed ally. US president-elect Donald Trump will soon re-enter the White House on the promise of ending the fighting altogether, even if that potentially means rewarding Mr Putin for his illegal land grab. Each inch of territory lost or gained could prove vital in future negotiations. Below, we look at the current flashpoints of the roughly 640-mile front line. Kursk Ukraine captured a chunk of the Russian border region of Kursk after a daring cross-border attack in August. They have held onto some of that territory ever since, though advancing Russian forces are shrinking the Ukrainian-held zone. Senior Ukrainian official Mykhailo Podolyak revealed to The Independent a week after the attack that the assault was a military tool of coercion to force Russia into the negotiation process. Kyiv will hope that what remains of their captured territory in Kursk when Mr Trump returns will prove vital in possible negotiations. Russian forces have recently shifted more towards infantry-led assaults in the area, having tended towards mechanised, vehicle-heavy attacks in their initial attempts to reduce the Ukrainian-controlled territory. Casualties are high. Bolstered by between 10,000 and 12,000 North Korean troops, however, they have continued to squeeze Ukraines perimeter. North Koreas forces, for their part, have already suffered upwards of 1,000 casualties, according to Ukraine, the US and South Korea. Russia has advanced into the northwestern side of Ukraines assault as well as to the southeast of Sudzha, the main city held by Kyivs troops in Kursk, located on the other side of the attack. open image in gallery Medics provide care at a first aid post in Kupyansk ( Getty ) Kupyansk Russian forces are conducting attacks to the north of the city of Kupyansk in the northeast Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, but they have gone months without a major breakthrough. Recently, according to the Centre for Defence Strategies (CDS), a Ukrainian security think tank, the Russians were also forced to retreat from the northeastern outskirts of Kupyansk to fortified positions around the nearby village of Petropavlivka. In a swelling offensive to the south, though, they have captured several villages, the most significant of which is Lozova, made up of around 15 homes. It fell two weeks after the Russians surrounded it on three sides. Chasiv Yar Ukraine and Russia have been fighting in the streets of Chasiv Yar, a city in the Donetsk region, since July, when Kyivs troops withdrew from the eastern Kanal neighbourhood, establishing the waterway there as the new front line. Despite fears, at the time, that this could lead to the fall of the strategically valuable Chasiv Yar, which sits on high ground, Russian forces have yet to stage a significant breakthrough. Viktor Trehubov, a spokesperson for Ukrainian forces fighting in that area, said on 30 December that Russian forces are attempting to attack the Refractory Plant in central Chasiv Yar, a key Ukrainian defensive position in the settlement. He added, however, that Ukrainian forces continue to control the facility. open image in gallery Members of Ukraines Khyzhak Brigade prepare to fire a mortar at Russian troops on a front line near Toretsk ( Reuters ) Toretsk The Russians are pushing through the centre of Toretsk, another city in Donetsk, but have been held by Ukrainian forces for months, some of whom have been defending that area for years. Mr Trehubov stated on 29 December that street fighting continues within Toretsk. He added that lightly armoured Russian forces have been spotted picking up anti-tank mines and then throwing them at buildings in the Toretsk direction. Pokrovsk This appears to be the ultimate objective of the Russian forces advancing in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region. Sitting on logistical routes connecting the rest of the region, Pokrovsk is a linchpin of Donetsks defence. Since the Russian capture of the city of Avdiivka in February, Moscows troops have advanced around 30 miles to the outskirts of Pokrovsk, seizing around 400 square miles of the region in the process. That advance looks like a swollen bulge protruding from the front line. Their success in the direction of Pokrovsk is clear as the Russian forces push towards the western outskirts of the city. Like in Kursk, they appear to have shifted towards small, infantry-led assaults after months of costly mechanised attacks. Ukraine estimates Russian vehicle losses in that area alone to be upwards of 2,000 in recent months, which includes tanks and armoured personnel carriers. The situation of Ukrainian Defense Forces continues to deteriorate, writes CDS. The enemy is gradually expanding its penetration south of Pokrovsk. open image in gallery Ukrainian soldiers of Skala Battalion load anti-tank mines into an armoured vehicle near Pokrovsk ( AP ) Senior Ukrainian officers have blamed the disastrous defence of the Pokrovsk area partially on poor management and communication between generals and those fighting on the ground. Kyiv hopes to fix this issue in 2025, having appointed a new land forces commander. In his latest update, Ukraines military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi described the fighting in Pokrovsk as the hottest of the roughly 640-mile front line. Russia is suffering high casualties, he added, as it carries out continuous meaty assaults. Kurakhove Roughly 15 miles southwest of Pokrovsk lies Kurakhove. It sits in the bottom left-hand corner of Russias bulging attack towards Pokrovsk. Russian forces have had success in this area, pushing along the northern outskirts of Kurakhove along the Vovcha reservoir. They have reached the outskirts of the village of Shevchenko beyond the reservoir and behind Kurakhove, according to DeepState, a Ukrainian war tracker with close ties to the military. Some of Ukraines troops, meanwhile, have retreated several miles back from Kurakhove, around Shevchenko, to defend the advancing Russian forces. Fighting within Kurakhove, however, is ongoing. Velyka Novosilka After the capture of the town of Vuhledar in October, Russian forces have advanced around 18 miles towards Velyka Novosilka, a town that sits near the Donetsk border with the Zaporizhzhia region. The town has served as a key assembly area for both offensive and defensive operations in the area, says Frontelligence Insight, a Ukrainian war tracker. It is also a key route linking towns further east to the rest of unoccupied Ukraine. Its capture could afford Russia multiple options for further advances, the group adds. Velyka Novosilka is almost surrounded on three sides by Russian forces. The main thrust of recent Russian attacks has been on Velyka Novosilkas western flank, but Moscows troops have also pushed towards the town of Novyi Komar to the east, as well as from the south. A representative of a Ukrainian brigade operating near Velyka Novosilka said that Russian forces are attempting to bypass and seize Velyka Novosilka to reach the junction of the three regions of Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Dnipropetrovsk. 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 Russian gas is no longer flowing to EU states through Ukraine following the expiration of a five-year deal, closing an energy route that has existed since the end of the Soviet Union in 1991. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the move means Russia can no longer earn billions on our blood. His energy minister, Herman Halushchenko, confirmed on Wednesday morning that Kyiv had stopped the gas flows in the interest of national security. This is a historic event, he wrote on the social media platform Telegram. Russia is losing markets and will incur financial losses. The deal had allowed for Russian gas to travel through Ukraines pipeline networks into European countries, primarily Hungary, Slovakia and Austria. Its end will not cut off all Russian gas to Europe, but significantly reduce it. Gas can still travel from Russia to Europe via the Turkstream pipeline, but no longer through Ukraine, cutting gas imports to the EU by around 14 billion cubic metres. The European Commission has said that this volume can be replaced by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline imports from other sources, such as Norway and the United States. However, the impact is already being felt in parts of EU candidate country Moldova, which was getting Russian gas via Ukraine. The breakaway Russian-speaking region of Transnistria, home to around 45,000 people, cut supplies to households. There is no heating or hot water, said a worker at energy company Tirasteploenergo. The financial impact Though Ukraine benefitted financially from the now-expired agreement to the tune of $800m (640m) a year, the gas was not imported to Ukraine itself. Latest estimates show that Russia is expected to lose around 5bn (4.14bn) a year from gas transported to Europe via Ukraine. According to its own reports, Gazproms market capitalisation stands at around 22bn (3 trillion roubles). Gazprom is Russias largest company, and has the largest gas reserves in the world. Since the invasion of Ukraine its business has taken several blows. By the end of 2024, Russian gas exported to Europe via the Ukraine pipelines alone has already dropped by 78 per cent since the contract started in 2020. And for the first time since 2001, Gazprom reported a net loss of 5.5bn (629 billion roubles) in 2023, after gas sales plummeted. Up to this point, the gas giant consistently raked in billions each year; including even 14bn (1.9 trillion roubles) in 2022, during the first year of the war. Revenue decreased by around 27 per cent in 2023, to 61bn, while revenue from gas sales in particular fell by 40 per cent. In this context, a loss of 4.14bn in gas sales without the Ukraine transit deal could trigger a further 6.7 per cent decrease in revenues for Gazprom and Russia. The Russian oil and gas war chest open image in gallery Russias oil industry is seen as vital to financing its continued war against Ukraine ( AP ) Gazprom is majority state-owned, which means that the Russian state receives a sizeable sum of its profits. Russia relies on oil and gas business in part to fund its ongoing war in Ukraine; with revenues accounting for 30 to 50 per cent of the Russian federal budget, according to The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES). Other than the EU, Russias biggest pipeline gas exports go to Turkey and Belarus, while LNG exports are largely reliant on sales to China and Japan. According to Bloomberg, Russian gas exports to China are discounted as heavily as -28 per cent compared to European exports, meaning that they are less profitable for Russia overall. But ultimately, the vast majority of Russian state oil and gas revenues come from oil sales, rather than gas sales, according to the OIES. Although the EU has banned oil imports from Russia, numerous reports suggest that Russian oil is still reaching the EU via back channels. A Global Witness investigation found that 130 million barrels of refined products were imported into the EU from refineries that process Russian crude oil in 2023, worth an estimated 1.1bn in tax revenue to the Kremlin. Russia is the largest crude oil supplier to China and India. The UK and EU countries import billions in refined oil from these two countries, part of which is likely originating from Russia despite sanctions. The trouble with Russian gas open image in gallery Russian president Vladimir Putin (L) and Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh shake hands ( EPA ) Separately to sanctions from the invasion of Ukraine, European countries reliance on Russian gas has been a difficult challenge to address. Russia has historically used its gas pipeline exports to exert political control over dependent countries, from Ukraine to Armenia. As of today, Gazprom is also weaponising the same tactic in Moldova, cutting off gas supplies over an alleged $709m (565m) debt. Yet the decision not to extend gas transit via Ukraine faced some pushback. Slovakias prime minister threatened to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine in retaliation, as he said that ending Russian gas transit would increase energy prices. Nonetheless, gas transit via Ukraines pipelines has now ceased. 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 Socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein, who was known for her extreme plastic surgery and record divorce settlement, has died. The 84-year-old who was nicknamed Catwoman, reportedly because she had her numerous procedures done in the aim of looking feline suffered a pulmonary embolism and passed away in a palace in Paris on Tuesday, according to local reports. Her partner Lloyd Klein is saddened to announce the death of Jocelyn Wildenstein in Paris, according to AFP, reported Paris Match. Ms Wildenstein, born Jocelyne Perisset, appeared healthy when she was last seen in the French capital with Mr Klein a mere two weeks ago. Alongside her looks, Ms Wildenstein who described herself as an art dealer on Instagram, where she had 1.1 million followers was also known for her immense divorce settlement of $2.5 billion (1.7 billion). open image in gallery French designer Lloyd Klein with Jocelyn Wildenstein ( Grant Lamos IV/Getty Images ) Born on 5 August, 1940, in Lausanne, Switzerland, not much is known about her upbringing in a middle-class family in Switzerland other than that she was the daughter of a struggling department-store buyer. At the age of 17 her life changed she started dating Swiss movie producer Cyril Piguet. She later dated European filmmaker Sergio Gobbi for five years and spent a lot of her time exploring Africa, a continent she fell in love with. Her life as a socialite let her move in elite circles across the world, with Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi introducing her to her future husband, the late Alec Wildenstein, while on safari with friends in Kenya in 1977. open image in gallery The late Alec Wildenstein was a French-born American billionaire, former elite art dealer and horse-racer ( Getty Images ) After marrying the French-born American billionaire and former elite art dealer in 1978, she split from him in the late 1990s in one of the biggest divorce settlements in history. Her penchant for surgery to make her face more cat-like has been widely reported as being done to please her horse-racing ex-husband. Ms Wildenstein was also an accomplished hunter and pilot, and she had a love for art and decoration. 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 Israels incessant bombardment on and around hospitals in Gaza has pushed the besieged Palestinian territorys healthcare system to the brink of collapse, the UN warned. In a report documenting attacks between 12 October 2023 and 30 June 2024, the UN human rights office said that the conduct of the Israeli war on Gaza has had severe consequences for the Palestinian peoples access to medical attention. The destruction of the healthcare system in Gaza, and the extent of the killing of patients, staff, and other civilians in these attacks, is a direct consequence of the disregard for international humanitarian and human rights law," it said. The report documented at least 136 attacks on 27 hospitals and 12 other medical facilities which inflicted significant casualties on doctors, nurses, medics, and other civilians. The strikes caused significant damage to, if not the complete destruction of, civilian infrastructure, the report pointed out. As if the relentless bombing and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza werent enough, the one sanctuary where Palestinians should have felt safe in fact became a death trap, UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Turk said. Daniel Meron, Israel's permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, alleged the data presented in the report was fabricated. He said Israel operated in accordance with international law, would never target innocent civilians, and accused Hamas of using Gaza hospitals for what he called "terror activity". The report came just after Israel intensified attacks on hospitals in Gaza, drawing criticism from the head of the World Health Organization. Israeli soldiers stormed the Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the last remaining healthcare facilities in northern Gaza, last Friday, forcing out and detaining hundreds of patients and medical staff, the health ministry said. The hospitals director, Dr Hussam Abu Safia, was among the staff detained and his whereabouts remained unknown. The Physicians for Human Rights Israel sent an urgent request to the Israeli military to reveal the location of Dr Abu Safia after he was abducted for refusing to leave the hospital until every last patient was evacuated, Al Jazeera reported. Dr Abu Safias arrest was part of a broader Israeli assault on Gazas healthcare system and the professionals sustaining it, the rights group said, adding that Israeli forces had killed more than 1,000 healthcare workers in Gaza and detained over 230, with 130 still in custody. The Israeli military claimed that it was conducting operations against Hamas infrastructure and fighters in the area of the hospital, without providing any details. It repeated the claim that Hamas fighters were operating inside Kamal Adwan but gave no evidence. The UN report pointed out that deliberately directing attacks against hospitals and places holding the sick and wounded, provided they were not military objectives, would amount to war crimes. Meanwhile, the UN said it made over 140 attempts in two months to reach civilians in northern Gaza with aid but got "almost zero access" due to the Israeli siege. "We need to reach the survivors of this destruction, especially now their last hospitals have been taken out," Tom Fletcher, the UN emergency relief coordinator, said. At least 45 Palestinian patients were evacuated from Khan Younis in southern Gaza on Tuesday for treatment in the United Arab Emirates, local health officials said. Among them was Abdullah Abu Yousef, 10, who is suffering from kidney failure. He was accompanied by his sister after the Israeli authorities rejected his mother's application to join him. Israel says it screens escorts for security. "The boy is sick," his mother Abeer Abu Yousef told the Associated Press. "He requires hemodialysis three to four days a week. Israel has killed around 45,500 Palestinians in Gaza since launching an air and ground assault on the territory last year, according to the health ministry. The war has also displaced over two-thirds of the territorys population of 2.3 million, most of them multiple times. Humanitarian aid agencies estimate that 1.6 million Gazans are now living in makeshift shelters, with half a million in flood-prone areas. Israel launched the war after a Hamas attack in the south of the country saw nearly 1,200 people killed and 251 taken hostage. 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 Revellers have cheered in the new year around the world including millions across the UK, despite bad weather forcing the cancellation of many celebrations. From Sydney to Mumbai and Nairobi, communities around the world began welcoming 2025 with spectacular light shows, embraces and ice plunges. Countries in the South Pacific Ocean were the first to ring in the new year, with midnight in New Zealand striking 18 hours before the ball drop in Times Square in New York. open image in gallery Fireworks light up the sky over the London Eye ( PA ) Auckland became the first major city to celebrate, as thousands thronged downtown or climbed the citys ring of volcanic peaks for a vantage point for the fireworks as well as a light display recognising Indigenous people. Meanwhile, conflict muted acknowledgements of the new year in places like the Middle East, Sudan and Ukraine. open image in gallery Fireworks explode over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge ( AP ) A storm bringing bitter weather put a dampener on festivities in the UK, with a number of celebrations scrapped. Edinburghs Hogmanay events, which include a street party and fireworks, were cancelled due to safety concerns. Meanwhile, fireworks displays in Blackpool, Newcastle, Ripon in North Yorkshire, and the Isle of Wight were all axed. However, Londons New Years Eve fireworks went ahead as planned as the capital defied weather concerns with a spectacular display that saw thousands gather on the banks of the River Thames. The show was organised by the mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, who had declared it the biggest fireworks taking place anywhere across Europe. open image in gallery New Years Eve celebrations in Mumbai ( Reuters ) Just a couple of hours before midnight, the Met Office issued a fresh amber warning for heavy rain that was set to lash parts of the country to begin 2025. The alert has been put in place across parts of northwest England until 9am on New Years Day, stretching from Settle in the Yorkshire Dales across to Preston and down to parts of the Peak District. The warning states that heavy rain is likely to lead to disruption including flooding in some locations, with a chance some places could see more than 10cm of rain. Many faced heavy rain, strong winds and even snow in some parts, leading to widespread disruption on Tuesday. open image in gallery Fireworks explode at the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building ( AP ) Meanwhile, winds of up to 60mph are forecast across much of England and Wales all day on Wednesday, with gusts of 75mph likely around coastal areas and hills, according to the Met Office. Rain turning to snow on New Years Day is likely to cause travel disruption, particularly on roads and railways across Grampian, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the Highlands & Eilean Siar, the Met Office said. But in Switzerland and some other places people embraced the cold on New Years Eve, stripping and plunging into the water in freezing temperatures. Among the first fireworks on 31 December were those that blasted off the Sydney Harbor Bridge and across the bay, with more than a million people gathered and pop star Robbie Williams leading a singalong with the crowd. open image in gallery Celebrations at Ancol Beach in Jakarta ( AFP ) Paris was capping a momentous 2024 in which the French capital hosted the Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games, with its traditional countdown and fireworks extravaganza on the Champs-Elysees. Much of Japan shut down ahead of the nation's biggest holiday, as temples and homes underwent a thorough cleaning. The upcoming Year of the Snake in the Asian zodiac is heralded as one of rebirth alluding to the reptile's shedding skin while other places in Asia will mark the Year of the Snake later with the Lunar New Year. In South Korea, celebrations were cut back or cancelled during a period of national mourning following the Sunday crash of a Jeju Air flight at Muan that killed 179 people. open image in gallery Fireworks illuminate the sky over Hoan Kiem Lake during the New Year's Eve celebrations ( EPA ) In Bangkok, shopping malls competed for crowds with live musical acts and fireworks shows, while a fireworks display in Indonesia's Jakarta featured 800 drones. In India, thousands of revellers in the financial hub of Mumbai flocked to the city's bustling promenade facing the Arabian Sea. People gathered at Buddhist temples to light oil lamps and incense sticks and pray in Sri Lanka, while thousands attended a fireworks show at the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper, in Dubai. And in Nairobi, Kenya, scattered fireworks were heard as midnight approached. open image in gallery Fireworks explode during the New Year celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand ( Reuters ) Rome's traditional New Year's Eve festivities signal the start of Pope Francis's Holy Year the once-every-quarter-century celebration projected to bring some 32 million pilgrims to the Eternal City in 2025. Francis will celebrate Mass on New Years Day, when he is expected to again appeal for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East. Chinese state media covered an exchange of new years greetings between leader Xi Jinping and Russian president Vladimir Putin in a reminder of growing closeness between the leaders who face tensions with the West. Meanwhile, Rio de Janeiro will soon throw Brazil's main New Year's Eve bash on Copacabana Beach, with ferries offshore bearing 12 straight minutes of fireworks. In New York City, the organisation managing Times Square has tested its famous ball drop and inspected 2025 numerals, lights and thousands of crystals as part of a tradition going back to 1907 in preparation for this years celebration. American Samoa will be among the last to welcome 2025, a full 24 hours after New Zealand. 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 Trumps one-time White House strategist Steve Bannon warned Elon Musk Tuesday that he and other MAGA diehards are going to rip your face off unless Musk smartens up and stops pushing visas for skilled foreign workers to take good-paying tech industry jobs away from Americans. He instructed Musk to sit back and study to understand MAGAs - and what supporters believed was Trumps - America First stance to keep U.S. jobs for Americans. Theyre recent converts, Bannon said Tuesday on his War Room podcast, referring to Musk and other tech-world Trump supporters. We love converts, Bannon noted. But the converts sit in the back and study for years and years and years to make sure you understand the faith and you understand the nuances of the faith and understand how you can internalize the faith. Dont come up and go to the pulpit in your first week here and start lecturing people about the way things are going to be, Bannon added. If youre going to do that, were going to rip your face off. Bannon called for a 100% moratorium on all immigration until we get this thing sorted. Bannon the previous day demanded reparations from Musk and other tech leaders for cutting Americans out of jobs. The visa issue is central to the way they gutted the middle class in this country, he complained. Donald Trumps one-time strategist Steve Bannon throws down with tech billionaire Elon Musk over H-1B visas ( Getty/AFP ) Musk was a Johnny-come-lately to politics before he forked over at least $250 million to help Trump get elected. Both he and tech entrepreneur (and Trumps former rival for GOP presidential nomination) Vivek Ramaswamy have now been tasked by the president-elect with carving up the federal government to save money in their new DOGE operation. Musk and Ramaswamy have suddenly strongly spoken up in recent days on behalf of protecting special H-1B visas for skilled foreigners to fill high-level tech jobs, including in Musks businesses because American simply arent up to the task. The South African-born Musk last week endorsed a post on X that referred to American workers as re***ed, which is widely regarded as an ugly slur (Musk has since deleted his support for the attack post). Ramaswamy has also complained that Americans are not up to snuff when it comes to competing with brainy foreigners. He blamed the dumbed-down culture of the U.S. Trump has backed Musk on the many great foreign workers in the country on H-1B visas, surprising many of the MAGA supporters who voted for him. Musk doesnt appear to be budging, even though he has, out of character, suddenly called for a more positive and beautiful social media conversation. He made the appeal two days after he told H-1B opponents in a diatribe on X: F*** yourself in the face. Bannon came back with a different idea for Musks face. Nigel Farage claimed the UK has been appallingly led for years as he took a swipe at the Conservatives and Labour party in his New Year address. In a video message recorded at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, the Reform MP criticised both the Labour and Conservative parties. He called Brexit a squandered opportunity and stated the country was in economic decline. Farage also made reference to tens of thousands of people joining Reform UK over Christmas. This alludes to his spat with conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who accused Farrage of fakery over Reforms membership numbers. Vladimir Putin made a pledge to Russias soldiers in his pre-recorded New Year address. In his address to the nation on Tuesday (31 December), the Russian President praised his countrys military in its war against Ukraine, telling soldiers, We believe in you. Putin ensured Russians that everything will be fine as the country enters the third year of fighting in Ukraine. He directly addressed Russias armed forces saying the country is proud of their courage and bravery. Millions of people were expected to watch the new address when it aired on TV as each Russian time zone region counted down the final minutes of 2024. 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 UK experienced its coldest January night in 15 years after a hamlet in northern Scotland dropped to minus 18.7C on Friday. Altnaharra, which is in the most northern region of the Highlands, recorded minus 18.7C on Friday night, the Met Office said. It is the coldest January overnight temperature since 2010, when temperatures dropped below minus 15C several times at locations across the UK, including minus 22.3C on January 8 in Altnaharra. open image in gallery (PA Graphics) ( PA Graphics ) Forecasters said they are not expecting temperatures in the Sutherland hamlet to fall below minus 18C on Friday but there is a very small probability it could reach 19C. Altnaharra reached minus 14.5C on Thursday night. Temperatures for large parts of the UK are set to fall again as the cold weather continues. open image in gallery A woman walking through the snow in Saddleworth, England ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said: Friday night into Saturday morning may well be the nadir of this current cold spell. Towns and cities in Scotland could see minus 2C to minus 5C and the Highlands may reach minus 14C or minus 15C. Higher ground in England such as the Pennines could hit minus 11C or minus 12C while the coldest city in England is expected to be Birmingham, which may reach minus 4C. The average low in northern Scotland for this time of year is about 0.3C, while for England, overnight lows are around 1.5C to 1.6C. open image in gallery Temperatures will continue to fall over the coming days, with the mercury potentially reaching minus 20C in northern parts of the UK on Friday night (James Manning/PA) ( PA Wire ) Met Office meteorologist Zoe Hutin said: Certainly a cold night to come, especially for those beneath clear skies in the east and the north and in rural spots as well. Cloud coverage is keeping the temperatures from falling as low but it will still be chilly, Ms Hutin said. Snow may fall overnight in hills of the south-west and parts of Northern Ireland but not to the same level as the past 10 days. open image in gallery (PA Graphics) ( PA Graphics ) Saturday is forecast to be cold too, and Ms Hutin said: Weve still got tonight to come, and tomorrow night could also be chilly as well. Temperatures for tomorrow night, it will be mainly eastern parts that see temperatures dropping widely below freezing, so East Anglia, the north-east of England, northern and eastern Scotland as well. So another chilly night to come on Saturday, but then as we go into Sunday and into Monday, then we can start to expect temperatures to recover somewhat. I wont rule out the risk of seeing something around or just below freezing again on Sunday night into Monday, but it wont be quite so dramatic as the temperatures that were going to experience as we go overnight tonight. Looking ahead to next week, she said: Were saying its getting milder but by no stretch does that mean (temperatures) are going to be above average it just will feel comparatively much more pleasant than it is at the moment. The UK has experienced a particularly long cold spell, she said, adding: It has been getting progressively colder each night this week, whereas looking at previous years, weve had maybe two or three days where things have been particularly cold. Software glitch could have left EV owners open to fraudsters VW employees work on the ID.4 at Emden in Lower Saxony. Photo: Getty Thousands of electric cars sold by Volkswagen in Ireland may have had their privacy and location security compromised, according to whistleblower claims published in Germanys best-selling newspaper. Around 800,000 electric cars in Europe made by Volkswagen were reportedly affected, with the largest chunk being in Germany. According to the report in Der Spiegel, details on the exact GPS position of where cars were located, as well as owners contact information, were left unprotected on the internet. Cars could be tracked on a daily, hourly or on a minute-by-minute basis. It meant that potential fraudsters or thieves could tell when someone was out of their house, where they worked or where they frequented regularly. VW said theres no need to take any action, as no passwords or payment details are affected Subsidiary brands such as Audi and Skoda were also affected, though not to as exacting a location, according to the report. Volkswagen told the newspaper that the internet vulnerability was due to a misconfiguration of its software unit Cariads online database systems and has been fixed. It added that for VW group electric drivers, there is "no need to take any action, as no sensitive information such as passwords or payment details are affected. Volkswagen Ireland has not commented on the issue. The vulnerability was first detected by the European hacking organisation, Chaos Computer Club. It notified Volkswagen of the issue, whereupon the company immediately took action. VWs are hugely popular in Ireland. Photo: Getty The risk posed by the exposure of such details is mainly to potential phishing operations and fraud. With the VW car owners email address and location data, a fraudster could potentially have tricked someone into falsely verifying payment details or blackmailed someone who was regularly attending a medical clinic. Volkswagens ID4 is among Irelands most-purchased electric cars, regularly topping sales charts here. European natural gas prices hovered near the highest level this month as storage levels deplete faster than normal and the end looms for the Ukraine-Russia gas transit agreement. Benchmark futures rose as much as 2.5pc in early trading yesterday before easing slightly. Prices are hovering just below 48 a megawatt-hour, near the December-high, as traders gauge the potential impact of less Russian gas flowing into the region in the new year. The end of the gas transit agreement on January 1 coincides with forecasts for colder weather across much of Europe, which could increase demand for gas for heating. The regions inventories are being drawn down faster than usual which could make it more expensive for traders to secure enough gas for next year as they vie with Asia for seaborne supplies. Slovakia is among the central European nations that still buy Russian gas and is pushing to keep the fuel flowing across Ukraine, but Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected any arrangement that sends money to Russia while the war continues. Slovak prime minister Robert Fico urged the European Commission to address the looming gas halt, saying the economic impact on the EU will far outweigh the effect on Russia. Mr Ficos letter to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen marks his first attempt to draw her personal involvement in the dispute by saying European households and businesses could face higher bills. The flows at risk account for about 5pc of European demand. While thats a small slice of the market, the loss of those volumes would force countries to rely more heavily on piped gas from Norway or liquefied supplies from the US. Bloomberg Cert 12A: From Jan 17 The rise was vertiginous. Armed only with a guitar and a few dollars, a slender Jewish teenager from Minnesota rocked up to New York City in 1961 and changed everything. In just two years, Bob Dylan had transformed folk music and songwriting at large, while attaining sales to match that of the Fab Four. The Dylan we know today shirty, contrary, nobodys boy was forged amid that hysteria. Its where he learned to shoot down any and all expectations thrust upon him. He knew exactly what he was doing in 1965 when he paraded that electric guitar in front of a purist folk-festival audience. That incident forms the natural climax of this suitably electrifying, deftly handled portrait from writer-director James Mangold (Walk the Line, Logan). How young Robert Zimmerman (a performance of the decade from Timothee Chalamet) pushed through before pushing back is where Mangold and co-writer Jay Cocks fix their crosshairs. Against the backdrop of the Cuban missile crisis and times a-changin, the power of song is given a jolt by a tousle- haired bard using language in a way never before heard in the Greenwich Village folk scene. The messianic taint that fuelled Dylanmania is even made fun of here in a way that Dylan himself (who collaborated on the script) would approve. This is not the usual fawning hagiography littered with the naff eureka moments and foreshadowing see the bizarrely overrated Bohemian Rhapsody that were used to in rock biopics. Mangolds film leans more on scratchy, scuffed, lived-in authenticity, those cracks between the well-trodden biographical touchstones. He gives us a feisty talent changing the paradigm and ticking off peers, fans and lovers in the process. All this happens in a trashy, chaotic urban bustle that feels like the natural habitat for a belligerent subversive out to shake things up. Timothee Chalamet in 'A Complete Unknown' Youre kind of an asshole, musical foil Joan Baez (a superb Monica Barbaro) tells him while making the post-coital coffee. Well, Dylan could be that (as Baez has said herself), and indeed he still can be as thousands of exasperated concert-goers these days might agree. An origins tale for an extraordinary historical figure requires an extraordinary central performance. Chalamet was attached to the role as far back as 2019. In that time, he has confirmed himself as one of his generations most versatile leading men. But what he pulls off here is another level. Assisted by lockdowns and delays, Chalamet not only got to grips with an artist he never gave much thought to, he learned guitar and harmonica (bringing instruments to the sets of Dune and Wonka). The results of all this sustained immersion speak for themselves. Every note is finger-picked, strummed and sung (in the customary nasal twang) by the actor in a way that is made all the more tangible and immediate because of their imperfection. In an early scene, Dylan has made a pilgrimage to the bedside of his musical hero Woody Guthrie (a beautifully wordless turn by Scoot McNairy), who is convalescing in a psychiatric hospital. Prompted to play for the ill man, the visiting troubadour plucks and croaks A Song for Woody. Arriving in the opening minutes, its the point where we realise that theres alchemy happening. Chalamets muttering, sneering, chain-smoking creation is a different species. He bends himself around the guitar like a coiled spring, potential energy popping off him. Another glittering nugget comes after Dylan is put up for the night by Guthries good friend, folk luminary Pete Seeger (Edward Norton). While Seegers family eat breakfast, their young guest sketches a nascent song into being. The ensemble cast is formidable and provides space for Chalamets performance to breathe. Boyd Holbrook has fun as a rakish Johnny Cash, and Norton is beautifully composed as the kind-natured but frumpy folkster at once championing the newcomer while being overly respectful of tradition. Elle Fanning is less stretched in a slightly conventional role as the girlfriend who gets left behind in his meteoric wake (a fictional version of The Freewheelin Bob Dylan album cover co-star Suze Rotolo). It will be interesting to see if Dylan purists let out their own Judas cries over this unrigid interpretation of their hero (that 1965 incident, for example, is transplanted from Manchester to Newport). But that is to miss the point of a figure who embodied the art of self-mythologising and yarn-spinning. Dylan is such an enormous cultural institution to take on, the subject of shelves upon shelves of biographies and cultural critique. Mangold might as well have made a biopic of Shakespeare. By putting textures, flaws and tension to the fore, however, his film has taken an enduring snapshot of a complex enigma. Four stars The Traitors is the most entertaining show on the tele in years - and its back on BBC One but with one big spanner in the works Is The Traitors (BBC One, starts 1 January, 8pm) the best reality show on television? Its certainly the most entertaining. It is, essentially, the only series where ordinary people some of them clever, some of them not so clever get to decide which of their new kooky pals should be murdered, and which of them theyd like to stay friends with forever. I should add there is no actual murdering in The Traitors: its all make-believe, a bit of a laugh. But our committed host, the fabulous Claudia Winkleman, takes it very seriously and thats what makes it shine. Some eight million people tuned in for the UK season two finale in 2024. The international brand is thriving and an Irish edition, hosted by Siobhan McSweeney, is due later in the year. Will The Traitors: Ireland work? Well find out soon enough. In the meantime, the British version returns for a third season and its off to a silly, yet sensational, start. Claudia Winkleman throws a spanner in the works before the game has even started. Photo: BBC/Studio Lambert For the uninitiated, of which there are few, Im sure, The Traitors invites 22 strangers from an astonishing 300,000 applicants to the Scottish Highlands to play mind games with one another in a fancy countryside castle. Alexander, a former British diplomat who should probably know better, tells his fellow passengers he would not be opposed to the idea of volunteering himself for elimination It is here that Winkleman, puppet master extraordinaire, gets to decide which of these participants will be Traitors and which of them will remain Faithful. Each night, the Traitors don their special midnight Traitor cloaks and meet in secret to discuss who they should kill. Its only when the entire group reconvenes for breakfast that the Faithfuls then discover who got the chop. Meanwhile, the daily round table session is where our backstabbing mates come together to try and figure out who the Traitors are so they can banish them. Got it? Good. There is, of course, money up for grabs: the last person standing wins up to 120,000 (145,000). But the players will need to work hard yes, there are missions involved to raise that money. This time around, we have a new twist and the first mission kicks off before the contestants have even reached the castle. Winkleman, the tweed-loving scoundrel, politely informs the newbies that there are, in fact, 25 contestants on their way to the Highlands. First, she adds 10,000 (12,000) to the prize vault. Next, she tells her victims, stranded on a train in the middle of nowhere, that theyll need to eliminate three contestants in 10 minutes or theyll lose the 10,000. Tyler, a barber from Leicester who enjoys bird watching, immediately bursts into tears (an incredible gameplan, that one). Jack, a landscaper from Yorkshire, takes one for the team without knowing what it is hes been asked to do. Meanwhile, Alexander, a former British diplomat who should probably know better, tells his fellow passengers he would not be opposed to the idea of volunteering himself for elimination. Unfortunately, for Alexander, the other passengers arent opposed to the idea either, and its the end of the road for our clueless diplomat buddy. The Traitors is rough, but it sure is fun to watch other humans squirm and panic and turn on one another as soon as theyre asked to do something difficult. Later, at Traitors HQ, its business as usual for the class of 2025. The castle, says Maia, is literally, like, a dream. Im like, Oh my goodness, am I Rapunzel? Let me put down my hair. Untangle that statement, if you can. A lad named Dan is convinced that a woman named Anna (the only Irish contestant) is a Traitor because she asked him how he was getting on Eventually, Winkleman calls everyone has to choose her murderers. One of them, Linda the oldest player in the room is delighted to be a Traitor. So too is Minah, who will probably go the distance. She is, at least, a smarter Traitor than Armani, who spends her first day overacting the fake Faithful role. Her sister, Maia, suspects something is out of place. I agree: its a terrible idea to play this game with your siblings. A family fallout is inevitable. Elsewhere, a lad named Dan is convinced that a woman named Anna (the only Irish contestant) is a Traitor because she asked him how he was getting on. Oh, and Yin, a doctor of communication, is the first to be murdered, and the Faithfuls believe its because she was too intelligent. A gracious loser, Yin compares herself to a luna moth, which, she explains, is a famous moth that lives for only one day but shines very brightly and then is extinguished forever more. Yeah, I think the Traitors chose well there. Were in for a wild January. The Traitors begins Wednesday 1 January 8pm and continues on BBC One When the brain is tired, it switches to autopilot to save energy Sleep is the key to keeping up New Years resolutions, experts have found, after finding people revert back to bad habits when they are tired. Around three-quarters of people are expected to start the year with better intentions, with many vowing to eat more healthily, exercise or be more cautious with their money. Yet, according to a YouGov poll in Britain, only around one-third of people will actually stick to their plans, with many breaking their resolve by February. Now, the University of Surrey has discovered that people are more likely to slip back into old habits when they are feeling tired. Researchers followed more than 100 people for a week, and texted them at random times to find out what they were up to, and gauge their sleepiness levels. All had also been asked about their sleep patterns at the beginning of the study. Those getting less sleep and feeling tired were more likely to be engaging in habitual behaviours such as watching TV rather than exercising, or eating junk food rather than picking healthier choices. When were trying to make positive changes to our behaviour, feeling drowsy can put us at real risk of lapsing back into our old, unwanted bad habits, said Dr Benjamin Gardner, director of the Habit Application and Theory group at the University of Surrey. Lapsing can cause us to lose confidence in our ability to change and make us give up. Researchers believe sleep is important for resolutions because when the brain is tired, it switches to autopilot, reverting to habitual, tried and tested ways of operating to save energy. Tiredness also makes self-control more difficult, so tempting, but unhealthy, behaviours become more difficult to resist. The good news, however, is that once healthy habits become ingrained, the brain will also choose to repeat those even if it is fatigued, because they start to seem like the easy option. Our study shows this definitively: people were more likely to act habitually when they reported feeling sleepy, said Dr Amanda Rebar, co-author and associate professor of health promotion education at the University of South Carolina. While this can result in higher levels of good habits, it can also lead individuals to fall back on bad habits. Theodore Byrne was born to parents Martha Gilroy-Kelly and Partner Jack Byrne at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin Baby boy Bradley arrived 19 seconds into the new year at Holles Street hospital and is the first child for parents Eve Colley and Eric Tyrell The first babies of 2025 have arrived around the country, with one being born just seconds after midnight. At the National Maternity Hospital in Holles Street, Dublin, its first Generation Beta baby was born when little Bradley arrived 19 seconds into the new year. He is the first child for parents Eve Colley and Eric Tyrell and weighed in at a healthy 3.245kg (7lb 2oz). Assistant director of midwifery Ann Calnan said all went well with the birth and mother and baby are doing fine. There was no stopping this lad coming into the world, she said. Across the Liffey in the Rotunda Hospital, Martha Gilroy-Kelly from Dublin 13 also gave birth to a boy, Theodore Byrne. Martha and partner Jack Byrne were delighted with their new arrival. Theodore Byrne was born to parents Martha Gilroy-Kelly and Partner Jack Byrne at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin He weighed 4.08kg (almost 9lb) and was born at nine minutes past midnight. Between midnight and 8am there were eight babies born in the Rotunda. The birth of baby Theodore brings the total number of babies born at The Rotunda Hospital to over 900,000 since it first opened its doors over 275 years ago. It was 20 minutes past midnight when Corks first baby arrived, and it was another boy. Rowan weighed 3.51kg (7lb 12oz) and was born to Shannon Gibson from Cork city. Baby boy Bradley arrived 19 seconds into the new year at Holles Street hospital and is the first child for parents Eve Colley and Eric Tyrell Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 1st In Sligo, Orna Burke and Ronan Cox welcomed their baby girl at 3.54am at Sligo University Hospital. The as-yet un-named baby of the Sligo couple weighed 3.57kg (7lbs 14oz). In Mullingar the first baby of the year arrived at 2.24am. The little girl, who also has yet to be named, is the daughter of Shaunagh Carberry and Sean Healy from Carrickboy in Longford, and weighed 3.65kg (just under 8lb 1oz). And in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda a baby boy named Aaron was born to his mother Naomi at 3.44am. Aaron weighed 3.75kg (8lb 4oz). In Kerry a home birth was recorded at 5.41am when Feile was born to parents Andrea Thornton and Eoin Murphy from Ardfert in Co Kerry. The birth was assisted by two of the University Hospital midwife team, Sinead Murphy and Kirsty Hawthorn. Feile weighed-in at 3.77kg (8lb 5oz). Ms Thornton said: I was delighted to be able to give birth to Feile at home beside the Christmas tree with my husband Eoin. I was actually due on December 19 but I've gone two weeks over with my other children too, and Feile is a sister to Croia aged four, and Eanna who is three." "Midwife Sinead has been with us since day one and she is an incredible woman with decades of experience," said Andrea, a teacher in Tralee. "We are very lucky and I can't compliment the Home Births Service enough for the support they give for natural births at home," she added. Although Feile was born early this morning, she and Andrea had a little snooze and Andrea said she felt more human as a result. GP Jennifer Grant answers your medical queries Question: Is smokers cough always a sign of cancer? My husband is 55 and smokes around 15 a day. I have given up nagging him about it but I do want him to get his smokers cough checked. I think he is worried that he will be faced with really bad news. Are there any facts you can give me to reassure him and encourage him to go? My own father has COPD from smoking and I want my husband to avoid that, for my sake as well as his. Dr Grant replies: A smokers cough is very common. Smokers will frequently cough in the mornings, but of course the cough can occur at any time. The reason why the cough is common in the morning is because there is an abundance of goblet cells, which produce sputum in the airways of smokers. Ironically, goblet cells proliferate in the airways of smokers as a protective mechanism to help trap smoke particles as they are inhaled. The unintended consequence is a build-up of mucus overnight, provoking a morning cough to clear the airways. The term we use for a chronic cough in smokers is chronic bronchitis. Another term you may be familiar with is emphysema. This is whereby the soft lung tissue that facilitates the transport of oxygen from the air into the blood stream becomes destroyed. This is often a feared term, as people equate emphysema with breathlessness, and in advanced states, the need for additional oxygen supplementation. The combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema is termed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD for short. Only about 15 to 20pc of smokers develop COPD and its usually determined by how many cigarettes a day and for how many years. Your husband smokes 15 a day. Hes 55 and Ill assume he has been smoking since about age 20. Thats 15 a day x 35 years, which is approximately a 25 pack-year history (the equivalent of 20 a day for 25 years), certainly enough for him develop COPD. I would advise to have him reviewed by his GP or specialist respiratory physician who would perform lung function tests. The big concern that people have is lung cancer. This is a silent killer. Most people who develop lung cancer dont know until its too late. For this reason, lung cancer has become the most lethal of all cancers, despite some recent advances in treatment. Unfortunately, in the early stages when it could potentially be surgically removed with curative intent, there are often no symptoms. Smoking, of course, is the single biggest risk factor and yet another reason why smoking is so deleterious to our health. Your husband would need a chest x-ray or CT chest to have more clarity in relation to the presence or absence of a lung tumour. So what can your husband do to quit? Well, the first thing is to accept that he needs to quit. If he doesnt arrive at that place, it just wont ever happen. Its hard enough with a strong will to quit, so without that there is no use. Once he accepts that he needs to quit, there are options out there to aid quitting. Our first line is to prescribe Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) such as patches or gum. This substitutes for the nicotine, addressing that addictive craving, without the cancer-causing products of a regular cigarette. The trick is to combine these NRTs. Use a patch for baseline effect but also chew gum or use the inhaler when confronted with additional cravings. The patch on its own is not as effective. Zyban (drug name bupropion) has an interesting back story. It was used as an antidepressant for soldiers returning home from Vietnam. A substantial number of these soldiers quit smoking. Closer analysis discovered that the nicotine from the cigarette is being blocked from attaching to its receptors, thereby preventing the euphoria associated with the release of dopamine. Basically, it makes smoking a dull experience. There are alternatives to taking medication such as NRT, acupuncture, hypnotherapy or reading smoking cessation books. Many people try vaping or e-cigarettes as a means to quit, which is fair enough. These can be seen as the lesser of two evils when compared to the devastation of combustible cigarettes. The majority of the carcinogenic effect comes from smoking the tobacco. In summary, your husband is more likely to have a better lifespan (live longer) and healthspan (enjoy good health) if he quits. Dr Jennifer Grant is a GP with Beacon HealthCheck Workers will soon benefit from a string of changes announced in Budget 2025 Workers will soon benefit from changes announced in Budget 2025. The tax changes and social welfare changes should bring some cheer for households as they put more money in peoples pockets. Income tax changes alone could deliver savings of close to 800 for a worker on the average wage of 50,000. The state pension will increase to 289.30 a week this month, a 12 hike. Finance Minister Jack Chambers said at the time of the budget last October that the changes to personal income taxes would support low- and middle-income earners. From today, the Government is increasing the main tax credits the personal, employee and earned income credits by 125 each. A tax credit is an amount you offset against the tax you pay, or an amount you can earn before paying tax. This means the maximum employee tax credit for this year will be 2,000 for a single person. Mr Chambers also provided for increases in the home carer tax credit and the single person child carer tax credit by 150 each and increases in the incapacitated child tax credit and blind persons tax credit by 300 each. There has also been an increase of 60 in the dependent relative tax credit. If you are married or in a civil partnership and both of you have PAYE income, you are both entitled to claim the employee tax credit. There is also a 2,000 increase in what is called the standard rate cut-off point. It means workers will be able to earn more before paying the top tax rate of 40pc. This is because the standard rate cut-off point goes from 42,000 to 44,000. Mr Chambers also reduced the Universal Social Charge (USC) middle rate from 4pc to 3pc. This applies to income between 25,000 and 70,000. The entry threshold to the new 3pc USC rate is being increased by 1,622 to 27,382, in line with the increase to the national minimum wage. This means that a full-time worker on the minimum wage will get an increase in their net take-home pay of 1,424 a year. A single person earning 20,000 or less this year will now be outside the income tax net. The list of tax savings included the reduction in the third USC band from 4pc to 3pc, which will see a taxpayer earning 50,000 per year saving more than 226, tax partner at EY Ireland, Michael Rooney said. The 20pc tax band increasing from 42,000 to 44,000 will mean a saving of 400 per person for all taxpayers earning at least 44,000. In addition, the increase in the tax credits like the PAYE/Earned income tax credits and the Personal Tax credits will put another 250 back in pockets. Mr Rooney said all this meant total savings of 876 a year. On the social welfare side, the maximum weekly rate of maternity benefit, adoptive benefit, paternity benefit and parents benefit will increase by 15 from today. All other weekly social welfare payments will increase by 12, with proportional increases for qualified adults and people on reduced rates of payment. The budget also extended the mortgage interest tax credit for this year. It is worth up to 1,250. The Rent Tax Credit increased to a maximum of 1,000 per individual and 2,000 per jointly assessed couple. This increase applies retrospectively for 2024 and will also be available to claim this year. Separately, employers are now able to pay a voucher of small benefit to employees up to 1,500 tax-free a year from today. This can be paid in one benefit or in increments where the first five benefits provided are not taxable. September will also see the introduction of the long-awaited Pension Auto Enrolment Scheme, which aims to get more employees and their employers investing in their pensions to provide additional income in later life. The 20pc reduction in public transport fares will continue this year. The 50pc price reduction on the Young Adult Leap Card for people aged 19 to 25 and the 90-minute fare likewise continues. Free public transport will be extended to children aged between five and eight. Ian ODoherty: Trumps America will be looking over Irelands shoulders in 2025 and it wont like what it sees Israels decision to close its embassy in Dublin was a deliberate signal to corporate and political America that we are not their friend. That could prove exceptionally damaging Helen McEntee. Photo: Stephen Collins Ian O'Doherty Wed 1 Jan 2025 at 03:30 So, sayonara 2024, and don't let the door hit you on the way out. Cousins Kola Bokinni and Tralee native Mary Ellen Moriarty pictured at the Osorno Volcano near Fruitillar in Southern Chile after finishing in second place in the second series of the BBC show 'Celebrity Race Across The World'. In October, just days after finishing the show on TV, I was lucky enough to secure an interview with Tralee native Mary Ellen Moriarty who had just months before, finished taking part in the second series of the hit BBC TV show, Celebrity Race Across The World. Its a very strange feeling to suddenly find yourself sitting across the table from someone who you had only days before been watching on your TV. But this was the exact scenario I found myself in this week when I was lucky enough to meet up with Tralee native and now bona fide celebrity in her own right although she may deny that title Mary Ellen Moriarty. The Tralee born 29-year-old is fresh off our TV screens where she was watched by millions of people over the course of six episodes of the second series of Celebrity Race Across the World in which she was teamed up with her cousin, Ted Lasso star Kola Bokinni. Bokinni starred as Isaac McAdoo, the AFC Richmond centre-back and vice-captain, and then captain in all three seasons of the smash hit Apple TV+ series. The show saw Mary Ellen and Kola compete against three other teams of two in a race over 12,500 kilometres (7,800 mi) across South America from a starting point of the Siqueira Campos Square in in the Brazilian city of Belem to the finish line at the Osorno Volcano near Frutillar in southern Chile. The race had five checkpoints with enforced rest periods, with contestants only finding out the next destination on departure from a checkpoint. Teams were given a budget of 1,100 per person equivalent to the air fare for travelling the race route. Contestants were not permitted to subsidise their budgets, but short-term opportunities allowed them to work for money or bed and board. The contestants were not allowed access to telephones or the internet, but were provided with a map, travel guide and GPS tracker. The show saw Kola and Mary Ellen enduring multiple 12 hour + long bus journeys, Kola losing his passport in Uruguay, jobs at vineyards, jobs with livestock on a ranch, shearing sheep, dune buggy driving, horse riding, many early mornings and late nights and even a sprint up an honest to god volcano right at the very end...to name but a few of the adventures. Spoiler alert for anyone who hasnt watched the show yet but Mary Ellen and Kola would ultimately finish as runners up in the race, with just 1 pound left in their budget at the very end. Mary Ellen is currently back living in the Kerry capital since 2022 after being raised in south east London and so I was delighted to be able to meet up with her for a coffee in the Madden's coffee shop in town on Friday morning before heading back to The Kerryman offices where we sat down and chatted all things racing across the world. "I'll be honest and say that I had no idea about the show when Kola first called me about it, she laughed. "I was living in the Tralee Town Centre apartments with four or five other people. It was literally just one evening, I'd just come out of the shower and Kola, he just called me and said that he'd been asked to do this 'Race Across the World' show and he asked would I like to do it with him and of course, it was always going to be an immediate yes." "Me and Kola, we were the best of friends when I lived in London so it would have taken a lot for me to say no to going with him. I also just love travelling and so I could never turn down such an opportunity," she continued. One slight obstacle in her way though was the very small matter of her being a student in Kerry College on Tralees Denny St campus. Sworn to secrecy by the shows production crew, it made for an interesting conversation with her course co-coordinator to explain why she was suddenly going to be missing for six weeks. "It was top, top secret. I could only tell her that an opportunity had come my way and that I was not going to turn it down. I added though that I was still dedicated to the course I was doing and that I really wanted to finish it." "I had to do all my assignments before I left in February and then when I came back in April, two weeks later, I had exams. I got it all done though and I got all distinctions. So I managed to complete the race and complete my course. I was very, very chuffed, she said. Course and multiple flights back and forth to London to meet with studio execs complete, it was time to race and right from the get-go, Mary Ellen said the pinch me moments came quick and fast. "One of the funnier pinch me moments I had was something that is probably so small to celebrities and to people in this lifestyle. It was when I landed in Heathrow and there was a driver waiting there with a card with my name on it. I was like 'oh my god' and I took a picture with him and everything, she laughed. Of the many, many highlights that Mary Ellen said she has from the trip, the top of the list for her was a moment in Porto Seguro in southern Brazil where she suddenly found herself in a bikini and working as an Axe dancer on stage at a famous beach bar there while Kola worked as a waiter. "When they handed me that bikini or whatever the hell it was, I was like one, is that going to fit me and two, I'm going to need three strong drinks right now if you think I'm getting in that," she laughed. "That was such a highlight. I actually get emotional talking about it. To walk in there and see so many different women of all shapes and sizes and all ages, with the biggest smiles on their faces, was wonderful. The confidence that they were projecting was infectious." The days that you feel anxious and the days that you feel insecure, you forget how much joy you are robbing yourself of. I literally just pushed all the fears aside, put it [the bikini] on and said f**k it, let's go for it. My favourite part of that whole experience was at the end when the dancefloor in front of the stage began to fill with loads of people from the audience and they all started dancing with us. It was so amazing, it was a moment in time, she continued. For those super fans of the show out there this writer included who are eager to learn more about the behind-the-scenes goings on of the show, Mary Ellen did not disappoint by lifting the veil a little. "They [the production] don't give you any help. It's like an adult talking to a child, they would say stuff like 'have you double checked?' or 'have you looked at the map properly?' or 'have you exhausted all your options?'. You could say that they prompt you almost to really make sure that you're doing everything that you can." "They have a fixer within the team but again, myself and Kola and the other teams, we are not allowed to use them. It is strictly for production teams only. So, for example, if we were at a bus station, there could be laws or rules about filming and so that's when the fixer would come in and be the bridge of communication," she said. "I was always trying to wink at the fixer jokingly to help us out a little but no, they really didn't, she laughed, adding "I couldn't believe how much we did that people didn't get to see. The production that goes on behind the scenes was like 'woah'. The phrase 'it takes an army' is one that springs to mind." Reaching a checkpoint too for the teams, Mary Ellen said, was such a huge relief. "We had 36 hours downtime at checkpoint and we got a 20 minute phone call at checkpoint to a person we had nominated beforehand. Now, you'd think 20 minutes would be enough time but they go fast. They really do fly." "I nominated my boyfriend and for each call, he had notes written down on things happening back home and then by the time I had gotten through all we were doing, you're at the 20 minute mark." "We [all the teams] just had the craic at checkpoint. Genuinely, it's proper downtime. We never wanted to leave! she laughed. "The other teams became our anchors and saving graces. You'd want to get to checkpoint quicker knowing that you're going to be able to have a glass of wine and have a bit of dinner with everyone else. Everyone would maybe be having disagreements within their team so when we'd come together, it was like one big therapy session or one big intervention," she laughed. The lead up to the show airing was a slightly stressful one, Mary Ellen said, such were the nerves at how she would be perceived by the public as well as her dealing with her own personal insecurities. "One reason was that I'm a curvier girl and so there was anxiety around how I was going to perceive myself. It was going to the first time that I would see myself in all of its glory so to speak and so would 5.7 million other people as well." "Then there was the other anxiety about your personality and how people would react to that. Thankfully though, I only saw one negative comment out of the whole entire series, she said. Of course, there were low moments too. These were more frequent in the early stages of the race, Mary Ellen said, as her and Kola tried to find a balancing act between not only racing and enjoying themselves but also between their two very different personalities. "The first couple of weeks were quite tough. Kola and myself, we were adjusting to being in each other's pockets 24/7 and being on buses and having a lack of sleep and a lack of food. There was that adjustment period. We struggled with getting the hang of the race." "It really knocks your confidence too when you come last. I'm not that competitive and Kola hated that about me," she laughed, adding when you come last, it was more so that I felt like I was letting Kola down." Finally, asked whether shed do it all again if asked, Mary Ellen was unequivocal in her answer: "In a heartbeat, I'd do it again. It's a number one life highlight so far. It's going to be a tough year to beat. Yes, the buses etc were tough but it's those moments when you're on a dune buggy on a blue sand dune that you realise it was all worth it." An animal welfare centre in Co Leitrim has issued an appeal to help two dogs believed to have been abandoned just days before Christmas. An animal welfare centre in Co Leitrim has issued an appeal to help two dogs believed to have been abandoned just days before Christmas. On the night before Christmas Eve, two cocker spaniels were found in the Bornacoola area of Co Leitrim having strayed to a house seeking refuge. The kind family who found them took them in and tried to find their owner, but to no avail. They have been in the care of Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre since Friday. The female spaniel is completely black with a grey muzzle and is not spayed. She is microchipped but it is not registered. She is missing 1/4 of her tail. The brown male spaniel is not microchipped or neutered. An animal welfare centre in Co Leitrim has issued an appeal to help two dogs believed to have been abandoned just days before Christmas. A spokesperson for the Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre said the staff are doing everything they can to help them feel safe and loved but are hoping to find their owners. Christmas is a time to show love and care, but sadly, for these two sweet Spaniels, the holiday season has taken a heartbreaking turn. "The night before Christmas Eve, on December 23, this adorable pair was found in the Bornacoola area, having strayed to a house seeking refuge. "It appears they were abandoned. One of the dogs has a deep wound on her head and eye infection that we are currently treating, but both are safe and warm with us now. "One of the dogs is microchipped, but unfortunately, the chip isnt registered, making it harder to track down their owner. We are reaching out to the community: Do you recognise these two Spaniels or know who they might belong to as no dog deserved to be abandoned. Follow Independent Leitrim on Facebook If you have any information, please contact us at 085 864 5366. Lets make sure they get the second chance they deserve, especially during this season of kindness and giving. State papers show officials dismissed the original Omeath-Warrenpoint bridge proposal in the 1970s due to low projected traffic numbers, with the project finally getting underway in 2024 at a cost of 102 million A view of the new narrow water bridge construction site towards the Warrenpoint Road. Photo by Ken Finegan/Newspics Photography Newly declassified State papers reveal that the cost of building a bridge at Narrow Water fifty years ago would have been 500,000 but the project didnt get off the ground as officials believed that funding would be made available. By the time the project eventually got under way last year, the cost of the bridge had soared to 87million or 102million. The files show that a proposal from Louth County Council for a bridge between Omeath and Warrenpoint was included in a file called Schemes for new roads and bridges across the Northern Ireland/Eire border. It was estimated that the total cost would be 500,000 with 200,000 to come from Northern Ireland. Concerns were expressed about the feasibility of the project, with the file stating that Fifteen hundred vehicles per day as the maximum summer usage is probably a reasonable estimate. The winter usage could exceed the 250 stated and would probably be around 1,000 especially if a high percentage of the Carlingford Omeath traffic used the crossing to take advantage of the dual carriageway to Newry. Traffic on the existing Newry to Omeath road would probably drop on the length from Narrow Water to Newry. A view of the new narrow water bridge construction site towards the Warrenpoint Road. Photo by Ken Finegan/Newspics Photography Ireland blamed Northern Ireland Office for damaging leaks, with an official saying that while the proposal is most attractive from a tourist point of view and is worthy of further consideration in the future, he didnt see money being made available for the work. Another report outlined that the crossing point from Northern Ireland would be the most southerly location clear of the Warrenpoint harbour and industrial sites. Regarding the tourist potential of the proposed project, the report says: There might be little Northern usage of such a link since the main car trip passes through Newry in any case. Only a small percentage of the Mourne tourist trip is round Ireland and of that only a proportion might wish to use the bridge in preference to bypassing the scenery Warrenpoint/Newry/Omeath which is itself as unique as much of the traditional Mourne circuit. Perhaps 200 trips per day summer. In all perhaps the maximum daily number usage might be in the order of about 1000-1500 with this falling to less than 250 in the winter. The report concludes: The likely usage appears to be too low to justify participation in such inessential expenditure, especially in the current financial scene and the competing work of infinitely greater necessity in Newry. If Louth County Council wish to pursue the idea of a Omeath/Warrenpoint link, perhaps they should examine the possibility of introducing a car ferry. The Northern contribution to such a venture could perhaps be the provision of a slipway at Warrenpoint commercial risk and profits (if any) to Louth County Council. At a ceremony to mark the commencement of work on the the 195m cable-stayed bridge which will connect Cornamucklagh near Omeath, with Narrow Water near Warrenpoint, Louth County Councils then CEO Joan Martin said the project had been on the books Louth County Councils since 1973/74, at the height of The Troubles, and they had come together with Newry and Mourne District Council to campaign for it. She had praised the late Cllrs Tommy Elmore, Terry Brennan and Micheal ODonnell who had the vision of what the bridge could do for the area. The business took home two awards on the night. Smyths Homevalue in Enniscorthy had a lot to celebrate as not only were they named the Best Paint Store in Leinster,' but they also took home the award for being the Best Paint Store in Ireland at the United in Excellence Awards 2024. The United in Excellence awards recognises the very best standards in the hardware sector with a number of businesses across Ireland being honoured for achieving exceptional standards in retail. Smyth's Homevalue started out as a small 1,000sq ft store and has grown expeditiously over the years to become a 16,000sq ft store. Jack and Anna Kavanagh bought the business from the Smyth family in 1979, with their son Dermot and his wife Betty taking over in 1990. Owner Dermot Kavanagh thanked customers for their continuous loyalty over the years. "A huge thank you to our incredible team, supportive suppliers, and amazing customers this wouldnt be possible without you, he said. One of these customers took to social media to say that they were not surprised by the outcome of the awards. "Not surprised to be honest. A great team and very helpful and friendly to boot. Everyone in Smyths are fantastic and so customer aware. Customer service is second to none, she wrote. As part of the nomination process, every group member store across the entire network must comply with a strict set of criteria, to ensure that the highest possible standards are continuously upheld. This involves an assessment by Store Operations which also includes an independent mystery shopper audit by an external third party. Paul Candon, Group CEO, United Hardware said: Our United in Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate best-in-class offerings, standards and customer service across the hardware industry." Manus Flynn had his hair shaved by his father Mr Flynn, an engineering teacher at the school. FCJ Bunclody student Manus Flynn has made a very big change in aid of a good cause by having his hair shaved off in return for donations to Concern Worldwide. Concern is an international humanitarian organisation that strives for a world free from poverty, fear and oppression. They deliver life-saving and life-changing interventions to the world's poorest and most vulnerable people, going to the hardest to reach places to make sure that no-one is left behind. "I picked Concern Worldwide as my charity of choice due to its history of action on a range of matters. The fact that it is based in Ireland was also a contributing factors. The money raised will go to help people around the world from Ukraine to Uganda, he said. "The world isn't a great place. I want to do something about it, he added. Manus also promised that if the donations passed the 1,500 mark he would don an Elvis suit for the occasion. Sure to his word, Manus took to the stage on Wednesday, December 18 in front of a large audience in his red and white suit after surpassing 3,000. It was also a family affair for Manus as his father Mr Flynn, who is also an Engineering teacher at the school, did the honours of shaving his head. He made sure to give his son a little teasing before getting down to business by brandishing a pair of hedge trimmers. Teacher Justin Kelly said that they were not surprised by their student's passion to help others at this festive time of the year. "This is so typical of Manus who is such a decent soul and selfless young man," he said. "As we have said already, what a selfless and compassionate thing to do, and really keeping in the name of the Christmas spirit too," he added. Those wanting to get involved and donate some money to his fundraiser can do so at justgiving.com. New Ross Wexford musician brings Dylan home as he prepares to recreate success of Oscar-nominated film Still touring at the age of 83 and with an Oscar-nominated film in his honour, Bob Dylan is showing no signs of slipping quietly into obscurity. Although his latest Rough and Rowdy tour has yet to see him schedule any Irish dates, those in need Zoe Daly of Wicklow-based ethical blanket brand Eriu won the Design and Crafts Council Award at Showcase 2024 for their baby blanket. Showcase is one of the countrys largest international trade shows. Over 3,350 buyers visit the event from across the world, including Ireland, the UK, the USA, Mainland Europe and the Far East, generating sales orders of over 25.6 million during the three days of the show. The LEO Wicklow visit takes place on Tuesday, January 21, and will include a tour of the Local Enterprise Showcase, located on the ground floor in RDS Hall 3 , The Serpentine Hall, as well as an exploration of the entire event. Showcase is presented on behalf of Design and Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide. More than 400 Irish brands are exhibited at the fair, including emerging Irish businesses supported by their Local Enterprise Offices. Designers and craft makers at Showcase present a diverse range of contemporary and heritage collections. The event highlights innovation, quality, sustainability, and unique offerings that appeal to retail buyers worldwide. The LEO Wicklow team will guide you through the event, providing insights and support to help you prepare for future participation as an exhibitor at Showcase or similar trade fairs. LEO Wicklow also plan to host a one-hour webinar to help you prepare for the visit and highlight key aspects to watch for during the event. The date is to be confirmed. The guided visit is free but you must first book your place by visiting the LEO Wicklow website. The schedule for the completion of works to turn the Abbey Grounds in Wicklow town into a multi-functional event space has been moved back to February due to prolonged periods of poor weather. In May of 2021, agreement was reached over the transfer of the Abbey Grounds to Wicklow County Council, after parishioners were asked for their input, following on from an allocation from Failte Ireland to Wicklow County Council. The plan is to develop the Abbey Grounds into an event space so it acts as more of a multi-functional public space. Windows have been installed, which allowed for first-fix electrical works to commence on December 9. Detailed designs still progressing for the Amphitheatre and performance area. Siberian Larch finish for new buildings have also now been installed. Connection agreements with utility providers have been progressed. Both water and sewer connections now installed and the utilities connection is currently progressing on site. Works for a new pedestrian entrance alongside the completed service entrance onto Wentworth Place started on December 2. Works for new entrance to Parochial House are also now complete. Princess Dianas brother, Charles Spencer, had a long-term mistress and ended his relationship with his wife of 13 years over text, court papers allege. Countess Karen Spencer has accused her husband Earl Spencer of likely having had an affair with Norwegian archaeologist Dr Cat Jarman since 2021, the Daily Mail reports. Mr Spencer (60) confirmed his relationship with Jarman (42) earlier this year. Mr Spencer revealed they met when Dr Jarman came to dig up a Roman villa on his land. Ms Spencer, a social entrepreneur from Canada, became Mr Spencers third wife in 2011 and they have an 11-year-old daughter, Charlotte Diana. High Court papers reveal an email that Ms Spencer reportedly wrote to Dr Jarman in May this year. First of all as a woman, I just have to tell you that I am so disappointed in you. Turning all of the childrens lives upside down like this is so unbelievably immoral, it read. The email went on to say: Good luck Cat, youre in for a hell of a ride. I think that youll 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. Mr Spencer completely refused to explain to Ms Spencer why the relationship had ended, it is claimed, leaving her helpless and confused. The allegations were revealed as part of a legal defence launched by Ms Spencer against a High Court claim brought by Dr Jarman in October. It has not yet come to trial. Dr Jarman alleges that Ms Spencer (52) caused her distress, upset and embarrassment by revealing her private secrets. But Ms Spencer says that her disclosures were justified and legitimate after how she was allegedly treated. Ms Spencers lawyers wrote in her defence that she discovered her husbands alleged 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). Mr Spencer dismissed his estranged wifes claims as absurd. He told the Daily Mail: 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 March 18 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. LATEST | Driver (42) in New Orleans terrorist attack that left 10 dead and 35 injured had Islamic State flag in vehicle, FBI says Suspect killed in shootout with policeDriver swerved around barricades, fired at policeTruck hit people celebrating New Year in French QuarterFBI investigates attack as potential terrorism act 10 dead, 30 injured after car ploughs into crowd in New Orleans Kevin McGill and Gerald Herbert Wed 1 Jan 2025 at 19:53 The suspect who drove a vehicle at high speed into a crowd of revellers in New Orleans on New Year's Day was killed after a firefight with police, law enforcement officials have said. The Indo Daily: Why is even the mention of water charges like playing with fire for politicians? The murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, last month in New York was one of the most high-profile killings of 2024. But to the shock of many, including UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of the insurance provider, the murder of Thompson was widely 'celebrated' on social media, and the murderer, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, was hailed as a hero. CREDIT: AP Why UnitedHealthcare CEO's murder was celebrated Many have pointed out that the growing anger against insurance companies in the US for the denial of claims to patients, often on trivial grounds, led to the killing of Thompson. UnitedHealthcare, the largest health insurer in the United States, also has one of the highest claim denial rates in the country, often resulting in patients not being able to get the treatment they require. CREDIT: REUTERS UnitedHealthcare's shocking denial of claim Zachary Levy, an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery and Emergency Medicine at Hofstra University, recently took to X to narrate an incident where one of his patients was denied her claim by UnitedHealthcare. "United Healthcare just denied a claim on one of my patients in the ICU with a brain haemorrhage, in a coma, on a ventilator, in heart failure, because I haven't proven to them that caring for her in the hospital was 'medically necessary,'" he wrote on X. United Healthcare @UHC just denied a claim on one of my patients in the ICU with: -- a brain hemorrhage -- in a coma -- on a ventilator -- in heart failure ...because I haven't proven to them that caring for her in the hospital was "medically necessary". Tear it all down. Zachary D Levy MD (@ZLevyMD) December 31, 2024 Many reacted with shock to the post, while some shared their own experiences of their insurance claims being denied by UnitedHealthcare. Also read: Four Luigi Mangione documentaries are already in the works, 'fans' get tattoos of the UnitedHealthcare CEO killer Employees trained to deny claims Recently, a former employee of UnitedHealthcare told a US media outlet that the insurance provider had systematically trained its staff to deny medical claims and rush distressed customers off phone lines. CREDIT: AP UnitedHealthcare expecting record profits this year Meanwhile, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty has told executives that the company is expected to smash financial records this year. Witty reportedly quietly informed the news about record profits as UnitedHealth Group is under scrutiny for its practices. CREDIT: REUTERS Following the killing of Thompson, there were reports that many top executives of the company have removed their profiles from UnitedHealthcare's website in fear of being targeted. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. RJ Simran, the beloved "Jammu Ki Dhadkan," was a vibrant voice in the lives of her fans. Tragically, her journey ended at just 25 when she was found dead in her Gurugram apartment. While the police ruled her death as suicide, the internet is ablaze with theories linking her demise to YouTuber Purav Jha, her rumoured ex. Gurgaon Suicide Case Videos of YouTuber Purav Jha and his alleged live-in partner, RJ Simran Singh, have gone viral on social media following her suspected suicide. However, Purav Jha has remained silent on the matter so far. pic.twitter.com/uxojIYl0sW Greater Noida West (@GreaterNoidaW) December 30, 2024 The alleged love story of Simran and Purav Simran and Purav reportedly shared a close bond that fans interpreted as something more. Their whirlwind friendship took them to Dubai, where they appeared inseparable, sharing snippets of their glamorous trip online. However, things soon took a bitter turn. Not only did the duo unfollow each other on Instagram, but they also wiped all traces of their shared memories. While no official confirmation ever came about their relationship, fans were quick to label it a breakup. In the aftermath of Simran's death, Purav's name has resurfaced as netizens speculate about his role in her life and its potential impact on her mental health. Some fans have accused him of being the reason for her struggles, while others urge caution, reminding everyone that these are baseless assumptions. Purav Jha's Instagram post for RJ Simran The drama took a wild turn when Purav Jha dropped an emotional tribute post for RJ Simran on Instagram, calling her his "best friend." In the post, Purav shared a throwback photo with Simran and a couple of sweet videos showcasing their adorable bond. He wrote about how he can't stop seeing her smiling face every time he closes his eyes and even revealed that Simran used to tease him with nicknames and promised to find him a "good girl." But here's the kickerhe referred to her as behen multiple times, leaving Simran's fans furious and absolutely fuming in the comments. RJ Simran fans slam Purav Jha The backlash was instant and intense. Netizens called Purav out, accusing him of pulling a "PR move" and questioning why he tagged Simran as his sister after their alleged romance rumours. Some fans even brought up his shady behavior, asking why he unfollowed her and wiped all their posts together from his profile. To add fuel to the fire, rumours swirled that Purav had been quietly deleting critical comments. While a few supporters defended him, claiming the duo shared a platonic bond, the controversy has left the internet divided and buzzing with questions about what really went down between them. The last reel of Simran Simran's last Instagram post, a Reel shared days before her passing, has taken on a chilling significance. Dressed in a dreamy blush pink gown, her laughter and carefree demeanor masked the turmoil within. Her caption, referencing "the girl with endless giggles," now feels like a poignant cry for help. Fans have flooded the post with comments, many dragging Purav's name into the conversation. The internet speaks: speculation or truth? Social media users are split over the Purav Jha angle. Some accuse him of ghosting Simran after their alleged romance, while others call out the toxicity of jumping to conclusions without evidence. The lack of an FIR or statement from Simran's family has left much of the story untold, creating a breeding ground for rumours. As the internet debates the truth behind RJ Simran's death, one thing is clear: the real story lies beyond the speculations. While Purav Jha remains in the spotlight, let's not forget the importance of empathy and mental health awareness in times like these. New Year is here, and as we embrace 2025, a heartwarming story has grabbed the internets attention on the first day of the year. A touching tale follows a woman travelling to Thailand, where she encounters a monk who, despite the language barrier, uses Google Translate to communicate with the woman. The woman shared a series of photos to describe how a monk used translation technology to communicate with the traveller. Alongside this, the woman also captured the monks profound words of wisdom that bridge their cultural and linguistic differences. Viral conversation between the monk and the woman spreads positivity The woman in her viral post expressed that she earlier posted the photos on TikTok, but later she decided to share them with her Instagram fam. In which she mentioned that the gesture serves as a reminder for 2025. Thank you 2024 for all the memories good or bad. My encounter with the monk brought so much positivity on Tiktok, might as well I post it here. May we all have the happiness and peace that we prayed for, she added. The series of pictures shared by the woman showed the monk and the phone screen with the translated words on it. Heres how netizens react on social media The post left netizens emotional about how incredible the interaction was between the monk and the traveller. One expressed, Wow incredible words, wrote an Instagram user. While another added, If you have any more from him, please share. incredible, third described the interaction and others reacted to the post with heart emoticons. If you have any more from him, please share, one user expressed. The pictures were shared by the woman who met the monk during her visit in Thailand and included the natural wonders of the country, interaction with the locals, and delicious food. The woman met the monk while visiting Thailand. She also shared a series of photos on her Instagram to give a glimpse of her visit. The pictures include the natural wonders of the country, interaction with locals, and delicious food. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Abu Dhabi wowed the world with an incredible New Year's Eve celebration, showcasing the largest fireworks display at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba. The magnificent performance, which lasted 50 minutes, thrilled onlookers and established six new Guinness World Records. Along with the pyrotechnics, a fascinating 6,000-drone display lighted the skies for more than 20 minutes, creating exquisite airborne art that left observers in amazement. Abu Dhabi welcomes 2025 with a world record The festival's grand finale created anticipation with fireworks displays every hour beginning at 6 p.m., culminating in a record-breaking midnight show that lit up the Emirati city. Several renowned landmarks in Abu Dhabi, like Yas Island and the Corniche, participated in the celebrations with their own spectacular fireworks displays. Videos of the event filled social media, capturing the colourful energy and magnificent views as pyrotechnics lit up the night sky. The celebrations showed Abu Dhabi's determination to break its records. Abu Dhabi set to break world record with staggering 53 minute non-stop New Years fireworks display. pic.twitter.com/2Xd5vhDbPC Oli London (@OliLondonTV) December 31, 2024 In 2023, the Sheikh Zayed Festival made global headlines with a 40-minute fireworks display that set three Guinness World Records for time, formation, and quantity. Last year, the festival built the world's largest airborne logo with over 5,000 drones. This year, Yas Island featured its legendary fireworks displays between 9 p.m. and midnight, with stunning views from Samaliyah Island, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Marina, and Yas Beach. The Abu Dhabi Corniche contributed to the festivities with its display, which is best seen from Corniche Beach, Lulu Island, and the MOTN Festival. The New Year's celebrations were not restricted to the capital. Other areas in Abu Dhabi, including Madinat Zayed Public Park, Ghayathi, Al Mughira Beach, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, and the Liwa Festival, saw brilliant fireworks light up the night. Also read: Happy New Year 2025: 5 resolutions that can help you turn your life around To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Traffic challans worth Rs 89 lakh were issued in Mumbai on New Year's Eve as cops in Maximum City maintained a watchful eye on revellers breaching traffic laws. E-challans were issued for a total of 17,800 traffic violations as Mumbai welcomed 2025 with magnificent celebrations. The city's traffic police detailed the various infractions for which guilty drivers were punished. A total of 17,800 traffic violations were issued Credit: Pexels This list includes 2,893 occurrences of obstructing traffic, 1,923 cases of riding without a helmet, and 1,731 cases of jumping traffic signals. The list includes 1,976 examples of refusal to operate public transport vehicles. 842 challans were issued for exceeding the speed limit, and 432 for failing to wear a seatbelt. Last night, 153 challans were issued for drunk driving, with 109 for using a phone while driving. Triple riding and driving on the wrong side resulted in 123 and 40 challans, respectively. There were two challans issued for unsafe driving. The entire amount of challans issued is Rs 89,19,750. Earlier, Mumbai police announced that eight Additional Commissioners, 29 Deputy Commissioners, 53 Assistant Commissioners, 2184 Inspectors and more than 12,000 constables would be on the streets to ensure a fun yet safe New Year's Eve. Several checkpoints had been set up to identify intoxicated drivers and increase patrols in congested areas. In other big cities, including as Delhi and Bengaluru, police devised intricate plans to ensure road safety and detect inebriated drivers and troublemakers. Also read: Happy New Year wishes 2025: 65+ Beautiful New Year messages and status for girlfriend and boyfriend To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Internet's new heartthrob Yoo Yeon Seok is making all the buzz, and now we have data to prove it. The actor's career has seen a significant turn for the better, thanks to his starring role in the 2024 MBC mystery thriller When the Phone Rings, also starring Chae Soo Bin. The show's massive success has catapulted him to new heights, not only in South Korea but also globally. As of the latest update on New Year's Eve, Yoo Yeon Seok has topped the Good Data Corporation's 'K-Content Online BuzzWorthiness' chart. He has also dominated the Drama Performers BuzzWorthiness Top 10 list, securing the number one spot and outshining Lee Jung Jae, who plays the protagonist in the highly acclaimed Squid Game Season 2. Yoo Yeon Seok emerges as the undisputed king of K-content Yoo Yeon Seok has the internet in a chokehold as Baek Sae On continues to win hearts online. Thanks to his character's global popularity, the actor has now surpassed some of the biggest names in the K-drama industry in the latest buzz rankings. Despite facing stiff competition from the star-studded cast of Squid Game Season 2, including Lee Jung Jae, Choi Seung Hyun, Gong Yoo, and Lee Byung Hun, he managed to secure the top spot on the Drama Performers BuzzWorthiness chart. Chae Soo Bin also finds a spot in the Top 5 Chae Soo Bin, who stars as the female lead in When the Phone Rings, also had an impressive showing, landing at #4 on the chart. Meanwhile, Lim Ji Yeon from The Tale of Lady Ok trailed closely behind Yoo Yeon Seok at #2, with only a slight margin separating them in the rankings. While Lee Jung Jae was in the third spot, Choo Young Woo, Lim Ji Yeon's co-star in The Tale of Lady Ok, ranked 5th in the coveted list. Squid Game remains the most buzzworthy drama While Yoo Yeon Seok individually reigned supreme on the Drama Performers BuzzWorthiness chart, the Netflix series Squid Game Season 2 continued to dominate the TV-OTT buzzworthy rankings. The show's premiere on December 26 garnered a staggering 54.36% buzzworthiness score, while Yoo Yeon Seok's own drama, When the Phone Rings, came in second with a respectable 9.30% score. Top 10 most buzz-worthy dramas of December Week 4 Credit: Good Data Corporation Korea Top 10 most buzz-worthy performers of December Week 4 Credit: Good Data Corporation Korea For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Greece assumes its position as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council as of today (Jan. 1, 2025), at particularly critical times, Foreign Affairs Minister George Gerapetritis said in a message on the term's start. "Greece becomes, in practice, a joint producer of international policy for the architecture of global security , with a substantive say, role, and responsibility in international developments,"noted. "Committed to exercising a foreign policy of principles and values and to International Law, Greece looks forward to working as a factor of stability, to become a bridge between North and South, East and West, and to contribute to the restoration of the real meaning of the dictate for a peaceful resolution of differences," he added. Gerapetritis concludes, "With a view to protecting the Organization's purpose, in other words to unite all nations of the world so that they work for peace, in our two-year term we shall proceed towards bilateral and multilateral synergies with all United Nations member states, promoting multilateral diplomacy and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations." iefimerida.gr Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis paid a visit on Wednesday (New Year's Day) to the EKAV emergency ambulance service headquarters, accompanied by Deputy Minister Marios Themistocleous and Secretary General Lilian Venetia Vildiridi. In social media posts, Georgiadis said they cut two New Year's cakes with staff on call and at the offices. The minister also noted they paid a visit to hospitals on call this particular day, starting with Sismanoglio Hospital and moving on to KAT, at both of which they spoke with patients, doctors, and nurses in the emergency wards. They also paid a visit to 112 Combat Wing in Elefsina, where EKAV's emergency airlifts are based. At Elefsina military airport, the minister thanked the Stavros Niarchos Foundation for its donation of airplanes and helicopters, with a third aircraft/ambulance expected to go into operation in 2025. At the Thriassio Hospital in West Attica, he said he was particularly happy that the Recovery Fund- and NSRF-funded projects are all on target. iefimerida.gr The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is optimistic about its chances in the 2027 elections, as its acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, is hoping that former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, will return to the Party. Damagum stated that despite Kwankwasos criticism of the PDP, describing it as a dead party, he believes the former Governor will rejoin the party to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the next election. A person can express his opinion, but I want to remind him of the past when they left the PDP in 2015. If she (PDP) was not dead, then when they felt they had harmed her, then I see no reason to say she is dead now, Damagum said. Advertisement READ ALSO: Liar At 80 Years Cant Be Entrusted With Leadership Kwankwaso Criticizes Atikus Ambition Damagum emphasized the PDPs resilience, noting that it is the only party that can win elections without being in power. He also acknowledged Kwankwasos frustrations with the party but believes there is no better platform for him than the PDP. The party nurtured his political career and brought him to where he is today. We hope he will return to work with us to rebuild the party and confront this oppressive government, Damagum added. Kwankwaso has been in and out of the PDP since 2015 and was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections. Otunba Segun Showunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dismantle his economic team, citing concerns over its lack of diversity and pro-Yoruba bias. Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Tuesday, Showunmi described the economic team as careless in managing the countrys diversity. They have not balanced their cabinet in a way that sensible people who are not bigots can accept that they have tried to be inclusive, he said. Advertisement Showunmi also criticized the administrations economic policies, particularly the devaluation of the naira, which he claimed has impoverished many Nigerians. He accused the government of running a beggarly economy by constantly providing palliatives to citizens instead of addressing the economys fundamental issues. READ ALSO: Tinubu Responsible For Crisis In PDP, Wikes Appointment Is Political Segun Sowunmi The PDP chieftain cautioned that the economic teams composition, which he believes favors one ethnic group, is detrimental to the countrys federalism. Any government that takes all the finance infrastructure, all the revenue infrastructure, all the spending infrastructure, and the leadership of same to be in one ethnic group, will be wrong for the nature of our own type of federalism, he said. Showunmi urged President Tinubu to dismantle the economic team, stating, He should dismantle that economic team that is too pro-Yoruba as a way of letting people know that he is not doing it because he wants to favour (Yorubas). After all, their policies have not favoured us other than it has impacted on others. Additionally, Showunmi tackled the Tinubu-led ECOWAS on its handling of the crisis that led to Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso withdrawing from the regional body, describing it as amateurish. He emphasized the importance of reorienting citizens on the dangers of electing individuals with questionable wealth or integrity into leadership positions. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that recent stampede killings which happened in some parts of the country not only limited to Nigeria alone. The minister, while speaking on Channels TV on Tuesday, blamed organisers for poor officiating of the horrible events. Recall that 35 children were killed on the 18th of December, 2024, at a palliative distribution in Ibadan, Oyo State. Advertisement Barely few days, a related incident happened in Abuja and Anambra State, where 32 persons lost their lives. READ MORE: Stampede: Organisers Havent Done Anything Wrong Primate Ayodele Seeks Release Of Popular Broadcaster, Ex Oonis Queen Reacting to the unfortunate incidents, the Minister said that federal government distributes relief materials more than private individuals yet no stampede has been experienced in government programmes. He said: Stampedes have taken place in more developed countries than Nigeria. If you recall Hurricane Katrina in the US when they had food distribution because of poor organisation, they had stampede. Also, in the school food distribution in Texas, in the US, the same thing happened. It has happened in several countries that are more developed than Nigeria, where you have poor organisation. We distribute relief materials more than private individuals yet no stampede has been experienced in government programmes. He urged private individuals and organizations interested in distributing relief items to collaborate with the ministry to ensure proper organization and avoid such tragedies in the future. As Nigerians welcome the New Year, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday, urged citizens to embrace unity, accountability, and vigilance in 2025. In a New Year message, Atiku emphasized the importance of civic participation and collective efforts to guard against governmental overreach and division. According to Atiku, this year marks an opportunity to reshape and redefine our national dialogue. Advertisement He stressed that Nigerians must remain resolute in holding leaders accountable and preventing any misuse of power that could erode freedoms and values. Atiku acknowledged the challenges of 2024 but expressed gratitude for the resilience that has guided Nigerians through difficult times. He praised the nations unwavering faith and divine protection as sources of strength, saying the past years trials have strengthened our resolve. READ ALSO: Liar At 80 Years Cant Be Entrusted With Leadership Kwankwaso Criticizes Atikus Ambition The former Vice President called on Nigerians to work collectively toward prosperity and to guard against divisions along ethnic or religious lines. He further stressed the need to restrain governmental overreach and ensure leadership power is not abused. Atiku also expressed hope for an economic revival, saying may this year bring a revitalized economy, allowing Nigerians to breathe freely and live without the constant strain of financial struggles. In conclusion, Atiku urged Nigerians to celebrate the New Year with gratitude while remembering those who have suffered or lost their lives due to the nations ongoing challenges. Let us honor their memory by committing to unity and good governance, he added. Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has reiterated his position over the proposed tax reform bill by President Bola Tinubu, saying that he cannot be intimidated. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that Governor Balas statement is coming, amid ongoing loggerhead between Tinubu and some northern stakeholders over the controversial bill. Speaking on Channels Televisions 2024 Year-End Review programme, on Tuesday, the Bauchi Governor said that his comments were not meant to insult but to advocate for fairness and equity. Advertisement READ MORE: Tinubus Speech Was Empty, Protest A wake Up Call To Northern Leaders Bala Mohammed He accused Presidency of arrogance and urged Tinubu to consider the concerns of all stakeholders, warning that the proposed tax bills, if passed, could impoverish sub-national governments and harm the survival of states without major corporate headquarters. Governor Bala said: I cannot be threatened as a governor. I stand by my comments. It is not meant to malign, insult or to do anything to the contrary other than mean well. We believe that as the leader of the federation and all other federating units, they should listen to us, not to be arrogant and showing some elements of impunity that whatever happens, they would go ahead. Recall that Bala had described the bills as a potential catalyst for anarchy and insisted that the presidency must engage constructively with the concerns raised by governors. Reacting to his statement, the presidency dismissed the Bauchi Governors comments as inflammatory rhetoric and demanded a retraction, describing his statements as threats to the federal government. The Ogun State Police Command has arrested Kehinde Yemitan, a suspected murderer and ritualist, in the Ilogbo Ota community. According to DAILY POST, the suspects twin brother, Taiwo, was detained on December 22 alongside Kazeem for murdering and dismembering a commercial sex worker named Darasimi. The victim was lured to their home, where she was later murdered. Advertisement Kehinde, one of the conspirators, had been on a police watch list prior to his detention. READ MORE: Mother, Two Children Survive After Vehicle Crashes Into Living Room In Jigawa On Tuesday, the commands spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the arrest, stating that the police surveillance team, in collaboration with the So Safe Corps, had been monitoring Kehinde until intelligence pinpointed his hideout on Monday. Odutola said: On December 30, 2024, at about 5 pm, the Divisional Police Officer of Sango Ota received a tip from a volunteer informant indicating that Kehinde Yemitan, the twin brother of Taiwo Yemitian, was hiding in the Ilogbo community. The Police launched a manhunt for Kehinde in connection with murder and the mutilation of the head of one Darasimi, surname unknown, on December 22, 2024, when his twin brother Taiwo Yemitan and Kazeem were arrested at about 1:40 am by the Divisional Police Officer of Lafenwa after the duo lured their victim, Darasimi, a night sex worker in Abeokuta, to their house for ritual purposes. Following this information, a surveillance team, in collaboration with the So Safe Corps, promptly mobilised to the community and apprehended the suspect. He admitted to conspiring with others to carry out the crime in Abeokuta. Several community members also confirmed his involvement in criminal activities. Odutola disclosed that the suspect had been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, on Wednesday, defended the Presidents stance on the proposed tax reform bills. Bwala in an interview on Channels Television stated that Tinubu is being blackmailed by critics, particularly Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who accused the President of ignoring public concerns over the bills. Mohammed warned that the bills could have severe consequences on the financial stability of States and exacerbate the hardship faced by Nigerians. Advertisement We believe that as the leader of the federation and all other federating units, they should listen to us, not act arrogantly, or show impunity as though they can proceed regardless, Mohammed had said. Bwala countered that the presidents actions demonstrate responsiveness to Nigerians and that Tinubu has not bypassed democratic processes to push through the reforms. READ ALSO: Withdraw Tax Reform Bills From NASS NLC Tells Tinubu, Calls For Better Consultations He emphasized that Governors critical of the reforms should engage lawmakers from their states to express their concerns, rather than attributing blame to the President. The part I disagreed with him (Bauchi governor) is that he created the insinuation that the president does not listen, Bwala said. If a group of Governors does not get the President to do their bidding, it does not mean he is not responding to Nigerians because the Governors are 37 including the FCT ministers but Nigerians are over 200 million. Bwala noted that the proposed legislations, comprising the Nigeria tax bill, Nigeria tax administration bill, Nigeria revenue service establishment bill, and the joint revenue board establishment bill, are under the purview of the National Assembly. He stressed that the President is not a lawmaker and that the bills passage will ultimately depend on the National Assemblys deliberations and voting process. The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended two individuals, Michael Onyedikachi and his accomplice Akachukwu Benedict, in connection with an online scam that targeted a Nigerian residing in Canada. The command revealed that the case involved Sandra Austin, a Nigerian living in Ontario, Canada, who was tricked by the suspects into transferring N110m over the course of two years. Grace Iringe-Koko, the commands spokesperson, confirmed this in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. Advertisement Iringe-Koko explained that the scam began in February 2022 when Sandra received a friend request on Facebook from an account named Engineer Desmond Chibuike Okechukwu. The statement read, Initially hesitant, Sandra eventually accepted the request, which led to frequent exchanges of messages. The individual behind the account posed as an engineer capable of assisting her in constructing properties in Nigeria. The fraud escalated when the suspect persuaded Sandra to move their conversations to WhatsApp, where he shared photos of luxury homes he claimed to have built in upscale areas like Ajah, Lagos. Sandra expressed interest in one of the showcased properties, which the scammer claimed would cost N150m. Trusting his claims, she transferred a total of N110m to a provided bank account between 2022 and 2024. After making a final payment of N30m, she was abruptly blocked from all communication channels. READ MORE: 929 Suspects Arrested As NDLEA Intercepts 2.6 Tonnes Of Hard Drugs In Kwara The scam caused Sandras blood pressure to rise significantly, leading to her hospitalization. Determined to seek justice, she reached out to her family in Nigeria, who then reported the incident to the police. After a petition was submitted to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, the case was handed over to the C4i Intelligence Unit in Port Harcourt for a thorough investigation. The statement continued, The suspects attempted to intimidate Sandra to deter her from involving the authorities. However, the operatives, through intelligence-led policing, apprehended two suspects. The first suspect, 29-year-old Michael Onyedikachi from Nkanu West LGA in Enugu State, was apprehended on 14 August 2024 at his bungalow in Ama-Okponike, Enugu. Iringe-Koko revealed that Michael confessed to setting up the fake Engineer Desmond account and using images of construction projects he had downloaded to deceive Sandra. She added, Michael spent eight months in Accra, Ghana, learning online fraud techniques. During his arrest, a shrine believed to be linked to his fraudulent activities was discovered in his residence. Following Michaels arrest, his accomplice, 29-year-old Akachukwu Benedict from Ngo-Okpala LGA, Imo State, was apprehended on 16 August 2024. Akachukwu was found in a hotel suite in Enugu, where he had made a year-long booking. He admitted to introducing Michael to online fraud in 2022 and confessed to defrauding an American woman of $600 in 2021. The suspects disclosed that they used cloned SIM cards and cryptocurrency wallets to evade detection. Items recovered from them included a Toyota Corolla, land documents, laptops, and mobile phones. The police indicated that investigations are ongoing to catch other collaborators, and that the suspects will be charged in court once the inquiry is completed. The statement concluded: The swift action by the C4i Intelligence Unit underscores their commitment to combating cybercrime and ensuring justice for victims. The Nigerian Labour Congress has tasked President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the controversial tax reform bills from the National Assembly. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the legislation, which has generated reactions across the nation, passed second reading in November 2024. Many stakeholders, especially from the northern part of the country, claimed that the bill will cause more damages than the advantages. Advertisement They believed that it is meant to cripple economy in the northern region. Speaking in his New Year message, the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero said that the need to withdraw the bills was based on the welfare of the Nigerian workers. He said: In 2025, hope is in our collective resolve. As we step into the year 2025, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, extends warm New Year greetings to every worker and citizen across our great nation. The challenges of survival we have faced as a people must not hold us down. Instead, let us find inner strength to build a collective resolve to drive Nigeria out of the morass of underdevelopment that has held it captive for far too long. No external power will deliver us from the scourge of economic hardship and stagnation. It is only through our collective effort and determination that we can propel our nation forward. We must build inner strength to find this collective resolve across the length and breadth of our great nation. This is our civic responsibility, one we must embrace with unwavering determination. We call on the government at all levels to ensure that governance translates into real benefits for the people. The welfare of the citizens remains the primary justification for the existence of any government. READ MORE: NLC Demands Reversal of Petrol Price Hike Access to food and nutrition, better healthcare, quality housing, education, transportation and greater security of lives and properties, including the right to participate in decisions on how they are ruled, are the key expectations of the people and workers. Policies must, therefore, reflect transparency, honesty, and inclusivity, devoid of chicanery, nepotism, and strong-arm tactics. To create a thriving, democratic nation, we need a system built on the tenets of social dialogue, allowing critical stakeholders to participate actively in nation-building. Such inclusiveness will foster deeper ownership of government policies, ensuring stability and sustainability. It is on this premise that we once again call on the federal government to withdraw its present tax bills before the National Assembly so that all key national stakeholders will be part of the process. As we embark on a national dialogue in Ibadan in January, 2025, we want to join hands in co-creating a new national tax law that would enjoy wider acceptance and fulfill its purpose of propelling national development which we believe is the main objective of government. The Cherry Hill school district has turned to a new pool of eager candidates to fill critical substitute teacher vacancies: parents. Like many districts around the country, Cherry Hill has faced a shortage of both full-time teachers and substitutes to keep schools running when teachers are absent. Advertisement In a move that could become a model for other school systems in the region, the Zone PTA for Cherry Hill Public Schools offered to recruit prospective substitute teachers from its ranks, and dozens of parents have already stepped up, said Carolina Bevad, a parent who spearheaded the initiative. READ MORE: Camden school district is offering a $10K signing bonus to recruit new teachers Since last year, Bevad said, the parent group has held several information sessions with ESS, one of the largest national school staffing services, for parents to learn how to become substitutes. Some parents already had the required 30 college credits and, after criminal background checks, were quickly placed in schools, she said. My goal is to get the word out to parents that substitute teaching is an amazing opportunity, said Bevad, who began substituting five years ago. It can help your community. You can make an impact. Substitutes make their own schedule and can even take half-day assignments, making it an appealing job for retirees, stay-at-home parents, or those considering a career in education, Bevad said. Parents can work exclusively in Cherry Hill or take assignments elsewhere if there are no vacancies in the district on a given day. Michelle Pacitti, a mother of three, became certified a year ago and accepted her first assignment in September when her youngest child entered kindergarten. After putting her children on the bus in the morning, she usually works at a nearby Cherry Hill school. I love it, said Pacitti, 39. I feel like Im helping. I wish more people would step up. Since the Zone PTAs recruitment began, more than 60 parents who attended a session have applied for a position, and about half have accepted substitute assignments at least once, said Brian Engle, vice president of operations for ESS, which provides more than 10,000 substitutes and paraprofessionals to New Jerseys K-12 schools. Its been very positive, Engle said. We will be looking to extend this elsewhere. READ MORE: Should New Jersey public schools restrict cell phones during class? A bill would require schools to create their own policies. In Cherry Hill, substitute positions pay between $145 and $169 a day, depending on the school assignment, Engle said. There are assignments for a day or two, or long-term positions, he said. In addition to earning the required 30 college credits, substitute candidates must undergo fingerprinting and provide education and health records, Engle said. Those who accept 25 assignments during the year can be reimbursed up to $125 for certification fees, he said. Were always looking for folks who want to come on board, Engle said. Theres still a need out there. Cherry Hill has a 92% fill rate, the percentage of daily teacher absences the district is able to cover with a substitute, Engle said. Without a substitute, other teachers are asked to cover the class, or an administrator fills in, said Superintendent Kwame Morton. Its always tough when teachers are absent, Morton said. He welcomes support from parents in the 11,000-student district, which has 19 schools, making it among the largest school systems in South Jersey. Morton said the pandemic has made it difficult to fill critical vacancies. Schools around the country have struggled to hire teachers for math, science, health and physical education, and English as a second language. In recent years, teachers have been leaving the profession at alarming rates, and enrollment in teaching programs has declined. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, lawmakers have taken steps to ease certificate requirements to get more teachers in the classroom and retain veteran educators. READ MORE: The number of Philly teachers without full certification has more than doubled. It comes at a cost. In addition to the need for substitutes, Cherry Hill still has openings for world language teachers for the current school year, Morton said. The district needs five Spanish teachers in its middle and high schools, he said. Pacitti said she substitutes about once or twice a week and enjoys assignments with different grade levels. One of her favorite assignments was filling in for an elementary school music teacher where she did a sing-along with students. I didnt think I would like it, she said with a chuckle. It was cool. Pacitti said she tries to be the type of substitute she would want in her childrens classes at James F. Cooper Elementary. She can accept assignments there, but not in their class. She said she might consider returning to college to obtain a teaching certificate when her children are older. Every day is something different, she said. I love teaching. It feels like Im important and not just a babysitter. A sketch from the Oct. 27, 1898, edition of The Philadelphia Inquirer shows an arch constructed over Broad Street to celebrate troops at the end of the Spanish American War. Read more On Aug. 12, 1898, the United States and Spain met in Washington, D.C., to sign a protocol for peace, effectively ending the Spanish-American War. Celebrations were held in Philadelphia in October to commemorate the end of the war, even though the official peace treaty, the Treaty of Paris, wasnt signed until December. One of the many things done to celebrate the troops was the construction of an arch over Broad Street in Center City. Advertisement But today, that arch is gone. Why was it built? Why was it destroyed? A reader asked these questions through Curious Philly, The Inquirers forum for answering questions. Philadelphias Peace Jubilee In the latter half of the 1800s, peace jubilees were popular in America. The first official one was the National Peace Jubilee held in Boston in June 1869. This jubilee celebrated the end of the Civil War, while aiming to promote peace across the United States. Another, the Worlds Peace Jubilee and International Musical Festival, was held in Boston three years later, according to the City of Philadelphias history blog. These two festivals were the inspiration behind Philadelphias Peace Jubilee, which honored the troops of the Spanish-American War. Planning began on Aug. 29, 1898, as then-Mayor Charles Warwick held a meeting to discuss how the city could recognize the soldiers in the war, according to the Free Library of Philadelphia. For three days in October, the City of Brotherly Love welcomed President William McKinley, over 25,000 troops including 10,500 Pennsylvanians and citizens from across the country to champion the outcomes of the Spanish-American War on parts of Broad Street and the Delaware River, according to an article published in the journal Nineteenth Century Studies and written by Cheryl Leibold, a retired archivist at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Why was the arch built? The arch was built as part of the main attraction for Philadelphias Peace Jubilee: the Court of Honor. The Court of Honor was where many of the main events occurred and various temporary monuments were placed. Parades passed through, speeches were held, and church services blessed the spectacle, according to the Oct. 27, 1898, edition of The Inquirer. A January 1899 edition of The Inquirer said the Court of Honor and its display was something Philadelphia had never seen before. When describing the Court of Honor, it added it awoke the spirit of beauty and love of the beautiful in the hearts of enthusiastic Philadelphians. The arch built near the intersection of Broad and Sansom Streets was a triumphal arch. Triumphal arches are used all across the globe to celebrate people or moments in history. Often, they are styled or influenced by ancient Roman arches used for the same purposes. The arch built in Philadelphia was no exception to this and was adorned with engravings of horseback riders, soldiers, and American heroes alongside statues of eagles supported by Corinthian columns, the type of columns that support buildings like the U.S. Capitol and the Supreme Court. Emblazoned on the apex of the arch was the word victory, while olive branches spelling peace sat the bottom, according to the Oct. 27, 1898, edition of The Inquirer. Who built the Court of Honor? Joseph M. Huston led the project to construct the Court of Honor. Huston, who was born in Philadelphia on Feb. 23, 1866, was responsible for leading other notable projects, including constructing the current Pennsylvania Capitol Building and the Witherspoon Building. Why was the arch taken down? The Inquirer reported in January 1899 that the public clamored for the temporary structure to remain, but instead, the arch was removed. On Nov. 5, 1898, The Inquirer reported the Court of Honor, including the arch, was to be taken completely down by Nov. 9. Our reporters and editors during the 19th century seem to have decided to not report why or if it actually happened on Nov. 9 or a different date, leaving the reason for its departure a mystery. A group from The Saints brigade, with the theme of Wheres Waldo, gather in front of the portal before the start of the Mummers Parade on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Read more They arrived en masse, the thousands of dress-wearing, face-painted clowns, leopards, and sparkling aliens, with golden slippers on their feet and drinks in their hands, descending on Philadelphias City Hall for a storied annual tradition. Who are these people? a little girl asked her mother on the sidewalk. Advertisement The Mummers. Spectators on Wednesday flocked to Broad Street for the 124th Mummers Parade, ringing in 2025 as more than 40 brigades strutted southward in the nations longest continuously running folk parade. Men, women, and children twirled down the street dressed as mimes, bumblebees, jesters, and Scooby-Doo characters, dipping parasols along the way. Despite overnight rain, New Years Day morning was relatively clear, with temperatures in the mid-40s. And while wind gusts made the air feel cooler and threatened to whisk away loose hats and costume accessories, spirits were high. Couples toted wagons filled with blankets and Twisted Teas. Others carried coffee mugs disguising their morning brews and booze. Coffee? a skeptical, clown-dressed wench asked a man. Champagne! the bearded gentleman cheered back. READ MORE: More photos of the 124th Philadelphia Mummers Parade Festivities continued despite the tragedy in New Orleans hours before, where a man drove his truck into a crowd of early morning New Years revelers on Bourbon Street, killing at least 15 and injuring dozens. The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism. The Philadelphia Police Department said in a statement that it was closely monitoring areas throughout the city, including the parade. And while department leadership, including Commissioner Kevin Bethel, attended the Mummers event, the department declined to say if additional officers had been deployed. Its tragic, but you cant live scared, said Tim Giffins, who watched the parade with his daughter and three grandsons. Brooks Davis felt similarly. We cant let it ruin the holidays, said Davis, 30, who toted his 6-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son outside before the freezing winter temperatures return this week. For DAngelo Sanders, 28, and Paolo Carino, 31, the parade was a surprise. Walking their Bernese mountain dog near their Center City apartment, they followed the music and joined the crowd. After living in Philadelphia for three years, they said, this was their first time seeing the parade. What is this? What are they doing? Its cool, but Im also very confused, Sanders said. The parades roots trace back to New Years traditions brought to the city by Swedish, Finnish, Irish, German, English, and African immigrants. Though the parade kicked off at 9 a.m., most troupes initiated their celebrations hours earlier. A group of blue and white clowns from the Barrels Brigade, of the Landi Comics in South Philadelphia, filtered into Snyder Station on SEPTAs Broad Street Line shortly after 8:30 a.m., bouncing to music, with red wine stains on their teeth and half-empty beers in hand. Its cool but Im also very confused. DAngelo Sanders Michael Caruso, carrying a box of Surfsides, has marched with the brigade for 42 years, he said, and now his two children and wife join in. Its fun for the whole family, he said drinking and strutting and carrying on a South Philly tradition. As the subway arrived, Caruso, 43, pointed straight ahead. Clowns! Attack! he shouted as they filtered into the car. Others later joined with cigarettes behind their ears and empty booze cans clanging in their pockets. Membership in the Mummers has dwindled in recent years, amid controversies over racist costumes. On Wednesday, the Oregon N.Y.A. wenches raised some eyebrows with their Visions of Asia theme. The group wore traditional Asian rice farmer hats, with some women in pink kimonos and kids dressed as dragons. Meanwhile, one man, with a vape dangling from the side of his mouth, waved an Italian flag in the middle of the crew. The troupe, though, had followed all Mummers procedures required to use an ethnic theme, said Randy Duque, deputy director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations. Duque said the group had consulted with the Northeast Philadelphia Development Corp., a Chinese American nonprofit, to develop a presentation that would appropriately reflect a Chinese New Year theme while keeping in the parameters of a wench brigade performance. The theme appeared to go unnoticed by most spectators. Fatmah Behbehani, 34, brought her two daughters to watch the parade for a second year. The family moved to the U.S. from Kuwait 10 years ago, and have been in Philadelphia for four. Theyve enjoyed learning the traditions of the city, she said. And Jean Blasy, of Catonsville, Md., joined her boyfriend Rob McGuire, of York, in the city for her first experience. Attending had always been on her bucket list, she said, so they made it a holiday trip. I heard about it 10 years ago, and I said, You know what? Im gonna go there, she said. And now here we are. By noon, about a fourth of the troupes had performed and begun their journey south, where they would eventually make their way to Second Street in Pennsport for more music, drinking, and dancing into the night. Back on Broad Street, one woman, walking hurriedly toward City Hall, asked a friend: And they do this for how many more hours? A lot. Jacques Louis writes on the intersection of heritage and legacy, and what it means to raise Haitian American sons in Philadelphia. The Morris-Louis family, photographed in 2024, (from left) Sizwe Morris-Louis, Markita Morris-Louis, Jacques Louis, and Cauvin (Tiko) Morris-Louis. Read more As we prepare to celebrate Haitian Independence Day on Jan. 1, my thoughts turn to the intersection of heritage and legacy to what it means to raise Haitian American sons in Philadelphia, a city rich with its own revolutionary history. This is a story of love, resilience, and a deep commitment to understanding our past as we move forward together as a family. I have been privileged to work in youth development for more than 25 years, and currently serve as a director at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphias Center for Parent and Teen Communication. My work focuses on helping families thrive through stronger connections, communication, and empathy. But beyond my professional title, I am a father and husband, roles that have taught me the profound weight and beauty of legacy. My wife, my Philly jawn, is African American a powerhouse of love and wisdom who is my partner in raising two Haitian American young men who reflect the best of both of us. Advertisement Haitian Independence Day is more than an acknowledgment of the historic moment in 1804 when Haiti became the first free Black republic in the world. It is a celebration of liberation and revolution concepts that are complex, layered, and, in many ways, unfinished. I like to think of liberation as a process that is still on pause mode, urging us to revisit the past with discernment, not just relying on old information but asking new questions: What does liberation mean in 2024? What does it look like in my household, where I strive to instill pride, humility, and critical thinking in my sons? Haitis legacy of resilience is deeply personal to me. My mother, a retired nurse, and my father, a retired doctor and a proud Pan-Africanist, taught me that liberation is both collective and individual. They embodied the spirit of Haiti an island of 10 million people whose diaspora has created vibrant communities in Florida, New York, Massachusetts, and here in Philadelphia. Their lessons guide me as I raise my boys to carry the strength of their ancestors while navigating the challenges of growing up in America. In our home, our heritage isnt just history, its a living, breathing force. We lean on the famous and the familial, celebrating the triumphs of Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines while honoring the everyday resilience of those who came before us. Our conversations are grounded in love, but also in the need to discern to sift through the noise and use good information to make sense of our world. This is particularly important now, in a time when misinformation and historical erasure threaten to distort the narratives we pass down to our children. As a father, I see my role as both a protector and a guide. I want my sons to walk with humility, to understand their strength comes not from dominance but from the courage to stand firm in their values. READ MORE: How Haitian immigrants and local Black resistance helped subvert slavery in 18th-century Philadelphia | Opinion I am learning about us about the ways our Haitian heritage intertwines with the African American experience, creating a unique blend of cultural richness that shapes who we are as a family. This learning is not a destination but a journey, one that requires revisiting the past, asking hard questions, and gaining a deeper understanding of our collective story. Food is one way we connect to our heritage. On Jan. 1, our family will gather around a table to share soup joumou, the traditional pumpkin soup that symbolizes freedom and unity. For Haitians, soup joumou is more than a meal, its a reminder of what our ancestors fought for and a celebration of the strength it takes to rebuild and reclaim. As we eat our soup, we share stories of their grandparents and great-grandparents, of the sacrifices they made and the dreams they carried. Philadelphia and its revolutionary spirit provide the perfect backdrop for raising Haitian American sons. This city has taught them about resilience not just through its history but through its people. My boys see this resilience in their mother, in their community, and in the many mentors and friends who surround them. They are learning to navigate their dual identities with pride and purpose, drawing strength from the best of both worlds. Haitian Independence Day is a time for celebration, but it is also a reminder that liberation is complex. It is about more than breaking free; it is about building up. It requires love, humility, and a commitment to understanding ourselves and each other. As we move forward as a family, I hold onto the hope that my sons will carry this spirit of liberation into their own lives, becoming leaders and healers in whatever paths they choose. In many ways, our journey as a family mirrors Haitis journey as a nation. We are navigating challenges, celebrating victories, and continuously striving to honor the legacy of those who came before us. This is about love love for our heritage, for our community, and for the future we are building together. It is a love that liberates, a love that unites, and a love that endures. Jacques Louis is a proud HBCU dad and a parenting advocate at CHOPs Center for Parent and Teen Communication. The Kaolin Mushroom farm on Starr Road in Avondale where ICE agents conducted a workplace raid on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. A dozen immigrant workers were taken to York County Prison after the raid which was the first workplace raid by ICE in mushroom country since the 1990s, a sign of changing enforcement priorities during Donald Trump's first term as president. Read more In the summer of 2018, armed immigration officers walked through the front door of a restaurant in New Cumberland, Pa., and told the manager they wanted to speak with a worker in the kitchen. The manager explained that the person no longer worked at the restaurant, but officers still insisted on entering the kitchen, where they forced workers to stand in a group and then interrogated them, while other officers stood outside the front and back doors. Advertisement The officers never found the person they claimed to be seeking, but the justification that they provided for the interrogation of the other workers was that they exhibited nervous behavior. The officers arrested two kitchen workers, one of them the father of two U.S. citizens, and sent them to a detention center. During the previous Trump administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement carried out worksite raids across the country, including in Pennsylvania, in addition to individual arrests at job sites across the state. With the second Trump presidency less than a month away, it is important to understand why workplace raids harm all workers in Pennsylvania. Along with the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, I recently reviewed over 2,000 records of ICE arrests in Pennsylvania between 2016 and 2020, and I came across dozens of arrests in the workplace: a cook in a restaurant kitchen in Philadelphia, a worker at a marble processing facility in Norristown, dairy workers living in a farm camp in Quarryville. In each record we reviewed, multiple armed ICE officers, frequently wearing vests with police badges, would detain and interrogate workers at their job sites, or surveil a home until someone left and got into a car to ride to work and then pull the car over and interrogate everyone inside. We recently released our findings in a report where we concluded that ICE officers targeted workers in low-wage occupations throughout that time period. In all the records we reviewed, the most common occupation recorded by the arresting officers is laborer, followed by construction, and cook. Armed officers standing outside of a worksite or following workers to their jobs cultivates an environment of fear and normalizes surveillance, harassment, and intimidation in the workplace. The legacy of structural racism in the U.S. labor system has led to dehumanizing working conditions where many immigrant workers are forced to accept poverty wages, particularly for labor in the food system and the home. ICE arrests in the workplace harm all workers, including U.S. citizens, by disrupting worker organizing for higher wages and better benefits, and allowing employers to evade accountability for abuse. When ICE disappears a worker from a job, it can also allow employers to take advantage of turnover by lowering wages and hiring replacements who will be afraid to complain. Armed officers standing outside a worksite or following workers to their jobs cultivates an environment of fear and normalizes surveillance, harassment, and intimidation in the workplace. Employers can take advantage of that fear by stealing wages, forcing workers to perform dangerous labor, and subjecting workers to racial and sexual harassment, knowing workers may avoid interacting with other government agencies to file complaints. The Biden administration ended worksite raids and enacted a program in 2021 that offered temporary protection from deportation for immigrant workers at job sites under investigation for labor violations. Worker organizing laid the groundwork for workers to act collectively to challenge workplace abuse, and many did by joining union drives, providing testimony for wage theft lawsuits, and initiating investigations in a range of exploitative industries. Donald Trump is now threatening to return to worksite raids and abandon workers who organized for better jobs, despite evidence that raids traumatize communities, undermine local economies, and do not result in mass deportations, making it clear that the purpose of the raid is to terrorize workers. READ MORE: That heartless Mississippi ICE raid also revealed the cruelty behind modern U.S. capitalism | Will Bunch Our state and local governments can take immediate action to mitigate some of these harms. In Pennsylvania, the immigration arrest of a worker frequently starts with information provided by state and local government agencies. In the records we reviewed, we found that at least 38% of community arrests, including workplace arrests, involved collaboration with local law enforcement. In Pennsylvania, the immigration arrest of a worker frequently starts with information provided by state and local government agencies. In other records, ICE officers would comb through local databases for personal information on Pennsylvania residents. ICE currently has access to the Pennsylvania Justice Network, also known as JNET, where it can search peoples personal information and conduct facial recognition searches using the 35 million photos in the states drivers license database. Adopting policies that prohibit collaboration with ICE at the state and local level, including prohibiting access to databases and using local facilities to detain people for ICE, would directly benefit workers by ensuring interactions with local governments would not result in an ICE arrest. Funding legal representation for people in deportation proceedings would provide urgent support to workers targeted by future raids. These efforts could be important steps to standing in solidarity with immigrant workers and recognizing that immigration enforcement will only harm workers across the state. Caitlin Barry is a professor of law and the director of the Farmworker Clinic at the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. An employee who was injured when rescuing chocolate candies from the heat in his employer-owned delivery truck is not due workers compensation benefits. The Virginia Workers Compensation Commission (WCC) upheld a deputy commissioners denial of benefits, agreeing that Ronald Mark was not in the course of his employment as required by the law when he injured his knee while bringing chocolates into his home refrigerator from the truck parked in his driveway to keep them from melting over the hot weekend. While he regularly kept the truck at his home filled with coffee and snacks to be delivered the next day, his employer never asked and did not know about his sometimes bringing products from the truck into his home for safe keeping. On Friday, September 15, 2023, after he made his last delivery for that day, Mark drove to the warehouse of his employer, Compass Group, and loaded goods for delivery on the following Monday. When he got home, he parked in his driveway. He admitted to having a couple of beers before the accident but denied being intoxicated. Since the temperature was predicted to be warm that weekend, he decided to remove the chocolate candy from the work truck and put it in the refrigerator in his house for the weekend, something he had done in the past. Mark acknowledged he never discussed taking food into his residence to keep it refrigerated or frozen with his employer. He maintained that the action was common sense, actually, and added that his employer had never forbidden it and the trucks own freezer did not work. He testified that he went to the back of the truck about 7:15 p.m. and reached to grab the tote with the candy with his left hand. When he did, his left foot slipped and his left knee struck the ledge on the back of the truck. He fell to the concrete and landed on his back. He sought medical treatment for a knee injury. In an email to his boss, he wrote, I attempted to enter the back of my work truck to straighten it as I occasionally do, and to retrieve some chocolate candies to bring inside out of concern that they might melt in Saturdays warm temps. The deputy commissioner and a majority of the WCC found that Mark failed to prove, by a preponderance of evidence, that the accident occurred in the course of his employment. They noted that the incident occurred nearly five hours after he got home and the course of his employment ended and that he had neither been told to remove food from his truck nor ever discussed doing so with his employer. Additionally, commissioners were skeptical as to the ostensible reason for entering the truck and concerned that he had had a number of beers right before the accident. All these factors simply do not sufficiently illustrate that the claimants activity in the truck, five hours after parking the vehicle, and after consuming alcohol, kept him in the realm of the course of his employment, the WCC concluded. The commission reiterated that a compensable injury is one that occurs at a place where the employee may be reasonably expected to be, and while he is fulfilling the duties of his employment. The WCC said that Marks evidence showed he was not performing a duty of his employment but instead showed he was outside the course and scope of his employment. One of the three WCC commissioners dissented, noting that the employer could reasonably expect Mark might return to the truck at some point between parking the truck outside his home and beginning the next workday. In support of Marks claim of benefits, the dissent quoted the Virginia Supreme Court: If the voluntary act of an employee which causes an injury is sufficiently related to what the employee is required to do in fulfilling his contract of service, or is one in which someone in a like capacity may or must do in the interest of his employers business, the fact that the employee was not actually required to perform the act will not impair his right to recover compensation. Thus, although Mark had completed his deliveries and merchandise pick-up for the day, he was in the course of his employment when he returned to the truck to retrieve goods to store them in his home and when the accident occurred, according to the dissent. Mark is entitled to appeal the denial of benefits to the state Court of Appeals. Topics Workers' Compensation Talent Households have been warned of the risk of higher energy bills in 2025 regardless of whether wholesale gas and electricity prices come down. The warning on energy prices comes as the public has been told to brace for a sharp cold snap to usher in the new year, as an Arctic airmass moves across Europe. Although electricity suppliers have cut their prices on multiple occasions over the last 12 months, consumers are still paying far higher bills than they were pre-pandemic and particularly before the war in Ukraine. A recent report from EU statistics body, Eurostat, found households in Ireland were paying the second most expensive bills in Europe, with electricity 355 a year more expensive here than the EU average. Taken together, consumers here are paying 500 more a year for their electricity and gas compared to the average in other EU countries. Consumer expert Daragh Cassidy, head of communications at price comparison website Bonkers.ie, said to reach the end of 2025 with prices at the same level as now would be considered a positive. We definitely wont return to the prices we saw before the war in Ukraine any time soon, he said. Mr Cassidy warned "tough headwinds" ahead in 2025 could see energy bills rise again. Since the peak of the energy crisis, gas and electricity prices for consumers have fallen by around 25% to 30% in total, he said. But at the moment, I wouldnt be betting on any further big price decreases any time soon, unfortunately. Wholesale gas prices are still over double what would, until recently, have been considered normal levels. "This doesnt look like changing much over the coming year. And, of course, any further outbreak of war or conflict could see prices shoot even higher. And if we get a particularly cold winter, prices would also spike in the short term. Furthermore, the most recent wholesale price index showed wholesale electricity prices in Ireland in November were 18.9% higher than they were 12 months before. Ahead of the public going to the polls in November, many of the parties made key campaign pledges aimed at reducing household energy bills, as the cost of living was cited as one of the main factors when it came to how people voted. The expected cold snap over the coming days is expected to bring temperatures as low as -4C by Thursday. One pledge was around the planned Vat hike on electricity and gas from 9% to 13.5%. While Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have said they would not proceed with this planned hike, Mr Cassidy said if implemented it would mean consumers pay about 70 more per year on electricity and 60 more on gas. And, of course, the carbon tax goes up again next May, he said. That will add another 20 or so to the average annual gas bill. In August, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities sanctioned an increase in grid or network fees that added the equivalent of 60 a year to the average annual gas bill and over 100 to the average annual electricity bill. Suppliers can choose to absorb these increased fees as part of the cost of doing business or pass them on. "But if these fees are increased again next year by a similar amount then it will limit suppliers ability to reduce prices even if wholesale prices do fall. After a relatively mild Christmas week, the expected cold snap over the coming days is expected to bring temperatures as low as -4C by Thursday, according to Met Eireann. New Years Day is expected to turn very cold in the evening, while the day is expected to be largely dry, sunny and cold. Cork and Kerry will begin 2025 under a status yellow rain warning as Met Eireann warned of localised flooding and hazardous travelling conditions in the counties. Police in Northern Ireland have issued a fresh appeal for information about a missing man who disappeared 19 years ago. Martin Kelly, from Holywood, Co Down, was last seen in Belfast on January 1 2006, when he was in his early 20s. Despite searches on land and water as well as extensive police inquiries, no trace of him has been found. PSNI Detective Inspector Stephen Harvey said Mr Kellys disappearance has had a profound effect on his family. Martin, who worked as a plumber and a part-time barman in the Priory Inn at Holywood, worked on New Years Eve 2005 and then went on to two house parties with friends, he said. On New Years Day, he and his friends went to Pats Bar in Garmoyle Street to watch a football match. The friends left and Martin remained in the bar, talking to other customers. He left at about 7.10pm and hasnt been seen since. Martin, who is about 6ft 1in tall and of slim build with short dark hair, was wearing a black Guinness T-shirt and blue jeans. Mr Harvey said extensive inquiries have been carried out. Police investigating Martins disappearance carried out searches on land and on the water and deployed the diving team and air support team in these searches, he said. Police would urge anyone who may have knowledge of Martins disappearance to contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland We have also undertaken extensive inquiries but, despite conducting a wide range of interviews and reviewing all available CCTV relating to the incident, Martin has not been located. We remain committed and determined to discovering what happened to Martin and detectives will continue to follow up all new lines of inquiry and any new information. Police would urge anyone who may have knowledge of Martins disappearance to contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Information can be given to detectives by calling 101, the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or Missing People on 116 000. Today, we are a pious and exemplary community. Thirty days from now, we shall have cast our reformation to the winds and gone to cutting our ancient shortcomings considerably shorter than ever. We shall also reflect pleasantly upon how we did the same old thing last year about this time. A question for you: Who said this about new years resolutions? The answer is Mark Twain, on January 1, 1863. Mr Twain knew, just as you and I know, that resolutions are made to be broken. My attitude to this is so what? The temporal landmark is a much-needed opportunity to aim for a fresh start. Post-Christmas binge, there is a value, maybe even a necessity, to aspiring to be more ascetic. Resolutions are made to be broken. As Mark Twain said, 'we shall have cast our reformation to the winds' by the end of January. Picture: Mark Twain Museum/AP Plus, there is something psychologically healthy about distancing yourself from your failures. I have no idea if I have a higher failure quotient rate than the average bear, but I know that as soon as January 1 rolls around, I feel deeply grateful for, and optimistic about, having another bite at the cherry. But maybe new years resolutions should not simply focus on avoiding things such as sugar, wine, and social media, although that may be necessary. They should also involve adopting new habits and possibly thinking of someone other than simply yourself. Id say its wise to set the bar reasonably low, although I like to raise the bar a little higher than one friend, who told me that she resolved to moisturise her face every day. No reaching for the stars there. But who am I to judge? My rough estimation is that I achieved approximately 50 % of last years resolutions. I kicked the habit of engaging with the news cycle 24/7 by imposing a watershed of 9.30pm but only occasionally managed to get out for a walk each day when there was still light. It is a work in progress, as they say. So here are my new batch of resolutions. Shop Irish and look out for the G sign 'A very helpful exercise is to say to oneself, yup, I love this coat, dress, or pair of shoes, but realistically, I have enough, and how much will my life really be enhanced by owning this item of clothing?' Picture: iStock We may be returning to a time when we need to focus on buying Irish. Given the economic shocks that may be heading our way thanks to US protectionism, we may have to, but lets hit the pause button on that worrying thought for today. The Guaranteed Irish campaign, established in 1974, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. Its funny how, while a lot has changed, other things havent. In a Seanad debate in 1978, Senator Patrick Cooney lamented how textiles came through devious routes from the Third World and landing upon our counters at very competitive and unmatchable prices. Now we have Shein and all those other sites from which cheap, dubiously-made clothes come before heading back to landfillsbecause it costs more to put returns back in circulation. Throwaway fashion sucks. I spend a lot of my time window shopping online, gazing at clothes I cant afford, as I have always loved fashion. I find, though, a very helpful exercise is to say to oneself, yup, I love this coat, dress, or pair of shoes, but realistically, I have enough, and how much will my life really be enhanced by owning this item of clothing? Most times, that I have to have it feeling fades pretty quickly. We have to get better at blocking out aggressive marketing and algorithms that perpetuate the idea that we need to buy NOW and cant wear anything repeatedly, not just for our own economy but for the environment, too. Plus, theres something pretty empty about always running to fill a hole inside us that cant ultimately be plugged by owning more stuff. Buying Irish is easier now, as we can purchase lovely Irish-made clothes, do our duty, and not risk looking like we were deanta in Eireann in stout, unfashionable leather shoes or scratchy jumpers, so lets look out for the Guaranteed Irish sign. Sort the drains from the radiators If you hesitate when you see a particular friend's name flash up on your phone maybe that person is a 'drain' and you should step back from them. iStock I came across this concept of drains and radiators in an old speech former president Mary McAleese gave to an organisation I work for. On the opening of a domestic violence refuge, she said she divided people into drains and radiators and that on that day, she was surrounded by radiators. Radiators are people who contribute to a friendship or interaction and give something back. They are life-enhancing, positive people who share their interests and joy in life. Obviously, they have their own travails and challenges and cant always have a glass half-full mentality, but generally, they make you feel better about life. They make you feel respected and valued, allowing you to be a better, more productive, and effective human. On the other hand, drains drain you by taking more than they give. They are poor listeners, more preoccupied with themselves, droning on about topics that arent of interest to you demanding one-way attention, leaving you feeling tired, dispirited and downbeat. Sometimes, these people are in your life because the friendship has become a habit. These are the sorts of cats who ring you up to discuss their problems endlessly in a one-way process or only ring when they need something. When you see their name flashing up, you think: I wonder what they want now? Or, a major red flag, they instantly put you on the defensive. I was very taken by this concept, and I think its perfectly legitimate as we get older to run a slide rule over our friendships and relationships and decide who generally adds to your life and who detracts. If a person is perennially detracting, then they need to go. You can let somebody go and send them on their way with good wishes. It doesnt need to be an ugly rupture. We have a finite amount of time on this earth, and its best to figure out how we want to use those precious units of time. Practise acceptance This resolution will prove challenging for me, and its practising acceptance. There is so much we cant control. One of the key ideas underlying acceptance is that difficult emotions are an inescapable part of life. There is crap we just have to accept. If your default position is to be like King Lear railing at the sky at misfortune, then maybe you have you be more mindful and more accepting. Im really lecturing myself here rather than pointing the finger of judgment. I came across this line last month in The New York Times when I was browsing a list of 2024s best movies, none of which I had seen. Life isnt a tidy life lesson some things remain essentially unknowable, including other people. How true. So, heres to 2025; lets do this, guys. Israeli strikes have killed at least nine Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, mostly women and children, officials said on Wednesday, as the nearly 15-month war ground on into the new year with no end in sight. One strike hit a home in the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza, the most isolated and heavily destroyed part of the territory, where Israel has been waging a major operation since early October. Gazas Health Ministry said seven people were killed, including a woman and four children, and that at least a dozen other people were injured. An Israeli soldier walks through a staging area as his unit prepares to enter the Gaza Strip at the Israel-Gaza border in southern Israel (Tsafrir Abayov/AP) Another strike overnight into Wednesday in the built-up Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza killed a woman and a child, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, which received the bodies. The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7 2023, killing some 1,200 people and abducting around 250. About 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Israels air and ground offensive has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry. It says women and children make up more than half the fatalities but does not say how many of those killed were militants. The Israeli military says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because its fighters operate in dense residential areas. It says it has killed 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. Two young Palestinian brothers help clear water from their flooded family tent after overnight rain at the refugee camp in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) The war has caused widespread destruction and displaced some 90% of Gazas population of 2.3 million, many of them multiple times. Hundreds of thousands are living in tents on the coast as winter brings frequent rainstorms and temperatures drop below 10C (50F) at night. At least six infants and another person have died of hypothermia, according to the Health Ministry. American and Arab mediators have spent nearly a year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release, but those efforts have repeatedly stalled as Hamas demands a lasting ceasefire and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanayhu vows to keep fighting until total victory over the militants. Ukraine has halted Russian gas supplies to European customers that pass through the country, almost three years into Moscows all-out invasion of its neighbour, after a pre-war transit deal expired. At a summit in Brussels last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed that Kyiv would not allow Moscow to use the transits to earn additional billions on our blood, on the lives of our citizens. But he briefly held open the possibility of the gas flows continuing if payments to Russia were withheld until the war ends. Ukraines energy minister, Herman Halushchenko, confirmed on Wednesday morning that Kyiv had stopped the gas flows in the interest of national security. This is a historic event. Russia is losing markets and will incur financial losses. Europe has already decided to phase out Russian gas, and (this) aligns with what Ukraine has done today This is a historic event. Russia is losing markets and will incur financial losses. Europe has already decided to phase out Russian gas, and (this) aligns with what Ukraine has done today, he said in an update on the Telegram messaging app. Russias Gazprom said in a statement on Wednesday morning that it had been deprived of the technical and legal ability of sending gas through Ukraine due to Ukraines refusal to extend the deal. Even as Russian troops and tanks moved into Ukraine, Russian natural gas kept flowing through the countrys pipeline network set up when Ukraine and Russia were both part of the Soviet Union to Europe, under a five-year agreement that ran until the end of last year. Gazprom earned money from the gas and Ukraine collected transit fees. Before the war, Russia supplied nearly 40% of the European Unions pipeline natural gas. Gas flowed through four pipeline systems one under the Baltic Sea, one through Belarus and Poland, one through Ukraine, and one under the Black Sea through Turkey to Bulgaria. After the war started, Russia cut off most supplies through the Baltic and Belarus-Poland pipelines, citing disputes over a demand for payment in roubles. The Baltic pipeline was blown up in an act of sabotage, but details of the attack remain murky. The Russian cut-off caused an energy crisis in Europe. Germany had to shell out billions of euros to set up floating terminals to import liquefied natural gas that comes by ship, not by pipeline. Users cut back as prices soared. Norway and the US filled the gap, becoming the two largest suppliers. Europe viewed the Russian cut-off as energy blackmail and has outlined plans to completely eliminate Russian gas imports by 2027. Russian gas currently accounts for about 8% of Europes supply. The Ukrainian transit route served EU members Austria and Slovakia, which long got the bulk of their natural gas from Russia but have recently scrambled to diversify supplies. Gazprom halted supplies to Austrias OMV in mid-November over a contractual dispute, but gas flows through Ukraines pipelines continued as other customers stepped in. Slovakia this year signed deals to begin buying natural gas from Azerbaijan, and also to import US liquefied natural gas through a pipeline from Poland. Among the hardest-hit will be EU candidate country Moldova, which was receiving Russian gas via Ukraine and has brought in emergency measures as residents brace for a harsh winter and looming power cuts. Separately from Kyivs decision to let the transit deal expire, Gazprom said last month it will halt gas supplies to Moldova from January 1, citing unpaid debt. Gazprom has said Moldova owes close to 709 million US dollars (565.5 million) for past gas supplies, a figure the country has fiercely disputed, citing international audits. Moldova, Ukraine and EU politicians have repeatedly accused Moscow of weaponising energy supplies. On Wednesday, Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski called Ukraines move to halt supplies a victory for Russias opponents. On a post on social media site X, he accused Moscow of systematic attempts to blackmail Eastern Europe with the threat of cutting off gas supplies, including through a Baltic pipeline bypassing Ukraine and Poland and running directly to Germany. Moscow can still send gas to Hungary, as well as non-EU states Turkey and Serbia, through the TurkStream pipeline across the Black Sea. Natural gas is used to generate electricity, power industrial processes, and in some cases to heat homes. Meanwhile, overnight into New Years Day, Russia launched a drone strike on Kyiv that left two people dead under the rubble of a damaged building, according to the city administration. At least six people were injured across the Ukrainian capital, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The German government has condemned a series of incidents on New Years Eve in which police officers and firefighters were attacked and injured, mostly with fireworks. Revellers across the country traditionally ring in the new year by setting off large numbers of fireworks in public places, but the latest celebrations were marred by the use of fireworks against emergency services workers. The silence on Bourbon Street told much of the story. At the intersection that marks the centre of New Orleanss noisy tourist hub, lined with tall palm trees and towering hotels, the quiet on the morning of New Years Day was broken only by yellow police tape fluttering in the light breeze and the occasional blare of sirens echoing on the road. Just a few hours earlier the road had been lined with hundreds of revellers from across the country, young and old, celebrating the new year when around 3am the crowd was targeted in a suspected act of terrorism. A vehicle had ploughed into the throngs and a gunman exchanged fire with police, leaving at least 10 people dead and dozens injured. Bleary-eyed witnesses said they had heard the loud popping of gunshots, screams of terror and bodies on the ground. As the sun rose on New Years Day, 28-year-old Casey Kirsch stood at the crime scene perimeter hoping to retrieve his father-in-laws wheelchair, which had been left behind in the chaotic aftermath. Kirsch had come to New Orleans from Pittsburgh to celebrate the new year with his family, but instead spent the early hours of 2025 frantically trying to ascertain his father-in-law, Jeremis, whereabouts. We couldnt get a hold of him and started calling the hospitals, Kirsch recalled. They eventually found out he had been injured in the attack and was probably in need of surgery. The magnitude of it all had hardly settled. Its just always disheartening to see something senseless like this, Kirsch said. Why? I dont really understand it. His friend, Michael Kroger, 27, had been on the intersection, populated with strip clubs and famed cocktail bars, two hours before the attack. There were families out in the street, he said. There were fathers with their kids on their shoulders; there were teenagers walking through the street. It was lively. Authorities have described the attack as calculated carnage, with police sources telling the Guardian that the gunman, who has been named as Shamsud Din Jabbar according to a senior law enforcement official, arrived with body armor and a helmet. A long gun was recovered from the scene, according to reports, and two police officers were shot but remained in a stable condition. New Orleanss police commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick described the attack as intentional behaviour. This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could. Jessica Tracy, a 39 year-old unhoused woman, had been a block away from the attack as it unfolded. I just ran, she said. I heard the pops and I just ran from it. Jay McGuffey, 28, had been partying inside a club on Bourbon Street when the attack unfolded. A cyclist passes a police barricade near the scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) She was visiting the city with friends from Mississippi and told the Guardian she had been evacuated from the club and had seen bodies on the ground as she left the area. We were just having fun, celebrating New Years, and then they told us to get out cause somebody had got shot. Then we heard that a truck had been through here, and 15 people had been shot, McGuffey said. She had not been able to return to her hotel since the attack and was still wandering the French Quarter early on Wednesday morning as police officers scoured the neighborhood. Others had just awoken to scenes unimaginable a few hours before. Karen Arnold, 58, was visiting from Detroit and had been staying at the Crowne Plaza hotel, a few dozen meters from the intersection of the attack. She had been out partying with her friends on Bourbon Street but returned to bed at 2am. She heard sirens as she slept and woke to find three white vans from the citys coroners office parked outside her hotel. She was already packed to leave the city and stood with her friends, contemplating the bloodshed she had missed by minutes. I dont understand it, she said. I know we dont know the details yet, but it seems like its so easy for people to get guns that have mental problems and do things like this. That is what I dont understand. By 9am the roads around Bourbon Street had started to creep back into life as passersby looked on in disbelief. The silence was eventually broken by a controlled explosion that rang out from the crime scene. At least 10 people, including two children, have been killed and four others wounded in a shooting that followed a bar brawl in a western Montenegrin city. Police identified the attacker as 45-year-old Aco Martinovic. He killed the owner of the bar in the city of Cetinje, the bar owners children and his own family members, said interior minister Danilo Saranovic at a news conference. At this moment, we are focused on arresting him, said Mr Saranovic. Police dispatched special troops to search for the attacker in Cetinje, located 18 miles north west of the capital, Podgorica. Police had dispatched a special unit to search for the attacker (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic) A statement said the man fled the scene after opening fire at the bar. President Jakov Milatovic said he was shocked and stunned by the tragedy. Instead of holiday joy we have been gripped by sadness over the loss of innocent lives, Mr Milatovic said on the social media platform X. Prime Minister Milojko Spajic went to the hospital where the wounded were being treated and announced three days of mourning. This is a terrible tragedy that has affected us all, said Mr Spajic. All police teams are out. Montenegro, which has a population of 620,000 people, is known for gun culture and many people traditionally have weapons. Wednesdays shooting was the second shooting rampage over the past three years in Cetinje, Montenegros historic capital. An attacker also killed 10 people, including two children, in August 2022 before he was shot and killed by a passer-by in Cetinje. The RTCG report, which published Martinovics photo on its website, said he was known for erratic behaviour and had been detained in the past for illegal possession of weapons. The report said he went home to get his gun and came back to the bar where he opened fire and killed and wounded several people. He then went to another site where he killed the bar owners children and a woman, the report added. Police appealed on the residents to remain calm and stay indoors, ruling out a clash between criminal gangs. PressRanger is a comprehensive suite of AI-powered PR tools designed to streamline the process of finding and pitching journalists for businesses of all sizes. With a massive database of millions of journalists, publishers, and podcasts, PressRanger offers a one-stop solution for all your media outreach needs, eliminating the need for a dedicated PR team. Features Media Database: With over 500,000 journalist profiles, 160,000 publisher profiles, and 200,000 podcast profiles, PressRangers media database allows you to search, filter, and contact relevant media contacts effortlessly. Each profile includes essential details such as email addresses, social media profiles, phone numbers, and writing topics, making it easier to pitch directly via the platform or send personalized emails. 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All plans include access to journalist, media publisher, and podcast profiles, CRM, AI media campaigns, AI-written emails, wholesale press release distribution, CSV exports, and the ability to manage multiple companies. Visit pressranger.com for more. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter , Facebook and Instagram. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Most of Puerto Rico Regains Power Following Grid Outage Power has been restored to the majority of Puerto Rico following a significant blackout that left the island in darkness on New Years Eve, according to the electric utility in the US territory. As of 10:00 am local time (1400 GMT), electricity had been restored to over 1.25 million customers, representing 85.6% of those affected, as reported by Luma Energy. The utility stated that preliminary investigations suggest a fault in an underground cable could have caused the outage, although inquiries are ongoing. Puerto Rico, a Spanish-speaking archipelago, has been under US control since 1898 and has faced ongoing infrastructure challenges, worsened by catastrophic hurricanes and a significant earthquake in 2020. Governor Pedro Pierluisi of Puerto Rico mentioned that he had communicated with US President Joe Biden to seek assistance. Governor Pierluisi stated he had requested ongoing support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This is a long and arduous process that requires collaboration between local and federal entities, which is why I asked FEMA to continue facilitating the projects we have initiated, he conveyed in a social media post. He also noted that Washington had approved a two-year extension for the utilization of temporary generators, providing 350 MW of energy to the island, extending their operation until 2027. These generators were installed following the devastation of Hurricane Fiona in 2022. Earlier, Lumas director of external affairs, Jose Perez, mentioned that the fault that initiated the power failure triggered a chain reaction that resulted in the widespread blackout. On Tuesday, Luma indicated that complete restoration of power to all customers could take up to 48 hours. The blackout occurred as the Caribbean island entered its peak tourist season, with visitors arriving from the snowy US mainland, just hours before New Years Eve celebrations. Criticism of the power grid operators has surfaced. Ivan Baez, a spokesperson for power generator Genera, stated in a local radio interview that the line believed to be responsible for the failure was operated by LUMA, which subsequently caused the shutdown of Generas plants, along with private generators. LUMA did not respond to specific inquiries regarding their accountability for the power lines. Ramon Luis Nieves, a lawyer in San Juan and a former senator, expressed that New Years Eve is typically a time for family gatherings and watching fireworks. He stated he was not surprised by the outage, especially in light of Hurricane Maria, a Category 4 storm that impacted the island in 2017. Mr. Nieves has consistently criticized the management of the power grid. This disaster has been more than a decade in the making, he remarked. The (power) generators are outdated, far beyond their life expectancy, and the operators have consistently failed to make necessary investments over the years, he added. LUMA asserted that it took over an electrical system that had experienced years of neglect. This sentiment is prevalent among the residents of the Caribbean island, a US territory whose inhabitants are US citizens but lack voting representation in Congress and cannot participate in presidential elections. Protesters have demanded that the islands government terminate its contract with LUMA. In response to a 2022 protest, LUMA stated that it had inherited an electrical system that suffered years, in fact decades, of abandonment. Jenniffer Gonzalez, who will assume office as governor of Puerto Rico tomorrow, announced on social media that she is establishing an energy taskforce to tackle the frequent blackouts. We cannot continue with an energy system that fails our people so consistently, she stated. Incidents like this mornings blackout and the uncertainty surrounding a prompt power restoration continue to impact our economy and quality of life, she concluded. South Korea Government Evaluates Compliance of Concrete Wall at Muan Airport with Regulations South Korea announced it is reviewing regulations concerning a concrete wall at Muan airport, following a tragic incident where a Jeju Air flight collided with the barrier, resulting in a fire and the loss of 179 lives. In response to inquiries about the safety of utilizing concrete for the airport barrierhighlighted as potentially unsafe by expertsdirector-general for airport policy Kim Hong-rak stated that the government would examine the relevant regulations and their application. At the same time, authorities have started to return victims bodies to their families as investigators work to uncover the reasons behind the crash landing of the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800. US investigators, including representatives from Boeing, arrived at the crash site in southwestern Muan, while South Korean officials began analyzing two black boxes retrieved from the charred remains of the aircraft. Only two individuals, both crew members, survived the incident. South Korea has declared seven days of mourning, with flags being flown at half-mast. Mourners gathered near the site of the crash at Muan International Airport. Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who assumed office just last Friday, described the event as a turning point for the nation, advocating for a complete reform of air safety protocols. He urged officials to thoroughly reassess the overall aircraft operational system and promptly implement any necessary improvements. Today signifies the last day of 2024, he stated, encouraging citizens to reflect on the past year and prepare for the upcoming one. I recognize that whenever faced with challenges, both domestically and internationally, all citizens and public officials have united with shared resolve to overcome these crises, he added. At Muan airport, investigators meticulously examined the damaged fuselage, while soldiers carefully searched the surrounding fields, as people left ritual offerings for the victimssuch as food and lettersnear the airport boundary. Captain, first officer, and crew members, thank you for your utmost effort to save the passengers. I pray for your eternal rest, read one letter affixed to the fence. Inside the airport, where relatives of the victims have been stationed since Sunday, frustration was rising due to delays in the identification process for those on board. Relatives of the passengers gathered near a makeshift shelter at the airport. However, officials confirmed that they have started releasing some bodies to their families, even as the identification efforts continue. Of the 179 victims, the bodies of four have been handed over to their bereaved families for funerals, stated transport minister Park Sang-woo at Muan International Airport. For 28 victims, whose identities have been confirmed and autopsies completed, we will allow funeral arrangements to commence from 2 PM (5 AM Irish time) today with family consent, he added. One family tragically lost nine members, including the oldest passenger, who was embarking on his first overseas trip to celebrate his birthday, according to local broadcaster KBC. The passenger, surnamed Bae, was traveling with his wife, two daughters, a son-in-law, and four grandchildren, including a five-year-old. The entire family perished, except for one daughters husbandwho could not join the tripnow grieving the loss of his wife and three children. Yesterday, the village chief visited Muan Airport and reported that the son-in-law was in utter despair, expressing, I should have gone with them and died with them,' KBC reported. Memorial altars for the victims have been established across the country, including in Seoul. At Muan airport, families were overseeing the setup of a new altar, adorned with black and white funeral flowers filling the area. A comprehensive explanation of the flights final moments is anticipated once authorities analyze the black boxes. Regarding the black box, surface contamination cleaning has been completed at the testing and analysis center, and its condition is currently under evaluation, deputy civil aviation minister Joo Jong-wan stated. However, the flight data recorders data storage unit is still being assessed, he added, noting that it was discovered with a missing connector. Technical evaluations are ongoing to determine the process for data extraction. Tragic Incident: Vehicle Plows into Crowd in New Orleans, Leaving 10 Dead At least ten individuals have lost their lives after a vehicle drove into a crowd celebrating the New Year in New Orleans, a city in the US. Authorities in the city have reported that 30 others have sustained injuries as a result of the incident. According to US media sources, the event took place around 3am local time on Bourbon Street. Local news organization WGNO has stated that the New Orleans Police Department believes a vehicle collided with a group of people at the junction of Bourbon Street and Iberville in the city. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has termed the incident a horrific act of violence and has urged residents to steer clear of the area. This tragic act of violence occurred on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. Please join Sharon and me in keeping all the victims and first responders in our prayers. I ask everyone near the scene to avoid the area. Ukraine Claims Naval Drone Successfully Destroys Russian Helicopter for the First Time Ukrainian military intelligence has reported that one of its naval drones successfully destroyed a Russian helicopter and caused damage to another in the Black Sea. During a confrontation near Cape Tarkhankut on Crimeas western coast, a Magura V5 maritime drone armed with missiles struck a Russian Mi-8 helicopter, as stated by Ukraines GUR spy agency via Telegram. According to GUR, this marks the first instance of a Ukrainian naval drone hitting an aerial target. The claims have not been independently confirmed. No statements have been made by Russian officials. In the wake of Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has significantly increased its drone manufacturing capabilities and has developed naval attack drones. Read More: War in Ukraine enters crucial phase amid push for peace talks. Latest Ukraine stories The incident involving the downing of a Russian helicopter by a Ukrainian naval drone was also highlighted by the well-known Russian military blogger, Voenny Osvedomitel. The GUR noted that a second Russian helicopter successfully reached the airfield after sustaining damage from the assault. In grainy footage released by GUR, a helicopter flying above the water can be seen being targeted by multiple projectiles. The aircraft is shown descending after the strike. Reuters has not yet been able to verify the authenticity of the video. Kyivs military has utilized maritime drones to attack Russian warships and facilities in the Crimean peninsula, which was seized and annexed by Moscow in 2014. ELKO The Nevada Arts Council is taking applications for its fiscal 2025 artist grant offerings, which can benefit arts organizations, individual artists and art educators. Our flagship grant program is our Operating Support Grant, Nevada Arts Council Executive Director Tony Manfredi said. The grant covers 501(3) nonprofit arts organizations in Nevada, which define the arts as the primary focus of their work. Manfredi said the grant supports the arts infrastructure and general operations of nonprofit arts organizations that are found throughout the state. Its really difficult for nonprofits to find grants that fund operating support. So this is a real benefit for the field to be able to provide this and offer this, he said. The grant funds agencies for two years. A majority of our grants are competitive, meaning they are reviewed by a panel and adjudicated based on artistic excellence and artistic merit, he explained. The panel is a group of experts in the field that can be from all over the country and theyre not just Nevada panelists, Manfredi noted. The Nevada Arts Council chooses panelists who are experts in the particular grant. From the artist side, we actually tend to get a lot of individual artists to be on panels in that way, professors and the like as well, he added. The Operating Support Grant is competitive as well, he said. The nice thing about it being two years is that organizations only have to apply for the one year and then its good for two years. They do reports, final reports, interim reports, etc. and then we issue the funding every year. The amount of funding that they get is really based on our appropriation, both our state and we receive funding from the National Endowment for the Arts federal grant, Manfredi said. Project grants The next grant for organizations would be our Project Grant for organizations. That grant is primarily for those who arent eligible for the operating support grant. So it could be that its a nonprofit organization whose primary purpose isnt necessarily the arts they do a lot of artwork, but its not the arts, Manfredi said. The Western Folklife Center is an operating support grantee of ours. But an organization like PBS Reno, while they do a number of focus programming, their primary purpose isnt the arts, whereas Western Folk Life Centers is, Manfredi said. It is project-driven and that means that the organizations that are applying, are applying to do a specific project within the grant timeframe. That could be anything from putting up murals to public art to putting on a performance, it just needs to involve a project, he said. Folklife Community Grants The Folklife Community Grant benefits tradition bearers, such as indigenous organizations, he said. They have to run that through our folklife program area, actually talk with our state folklorist, make sure that all of the grants and all the eligibility requirements are met and that they are, indeed, in that right category. They, too, then, would create a project based on funding. Arts Learning Project Grants Then, there is the Arts Learning Project Grant, which is more education-focused. It could be K-12 education or lifelong learning. An organization that would apply for an Arts Learning Project grant, they would be doing something where theres a teaching component of it, Manfredi explained. Individual grants Then we move into our individual grants, starting with our Project Grant for Artists, we do this in two cycles. So again, it is project-based. The first one runs from July 1 through Dec. 31 and then January through July. So we have Cycle A and Cycle B. These would be projects that fit within that timeframe. The grant is competitive and panel-reviewed, he noted. We have an Arts Learning Express grant, that can be organizational as well as for individual artists but its really tailored towards our Nevada Arts Council Teaching Artist Roster, so you have to be on the Teaching Artist Roster in order to receive those grants. And then going into the Folklife Artist Grant, again, thats a project-based grant. Rural communities benefit He said there are a number of artists and organizations receiving grants in Nevadas rural communities. One of our focal areas is to make sure that we fund our rural communities, because they dont have as much access to philanthropic dollars that more urban and metro areas do. In many instances, were the sole funder of our arts organizations in our rural communities, he said. For the [National Cowboy Poetry Gathering] specifically and for the Western Folklife Center, we are an operating support grantee. So, the work that theyre able to do is funded in part by the state and federal dollars that we subgrant to them, Manfredi noted. We have individual artist awards that get out to our rural communities as well. The councils main objective is to ensure Nevadans can enjoy arts across the state. And we take that very seriously, Manfredi said. Were not in existence for our artists and arts organizations per se, were in existence for Nevadans to be able to experience the wonderful benefits that the arts provide, he said. I think oftentimes, people think of the arts as what you see in the gallery or the performing arts halls, Manfredi noted. And thats all true. But the arts are really important for the economic vitality and impact of our communities. He cited the Cowboy Poetry Gathering. I think the Cowboy Poetry Gathering is a really great example of that. The cultural tourism that it brings into Elko is pretty significant. You see that in terms of the hotel business that happens, gas, food. The number of people who come in to see that event alone and experience that event alone is an economic stimulus for Elko, he said. In particular in our rural communities, one of the things thats really important is how are we sustaining the heritage of these communities and encouraging that next generation to stay there and move and invest and engage and raise their families in these communities? The quality of life attributes that the arts bring are a real driver of that. From an education standpoint, the arts are a great driver of creativity, which is critical for engagement in our businesses, he said. Organizations and companies are looking for candidates that can think critically and engage critically in challenging, complex problems that theyre going to be dealing with, Manfredi said. And the arts being a driver and a part of the education system is really important. The lifelong health attributes that the arts provide, especially for our older adults, for veteran populations, for those dealing with mental health, theyre a huge part of the mental health improvement in patients. And so utilizing the arts in that way is really important for communities and engagement. Communities benefit as a result, he said. Oftentimes, those communities, especially our rural communities, that have the arts integrated in them, they recover faster from downturns in the economy, he added. Again, they are a real driver of quality of life and community engagement and experiences that those in that community will be able to receive. To learn more about the grants, including guidelines and policies, visit https://www.nvartscouncil.org/fy25-grant-offerings/. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) I am rewriting a previous essay here and adding some new translations. The world has seen a lot of misery this past year, I thought it might be nice to talk about poetry and rebirth today. In 2020, I brought out a new translation of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, which one reviewer called aggressively modern. The poetry had been made famous by the rendering of the Victorian translator, Edward FitzGerald. The quatrains or Rubaiyat attributed to the medieval astronomer Omar Khayyam (d. 1131), four-line Persian poems, are often about renewal, and some make special mention of New Years Day (Now-Ruz in Persian). Heres the thing: in ancient, Zoroastrian, Iran, New Years Day was celebrated on the vernal equinox (21 or 20 March). So although in all cultures, New Years is a time of renewal and rebirth, in Iran it coincides with the beginning of spring and not just, as in Christian culture, the beginning of the end of winter. In the first poem, below, I substituted spring for Now Ruz, since the spring references with regard to the New Year would have been confusing for Anglophone audiences. But it is in the original a New Years breeze. I know that the Persian Now-Ruz or New Year isnt the same as the Western, which falls soon after the winter solstice. But there is nothing wrong with dreaming on our New Year about the Persian one and its springtime greenery. Heres the poem: The spring breeze on a roses cheek spreads joy. The face you glimpse beyond the blooms grants bliss. No words about last winter can bring cheer; dont speak of yesterday - rejoice today. h/t ganjoor.net. Another poem with this theme that some have attributed to Khayyam (it is not in my book) goes this way: When New Years clouds wash clean the tulips face Then for your resolution wines a must. For this green lawn that so delights our eyes Will grow tomorrow from our very dust. People have always partied on the New Year, and medieval Iran was no exception. This poetry is the opposite of the puritanical ideology we often hear from the Middle East, but anyone who has actually lived there knows that the stereotype of sober religiousness is just that. This poetry urges people to have a good time while they still can: Deep in my dream, I heard a sage cry out: What joy has slumber ever caused to bloom? Why do a thing that looks so much like death? Go drinking! Lifetimes soon will pass in sleep! Shaboozey and his Tipsy have nothing on Omar Khayyam. Illustration for the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam by Edmund Dulac. Public Domain. Another poem referring to New Years Day is this: On New Year, like a tulip, raise a glass with someone pretty if you get the chance. Drink wine with joy! The ancient heavens turn theyll cast you down like dust as they advance. The ancient Persians believed that the sky was a hard lapis lazuli vault that turned against the earth, crushing its surface, so as the days and years go by it crushes humans into dust. (This one is also not in my book. A lot of poems are attributed to Khayyam, who was a frame author.) While clear-eyed about how short life is and our ultimate fate, the poetry urges against dwelling on on the downside of mortality. Awareness of it should instead impel us to become joyous and make every moment count. Since we cant trust tomorrow, find a way to fill this lovelorn heart with joy: Drink up in the light of the moon a moon that someday will look for us and not find us. The moon wont find so many after the grim last year of wars, but those of us it can still descry must find a way to fill our lovelorn hearts with joy in the new year. Reviews: To read Juan Coles deft, plain-spoken translation of the Rubaiyat is to find companionship, to rejoin a thousand-year human conversation about how to endure, enjoy, and find a fleeting beauty in everlastingly dire times. The lucid, cogent and mind-opening Epilogue is a kind of grace, a gift freely given, from one of our most astonishing and generous intellects. Michael Chabon, Pulitzer Prize winner and author of Moonglow (2017) Omar Khayyam is a Persian treasure and Juan Coles new translation brings him anew to Western audiences who for centuries have been both delighted and educated by this medieval sage! Reading The Rubaiyat is a thrill you feel the echoes of the 12th century seamlessly into our 21st, as this is a holy book of wisdom and magic. In another perilous era for Iranians, its wonderful to see this enchanting volume make its way through the world yet again! Porochista Khakpour, novelist, essayist and author of Brown Album (2020) Featured Illustration: screenshot from a work of Abdur Rahman Chughtai. The east African bloc IGAD's envoy to Sudan said Monday he planned a visit to the war-torn country next month where he is trying to act as a mediator. It comes a year after the government in Sudan froze relations with the regional bloc and suspended its membership of the body. Sudan has been mired in a brutal conflict since April last year, with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under Mohamed Hamdan Daglo -- commonly known as Hemeti -- fighting the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. IGAD -- in parallel with the United States and Saudi Arabia -- had repeatedly attempted to mediate between the two warring generals, but to no avail. In January, the bloc invited Daglo to a summit in Uganda, prompting a furious response from the foreign ministry in the army-aligned government. It accused IGAD of "violating Sudan's sovereignty" and setting a "dangerous precedent", saying it would suspend its membership of the bloc. IGAD special envoy to Sudan Lawrence Korbandy confirmed to AFP Monday that a visit to Port Sudan was planned in the new year. "I'm visiting them to talk to them about issues related to peace in that country," he said from Nairobi, declining to give details over who he might meet. Korbandy said the visit had been scheduled for December before being postponed to January. He labelled the suspension a "minor problem" -- noting that Sudan was a founding member of the regional body -- and said the proposed visit was "absolutely" a positive step. "I'm looking for constructive dialogue regarding the peace in Sudan, and most importantly is the return of Sudan's activities in IGAD," he added. "My mandate is to bring peace to the Sudanese people, and there is no other way, only to talk to all the parties in this conflict." Since January, the situation in Sudan has continued to deteriorate, with tens of thousands killed and over 12 million forced from their homes. Both sides have faced accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. A Belgrade court on Monday sentenced the parents of a 13-year-old boy to prison after he shot dead nine students and a security guard at an elementary school in Serbia's capital last year. The killings on May 3, 2023, deeply shocked the Balkan nation, where mass shootings have been rare despite high levels of gun ownership. The trial was conducted solely against the teenager's parents, Vladimir and Miljana Kecmanovic, as their son cannot be criminally prosecuted due to his age. Vladimir Kecmanovic was sentenced to 14 years and six months while Miljana Kecmanovic was jailed for three years, the Belgrade Higher Court said in a statement. "The accused, Vladimir Kecmanovic, was found guilty of committing the criminal offences of a grave offence against public safety and neglect and abuse of a minor. The accused, Miljana Kecmanovic, was found guilty of neglect and abuse of a minor," the court said. The mother, however, was acquitted on charges of the unauthorised production, possession, carrying or trafficking of weapons. The court also sentenced Nemanja Marinkovic, the instructor at the shooting range where, according to the indictment, Vladimir Kecmanovic, took his son for target practice, to one year and three months in prison. Both the prosecution and the defence have announced that they will exercise their right to appeal. Chief Public Prosecutor Nenad Stefanovic announced an appeal for harsher sentences for the father and the shooting instructor, as well as against the dismissal of part of the indictment against the mother. Lawyers for the parents and the shooting instructor also said they would appeal. Ognjen Bozovic, who legally represents the families of the murdered children, said that, from a legal standpoint, they are satisfied with the verdict, but there was no punishment that can bring justice or proper satisfaction to the families, as no one has been convicted for the massacre. - Days of Remembrance - Visibly shaken family members of the murdered children were present at the sentencing, and a group of students left flowers in front of the courthouse and stood in silence for 10 minutes to honour the victims. The mother of one of the murdered girls, Ninela Radicevic, said they expected the verdict but wanted accountability for the shooting itself. The parents of the young victims are currently pursuing five additional private civil lawsuits against the Kecmanovic family. The teenage shooter has been placed in a psychiatric institution and was brought out for the first time in October to testify in the case against his parents. Although the trial was held in a regular courthouse, the boy's testimony on October 8 was heard in a high-security courtroom typically reserved for cases involving organised crime and war crimes. The first-instance verdict against his parents was delivered publicly, though the 11-month trial was conducted behind closed doors. Afterwards, the court ordered the father to be returned to custody, where he has been held since shortly after the shootings, but the mother remains free until the verdict becomes final. Just days after the attack, Serbia was rocked by another mass shooting when a 21-year-old armed with an automatic rifle killed nine people about 60 kilometres (37 miles) south of Belgrade. Earlier this month, a court sentenced the attacker to 20 years in prison -- the maximum penalty given his age. The tragedies sparked anti-government protests last year, that brought together tens of thousands of people demanding the resignation of some officials and an end to the glorification of violence and mafia culture in the media. The government decided in September to designate May 3 and May 4 as Days of Remembrance for the victims of mass shootings. United Nations rights experts on Monday said Israel must face the consequences of "inflicting maximum suffering" on Palestinian civilians in Gaza, alleging Israel was defying international law and being sheltered by its allies. "International humanitarian law comprises a set of universal and binding rules to protect civilian objects and persons who are not, or are no longer, directly participating in hostilities and limits permissible means and methods of warfare," the 11 experts said in a joint statement. "Rather than abide by these rules, Israel has openly defied international law time and again, inflicting maximum suffering on civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory and beyond. "Israel continues to face no real consequences, largely due to protection offered by its allies." The Gaza war was triggered by the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. That resulted in 1,208 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory military campaign has killed more than 45,500 people in Gaza, a majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the UN considers reliable. The experts highlighted alleged crimes against humanity committed by Israel "including murder, torture, sexual violence, and repeated forced displacement amounting to forcible transfer". They also noted alleged war crimes including "indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian objects... the use of starvation as a weapon of war" and "collective punishment". They said civilians were protected persons and did not constitute military objectives under international law. "Acts aimed at their destruction in whole or in part are genocidal," they added. - 'Dangerous message' - The experts called for urgent, independent and thorough investigations into alleged serious violations of international law. "Israel's continued impunity sends a dangerous message... Israel and its leaders must be held accountable," they said. The experts said they were particularly alarmed by Israel's operations in the northern Gaza Strip. 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. "This siege, coupled with expanding evacuation orders, appears intended to permanently displace the local population as a precursor to Gaza's annexation," the experts said. UN rights experts are independent figures mandated by the Human Rights Council. They do not therefore speak for the United Nations itself. The 11 experts included the special rapporteurs on internally displaced persons; cultural rights; education; physical and mental health; arbitrary executions; the right to food; and protecting rights while countering terrorism. Francesca Albanese, the special rapporteur on the rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, was also among the experts. Israel has demanded her removal, branding her a "political activist" abusing her mandate "to hide her hatred for Israel". An Argentine judge has ordered the arrest of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega over his alleged "systematic violation of human rights," a lawyer who filed a case against the leader told AFP on Monday. The warrant, lawyer Dario Richarte said, also applies to Ortega's wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, and is based on the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows for nations to prosecute crimes against humanity outside their country of origin. Federal Judge Ariel Lijo has also ordered the arrest of a dozen other people linked to Ortega's rule. The crimes Ortega and his wife are accused of include murder, forced disappearances, torture and "deportation or forced transfer of population," Richarte said. The complaint had been filed in 2022 by a group of prosecutors from the University of Buenos Aires. Ortega, a 79-year-old ex-guerrilla, has engaged in increasingly authoritarian practices since returning to power in 2007, seizing control of all branches of the state. His government has targeted critics, shutting down more than 5,000 non-governmental organizations since a crackdown on 2018 protests that the United Nations said left more than 300 people dead. Most independent and opposition media now operate from abroad. Around 450 politicians, businesspeople, journalists, intellectuals, human rights activists and religious figures have been stripped of their nationality since February 2023 under accusations of "treason." Amnesty International's Americas director Ana Piquer warned earlier this month that nobody in Nicaragua was safe from Ortega's "repressive machinery." "From indigenous leaders, journalists, human rights defenders and anyone seen as a risk to government policies, the authorities continue to consolidate the climate of fear," she said. Montenegro on Tuesday extradited to the United States the South Korean cryptocurrency specialist Do Kwon, who is also wanted by Seoul over his firm's multi-billion-dollar bankruptcy, officials said. Do Kwon was "handed over to the competent law enforcement authorities of the United States of America and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)", Montenegro's interior ministry said in a statement. He was extradited upon the decision of Montenegro justice ministry to face "criminal proceedings in the US for crimes of conspiracy to commit fraud", the statement added. For months, Seoul and Washington have been seeking the South Korean's extradition for his suspected role in a fraud linked to his company's failure, which wiped out about $40 billion of investors' money and shook global crypto markets. Last week Justice Minister Bojan Bozovic issued a decision approving the extradition after a year and a half of court rulings and subsequent reversals over it. Kwon's Montenegrin lawyers denounced the decision as contrary to European conventions on extradition, and said they will appeal to the country's constitutional court and to the European Court of Human Rights. "Today Montenegro completed the extradition of Do Kwon to the United States to face charges in the Terra/Luna case", Prime Minister Milojko Spajic said on X. "This extradition demonstrates our unwavering commitment to international justice and the rule of law!" - Fall of 'genius' - The crypto tycoon was arrested in March 2023 at the airport in Podgorica, the Montenegrin capital, while preparing to board a flight to Dubai, in possession of a fake Costa Rican passport. Before his arrest in the tiny Balkan nation, he had been on the run for months, fleeing South Korea and later Singapore, before his company went bankrupt in 2022. Montenegro had already deported Kwon's business partner -- identified only by his initials J.C.H. -- to South Korea in early February. Terraform Labs created a cryptocurrency called TerraUSD that was marketed as a "stablecoin", a token that is pegged to stable assets such as the US dollar to prevent drastic fluctuations. Do Kwon successfully marketed them as the next big thing in crypto, attracting billions in investments and global hype. Media reports in South Korea described him as a "genius". But despite billions in investments, TerraUSD and its sister token Luna went into a death spiral in May 2022. Experts said Kwon had set up a glorified pyramid scheme, in which many investors lost their life savings. He left South Korea before the crash and spent months on the run. In January, Terraform Labs officially sought bankruptcy protection in the United States. The bankruptcy filing would allow Terraform "to execute on its business plan while navigating ongoing legal proceedings, including representative litigation pending in Singapore and US litigation involving the Securities and Exchange Commission", the company said in a statement. It said it also intended to "meet all financial obligations to employees and vendors". Cryptocurrencies have come under increasing scrutiny from regulators after a string of controversies in recent years, including the high-profile collapses of exchanges. Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - A prominent Luhya community member of Parliament has denied claims of abductions in the country by security forces. Speaking on Tuesday, Sirisia Member of Parliament, John Waluke, termed cases of abductions as fabricated stories aimed at tarnishing the reputation of President William Ruto. The MP alleged that certain individuals have been staging abduction cases by hiding youthful government critics and presenting them on media platforms to validate the false narrative. Waluke cited an instance where a woman reportedly recanted her earlier claims of abduction, further supporting his argument that these stories were politically motivated. "Let me say that some people are lying. Those who are against the president are the ones bringing up this issue, claiming someone has been abducted, but there is nothing like that. They even hide these young men somewhere and then show pictures on TV. "Youll find someone didnt you see one woman who came out and said it was a lie, that they had deceived her? "Theres nothing like this; its all lies because they want to tarnish the name and reputation of the government and the president," Waluke claimed. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, January 1, 2025 President William Ruto has warned Kenyans not to dare him with protests this year. This comes against the backdrop of protests over the increased abductions of Kenyans with divergent views by suspected State agencies. Speaking during his New Year message to Kenyans, Ruto cautioned Kenyans who wish to exercise their constitutional rights of protest, saying every 'right has a limit.' He warned that while the Constitution allows them to protest, they should not misuse this freedom and end up causing harm to others. "It is crucial to remember that every freedom has its limits and that public safety and order must always supersede the desire for unchecked liberty. We must ensure that our pursuit of rights and freedoms does not compromise our collective or individual safety, nor should we allow criminals to exploit constitutional rights to harm and destroy others," Ruto warned. According to Ruto, the freedom and liberty in the Constitution should not be misused and taken advantage of by criminals who aim to harm others. Ruto's warning to protesters comes two days after activists led Kenyans in protesting against the ongoing abductions During the protest that happened on Monday, 22 Kenyans, including activists, lawyers, and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, were arrested, they were later released on Ksh1,000 bail. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - Kisii County Senator Richard Onyonka declined an invitation from President William Ruto to attend a New Year celebration at Kisii State Lodge on Tuesday evening. In a statement on Tuesday, Onyonka explained that he declined the invitation because there is nothing to celebrate, as many young Kenyans have been abducted by the Kenya Kwanza Alliance regime. He stated that 2024 ended on a sombre note, marked by families grappling with disappearances, abductions, corruption, and violations of citizens rights. "It is sad to remember our past. It means Kenya is returning to factory settings indeed history repeats itself," Onyonka's statement read in part. The outspoken senator said he declined the presidents invitation due to the aforementioned issues Onyonka's move comes at a time when millions of Kenyans are protesting over rising cases of abductions in the country. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, January 1, 2025 Gerald Mwangi Karicha, the father of abducted Billy Mwangi, revealed that a vehicle had been surveilling their neighborhood three days before his sons abduction. Speaking in court, the emotionally distraught father revealed that the vehicle in question was a white Toyota fielder car. He noted that the vehicle used for the surveillance was also used in the abduction alongside a double cabin car on December 23. Further, he asked the Court to help him find his son, noting that the disappearance of the son had caused pain to his family. In particular, he narrated that his wife had collapsed severally owing to the agony of the unknown whereabouts of the son. "My wife has collapsed several times. When I look here, I cannot see my son. I thought he was here. Seriously, who took my son and where is my son?" Karicha stated as he broke down. "We have taken a lot of medicine for blood pressure. I have also developed high blood pressure. Where is my son?" Mwangi and other Kenyans believed to have been abducted by security agencies have yet to be released despite court orders and public outcry from Kenyans. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has claimed that President William Ruto is responsible for the abduction of young Kenyans critical of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance administration. Addressing a press briefing on Tuesday, Kalonzo Musyoka, the Wiper Democratic Movement party leader, claimed that Ruto has formed a secret police unit similar to that of the late German dictator Adolf Hitler, to abduct and kill those he perceives as threats to his regime. Kalonzo also highlighted the events of Tuesday, June 25, when Kenyan youth, predominantly Gen Zs and millennials, took to the streets in large numbers to protest the Finance Bill 2024. Kalonzo pointed out that they were armed only with flags, phones, and water bottles, facing what Kalonzo termed as an unjustifiable level of brutality. "They armed themselves with phones, water bottles, and our republic's flag to oppose the William Ruto regime's Finance Bill 2024. How did this so-called Kenya Kwanza government respond to their peoples cries? They clobbered our Gen Z and millennials with open abandon. They unleashed torrents of teargas canisters into unarmed crowds of peaceful protestors. Shockingly, they fired indiscriminately live bullets into the crowd of non-violent demonstrators, killing one too many of our law-abiding youth and injuring far too many. Up to date, not one security agent has been charged with these heinous and illegal atrocities against humanity." Kalonzo said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - The United States government has sent a warning to the Kenya Kwanza Alliance administration over rising cases of abductions and killings of young people in the country in the last six months. Since the Gen Z protest on June 25, 2024, 61 youths have been killed and hundreds disappeared in the hands of security forces. In a statement on Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi Charge dAffaires Marc Dillard called for respect for the rule of law and an end to the abductions. He said this while mourning former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who he said championed human rights across the globe. In the spirit of his legacy, we join the calls in Kenya for accountability and respect for rule of law. Abductions must end, Dillard said. He added that the U.S. respects countries that uphold the rule of law and treat all citizens with dignity. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah dismissed the alleged abductions, claiming that some individuals faked their disappearances and were hiding in Airbnbs with their lovers. Speaking in Narok County, Ichung'wah stated that the government had no business in abducting individuals based on their social media posts. The Kikuyu MP insisted that there are laws regulating the use of social media, and anyone who violates them should be arrested and charged through legal procedures, not abducted. "The government of Kenya has no business abducting anybody on the basis of what they say on social media. There is a law. If you contravene the law, the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018, you can be arrested and charged. Nobody needs to abduct you. Im seeing some people go and lock themselves in Airbnbs with their girlfriends for three days and say they have been abducted, Ichungwah claimed. The lawmaker further alleged that some elected leaders were planning to go into hiding and falsely claim that they had been abducted. His remarks come after the High Court ordered the immediate and unconditional release of six Kenyans who were reported to be abducted. Justice Bahati Mwamuye directed the Inspector-General of Police, the National Police Service (NPS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to secure the release of Gideon Kibet, alias Kibet Bull, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Billy Mwangi, Rony Kiplangat and Steve Kavingo. The Kenyan DAILY POST The transit of Russian gas through Ukraine has been stopped, the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine reported on Wednesday morning. "At 07:00, in the interests of national security, the transportation of Russian natural gas through Ukraine was stopped. Ukraine has informed its international partners about this in accordance with the established procedure," the ministry said in a Telegram message. Since January 1, Ukraine's gas transportation system operates in a no-transit mode for Russian gas. The infrastructure of the gas transportation system has been prepared in advance for operation in the zero transit mode and reliable gas supply to Ukrainian consumers. "We have stopped the transit of Russian gas, this is a historic event. Russia is losing markets, and it will suffer financial losses. Europe has already decided to abandon Russian gas. And the European Repower EU initiative provides exactly what Ukraine has done today," said Energy Minister Herman Haluschenko. Greyhounds make great family pets, gentle and docile they are super low maintenance loving to lounge and just chill out at home. Many of these great dogs come from rescues, where they have been dumped after their racing career has ended, these dogs are the fortunate ones with many others euthanised following horrific injuries caused by racing or they are simply put down as they are no longer wanted or needed by their owners. The reason all this happens is because of the greyhound industry which is mainly funded by the taxpayer through the government. It is shocking and shameful that we as a country are one of the few remaining in the world that continue to allow and encourage this barbaric behaviour. Greyhounds are beautiful creatures, elegant and poised and both languid and energetic at times in their movements. They are very friendly and affectionate in nature making them a wonderful addition to any family. In recent years their popularity as pets has fortunately grown but rescues are still full of these beautiful creatures as a result of the greyhound racing industry. In Ireland, young people are finding it almost impossible to own their own homes, people are unable to access basic medical services and the ill and injured are forced to spend hours and sometimes days on trolleys in our hospitals and yet the government hands out millions to fund the greyhound industry. Greyhound racing is cruel, with dogs are often left injured and maimed with many more euthanised when their racing days are over. Hundreds of greyhounds end up in rescues each year, they are either brought there by their owners as they no longer have a use for them or they have been found by a passerby after been literally dumped and left to die. GREY2K USA Worldwide, the worlds largest greyhound protection organisation points out that throughout the racing industry, greyhounds are subject to standard practices that are cruel and inhumane. These shortcuts are primarily used to reduce costs and increase the profit margin for each dog. Dogs suffer as a result of this reckless approach of placing profits before animal welfare. According to a recent survey carried out by the organisation, the majority of people in Ireland want greyhound racing to end. The non-profit organisation works to pass stronger greyhound protection laws and end the cruelty of dog racing on both national and international levels. They also promote the rescue and adoption of greyhounds across the globe. There are only five countries remaining in the world where greyhound racing is legal and shamefully Ireland is one of them. New Zealand is the latest country to announce that greyhound racing is to be phased out ahead of a ban in 2026. Announcing the widely welcomed move, a government minister pointed to an unacceptably high number of injuries at tracks and declared that the time has come to make a call in the best interest of the animals. Ireland must not hesitate to follow suit. According to Philip Kiernan of the Irish Council Against Blood Sports, Greyhound Racing Ireland statistics show that at races here since 2014, more than 3,480 greyhounds were injured and 1,290 killed. This includes 178 injuries and 96 deaths in the first six months of 2024. Among the injuries suffered were broken necks and leg bones, fractured skulls, severed spine/spinal paralysis, dislocated toes and ruptured ligaments and tendons. Some greyhounds have collapsed dead with heart failure as they run towards the finish line. And this is all in the name of so-called sport and fun. Additional horrors are hidden behind the scenes. As revealed by RTE in its award-winning Greyhounds Running for their Lives documentary, thousands of greyhounds are killed every year because they are not fast enough. Mr Kiernan points out that Micheal Martin has said he is not a big greyhound racing fan, while Simon Harris recently stated: I take animal welfare extraordinarily seriously. Sports clubs, workplaces and schools also need to stop using greyhound racing as a means of fundraising - it is terrible and many people still dont seem to understand that supporting these events is indirectly supporting animal cruelty. Ireland should take inspiration from New Zealand and become the next country to stop greyhound racing in its tracks. October saw a high profile visit from Taoiseach Simon Harris as politicians began to sense an election brewing. The Taoiseach visited Kilkenny City to officially open the campaign office for General Election candidate for Carlow-Kilkenny, Cllr David Fitzgerald. The Taoiseach greeted family members and campaigners for Cllr Fitzgerald on his arrival to the new campaign office on High Street (in the former Toymaster shop). The ongoing traffic chaos in Kennyswell also caught the headlines in October. It was announced fresh signage was to be erected on the busy city road as ongoing efforts continued to be made to end traffic congestion and Heavy Good Vehicles (HGV) passing through the area. FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE Elsewhere, a brave Kilkenny garda was honoured this month for her heroic efforts in rescuing a man from drowning in the River Liffey. Garda Sonia Buggy was presented with a Seiko Just in Time award at the Water Safety Ireland awards night for her vital role in the life-saving rescue effort in Dublin. Meanwhile, the local Islamic community called for support this month in a bid to find a site to develop a cultural centre inside the Ring Road. Elsewhere, the countys musical talent shone brightly on the national stage as Castlecomers Enya Cox Dempsey won Junior Eurovision Eire and qualified to represent Ireland at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2024. A Kilkenny historian made her BBC debut in October, featuring on Who Do You Think You Are? Judy Bolger from Graignamanagh teamed up with popular UK presenter Paddy McGuinness to help him discover his Irish roots. The county lost one of its most courageous characters this month with the passing of Deirdre Doherty (nee Roche). At 19 she had a full heart and double lung transplant and faced many health challenges with bravery and dignity throughout her life. The final day of November was arguably the most important, not just of the month but of the year as Kilkenny people decided who would represent them in the 34th Dail in General Election 2024, held on Friday, November 29. After 16 counts, all five seats in the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency were eventually filled with many election hopefuls left sweating it out in the Loreto Count Centre over the duration of the weekend. Three of the elected candidates were primarily Kilkenny-based as John McGuinness (Fianna Fail), Peter Chap Cleere (Fianna Fail) and Natasha Newsome Drennan (Sinn Fein) all secured election. Notably, sitting local minister, Malcom Noonan missed out on a seat in what proved to be a disastrous election for the Green Party, who garnered just a single seat nationally. Also at the end of the month, Michael Lyng Motors was named the 2024 Kilkenny Business of the Year at the prestigious Kilkenny Business Awards held at the Lyrath Estate Hotel. Hosted by popular broadcaster Marty Whelan, the event brought together over 600 representatives of local enterprise, to celebrate success, innovation, and excellence across the county. Elsewhere, November marked the 29th anniversary since the disappearance of Kilkenny woman Jo Jo Dullard. A breakthrough appeared to be made in the case following the arrest of a man in his 50s as part of the investigation into the disappearance and murder of Ms Dullard, however he was subsequently released without charge. There was also a jobs boost this month as, after much speculation, excited shoppers gathered on High Street to see Kilkenny Citys new Tesco Express officially open. Mayor of Kilkenny, Andrew McGuinness cut the ribbon to officially open the store alongside manager Colm Cleary and members of staff. The store currently employs 19 people. A local family shared an experience of a lifetime with the public in November as it was officially confirmed the Cummins family from Kilkenny City would appear on RTEs Ireland's Fittest Family. The popular RTE show, now in its 12th series will air on TV screens in January. FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE Music royalty paid a visit to the Marble City in November too! U2 frontman Bono was spotted in Tynans Bridge House Bar and Rive Gauche in the city. The rockstar was joined by the hugely popular economist; columnist and festival founder David McWilliams and comedian David McSavage, who were amongst the line-up over the four day Kilkenomics festival. Cheers to Malzards Pub in Stoneyford, who were crowned Irish Pub of the Year at the Irish Pub Awards this month. Malzards Pub is a fifth generation, family operated business that is all about family and community and according to judges it set the standard for excellence in exceptional hospitality, welcoming atmosphere and community spirit. Also this month, Kilkenny County Council confirmed that construction has started on a new 42-unit mixed tenure housing scheme at Abbeyhill, Ladywell Street, Thomastown in a welcome boost for the area. In education, the Kilkenny City Vocational School (KCVS) said a bittersweet goodbye to their cherished teacher, leader, colleague, and friend, Joey Holden. Meanwhile, CBS Kilkenny shared pictures of works on their new campus which sped up considerably this month. The new school is expected to open in late 2025. 'Maybe I'm getting old and grumpy and overreacting.' That was my first thought when I sat back in my car after leaving an Irish supermarket year. It wasn't the first time it had happened and it's actually not only supermarkets. Staff in a lot of outlets seem to be very friendly - but sometimes just with one another and not the customer - or is it just me? I was checking out two items in one supermarket recently and I was waiting behind an elderly man who had quite a bit of shopping on the belt. The worker at the checkout managed to check out all of his items, have him pay, scan his loyalty card, and leave without ever uttering a word to him other than the amount owed. I was next and got the same treatment. I didn't get so much as a 'hello, how is your day going?' Nothing. At this point I must say the worker wasn't opposed to the chat, in fact, they had an entire conversation with a colleague who was standing at the end of the checkouts where you pack your bags. They didn't speak to me or the other man either. In an era where shops are already losing their personal touch with self-service checkouts and scan-as-you-shop devices, it's sad that when you actually go to a human at a checkout, it's like you're invisible. You sometimes get more chat out of the self-service scanners as they tell you you need approval or they've detected an unknown item. I would have put this experience down to a once-off but I've encountered similar in two other outlets, one supermarket and the other a well-known coffee chain. The second supermarket incident actually involved the self-service checkout I was using and I did need approval for an item. I waited as the little beacon lit up and sounded and nobody arrived. I looked over to one of the staffed checkouts and there were no customers, but there were four staff members standing for a chat. I'm all for workplace camaraderie and all the rest, but shouldn't there be a level or professionalism and respect shown to customers. READ NEXT: Baby toy sold at Smyths and Toymaster recalled over choking fears In a coffee chain, I managed to order a coffee, pay for it and leave the counter without really speaking to anyone. I obviously ordered the coffee as the two staff members behind the counter kindly halted their conversation to take my order quickly. They then carried on chatting and when my coffee was ready, it was handed to me without the staff member even looking at me. They were still locked in eye contact and conversation with their colleague. I am not one for small talk in shops really but when someone doesn't so much as look at you when dealing with you, it's beyond ignorant. It seems a long time ago now I used to go to the shops with my mother as a child. Going to the supermarket was a big experience because you might get to ramble down the toy section and pick up something small. I also remember packing bags one Christmas to raise money for a local charity and standing at the checkouts then was a different experience. The incessant beeping of the tills was almost silenced as staff and customers chatted. It might have been a case that they knew each other but it seemed every customer got the same experience. Sometimes small talk like that can be overkill but that face-to-face interaction is something we're all losing the art of - customers as well as workers. It's maybe a by-product of social media and smartphones and all of us being so used to a non-human distraction. How many times have you been talking to someone, and not just young people, and they're half-listening and responding and half-looking at something on their phone. That was seeped into every facet of our lives. We very often complain about robots taking over our lives with the likes of self-service checkouts, but we're becoming just as robotic ourselves. A murder investigation is underway following the discovery of a man's body at a house in County Wexford on New Year's Eve. In an update, issued this Wednesday evening, gardai say they continue to investigate the death of a 58-year-old man named locally as John O'Connor, following an incident in New Ross. "A post-mortem examination was carried out by the State Pathologist earlier today (Wednesday) and preliminary results have been provided to the investigating team. Details of these results are not being released for operational purposes. "Following the post-mortem, An Garda Siochana has now commenced a murder investigation," confirmed a spokesperson. A male, aged in his 30s, who was arrested in connection with the investigation on Tuesday afternoon remains in garda custody. He is being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a garda station in the Eastern Region. A second individual who was arrested later on New Year's Eve has been released from the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and is no longer being held in connection with the investigation. READ ALSO: Gardai search for witnesses after child allegedly assaulted by man in Ballymun Gardai say an examination of the scene by members of the Garda Technical Bureau is continuing. "A senior investigating officer is leading the investigation from the incident room at New Ross garda station. A family liaison officer continues to provide support the family," said a spokesperson. Gardai are appealing for witnesses to contact them and they are seeking any available camera footage, including dashcam recordings, from those who were in the vicinity of Cluain Fada, New Ross at the time of the Tuesday's incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact New Ross garda station on 051 426030 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. Investigations are ongoing. In Kyiv, in an apartment building in Pechersk district, damaged as a result of a Russian strike, the body of the deceased was found under the rubble, Kyiv City Military Administration reports. "A dead woman has been found in a residential building in Pechersk district, which was damaged as a result of a morning attack by Russian UAVs, during work on dismantling rubble," the Telegram channel says. The rescue operation continues. Earlier, it was known about six victims in Kyiv as a result of the Russian attack on Wednesday, January 1. According to the State Emergency Service, one person was killed and four others were injured in Pechersk district. Fires in an apartment building and an administrative building are still being eliminated. The windows of the school and six cars were damaged. Two people were injured in Sviatoshynsky district. The fire has been extinguished. Six cars and a tram track were damaged. People are being asked to stay away from St Lukes General Hospital in Kilkenny unless it is an emergency as staff try to reduce the spread of Flu, Covid 19 and RSV viruses. Strict visitor restrictions have also being imposed and there is a limit of one visitor per patient. A spokesperson confirmed that the hospital is currently experiencing a high number of people presenting with respiratory viral illness. The restrictions are in place to stop the spread of a number of viruses among patients and staff at the hospital. In a statement issued by St Lukes Hospital a spokesperson said that only one visitor will be permitted per patient during visiting hours, with certain exceptions to be made by contacting the ward staff in advance. These measures will be kept under review. In addition, where possible, the hospital are asking people with non-emergency conditions to consider alternative options such as pharmacies, GPs and out of hours doctor services. Nationally according to the latest Trolley Watch figures, compiled by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation 466 admitted patients were waiting for beds on New Years Eve. 351 patients are waiting in the emergency department, while 115 are in wards elsewhere in the hospital. Yesterday (Tuesday) morning there were ten patients on trolleys at St Lukes Hospital, while on Monday there were 15 people waiting on trolleys. Photo: president.gov.ua President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Ukrainians for the year 2024, noting that no cruise missiles can defeat a nation that has wings. Today I address all those who value Ukraine, cherish their state, and lovingly call it Mine. I thank you for 2024. Our people who endure all difficulties with dignity. People for whom being citizens of Ukraine is a source of pride. And for me, it is a pride to be the President of such people Ukrainians who prove that no cruise missile can defeat a nation that has wings, Zelenskyy said in his New Year's greetings. The President also recalled that 1,358 people had been returned from Russian captivity this year, 3,956 Ukrainians during all time. And Im giving not estimates but precise numbers, because each one represents a person, our person, a very important person. And with each return we bring life back to Ukraine, Zelenskyy stressed. He also thanked teachers, doctors, power engineers, transport infrastructure workers, security guards, and mobile firing groups for their steadfastness. The guys who brought down 1,310 cruise and ballistic missiles this year, and 7800 Iranian Shahed drones. Bravo! We are proud! Thank you! We lived through this year together, the President noted. Stuff reported: A renowned Auckland University of Technology historian has cancelled an upcoming speech at the National Library of New Zealand, after claims they tried to censor what he was going to say. Professor Paul Moon was set to give a lecture in February 2025 on British policy leading up to the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi. The library asked me to provide a summary of my talk, and when I did, they were concerned that the word whakapapa was included, with no explanation as to why, he said. He very reluctantly removed it. I then received notice yesterday from the Library that they wished me to take out a quote from the summary of my speech by the historian John Seeley, which famously described the British Empire being acquired in a fit absence of mind. Moon says according to the libraries director, the reason was there was some anxiety that this quote could be seen as us agreeing with Britain conquering the world. The quote, according to Moon, was actually about the chaotic and disjointed process of policy development among the various branches of the British Government in the 18th and 19th centuries. Moon said the talk was set to be orthodox, with nothing Hobsons Pledge reports: We attempted to book the Sunday Star Times, The Post, the Christchurch Press, and The Southland Times. It would have been a tidy sum of money for the financially beleaguered media outlet Our ad was very simple. Just words on a page communicating what is at the heart of the debate equal rights. Vote for the Bill for equal rights. Say no to the Bill, say no to equal rights. Stuff has the right to refuse to run advertisements they dont like. And we have the right to make a judgement about why Stuff is doing so. It is no coincidence that almost all advertisements turned down by legacy media such as Stuff and the Herald are advocacy advertisements from centre right groups. The media say they are so poor that they need the Government to pass a special law to bail them out, yet they turn down legal advertisements. It is puzzling to me why this National-led Government is trying to pass a special law to force successful Internet companies to fund legacy media companies. Not only is it against core National principles of belief in markets, it is also practically one of the stupidest things they could do. Why would you reward legacy media companies for turning down advertisements from centre right groups? Doing so will merely create an even more hostile environment for the parties of Government. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr Weather Alert ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON FRIDAY TO 1 AM CDT SATURDAY... * WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of south central, southwest, and west central Illinois and central, east central, northeast, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From noon Friday 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. && During 2024, the Russian Armed Forces shelled Kharkiv with various types of weapons (missiles, drones, aerial bombs) 318 times, killing 94 civilians, said Mayor Ihor Terekhov. "[As a result of enemy shelling of the city], there are 94 killed, three of them children. Some 1,108 were injured, 62 of whom are children again," Terekhov wrote on his Telegram channel. According to him, during the year Kharkiv experienced 2,113 air raid sirens, with a total duration of 3,764 hours (more than 156 days). If convicted in New York, sentence of over 100 years could be theoretically possible By Jun Ji-hye Disgraced crypto tycoon Do Kwon, a key figure related to the 2022 collapse of TerraUSD and Luna coins, has been extradited to the United States, where he will face federal fraud charges. The government of Montenegro announced on Tuesday (local time) that the extradition procedure of Kwon to the U.S. FBI was completed at Podgorica International Airport. This marks one year and nine months since the 33-year-old Korean national was arrested at the same airport on March 23, 2023. Federal prosecutors in New York indicted Kwon on multiple charges, including securities fraud, wire fraud, commodity fraud and conspiracy to manipulate market prices, shortly after his arrest in Montenegro. Since criminal trials require the defendants direct attendance, no further proceedings had taken place following the indictment. Kwon, whose full name is Kwon Do-hyung, is the co-founder of the collapsed cryptocurrency firm Terraform Labs, the company behind TerraUSD stablecoin and its sister token Luna, which garnered significant attention before crashing in 2022. Kwon is accused of deceiving investors regarding blockchain technology and spreading false information through TV interviews and social media. He is also facing charges of conspiring with a U.S. investment firm to manipulate the market price of Terra. The global financial damage caused by the coins massive crash was estimated to exceed 50 trillion won ($34 billion). After the incident, Kwon fled Korea and went into hiding in locations such as Singapore and Dubai before being arrested in Montenegro on charges of possessing a forged passport. Upon his arrest, both Korea and the U.S. simultaneously requested his extradition, leading to fierce competition between the two countries to secure his custody. If Kwon is convicted in New York, it is expected that he could face a lengthy prison sentence along with the seizure of an astronomical amount of assets. While Koreas maximum sentence for economic crimes is around 40 years in prison, the U.S. adopts a "stacking" system, where sentences for individual crimes are added together, meaning that theoretically, a sentence of over 100 years could be possible for Kwon. However, given the flexibility of U.S. federal sentencing guidelines, the actual sentence could vary, widely depending on the specifics of the case. Before his criminal trial, Kwon had already lost a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), agreeing to pay $4.47 billion in restitution and fines. The SEC filed a civil lawsuit, alleging that Kwon and Terraform Labs deceived investors regarding the stability of Terra, leading to significant investment losses. This lawsuit was separate from the criminal trial filed against Kwon, and the proceedings were conducted without his direct attendance. North Korea has held a large-scale performance celebrating New Year in Pyongyang, with leader Kim Jong-un in attendance, state media reported Wednesday. The art performance was given with "splendour" on Tuesday night at the May Day Stadium to usher "in the hopeful new year 2025, which will be a watershed for steady success and progress," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. Figure skaters and schoolchildren danced on the ice to the tune of "Dear Father," a song praising Kim, to kick off the performance, which was attended by the leader, top government and party cadres and military commanders, according to the KCNA. When Kim appeared in the auditorium, the audience broke into "stormy cheers," paying "the highest glory and tribute," while the leader extended his "greeting of best wishes" to all people across the country, the report said. "When the performance ended, loud cheers of 'Hurrah!' for Kim Jong-un rocked the venue and fireworks were let off to gorgeously decorate the nocturnal sky," the KCNA noted. Photos of the performance, released by North Korea, showed Kim's daughter, believed to be named Ju-ae, and Premier Pak Thae-song sitting next to Kim. However, Kim's wife was not seen, nor was she listed among those in attendance. In separate dispatches, the KCNA reported that students in Pyongyang gathered at Kim Il Sung Square on Tuesday night to hoist the national flag and launch fireworks in celebration of New Year, indicating that North Korea ushered in the New Year with events similar to those in the past. A video of the New Year performance, aired by Korean Central Television, showed Kim Yo-jong the North Korean leader's sister who serves as vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea walking outside the event venue, holding the hand of a boy, with a girl next to her. In April 2015, South Korea's spy agency reported that Kim was presumed to be giving birth the following month. Later in 2018, a government source said Kim was pregnant during her visit to South Korea in February of that year for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. However, no official information has confirmed her marital status, pregnancies or childbirths. An official at South Korea's unification ministry noted that it is difficult to draw presumptions based on the video. (Yonhap) North Korea on Wednesday briefly reported on Chinese President Xi Jinping's sending of a New Year's greeting to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un without disclosing other details in yet another sign of Pyongyang's strained ties with Beijing. The move contrasted with North Korea's latest detailed media reports that Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin have exchanged New Year's messages amid growing military cooperation between the two nations. The Korean Central News Agency reported Wednesday that heads of state or political leaders from several countries have recently sent New Year's greetings to Kim, briefly citing Xi as one of such figures. There was also no report by the North's state media on whether the North's leader has delivered his message for the new year to Xi. Putin and Kim exchanged New Year's letters last month, vowing to further bolster bilateral cooperation under a major defense treaty signed in June. The Rodong Sinmun, the North's main newspaper targeting domestic readers, carried details of their messages on the front and second pages. North Korea's relations with China, the North's traditional ally and main economic benefactor, have cooled in contrast to Pyongyang's deepening military cooperation with Moscow. Last year marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the North and China, but the two nations skipped major celebrative events. (Yonhap) By Jon Dunbar Korea's pizza scene is having a golden age right now, as Detroit-style pizza joints are popping up all over the place. Don't mistake Detroit pizza for Chicago deep dish, another pizza trend that seems to have been run into the ground here, at least going by quality and authenticity. Detroit pizza is baked in high-sided, rectangular steel sheets, originally intended for use as drip pans in the city's once-booming automotive factories. The resulting pie is thick, crispy and satisfyingly caramelized. You can pick it up with your hands, unlike the hot soupy mess that Chicago's signature pizza is served as here. Of all the Detroit pizza places out there, all of them deserve their turn in the sun that is The Korea Times' Restaurant of the Week column. Two have already been named 8Mile in Daejeon and Motown Pizza in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. Among Seoul's handful of Detroit pizzerias, it's a little hard to pick just one, because they all deserve the spotlight. However, I decided the one that needs to be picked first is Dough Daddy, located over in eastern Seoul's Sindang-dong. It has the most awkward name among them all, by a lot, but it stands out for a lot of reasons. The pizzas are priced noticeably lower than its competitors, and the reason for this is simple: they're served as squares cut into four pieces, noticeably smaller than the usually more rectangular pizzas of other places, which are usually cut into slices of six or eight. This is good because it means one pizza won't fill you up. And if you're hungry or with more people, you can simply order many different pizzas. I've worked my way through half the pizza menu, and everything I've had has been great. The pepperoni is a classic done right, but I wanted to try some of the weirder-sounding pizzas, as in my experience these kinds of pizza places often have a few really weird ones that don't appeal to me. First I tried the Super Bowl, an unlikely-sounding pizza topped with chili. My takeout order also came with a bag of Fritos, which I mistakenly ate on the side, not realizing they're supposed to be mixed in with the toppings I couldn't have imagined that's what they were for. Regardless, the odd-sounding pizza turned out to be a hit, and I'll have to order it again so I can eat it properly. The flavors certainly seemed like they would complement each other. Dough Daddy claims on Instagram that it's becoming their top seller, and I can see why. On a later visit, I got the I'm Fine-apple, a groan-worthy dad-joke of a name for what's basically a Hawaiian pizza. It came with caramelized pineapple, American bacon and a variety of other toppings, and as far as Hawaiian pizzas go, it was more than fine. Dough Daddy also does wings, and once when I was feeling hungry, I got the orange wings. These are basically just regular wings, coated with a glaze taken from a Chinese restaurant's orange chicken. I was not disappointed. There's a lot more to the menu, including some pastas that look pretty savory, and fried broccoli, which I'm very curious about. And of course, there are plenty of drinks, with beer ranging from cheap Budweiser to local greats like Magpie Pale Ale and Gorilla India pale ale, although every time I've stopped by I've been driving. I'm looking forward to going back sometime and sitting down for a meal and drinks there. Located halfway between Line 6's Yaksu and Cheonggu stations, which are also transfer points with Lines 3 and 5, respectively, Dough Daddy is open every Wednesday to Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a rest break from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Follow @doughdaddy_official on Instagram for more information. The chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) on Wednesday called for a seamless readiness posture against North Korea's possible provocations, stressing the need to make powerful responses if Pyongyang stages saber-rattling. Adm. Kim Myung-soo made the call during his phone talks with commanding officers at major operational units, including the general outpost (GOP) battalion commander at the Army's 25th Infantry Division and the commanding officer of the Yeonpyeong unit in charge of western border islands, according to the JCS. "We should deter the enemy's threats with a seamless operational posture. If it stages provocations, we should strongly retaliate against them to make it regret," Kim said. His message came amid concerns that North Korea may take advantage of the current political crisis in South Korea, triggered by President Yoon Suk's botched martial law declaration on Dec. 3, to stage major provocations. (Yonhap) CIO chief warns Yoon's security team to cooperate with court order By Kwak Yeon-soo The chief of the anti-corruption agency vowed, Wednesday, to execute a warrant to detain President Yoon Suk Yeol by next Monday, urging the presidents security team not to obstruct the agencys law enforcement efforts. Oh Dong-woon, the chief of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), said a joint investigation team will carry out the execution of the warrant "within the valid period," which ends on Monday. However, he did not disclose the exact date. We will exercise our rights on warrants for arrest and search in accordance with principles. We aim for a smooth process without major disturbances. We are also coordinating to mobilize the police, Oh told reporters on his way to work, Wednesday. On Tuesday, the Seoul Western District Court issued a warrant to detain Yoon on charges of leading an insurrection and abusing power regarding his martial law decree that was later lifted by the National Assembly. This was the first warrant issued to detain a sitting president in the nations history. With the warrant, investigators can detain Yoon for questioning for up to 48 hours. If they want to arrest him, they have to ask the court to issue an arrest warrant. The court also approved a warrant to search his residence in Yongsan District, central Seoul, in connection with the investigation. Oh explained that the CIO requested the detention warrant because Yoon ignored all three summons to appear for interrogation over allegations that he committed insurrection and abused power by declaring martial law illegally and unconstitutionally. Asked if Yoon will be taken into custody, Oh said, Nothing has been determined yet. We will decide on that matter after the questioning. The head investigator requested the Presidential Security Service to cooperate with the execution of the warrant by investigators, warning that any attempt to block the proceeding to arrest Yoon could amount to abuse of power and obstruction of justice. Actions such as refusing to open the door to the presidential residence, locking the gates, setting up a barricade and not complying with the arrest order all count as obstruction of justice, Oh said. We will push ahead with legal proceedings even in case of resistance. It remains to be seen whether the investigators can detain Yoon. In previous attempts, the Presidential Security Service blocked them from entering his office and residence, citing national security concerns. The presidential security team has already been refusing to comply with searches related to the insurrection charges Yoon is facing, citing Articles 110 (military secrets and seizure) and 111 (public secrets and seizure) of the Criminal Procedure Act. However, the judge in charge of warrants at the Seoul Western District Court said the detention warrant includes an exception to the application of Articles 110 and 111 of the Criminal Procedure Act. The presidents attorney Yoon Gap-geun rejected the courts decision. Nowhere does the Criminal Procedure Act grant such authority to judges, Yoon said. This is a very serious matter that withers public confidence in judiciary matters as it is illegal and invalid. The Supreme Court should quickly investigate the case and immediately remove the judge from his duties." By KTimes Desperate and harrowing details have emerged from the grim rescue operation that followed the devastating crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216. The tragedy claimed 179 lives, leaving only two crew members as survivors. According to the South Jeolla Fire Department on Tuesday, rescue teams arrived at the scene 11 minutes after the crash, at 9:14 a.m. on Dec. 29. Some firefighters approached the detached tail section of the plane, where they heard a voice crying for help. They immediately began extinguishing flames near the entrance of the tail. Upon entering, the team found 33-year-old male flight attendant Lee standing, while a 25-year-old female flight attendant was pinned under a fallen cabinet. Lee was rescued at 9:23 a.m., and approximately 30 minutes later, the team used hydraulic equipment to lift the cabinet and free the female attendant. She was conscious and able to communicate during her rescue. However, rescuers said that Lee appeared deeply shocked and dazed, struggling to process the situation. After being transported to a hospital in Mokpo, he asked medical staff, "Why am I here?" According to Joo Woong, the head of Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, where Lee was later transferred, "The patient said, 'When I woke up, I realized I had been rescued.'" Jeju Air has promised comprehensive support for the two surviving crew members. "We will spare no effort in providing the necessary support until the survivors fully recover," said Song Kyung-hoon, head of the airline's business support division. Song also mentioned that after their recovery, the company will discuss reassignments to other departments based on their preferences. The crash occurred at 9:03 a.m. on Dec. 29 at Muan International Airport, when the Jeju Air plane overshot the runway and crashed, killing all but two of the 181 onboard. The two survivors were in the tail section, which detached upon impact, likely contributing to their survival. This has sparked speculation about whether seats in the tail section are inherently safer during plane crashes. A 2015 U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) study analyzing 35 years of crash data found that fatality rates were lower for rear seats (32 percent) compared to middle (39 percent) and front seats (38 percent). However, experts caution against generalizing these findings, emphasizing that safety outcomes depend heavily on the type of crash. "Its difficult to conclude that tail sections are significantly safer than other parts of the plane," said an aviation expert. 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. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 1. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez on the occasion of the country's national holiday, Trend reports. "Dear Mr. President, On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you and, through you, to your entire nation on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Cuba Liberation Day. The friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Cuba are rooted in strong traditions. I believe that by leveraging the existing opportunities and through our joint efforts, we can further develop our intergovernmental ties and expand our fruitful cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Taking this pleasant opportunity, I also sincerely congratulate you on the upcoming New Year, 2025, wishing you robust health, success in your endeavors, and everlasting peace and prosperity for the friendly people of Cuba," the letter reads. By KTimes Kim Mi-rim, 29, who lives in Yongsan, Seoul, says she breaks into a cold sweat whenever she sees a police bus and now deliberately takes longer routes to avoid them. Last Sunday, she recounted how images of thousands of police officers stationed outside the National Assembly and the Yongsan Presidential Office during the Dec. 3 martial law chaos remain vivid in her mind. Since that night, she has developed insomnia, constantly checking breaking news out of fear that something worse might happen. A doctor diagnosed her with trauma related to martial law and prescribed medication. The lingering psychological scars from martial law are becoming increasingly apparent among citizens. While the chaos surrounding the failed impeachment vote and subsequent declaration of martial law unfolded too quickly for many to process, the full emotional weight of the events is now hitting hard. The trauma is especially severe for those who directly experienced the events. Shin, a 39-year-old aide at the National Assembly, recalls scaling walls and physically clashing with martial law troops during the incident. At the time, I just thought, We need to hold on, but by the following week, symptoms began appearing, Shin said. He says that the sound of helicopters or the sight of security personnel at the Assembly triggers a sinking feeling. There are so many of us dealing with these issues that people are saying the Assembly offices have become a hospital, he added with a bitter laugh. For residents near Seoul Air Base, like Seo, 55, the trauma lingers. Despite the National Assemblys resolution to lift martial law, Seo said, I couldnt sleep after hearing planes coming and going, fearing the situation wasnt truly over. Sometimes I still hear phantom aircraft noises. Citizens who participated in protests calling for the presidents impeachment report similar struggles. Park, 27, from Busan, said, Seeing the president evade prosecution or a proper investigation makes me worry that a second martial law could happen. I cant sleep. Kim, 33, who attended a protest near Namtaeryeong, added, Once trust in the government, police and military is broken, its hard to recover. The economic fallout from martial law has also made it harder to find a job, adding to the despair. Experts stress that such symptoms are not unusual. They compare the psychological impact of martial law to that of previous large-scale social disasters, where the temporary suspension of normal life and security left deep scars. Political unrest and economic instability, such as skyrocketing exchange rates, remind people that the martial law crisis hasnt fully passed, pulling them back into the traumatic experience, Lim Myung-ho, a psychology professor at Dankook University, said. He advised maintaining optimism and working toward resuming daily routines to aid recovery. Sim Min-young, head of the National Center for Trauma at the National Mental Health Center, also emphasized the collective impact of martial law. Its a shared trauma for the entire generation, with the sheer act of witnessing it creating fear and anxiety, she said, adding that regional trauma centers are offering psychological support for those affected by the martial law crisis. 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 Three days after the Jeju Air tragedy, grieving families returned to the crash site at Muan International Airport on Tuesday to bid final farewells to their loved ones. Among them was Park, 27, who clung to the barbed-wire fence near the runway and broke down in tears. Why is the wind blowing like this? What should I do? They said we couldnt find all of my Dad. Mom, Mom, do something. What if Dad disappears? No, no, Dad, please. No! she cried. The runway, where only the aircrafts tail section remained intact, was littered with shattered seat fragments, with patches of asphalt stained red. Families, who came to say their goodbyes before the remains of their loved ones were handed over, broke into sobs and wails upon seeing the devastating scene. The barbed-wire fence surrounding the runway was adorned with heartfelt letters, white chrysanthemums, soju bottles, choco pies and milk left by grieving families and mourners. An elder brother, who lost his younger sibling, wrote, Thinking about how lonely you must have fought breaks my heart. I hope you are happy now in a warm place. He attached the note to the fence and knelt toward the aircraft wreckage, placing his brothers favorite tuna "gimbap," snacks and soju in a paper cup. Bowing his head, he wept uncontrollably. Messages of gratitude were also left for the flight crew. One letter read, To the captain, co-pilot and crew, who gave their all to save lives thank you for your hard work. May you rest peacefully in a better place. Below it were two bottles of soju and six paper cups filled with alcohol. Lee Su-ji, 24, who rushed to the site upon hearing the news of a friends death, stood frozen at the scene, unable to approach the wreckage. This is unbearable. What do we do? Seeing that ... its driving me insane, she cried, before leaving the area. Painstaking recovery efforts Special Warfare Command disaster recovery personnel continued their meticulous search for remains and personal belongings around the wreckage. Forming a line, they combed through reed beds and carefully examined debris, including aircraft seats, using small tools like hoes to recover even the smallest traces of victims. Every piece of what remained was carefully placed into ziplock bags to ensure nothing was overlooked. Lee, 74, who traveled from Gwangju to receive the partial remains of her son, pleaded desperately at the fence. That chair ... my son might have been sitting there. Please, just let me touch his final seat one last time. I beg you. I cant even recognize his face. Just one last time, she cried, pushing her trembling hand through the fences gaps. Watching her anguish, a recovery worker approached a damaged aircraft seat, its leather covering torn, and bowed silently in respect. Korean authorities announced Wednesday that all 179 victims of the deadly Jeju Air plane crash have been identified, four days after the tragic accident. This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times. All 179 victims identified By Jung Da-hyun The government will inspect navigation facilities that assist in aircraft landings at all domestic airports, following mounting evidence that a concrete structure supporting a localizer a navigation aid may have exacerbated the severity of the impact when the ill-fated Jeju Air plane crashed at Muan International Airport, the transport ministry said Wednesday. The investigation will focus on whether the materials used for the structure and its distance from the runway comply with domestic and international standards. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it is investigating the materials used in navigation aid facilities at all airports nationwide. The localizer, a key navigational aid, helps aircraft align with the runway during landing. On Sunday, Jeju Air's Boeing 737-800 plane struck a concrete structure supporting the localizer, causing damage to the fuselage and sparking a fire that claimed 179 lives out of 181 passengers on board, according to the ministry. The use of concrete for such structures dates back over 20 years, at the time of designing the Muan International Airport, it said. During briefings on Monday and Tuesday, ministry officials initially defended the navigation facility at Muan airport, asserting it met regulatory standards. They also claimed that similar concrete structures were present at international airports, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the United States and Tenerife Airport in Spain. However, controversy grew after it was revealed that the ministry's regulations on airport and airfield installation standards require extending a safety zone to the point where navigation safety facilities are installed. Further doubts have emerged within the aviation industry, with satellite images suggesting that airports like LAX may not have similar concrete structures. Ministry officials then said they plan to conduct a comprehensive review of regulations from the International Civil Aviation Organization and other major aviation authorities, including cases of airports overseas. "We will provide a detailed explanation soon, based on a thorough review and expert consultation," an official said. "While our records indicate such structures exist, we will verify and address claims that no such concrete mounds are present at other airports." Meanwhile, all 179 victims of the tragic plane crash have now been identified, including the last five whose identities were not confirmed until Tuesday, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters. Acting President Choi Sang-mok confirmed that the identification process was completed overnight, and the remains have been returned to the victims' families. Funeral arrangements are underway with the deceased now resting at funeral halls. Choi ordered relevant ministries to provide full support to the bereaved families. He also emphasized the importance of an objective and thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, calling for transparency in the process and its findings. Meanwhile, the transport ministry said it will send the flight data recorder from the crashed Jeju Air plane to the U.S. for analysis. The date of the transfer will be determined after consultation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), it said. The recorder reportedly suffered external damage and lost a connector that links its data storage unit to the power source. Online platforms speed up info sharing but fuel extremism By Baek Byung-yeul The recent political unrest in Korea has brought renewed attention to the role of social media platforms particularly YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) in shaping modern democracy. These digital tools serve as a double-edged sword, granting citizens unparalleled access to information while also deepening societal divides. In particular, the sudden declaration of martial law by President Yoon Suk Yeol in December was a stark example of the positive impact these media platforms can have on the development of democracy, as well as the risk of polarization. As Korea grappled with an unprecedented crisis, social media emerged as a lifeline for information dissemination and civic mobilization, reflecting a shift in media dynamics. Experts said the rapid spread of news through these channels enabled citizens to respond swiftly to the unfolding situation, ultimately playing a pivotal role in safeguarding democratic institutions. On the other hand, this same power of instant communication also highlighted concerns about the spread of misinformation and the potential for these platforms to reinforce existing biases and deepen social rifts. Power of real-time information On Dec. 3, 2024, when Yoon declared martial law, social media platforms became vital tools for spreading information. Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, livestreamed a video of himself climbing over the wall of the National Assembly to participate in a vote to lift martial law through YouTube, which garnered over 2.4 million views. This rapid dissemination of information through social media enabled citizens to respond quickly, effectively preventing the military from seizing control of the parliament. Citizens, armed with smartphones, became real-time broadcasters, sharing footage of how military forces are blocking lawmakers' access to the National Assembly. The immediacy and scale of public rallies would have been unimaginable in the past, when traditional media like newspapers, radio and television dominated news distribution. The contrast with historical events, such as the press censorship during the May 18 pro-democracy movement in Gwangju in 1980, underscores how the evolving media landscape has transformed public engagement during times of crisis. Park Sang-byung, a prominent political commentator, observed that the martial law declaration on Dec. 3 marked a pivotal moment in the media landscape. He highlighted how social media platforms have become formidable forces, making it nearly impossible for those in power to control the flow of information. This democratization of information flow has fundamentally altered the dynamics between the government, traditional media and the public. Citizens are no longer passive consumers of news but active participants in its creation and dissemination, he said. "During that night, information about soldiers attempting to suppress the National Assembly spread through social media such as X and YouTube faster than traditional media reports, Park said. This rapid dissemination enabled citizens to respond swiftly, with messages like I'm in front of the National Assembly now, soldiers with guns have arrived, let's gather quickly to stop them, spreading rapidly through social networks. He estimated that the rapid spread of information through social media gives people unparalleled access to information and fosters democracy. Korea's high social media adoption rate played a crucial role in mobilizing citizens on the day. The immediacy and diverse perspectives offered by these platforms allowed people to take action quickly, often before traditional media could cover the events comprehensively, the commentator said. Professor Choi Jin-ho of Gyeongsang National University's Department of Media Communication agreed. "If we focus on where to place an emphasis, I would evaluate that these social media tools are having a more positive impact on the development of democracy," he said. He pointed out that during the martial law crisis, it would have been challenging to gather so many people at the Assembly to counter the martial law forces without social media. Traditional media outlets often report news according to their predetermined schedules and intentions, Choi said. On that day, we could see how many people were on the ground in real time through YouTube and X. Would it be possible for so many people to gather at the Assembly without these social media platforms? Echo chamber concerns While social media has empowered citizens, it has also contributed to the spread of misinformation and polarization. A December 2023 study commissioned by the National Assembly Research Service and conducted by the Korean Political Science Association found that YouTube channels covering political events allocated 87 percent of their time to expressing opinions, while only 10 percent was used for presenting facts. The analysis was based on 80 channels and 822 videos. The research also revealed that 86 percent of the videos included hateful or hostile language and 90 percent of the panelists were from the same political affiliation. The prevalence of opinion-based content and inflammatory rhetoric raises concerns about the platforms' impact on public discourse and political polarization. "The algorithm that continually shows content matching one's political orientation can lead to people's tendencies being expressed in extreme ways, which is a concern that needs to be monitored, Choi said. This curation of content can create echo chambers, where users are primarily exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs, potentially exacerbating societal divisions. On the night martial law was declared, Yoon deployed hundreds of troops to the National Election Commission, ordering the seizure of records. Later, in a public address, he justified the action as part of an investigation into alleged election fraud a claim widely propagated by extreme conservative YouTubers following the ruling conservative party's defeat. Speaking about the potential downsides of social media, Park, the political commentator, also warned about the risk of confirmation bias. "If people only consume content that aligns with their existing views, algorithms will continue to show similar content, potentially trapping users in echo chambers where they believe everyone shares their beliefs, he said. To mitigate these risks, Park suggested that citizens should balance their social media consumption with content from traditional media outlets that undergo gatekeeping processes. While social media has the advantage of showing various aspects of our society, there is also the possibility that citizens may be subjected to confirmation bias. So, it is important to consume traditional medial platforms content produced through the gatekeeping process. Constitutional Court expected to speed up Yoon's impeachment trial By Lee Hyo-jin Acting President Choi Sang-mok's appointment of two Constitutional Court justices, along with his veto of opposition-led special probe bills, further complicated the strategies of the rival parties, political analysts said Wednesday. The decision, which satisfied neither the ruling People Power Party (PPP) nor the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), is expected to force both parties to reconsider their aggressive strategies and seek compromise on the special probe bills, according to analysts. During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Choi approved the appointment of two justices Jung Gye-seon and Cho Han-chang each nominated by the DPK and the PPP. He deferred the appointment of Ma Eun-hyeok, nominated by the DPK, citing the need for a bipartisan compromise. The decision came as the DPK demanded the swift appointment of justices to fill three vacancies on the nine-member Constitutional Court, as a full bench would increase the likelihood of endorsing President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. At the meeting, Choi vetoed two special probe bills, one targeting Yoon's botched martial law imposition and the other on corruption allegations against first lady Kim Keon Hee. Both bills, pushed by the opposition bloc, have been firmly opposed by the ruling party. Choi said certain clauses in the bills were deemed unconstitutional, calling for bipartisan negotiations. The acting president's decisions prompted criticism from both parties. The PPP said Chois "unilateral decision," which was announced without prior discussion with the party, is unconstitutional. The party argued that an acting president does not have the legal authority to appoint justices. "The decision to appoint justices is highly regretful, and he will not be able to avoid responsibility and scrutiny for his actions," PPP interim leader Rep. Kwon Young-se said Wednesday. The DPK, meanwhile, criticized the acting president for not appointing all three justices. "The selective decision on the appointment of justice candidates is not stipulated in the Constitution. Furthermore, the rejection of the special prosecutor bills exceeds the authority of an acting president and can be considered an abuse of power. These actions provide sufficient grounds for Choi's impeachment," Rep. Park Sung-joon of the DPK said during an interview with MBC. The main opposition party, which holds a parliamentary majority, had threatened to remove Choi if he refused to cooperate on justice appointments and approve the special probe bills. Last week, the party impeached former acting President Han Duck-soo over his refusal to immediately appoint the justices. However, the chances of the DPK actually pushing ahead with the acting president's impeachment remain slim, according to Park Chang-hwan, a political science professor at Jangan University. He noted that Choi's strategic decision has complicated the opposition's strategy. "Since Choi partially accepted the DPKs demands to swiftly appoint justices, it would be awkward for the opposition to proceed with his impeachment. For now, the DPK is expected to soften its threats against the acting president," Park told The Korea Times. With the nation in disarray amid ongoing political turmoil aggravated by Sunday's Jeju Air plane crash that killed 179 people the opposition is expected to tone down its political disputes and shift its focus to addressing public concerns. "With a snap presidential election possibly approaching, the DPK may need to adjust its strategy to stabilize state affairs and prioritize people's livelihoods. Revising the special probe bills to make them more negotiable with the PPP could be a logical next step for them," Park said. The special probe bills submitted by the DPK grant exclusive nomination rights for the special counsel to the opposition parties, a clause criticized as undermining neutrality. As such, revising the bills to allow a third party to recommend the special prosecutor one of PPP's demands could pave the way for negotiations. Some PPP members have signaled a willingness to engage in discussions on the special probe bills if the "unconstitutional" clauses are removed. 8-member Constitutional Court Chois appointment of two justices has brought the Constitutional Court to eight members, ensuring the quorum needed for Yoons impeachment trial. The impeachment ruling against former President Park Geun-hye in 2017 was delivered by an eight-member bench, suggesting that Yoons trial could proceed under the same conditions. Under the law, the Constitutional Court must deliberate impeachment cases with at least seven justices present and deliver a ruling with the consent of at least six. With the current eight-member composition, the chances of upholding the impeachment have increased. Unlike the previous six-member system, which required a unanimous decision, the eight-member system allows the impeachment motion to be upheld even if one or two justices dissent. The court is expected to expedite its proceedings, with observers predicting a ruling could be delivered before April 18, when two justices Moon Hyung-bae and Lee Mi-sun are set to leave office. A court spokesperson said Tuesday that it will prioritize the presidents impeachment trial over other cases. South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed in a statement Wednesday to fight "to the very end" alongside supporters camping outside his residence, after investigators said they would soon execute an arrest warrant. "The Republic of Korea is currently in danger due to internal and external forces threatening its sovereignty and the activities of anti-state elements. I vow to fight alongside you to the very end to protect this nation," he said in a statement handed out to protesters, his lawyer confirmed to AFP. (AFP) By Hao Nan Dai Bing, Chinas former deputy United Nations representative, assumed the Chinese ambassadorship to South Korea on Dec. 27. This decision is notable for several reasons, not least of which is Dais lack of direct experience with the Korean Peninsula. Unlike his predecessors, Dai does not come from the Chinese Foreign Ministrys Japanese or Korean language schools, which have traditionally supplied Beijings envoys to Seoul. Chinas previous ambassadors to South Korea were typically seasoned East Asia specialists, often with proficiency in Korean or Japanese. Dai, however, has an extensive background in Africa and multilateral diplomacy at the United Nations. His appointment, following a five-month vacancy after the departure of his predecessor Xing Haiming a fluent Korean speaker known for hard-line stances on South Koreas alignment with the United States suggests that Beijing may be reassessing its diplomatic strategy toward Seoul and the region. Dais appointment comes as Yoons Dec. 3 martial law declaration and subsequent impeachment by the National Assembly on Dec. 14, has plunged the country into political uncertainty and shaken his foreign policy accomplishments. Yoon to date had pursued a Global Pivotal State strategy, aiming to expand Seouls role in regional and global affairs beyond the Korean Peninsula. This strategy includes a South Korean Indo-Pacific strategy that aligns with U.S. priorities, emphasizing cooperation on security, economic and technological fronts to counterbalance Chinas influence. It differs from his predecessor, Moon Jae-in, who focused on inter-Korean ties and sought engagement with Pyongyang with Chinese help. Moons conciliatory approach, which culminated in the 2018 Panmunjom Declaration, faltered as North Korea continued to escalate its nuclear ambitions. Since taking office in 2022, Yoon's "Audacious Initiative" ties potential South Korean economic aid to North Koreas commitment to denuclearization, a condition that has provoked harsh reactions from Pyongyang. The release of South Koreas 2022 National Defense White Paper, which officially labeled North Korea as an enemy state, further aggravated tensions, as did Yoons decision to strengthen security ties with Washington, including seeking an extended U.S. nuclear deterrent on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea responded by resuming intercontinental ballistic missile tests and amending its constitution to designate South Korea as a hostile state. Kim Jong-uns regime has since moved closer to Russia, signing a military alliance and dispatching troops to support Russias war in Ukraine. Yoons impeachment throws this alignment into question. The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae-myungs leadership in impeaching Yoon is highly likely to enable him to emerge as the new president, bringing in a foreign policy with recalibrated alignment with Washington and Tokyo and mended ties with North Korea, China and Russia. Beijing may view this as strategic relief, and an opportunity to reframe its engagement with Seoul. Dais appointment, though decided with Yoons presidency lasting until 2027 in mind, remains viable to forge a broader diplomatic recalibration one that seeks to mitigate tensions on the peninsula while fostering economic cooperation with South Korea. Indeed, Chinas initial decision to appoint Dai reflects its growing concerns about developments on the Korean Peninsula. North Koreas closer ties with Russia and its hostile posture toward South Korea have complicated Beijings traditional role as Pyongyangs patron. At the same time, China faces the challenge of countering U.S. influence in the region, given the return of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to the White House. Trumps appointment of Alex Wong as deputy national security adviser, the person who arranged the Trump-Kim Summits, suggests reengaging in direct talks with Pyongyang, bypassing Seoul and Tokyo a scenario that Beijing may view as both an opportunity and a risk. If this scenario repeats, it could exacerbate South Koreas political instability and leave Seoul scrambling to recalibrate its foreign policy. For Japan, Prime Minister Ishiba Shigerus government, already weakened after losing its lower house majority, faces mounting domestic challenges that could further strain Tokyos relationship with Washington. Beijing, therefore, may see value in engaging more actively with South Korea as a means of stabilizing the peninsula and countering potential shifts in U.S. strategy. Dais background at the U.N. suggests that Beijing is looking to leverage multilateral frameworks to foster dialogue with Seoul. By appointing a diplomat with experience in global issues, China may be signaling its intent to broaden the scope of China-South Korea relations beyond traditional regional concerns. The economic dimension of Dais appointment cannot be overlooked. Under Yoon, South Korea has sought to diversify its economic partnerships amid growing U.S.-China tensions, particularly in the technology and supply chain sectors. Such a trajectory would remain in place even under a Lee administration. Dais multilateral experience aligns with Beijings interest in deepening economic ties with South Korea, especially in areas such as green energy, digital infrastructure and supply chain resilience. The appointment of Dai as Chinas new ambassador to South Korea reflects a strategic recalibration of Beijings regional diplomacy. Hao Nan is a research fellow with the Charhar Institute, and a fellow (2024-2025) with the Arms Control Negotiation Academy. Take steps to redress turmoil caused by Dec. 3 martial law crisis A district court in Seoul issued a warrant to detain President Yoon Suk Yeol, approving a request from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials after the president declined three summonses in an investigation into alleged insurrection and abuse of power. This marks a shameful precedent, as it is the first time a sitting president in Korea has had a detention warrant issued against him. While former presidents have been arrested, this only occurred after they left office. The Korean presidency has never been an easy position, but the current president holds the privilege of criminal immunity, with exceptions made in cases of insurrection or treason. The corruption investigation office, known as CIO, and the Seoul Western District Court, mulled over the impact of issuing a warrant to detain a sitting president. The decision is undoubtedly one driven by desperation to return to normalcy after the turmoil both political and legal sparked by the president's brief imposition of martial law and his subsequent impeachment by parliament. The president's lawyers expressed "shock and disbelief" at the warrant, arguing that the CIO lacked the legal authority to investigate the charges, rendering the warrant illegal. Since the CIO has been working with the Ministry of National Defense as well as the police, which holds jurisdiction over insurrection investigations, the dispute over authority was somewhat weak. However, the court has since clarified its position, citing the necessity of the warrant. It would be foolhardy for them to refute a court decision. As a former prosecutor, Yoon cannot simply ignore a detention warrant. The president, who said he would focus on the impeachment review at the Constitutional Court, should also cooperate with the joint criminal investigation. A similar move, reflecting an underlying desire for normalization, was made by new acting President Choi Sang-mok. Unlike his predecessor, former acting President Han Duck-soo, Choi appointed two of the three required justices to fill the nine-member Constitutional Court. Choi, who also serves as deputy prime minister and finance minister, emphasized the urgency of "ending political uncertainty and social conflict as soon as possible, to prevent potential crises in the economy and people's livelihoods." These decisive actions should help the president realize that the public and the nation are yearning for a return to normalcy and a sense of stability. Despite claiming that he would take accountability for the brief Dec. 3 martial law declaration, Yoon has been resisting cooperation in the investigation into allegations of insurrection and abuse of power. He maintains that the imposition of martial law was an exercise of his powers to counter the opposition's hard-line push to impeach senior government officials and cut the government budget for the new year. Meanwhile, his former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun is now in jail and indicted on these charges. Additionally, his former chiefs of the Capital Defense Command and the Defense Counterintelligence Command have also been indicted, and the head of the Korean National Police Agency has been arrested. The president should prioritize the interest of the public and the well-being of the nation over personal concerns. To do so, he would be wise to voluntarily appear before the investigators. His cooperation will demonstrate that he is honoring his commitment to assume responsibility for the martial law debacle and help dispel any doubts about the possibility of a sitting president albeit with powers suspended attempting to evade the joint investigation. A new year has arrived, and this turmoil gripping the country should mark the beginning of a fresh start, if not an entirely new chapter. This requires each of us to uphold the procedural and peaceful workings of Korea's democracy. By Yun Byung-se The late Donald Rumsfeld, former U.S. defense secretary, is renowned for his oft-quoted remarks on the complexities of policy analysis, famously distinguishing between "known knowns," "known unknowns," and "unknown unknowns." Reflecting on the year 2024, most global events fit neatly into one of these categories. Yet, several developments last year defied the most imaginative foresight. Among these were North Koreas direct involvement in the Ukraine-Russia war, Donald Trumps unprecedented trifecta victory in the U.S. presidential and congressional elections and the abrupt collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, alongside the downfall of other pro-Iranian forces in the Middle East. Additionally, political uncertainties in mature democracies such as Japan, France, Germany and South Korea severely undermined the leadership of incumbent governments, as evidenced by election outcomes, no-confidence votes and plummeting approval ratings. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols aborted martial law and its aftermath is the latest example of thinking the unthinkable. These new challenges, coupled with ongoing polycrises on the geopolitical, geo-economic and geo-technological fronts worldwide, present turbulent waters for South Korean diplomacy to navigate in the New Year, particularly during the transitional period of the impeachment process and beyond. The nation must confront as many unknown unknowns as known unknowns. First, the North Korea-Russia entente, solidified by their new treaty of strategic partnership, will complicate the geopolitical landscape. This alliance is evolving into a built-in structure rather than a temporary marriage of convenience. It is already undermining international efforts to denuclearize North Korea and bring peace and stability to Asia and Europe. North Korea, or the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), internationalized the conflict through its combat participation beyond merely providing weapons and munitions. The greatest concern now is Russias potential quid pro quo for DPRKs involvement in the war. Russian assistance in DPRKs nuclear, missile and emerging technology sectors would be a nightmarish scenario, not just for South Korea, the United States and Japan, but for the international community as a whole. Their strategic deterrence and preemptive weapons of mass destruction use doctrine could severely weaken the allies deterrence capabilities and nuclear assurances. China appears displeased with this development but is reluctant to abandon North Korea due to the escalating U.S.-China strategic competition. The no-limit strategic partnership between Russia and China remains a source of ongoing concern, indirectly linking to this axis. Thus, our North Korea policy must now strategize over both the emerging new axis and Trumps approach to revisionist countries. Second, Trump 2.0 is likely to be more offensive, unilateral, focused, speedy, top-down and nondiscriminatory, regardless of friends or foes. We know Trump values unpredictability as a tactic, often making impulsive decisions. However, we can discern some predictable elements from the unknowns through his recent public statements, campaign pledges, the 2024 Republican Party Platform and the recent lineup of the Trump 2.0 Cabinet, not to mention Trump 1.0 policies. On this basis, we can anticipate the nuts and bolts of America First foreign and trade policy to achieve the goal of Make America Great Again, or the MAGA movement, where transactionalism, economic nationalism, burden-sharing in alliances, less interventionism, rejection of globalism and fierce competition with China will be central themes. Trump will not wait for four full years but will push for quick returns and visible outcomes. The Korean government should prepare its own transactional strategy to minimize the risks from the Anything But Biden approach, such as increasing pressure for defense burden-sharing and redressing trade imbalances and investment onshoring through universal tariffs. Big Give and Big Take may be one option, reinforced by collaboration on mutually beneficial areas such as shipbuilding, MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul), emerging and critical technology. Another option is to remind Trump 2.0 and the U.S. Congress of South Koreas strategic value to its national security and the Indo-Pacific strategy, which was the brainchild of Trump 1.0. If Trump 2.0 is wise enough not to adopt a penny-wise, but pound-foolish approach, what is feared as Trump risk will turn into an opportunity for an upgraded strategic alliance. The South Korean government should also provide timely input to the new Trump lineup before it finalizes its new North Korea policy, including the possible resumption of the U.S.-DPRK summit. This is what we did in 2017. Peace through strength is a commendable approach, and it should be coupled with precious lessons of history from bad deals like the Munich Agreement and the Paris Peace Accords, which resulted in catastrophic consequences before the ink dried. The Trump 2.0 cabinet is advised to read his eloquent speech before the Korean National Assembly in November 2017. Third, South Korea should continue to demonstrate its democratic resilience and economic prowess again. As the U.S. saying goes, foreign policy begins at home. Now, many countries see the truth of this maxim for their own nations. In South Korea, the fate of the political leadership of both ruling and opposition parties and the early return to normalcy depends on both judicial and constitutional processes and the wisdom of diverse political forces to resolve this crisis in the nations interest. Two weeks ago, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan perceptively mentioned, "We had Jan. 6. I think it's important for us to recognize that dramatic events happen even in highly advanced, consolidated democracies. The real test is can the democratic institutions hold at the end of the day even if they bend." He added, "The institutions in South Korea are holding." In 2017, the Korean nation smoothly overcame the previous impeachment crisis without economic disaster or diplomatic "Korea passing." I was part of that transition team. As one of the maturing democracies, I believe that we shall overcome this time again, despite much more difficult circumstances at home and abroad. For that, the current leadership in South Korea administrative, legislative and judiciary should not shrink from its grave obligations to navigate this Korean ship through turbulent waters in the safe and right direction. Finally, Korea and the world are now entering a period of uncertainty, navigating both known and unknown challenges, driven by the rise of MAGA 2.0 and intense strategic confrontations between major powers. As William Burns, CIA director, aptly noted early last year, this is a world in which the United States no longer enjoys uncontested primacy. America cannot solve multiple complex challenges alone. Collaboration between the U.S. and its allies is sine qua non. Trump said in Seoul in 2017 that the Republic of Korea will be a faithful ally of the U.S. very long into the future and emphasized last November in nominating Marco Rubio as his secretary of state that I look forward to working with Marco, a true friend to our allies, to make America and the world safe and great again!" This is the right stance for Trump 2.0 to take. Yun Byung-se, former foreign minister of ROK, is co-chair of the REAIM Global Commission and Chairman of Seoul International Law Academy. Winter supplies, essential products sent to Muan By Park Jae-hyuk E-commerce firms, apparel makers, convenience store chains and food companies have joined efforts to donate winter supplies and daily necessities to the bereaved families of the Jeju Air plane crash victims at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, while scaling back their traditional New Year marketing campaigns. Coupang delivered hand warmers, face masks, toothbrushes and toothpaste to the airport via the South Jeolla provincial government on Tuesday, two days after the accident that claimed 179 lives. The e-commerce firm also decided to refrain from promoting its regular New Year discount event. Black Yak Kang Tae Sun Financial Aid Foundation, a charity founded by the outdoor clothing brand, said Monday that it had sent 200 down jackets worth around 100 million won ($68,000) for the bereaved families and volunteer workers at the airport. We decided to provide emergency support (in the form of) clothing to express our condolences and offer some relief in this cold weather, BYN Black Yak Group CEO Kang Tae-sun said. Korea Seven, a Lotte Group subsidiary running 7-Eleven convenience stores in Korea, dispatched its employee supervising franchisees in North and South Jeolla provinces to the Muan International Airport branch to support the distribution of daily necessities to the bereaved families, volunteer workers and government officials at the site. The convenience store has provided them with unlimited access to energy bars, tissues, instant rice, and cup noodles. Other Lotte affiliates mourned the victims by pausing their year-end events and New Year marketing campaigns. Lotte Property & Development canceled a New Year countdown event at Lotte World Tower and lit the skyscraper with white light to express condolences. Lotte Department Store also decided not to advertise its New Year discount event. GS Retail, which operates GS25 convenience stores nationwide, announced that it has been determining the essential supplies required by the bereaved families and volunteer workers at the airport. Ediya Coffee, which began 24-hour operations at its Muan International Airport branch after the accident, preordered and paid for beverages, mineral water and snacks for the bereaved families and volunteer workers. Anonymous donors also preordered and paid for cups of coffee. The coffee shop chain explained that the initial payments were made because the franchise headquarters cannot compel franchisees to offer free beverages. The prepayment was made to align with the goodwill of our customers, the company said without revealing the specific amount it paid. SPC Group, the company behind Paris Baguette bakery chains, sent 1,000 bottles of mineral water to the airport for the volunteer workers. HD Hyundai Samho, which has its shipyard in South Jeolla Province, donated 300 million won to the Community Chest of Korea to support the bereaved families. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 1. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to the Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan Abdelrahman Al-Burhan, on the occasion of the national holiday of this country, Trend reports. "Dear Mr. President, On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I sincerely congratulate you and your people on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of the Sudan Independence Day. I fondly recall your visit to Baku to participate in COP29. I believe that the relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of the Sudan will continue to develop in a spirit of friendship and cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally, in line with the interests of our peoples. On this festive occasion, I extend my best regards to you and wish your friendly people peace and prosperity," the letter reads. By Park Jae-hyuk Foreign chambers of commerce joined Korean business associations in offering condolences to the victims of the Jeju Air plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province. Expressing their support for the bereaved families, foreign business lobby groups shared images of white chrysanthemums on their social media. In Korea, these flowers symbolize grief and are typically used in funeral ceremonies. A day after the worst-ever aviation accident on Korean soil claimed 179 lives on Sunday, the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) wrote on social media that it extends its heartfelt condolences to the victims families, friends and everyone affected by the unimaginable loss. We hope to support the recovery and healing process in any way we can, the largest foreign chamber of commerce in Korea said. AMCHAM Chairman James Kim also extended his sympathies to the victims families and the entire Korean community in a separate social media post. Our thoughts are with all those grieving and we stand united with South Korea during this incredibly difficult time, he said. The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry also said on Monday that it would join the nation in extending heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, in line with acting President Choi Sang-moks declaration of a weeklong national mourning period. During this time of grief, we stand in solidarity with the people of Korea, offering our support and sympathy, the second-largest foreign chamber of commerce in Korea said. The European Chamber of Commerce in Korea said Tuesday that it extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and offers heartfelt prayers for those who lost their lives in the plane crash. Extending its condolences to the victims, their families and all those affected by the accident, the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea also shared a message of condolence from Britains King Charles III: 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. Hyundai Motor Group delays New Year event By Lee Min-hyung Leaders of major conglomerates kept their New Years speeches subdued, reflecting the national mourning following last week's deadly plane crash. Only a few business tycoons delivered their regular speeches marking the arrival of 2025, taking a toned-down approach, while also expressing condolences to the victims of the tragic Jeju Air crash on Sunday, which claimed 179 lives. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won included a message of condolences in his New Years address. I want to express deep condolences to the victims of the accident and their bereaved family members, Chey said in an email addressed to employees, Wednesday. Korea declared a weeklong mourning period until Saturday to express sympathy for the victims of the worst-ever passenger jet crash in the countrys history. Adding to the message of condolences, Chey also encouraged staff to have more courage against escalating geopolitical risks and rapidly changing market circumstances. Last year, the geopolitical risks escalated, and we encountered an upheaval in the global market with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), Chey said. We need the courage to take action even in the face of difficulties. Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun was also supposed to hold an annual event to celebrate the New Year on Friday, but delayed the schedule to Jan. 6 in line with the national mourning period. This is the first time that the group postponed the event due to external factors. Three victims of the plane crash were employees of Kia, one of the groups two key auto affiliates along with Hyundai Motor. Chung is expected to express his condolences on the latest accident during his speech next week. Leaders from other major conglomerates also kept a more subdued tone in their New Years addresses. Doosan Group Chairman Park Jeong-won urged executives and employees to brace for growing market uncertainties. Our mainstream management policy is to maintain stability, as the management environment will be exposed to bigger uncertainties this year, Park said. He predicted that the market would remain in a state of unpredictability, instability and uncertainty for a considerable amount of time. Other conglomerate leaders also maintained a low profile in their New Years address in reflection of the somber mood nationwide. GS Retail decided not to make public the address of its new CEO Hur Suh-hong. The fourth-generation heir was appointed to the top post during the firms end-of-year reshuffle of top management. While the company issued a New Years address early last year, it opted not to do so this year, likely in respect of the national mourning period. All eyes are also on whether Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong will make his first-ever New Years speech after rising to the chairmanship in 2022. It is likely that Lee will deliver a New Year's address for the first time to boost employees morale at a critical time when the chipmaker has to engage in tighter competition for the market of high bandwidth memory chips amid surging demand for semiconductors for AI services and their servers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy said late on Tuesday that no one would give peace to his country as a gift, but he believed the United States would stand alongside Kyiv as it fights to stop Russia's 34-month invasion. Zelenskiyy, in a slick 21-minute New Year video greeting to his compatriots, also said only a strong Ukraine could secure peace and earn worldwide respect. "We know that peace will not be given to us as a gift, but we will do everything to stop Russia and end the war, something each of us desires," Zelenskiyy said against a backdrop of the blue-and-yellow national flag, battlefield scenes and pictures of children. He recalled conversations with outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump and "everyone who supports us in the United States." "I have no doubt that the new American president wants and will be able to bring peace and end (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's aggression," Zelenskiyy said. "He understands that the former is impossible without the latter. Because this is not a street brawl where the two sides need to be pacified. This is a full-scale aggression by a deranged state against a civilized one. And I believe that, together with the United States, we are capable of the strength to force Russia into a just peace." Russia, Zelenskiyy said, was not to be trusted either in battle or in talks. "If today Russia shakes your hand, it doesn't mean that tomorrow the same hand will not start killing you," he said. "Russians fear those who are free. What they don't understand. They fear freedom." Biden's administration has provided by far the most military support for Ukraine among Western nations since the February 2022 full-scale invasion. Ukraine has been wary of Trump's criticism of aid to Kyiv and his pledge, during the U.S. election campaign, to bring a quick end to the war, but Zelenskiyy has expressed optimism about ensuring continuing U.S. support. Ukraine has endured a difficult year, with Russian forces taking village after village in a quicker advance on the eastern front than since the beginning of the invasion. In recent months, Zelenskiyy has said that any settlement to the conflict is predicated on receiving security guarantees from Western nations and Kyiv securing an invitation to join the NATO alliance, a notion Russia rejects out of hand. In his greeting, Zelenskiyy said that in the past year, Ukraine had launched an incursion into southern Russia's Kursk region, staged long-range drone strikes against distant Russian targets and developed domestically produced drones and other weapons. "Every day in the coming year, I and all of us must fight so that Ukraine can be strong enough," he said. "Only such a Ukraine is respected and heard - both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table." (Reuters) Russian natural gas exports via Soviet-era pipelines running through Ukraine to Europe were halted in the early hours of New Year's Day as a transit deal expired and warring Moscow and Kyiv have failed to reach an agreement to continue the flows. The shutdown of Russia's oldest gas route to Europe ends a decade of fraught relations sparked by Russia's seizure of Crimea in 2014. Ukraine stopped buying Russian gas the following year. "We stopped the transit of Russian gas. This is a historic event. Russia is losing its markets, it will suffer financial losses. Europe has already made the decision to abandon Russian gas," Ukraine's Energy Minister German Galushchenko said in a statement. The stoppage of gas flows was expected amid the war, which started in February 2022. Ukraine has been adamant it would not extend the deal amid the military conflict. According to an industry source, Gazprom last year assumed the absence of the gas transit via Ukraine, which accounted for roughly a half of Russia's total pipeline gas exports to Europe. Russia still exports gas via the TurkStream pipeline on the bed of the Black Sea. TurkStream has two lines - one for the Turkish domestic market and the other supplying central European customers including Hungary and Serbia. The European Union redoubled its efforts to reduce its dependence on Russian energy after the outbreak of the military conflict in Ukraine in 2022 by seeking alternative sources. The remaining buyers of Russian gas via Ukraine such as Slovakia and Austria have also arranged alternative supply. Moldova, once part of the Soviet Union, is among the countries worst affected. It says it will now need to introduce measures to reduce its gas use by a third. There were no immediate comments from Europe in the early hours of Wednesday. The five-year gas transit deal between Russia and Ukraine expired early on Jan. 1. "Due to the repeated and clearly expressed refusal of the Ukrainian side to renew these agreements, Gazprom was deprived of the technical and legal ability to supply gas for transit through the territory of Ukraine from January 1, 2025," Gazprom said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app. "Starting from 08:00 Moscow time (0500 GMT), the supply of Russian gas for its transportation through the territory of Ukraine is not carried out." Ukraine's energy ministry also said the transportation of Russian gas through Ukraine "has been stopped in the interests of national security." Ukraine now faces the loss of some $800 million a year in transit fees from Russia, while Gazprom will lose close to $5 billion in gas sales. Other routes Russia and the former Soviet Union spent half a century building up a major share of the European gas market, which at its peak stood at around 35 percent, but the war has all but destroyed that business for Gazprom. The Yamal-Europe pipeline via Belarus has also shut and the Nord Stream route across the Baltic Sea to Germany was blown up in 2022. Combined, the various routes delivered a record high 201 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas to Europe in 2018. Russia shipped about 15 bcm of gas via Ukraine in 2023, down from 65 bcm when the last five-year contract began in 2020. (Reuters) BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 1. Charge d'affaires of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Azerbaijan Seyyed Jafar Aghayi Marian has been summoned to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Trend reports. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said that the reason was the offensive statements made against Azerbaijan and President Ilham Aliyev on December 29, 2024, at an event in Ardabil with the participation of the representative of the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Hassan Ameli. The speech was broadcast on one of the channels of the Radio and Television Organization of Iran. "The Azerbaijani side expressed a strong protest to Iran in connection with this incident. In addition, dissatisfaction was expressed over the obvious incitement of anti-Azerbaijani sentiments among the Iranian population recently," the Foreign Ministry emphasized. The Foreign Ministry told the diplomat that anti-Azerbaijani propaganda contradicts the spirit of bilateral relations, the goals and objectives facing the countries. It was noted that such actions are aimed at creating hatred and enmity, rather than maintaining and deepening interstate and interpersonal relations. Ellen O'Donoghue While many were celebrating the new year last night, others were celebrating for different reasons, with the first babies of the year being born around the country. One of the first babies born in 2025 was born at just 19 seconds past midnight to parents Eve Colley and Eric Tyrell in the National Maternity Hospital. The baby is their first child, a boy named Bradley, with mother and baby both doing well. Elsewhere, Shannon Gibson from Cork City welcomed a baby boy called Rowan at 20 minutes past midnight at Cork University Maternity Hospital. In Sligo University Hospital, Ornagh Burke and Ronan Cox welcomed a baby girl, at 3.54am, weighing seven pounds and 14 ounces. We present the traditional annual interview with Niyaz Ismayilov, Chairman of PASHA Life Insurance OJSC, dedicated to the results of 2024: Dear Niyaz muallim, could you please share information about the results for 2024? In previous years, you consistently broke your own records. What do the numbers indicate this year? I would like to note that we concluded 2024 with great success, achieving significant growth in all financial indicators. Looking at the figures, we attained a 22% increase in insurance premiums, a 13% growth in the volume of our assets, and a 20% rise in our profit for 2024. To compare, while our profit in 2023 was approximately 43 million AZN, this year, following IFRS standards, this figure has exceeded 50 million AZN. As is now evident, this means we have once again surpassed last years record profit in the insurance sector. I must highlight that this is a record achievement not only in life insurance but also in the history of all insurance companies. What is the company's current level of stability? There have been reports in the media suggesting an increase in the company's loss ratio. Yes, Ive seen that information as well, but Id like to emphasize that this is not an indication of increased losses. On the contrary, it highlights PASHA Lifes growth. This situation primarily stems from the rise in savings-oriented product volumes and the payments made to customers for contracts that have reached maturity. In fact, the significant volume of payments reflects the strength of our financial structure and the trust our customers place in us. Its worth mentioning that most of the customers whose contracts have matured have renewed their contracts with us. This demonstrates the growing interest and confidence in insurance products. In the insurance sector, losses are more commonly tied to risk-based products, not savings-based ones. These losses are usually calculated based on events like death or disability. As for the loss ratio, its important to note that this figure has remained stable for several years without any major changes. You often emphasize the contributions of employees. Have any specific projects been implemented in this area? I must note that our company's strategic plan includes several critical enablers aimed at achieving our financial goals and further growing our assets. For example, Customer Development, Lean process management, IT technologies, the implementation of Agile methodologies, fostering a data-driven culture etc. To maintain high levels of customer trust and premiums while ensuring the company's financial stability, internal initiatives such as cultivating Risk Culture and Data Culture are particularly important. In 2024, we made significant strides toward these goals. Some notable examples include implementing Solvency II standards for risk management, transitioning to IFRS17 standards for financial reportingthe first such initiative in the CIS regionexpanding Agile methodologies across the company, and advancing our data-driven culture to a more mature level. When discussing these directions, it is essential to highlight that the foundation of all these efforts lies in our talents and their development. These strategies provide a roadmap for achieving our ambitious goals, but it is our talents that serve as the driving force behind these activities and the cornerstone of our success. As I mentioned in one of my previous interviews, we have already undertaken significant work in the development and cultivation of talent. One of the key steps in this direction was the creation and company-wide introduction of Leadership Principles in 2024. Despite being called Leadership Principles, these eight guidelines are not limited to our leadership team; they serve as a beacon and guide for all employees in their daily work, discussions, and decision-making processes. Our expectation is that these principles will become the foundation of all our activities. These principles aim to ensure transparency in the companys management processes and assist employees in making sound decisions. Moreover, we plan to integrate these principles into all internal management systems. For instance, every hiring decision will align with these principles. In the near future, I plan to share more detailed information about each of these principles on professional platforms. As an example, one of the principles is "Customer in Mind." This principle emphasizes that Leaders are customer advocates. They go the extra mile with a proactive stance to anticipate customer needs. Leaders view both overt complaints, subtle feedback and data as areas for development. This principle is critical because customer satisfaction and the improvement of customer experience form the foundation of all our business activities. It is also worth noting that, as shared on PASHA Holdings social media, Leadership DNAs aimed at fostering a purposeful leadership culture across the Group have already been developed. PASHA Lifes Leadership Principles will integrate with these Leadership DNAs, creating a unified framework. Last year, you mentioned steps toward transforming into an IT company. What are the latest updates in this area? Our primary goal in transforming into an IT company, as highlighted in the example from our Leadership Principles, is to provide faster and higher-quality services to meet customer needs and expectations. To achieve this, we have made significant investments and advancements in Information Technology infrastructure and architecture. For instance, we have completed the upgrade of our Data Warehouse using the latest IT technologies and initiated migration to Kubernetes-based systems. This enables us to automate processes more efficiently, develop more advanced software and applications, and enhance overall service quality. As I mentioned in last year's interview, the implementation of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system has greatly improved our ability to respond to customer inquiries more promptly and effectively. Now, 90% of our customers can resolve their issues during the first call, saving time and avoiding additional complications. Moreover, this platform helps us better understand our customers, allowing us to provide personalized services and improve their overall experience with us. Additionally, we are near completion of a Lead Management System (LMS), designed to streamline and simplify the onboarding process for new customers. This system reflects our customer-centric approach, enabling customers to access insurance services within minutes without unnecessary delays. The LMS is a fast and efficient solution that meets customer expectations. We have also expanded the use of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to enhance business processes and add value to customer experience. RPA ensures faster service delivery, particularly for mandatory life insurance, by automating premium collections and document processing for mortgage loans. This not only saves customers time but also improves service quality. To further promote and develop RPA adoption in Azerbaijan, we initiated the creation of an RPA community. This initiative aims to advance digital transformation, share experiences, and foster collaboration among companies in the country. Furthermore, to enhance IT management efficiency, we have implemented international standards such as ITGC and COBIT. These standards ensure the effective execution of IT governance practices across our operations. All these initiatives contribute to increased efficiency in internal processes while enabling us to deliver top-notch services to our customers. They also lay the groundwork for future advancements, such as incorporating artificial intelligence technologies and improving risk management capabilities. The results of these efforts are reflected in our consistently high NPS (Net Promoter Score), which remains above 85%, a testament to our commitment to excellent customer service and experience. As we know your new product was launched this year. How confident are you in its success? Yes, as I mentioned before, we have been working on new products. Globally, life insurance companies typically develop in two main directions: savings-oriented products and risk-based products. These products are usually offered to customers through bank channels. Initially, we focused on risk-based products, but in the future, we aim to introduce other products through bank channels as well. With great excitement, I would like to note that this year, we successfully brought one of the most essential products in the global insurance marketlife insurance for individuals taking out consumer loansand the expertise in this area to our country. For context, nearly 3 million citizens in Azerbaijan who have taken out consumer loans currently lack life insurance, leaving them exposed to significant risks. Events such as death or disability after obtaining a loan can place a heavy burden on their families and loved ones, potentially causing severe financial and emotional strain. This situation negatively impacts the social welfare of individuals and communities. To address this issue, the Azerbaijan Insurers Association, in collaboration with the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan, developed the life insurance product for loan borrowers to strengthen the insurance sector and improve the financial and social well-being of citizens. Currently, there are five life insurance companies operating in the market, all of which can present their offers through any bank. Customers are free to voluntarily choose and enter into agreements with any of these five companies. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Banks Association, and the Azerbaijan Insurers Association for their contributions and support in launching this new product. As PASHA Life, one of our main goals is to strengthen the insurance sector in our country and increase public awareness of its importance. Insurance is a key factor in ensuring a safer and more secure living environment, which, in turn, positively impacts overall well-being. For this reason, one of our primary objectives is to contribute to the welfare and comfort of the population by promoting the voluntary insurance of consumer loans issued by banks and increasing the volume of insured loans. Private pension funds have been a topic of discussion for years. Has there been any progress in this area? Yes, relevant authorities are working on a draft law to establish private pension funds. It is worth noting that implementing pension benefits through life insurance companies is a widely practiced approach worldwide. Therefore, the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan has requested proposals from the Azerbaijan Insurers Association on this issue, and the Association has started collaborating with life insurance companies. The primary goal is to develop and implement a beneficial, sustainable, and modern pension system for the benefit of our state and citizens. Currently, we are reviewing the draft law and working on preparing related proposals. At the same time, we are exploring advanced global practices to develop a highly resilient and sustainable pension system mechanism together with Azerbaijan Insurers Association. In developed countries, private pension funds play a significant role and offer numerous benefits to both the state and citizens. Private pension funds provide citizens with an additional income opportunity alongside state pensions, helping to improve financial stability during retirement. People can individually plan their future by investing in private funds, enabling them to achieve higher-quality pension benefits. On the other hand, private pension funds reduce the social burden on the state by minimizing pressure on the state budget. These funds contribute to the formation of long-term financial resources, fostering economic development and deepening financial markets. In Azerbaijan, establishing and developing private pension funds by considering international best practices will enable the formation of a sustainable and efficient pension system that serves the interests of both the state and its citizens. Thank you, Niyaz muallim. What would you like to say in conclusion? The recent plane crash has deeply saddened all of us. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and to our entire nation. Tragic events like this remind us of the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Through our work, we aim not only to provide financial security but also to contribute to our society by building a more stable and safer future. As we look forward to the coming year, I wish everyone good health, tranquility, and a future filled with happiness and well-being. A LAOIS farm family is set to welcome dairy farmers and dairy calf-to-beef farmers to their holding at Clonaheen House in Rosenallis. Farmers John, Patricia and Rory McEvoy will host CalfCare 25, the Animal Health Ireland (AHI) and Teagasc DairyBeef 500 roadshow promoting calf health and the potential of beef production from the dairy herd on Friday 17 January, with proceedings due to start at 11am. With the support of Volac Milk Replacer Ireland Ltd (Feed For Growth) along with the regions co-ops and meat processors, CalfCare 25 will champion best practice husbandry and management practices and how to deliver best calf performance. Describing the busy month ahead as an informative introduction to the farming year, the DairyBeef 500 programme co-ordinator Alan Dillon said he hopes that attending farmers will use these events to refresh their calf-rearing skillsets. Assistant CellCheck programme manager with AHI Michelle McGrath said: For many farmers, it may have been a while since they last cared for calves. By attending these events, farmers can refresh their knowledge on the best practices for calf feeding, managing common health issues and optimising calf growth. It also provides an opportunity for farmers to ask questions that are relevant to their own farms. The calf-care roadshow will address a range of pressing issues which farmers face during a critical time of their working year, including understanding dairy and beef indices to produce quality calves. Achieving optimal rumen development. Discussing the best means of utilising pain relief during the calving season and the prevention of pneumonia in calves. Teagasc Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer Department Joe Patton said that the coming together of the DairyBeef 500 and AHI teams to deliver the CalfCare events emphasised the importance of the calf-rearing process to both farming systems. He said: It is essential that dairy farmers do all they can to produce calves that have enhanced profitability potential by suitably looking after them up to the point of transfer from the farm, thus ensuring the success of the dairy beef farmers operation,. Given the success of last Januarys CalfCare events, which marked the first time that DairyBeef 500 and AHI had worked together like this, we are delighted to continue this relationship to highlight how both sectors, working together, complement each other. On the occasion of the New Year, megastar Rajinikanth took a moment to greet the throngs of fans who gathered outside his residence in Chennai, eager to catch a glimpse of their idol. The megastar's presence was a special moment for his fans who celebrated the arrival of 2025. Meanwhile, other celebrities also took to social media platforms to extend their New Year wishes to fans. New Year 2025: Rajinikanth, Jr NTR and Other South Celebs Extend Heartwarming Wishes to Fans! Earlier on 12 December, Rajinikanth celebrated his 74th birthday, with an outpouring of love from fans and fellow celebrities. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan shared a heartfelt tribute to the legendary actor. SRK posted a throwback picture with Rajinikanth, reminiscing about a time when the two icons enjoyed an event together. In the post, Shah Rukh Khan described Rajinikanth as "the coolest of the cool" and "the bossest of all the bosses." Year-Ender 2024: From Vijay Sethupathis Maharaja to Sivakarthikeyans Amaran, 7 Most Popular Tamil Films and Where To Watch Them Online! Rajinikanth Happily Greets His Fans #WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Actor Rajinikanth greets his fans who gathered outside his residence in large numbers to catch a glimpse of him on the occasion of #NewYear2025 pic.twitter.com/KfhK3uayLH ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2025 "To the man, the legend, and an absolutely remarkably simple man, despite being the Superest of Stars!! Thank you for inspiring us," SRK wrote. He also wished Rajinikanth continued health and happiness, saying, "Be healthy and know you are respected and loved too much. Have a great birthday @rajinikanth sir." Rajinikanth's influence extends beyond his on-screen roles. With a career that spans over four decades, the actor has not only graced Tamil cinema but has also appeared in Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and even English films. His signature style, unmatched charisma, and larger-than-life characters have made him a household name across India and abroad. As part of the celebrations for his 74th birthday, a statue of Rajinikanth was unveiled at the Arulmigu Sri Rajini Temple in Thirumangalam, Madurai, on December 11, just ahead of his birthday. The statue depicts Rajinikanth in his iconic role from the 1989 film Mappillai. Ranchi, Jan 1 (PTI) The police have claimed that it made significant strides in addressing the menace of Left Wing extremism in 2024, arresting 244 Maoists, including key leaders. Among those arrested were one Special Area Committee (SAC) member, two zonal commanders, six sub-zonal commanders, and six area commanders. Also Read | Madhya Pradesh: Devotees Throng Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on 1st Day of 2025; Attend Bhasma Aarti (Watch Video). IG (Operations) AV Homkar said that the police picked up SAC member Jaya Di alias Chinta, Shambhu Ganjhu alias Ravi Ganjhu, a zonal commander with a Rs 10 lakh reward on his head, and Sitaram Rajwar alias Raman Rajwar, also carrying a Rs 10 lakh bounty. Several extremists from the Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC), a splinter group of the CPI (Maoist), were also arrested, including Adesh Kumar Ganjhu, Sabita Sharma alias Raja Ji, and others, carrying a total reward of Rs 36 lakh, he said. Also Read | Stock Market Today: Indian Share Market Begins New Year on Flat Trajectory. The police also arrested 154 members of various criminal gangs during the year. "In 2024, 24 Maoists surrendered, including four zonal commanders, one sub-zonal commander, three area commanders, and one member," he said adding that nine Maoists were killed in police encounters, while the authorities recovered 123 weapons, including 35 looted police firearms, seven standard weapons, and 81 locally made firearms. Police also seized 246.40 kg of explosives, and Rs 13.39 lakh collected as levy. Furthermore, 239 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by Maoists were destroyed by the police, a statement from police headquarters claimed. On the cybercrime front, Jharkhand Police registered 1,295 cases, leading to 971 arrests. The authorities recovered 2,118 mobile phones, 2,905 SIM cards, 606 ATM cards, 165 bank passbooks, and 52 laptops, among other items. "Cash recoveries amounted to Rs 8.17 crore, and Rs 77.20 lakh was frozen in bank accounts. A significant tool in combating cybercrime was the Pratibimb App, which helped register 274 cases and led to the arrest of 898 individuals. Through these efforts, Rs 66.43 crore was frozen in bank accounts, and Rs 3.27 crore was returned to victims," the statement said. In anti-drug operations, police arrested 1,362 individuals involved in drug-related offences. Police claimed the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) also made strides, arresting four operatives linked to Al Qaeda. Along with these arrests, ATS seized Rs 1.22 crore in cash and Rs 15 lakh worth of jewellery. Homkar said Jharkhand Police also focused on the well-being of their personnel and organised Public Grievance Resolution Programmes across all districts. (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], January 1 (ANI): Communist Party of India (CPI) MP P Sandosh Kumar on Tuesday wrote a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to register his protest against the 'controversial' remarks by Minister Nitish Rane on the state of Kerala, and demanded immediate action against him. Kumar strongly asserted that Rane's remarks have "deeply hurt" the sentiments of millions and "undermines the spirit of national unity and secularism" upheld by the Constitution. Also Read | ANMS Company Fire: 4 Contractual Workers Killed As Massive Blaze Erupts at Hazira Steel Plant in Gujarat's Surat (Watch Video). "I write to you in my capacity as a Member of Parliament of the Communist Party of India and as a proud representative of the people of Kerala to express my strong condemnation of the recent divisive and irresponsible remarks made by Maharashtra Minister Nitish Rane," the Rajya Sabha MP stated in his letter. "His comments directed against the people of Kerala have deeply hurt the sentiments of millions, and I am compelled to register my protest against such rhetoric, which not only maligns the state of Kerala but also undermines the spirit of national unity and secularism that the Constitution of India upholds," the letter added. Also Read | Stocks To Buy or Sell Today, January 1: Piramal Enterprises, Kirloskar Industries and Kalpataru Projects Among Shares That May Remain in Focus on Wednesday, Know Which Stocks to Buy or Sell on January 1. The CPI MP from Kerala further said that Nitish Rane's statements, which disparaged the people of Kerala and cast aspersions on the state's socio-political culture, were nothing short of an "incitement to divisive politics." "These remarks expose the Bharatiya Janata Party's consistent pattern of fuelling hatred and intolerance towards Kerala, a state known for its rich secular traditions, inclusive policies, and progressive values," he stated. "The Constitution of India, which Rane has sworn an oath to protect and defend, guarantees equality, fraternity, and respect for the integrity of all states and communities. His derogatory statements violate the very essence of these constitutional principles. Such remarks contribute to a toxic atmosphere of regionalism and sectarianism, which is inimical to national unity," the letter added. Stating that these remarks can perpetuate division and hatred, and set a dangerous precedent, he further demanded immediate action against Rane. "I urge you to dismiss Nitish Rane from his ministerial position. If left unaddressed, his statements will only serve to perpetuate division and hatred among communities and states and will set a dangerous precedent. I trust that you will take the necessary steps to uphold the dignity of Kerala and the integrity of the nation. The people of Kerala, and indeed all those who believe in the values of secularism, democracy, and unity, are watching closely. I look forward to your prompt action on this matter," he added. Earlier on Monday, in a controversial remark, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane compared Kerala to "Mini-Pakistan" and stated that the 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. Notably, following the row that erupted after his remark from opposition leaders, Rane clarified that Kerala was very much part of India, saying he was merely comparing the situation in Kerala and Pakistan. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Tirumala (Andhra Pradesh) [India], January 1 (ANI): To mark the New Year 2025, a large number of devotees thronged the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is one of the most visited religious sites in the nation. It attracts millions of devotees annually. Also Read | Chhatarpur: Woman Claims Being Tortured by Husband After She Objects to His Extramarital Affair in Madhya Pradesh, Case Registered. Speaking to ANI, one of the devotees, Mahalakshmi extended greetings on the New Year. "We came yesterday for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. The darshan was very good. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year," Mahalaxmi said. Also Read | Central Bank of India Recruitment 2025: Application Open For 62 Specialist Officer Posts At centralbankofindia.co.in, Know Steps to Apply and Other Details Here. Another devotee Chaitanya stated that he comes to Tirumala Mandir every New Year to celebrate the day and offer prayers. "Every year, I used to come here for darshan during the New Year. There are usually a lot of people, but this time, the crowd was less. The darshan was completed quickly. The facilities here are good, and the SSD tokens were available quickly. I will visit the local temple and then return," Chaitanya said. Chiranjeevi stated, "I came from Hyderabad for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. The facilities are good in the area where 3 to 5 lakh devotees can gather. I came for the darshan on New Year. The darshan was completed well in 3 hours." Meanwhile, people from all over the country gathered in large numbers in temples and churches to mark the new year, whether it was Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Mathura, Varanasi, Ajmer, Tirupati, or Guwahati, people flocked to iconic religious spots to celebrate the day. Amid inclement weather conditions in the national capital Delhi, people commenced their day with morning prayers and 'aarti' at the famous Pracheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place. Similar visuals were there from the Jhandewalan temple in the capital city. Devotees thronged in large numbers to the Kalkaji temple while Chhatarpur temple and Birla Mandir witnessed a mesmerising morning aarti. In Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh showed a huge large number of people visiting Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple to offer their prayers on the very first day of 2025. The holy city Varanasi and its residents started their day with majestic Ganga Aarti which was performed at Assi Ghat. India welcomed 2025 with celebrations across the country, as people in various cities marked the occasion with joy and enthusiasm. New Year celebrations began in many cities with parties, cultural events, live music performances, and themed decorations. In Delhi, famous spots like Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, and Lajpat Nagar were filled with large crowds celebrating the New Year. To ensure a safe celebration, Delhi Police made prior security arrangements. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lucknow, January 1: Five members of a family were found murdered inside a hotel here early on Wednesday, police said. The accused has been arrested, a senior police officer said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Central Lucknow, Raveena Tyagi, said the incident took place at Hotel Sharanjit in Naka area of the state capital. "The accused, identified as Arshad (24), allegedly killed five members of his own family. Following the gruesome act, the local police promptly apprehended the accused from the crime scene," Tyagi said. Lucknow Shocker: 40-Year-Old Man Found Dead With Multiple Injuries Under Mysterious Circumstances in Bakshi Ka Talab Area, Probe On. 5 Family Members Murdered in Hotel in Lucknow Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: A murder was reported at Hotel Sharanjeet in Thana Naka. The police, along with a dog squad and forensic team, are at the scene investigating the incident pic.twitter.com/QCSmNh45lj IANS (@ians_india) January 1, 2025 The deceased have been identified as Alia (9), Alshia (19), Aksa (16) and Rahmeen (18) -- all sisters of Arshad. The fifth is Asma, the mother of the accused, according to police. Lucknow Shocker: Chaat Seller Shot Dead Over Shop Dispute in Uttar Pradesh. The DCP said Arshad, 24, is a native of Agra, adding the preliminary inquiry has revealed that he took the step because of domestic disputes. The forensic teams have been deployed at the crime spot to collect evidence while a detailed probe has been launched into the matter, she said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Jan 1 (PTI) Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said the government will abide by the Supreme Court's decision on the ongoing farmers protest at Punjab-Haryana border and will take steps accordingly. When asked about holding a dialogue with the protesting farmers to end the logjam, the minister said, "Supreme Court jaise nirnay de raha hai, uske hisab se karyavahi hogi (The action will be taken as per the direction of the Supreme Court." Also Read | Seema Haider-Like Case in Pakistan: UPs Badal Babu Arrested After Crossing India-Pakistan Border Illegally to Meet Facebook Lover in Mandi Bahauddin. While the protesting farmers have requested the Centre to hold a dialogue with them, the minister said the apex court is currently looking into the matter. The minister further said he otherwise has been meeting various farm bodies on every Tuesday and discussing their concerns. Also Read | Manmohan Singh Memorial: Government Begins Land Identification Process for Setting Up Memorial to Former Prime Minister, in Touch With His Family To Finalize Location. The minister's remarks come a day ahead of the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea seeking contempt action against the Punjab government for not complying with directions to hospitalise farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite fast for over a month. Dallewal has been on an indefinite fast at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana since November 26 to press the Centre into accepting the agitating farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) on crops. Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by the security forces. On December 28, the Supreme Court came down heavily on the Punjab Government for not moving Dallewal to a hospital even as it doubted the intention of the agitating farmers for resisting medical aid for the septuagenarian. The Punjab Government on December 31 informed the Supreme Court that Dallewal has agreed to accept medical aid given the Centre accepts his proposal to hold talks. The Union Minister said he held a series of meetings with his ministry officials on Wednesday, the first day of the New Year, and set focused targets for achieving goals set for the agriculture sector till March 31. (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], January 1 (ANI): Maharashtra BJP President and state Revenue Minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday, where he sought the Prime Minister's blessings and extended an invitation for him to visit Koradi for the darshan of Aai Jagdamba. During the meeting, Bawankule also presented a wooden sculpture of Goddess Mahalakshmi Jagdamba from Koradi to PM Modi. Also Read | Last Sunset of 2024: India Bids Farewell to 2024, Stunning Sunset Scenes Across Cities as People Gear Up to Welcome 2025 (Watch Videos). "It was an honor to meet our beloved Prime Minister, the visionary leader, Honorable Shri @narendramodiJi, in New Delhi to seek his blessings. On this occasion, a wooden sculpture of Goddess Mahalakshmi Jagdamba from Koradi was presented to the Honorable Prime Minister," Bawankule said in a post on X. "I also extended an invitation to him to visit Koradi for the darshan of Aai Jagdamba," he added. Also Read | Jaipur Gas Leak: Carbon Dioxide Leaks in Storage Tank at Ajmera Oxygen Plant in Rajasthan; No Casualities (Watch Video). Bawankule stated that PM Modi had provided "valuable guidance" on strengthening the party organization and improving the governance of Maharashtra. "With the strong support of the people of Maharashtra, the BJP-Mahayuti government has been re-established in the state. Honorable Modi Ji provided valuable guidance on strengthening the party organization and improving the governance of Maharashtra," he said. "I reassured him that the Maharashtra government will operate with greater transparency and efficiency in the future. Meeting Honorable Modi Ji and receiving his guidance is always a source of renewed energy. Today was no exception," he added. In the recently held Maharashtra Assembly election, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance came back to power with a landslide majority. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats in the 280-member Maharashtra Assembly, while its allies--the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar--won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Curfew imposed in Jalgaon after clashes break out between two groups (Photo/ANI) Jalgaon (Maharashtra) [India], January 1 (ANI): Curfew has been imposed in violence-hit Paladhi village of Maharashtra's Jalgaon district after a violent clash broke out between two groups on Tuesday night, police said. Dharangaon Tahsildar, Mahendra Suryavanshi said that the security was heightened in Jalgaon after the violent clash. Also Read | UPI Transactions Value Surge by 8%, Reaches 16.73 Billion in December 2024. "Police and Local administration are deployed in Paldhi village. Panchnama proceedings have been done for 15 shops and vehicles damaged in this incident," Suryavanshi said. Meanwhile, shopkeeper Shakil from Paladhi village claimed that his shop suffered damages in the clash last night. "I have filed a complaint. I have suffered losses of around Rs 3 lakhs. I have been running this shop for the last 2 years," the shopkeeper said. Also Read | New Year Tragedy in Maharashtra: Pune Police Officer on New Year Duty in Chakan Dies After Ramming His Car Into Container Truck, Probe Launched. On the violent clash between two groups in Paladhi village of Jalgaon, NCP-SCP leader Jitendra Awhad held Minister Gulab Rao Patil "responsible" for the chaos. "That also has a political background. Minister Gulab Rao Patil is responsible for that chaos," Awhad said. Shiv Sena MLC and party spokesperson Manisha Kayande demanded a thorough investigation into the incident. "A thorough investigation should be done to ascertain facts and find out if there was any mischief to harm the life of state Minister Gulab Rao Patil and his family. I am sure Maharashtra Police will do its job," Kayande said. Congress MLA Nitin Raut has blamed the state government for the incident. "The government is not paying attention to it and it is involved in making people fight in the name of religion and caste. They want people to be busy with such issues so that they won't demand development from the government... This is the failure of the government," Raut 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) New Delhi [India], January 1 (ANI): Mallikarjun Kharge extended his New Year greetings along with a message urging individuals to reaffirm their commitment to inclusive progress, unity in diversity, social justice, equality, and the protection of the Constitution. "My dear fellow citizens, as we enter 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment to inclusive progress, unity in diversity, social justice, equality, and the protection of our Constitution with unwavering resolve. Wishing everyone a #HappyNewYear filled with hope, joy, and prosperity. Let there be peace and amity all around. Jai Hind," Kharge said in a post on X. Also Read | Last Sunset of 2024: India Bids Farewell to 2024, Stunning Sunset Scenes Across Cities as People Gear Up to Welcome 2025 (Watch Videos). Earlier, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, wished everyone a Happy New Year, hoping it would bring new enthusiasm, joy, and happiness as the nation welcomed 2025. "Happy New Year to all of you. I hope this year brings new enthusiasm, joy, and happiness to your life. Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!" Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X. President Droupadi Murmu also extended her greetings to the nation on the eve of the New Year. In her message, she said, "On the joyous occasion of the New Year, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all Indians, both in India and abroad. The coming of the New Year marks the beginning of new hopes, dreams, and aspirations in our lives. Let us welcome the New Year with joy and enthusiasm and take our society and nation further on the path of unity and excellence." Also Read | Jaipur Gas Leak: Carbon Dioxide Leaks in Storage Tank at Ajmera Oxygen Plant in Rajasthan; No Casualities (Watch Video). Meanwhile, India welcomed the year 2025 with celebrations across the country, as people in various cities marked the occasion with joy and enthusiasm. New Year celebrations began in many cities with parties, cultural events, live music performances, and themed decorations. In Delhi, famous spots like Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, and Lajpat Nagar were filled with large crowds celebrating the New Year. To ensure a safe celebration, Delhi Police made prior security arrangements. In Punjab's Amritsar, people gathered at the Golden Temple to welcome the New Year. Hotels in many cities also hosted special celebrations for the occasion. In Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, people were seen dancing in the streets as they welcomed 2025. Similarly, in Lucknow, people danced and celebrated as the clock struck midnight. As the New Year arrived, many cities witnessed spectacular fireworks displays. In Mumbai, beaches like Juhu Beach, Chowpatty Beach, and Versova Beach were packed with revelers. People also gathered at Marine Drive to watch the fireworks. Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh's Manali, a popular tourist destination, crowds danced and cheered in the streets. In West Bengal, people celebrated with lights flashing from their mobile phones. In Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, fireworks lit up the sky, marking the arrival of the New Year. In Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam, people also celebrated by cutting cakes. In Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore, percussion instruments were played in the streets, while Chennai witnessed a huge crowd celebrating the occasion. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, January 2. In Kyrgyzstan, 12.195 billion kWh of electricity were generated between January and November 2024, Trend reports. The country's State Statistical Committee reported that electricity production increased by 0.3 percent, reaching 12.195 billion kWh, compared to 12.159 billion kWh during the same period in 2023. November saw the generation of 1.261 billion kWh of electricity, a 19.5 percent increase from 1.056 billion kWh in November 2023. Additionally, Kyrgyzstan imported 4.266 billion kWh of electricity from January through November 2024, a 62.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, when imports totaled 2.622 billion kWh. The value of these imports amounted to $138.984 million, a 90.1 percent rise from $73.116 million during the same months of 2023. The Statistical Committee did not specify from which countries Kyrgyzstan imported electricity. However, under intergovernmental agreements, electricity is typically imported from Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Imphal, January 1: Suspected militants launched fresh attack in the Kadangband area of Manipur's Imphal West district in the early hours of Wednesday, police said. Militants from their hill positions in Kangpokpi district fired several rounds from sophisticated arms and hurled bombs at the low-lying Kadangband area in Imphal West district around 1 am, a police officer said. Fresh Violence in Manipur: Gunfight Underway Between Security Forces and Militants in Jiribam District. Village volunteers deployed in the area returned the fire even as additional security forces were rushed to the area to control the situation. No injuries were reported in the firing, the police said. The attack forced several villagers living in Kutcha homes to flee to safer places, they said. Manipur Fresh Violence: Three Tribals Shot Dead by Militants in Kangpopki District. Kadangband area has witnessed several attacks by suspected militants since violence broke out in the state in May 2023. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kottayam (Kerala), Jan 1 (PTI) The Tamil Nadu State Express Transport Corporation has started new bus services from Vaikom to Chennai and Velankanni. The services were officially launched at a ceremony at the Vaikom KSRTC bus stand by Kerala Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar and Tamil Nadu Transport Minister S S Sivasankar. Also Read | Surat: 18-Year-Old Arrested After 'Good Touch, Bad Touch' Training Helps Class 2 Student Escape Sexual Molestation in Salabatpura. The bus services from Vaikom were launched weeks after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin inaugurated the Thanthai Periyar Memorial and Periyar Library, established in honour of Dravidar Kazhagam founder E V Ramasamy, in Vaikom, here. Minister Ganesh Kumar expressed his happiness about Tamil Nadu's decision to run buses to Vaikom. He said that the TenkasiAryankavu bus service, which will begin on Thursday, will greatly benefit Kerala passengers. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi To Lay Foundation for 2 New Delhi University Campuses, Savarkar College in Najafgarh on January 3, Say Sources. Kumar said that private buses would not be allowed to hire drivers without police clearance certificates. A system will also be introduced where driving licenses will get a "black mark" for violations, and a license will be canceled if it receives six black marks within a year. Tamil Nadu Transport Minister Sivasankar said the bus service to Vaikom holds historical importance. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], January 1 (ANI): Former Union Minister V. Muraleedharan took strong exception to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's recent remarks on Sanatana Dharma, calling them an insult to the faith and the Sivagiri Mutt. Speaking at the Sivagiri Mutt, Muraleedharan questioned if Vijayan would dare to make similar statements about other religions, including the Holy Quran. Speaking to ANI, Muraleedharan said, "Pinarayi Vijayan insulted Sanatana Dharma at the holy land of Shivigiri. By doing this, the Chief Minister has insulted the Sivagiri Mutt and the Hindu community." Also Read | CTET Answer Key 2024: CBSE Releases Provisional Answer Keys for CTET December Exam at ctet.nic.in, Here's How To Check and Download. Muraleedharan further said that the content of the speech shared by Pinarayi at the conference is, " Sanatana Dharma is one that should be hatred. Pinarayi's statement is a continuation of Udayanidhi Stalin's statement that Sanatana Dharma should be eradicated. V. Muraleedharan also asked whether the chief minister dares to say something like this about the Holy Quran or any other faith." "The Hindu community in Kerala faced the biggest challenge during Pinarayi's rule. Pinarayi Vijayan tried to challenge faith in Sabarimala and Thrissur Pooram," Muraleedharan said. Also Read | 7th Pay Commission: When Will Next DA Hike Be Announced? Know How Much Salary Hike Central Govt Employees Can Expect. Muraleedharan also said, "People of Kerala will reject the communist propaganda that makes Sree Narayana Guru an enemy of Sanathan Dharma." The Hindu community has moved forward by recognising the ultimate truth of Sanatana Dharma and correcting its shortcomings." "The propaganda that Sanatana Dharma is only a lack of unity and unity is useless here. He explained the relationship between the Guru and Sanatana Dharma at the Sivagiri venue by quoting Kumaranasan's sutra," Muraleedharan said. Earlier today, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Wednesday condemned Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's remarks on Sanatan Dharma, accusing him of insulting Hinduism to secure extremist votes. He also challenged Vijayan to make similar remarks against other religions. On Tuesday, while addressing the Sivagiri Pilgrimage, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, "Sanatana Dharma is synonymous with or inseparable from the Varnashrama Dharma, which is based on the Chaturvarna system. What does this Varnashrama Dharma uphold? It glorifies hereditary professions. But what did Sree Narayana Guru do? He called for defiance of hereditary professions. How, then, can Guru be an advocate of Sanatana Dharma?" Guru's ascetic life was a constant questioning and defiance of the Chaturvarna system. How can someone who proclaimed, "One Caste, One Religion, One God for humankind," be an advocate of Sanatana Dharma, which is rooted in the confines of a single religion? Guru championed a dharma that opposed the caste system," Vijayan added. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Jan 1 (PTI) Delhi Police has identified and deported 11 Bangladeshi nationals who were found staying illegally in the capital, an official said on Wednesday. During an operation carried out at Mahipalpur in southwest Delhi, 11 Bangladeshi nationals were found staying in hotels without valid documents, Deputy Commissioner of Police (southwest), Surendra Choudhary, said. Also Read | Rajasthan: After 10-Day Rescue Operation, 3-Year-Old Chetna, Who Had Fallen Into 700-Foot-Deep Borewell in Kotputli, Pulled Out (Watch Video). "Police detained the illegal migrants for overstaying their tourist visas. After questioning, they were handed over to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) from where they were deported to Bangladesh," the DCP said. The deportees aged between 21 and 48 years hailed from different districts in Bangladesh, including Cumilla, Gazipur, Dhaka, and Sunamganj. Also Read | Pujari and Granthi Samman Yojana Row: Arvind Kejriwal Alleges BJP Preparing To Demolish Temples Amid Protest Over AAP Government Schemes. They admitted to have entered India on tourist visas and staying in Delhi even after the terms expired, the officer said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Guwahati, Jan 1 (PTI) The proposed construction of the world's largest dam by China on Brahmaputra in Tibet will damage the ecosystem of the river in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday. During an interaction with journalists here, Sarma said the Centre has communicated to China the dangers posed by the dam in the lower reaches of the river. Also Read | What Is Jumped Deposit Scam? Here's How To Protect Yourself From New Online Fraud That Targets UPI Users. 'The dam will pose a big problem for us as the riverbed will dry up and the entire river system will become fragile. We have already raised the matter with the Centre', he said. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has also written to the Centre about the matter, Sarma added. Also Read | Atul Subhash-Like Case in Delhi: 40-Year Old Businessman Dies by Suicide in Kalyan Vihar Area; Family Alleges Harassment by Wife and In-Laws. Last week, China approved the construction of the world's largest dam, stated to be the planet's biggest infra project, on the Brahmaputra river in Tibet close to the Indian border, raising concerns in India and Bangladesh. The hydropower project will be built in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo river, the Tibetan name for the Brahmaputra. The dam will be built at a huge gorge in the Himalayan reaches where the Brahmaputra river makes a huge U-turn to flow into Arunachal Pradesh and then to Bangladesh, an official release had said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jaipur, Jan 1 (PTI) A three-year-old girl, who fell into a 150-foot-deep borewell in Rajasthan's Kotputli-Behror district, was brought out in an unconscious state on Wednesday after a 10-day rescue operation and rushed to hospital, officials said. However, the girl, Chetna, was declared dead by doctors at the hospital, they said. Also Read | Lucknow Horror: Man Kills Mother, 4 Sisters in Hotel With Father's Help Over Family Disputes; Video of His Confession Surfaces. NDRF team in-charge Yogesh Meena said that when the girl was taken out there was no movement in her body. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], January 1 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday lauded the decisions of the Union Cabinet that include approval to continuation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and restructured weather-based crop insurance scheme till the year 2025-26. The union cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has also given its approval to extend the one-time special package on di-ammonium phosphate beyond NBS subsidy from January 1 to December 31, 2025, to ensure continuous availability of DAP to farmers at an affordable price. Also Read | Surat: 18-Year-Old Arrested After 'Good Touch, Bad Touch' Training Helps Class 2 Student Escape Sexual Molestation in Salabatpura. Uttarakhand Chief Minister said that these welfare decisions will provide financial security to farmers on crop loss due to natural disasters. Affordable and continuous availability of fertilizer will be ensured, which will increase agricultural production, he said, according to an official release. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme till 2025-26 with an overall outlay of Rs 69,515.71 crore from 2021-22 to 2025-26. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi To Lay Foundation for 2 New Delhi University Campuses, Savarkar College in Najafgarh on January 3, Say Sources. The decision will help in risk coverage of crops from non-preventable natural calamities for farmers across the country till 2025-26. In addition, for large-scale technology infusion in the implementation of the scheme leading to increasing transparency and claim calculation and settlement, the Union Cabinet has also approved the creation of the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) with a corpus of Rs 824.77 crore. The fund will be utilised towards funding technological initiatives under the scheme namely, YES-TECH, and WINDS, as well as research and development studies. The Union Cabinet also approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for extension of One-time Special Package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) beyond the NBS subsidy @ Rs 3,500 per MT for the period from January 1, 2025, till further orders to ensure sustainable availability of DAP at affordable prices to the farmers. The tentative budgetary requirement for above would be approximately upto Rs 3,850 crore. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ayodhya, January 1: More than 2 lakh devotees visited and offered prayers at the Shri Ram Lalla temple on the first day of the year, said the Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Wednesday. "Today, on January 1, 2025, from 7:00 AM onwards, devotees have been continuously having divine Darshans of Prabhu Shri Ram Lalla Sarkar. Devotees are having darshan through five queues without interruption. It is estimated that over 200,000 devotees have already had darshan so far," said the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said that the entry to the Ram Lalla Temple will continue until 9:00 PM tonight. A large number of people visited the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple and offered their prayers on the very first day of 2025. Thousands of devotees on December 31st gathered at the Shree Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya on Tuesday to participate in the last aarti of the year. Devotees could be seen standing in long queues, waiting patiently to offer prayers and seek blessings for the upcoming year. Temple Visits on New Years Day 2025: From Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati to Pracheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place, Devotees Throng to Places of Worship to Ring In the New Year. The temple saw an influx of pilgrims from across the country, marking a spiritual start to the New Year celebrations. People from all over the country gathered in large numbers in temples and churches to mark the new year. Whether it was Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Mathura, Varanasi, Ajmer, Tirupati, or Guwahati, people flocked to iconic religious spots to celebrate the day. Amid inclement weather conditions in the national capital Delhi, people commenced their day with morning prayers and 'aarti' at the famous Pracheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place. Similar visuals were there from the Jhandewalan temple in the capital city. Devotees thronged in large numbers to the Kalkaji temple while Chhatarpur temple and Birla Mandir witnessed a mesmerising morning aarti. The holy city Varanasi and its residents started their day with majestic Ganga Aarti which was performed at Assi Ghat. New Year 2025: Devotees Flock to Temples and Ghats Across Nation To Welcome 2025 With Great Fervor and Joy (Watch Videos). A significant number of people flocked to Mathura's Banke Bihari Temple to celebrate the day. Prayers were also held at San Thome Church in Chennai, on the very first day of the year. Devotees gathered in huge numbers at Khwaja Gareeb Nawaz Dargah in Ajmer after Jannati Gate opened on the first day of the year. The iconic Sri Venkateshwara Swamy temple in Tirupati and Meenakshi Temple in Madurai witnessed a huge throng of devotees as the day commenced. Devotees Flock Ayodhya's Ram Mandir #WATCH | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: A large number of people visit Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple to offer prayers on the first day of the year 2025. pic.twitter.com/6fkODSvJ3k ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2025 Devotees Gather at Pracheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place #WATCH | Delhi: Devotees gather to offer prayers at Pracheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place on the first day of the year, 2025. pic.twitter.com/4pro4zzBdN ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2025 Devotees also thronged at Mata Mansa Devi Temple in Panchkula, Haryana and Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam to offer their prayers. In Haridwar, Uttarakhand, devotees took a dip in the Ganga river to initiate their first day of 2025. India welcomed the year 2025 with celebrations across the country, as people in various cities marked the occasion with joy and enthusiasm. New Year celebrations began in many cities with parties, cultural events, live music performances, and themed decorations. In Delhi, famous spots like Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, and Lajpat Nagar were filled with large crowds celebrating the New Year. To ensure a safe celebration, Delhi Police made prior security arrangements. Banke Bihari Temple in Uttar Pradesh #WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Devotees throng Banke Bihari temple for darshan in Mathura, on the first day of the year 2025. pic.twitter.com/tQOwRbijBP ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2025 In Punjab's Amritsar, people gathered at the Golden Temple to welcome the New Year. Hotels in many cities also hosted special celebrations for the occasion. In Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, people were seen dancing in the streets as they welcomed 2025. Similarly, in Lucknow, people danced and celebrated as the clock struck midnight. As the New Year arrived, many cities witnessed spectacular fireworks displays. In Mumbai, beaches like Juhu Beach, Chowpatty Beach, and Versova Beach were packed with revellers. People also gathered at Marine Drive to watch the fireworks. Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh's Manali, a popular tourist destination, crowds danced and cheered in the streets. In West Bengal, people celebrated with lights flashing from their mobile phones. In Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, fireworks lit up the sky, marking the arrival of the New Year. In Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam, people also celebrated by cutting cakes. In Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore, percussion instruments were played in the streets, while Chennai witnessed a huge crowd celebrating the occasion. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ghaziabad (UP), Jan 1 (PTI) A 25-year-old man was arrested here on Wednesday for allegedly posing as the chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Human Rights Commission and demanding security from authorities in multiple districts of the state, officials said. The accused, Anas Malik, a resident of Moradabad, had sent "official" letters to the district magistrates of Moradabad, Ghaziabad, Amroha, and Noida for a two-day program on November 8, requesting protection under the protocol, they said. Also Read | What Is Jumped Deposit Scam? Here's How To Protect Yourself From New Online Fraud That Targets UPI Users. Following suspicions raised by the letters, police launched an investigation and found that Malik was faking his identity. Additional DCP (Crime), Ghaziabad, Sachchidanand said that Malik had faked his identity to manipulate local authorities. Also Read | 7th Pay Commission: When Will Next DA Hike Be Announced? Know How Much Salary Hike Central Govt Employees Can Expect. "During questioning, Malik said that he had completed only the 10th grade and previously worked as a driver. He claimed to have gradually come into contact with some local leaders, from whom he got the idea of enjoying police protection and official escorts. "He created a fake Human Rights Commission's emblem and falsely presented himself as its chairman," said the officer. Malik also used a fake seal of the Commission, along with forged letters, to demand various services from government officials, the additional DCP said. To add authenticity, he included the names and numbers of staff members and personal secretaries in his communications, police said. Moreover, he would travel with an accomplice dressed in white official attire, the official said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chakwal [Pakistan], January 1 (ANI): Though ties between India and Pakistan continue to remain fraught amid repeated terror activities from Islamabad, Gah, a small village in Pakistan, which is also the ancestral place of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, mourned his demise with a special event. The villagers held a special event to pay tribute to Manmohan Singh, who breathed his last, on December 26, 2024, in AIIMS Delhi at the age of 92. Also Read | Aerial Firing in Pakistan: 29 Injured in Celebratory Gunfire on New Year's Night in Karachi. The villagers took pride in their connection to the late leader, celebrating his journey from a modest upbringing to becoming the head of the world's largest democracy. A villager said, "A matter of pride for me is that Manmohan Singh was the fellow classmate of my father. Whenever I saw the name of Manmohan Singh in school, I felt proud that a boy of this small village became Premier of such a big democracy and handled the honour of India." Also Read | Nimisha Priya Case: Amid Diplomatic Efforts in Yemen, Kerala Nurse's Husband Tomy Thomas Says Ready To Pay Blood Money. Another villager extended the invitation to Manmohan Singh's family to visit his native village. He said, "Since he (Manmohan Singh) is no more now but is survived by his wife and daughters, we extend them an invitation. Whenever they are here, they will find their home even today. We are all waiting for them. If they want to come, we will welcome them in such a way that perhaps, it will be written in history." Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related medical issues in Delhi on December 26. He 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 on December 28. 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. Earlier this year, Manmohan Singh retired from Rajya Sabha. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 1. Turkmenistan will continue its work to maintain peace and trust on the planet and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, stated in the New Year's address of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Trend reports. The President of Turkmenistan noted that significant progress had been made in all areas. He said that Turkmenistan has launched the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline, namely the Serhetabat-Herat section. He added that opening and groundbreaking ceremonies for major energy and transport and communications infrastructure facilities took place. "At the same time, the second stage of the Baherden and Lebap cement plants was launched in the Ahal and Lebap velayats, and power plants and a high-voltage overhead power line along the Balkan-Dashoguz route began to operate. Modern water treatment facilities have also been put into operation," the President of Turkmenistan noted. "The construction of the second stage of the city of Arkadag also continued. The Concept for the Development of the City of Arkadag in 2024-2052 was adopted. Our smart city has received a number of prestigious awards at international exhibitions," Berdimuhamedov said. Berdimuhamedov also said in his address that, overall, 2024 was marked by great labor achievements and an increase in Turkmenistans authority. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa [Pakistan], January 1 (ANI): Two persons and a policeman were killed and 18 others, including nine law-enforcement personnel, were injured in three separate blasts in South Waziristan Lower, Bannu and an attack on a police check post in Dera Ismail Khan district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday, Dawn reported. Two blasts occurred in South Waziristan Lower while another in Bannu and the attack on a check post took place in Dera Ismail Khan. According to police, a remote-controlled bomb blast occurred in Azam Warsak Bazaar in Birmal tehsil of South Waziristan Lower district. Also Read | Aerial Firing in Pakistan: 29 Injured in Celebratory Gunfire on New Year's Night in Karachi. The district police officer of South Waziristan Lower, Asif Bahader, said that a person was killed and nine other were injured in the explosion. The injured people were rushed to District Headquarters Hospital, Wana, while two critically injured people, including a child, were taken to Dera Ismail Khan for treatment, according to Dawn report. According to official, preliminary probe has revealed that the explosion material was planted in a motorcycle which was detonated as people passed by it, causing destruction. Shops and vehicles were damaged in the blast which happened near a funeral procession. Also Read | Nimisha Priya Case: Amid Diplomatic Efforts in Yemen, Kerala Nurse's Husband Tomy Thomas Says Ready To Pay Blood Money. The second bomb blast targetinga Frontier Corps vehicle occurred in the Daza Ghundai area of Wana. Three FC personnel were injured in the blast while they were heading to investigate the earlier explosion. The injured were rushed to Scouts Hospital of Wana. Six policmen wre injured when their vehicle was targeted using an improvised explosive device in Bannu on Tuesday. A police official stated that a patrol party of the cantonment police station was passing through a road near Soorangi Adda in the Mamashkhel area when a roadside bomb planted by unknown miscreants exploded. Six police personnel were injured in the blast. The official said that the injured police personnel were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital where doctors said their condition was stable, Dawn reported. Following the blast, the policemen fired in the air to scare miscreants present around the venue from targeting them. A large police contingent also reached the site of the incident, cordoned off the area and started a search operation to find the miscreants. Separately, a policeman and a customs worker were killed while another police personnel was injured after terrorists stormed Daraban police check post in Dera Ismail Khan district on Monday night. According to police, some unknown terrorists targeted the police check post using modern weaponn, claiming the life of police constable Asmat Ullah and customs worker Abdullah while police constable Parvez was injured, Dawn reported. After receiving information about the attack, security forces and police teams immediately arrived at the spot and retaliated with gunfire. However, the terrorists escaped from the site of the incident. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned attack on the police post in Dera Ismail Khan. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) London, Jan 2 (AP) Parts of the United Kingdom were flooded on Wednesday as heavy rains and powerful winds continued to disrupt New Year's celebrations. Several communities in the Manchester area were flooded, with several homes evacuated and cars submerged up to their roofs on roads and in parking lots after nearly a month's worth of rain fell in two days. Also Read | Jemima Packington New Year 2025 Predictions List: Asparagus Fortune Teller, Who Predicted Brexit and Queen's Death, Predicts More Deaths in Royal Family and Major Health Scare for Donald Trump. A major incident was declared and mountain rescue teams were called in to help firefighters respond to swamped properties and stranded vehicles, Greater Manchester Police said. There's still probably likely to be further flooding across the course of the day," Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said. We are potentially expecting the flood situation to get worse before it gets better. Also Read | New Orleans Crash: Driver Crashes Into Pedestrians on Bourbon Street, Killing 10 on New Year's Day; What We Know So Far. Tom Coulthard said the rain started late Tuesday afternoon and poured all night where he lives in Didsbury, south of Manchester, topping river banks and forcing a hotel to be evacuated before dawn. Roads and highways were closed in the area. All the local rivers and water courses have sort of filled up and flooded around the area," said Coulthard, a geography professor at the University of Hull. That's really probably a sign of just how our weather is changing, how climate is shifting." The deluge and gusts derailed New Year's Eve fireworks celebrations, leading to cancellations in Edinburgh and several other cities. Events planned for New Year's Day, including nippy outdoor swims and a bathtub boat race, were scrapped. London, which was able to launch its massive fireworks display on the River Thames in front of Big Ben, had to postpone the start of its New Year's Day parade and grounded inflatable floats due to the blustery and soggy conditions. Cheerleaders and members of bands that marched through central London pulled transparent coverings over their bright costumes to take shelter from rain. Warnings that indicate flooding is expected were issued at one point to more than 150 communities across the UK, with most being in northern England. Later in the day, dozens of those warnings had been lifted. Several trains were cancelled because of high water around the tracks and some highways were closed. With temperatures dropping, there were ice warnings until late Thursday morning for Northern Ireland, parts of North Wales, England and Scotland. And a three-day snow warning was issued for the coming weekend for much of England and Scotland. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Moscow, Jan 1 (AP) Russian officials warned of severe environmental damage Wednesday as thousands of people came out to clean up tonnes of fuel oil that spilled out of two storm-stricken tankers more than two weeks ago in the Kerch Strait, near Moscow-occupied Crimea. More than 10,000 people, largely volunteers, raced to rescue wildlife and remove tons of sand saturated with mazut, a heavy, low-quality oil product, according to Russian news reports. Also Read | Jemima Packington New Year 2025 Predictions List: Asparagus Fortune Teller, Who Predicted Brexit and Queen's Death, Predicts More Deaths in Royal Family and Major Health Scare for Donald Trump. Authorities in Russia's southern Krasnodar region last week announced a region-wide emergency, as the fuel oil continued washing up on the coastline 10 days after one tanker ran aground and the other was left damaged and adrift on December 15. The move came days after Russian President Vladimir Putin called the oil spill an ecological disaster. Also Read | Seema Haider-Like Case in Pakistan: UPs Badal Babu Arrested After Crossing India-Pakistan Border Illegally to Meet Facebook Lover in Mandi Bahauddin. On Wednesday, New Year's Day, Krasnodar officials said the oil kept on surfacing on the beaches of Anapa, a popular local resort. More than 71,000 tons of contaminated sand and soil had been removed along 56 kilometres of shoreline since the original spill, Russia's emergencies ministry reported on Wednesday morning. On December 23, the ministry estimated that up to 200,000 tons in total may have been contaminated. Some Russian media critical of the Kremlin cited Russian volunteers as saying that state support has been inadequate as they grapple with the consequences of the spill. Some said they experienced headaches, nausea and vomiting after spending hours inhaling toxic fumes, and complained of insufficient equipment and protective measures. Others called for international specialists to be sent in, citing the scale of the spill and the likely extent of the impact. Photos circulating on social media and local news channels showed seabirds coated in black fuel oil. The spill may have killed more than 20 dolphins, the local Delfa dolphin rescue centre said, adding tests were ongoing to ascertain the cause of the deaths. The Kerch Strait separates the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula from Russia and is an important global shipping route, providing passage from the inland Sea of Azov to the Black Sea. It has also been a key point of conflict between Russia and Ukraine after Moscow annexed the peninsula in 2014. In 2016, Ukraine took Moscow to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, where it accused Russia of trying to seize control of the area illegally. In 2021, Russia closed the strait for several months. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, last month described the oil spill as a large-scale environmental disaster and called for additional sanctions on Russian tankers. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Seoul [South Korea], January 1 (ANI): Head of South Korea's Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials Oh Dong-woon said that impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol will be arrested by Monday following an arrest warrant, according to a report by Al Jazeera. Speaking with the reporters on Wednesday, Oh Dong-woon warned that any attempts to obstruct the arrest, including barricades or locked gates, would be seen as interference with official duties. Also Read | INR vs USD: Indian Rupee Falls 5 Paise to 85.69 Against US Dollar in Early Trade. Oh Dong-woon said that the arrest warrant against Yoon would be executed "within the valid period," the last day of which is Monday. "We aim for a smooth process without major disturbances, but we are also coordinating to mobilise police and personnel in preparation," he told reporters. Also Read | US: New Gun Laws Rolling Out in Multiple States on January 1 As Nearly 500 Mass Shootings Occur in 2024. He added, "We consider actions such as setting up various barricades and locking iron gates to resist the execution of our arrest warrant as obstruction of official duties," Al Jazeera reported. A Seoul court on Tuesday had approved a warrant to detain Yoon, who was impeached over his failed attempt to impose martial law. Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly over his attempt to impose martial law in the country on December 3. While issuing the warrants, the court rejected Yoon's claims that the CIO lacks jurisdiction over insurrection cases and that the warrant request was therefore illegal. The court also dismissed Yoon's claims that he couldn't attend questioning sessions because arrangements for his personal safety and security detail, as the president, had not been made, Yonhap News Agency reported. Earlier on December 14, Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly over his attempt to impose martial law in the country. The members of the unicameral National Assembly had voted 204 to 85 to impeach South Korea's President. Three members of the National Assembly abstained from voting while eight votes were declared invalid. The voting was conducted through a secret ballot, with two-thirds of the vote needed for impeachment. All 300 members of the assembly cast their votes. After his impeachment, Yoon was suspended from office. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Since its explosive debut in 2021, Squid Game, starring Lee Jung-Jae and Lee Byung-Hun, has become a global phenomenon. The highly anticipated second season of the show, released on December 26 on Netflix, sparked widespread enthusiasm across the globe. From expansive promotional campaigns to the 'Red Light, Green Light' challenge via Google Doodle, the series, created by Hwang Dong-Hyuk, has dominated worldwide attention. As the year concluded, the creators announced the arrival of Squid Game Season 3, unveiling a teaser poster on New Years Eve, igniting further anticipation for the next chapter in this gripping survival saga. Squid Game Season 3 Plot Revealed! Hwang Dong Hyuk and Lee Jung Jaes Survival Thriller Series Set to Jump 1020 Years Ahead Heres the Scoop. 'Squid Game Season 3' Officially Announced Netflix unveiled the inaugural teaser poster for Squid Game Season 3, affirming its impending arrival in 2025. The artwork showcases a captivating juxtaposition of CGI-rendered figures: the iconic Young-Hee doll from the show, flanked by a male counterpart, Chul-Su. This ominous duo stands sentinel before a celestial tableau of the sun and moon, with the proclamation "Coming 2025" emblazoned below. This announcement resonates with prior statements from series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, who previously alluded to a more expeditious interval between Season 2 and 3. Squid Game Season 2 Creates History: Lee Jung-jaes Survival Thriller Debuts No 1 on Netflix in All 93 Countries. 'Squid Game Season 3' First Poster YOUNG-HEE & CHUL-SU Squid Game Season 3. Coming 2025. pic.twitter.com/x5UfR1GxT8 Netflix (@netflix) December 31, 2024 What to Expect From 'Squid Game Season 3'? Director Hwang Dong-Hyuk had earlier shared intriguing insights about Squid Game Season 3, revealing it will feature a time jump, setting the story 10 to 20 years into the future. He promised an even darker, more tragic narrative infused with moments of unexpected humour. Hwang also hinted at a significant transformation for Gi-Hun, who will find himself in a drastically altered state. Speculation is rife that the new season may expand beyond South Korea, introducing an international scope to the brutal survival games. Notably, Netflix has yet to announce specific plot details or casting for Squid Game Season 3, but anticipation continues to mount for this eagerly awaited continuation. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 01, 2025 07:47 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, January 1: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their New Year greetings on Wednesday to the nation, hoping that 2025 brings new opportunities, success, and joy to all. President Murmu urged people to renew their commitment to work together to create a brighter, more inclusive, sustainable future for India and the world. She wrote on X, "Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! May the year 2025 bring joy, harmony and prosperity to all! On this occasion, let us renew our commitment to work together for creating a brighter, more inclusive and sustainable future for India and the world." Happy 2025: PM Narendra Modi Extends New Year Wishes to People As India Welcomes 2025. PM Modi Extends New Year Greetings to Nation Happy 2025! May this year bring everyone new opportunities, success and endless joy. May everybody be blessed with wonderful health and prosperity. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 1, 2025 President Droupadi Murmu Wishes New Year 2025 Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! May the year 2025 bring joy, harmony and prosperity to all! On this occasion, let us renew our commitment to work together for creating a brighter, more inclusive and sustainable future for India and the world. President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 1, 2025 Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said this year marks the nation's entry into the final quarter of our Constitution's centenary and is the time to rededicate ourselves towards realizing the vision of our Constitution makers. New Year 2025 Greetings: Nitish Kumar, Rahul Gandhi and Other Political Leaders Wish Happy New Year As India Welcomes 2025. "Warm greetings to all citizens as we enter 2025 a momentous juncture in our republic's journey. This year marks our entry into the final quarter of our Constitution's centenary. Time for us to rededicate ourselves towards realizing the vision of our #Constitution makers while advancing towards #ViksitBharat at 2047. Let us move forward with determination, nurturing democratic values with resolve to keep nation first. Wishing all a happy and purposeful," he wrote on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his New Year greetings, hoping that 2025 brings new opportunities and success to all. Taking to X, he wished that all be blessed with good health and prosperity. May this year bring everyone new opportunities, success and endless joy. May everybody be blessed with wonderful health and prosperity," the PM wrote on his X handle. The nation welcomed the year 2025 with various celebrations. Some prayed to enter the New Year offerings at temples and other religious places and many took to the streets to celebrate with friends and acquaintances. Several leaders took to social media to greet the people on the occasion Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Chief Mayawati in her greetings wished for a happy, peaceful and prosperous life for all. She wrote on X (in Hindi): "Hearty congratulations to all Indians living in the country and across the world and their families for the New Year 2025 and many best wishes for a happy, peaceful, prosperous and prosperous life. May the struggle of all hardworking people be successful and make their lives happy and prosperous, I wish the nature (almighty) for the same." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on X, "Happy New Year to everyone! May this year be filled with happiness, prosperity and good health." Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari wrote on X, "Wishing a joyful and prosperous 2025! May this year bring abundant joy and good health to all." (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 01, 2025 09:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, January 1: Mallikarjun Kharge, on Wednesday, extended his New Year greetings to the country along with a message urging people to reaffirm their commitment to inclusive progress, unity in diversity, social justice, equality, and the protection of the Constitution. "My dear fellow citizens, as we enter 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment to inclusive progress, unity in diversity, social justice, equality, and the protection of our Constitution with unwavering resolve. Wishing everyone a #HappyNewYear filled with hope, joy, and prosperity. Let there be peace and amity all around. Jai Hind," Kharge said in a post on X. Happy New Year to All of You: Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi Extend New Year Wishes As India Welcomes 2025. Mallikarjun Kharge Extends New Year Greetings To Nation My dear fellow citizens, As we enter 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment for inclusive progress, unity in diversity, social justice, equality and the protection of our Constitution with unwavering resolve. Wishing everyone a #HappyNewYear filled with hope, joy, and prosperity. Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 31, 2024 Earlier, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, wished everyone a Happy New Year, hoping it would bring new enthusiasm, joy, and happiness as the nation welcomed 2025. "Happy New Year to all of you. I hope this year brings new enthusiasm, joy, and happiness to your life. Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!" Rahul Gandhi said on Wednesday in a post on X. New Year 2025: Devotees Flock to Temples and Ghats Across Nation To Welcome 2025 With Great Fervor and Joy (Watch Videos). President Droupadi Murmu also extended her greetings to the nation on the eve of the New Year. In her message, she said, "On the joyous occasion of the New Year, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all Indians, both in India and abroad. The coming of the New Year marks the beginning of new hopes, dreams, and aspirations in our lives. Let us welcome the New Year with joy and enthusiasm and take our society and nation further on the path of unity and excellence." Meanwhile, India welcomed the year 2025 with celebrations across the country, as people in various cities marked the occasion with joy and enthusiasm. New Year celebrations began in many cities with parties, cultural events, live music performances, and themed decorations. In Delhi, famous spots like Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, and Lajpat Nagar were filled with large crowds celebrating the New Year. To ensure a safe celebration, Delhi Police made prior security arrangements. As the New Year arrived, many cities witnessed spectacular fireworks displays. In Mumbai, beaches like Juhu Beach, Chowpatty Beach, and Versova Beach were packed with revellers. People also gathered at Marine Drive to watch the fireworks. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 01, 2025 07:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Global Family Day, observed on January 1 every year, is a special occasion dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of unity and harmony across the globe. Global Family Day 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 1. It also serves as a reminder of the love, support, and sense of belonging that families provide. Regardless of size or structure, family is a fundamental unit that shapes our values, beliefs, and emotional well-being. This day encourages people from all walks of life to reflect on the strength and importance of their family connections, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness across the globe. To celebrate Global Family Day 2025 on the First Day of New Year, we bring you Global Family Day 2025 wishes, thoughtful quotes, HD images, wallpapers, sayings, messages and greetings to share with your near ones. Global Family Day 2025 Date and Theme: Know History and Significance of World Peace Day That Aims to Spread Unity and Harmony. The celebration of Global Family Day highlights the role families play in promoting peace, compassion, and understanding. By nurturing strong family bonds, we contribute to healthier communities and more diverse and inclusive societies. This day serves as an opportunity to honour the diverse ways families come together, whether through shared traditions, love, or mutual care, and to recognise the global importance of family in building a more unified world. As you celebrate Global Family Day 2025, we bring you Global Family Day 2024 messages, greetings, HD images, wallpapers and quotes with your near and dear ones. January 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: From Republic Day to Makar Sankranti to Chinese New Year, Check Dates of Important Events in the First Month of the Year. Global Family Day Wishes Global Family Day (Photo Credits: File Photo) Global Family Day Messages Global Family Day (Photo Credits: File Photo) Global Family Day Greetings Global Family Day (Photo Credits: File Photo) Global Family Day Images Global Family Day (Photo Credits: File Photo) Global Family Day Wallpapers Global Family Day (Photo Credits: File Photo) One of the most meaningful ways to observe Global Family Day is by sharing heartfelt messages with loved ones. Whether its a text, a call, or a social media post, these messages allow us to express appreciation and gratitude for our families. A simple message like 'Happy Global Family Day! Thank you for always being there for me,' can go a long way in strengthening family bonds and reminding each other of the love and support that exist within the family unit. Sharing messages on this day not only helps reinforce the importance of family but also fosters a deeper sense of connection. For those who may be far apart, sending messages of love and appreciation can bridge the distance and remind family members that they are cherished. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 01, 2025 06:55 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). In a welcome New Year 2025 relief, oil companies have reduced the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder by INR 14.5, effective January 1. Following the latest price cut, a 19-kg commercial cylinder in Delhi will cost INR 1,804. Similarly, the price dropped to INR 1,756 per 19-kg LPG cylinder in Mumbai, INR 1,911 in Kolkata and INR 1,966 in Chennai. This reduction follows five consecutive monthly hikes, including a INR 16.5 increase on December 1. Commercial LPG prices are influenced by factors such as global price trends and taxation policies. The cut aims to provide some respite to businesses dependent on LPG, particularly in sectors like hospitality and food services, as they enter 2025. LPG Price Hike: Commercial LPG Gas Cylinder Price Increased by INR 16.50, Check Prices in Delhi, Other Cities. LPG Cylinder Price Cut #IOC cuts 19-Kg LPG cylinder price by Rs 14.5 in Delhi to Rs 1,804. For the latest news and updates, visit: https://t.co/by4FF5oyu4 pic.twitter.com/xxi7fh0GFX NDTV Profit (@NDTVProfitIndia) January 1, 2025 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 1. Initiatives have commenced on the design and engineering assessments as a critical component of the execution phase for the development of a compact nuclear power generation facility in Uzbekistan, Director of Uzatom Azim Akhmedkhadjaev told Trend. "On September 10, 2024, a protocol was signed with the State Corporation for Atomic Energy 'Rosatom' to begin the work. Specifically, a shift camp and construction and installation base will be built, and engineering surveys will begin," he said. According to Akhmedkhadjaev, a watchful eye on the environmental components keeps rolling at the construction site. "Aerometeorological monitoring, observations of surface and groundwater characteristics, as well as monitoring of seismic activity and modern movements of the Earth's surface, are being conducted. All of these works are carried out based on the recommendations of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) experts following the SEED (Site and External Events Design Review) mission to Uzbekistan in 2022. Moreover, preparatory work is being carried out under the contract. The energy launch of the first reactor unit is expected to take place 60 months after the start of the works. Each subsequent unit will be launched at six-month intervals," the Uzatom director added. To note, the ball started rolling on the small nuclear power plant project in the summer of 2024. The inaugural construction headquarters meeting took place at the site of the future nuclear power plant, where the groundwork was laid for the initial tasks. Getting these done will keep the project on the straight and narrow, ensuring everything stays on schedule. The Central Statistics Office has published figures for the most popular names in Ireland and Laois for babies born in December. Last Christmas, there were 75 babies born on Christmas Day, of which 38 were boys and 37 were girls. While it is not possible to reveal the names chosen for babies born on Christmas Day, there seems to be a seasonal influence when it comes to choosing a name for girls born in December. The most popular names chosen for baby girls in December 2023 were Holly (30) and Eabha (30), both in joint first place; followed by Sadie (28); with Sophie and Grace (both 27) in joint fourth position. When it comes to the most popular names chosen for baby boys born throughout December 2023, Jack (53) was the most popular name, in line with all-year-round trends, followed by Noah (46); Liam (33); Cillian (31); with Theo and Rian (both 28) jointly in fifth position. In December 2022, four of the five names chosen for boys had a biblical influence, with only Noah making that connection in December 2023. The December figures for Laois weren't published but the Irish Baby Names analysis for the entire year showed that Noah was the most popular boys' names in Laois in 2023. Grace was top choice for girls last year. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Comparing 2023 with 10 years ago, there are some differences, most notably in the number of babies born on Christmas Day. In 2013 there were 113 babies born on Christmas Day with 65 boys and 48 girls. For boys born throughout the whole of December 2013, the most popular names were Jack (69); James (55); Noah (54); Conor (50); and Daniel (49). The most popular names chosen for baby girls in December 2013 were Holly (83); Sophie (50); Ella (45); Emily (42); and Lucy and Amelia jointly (38). Commenting on the release, Sean OConnor, Statistician for Vital Statistics, said: Looking at the most popular names for babies born in December 2023, we can see a seasonal influence when it comes to naming girls. Throughout the whole of 2023, there were 104 girls born that were named Holly, a name that ranked 50th in terms of popularity, but it was the joint top name, along with Eabha, for girls born in December 2023 with 30 girls called Holly. Holly has been the most popular or joint most popular name for baby girls born in December for the last 10 years. For further information, you can view the full release of the most popular Irish Baby Names in 2023. The most popular Irish Baby Names in 2024 is due to be published in February 2025. It has been a memorable year for President of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) Francie Gorman who was awarded a civic reception by Laois County Council in November to honour his many achievements. As we celebrate the new year the Ballinakill man has taken the time to share with us his priorities for the year ahead. Francie says one will be halting the Mercosur deal signed in December by the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This deal flies in the face of the demands on European producers to meet the very highest standards. The inevitable outcome is that our markets will be undermined by cheap imports produced to lower standards. This deal will need to be approved by the EU Council of Member States where there is mounting opposition to any deal being concluded. Both the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste told the IFA National Council during the General Election campaign that they were opposed to the Mercosur deal. They must carry this commitment forward and relay it at the highest level in Brussels, said the Ballinakill man. Francie says the IFA also completely opposes splitting of the trade and political aspects of a potential Mercosur deal. Another area of focus will be the retention of the Nitrates derogation as the derogation is vital for all farmers. We will be looking to the new Government to have a dedicated and united approach when negotiating with the EU Commission, he said.As part of the discussions around a new Programme for Government, Francie says the IFA will also be prioritising a proper agri-environment scheme that will pay farmers up to 15,000. Supporting vulnerable sectors on a multi-annual basis, in line with our election manifesto is also a target." Former Laois Rose of Tralee Sinead Dowd, who lives in Culohill, is looking forward to enjoying the simple things in life in 2025. After spending time in Vietnam, Ive come to deeply appreciate the beauty of simplicity in everyday life. In a world that often feels overwhelmingly busy and complex, Ive learned that some of the most fulfilling moments are the simplest oneswhether its savoring a bowl of pho at a local street stall, watching the sun set over the rice paddies, or just sitting quietly by a river with nothing but the sound of birds around me, said the 2023 Laois Rose of Tralee. "As I step into the new year, my resolution is to carry this sense of gratitude for lifes simplicity with me. I want to be more present in the small moments, to slow down, and to remember that happiness doesnt always come from chasing big dreams or possessions. Its often found in the quiet corners of life: a conversation with a friend, the warmth of a cup of Barrys tea, or the joy of a shared smile. I want to reconnect with the slower pace of life and let go of the constant rush and need for more. This year, I resolve to appreciate the beauty of simplicity, find peace in the ordinary, and cultivate gratitude for the little things that make life truly rich. Plans have been lodged to convert a building into a guesthouse on the Main Street in Mountrath. JPRT Properties Ltd and EDH Properties Ltd are in discussions with the housing section of Laois County Council in relation to the plans. The Dublin and Offaly based property companies are seeking permission to carry out work at the property on Main Street, Mountrath where O'Rourke's Pharmacy is located. This includes change of use of existing dwelling house to commercial guesthouse in its current layout as submitted under 7-day notice reg ref: SN0010485LS for completeness. The planning application is also seeking to remove a shop front and install two windows and construct a single storey extension to the rear of the property consisting of six en-suite bedrooms, plant room, covered walkway, landscaping and all associated site works. Retention planning permission is being sought for the demolition of rear outbuildings the applicant states were structurally unsafe and works to the rear of the property Documents lodged with the planning application state that a deal has been reached to sell some land to a nearby school. We would like to note that the plot of land to the rear, outside of the red line boundary but within the client's ownership has been agreed to be sold to Clonenagh National School adjacent to the site along with a right of way to develop an all-weather pitch for the school and general public, a document from an engineer for the owners states. It should also be noted that engagement between the client and Laois CoCo housing department over the future occupation of the building is currently being progressed, they added. Plans for the development were lodged with Laois County Council on December 20 and a decision is expected to be made by February 22. Met Eireann has issued a fresh round of weather warnings for Ireland with the country set for a wet and windy New Year's Eve and a cold week ahead with temperatures as low as -4 degrees with highest temperatures at just 5 degrees. The national forecaster is predicting "significant and impactful weather" as the country prepares to ring in the New Year. Met Eireann has issued Status Yellow warnings for several counties with strong gale force winds and persistent rain set to batter parts of the country. A Status Yellow wind warning is in place for Donegal, Galway and Mayo from midnight on New Year's Eve until midday, with fallen branches, debris and difficult travelling conditions expected. On Monday, the forecaster issued a fresh Status Yellow rain warning for Cork and Kerry which will come into effect from 6am on New Year's Eve until 6am on New Year's Day. They are predicting persistent rain across the region with possible localised flooding and hazardous travelling conditions. Today, Monday is set to be a blustery day with outbreaks of rain across parts of Ulster and Connacht. Elsewhere will be dry with just isolated patches of drizzle and a few sunny spells developing. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees with fresh to strong and gusty southwest winds, easing moderate to fresh in the afternoon. TONIGHT New Year's Eve will be a rather windy day with widespread rain at first. Rain will become confined to Munster and south Leinster in the afternoon, with sunny spells and isolated showers elsewhere. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees in fresh to strong and gusty southwest winds, easing during the evening. Some uncertainity regarding the track of a low pressure area on New Years Eve night and New Years Day. It will be followed by an Arctic airmass bringing much colder and more settled conditions. Tuesday night: Rain in the southwest continues to extend northeastwards overnight, heavy in places, with spot flooding possible. Some falls of sleet and snow may occur also. More showery conditions are likely in the north. There is the chance of strong winds in the south but they may stay off shore. Wednesday, January 1 New Year's Day will see heavy rain for a time, mainly in the east and south, with some falls of sleet or snow possible, too. This will clear away southeastwards during the day. It may be windy in parts for a time too with winds becoming northwesterly and gradually easing. Some sunny spells will develop with showers in parts. Highest temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees, but it'll become cold everywhere through the evening. Wednesday night: Becoming mostly dry early in the night as winds ease northerly. Cold with lowest temperatures of -5 to +1 degrees with widespread frost and ice developing. A few wintry flurries are possible in the north. Thursday, January 2 Thursday will be a largely dry, sunny and cold with just a few light showers along north facing coasts, some wintry. Highest temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees generally in mostly light northerly winds. Thursday Night: Mostly dry, clear and cold overnight. Lowest temperatures of -4 to +1 degrees with widespread frost. Friday, January 3 Friday will see a mix of sunny spells and cloudy periods but still bitterly cold with highs struggling to reach beyond 1 to 5 degrees. A few showers again for northern coasts, possibly turning wintry at times too. Friday Night: Becoming cloudier with a few showers lingering in the far north but most areas will stay dry. Another very cold night with lows of 1 to -3 degrees. Verde's CEO files Early Warning Report SINGAPORE, Dec. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On December 31, 2024, Cristiano Veloso, the Chief Executive Officer of Verde AgriTech Ltd. ("Verde"), transferred 4,779,829 shares (the "Shares") of Verde to a trust of which he is neither a beneficiary nor a trustee. Prior to the transfer, he held 9,559,659?shares and 3,342,511 options, representing approximately 18.57% of the issued and outstanding shares on an undiluted basis and 22.37% on a partially-diluted basis. Following the transfer, he holds 4,779,830 shares, and 3,342,511 options, representing approximately 9.28% of the issued and outstanding shares on an undiluted basis and 14.08% on a partially-diluted basis. The Shares were transferred by Mr. Veloso for personal financial planning reasons. Mr. Veloso has prepared an early warning reporting in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 62-103 ? The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues that will appear under Verde's profile on www.sedarplus.ca. For additional information or to obtain a copy of the report, please contact: Andrew Newbury DSA Corporate Services Inc. 82 Richmond St East Toronto, ON M5C 1P1, Canada (416) 848 - 6869 | F (416) 848 - 0790 31 december 2024 at 17:05 News published onand distributed by: Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 1. The completion of the new copper smelting complex at the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AMMC) in Uzbekistan is scheduled for the coming years, AMMC Chairman Abdulla Khursanov said in an exclusive interview with Trend. "The new copper smelting complex is aimed at expanding the current capacity for cathode copper production from 148,000 tons to 300,000 tons. The project is being implemented on the existing complex's territory and is divided into several key facilities: a metallurgical and sulfuric acid shop, an oxygen block, a slag-processing plant, a concentrate and charge preparation warehouse, a copper electrolysis shop, the new plants power supply system, and infrastructure," he said. According to him, contractors have already been selected for the metallurgical and sulfuric acid shops, the oxygen block, and internal power supply facilities. Contracts have been signed, and funding has been secured for these areas. "The project is being implemented with the active financial support of KfW IPEX Bank and AKA Bank. KfW has taken on the role of financing organizer, including the creation of a banking syndicate to effectively coordinate international cooperation," Khursanov added. Earlier, KfW IPEX Bank and AKA Bank (Germany) signed an agreement with Uzbekistan's Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine (AMMC) on construction of a new copper smelting complex in Uzbekistan. To note, in 1949, Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex was founded. The company has around 35,000 workers. Revenue in 2021 was $3 billion USD. Over 100 goods are made by the company. AMMC exports 1.1 billion USD non-gold annually. Over 45 million tons of copper, 5 thousand tons of gold, 900,000 tons of molybdenum, and 348,000 tons of silver are estimated by JORC at AMMC. Kalmakyr and Yoshlik-1 open-pit mines have 19.5 billion tons of ore, which could last 350 years at current production. The corporation will dramatically increase manufacturing in 68 years. A NEW book on Eamon de Valera drills down into his early years in Co Limerick, and looks at the influence Limerick people had on him. As its author Colum Kenny explains in Dangerous Ambition: The Making of Eamon de Valera (Eastwood Books, 20), Dev managed to pull himself up by his bootstraps as the son of a distant mother in America. She sent him home at the age of two and a half to be raised by her brother Pat Coll outside Bruree village. Most biographies of Dev have concentrated on his later political career but this volume looks at how his character was formed when young. Pat lived in one of the first labourers cottages built. For he was a labourer as his own father had also been. He reared Eddie Coll (as Dev was often then known) to work hard. But Dev later said that what he liked best when a boy was to go and play in a stream near Bruree: I had an island in it. I could get away from everybody. What I liked best was playing Robinson Crusoe there. Dev was a solitary child who learnt to depend on his own abilities to get ahead, and to get his way. I had no one to play with. I was alone a good deal. In the river I had a little island, and I used to shape it and make plans about it. This was Ireland and I was the ruler of it. In 1926 de Valera founded Fianna Fail, now, once again, the leading political party in Ireland. But what got him there? His was a story of stark rearing and thwarted ambitions. Born in Manhattan in 1882, and christened Edward, he was brought up in Limerick. He never knew his father. Two women, his absent mother Kate and his wife Sinead defined his life. READ MORE: BREAKING: Gardai make arrest in connection with fatal hit-and-run in Rathkeale Eddie worked hard to get an education, winning scholarships that got him into the prestigious Blackrock College in Dublin and saw him graduate from the Royal University of Ireland rare achievements especially then for a boy of his social class. As seen in Dangerous Ambition, reading, rugby, hunting, and prayer were Devs youthful pastimes. But in his thirties he left a good job in education to gamble his wife and children on the outcome of bloody rebellion and civil war. He survived both. Destiny found him a place in history. This book explores the childhood, character and early life of Eamon de Valera before he founded Fianna Fail in 1926. Kenny, a professor emeritus of Dublin City University and senior journalist, recently gave an address in Toledo, Spain, about de Valeras use of at least three Irish ambassadors in Madrid in his futile search for roots in Spain. Kenny was speaking at the annual conference of the International Commission for the History of Representative and Parliamentary Institutions. Dangerous Ambition is the last in a quartet of recent books by Kenny. In these he challenges our views of aspects of the Irish Revolution of 1916 to 1922. The quartet consists of full-length biographies of both Arthur Griffith and Eamon de Valera, along with two succinct volumes reviewing the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations of 1921 and the Irish Civil War that followed them. Published by Eastwood Books, Kennys study is aimed at both general and academic readers. UNIVERSITY of Limerick (UL) staff have proven that the festive spirit is alive and well this season, with a bike donation scheme. Families across the Mid-West received donations of refurbished bicycles through the UL Christmas Bike Appeal. The charitable initiative, a collaborative and voluntary effort by a group of staff from across UL, resulted in the donation of bikes to 35 children, ensuring their wishes did indeed come true this Christmas. Led by Robert Dalton, Senior Learning Technologist in ULs Kemmy Business School (KBS), the project team oversaw the renovation of 40 used bikes, with funds from sales and donations amounting to an impressive 3,500. A generously supported GoFundMe campaign garnered a further 4,000, with total funds of 7,500 covering refurbishment costs as well as enabling bike donations. READ ALSO: LDA to open applications for 81 cost rental homes in Limerick We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the faculty, students, and sponsors who supported the Appeal. Special appreciation goes to Moynans Bike Shop Nenagh, and Mags' Bakehouse Nenagh for providing the space and facilities for bike renovations. Your support made this initiative possible, said Robert. The UL Christmas Bike Appeal, a collaboration with Extern and the Silver Arch Family Resource Centre, is a more sustainable take on the annual KBS Toy Appeal, through which UL staff members were invited to purchase toys for donation to St Vincent de Paul at Christmas time. Robert explained: For years, the KBS Toy Appeal received overwhelming support from the Kemmy Business School and the entire University. However, the environmental impact of purchasing numerous plastic toys was a growing concern. This year, we aimed to make a more sustainable choice by refurbishing bikes, which offer children the joy and freedom of outdoor adventures, far surpassing the fleeting excitement of plastic toys. The UL Christmas Bike Appeal team members are Robert Dalton, Keith Kerley, Adrienne Horan, Sinead Spain, Maura Griffin, Jess Beeley, Kevin Johnson, Jennifer Farrell, Sinead Liston, Dermott Madden, Stephen Kett, Greg Rogala, and Tom Flaherty. CHANTRY House rolled back the years to take the Betfair Handicap Chase in decisive fashion on New Year's Day at Cheltenham for Limerick owner JP McManus. The Nicky Henderson-trained veteran was a dual Grade One winner in his novice chasing days, winning at both the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree in 2021. He would go on to be a Gold Cup contender the following year, but was pulled up in the blue riband after claiming the Cotswold Chase on Trials day. Since then he has found victories hard to come by and has most recently been seen campaigning over hurdles. Reverting back to the larger obstacles on the day he turned 11, Chantry House showed plenty of his old zest when sent off at 8-1 and travelled kindly for his pilot Nico de Boinville to stalk Ben Paulings Bowtogreatness and Sam Thomas Our Power into the straight. He was delivered by De Boinville heading towards the last before galloping home six and a half lengths clear of Our Power who edged out Bowtogreatness for second. Nigel Twiston-Davies 5-6 favourite Broadway Boy was well held in fourth. A surprised Henderson told ITV Racing: The plan was to actually go hunter chasing with him and I just needed to get another run into him to get him ready. It's been 1,068 days, but CHANTRY HOUSE is back in the winner's enclosure! What a horse, what a comeback, @sevenbarrows take the Betfair Handicap Chase pic.twitter.com/HRTLOgxjrj CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) January 1, 2025 Im not sure we havent made a bodge of this and Im not sure he is still eligible (for hunter chases) now he might have to go and win a Grand National or something instead! It has scuppered me a little and we were just trying to rekindle his enthusiasm as he was a very, very good horse. We might have to rethink. Hes really enjoyed himself and he hasnt been over fences for a long time only because he had a fall at Wetherby a couple of years ago which really hurt him and damaged his confidence. He spent last year running intermittently over hurdles and it has been hard work, I must admit, but he is just lovely. Hes jumped well, travelled well and hes just followed them round. I thought he would get tired, but it is lovely to see him come back and do that. It was slightly unexpected at the time though I must admit. A bunch of top companies is hanging on to almost 1 trillion of free cash that it has yet to find a use for, according to an analysis done by a proxy advisory firm. A report by Mumbai-based IiAS (Institutional Investor Advisory Services) of the Sensex 500 companieswith a few exclusionsshows that 66 of these companies collectively held 2.7 trillion in cash and equivalents at the end of FY24. Of this amount, 99,100 crore remains unallocated for any purpose after accounting for capital investments or acquisitions. IiAS says these funds could be returned to investors through dividends or share buybacks, and raises questions over their dividend distribution policies. In the absence of a clear plan to use the excess cash, boards must consider returning the cash to shareholders in the form of dividends or buybacks," analysts at IiAS noted in their report that was released on 26 December. Also read | Shareholder nay to related party transactions may jeopardise Kalyani Group firm Tech heavyweights and industrial firms dominate the list. HCL Technologies, Bharat Electronics, LTIMindtree, Siemens, and Sun TV lead with 46,870 crore in combined cash reserves, of which 32,540 crore is deemed excess. Other notable mentions include Wipro Ltd, Hindustan Unilever Ltd, and Hero MotoCorp Ltd. Are companies doing enough? To be sure, many of these companies are already rewarding shareholders handsomely. The report notes that the 66 companies returned 57,397 crore to shareholders in FY24, equating to 54% of their aggregate consolidated profits. But IiAS managing director Amit Tandon argues theres room for more. He said that companies must take shareholder approval to hold back excess money on their balance sheets, or clearly state capex or expansion plans for the capital. We are not saying companies should give out all their cash reserves, but whatever is excess belongs to the shareholders," Tandon said. For companies where the return on capital employed (RoCE) for operating business surpasses returns from cash holdings, Tandon emphasized that distributing the surplus is a logical move. Not doing so, he warned, could drag down overall returns and the companys market valuation. Also read | Shareholders got record-high dividends in FY24. Will the trend continue? RoCE is a financial metric that helps evaluate how much profit a company generates for every rupee of capital invested in its operations. Companies with a higher RoCE are generally valued higher. Four firmsHoneywell Automation India, Bosch, ZF Commercial Vehicle Control System India, and Abbott Indiacould pay over 500 per share in incremental dividends, according to the report. Notably, these are subsidiaries of multinational corporations. Weak dividend policies The report also flagged gaps in existing dividend distribution policies, with just 16 of the 66 companies having clearly defined dividend payout ratios linked to profits. Most others, including high dividend payers such as Infosys and Bajaj Auto, tie their payouts to cash reserves, leaving shareholders with little clarity on future returns. Also read | When shareholder voting is on, many directors pull their candidature As a result, the dividend distribution policies often provide no guidance to shareholders on possible returns," the report said, adding that a link between dividends and profits could help investors better assess returns from a stock. The methodology IiAS started its study with the Sensex 500 constituents, and excluded banks, insurers, and financial firms, along with companies facing profit declines of more than 20% in FY24. Firms with significant leverage or negative free cash flows were also filtered out, leaving only those with robust financial health and cash reserves exceeding last years net profit. With Indian companies sitting on a cash mountain, the call for clearer policies and larger payouts is growing louder. The ball, now, is in the boardrooms. And read | IDFC First to focus on cash flow-based lending business Alpha Wave Global-backed payments fintech Mswipe is expanding its international network into three new regions to take advantage of higher margins, said co-founder and chief executive Ketan Patel, following a series of pivots in the business and marginal growth in revenue in the last fiscal. The company plans to expand into the UK, Malaysia, Nepal, and other markets within the next six months, following its successful entry into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Singapore in 2024, Patel told Mint on 31 December. Currently, the international business contributes about 10% to Mswipe's revenue, but Patel said the company aims to grow this share to about 40% as new markets mature in the next three years. In the UAE, we have 5,000 merchants and process $150 million in transactions monthly. We have expanded to Singapore and plan to grow transaction volumes to $50 million per month in 1218 months," said Patel. Patel noted that while India remains important for Mswipe, the potential for higher profits in international markets has driven the companys focus on expanding into the five key global regions. Mswipe competes with companies like Razorpay, PayU, and Pine Labs, among others, in the offline payments sector. In September, Mint reported that Razorpay is also prioritizing international expansion, targeting Southeast Asian markets like Singapore ahead of its public listing. Series of pivots Founded in 2011 by Manish Patel and Ketan Patel, Mswipe is a payments service provider for businesses, offering solutions for card, mobile, contactless, QR code and other payments. The startup began with a retail-focused model, employing on-ground salespeople to acquire customers. When I took over the business four years ago, I realized that it isnt a scalable model," said Patel, who took over as CEO in July 2021. After the pandemic, Mswipe moved to a model where the company acquires customers through over 40 partner banks. From 5,000 salespeople in 2019, Mswipe now has only 1,300 personnel for acquiring merchants, Patel added. In addition to payments, Mswipe is focusing on offering its internally developed suite of products to clients, marking its second key business segmentPaytech. In February, Mswipe secured a payment aggregator (PA) licence from the the Reserve Bank of India, joining the likes of Razorpay, Cashfree, PayU, and Amazon Pay in the space. Patel, who was initially expected to lead the lending business, ultimately shut it down in December 2022. Amid regulatory crackdowns on unsecured lending businesses, the company had temporarily paused operations of its NBFC arm, MCapital, which accounted for about 10% of its operations. Patel said the NBFC business has now been completely shut down, with no plans to restart lending. The companys assets under management (AUM), which stood at approximately 150 crore in December 2022, has since reduced to around 4 crore as the business winds down. Lending was not pursued further because it would make us competitors to banks. We changed the model completely and are now working with about 40 banks," added Patel. He also said these business pivots led to muted revenue growth in 2023-24 compared to 2022-23, though the company successfully managed to control its losses. We decided that if we are pivoting, lets get done with all issues in the business so there is no baggage and we can run free," he said. The companys cash profit surged by 495.6% to 4.5 crore in 2023-24, compared to a loss of 1.1 crore in 2022-23. Revenue from its payments business grew 6.3%, reaching 275.4 crore, up from 259.2 crore the previous year. Mswipe's investors include Alpha Wave Global, Matrix Partners, B Capital, DSG Consumer Partners, Epiq Capital, and UC-RNT. In February last year, the company raised $20 million in equity capital from its existing investors. So far, the startup has raised over $125 million in funding. Kati Patang Lifestyle, a maker of craft beer that recently listed on the exchanges through a share swap, plans to scale up operations and become an incubator by adding small alcohol businesses to its portfolio. The New Delhi-based company will expand its business, both organically and inorganically, in the next two years, co-founder Shantanu Upadhyay told Mint . The company acquired a stake in the owner of a UK brewery last month and will look to acquire and incubate domestic and international brands to foster the expansion while also growing its own brands. Kati Patang Lifestyle has raised 25 crore year to date and an additional 10 crore from existing investors from a share-swap deal. "In India, we've noted that the route to market for beer companies is primarily through selling strong beer. While we sell that, our focus has been primarily on creating brands. We too have a strong beer, but that is also on the premium end of the market," Upadhyay said. Generally, beer brands end up burning a lot of cash because of high excise duties coupled with heavy discounting. But we started our craft beer retail journey in 2018 and generally want to remain at the most premium end of the market with our beers priced around 150-180 a pint in a state like Delhi," he said. About 75% of the company's business comes from retail sales and the remaining is from hotels and restaurants. The company expects to cross 15 crore of net revenue by the end of FY25. Its beers are available in Delhi, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. It has just started in Haryana and will enter Chhattisgarh and Daman and Diu in the coming months. "This fiscal, we will cross 150,000 beer case volumes and will look to double this by FY26. Our net revenue in FY26 should cross 45-50 crore on the back of organic growth. We should also be able to triple our volumes by FY26. Inorganic growth will be over and above the beer business. This will help as there is a huge premium in the capital markets for brands that will promise growth over the next few years," Upadhyay said. Share swap Kati Patang was founded in 2018 with a majority of its production from Bhutan. The company specialises in using Indian ingredients such as saffron, turmeric, ginger, and peppercorn in its beers. It has five variants including Zesty Amber, which is a take on an American Amber ale, a wheat beer, Saffron Lager, and Bareilly Bold, which is a strong beer. Today, part of the company's production comes from Solan in Himachal Pradesh, where it took up a contract manufacturing facility in 2020. Today, its strong beer and one type of lager are made in India. In December, the company initiated a share-swap deal with VirtualSoft Systems Ltd, a listed company that then changed its name to Kati Patang Lifestyle Ltd. VirtualSoft was founded by Gokul Tandan and the company's other promoter is Forest Essentials' executive director Samrath Bedi. Both are early investors in Kati Patang. "We wanted to go to the capital markets with the intent of raising 'patient' capital to help the company in its growth cycle and believe in its long-term vision. We were lucky to find such investors in our early years. In the process of listing our business at the stock exchange, we also cleaned up the balance sheet by swapping debt with equity and raised an additional 10 crore from existing investors to drive near-term growth," said Upadhyay, who is also the CEO of Kati Patang Lifestyle. Kati Patang Lifestyles wholly owned unit Empyrean Spirits Pvt Ltd, through its UK subsidiary Kati Patang, acquired a 23% stake in Chadkp Holdings Ltd for 300,000 to expand its business in the UK market. The deal closed on 24 December. Chadkp owns Chadlington Brewery and The Tite Inn in Chadlington. Kati Patang Ltd UK signed a three-year licensing agreement to brew its gluten-free Saffron Lager at its brewery. Plans are under way to establish taprooms across major urban centres in the UK. "In the UK, we'd like to have a 1 million revenue target by the end of calendar year 2025 in our joint venture with Chadlington and this could double by end of calendar year 2026," Upadhyay said. Mint reported in August 2023 that Kati Patang had scaled back its business due to excise policy disruptions in the few states it operated in. "In FY23, our revenue took a hit because of policy changes in different states," added Upadhyay. Now, following the share-swap deal, the company expects to return to a healthy growth path. Balance needed According to Vinod Giri, director-general of the Brewers Association of India, companies such as Kati Patang bring experimentation and innovation to the category and refresh the beer consumption environment. He said that it must bear in mind that craft as a category is not a mainstream lager business - its appeal is rooted in its uniqueness and limited scale and not in its mass acceptance. The companys growth ambitions and expansion strategy must eschew the temptation of scaling up too quickly. A very aggressive expansion plan and widespread availability will dilute the uniqueness of the product in consumers' minds. That would be neither here nor there. So, they must follow a business model which balances investor expectations of quick returns with their own passion to create artisanal and different products," Giri said. According to Upadhyay, the global lager market was valued at $380 billion in 2023 and will grow to $512 billion by 2033. Premium lager will be the fastest-growing segment. The US is the largest consumer of beer, contributing as much as 24% to global consumption, while Germany and Japan are next with a 7% and 5% share, respectively. As per independent data from drinks consultancy IWSR, Indias beer volumes will grow at a compounded annual growth rate of about 3% from 2022 to 2027. "India is a big market with a growing portfolio of brands that require a lot of working capital to reach potential," Upadhyay said. Our vision is to become a homegrown company which will incubate other complementary businesses with premium alco-bev experiences like ours. Free trade agreements or FTAs will disrupt a lot of smaller companies in the coming years. That's when a lot of such companies that represent the 'new-age India' will need a larger platform and support." However, Giri of Brewers Association added that currently India's beer market has a size of about 425 million cases, of which craft beer accounts for about 4 million cases. Of this, B91 Beverages' Bira brand is the largest player, accounting for almost 3 million cases. Chinas go-go days are behind it as the worlds second-largest economy struggles with the bursting of the biggest real-estate bubble ever. Now, Chinas goal of overtaking the U.S. as the worlds largest economy might take decades longer than Beijing expectedif it happens at all. Chinas economy today is burdened with excess: Millions of empty or unfinished apartment blocks, trillions of dollars in debt straining local governments and ballooning industrial production driving an export surge that is igniting trade tensions worldwide. China still has strengths: It dominates global manufacturing and has commanding positions in new technologies, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy. Policymakers have proven adept at handling past crises, and are readying bold new stimulus to support the economy. Nonetheless, the scale of the excesses plaguing Chinas economy underscores the perilous position Beijing finds itself in as a new trade war looms. Historic loss of wealth Chinas property meltdown has since 2021 destroyed around $18 trillion of Chinese household wealth, according to an estimate by Barclays, eclipsing the losses suffered by Americans in the financial crash of 2008-09. That hit, along with the trauma of Beijings heavy-handed response to the Covid-19 pandemic, helps explain why Chinese consumers arent spending freely. Destiny deferred Chinas rapid growth meant that for years forecasters expected China to overtake the U.S. as the worlds largest economy. As recently as 2019, some forecasters were expecting Chinas GDP to eclipse the U.S.s around 2030. Today, it is the U.S. powering the global economy and China that is battling stumbling growth. Few now expect China to catch up with the U.S. before midcentury, if it manages to at all. Ticking time bomb China is also facing demographic headwinds that will make it harder to restore its economic vigor. Chinas working-age population is shrinking, reversing the demographic dividend that powered its economic ascent. Excesses all around Chinas economy has for decades been powered by heady levels of investment. At first, that yielded modern infrastructure and propelled the expansion of Chinas manufacturing engine and its megacities. But sticking with that strategy year after year has meant China today is beset by colossal debts, unneeded apartments and industrial overcapacity. Debt: Borrowing by government, households and corporations in China is approaching 300% of its annual GDP. Hidden" borrowing by local governmentsdebt held off the books on their behalf by opaque investment companies known as local government financing vehiclesis a major problem. On some measures, the scale of those debts and the burden of servicing them in China is more severe than in the U.S. before the financial crisis or in Europe in the depths of its own debt crisis a decade ago. Real estate: Chinas real-estate boom was unprecedentedand so is the ongoing bust. New construction and sales have cratered since the government took steps to rein in the bubble in 2020. It has struggled to stabilize the market, despite measures to ease purchase restrictions and offer cheap credit to would-be buyers. One sign of the booms excesses: There are as many as around 80 million vacant units in China, according to the latest estimates at the end of November, equivalent to half the total housing stock of the entire U.S. Industrial overcapacity: In response to the slowing economy, and to transform China into a technological colossus, leader Xi Jinping has been funneling investment into Chinas already huge factory sector. The result has been a surge in industrial capacity and two years of falling prices for Chinese producers, which are increasingly looking overseas to find buyers for goods they cant sell at home. That is sparking trade spats with the U.S.-led West and emerging markets such as Brazil and India. Write to Jason Douglas at jason.douglas@wsj.com and Ming Li at ming.li@wsj.com Each year for a few frigid days in January volunteers fan out across cities, towns and rural areas to try to count every homeless person in America. The method is admittedly flawed: cities do their counting in different ways, and many homeless people are transient or hide away in subterranean tunnels and under highway overpasses. Researchers think the result is an undercount. But this point in time" survey offers the most complete picture of homelessness that exists in America today. The results for January 2024, released on December 27th, offer bleak news: the number of homeless people in the country had risen to the highest level on record. Between 2023 and 2024 homelessness increased by 18%, to roughly 771,000 people. That is nearly as many people as live in North Dakota. The vast majority of the uptick comes from people living in shelterspicture hotel rooms or rows of cotsrather than sleeping rough, as is common on the West Coast and in some southern states. The reports most shocking revelation is a 39% rise in family homelessness year-on-yeara reversal of a slow but steady decline in the years preceding the covid-19 pandemic. Three main factors contributed to the surge: a housing shortage that has driven up rents and home prices, an influx of asylum-seekers that overwhelmed some cities, and disasters that displaced people. View Full Image Chart: The Economist Estimates vary, but Moodys Analytics, a consultancy, reckons America is short about 2.9m affordable homes. It is no coincidence that many of the states with consistently high rates of homelessness (California and New York), or those that saw big increases this year (Hawaii and Massachusetts) boast some of the priciest housing in the country. A third of people counted were chronically homeless, and may suffer from drug addiction or struggle with mental illness, which make it harder for them to stay housed. But most people fall in and out of homelessness depending on their financial situation. When pandemic-era programmes that offered emergency rental assistance and prevented landlords from evicting tenants expired, more people may have been pushed onto the streets. When migrants arrived by the thousands in cities far from the southern border (many on buses sent north by Texass governor, Greg Abbott) they stressed already crowded shelter systems. Three places absorbed the most migrants: Chicago, Denver and New York City. In Chicago migrants camped inside police stations. Denver created a bussing scheme of its own, sending people on to their final destinations rather than allowing them to camp on the streets. The states those cities belong toIllinois, Colorado and New Yorkeach saw corresponding rises in homelessness. New York City attributes almost 88% of its increase in homelessness to asylum-seekers housed in the citys shelters. For an example of the ways in which disasters can increase homelessness, look to Hawaii. In August 2023 a wildfire caused by broken power lines razed the town of Lahaina, killing at least 102 people. Houses were burned down to their foundations. Survivors lived out of shelters and hotel rooms across Maui for months, if not longer. The blaze worsened an already dire housing shortage on the islands, where the median listing price is nearly double the nations. What happened on Maui has become a cruel pattern: homelessness also spiked in Chico, California after a fire engulfed the nearby town of Paradise in 2018. There are two small reasons for hope. First, the count was carried out right after migrant encounters at the southern border peaked and cities were flailing. Since then newcomers have settled in. Denver has wound down its migrant shelter programme. That may mean homelessness could decline in 2025. Second, the only bright spot amid about 100 pages of grim tidings in the report showed that the number of homeless veterans has declined by more than half since 2009 thanks to better co-operation between cities and the federal Department of Veteran Affairs. In the hunt for solutions, it makes sense to start there. President-elect Donald Trump has promised a crackdown on illegal immigration and significant changes to immigration laws. Now his advisers will contend with long-existing headwinds to turn Trumps campaign rhetoric into policy. Here are five major roadblocks the incoming administration will face: Immigration-court backlog Most immigrants in the U.S. illegally cant be deported without a hearing in immigration court, where they have a chance to ask for asylum or another avenue to stay in the country. But immigration courts are so backlogged that hearings are being scheduled as far into the future as 2029. While immigrants wait for their hearings, they are given work permits, allowing them to find legal employment inside the U.S. Trump and his allies argue this process is an important factor attracting migrants to come to the U.S. to seek asylumeven if they dont win their court cases. Outside experts estimate that Congress would have to hire about 5,000 immigration judgesthe system now has roughly 500to efficiently sort through all existing cases as well as new ones. Barring a large infusion of cash to hire more judges, the Trump administration could shuffle around whose hearings happen first, giving priority to people from certain countries or those with criminal histories. They could make it tougher for immigrants to delay their final hearings, which judges sometimes allow in some cases, to give immigrants more time to find lawyers to represent them. Without a change in the law, most of the migrants who entered the country illegally during President Bidens term wont be legally deportable for years. Lack of ICE agents The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency is responsible for arresting immigrants in the country illegally, detaining them and deporting them. It has roughly 6,000 agents on staff and funding to jail about 40,000 immigrants at any given time. It doesnt have nearly the fleet of planes needed to deport millions of migrants back to their home countries. The government is also having trouble recruiting new Border Patrol agents and doesnt have enough asylum officers to hear claims made outside of court. Republicans are hoping to use a budget process known as reconciliation to pass billions of dollars in spending for ICE as well as Trumps border wall without needing Democratic votes. Even if the money comes, it will take the government time to recruit and train new ICE officers and make new detention space available. Trump plans to declare a national emergency soon after taking office, which could unlock additional money taken out of the Pentagons budget for projects such as border-wall construction. Members of the National Guard or other troops wont be allowed to perform immigration arrests, however; at best, they could be used for ancillary tasks, such as transporting immigrants. Trumps designated border czar, Tom Homan, told The Wall Street Journal that military bases and planes could aid a deportation campaign. Blue-state resistance Immigrants living in the country illegally are often concentrated in big, Democratic-led cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Denver. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a CNN interview recently that he wouldnt be cooperating with federal immigration authorities. The law is very clear," he said. Local police officers are not federal agents." Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has expressed support for limited deportations for migrants who crossed illegally and have committed violent crimes, but he is strongly opposed to mass deportations. Johnston has said he was prepared to go to jail to resist Trumps plan and encouraged others to protest. While it is still possible to arrest people living illegally in blue-led cities, it is far more challenging without local cooperation. One of the most common ways ICE makes arrests is by picking people up as they are released from jail, even on a minor violation. But blue states have broadly barred local authorities from informing ICE when they plan to release someone. Such legal approaches, which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, are known as sanctuary-city" policies. Without local cooperation, ICE would need to post officers on watch outside of jails for hours or days to catch a release. They can also conduct neighborhood raids, but immigration officersunlike regular policedont have warrants to make an arrest, meaning they cant enter a persons home to arrest them. Trumps immigration advisers, including Homan, have publicly discussed cutting off federal grants and even pursuing criminal prosecutions of the officials enforcing sanctuary policies. Lack of cooperation from foreign countries Among the reasons President Dwight Eisenhower was able to pull off a broad deportation program in the 1950s, which Trump cites as a model, was that everyone he sought to send out of the country was from Mexico. But over the past few years, immigrants crossing into the U.S. illegally have come from record numbers of countries, such as China, India, Mauritania and Uzbekistan. The U.S. today cant simply push migrants back across the border or even load them all onto a flight heading to the same place. It must now orchestrate a complex dance of flights, choosing where to send its limited number of planes and fighting with other governments about whenand whether at allthey are willing to receive the flights. Many of the newly-arrived migrants in the U.S. come from countries where diplomatic relations are frayed or even nonexistent, such as Venezuela. U.S. immigration law allows immigrants to be deported to third countries if their home countries wont take them back, but getting a third country to agree is rare. Trump has pledged to strike safe-country agreements with countries in Latin America and even Africa. He managed to reach an agreement with Guatemala during his first term to send asylum seekers from elsewhere in Central America there, but the agreement was short-lived. Only about a thousand people actually were sent. Legal challenges Many of the changes proposed by Trump and Stephen Miller, his incoming deputy chief of staff and longtime immigration adviser, can only be done through Congressor perhaps even through a constitutional amendment. A core issue they have attempted to surmount is that under existing law migrants can legally ask for asylum even if they have entered the country unlawfully. Trump, and even Biden, sought to get around this by making asylum seekers live in Mexico while their claims were being weighed, jailing them, or coming up with new rules to make asylum seekers otherwise ineligible. As long as the law remains on the books, however, the government will struggle to find legal ways to narrow that right. Trump has said he also wants to eliminate certain visa categories, such as one that allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their foreign adult siblings, or the diversity visa lottery, which randomly awards green cards to people from countries with low levels of immigration to the U.S. But only Congress can create or eliminate visa categories, and it hasnt done so to a significant extent since 1990. Trumps pledge to end birthright citizenship, the practice of designating any baby born in the U.S. as a citizen no matter their parents immigration status, likely cant be changed by Congresslet alone the executive order Trump has proposed. Most legal scholars say it would require amending the Constitution, a rare and difficult process. Trumps allies say that birthright citizenship is a misinterpretation of the 14th Amendment, which dates to the 19th century and in part granted full citizenship to former slaves. The most recent amendment to the Constitution was ratified in 1992, more than 200 years after it was first proposed. In all these cases, Trumps advisers have said that he hopes to test the limits of the law by issuing policies he knows to be unlawful, or even unconstitutional, in a bid to persuade the Supreme Court, which is dominated by conservatives, to come to different decisions. Write to Michelle Hackman at michelle.hackman@wsj.com and Tarini Parti at tarini.parti@wsj.com On the fourth night of the war, Dr. Abeer Abdullah sent off a desperate plea for help. Abdullah had spent the past days and nights racing to care for 370 children at the al-Mygoma Home for Orphaned Children, Sudans biggest orphanage, where she is medical director. The home was caught in the middle of some of the heaviest fighting in the capital Khartoum after a simmering rivalry between Sudans two most powerful generals boiled over into all-out violence. The war had left Mygoma with no nurses and fewer than a dozen adults to care for the children, most of whom were under the age of 1. Abdullah, a reserved, Saudi Arabia-trained general practitioner, was the only doctor. Power cuts had shut down the orphanages air conditioning in the up to 115-degree heat. Explosions shook the walls. Overwhelmed caregivers struggled to feed and hydrate newborn babies and others suffering from complex disabilities. More than once, they rushed from one room to another just to find another child lifeless in his crib. That fourth night, Abdullah sneaked out of Mygomas metal gate, clutching her phone and praying that the darkness would protect her from snipers positioned on nearby buildings. Next to a tree in the orphanages front yard, her screen lit up with a sliver of signal. Abdullah tapped out a Facebook post: Save al-Mygoma." Over the following weeks and months, Abdullahs message prompted the extraordinary mobilization of a group of mostly Sudanese civilians to save the Mygoma orphans. The effort has taken some of the children and their caregivers on a perilous odyssey across four Sudanese cities and nearly 1,000 miles, hoping for safety but always aware that the war could catch up with them once again. At one point, some of the fighters stopped by the orphanage to help. At another, armed men from the same militia robbed the group. The war in Sudan has created the worlds biggest humanitarian crisis. By some estimates, as many as 150,000 people have been killed amid the fighting between Sudans military and the paramilitary-turned-rebel Rapid Support Forces, and the collapse of healthcare and agriculture. More than half of Sudans population of 48 million is suffering crisis levels of hunger and parts of the country are officially in the grip of famine. One quarter of Sudanese have been displaced from their homes. The doctors, aid workers and volunteers who coordinated the Mygoma rescue worked at great personal risk, just as their own lives and families were being torn apart by the warand much of the world was looking elsewhere. Their efforts to keep the children safe continue to this day. This account is based on interviews with Abdullah, other Mygoma staff, volunteers and aid organizations involved in the rescue, as well as a review of documents and images from the orphanage. A troubled home Mygoma was founded in 1961 as a home for abandoned babies. In majority Muslim Sudan, having a child out of wedlock saddled a woman and her baby with life-changing stigma. Several hundred children were dropped at the state-run orphanage every year. Many arrived in poor health or showed signs of abuse. The orphanages pastel-colored walls, decorated with cartoon characters, belied an institution that had long suffered from outdated equipment and insufficient funding and staff. In recent years, the nonprofit Doctors Without Borders worked to improve hygiene, healthcare and nutrition. Abdullah began working at Mygoma in 2021, and she said the situation at the orphanage was stable in the months before the war. The home had its own clinic for sick children. Solar panels and an emergency generator kept incubators and other medical equipment running during blackouts. Each of the dozens of caregivers, known as nannies, was responsible for five to 10 children. The work could be heartbreaking. Around six children died every monthalthough that was an improvement over previous years. Everything changed on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Abdullah woke up in her family home to blasts of gunfire and shelling. A colleagues route to the orphanage was blocked by the fighting and he called Abdullah to ask her to take his shift. Convinced the clashes would be resolved within days, she set out for Mygoma, first on foot and then on the back of a motorized rickshaw. At the orphanage, older children sat huddled in corners, crying at the loudest explosions. Nannies moved cribs away from windows to protect babies from stray bullets or shrapnel. Staff stuck from the overnight shift worried about their own children at home. Phone networks were barely functioning. Some of the nannies went home to their families the following day. Others meant to take over never showed up. That left Abdullah with around 10 nannies to cover Mygomas 13 rooms across three stories and multiple buildings. Each room was crowded with between 18 and 23 children, often two or three to a crib. Stocks of baby formula were already running low. The first death was a 6-month-old girl named Jud, who had struggled to feed. She died on Sunday, the second day of the war, likely from an infection, Abudullah thought. Nannies arranged babies in circles around them to speed up the feeding and changing. They stripped down the children to just diapers in the sweltering heat. Not trained as a pediatrician, Abdullah had little experience placing IV drips for babies to treat extreme dehydration. Still more children died. Abudullah jotted each of their names, and their suspected cause of death, into a notebook. A fight to save lives After Abdullah posted her message on Facebook, Dr. Abdullah Kenany, a surgeon who had previously volunteered at Mygoma, stopped by the orphanage. He found his longtime friend and neighbor in tears on the floor, surrounded by more than a dozen babies. He checked the vitals of children in the clinic, applying CPR for some who had lost consciousness. For others, there was no more to be done. Kenany prepared a bottle for one of the babies, an angelic newborn named Nadia. That evening, Kenany posted a photo of himself feeding Nadia on Facebook, along with a request for volunteers to support Mygoma. From that day, Kenany drove his beat-up Hyundai Accent to the orphanage in the morning and back home at night. The hospital where he worked had been shut down by the blackouts. When he couldnt find fuel for his car, he rode his bike. He took back roads to avoid checkpoints set up by the RSF, the militia that by then controlled much of Khartoum. On his second day at Mygoma, one of the staff asked Kenany to take the bodies of three children to a nearby cemetery for burial. One of them was Nadia, the baby he had fed the previous afternoon. Kenany was shocked; Nadia had seemed healthy, and he felt like they had bonded in their short moment together. He snapped photos of the three tiny bodies, wrapped in white shrouds, on the seats of his car, again posting them on Facebook. Over the following weeks, Kenanys phone buzzed with messages and calls whenever it connected to the network. Artists and celebrities shared his post and donations arrived. A German charity donated 450 cans of formula. Local groups brought food for the older children and staff. Women from the neighborhood and doctors and nurses came to help care for the babies. Kenany stayed up late taking calls and speaking to Sudanese media. Still, the deaths continued. Nine days into the war, 24 children had died. Abdullah worried that some of the outside helpers were bringing in illnesses that were now spreading among the weakened childrenbut she needed the extra hands. Abdullah spent her days and nights at the clinic. She became close to a 2-year-old named Youssef, who had been found with his hands tied, a broken arm and burns all over his body shortly before the war. At night, Youssef, who appeared to be mute, crawled into Abdullahs bed. When fighting blocked the route to the cemetery, staff buried the children in a field behind the orphanage. The municipal water was cut and Abdullah and Kenany began rationing the small amounts they were able to pump from the ground using solar power. As the war dragged on, some of the volunteer doctors and nurses fled Khartoum. Abdullahs own family was preparing to leave, too. Her siblings begged her to join themtheir mother was sick and could use the care of a doctoror at least come home for a few days of rest. When her brother and sister came to the orphanage and saw the conditions there, they relented. An idea firmed in Abdullahs mind: They all needed to leave. Planning a rescue Others outside the orphanage were coming to the same conclusion. Osman AbuFatima, a Sudanese child protection officer for Unicef based in the city of Omdurman, across the Nile from Khartoum, had long worked to improve conditions at Mygoma. When the war hit, he scrambled to get his wife and four children to safety. But Mygoma was also on his mind. In the first week of the war, he joined a WhatsApp group with Sudanese activists and a Mygoma manager, looking for ways to get provisions to the orphanage. His colleagues struggled to find truckers willing to take malnutrition treatments and formula across front lines. In mid-May, finally, a van carrying malnutrition treatmentsa mix of peanut butter and other key nutrientsarrived at Mygoma. After another five days, a truck delivered formula to cover the next three months. With the fighting getting worse, AbuFatimas thoughts also turned to evacuating Mygoma. He traded messages with Marina Fakhouri, protection coordinator for the International Committee of the Red Cross, which works to safeguard civilians in conflict zones. ICRC staff were inundated with calls from people pleading to be evacuated from Khartoum, but the orphans at Mygoma stood out. Fakhouri told AbuFatima that ICRC could get them out of the capital, as long as Unicef and the government found a safe place to receive the children and staff. The problem: To move the orphans, they needed a letter requesting an evacuation from Sudans Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which itself had to relocate from Khartoum because of the war. Closing in At Mygoma, stray bullets hit the orphanages walls. Whenever their phones connected, staff read about rapes and random killings by the RSF, which grew from the infamous Janjaweed fighters who terrorized Darfur in the early 2000s. The military pounded Khartoum with seemingly indiscriminate airstrikes. One day, the ceiling collapsed onto children in several rooms after a shell or drone hit a nearby building. May 26, 2023, stands out in the minds of Abdullah and Kenany as the worst day of the war. Within 24 hours, 14 children died. Bodies piled up in the clinic, leaving little space to treat the living. Abdullah worried that all the children might die. That night, Kenany logged back into Facebook. Our message to the world," he wrote, evacuate the orphanage from Khartoum to a safe city with a safe pathway. Save our humanity. Save the children." News about the deaths spread around Sudan, prompting more support. RSF fighters brought diapers, medication and fuel for the generator. And finally, on May 29, the ministry sent the evacuation request the ICRC needed. ICRC officials met little resistance securing safe passage from the RSF and the militarythey, too, had read about the dying babies. AbuFatima at Unicef pressured contractors to finish renovations on a government building in Wad Madani, a city about 120 miles southeast of Khartoum that would be the childrens new home. A narrow window On June 7, 2023, six buses, four ICRC cars and an ambulance pulled up outside Mygoma, while the nannies were preparing lunch for the children. Abdullah knew that evacuation plans were under waybut amid the hurried preparation, no one had told her they were coming that day. Some of the nannies rushed home to say goodbye to their families, while ICRC staff pulled vests and pants onto babies, trying to hide their shock at how skeletal some of them were. In halting English, Abdullah pleaded with ICRC staff to come back on another day. They didnt have enough adults to hold all the babies. But the staffers response was clear: They had safe passage for only one day. They had to leave. RSF fighters accompanying the convoy scoured the neighborhood for women who could help hold the children during the journey. Some fighters formed a human chain to get diapers and formula into the buses. Each adult and older child held three or more babies as the buses drove away from the orphanage. Kenany stayed behind to look after his family in Khartoum. With each bump, small children tumbled onto the floor. In the front of each bus was a bassinet, a spot to place bodies away from the other children should one die on the way. Abdullah ended up separated from the clinic children, including Youssef, and she worried how he would fare without her. Through the windows, she watched Khartoums normally bustling streets largely abandoned. Doors of buildings had been ripped open. Furniture lay on the ground after rounds of looting. In the ambulance, Mohamed, a severely malnourished baby, was hooked up to an oxygen machine. Fakhouri, the ICRC coordinator, a nurse and the driver followed his breaths, willing him to keep going. It was dark by the time the buses reached Wad Madani. Fifty-four days after the start of the war, 298 of Mygomas 370 children had made it out alive. Twenty-eight were immediately taken to the intensive care unit of a nearby hospital. Nannies broke down in tears. The bassinets in the front of the buses had remained empty. That night, Abdullah slept on a mattress on the floor of a wedding hall, a temporary shelter AbuFatima had found while their government quarters were being finished. They were safefor the moment. Another advance The orphanages buildings in Wad Madani were cramped, but Abdullah, the children and nannies settled into their new routine. Around 100 of the Mygoma orphans were placed with adoptive families. Every few days, a new baby arrived at the orphanage. By mid-December, most of the malnourished children had recovered. Youssefs injuries had healed to the point that he spent his days with the other children. At night, however, he insisted on sleeping in Abdullahs bed. Then news began circulating that the RSF had attacked the outskirts of Wad Madani. Two days later, Abdullah heard the familiar blasts of shelling and gunfire. Kenany, by then in Ethiopia with his family, messaged Abdullah. He urged her to push for another evacuation. He did a new round of Facebook posts and media interviews, and within hours had some 600 calls and messages. That night, RSF fighters shot open the orphanages gate. The men shouted at Abdullah and the nannies, demanding to know what they were doing with so many children. They searched the womens bags and stole their phones. Unicefs AbuFatima gathered colleagues in his office in Port Sudan, the countrys new capital-in-waiting, to plan another evacuation. This time the ICRC couldnt help. Days earlier, an ICRC convoy had come under fire during another rescue mission, killing two and injuring seven. It took 12 days for the buses to arrive in Wad Madani to pick up 254 orphans and their caregivers. They made it to Kassala, a city on Sudans eastern border with Eritrea. Three children, including Majda, a 12-year-old who relied on an oxygen machine, died soon after. Abdullah and the nannies still nervously monitor RSF advances from their new location. Many of the children are sensitive to loud noises. Kenany is now in Saudi Arabia, where he hasnt been able to find work. Youssef has started speaking. More children have been adopted, mostly by families in Port Sudan. The orphanage no longer accepts new babies. This June, Abdullah traveled to see her father and siblings. Abdullahs mother had died in February, followed soon after by her aunt and uncle. She returned to the orphanage with an important document she needed as an unmarried woman: her fathers permission to adopt Youssef. Even if the war stops," she says, he will stay with me forever." Write to Gabriele Steinhauser at Gabriele.Steinhauser@wsj.com TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 1. Investors of the Chinese Shanghai Oriental Credits Industrial Development Co., Ltd. are planning to invest in promising projects in the green energy sector in Uzbekistan's Fergana region, Trend reports. The news followed a meeting between the regional administration and the General Director of the company James Cao. The projects on the installation of solar panels on social objects of the region, cooperation in the construction of micro HPPs and pumping stations, as well as the creation of a service center in Fergana were proposed. Moreover, the Governor of the Fergana region Khayrullo Bozorov assured that Chinese entrepreneurs will be provided with comprehensive support to start their activities. Both parties agreed to develop business proposals and continue approvals for launching the projects. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan plans to launch 18 new solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 3,400 MW in 2025. Uzbekistan will also introduce energy storage systems with a capacity of 1,800 MW. This will be an important step in the development of renewable energy sources and the country's transition to clean technologies. Mumbai: In a move that will bring relief to apps providing UPI services, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has extended by two years the deadline for third-party application providers (TPAPs) to comply with limits on UPI transaction volumes processed by them. The retail payments regulator also eased restrictions on WhatsApp Pay and allowed it to extend its services to all its users. Considering various factors, the timeline for compliance of existing TPAPs who are exceeding the volume cap, is extended by two years till December 31, 2026," NPCI said in a circular issued on Tuesday. NPCI had earlier said that no UPI (unified payments interface) app could account for more than 30% of UPI transaction volumes, but the deadline for for TPAPs to comply with this limit has now been extended twice already. We welcome the extension of the market cap of UPI apps by NPCI as we strongly believe that the Indian people themselves will choose from dozens of new UPI apps available," said Vishwas Patel, joint managing director of Infibeam Avenues and chairman of industry body Payment Council of India (PCI). Patel added that Paytm was getting back to capture its lost market share, and Navi, Cred, Bhim, WhatsApp Pay and several other new apps are growing strongly. Also read | How NBBL's Bharat Connect aims to streamline B2B payments for small businesses Banks are also getting their UPI app strategy in place. I strongly believe that in the next two years, the market itself will resolve this market cap issue. Blocking growth of incumbents is not the right strategy and would have surely slowed UPIs growth," Patel said. Meanwhile, NPCI also removed the UPI user onboarding limit for WhatsApp Pay, a registered TPAP player, with immediate effect. WhatsApp Pay can now extend UPI services to its entire user base in India. Previously, NPCI had permitted WhatsApp Pay to expand its UPI user base in a phased manner. We're committed to making payments on WhatsApp simple, reliable, and secure. Our goal is to add value and convenience to users' lives through various use-cases like bill payments, ticket booking, and shopping. We aim to accelerate digital payments and UPI adoption and continue contributing to India's digital and financial inclusion agenda," a spokesperson for WhatsApp told Mint. Also read | NPCI interchange fee of 1.2% on UPI credit lines may set off a revolution Impact of UPI cap The limit on UPI transactions largely impacted the two largest TPAPs in the countryPhonePe and Google Pay. At the time of the introduction of the cap in November 2020, Google Pay had the largest market share of 41.4% in terms of the volume of transactions and 42.9% in terms of value of UPI transactions processed. Second in line PhonePe accounted for 40.5% transactions in terms of volume and 43.5% in terms of value. By December 2022, PhonePe had overtaken Google Pay to become the largest UPI processing platform, with a market share of 46.3% in terms of volume and 49.1% in terms of value of transactions. Also read | Will RuPay, UPI credit become separate companies? NPCI is planning a big recast of its businesses Google Pays share fell to 34.2% in terms of volume and 33.8% in terms of value of transactions processed. Paytm Payments Bank and Amazon Pay have been the two other large TPAPs but both their shares have remained below the 30% mark. The trend has since continued with PhonePes share rising further to 48.4% in terms of volume and 50.9% in terms of value of transactions as of November 2024. Google Pays share improved slightly to 37.6% and 35.7% in volume and value terms, respectively. While Paytms share fell significantly after the RBI asked the fintech to shut is payments bank effective Mrch 2024, newer players such as Cred and Navi emerged as major players in the segment whereas Amazon Pay lost market share. PhonePe and Google Pay refused to comment on the deadline extension for compliance with the volume cap. Growth in UPI transactions Transactions through UPI have grown phenomenally. In November 2024, UPI processed 15.48 billion transactions, 38% higher on-year. The transaction value stood at 21.55 trillion, up 24% from the year-ago period. The average daily count is estimated at 516 million transactions worth 71,840 crore, as per NPCI data. In December (as of 30 December), 16.13 billion UPI transactions have been processed so far. In comparison, 12.02 billion transactions worth 18.2 trillion were processed in the corresponding month of the previous year. In FY24, UPI processed 131.15 billion transactions (worth 199.29 trillion), almost 57% more than the 83.76 billion transactions ( 139 trillion) of FY23. Growth in the transaction amount was more than 43%. Growth was led by strong growth in both P2M (peer-to-merchant) and P2P (peer-to-peer) payments, as per NPCI data. Volume cap background In November 2020, NPCI had introduced a volume cap of 30% on the total UPI transactions processed by TPAPs, starting 1 January 2021 and to be effected by December 2023. However, the deadline was extended in December 2022. The cap is calculated basis the total volume of UPI transactions processed in the preceding three months (on a rolling basis), and existing TPAPs exceeding the cap were give two years to comply with the norms in a phased manner. NPCI had then cited the significant growth in UPI transactions and the potential for future growth as the rationale behind introducing the cap, to address any concentration of other risks and protect the UPI ecosystem as it scales up. Also read | Mint Primer | What is NPCIs game plan for the BHIM app? In December 2022, the deadline was extended by two years till 31 December 2024, taking into account the present usage and future potential of UPI" and to allow large TPAPs more time to comply with the cap, NPCI had then said. The discussion around the volume cap gained ground over the past two years as there has been minimal change in the market share of the larger players despite the multiple extensions. Why the extensions The extensions have brought to the fore discussions around the economic viability of UPI transactions, TPAPs ability to make money from them, limited interest from smaller players to increase their share, and customers loyalty towards their existing platforms, industry experts said. UPI transaction volumes have started to stagnate and there are concerns of it tapering further. If we want UPI volumes to grow, we need some incentives such as MDR (merchant discount rate) to encourage more players. TPAP is a capital-intensive business and so UPI transaction processing needs to make economic sense for them," a senior industry official told Mint on the condition of anonymity. Asked if the NPCI could then consider dropping the idea of a cap entirely till MDR is introduced, the official said that the 30% cap acts as an insurance or hedge to keep the larger players in check till the ecosystem becomes more MDR- or market-driven. Also read | UPI is worlds digital public good; will aid others build their versions: NPCI's Ritesh Shukla The government had done away with MDR on UPI in 2020 in a bid to boost digital transactions. This was followed by a 1,500 crore scheme to reimburse banks and fintech firms for their MDR losses, something that the government has been following since. MDR is a fee that banks and payment services providers charge merchants for processing digital transactions. In August 2022, RBI had floated a consultation paper proposing a tiered fee structure for UPI payments to make payment services reasonable and competitive for users while also providing optimal revenue for intermediaries. Since then, several industry players have batted for MDR charge on UPI transactions to make the segment profitable. However, the government has maintained that UPI is digital public infrastructure" for public good and will continue to remain free of charge. Later, NPCI introduced an interchange fee of 0.5-1.1% on PPI-based merchant UPI transactions from April 2023. PPIs, or prepaid payment instruments, are payment tools such as cards and wallets that allow users to make payments, access financial services, and transfer funds from prepaid or pre-stored money. Banks and non-banks provide these PPIs after completing KYC (know your customer) verification. And read | NPCI interchange fee of 1.2% on UPI credit lines may set off a revolution This July, Vikas Bansal, CEO of Amazon Pay Indiathe digital payments arm of e-commerce giant Amazonhad said that implementation of MDR for UPI transactions is necessary for smaller players to receive a fair share of value they add to the payments ecosystem. Incorporated in 2008 as an umbrella organisation for retail payments and settlement systems in India, NPCI today manages and supervises the entire payment and settlement infrastructure and ecosystem in the country. Some of the major products offered by NPCI and its subsidiaries include Unified Payments Interface (UPI), home-grown card infrastructure network RuPay, Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) platform, Bharat Connect (formerly Bharat Bill Payments System) and Aadhar-enabled Payment Services (AePS), among others. Behind the uproar over the H-1B visa is a simple fact: Americas tech industry is hooked on imported labor. The program was at the center of a fight that broke out between President-elect Donald Trumps supporters over the holidays. Elon Musk and other tech executives defended H-1B visas as crucial to the success of U.S. businesses. Other stalwarts in the MAGA movement said tech companies should be forced to hire American workers. Amazon.com, Google and Tesla are among the biggest users of the visas, which let companies bring foreign workers to the U.S. on a temporary basis. The workers overwhelmingly come from India and fill jobs in such fields as software development, computer science and engineering. Created by Congress in 1990, the H-1B program is the main pathway to the U.S. for highly skilled foreign workers. Visa holders can eventually become eligible to apply for green cards, which would let them stay in the country indefinitely. The program is vastly oversubscribed, with new visas capped at 85,000 a year. Companies file hundreds of thousands of petitions for the visas a year. A lottery system helps decide who gets in. Employees of universities and other nonprofits are generally exempt from the cap. Data from the Labor Department helps explain why demand is so high. In October, there were twice as many job openings as unemployed workers in the professional and business services" sector, which includes most tech fields. View Full Image The Visas Dividing MAGA World Help Power the U.S. Tech Industry The H-1B program requires employers to pay prevailing wages" for their job postings. But 60% of the positions certified by the government are assigned wage levels well below the local median wage for the occupation, according to a 2020 paper from the Economic Policy Institute. The Trump administration in 2020 tried to revamp the program, including by raising wages employers are required to pay. The changes never went into effect under the Biden administration, said Ron Hira, an associate professor at Howard University who co-wrote the H-1B paper from the Economic Policy Institute. Over the holiday break, Trump weighed in on the latest spat and told the New York Post he had always liked" the visas. Musk later posted on X that the program absolutely needs reform." Also among the biggest corporate users of H-1B visas in 2024 were Cognizant Technology Solutions, Tata Consultancy Services and HCL America, which provide IT services. Such companies often petition for visas to fill less-senior and lower-paying roles than do tech companies, according to economists. The only companies that can get a lot of visas are companies that are very well organized, which have a lot of lawyers, that send the application in time, all in perfect shape," said Giovanni Peri, a labor economist at the University of California, Davis. HCL America said in a statement that it has one of the lowest percentages of employees on H-1B visas among its peers. It is a subsidiary of HCLTech, a multinational Indian tech consulting company. A recent paper from the IZA Institute of Labor Economics found that companies that win the H-1B lottery tend to see bigger increases in revenue and head count, and are more likely to remain in business. More H-1B visas lead to more U.S. patents, and higher incomes for the average worker in both the U.S. and India, said Gaurav Khanna, a labor economist at the University of California, San Diego. American companies have long faced a skills gap, particularly in the so-called STEM fields of science, technology engineering and math. Demand for expertise in such areas has surged. Between 1990 and 2023, the number of software developers in the U.S. quadrupled to 2.85 million, according to census data. The number of computer scientists increased more than sevenfold to 3.5 million over that time. Most of those jobs are filled by U.S.-born workers, but the share of foreign-born workers in that time has more than doubled to 26%. Douglas Belkin contributed to this article. Write to Paul Kiernan at paul.kiernan@wsj.com and Angel Au-Yeung at angel.au-yeung@wsj.com With technology upgrades and the launch of a new platform in 2023, followed by the introduction of new products, the Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd. (MCX) solidifies its position as the leading commodity derivatives exchange in India. Catering to over 90% of the countrys commodity derivative trades, MCX facilitates price discovery and provides critical price risk management tools for commodity traders. Established in 2003, the exchange operates under SEBIs regulatory framework. Read this | Nuclear power: Two stocks tapping into a huge but restricted opportunity Lets delve into the MCX business model, its recently launched products, and the potential impact on its operations. MCX business MCX is Indias first commodity exchange to introduce options and futures contracts on bullion, base metals, and energy indices. According to its website, as of 30 September , the exchange boasts 544 registered members, 35,096 authorized persons, and a reach spanning 666 towns and cities across India, serving nearly 2.89 crore clients. It has also facilitated the delivery of 5,579 tonnes of bullion and 4.31 lakh tonnes of metals. In terms of trading volumes, MCX recorded an average daily turnover of 26,463 crore in futures and a notional turnover of 1,70,040 crore in options during April to September. Globally, MCX ranks as the third-largest exchange for commodity options and the seventh-largest for commodity derivatives, based on the number of contracts traded in 2023. Further strengthening its ecosystem, MCXCCL (Multi Commodity Exchange Clearing Corp. Ltd), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MCX, is the first clearing corporation dedicated to the commodity derivatives market in India. This subsidiary plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless clearing and settlement of trades. Turnover breakdown In 2024, MCX commanded a 95.9% share of the commodity futures market. Within this, it held a dominant position in key segments: 100% in precious metals, 99.6% in energy, and 99.8% in base metals. However, in the agri-commodities segment, MCX accounted for only 2.6% of the market, with NCDEX (National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Ltd) dominating the remainder. Read this | Starting 2025 with two defensive titans of the stock market Precious metals contributed the largest share of turnover at 62.4%, followed by energy at 27.7%, base metals at 9.6%, and farm commodities and index futures at just 0.1% and 0.2%, respectively, for FY24. Trading activity comprised 52.4% algorithmic trading and 47.6% client trading during the year. Key financials For Q2FY25, MCX reported operational revenues of 285.58 crore, a 72% increase compared to Q2FY24. Other income stood at 25.24 crore, with a net profit of 153.62 crore, a significant recovery from the net loss reported in Q2 FY24. As of September, shareholding patterns reflected a shift: Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs): 22.1%, down from 25.3% in September 2023. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs): 57.4%, up from 56.4%. Public: 20.3%, up from 18.1%. Others: Remained constant at 0.2%. Read this | Mint Explainer: Why MCX is warming up to a wider pool of FPIs MCX maintains a healthy dividend payout of 58% and is nearly debt-free. With new products and an upgraded trading platform, the company is expected to see steady revenue growth. However, it faces challenges such as a low return on equity (9.1% over the past three years) and a high valuation, with the stock trading at over 20x its book value. Future growth drivers According to a recent report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services on capital markets, MCXs new product launches are expected to be a key growth driver in the coming years. View Full Image (Motilal Oswal Financial Services-Capital Markets Report December 2024) In the Q2FY25 earnings call, Manoj Jain, chief operating officer, MCX, announced modifications to the existing Gold 1kg options bimonthly expiry contracts. Effective 11 November, gold options contracts will have monthly expiry contracts. In the same earnings call, chief business officer Rishi Nathany elaborated on the unique nature of commodity exchanges, distinguishing them from equities and currencies exchanges. Unlike other exchanges, MCX attracts participation not only from investors and traders but also from foreign portfolio investors and physical market participants. Many stakeholders in the commodities business use MCX to hedge their positions. Read this | Weight-loss drugs: A game changer for Indias top pharma companies Nathany further highlighted the development of new products, noting that MCX has several offerings in various stages of approval. The exchange is committed to providing a diverse product portfolio that aligns with market needs, strengthening its growth pipeline. What analysts say In December, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd downgraded MCX's stock rating to "Neutral" in its Capital Markets report. The firm projected a 39% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue and 130% CAGR in profit after tax over FY24-27, driven primarily by a 56% CAGR in option volumes. It set a target share price of 7,600, based on 42x the companys September 2026 EPS estimates, indicating a potential return of 20% from current levels. View Full Image (Source: Screener.in) The report highlighted that foreign portfolio investor participation is expected to rise with the introduction of Direct Market Access, although retail participation remains relatively low compared to NSE. Volume growth is anticipated to be fuelled by new products, serial contracts, and mini contracts. For more such analysis, read Profit Pulse. In November, HDFC Securities Ltd issued a "Buy" recommendation with a target price of 7,000, based on 40x the December 2026 EPS estimates. The recommendation was supported by MCXs plans to launch weekly options for crude and Index options. HDFC also pointed out that the company has intensified its focus on new products following its recent technology transitions over the past two years. Note: This article relies primarily on data from www.screener.in and the companys official presentations. In instances where this data was unavailable, we have referred to alternate but widely recognized and reliable sources. The objective of this article is to share insightful charts, data points, and thought-provoking opinions. It is NOT a recommendation to buy or sell any stocks. If you are considering an investment, please consult a professional financial advisor. This article is intended solely for educational purposes. About the author: Mohit Bhambhani is a seasoned financial professional with over 13 years of experience in financial research and corporate advisory. With extensive expertise in the Indian stock markets, his analytical approach provides in-depth insights and value to readers. Disclosure: The writer and his dependents hold shares of MCX discussed in this article. Bengaluru: Indian companies are expected to raise more funds this year through qualified institutional placements of shares to finance capital-intensive projects, which could prove critical in shoring up the economy. As many as 27 companies secured board approvals last month for raising funds via QIPs, show data from Prime Database. More companies including Shakti Pumps India Ltd and Azad Engineering Ltd are expected to receive board approval for QIPs shortly, per the data. QIPs allow companies already listed on stock exchanges to raise funds from domestic markets to finance key projects. But even as fundraising via QIPs reached record levels in 2024, private capital expenditure remained sluggish, forcing the government to spend huge amounts, especially on infrastructure. As of 28 December, Indian companies had raised 1,37,560 crore across 95 QIPs in 2024, as compared to 54,350 crore from 45 issues a year earlier, as per Prime Database. Fundraising through QIPs is likely to continue in the current year, mainly driven by benign market conditions, good liquidity, and strong investor interest in the equity markets," said Mahavir Lunawat, managing director of financial services firm Pantomath Group. He added that as companies have continued to focus on growth and reducing debt, they could use QIPs for more strategic initiatives such as adding capacity, acquisitions, and upgrading technology. ... The need for increased private sector capital expenditure (capex) remains a critical driver for economic expansion," said Narendra Solanki, head of fundamental researchinvestment services, at Anand Rathi, adding that the domestic economys strong fundamentals offer favourable conditions for fundraising and growth this year. Fuelling QIPs: A robust market Indias robust bull market has played a key role in companies raising funds through QIPs, drawing more investors to the table. Sectors such as banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), real estate, healthcare, consumer durables, information technology (IT), and industrials are likely to be active with QIPs this year, said Bhavesh Shah, managing directorinvestment banking at Equirus Capital. However, while market experts see Indias buoyant stock market performance continuing this year, some are tempered in their expectations. While the exceptional returns witnessed during the post-covid recovery phase might not be repeated, a reasonable expectation of 13-15% returns on major indices seems achievable," Solanki said. Indias stock market enjoyed a bull run over the last five years, but rising US bond yields and a risk of slowing domestic corporate earnings are likely to weigh on it in 2025. In 2024, the Nifty 50 and Sensex climbed to record highs in September, but as foreign investors turned net sellers, the benchmark indices shed some of their gains to end the year up by a more modest 10%. Even so, Lunawat of Pantomath Group expects fundraising through QIPs to hit new records this year as companies seek more flexibility in accessing capital. QIPs allow companies to raise funds close to the market price. Institutional investors are expected to continue participating at high levels, driven by easing monetary policies and attractive market valuations," said Lunawat. Among prominent QIP transactions in 2024 were Vedanta Ltds and Zomato Ltds 8,500 crore fundraises, Adani Energy Solutions Ltds 8,373 crore issue, and Varun Beverages Ltds 7,500 crore share placement. JSW Energy Ltd, Prestige Estates Projects Ltd, and Punjab National Bank each raised 5,000 crore via QIPs. Godrej Properties Ltd launched a 6,000 crore QIP in November. Fintech firm Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Ltd raised 594.84 crore via a QIP last week. Startup QIPs and IPOs Qualified institutional placements of shares by new-age economy companies such as Zomato and Zaggle have been fewMapMyIndia raised 500 crore via QIP in 2023but experts see an uptick as more startups tap the public markets. Last year saw about a dozen startup IPOs, with Ola Electric Mobility Ltd, Swiggy Ltd, FirstCry (Brainbees Solutions Ltd), Ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Ltd), Unicommerce eSolutions Ltd, and Blackbuck (Zinka Logistics Solutions Ltd) making their public market debuts. India is expected to witness more companies tapping the public markets at an earlier stage, according to experts. In 2024, investors purchased a record 1.34 trillion worth of shares in initial public offerings, surpassing the previous record of 1.19 trillion raised in 2021. Also read | India sees more startups encashing Esops in 2024 in pre-IPO, secondary deals Easing monetary policies worldwide and substantial liquidity are also expected to lure significant investor interest, increasing listing activity, Lunawat said, adding that the growth of demat accounts to 179 million also points to increasing retail investor interest in driving more potential listings". For 2025, 34 companies have already secured the requisite approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission of India for IPOs, targeting a combined 41,462 crore. Additionally, 55 companies await regulatory clearance to raise about 98,672 crore, Lunawat said. The pipeline of companies from high-growth sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and consumer goods, along with favourable market conditions and improved regulatory frameworks, will keep the trend going," Lunawat said. Also read | India IPO share sales rise to record in 2024 Prioritising private capex Both IPOs and QIPs could likely funnel more spending by private companies into capital-intensive projects that could help fuel economic growth. Shortly after the National Democratic Alliance returned to office for a third successive term, the Economic Survey made a strong case for the private sector to scale up investments and focus on job creation. Last month, Mint reported that Indias first-ever private capital expenditure survey would capture spending by companies in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and real estate to capture their contribution to the countrys economic growth. Also read | Capex mood picks up in Q2, but revival isn't broad-based Indias real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.4% in the September quarter (the second quarter of 2024-25), the slowest in nearly two years, due to a slowdown in manufacturing, urban consumption and low corporate earnings. Indias finance ministry last week said it expects the economy to grow at 6.5% in 2024-25, while the Reserve Bank of India estimates a 6.6% growth aided by rural consumption, government investment, and strong services exports. Indias economy grew at 8.2% in 2023-24 and 7% in the year before. Also read | Centre likely to maintain capex push in FY26 to aid economic growth NEW DELHI : India's stock market had another winning year, but the gloss of 2024 came with cautionary tales. A ninth straight year of gains for the Nifty 50, up 9%, extended the benchmarks unprecedented streak. Yet, the glow dimmed compared to 2023s heady performance, with gains halved across benchmarks, small caps, and midcaps. Beneath the surface, pockets of turbulence humbled trend-chasers, offering hard-earned lessons to new investors. Read this | Bullrun, bullshit and other market lessons of 2024 The year saw overhyped names crash and underdogs rise. Public frenzy turned bitter for many, while those who moved with precision thrived. As investors look ahead to 2025, here are five resolutions to safeguard capital and sanity in an unpredictable market. Resolution #1: I will not chase trends blindly If 2024 proved anything, it was the triumph of Davids over Goliaths. Small and midcap stocks enjoyed exceptional demand, with the Nifty Smallcap 100 index gaining 24%, trouncing the broader benchmark. Yet, the rally wasn't universal. A quarter of small-cap index constituents ended in the red, including familiar names like Bata, Tata Teleservices, Zee, Jyothy Labs, and PVR. Public sector enterprises told a similar tale. The Nifty PSE index surged 22% last year, but in the second half, all constituents except HPCL posted losses. The message was clear: trends can lead to blind alleys. Spot opportunities; dont chase fads. Resolution #2: I will not be taken in by hype Ola Electrics blockbuster initial public offering (IPO) was a textbook lesson in market frenzy. The 6,154-crore issue in mid-2024 unfolded like a much-hyped Tollywood hitfeaturing a larger-than-life protagonist, a cultish following, and mass hysteria. The mega issue, Indias first EV startup to go public, was oversubscribed 4.27 times, with shares soaring to the 20% upper circuit on debut. But the excitement didnt last. By the year-end, the stock had shed 6%. Read this | A new year, new trends, and five new market opportunities in 2025 Even so, Ola Electric fared better than some other overhyped peers. Honasa Consumer, the parent of Mamaearth, debuted as the first D2C (direct-to-consumer) firm to list on Dalal Street in late 2023, while drone-maker ideaForge Technology launched its IPO earlier, drawing over 100 times the subscriptions. By the close of 2024, Honasa had plunged 40%, and ideaForge had lost 27%. For investors, the lesson is clear: not all that glitters turns to gold. Resolution #3: I will not be a BAAP (buy-at-any-price) investor For those wary of overhyped startups and their exuberant backers, Indias largest-ever IPO in October might have felt like a breath of fresh air. Hyundai India, the countrys second-largest carmaker, brought a pedigree of corporate excellence. With FY24 sales of 7.77 lakh vehicles, revenues of 69,829 crore, and a net profit of 6,060 crore, the 27,870-crore IPO was a triumph of substance over style, sailing through with over 2x subscription. Yet, by year-end, the stock had dipped nearly 1%. The story is familiar for investors who focus on stellar business performance but overlook valuation. Theres nothing fundamentally wrong with marquee names like Hindustan Unilever Ltd, HDFC Bank, Titan, or Nestle India. But paying Nvidia-like multiples for consumer staples can only end one wayyour portfolio dressed in a rather unflattering shade of crimson. The lesson? Great businesses arent always great investments at any price. Resolution #4: I will not rush in where angels fear to tread Remember the two-outlet bike dealership that managed to attract bids worth 4,800 crore for its 12 crore SME IPO. The outcome? A dramatic 50% plunge in the stock last year. Read this | Indian stock markets: Navigating bullish trends, valuation risks, and whats next in 2025 Or take the Noida-based IT firm that sought to raise 44 crore from SME investors. It earmarked nearly half the proceeds to purchase software from a company with a paid-up capital of just 1 lakh and no financial filings since 2021. The markets regulator had to intervene and scuttle the IPO. The SME segment was a whirlwind of action in 2024, drawing investors eager for outsized returns. For many, however, it turned into a march to the guillotine. Investing in SMEs demands specialized skills, a hefty risk appetite, and impeccable timing. Even seasoned investors tread cautiously in this volatile space, making the exuberance of retail investors all the more perplexing. The lesson is clear: enthusiasm without due diligence is a recipe for regret. Resolution #5: I will not play games which I cant win Heres a sobering statistic from a recent report by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi): Over 93% of more than 10 million individual F&O traders lost an average of 2 lakh each between FY22 and FY24, amounting to a staggering 1.8 trillion in aggregate losses, including transaction charges. More than 75% of these traders reported an annual income below 5 lakh. Despite the grim outcomes, the majority of these loss-makers continued trading. So, whos pocketing the profits in Indias derivatives market? Enter the fat catsproprietary traders wielding advanced algorithmic strategies and high-frequency trading (HFT) firms. Wall Street titans like Jane Street, Millennium, Citadel Securities, and Jump Trading have turned their gaze to Dalal Street, lured by the immense potential of Indias derivatives segment. The allure is undeniable. Last year, Jane Street and Millennium were locked in a legal battle in a Manhattan federal court over allegations of two former Jane Street traders stealing a secret India options trading strategy. Jane Street disclosed that the strategy had generated $1 billion in profits in 2023 alone. Sebi has tightened regulations on the F&O market since September, and the early signs of change are encouraging. Also read | Sebis meds do the trick in slowing retail options frenzy. Next dose in January. But if you believe you can outsmart some of the sharpest minds in the worldequipped with advanced algorithms and supercomputers executing trades in microsecondsit may be worth reconsidering your strategy. Perhaps focusing on pursuits where skill and strategy alone determine success, like coaching chess prodigies such as Gukesh Dommaraju and Magnus Carlsen, would be a wiser choice. Indias retail sector is undergoing a seismic shift, with skyrocketing demand for organized spaces and value-driven chains leading a transformation thats set to add 50% more retail space by 2028. The industry was valued at over $1 trillion in 2023 and is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% by 2030. The strong growth seen is driven by a confluence of factors including increased urbanisation and demand for organised and high-quality retail spaces. In this fast-growing industry, value-retail chains such as Vishal Mega Mart, Avenue Supermarts (Dmart), and V-Mart Retail have grabbed headlines owing to their strong expansion plans. But one company thats gone unnoticed is V2 Retail. About V2 Retail Back in the 2000s, V2 Retail went by the name of Vishal Mega Mart, which recently concluded its IPO and made a solid listing. V2 Retail was incorporated in 2001 by Ram Chandra Agrawal. After coming out with its IPO in 2007, the company faced headwinds in the following years. Mounting debt, weak IT supply chain, and poor store locations ultimately made the company a loss-making entity. The companys promoters then sold their flagship Vishal brand in 2011 and restructured the entire business. In 2011, the promoters introduced the V2 Retail brand by opening the first store in Jharkhand. At present, V2 Retail has more than 107 retail stores, which mainly sell fashion apparel for men, women and children along with lifestyle products. The company's presence is primarily concentrated in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand and Assam. Also read: Five Indian stocks that could take a massive hit from potential US tariffs It has tie-ups with prominent e-commerce players like Amazon and Myntra along with the launch of its e-commerce portal - V2kart - to diversify its sales channel. However, the revenue contribution from these has remained minimal in recent years. Phenomenal performance in 2024 In terms of stock performance, V2 Retail has outperformed its peers by a big margin. At the start of 2024, the stock was quoting at 300 per share. By the end of 2024, the stock has rallied to 1,600 per share. Thats a 4.4x rally in one year! So, what explains the stellar performance by V2 Retail in the year gone by? The companys financial performance has significantly improved, driven by a steady increase in sales per square foot, culminating in a remarkable turnaround in FY24 with its highest-ever revenue. Financial Snapshot View Full Image Source: Equitymaster This upbeat performance was followed by healthy earnings growth in the first quarter of FY25. It returned to losses in the second quarter but the performance for the first half of FY25 has improved if you compare it on a year-on-year basis. V2 Retails revenue for the first half of FY25 stood at 8 billion, a growth of 61% compared to a year ago period. The companys net profit for the same period has reached 144 million compared to last years 5 million, thats a stark improvement. Apart from improvement in financials, the company also took the expansion route, similar to other retail chains, and added 22 new stores. This took its total store count to 139. Also read: Cement's growth surge: 50% CAGR projected by 2027 Are these stocks ready? During September 2024 quarter, V2 Retail added five additional stores, bringing the total tally to 144 stores. The promoters of V2 Retail have vast experience in India's retail sector, especially in the value segment of small-town India. Promoter holding in the company stands at 54.3% as of September 2024. V2 Retail outlook for 2025 Historically, the second quarter has been V2 Retails weakest due to business cyclicality, with losses reported for the past four years, including this year, albeit reduced. However, a strong recovery is expected in Q3, buoyed by festive and wedding season demand, as the company plans to expand aggressively with 40 new stores in the second half of FY25. Earlier, it had guided for 40 stores overall in FY25, but it has upped the guidance to 40 stores in the second half itself, having already opened 22 in the first half. Source: Company Concall Beyond 2025, the company has multiple plans to take its revenue to 28 billion in the next two years. The company closed FY24 with revenues of 11.5 billion and its expected to close FY25 with revenues of close to 18 billion. The store target by the next two years is set at 250. One of the companys whole-time directors recently said in an interview that V2 Retail has bucked the ongoing industry-wide demand pressure as consumers continue to shift from the unorganised value segment to the organised segment. Joining the bandwagon like other retailers, V2 Retail is also on the verge of launching its website. The website is expected to start from March 2025. While all this looks rosy, the stock currently trades at abnormal valuations. The companys price to earnings (PE) multiple is 135x whereas the price to book value multiple is 19.5x. Historically, the stock has commanded a PE multiple of 99x in the past 5 years. Heres a table showing V2 Retails valuations and other important ratios, compared to its peers. Comparative Analysis View Full Image Source: Equitymaster The problem with these kinds of valuations is that they dont leave any room for mistakes. If the expected growth doesnt happen, or if V2 Retails profit margins take a hit, it could face a sharp correction. That is why, investors should always conduct second order thinking and think about whats the worst that could happen. It remains to be seen whether V2 Retail is able to live up to the hype and meet its ambitious goals in the coming two years. Conclusion Growing population, rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, and availability of a wide variety of products under one roof is expected to drive the growth of V2 Retail in the medium term. However, like Warren Buffet wrote in his 1995 letter to shareholders - Retailing is a tough business. During my investment career, I have watched a large number of retailers enjoy terrific growth and superb returns on equity for a period, and then suddenly nosedive, often all the way into bankruptcy. This shooting-star phenomenon is far more common in retailing than it is in manufacturing or service businesses. Also read: Time for Tata-fication of your portfolio? In retail, staying ahead demands constant innovation, as competitors quickly replicate and outdo your moves while shoppers are lured by endless new options. In this fast-paced industry, complacency is not an optionit's a recipe for failure. The valuations of most retail stocks in India continue to display a gravity defying act. It's therefore important for investors to separate the wheat from the chaff and invest in only the stocks that offer some margin of safety. Happy investing! Disclaimer: This article is for education purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should not be treated as such. This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com The article earlier published on this URL, titled "Judicial efficiency outpaces case backlog for the first time", was later found to have several inaccuracies in the interpretation of the data that was used for it. A year into his undergraduate degree in economics at Cambridge, Manmohan Singh found his scholarship from Punjab University was not adequate for his expenses there. He occasionally had to resort to skipping meals or making do with a Cadburys bar. He wrote an abject letter to a close friend asking for 12-13 in each of the coming two years. Two months later, a money order for 3 arrived. It was all his friend could afford in the budget-straitened 1950s. Soon after, the results of Manmohan Singhs first-year exams made him confident he would receive additional funding from his Oxbridge college. According to Daman Singhs memoir of her parents lives, Strictly Personal, Singh immediately wrote to dissuade his friend from sending any more money. To understand how much Indias economy has changed thanks to Singhs stint as finance minister, one need only contrast the relative ease with which middle-class and upper middle-class Indians send their children overseas or even travel abroad for destination parties with the deprivations Singh experienced. Fast forward to the early part of his stint as finance minister. Among the reforms were two successive devaluations of the rupee and a unifying of the exchange rate, paving the way for rupee convertibility on the current account. To look back at the early 90s is to marvel at how an unwieldy coalition government that did not have a majority in Parliament tackled so much so efficiently. In addition to trade and industrial licensing reforms, the government also brought down personal and corporate taxes and embarked on banking reforms. Economist Jagdish Bhagwati noted the sequencing of reforms was so rapid that the opposition struggled to coalesce around a single issue. In some instances, such as the second rupee devaluation, even prime minister Narasimha Rao sought to stop it, but the Reserve Bank of India had moved ahead already. Montek Singh Ahluwalia recounts in Backstage that these budgets were prepared with music audible from bands rehearsing for the Republic Day parade not far from North Block, which perhaps explains how reforms were done on a war-footing. Coincidence and circumstance come so elegantly woven together in Manmohan Singhs life that much of it seems a fairytale. If the protagonist had not been so modest, quite literally to a fault, we might have benefitted more from his personal example. But, the circumstances of losing his mother when he was barely a toddler might have played a role in making him the understated man he was. As early as his defence of his PhD thesis on Indias export pessimism, published as a well-reviewed book in 1964, his advisors at Oxford thought he needed to be more forceful in putting his well-reasoned points across, just as many did when he failed to discipline cabinet members when he was prime minister. You would have to be a Salman Rushdie-style magical realist to have predicted that someone whose thesis looked at six industry groups and sought to explain why our export market share was declining in the 1950s would be picked to be finance minister decades later to tackle these very issues. The story of his family unexpectedly receiving a phone call from the prime ministers office in the summer of 1991 is trumped only by that of John Maynard Keynes being summoned from Cambridge to London in 1914 to, in effect, stop a run on the Bank of England as World War I began. In an eulogy, it would be customary to say that Singhs legacy will long outlive him. In material terms, this is self-evidently true, but otherwise not. Indias current account deficit is not a concern today, thanks to our buoyant services exports. Yet, New Delhi remains a reluctant liberalizer. Our manufactured exports story is one of serial underachievement. Successive budgets have raised tariffs on a swathe of goods, hobbling our small and medium enterprises. Export controls are imposed almost as erratically, as they were in the pre-1991 era. Fanciful China-plus-one claims and projections of $1 trillion in goods exports by 2030 are used as justifications for a widening subsidy raj through Make in India. Boosterish headlines of iPhone exports appear against the backdrop of a general loss of export competitiveness and an overvalued rupee. A recent article in The Economist underlines that Indias workforce is only three-quarters of Chinas because so few Indian women work compared to that country, whose workers are also far better educated, and that our workforce will not overtake theirs until the 2040s. Singhs personal example of unfailing courtesy and gentle leadership also made him an outlier. A bank union leader, charmed by finance minister Singh walking him to the door after trying to placate his concerns about computerization, said he opposed Singhs ideas but that his son was a fervent supporter. Having journeyed from New York for a cover story on Singh for Fortune magazine in 1992, I became tongue-tied when I entered his office. Alert to the bizarre challenge of trying to coax a journalist to speak, Singh made small talk till I recovered. In a touching tribute, former foreign secretary Shyam Saran recalls he once felt the need to apologize to Singh after a spirited disagreement on Indias stance on climate change. Singh made light of it, saying that Saran would not be of much use as an advisor if he parroted Singhs words. In a country of reflexive sirring and sycophantic work cultures, we need more leaders like Singh. The ravages of war are never confined to the battlefield. The costs are borne by all of society, and when bombs destroy monuments, artworks, and irreplaceable archives, the losses are measured not just in lives and property but in broader historical terms. Identity, memory, and cultural heritage are what sustain a society through its darkest hours, and their destruction erodes civilization itself. By the same token, the desecration or loss of items that a culture holds sacred can fuel new cycles of grievance, despair, and righteous violence. The connection between cultural preservation and peace is one reason why governments from around the world came together in 1954 to adopt The Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. It obliges all parties to identify cultural heritage sites and items, to provide for their protection, and to help enforce sanctions for breaches of the convention. Yet despite such formal commitments, the loss of cultural heritage in conflict zones remains an urgent problem. Protecting cultural heritage is not some low-priority objective that should be addressed only after all other wartime needs have been met. More often than not, the targeting of priceless treasures is part of the aggressors strategy. A decade ago, when the Islamic State was seizing territory and committing mass atrocities in Syria and Iraq, cultural cleansing" was central to the groups activities. As UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova and Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri of the Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization noted in March 2015, ISISs destruction of the ancient city of Hatra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was directly motivated by its propaganda strategy. The same issue has come to the fore once more in Ukraine, where Russian forces have, since February 2022, targeted, damaged, or destroyed at least 451 cultural sites including libraries, museums, and religious buildings each of which is integral to Ukrainian national identity and Ukrainians sense of place and belonging. Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion on the (fallacious) grounds that Ukraine is not a real country and thus should be absorbed into Russia. As the former architect of Putins Ukraine policy put it in 2020, There is no Ukraine. There is Ukrainian-ness. That is, a specific disorder of the mind. An astonishing enthusiasm for ethnography, driven to the extreme. [Ukraine is] a muddle instead of a state. But there is no nation. There is only a brochure, The Self-Styled Ukraine, but there is no Ukraine." Putin later reprised this argument in his pseudo-historical 2021 essay, On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians." In reality, Kyivan Rus was a power in the region centuries before Muscovy even emerged as a state in its own right. With government and NGO budgets already stretched thin from providing essential humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine, those working to protect and preserve cultural heritage have had to become innovative. Public-private partnerships are crucial, because governments alone often cannot fund or mobilize the expertise needed to preserve at-risk cultural assets. Working alongside private organizations, local institutions, and international NGOs, new partnerships can create powerful networks to close the gap. Such efforts should be understood not only in terms of what we owe our ancestors, but also as investments in our future. This was the thinking behind Ark for Ukraine, a Czech-based initiative supported by governmental and philanthropic investments and cross-sector expertise. Ark sends special vehicles into the Ukrainian warzone to rescue precious artworks, books, documents, and archival materials; to digitize important documents; and 3D-scan immovable objects like frescoes. Through this work, Ark could serve as a new global model for cultural preservation in the twenty-first century. Its public-private structure already has a well-established track record. For example, collaborations between pharmaceutical companies, governments, and NGOs accelerated the response to the covid-19 pandemic and vastly improved vaccine distribution in underserved regions. Similarly, public-private partnerships have helped protect biodiversity hotspots like the Brazilian Amazon from further deforestation. In each case, collaboration between corporations, governments, NGOs, and philanthropies has yielded more than the sum of its parts and more than either the public or the private sector could deliver on its own. Now it is time to apply the model to cultural preservation. In times of war, protecting culture is not a luxury; it is essential for sustaining a peoples sense of self and hopes for recovery. Attacks on cultural sites are acts of cultural erasure, born of the same eliminationist motives that also drive genocide. Tragically, cultural erasure has always been a strategy of war and conquest and has continued to be one in the modern era. The point is to weaken peoples resolve and drive them into despair. So, protecting culture in war zones should not be treated as an afterthought, but as a cornerstone of any humanitarian response. To be truly effective, efforts at cultural preservation need to be supported by a renewed global commitment of the kind enshrined in the 1954 convention, because cultural heritage is not merely a national asset; it is part of our shared human story. By building resilience in the domain of culture, we can start working toward a future where all cultures are respected and afforded the protections they deserve. Failure to do so will only strengthen the incentives for future aspiring imperialists who, like Putin, are thinking about launching their own wars of cultural and national erasure. By protecting cultural identity, we safeguard civilization itself. We must do so not as some noble gesture, but as an act of duty to future generations. When peoples culture and heritage are protected, the path to peace and recovery is smoother. Karel Komarek is founder of the investment group KKCG and co-founder of the Karel Komarek Family Foundation. 2024/PROJECT SYNDICATE www.project-syndicate.org Americas democratic institutions withstood, if only barely, Donald Trumps first presidency, but will they do so again? During the 2024 election campaign, Trump promised mass deportations and detainment camps, reprisals against his political foes, a crackdown on the enemy within," and a dramatic reduction of civil-service protections for federal workers . To see such policies through, he says he will be a dictator" at least on the first day, and he continues to express admiration for authoritarian leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. So, the stark question facing the United States is whether there will be adequate mechanisms that can prevent Trumps worst impulses from becoming government policy. Will the checks and balances that have protected American democracy since 1787 be enough? While we have no way of knowing yet, focusing on this question from the outset is imperative. Will a Republican-controlled Congress provide any checks at all? Trump certainly doesnt have to worry about impeachment, which happened twice with a Democratic-controlled House during his first presidency. Instead, this Congress will likely see Trumps decisive victory as a mandate. It is hard to imagine Republican members opposing his desire to launch aggressive deportations, gut environmental protections, or weaken civil-service protections. Moreover, the filibuster (which is problematic in many ways) is the only tool that Senate Democrats have to hamper Trumps most extreme legislative efforts. But that being the case, there is good reason to fear that Senate Republicans will change the rules to eliminate this mechanismwhich effectively requires a three-fifths majority for all legislation and enact the full Trumpian agenda. The filibuster is not part of the Constitution or even a federal statute. It is governed by Senate rules, which can be changed by a simple majority. The rules were already revised in 2013 to eliminate the filibuster for appointments of federal judges and cabinet officials. Worse, while Trumps first administration had many high-level officials who curbed some of his worst impulses, this one will be different. Many former top advisers publicly opposed Trumps re-election, including Mark Esper, who served as secretary of defense, John Kelly, who was White House chief of staff, and H.R. McMaster and John Bolton, who each served as national security adviser. Such figures (the full list includes dozens) will not be around this time. Trump will surround himself with staunch loyalists the kinds of people who will enable, rather than restrain, him. Nonetheless, we must hope that those who hold top positions the secretary of defence, the secretary of state, the attorney general, and others will take their oaths of office seriously and push back when necessary. Ultimately, though, it will fall to the courts, particularly the US Supreme Court, to enforce the law and check Trump. Will they do so? With six conservative Republican justices, the Supreme Courts willingness to stand up to him is very much in question. During his first term, it often failed to do so. One of Trumps worst abuses was his Muslim ban," an executive order barring entry to nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries. This policy was meant to fulfill his campaign promise of stopping all immigration by Muslims to the US, and in a 5-4 decision, the Court ruled in favour of Trump, stressing the need to defer to the president in the area of immigration policy. The Supreme Courts decision in Trump v. United States this past summer casts further doubt on the justices willingness to serve as a meaningful check on a wayward executive. In that case, they accorded the president complete immunity from criminal prosecution for any official action using a constitutional or statutory power of the presidency. Thus, Trump will take office knowing that he cannot be criminally prosecuted, or even held civilly liable, for anything done using the powers of the presidency. In the end, the most important check on the Trump administration may come from Americas free press, and then from the electorate in the 2026 midterm elections. Trump certainly has expressed a desire to limit press freedom and to go after his enemies in the media. But freedom of speech and freedom of the press are deeply entrenched American principles. Silencing his critics would require Trump to demolish them, and if he goes much further than the majority of Americans want, it is only two years until Democrats can take back the House and the Senate. Such a lack of accountability for the president should be troubling no matter who is in office. But it is even more concerning with a man who has shown no compunction about breaking the law. Trump has been found by juries to have sexually abused the advice columnist E. Jean Carroll, and then defamed her about it. A jury in New York convicted him of 34 felony counts in authorizing hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels and then falsifying business records to hide the payments during his 2016 presidential campaign. A state court judge has fined Trump and his business $450 million for repeatedly engaging in fraudulent business practices. And then there are the pending indictments against Trump. He faces trial in Georgia state court for attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election there, including by pressuring Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find" the roughly 11,000 votes he needed to win. He was indicted in Florida for taking highly classified documents in clear violation of federal law, and then attempting to cover up the crime. And he was indicted in federal court in Washington for crimes relating to his effort to subvert the 2020 election. The latter two federal cases are sure to be dismissed once Trump takes office, since he will order his Justice Department to end them. All these examples show what seems obvious: Trump has no compunction about violating the law. That is why the issue of guardrails is so urgent. No democracy lasts forever. There are many countries that were once democracies, but no longer are. Will the Trump presidency move the US toward authoritarianism, or will it be just another conservative administration? No question is more pressing in the years ahead. Erwin Chemerinsky is Dean of Berkeley Law, and author, most recently, of Worse Than Nothing: The Dangerous Fallacy of Originalism (Yale University Press, 2022). 2024/PROJECT SYNDICATE www.project-syndicate.org BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 2. The first domestic well (infill) in the South Pars gas field (North Dome in Qatar), Iran's joint gas field with Qatar, will be put into operation in a month, Executive Director of Iran's Pars Oil and Gas Company Turaj Dehgani told reporters, Trend reports. According to him, drilling of an inner well (infill) with 4 drilling rigs is currently underway on platforms 19A and 19b of the South Pars gas field. Dehgani pointed out that once the drilling wraps up, the other phases of the field will be tackled too. The official added that 35 infill wells are planned to be drilled in the South Pars gas field. Within the next three years, with the commissioning of these wells, the production of the field will increase. Meanwhile, 17 infill wells are planned to be drilled on platforms in Iran's South Pars gas field. With the full commissioning of these wells, production will increase to 36 million cubic meters per day. The South Pars gas field (North Dome in Qatar) is a joint Iran-Qatar gas field. It is reported that gas reserves in this field amount to 51 trillion cubic meters, of which 36 trillion cubic meters can be produced. Iran's share in this field is 14 trillion cubic meters of gas and 18 billion barrels of gas condensate. The Iranian side claims that more than 700 million cubic meters of gas is produced daily from the field. To note, Iran ranks as the world's second-largest nation regarding its substantial gas reserves, boasting approximately 34 trillion cubic meters of natural gas. At present, there are 22 gas fields actively functioning within the territorial bounds of Iran. The stark reality of Indias evolving job market is captured in a single striking statistic: While 83 million jobs globally face extinction in the next five years, 69 million new roles will emerge in their place. This transformation isnt just a number. It represents a fundamental shift in how we think about work, skills and the future of Indias workforce. As the worlds fastest-growing major economy, India faces a unique challenge. The Economic Survey of 2023-24 indicates that we need to generate approximately 7.85 million jobs annually in the non-farm sector until 2030 to harness our demographic dividend. The FICCI-EY Future of Jobs 3.0 Report 2024 dives deep into this transformation across five critical sectors: Manufacturing, FMCGs, healthcare, energy and infrastructure, revealing challenges and unprecedented opportunities for India to lead the global digital economy. The report synthesizes macroeconomic trends, global best practices and evolving labour-market dynamics to provide insights into the future of work and reveal how these forces are reshaping traditional industry paradigms. Examining how these trends will influence the job market and what this means for workers, employers and policymakers alike is crucial. Consider manufacturing, where the factory floor of tomorrow will barely resemble todays. Were seeing the emergence of AI technicians who collaborate with robots, Internet-of-Things (IoT) specialists who orchestrate smart factory operations and digital supply-chain analysts who optimize operations in real-time. In Howrah district of West Bengal, a predictive maintenance system powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is helping Indian Railways to analyse real-time data to proactively identify and address potential issues in Vande Bharat railway services. The system has already resolved 22 faults to date. The FMCG sector is also set for a compelling transformation. Traditional sales roles are evolving into data-driven decision-making positions. Companies like Hindustan Unilever are leveraging big data analytics to predict consumer behaviour accurately. The companys AI-driven consumer connectivity model can run more than 13 billion computations per day. While such industry-wide developments are creating new roles for digital strategists and consumer-insight analysts, the sector faces a critical challenge: were grappling with a severe shortage of qualified AI talent. Healthcare, energized by lessons from the covid pandemic, is witnessing a surge in the use of data analytics and AI models to help diagnosis. For example, Apollo Hospital has developed a Clinician Decision Support System using AI to help diagnose and decide interventions. Such developments have led to a surge in demand for tele-medicine specialists, healthcare data analysts and AI-driven diagnostic experts. The sectors growth is further fuelled by Indias ageing population and increasing health consciousness among younger individuals. The energy sectors sustainability transition is creating entirely new career paths. Solar energy technicians, smart grid managers and carbon footprint analysts are becoming integral to the industry. Indias commitment to achieving 500GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 is expected to generate over 3.4 million clean-energy jobs. But heres the critical question: How do we prepare our workforce for these emerging opportunities? The answer lies in a three-pronged approach: First, we need to revolutionize our education system. Traditional curricula, comprising education and vocational training, must evolve to incorporate skills in the fields of AI, automation and robotics, IoT, cybersecurity, critical thinking and adaptability as core competencies. Second, government-industry collaboration must evolve into transformative partnerships that shape Indias future workforce. The Skill India Mission and National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme have established robust foundations, aligning training programmes with the industrys dynamic needs. Flagship initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and PM Vishwakarma Yojana are empowering millions with industry-relevant skills, bridging traditional craftsmanship with modern technological demands. The Dual System of Training and the recently launched Prime Minister Internship Scheme further strengthen this ecosystem by providing hands-on exposure to real-world business scenarios. These strategic government-industry initiatives demonstrate the transformative power of collective action in driving innovation and positioning India as a global leader in skill creation. However, we must accelerate and scale these initiatives to meet our ambitious workforce development goals. Third, we must facilitate international skill mobility. In an interconnected world, our workforce needs globally recognized certifications and qualifications. The real challenge lies in execution. While automation and AI will displace certain jobs, they will create new opportunities. The key is to ensure our workforce stays ahead of this curve through continuous upskilling and reskilling initiatives. As we navigate this transformation, one thing is clear: the future of jobs isnt just about technology. Its about creating a resilient, adaptable and skilled workforce that can turn global challenges into opportunities. How effectively we prepare our workforce for this digital future will define Indias journey towards becoming a global economic powerhouse. The time to act is now. Through collaborative effort and strategic foresight, we can ensure that India not only adapts to the changing nature of work, but emerges as a global leader in shaping the future of jobs. Our demographic dividend, combined with skills and opportunities, can become our competitive advantage in the global economy. The author is director general, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) My first car was a Maruti 800, as it was for millions of Indians who discovered the joys of driving with this wonder car. This little marvel not only revolutionised personal mobility but also laid the foundation for Indias automotive revolution, putting an entire subcontinent on wheels. The Maruti 800 is the most iconic symbol of the legacy of Osamu Suzuki, who recently passed away at the age of 94. The company announced that Suzuki died on 25 December after a battle with malignant lymphoma. For us in India, Suzuki is synonymous with the Maruti story which is well-documented and extensively written about. Its a saga of twists and turns, chance and intrigue, worthy of a Netflix series. There are many protagonists in the story; Sanjay Gandhi, who died in an air crash; his Prime Minister mother, who wanted to build a national car company in his memory; brilliant IAS officers like V. Krishnamoorthy and R.C. Bhargava, who made her dream a reality. But, the main hero of this blockbuster has to be Osamu Suzuki and the most defining gamble of his long career was taking a punt on India when the market was anything but certain. In 1982, he signed a joint venture with the Indian government to create Maruti Udyog Ltd, a move that most global automakers considered risky. They had shied away from Indias closed economy, with its nascent auto industry. But Suzukis belief in the potential of the 800, a compact, affordable and efficient car for the Indian middle class, proved prescient. The Maruti 800, launched in 1983, became a symbol of aspiration for millions of Indians and the cornerstone of the countrys burgeoning automotive industry. Today, Maruti Suzuki dominates the Indian market, holding a market share of over 40%, and has produced over 25 million cars. This unprecedented success cemented Suzukis reputation as a visionary who could see opportunities where others only saw obstacles. With the passing of Osamu Suzuki, the automotive world has lost one of its most enduring and enigmatic figures. Despite his ripe old age, Suzukis death comes as a shock to many, given his seemingly perpetual presence and the indefatigable energy he brought to the company that bears his name. In his final years, Suzuki lost the ability to speak and could only communicate through writing. Even that didnt stop him from jetting between Japan and Indiahis routine for over four decades. In fact, his last trip to India was as recent as July, when he travelled to celebrate R.C. Bhargavas 90th birthday. Suzuki considered Bhargava not just a trusted colleague, but a brother, and it was this decades-long, unshakeable bond between the two that has proved so important in securing the stability and continuity of leadership at Maruti-Suzuki. In the history of the automotive industry, only a select few - legendary leaders like Henry Ford, and Ferdinand Piechhave wielded direct or indirect control over their companies for as long as Osamu Suzuki. Also Read: Osamu Suzuki, architect of Indias 47,000 car revolution, dies at 94 Work, work and more work Suzuki outlived many of his top executives and the mantra for his longevity was work, work and more work, with sips of green tea in between. When questioned about how long he intended to stay with the company, he would famously respond with quips like "forever" or "until the day I die." Suzuki also referred to himself as a "lifelong non-retiree", underscoring his belief in the value of continuous work. His passing marks the end of an era for Suzuki Motor Corp., which he steered for four decades, transforming it from a modest motorcycle maker into a global automotive powerhouse. Osamu Suzukis doggedness, determination, and legendary focus on cost control were deeply rooted in his formative years. Growing up in post-war Japan, he witnessed firsthand the devastation of a shattered economy and a society struggling to rebuild. This era of scarcity and hardship instilled in him the values of frugality and resourcefulness that became hallmarks of his leadership style. As a teenager navigating a ravaged Japan, he developed the resilience and grit that would define his character and career. In a rare interview in 2015 and possibly his last with an Indian media house, Suzuki told Autocar India about his early life. I know what Japan was before World War II. In those days, the highway between Osaka and Nagoya was not paved. There were poor people, too. So for me, I know what hardship people have gone through, and when I see poor people in India, I can understand [them]." In fact, Suzuki said he has been to India over 200 times", starting from the time the factory was being built. I would personally check the concrete on my factory floor and everything myself," he said. Suzukis hands-on working style came from his humble beginnings with the company. Suzuki's mastery of lean operations and low-cost manufacturing became the blueprint for success in emerging and highly price-sensitive markets like India, where his approach allowed his company to win whilst other global giants faltered. Osamu Suzuki, born Osamu Matsuda, began his journey at Suzuki Motor Corp. in 1958, starting at a junior level. When he married Shoko Suzuki, the granddaughter of the companys founder, he adopted the Suzuki family namea practice not uncommon in Japan, especially among families seeking to preserve their lineage in business. This symbolic gesture marked the beginning of his lifelong association with the Suzuki Motor Corp., where he worked his way up through the ranks, learning the intricacies of the business from the ground up on his way to becoming president in 1978. Suzukis early experience with motorbikes, which involved working with small, intricate parts, provided him with an invaluable understanding of compact engineering. This expertise laid the foundation for his success in the small car segment, where his attention to detail and cost efficiency became key differentiators. The two-wheeler experience definitely came in handy. Even the two-wheeler supplier base came in handy when developing the cars" Suzuki said in his interview. It was this grounding that enabled Suzuki to create vehicles that were not only affordable but also highly reliablea combination that proved unbeatable in the Indian market. Central to Suzukis success was his legendary focus on cost efficiency, which was almost an obsession with him. His mastery of lean operations and low-cost manufacturing became the blueprint for success in emerging and highly price-sensitive markets like India, where his approach allowed his company to win whilst other global giants faltered. His drive to keep reducing costs was legendary, and he had a beady eye for cutting unnecessary expenses and eliminating frills. Suzuki famously toured factories overseeing cost-cutting campaigns and even made suggestions to open holes in factory roofs to let in natural light to save on electricity or to lower the height of the factory ceilings to make the air-conditioning more cost-effective. If he saw the lights on in an empty meeting room, he would switch them off. Once, after a visit to the Maruti-Suzuki HQ in Delhi, the admin team started collecting staplers from employees' desks. Why? Because Suzuki had said you dont need more than one stapler for every five desks! At an ACMA conference in 2015, component suppliers accused Suzuki of squeezing them too much on costs, which, they complained, was affecting quality. Suzuki reacted angrily to this allegation and told Autocar India in his interview, Whoever said that is not fit to manage any company! The key to making a small car is to make a success of the concept of a minimum standard for cost and quality. Besides Make in India, you also require Quality in India and Cost in India. The person who told you this must have heard about Make in India, Quality in India, but must have fallen asleep when I spoke about Cost in India! When you make small vehicles, the profit on them is also small. The total value of the car is also less. But this is precisely the challenge one must take. If you do not take up this challenge, there are only two options you either get into manufacturing bigger vehicles, or you manufacture a vehicle like the Nano." Also read | India will become auto technology provider to the developing world: Bhargava Master strategist, tricky partner Osamu Suzuki was a master strategist when it came to alliances, using partnerships to propel Suzuki Motor forward while fiercely protecting its independence. Over the years, he struck deals with automotive giants like General Motors, Fiat, and Volkswagen, leveraging these alliances to gain access to technology and global markets. However, Suzukis fiercely independent streak often made him a tricky partner. His partnership with Volkswagen, for instance, quickly soured after disagreements over control and autonomy, culminating in a highly publicised legal battle that ended with Suzuki regaining its shares and walking away unscathed. Similarly, Suzuki outmanoeuvred General Motors, ending their alliance on his terms after extracting significant benefits. Suzuki also did what no automaker has ever done get into a big confrontation with the Indian government, Suzukis joint-venture partner. In the mid-1990s, tensions escalated over management control and strategic decisions. The situation reached a peak in 1997 when Suzuki accused the Indian government of breaching their agreement, leading to a public dispute. Suzuki went so far as to withhold new models and technology transfers to Maruti until the conflict was resolved. While these collaborations often ended in messy divorces, Suzukis ability to emerge stronger from each one underscored his shrewdness as a negotiator. Osamu Suzuki was a master strategist when it came to alliances, using partnerships to propel Suzuki Motor forward while fiercely protecting its independence. In his later years, Osamu Suzuki recognized the changes sweeping the automotive industry with electrification and realised that collaboration and consolidation were imperative for survival. Though fiercely independent, he knew he had to align with a larger automaker and this led to a significant partnership with Toyota Motor Corp., a company with which Suzuki shared deep historical and personal ties. Osamu Suzuki and the late Shoichiro Toyoda, who was honorary chairman of Toyota till his death in 2023, shared a close relationship built on mutual respect. In fact, in the 1970s, Toyota bailed out Suzuki by providing engines to meet stringent new emission norms that came into effect overnight. It was something Osamu never forgot. With his passing, there is speculation about Suzuki's future. Will it become another Toyota company? As we have seen with the recent announcement of the Nissan-Honda merger, the Japanese auto industry is undergoing massive consolidation to survive the onslaught of Chinese competition. Osamu Suzukis ability to balance independence and collaboration is a testament to his shrewd leadership. He will be remembered as a leader who defied conventions, outlived challenges, and proved that being small does not preclude being mighty. Hormazd Sorabjee is editor, Autocar India. Also read | Maruti Suzuki banks on SUVs, CNG models to beat demand blues Like Czar Nicholas II, Russian President Vladimir Putin has misidentified his primary foe. Fighting a war of choice, he allows the real menace to his country to gather strength. China, not Ukraine, constitutes Russias existential threat. In the Russo-Japanese War (1904-05), Nicholas fought Japan over Manchuria for concessions that Russia could not monetize, instead of investing in the railways and munitions needed to fight the countrys actual enemy, Germany, a decade later. Defeat in World War I cost Nicholas and his family their lives after the Bolsheviks seized power. Nobles who did not suffer the same violent fate as the czar fled abroad, often dying in penury. The West and Ukraine never intended to invade Russia, let alone take its territory. Who in the West would want it? China, on the other hand, very well might. Its long list of grievances dates back centuries, to the czars who removed large swaths of territoryan area larger than the United States east of the Mississippi Riverfrom Chinas sphere of influence. Putins invasion of Ukraine was a pivotal errorthe type that precludes a return to the pre-war status quo. Instead, such errors lead to alternatives that are far less desirable. The question is not whether Russia will lose the Ukraine War (in strategic terms, it already has), but only how big the loss will be. The war has cost Russia more than 700,000 casualties. It has forced Russia to reorient its lucrative European energy trade to less profitable markets. It has depressed productivity through sanctions. It has led to the impoundment of its foreign-exchange reserves, with the accruing interest diverted to Ukraine. It has triggered the flight of hundreds of thousands of prime working-age citizens (often highly educated and in the crucial tech sector). It has precipitated the bombing of Russian factories, military bases, and infrastructure, as well as the first invasion of its territory (in the Kursk region) since World War II. And it has brought about the expansion and reinvigoration of NATO, with Sweden and Finlands accession to membership in the alliance transforming the Baltic Sea into a NATO lake. Even if US President-elect Donald Trump somehow ends the Ukraine conflict, Putin cannot reverse these losses. And the longer the Ukraine War continues, the weaker Russia will become, leading many to wonder when it will decide to staunch its losses. Russians ousted Nicholas II for mismanaging the war, wrecking the economy, and being profligate with the lives of his subjects. Like Nicholass entourage, Putins is helping him double down on his bad decision to invade Ukraine instead of bailing out while they still can. But the longer they stick with Putin, the greater their vulnerability to China will become. The question is not whether China will turn on Russia, but when. China will eventually eat Russias lunch; the only remaining uncertainty is how big the meal will be. Russia has expended much of its Cold War arsenal on Ukraine, leaving Siberia wide open to Chinese ambitions. Siberia has the resources that China covets: not only energy and minerals, but, more importantly, water. Lake Baikal is larger than Belgium and contains 20% of the worlds fresh surface water, which North China desperately needs. Putin apparently intends to escalate his way to victory. The war started with his bungled invasion and attempt at regime change in Kyiv, followed by efforts to bludgeon Ukrainians into submission with massacres of civilians in cities like Bucha, gratuitous destruction of homes and towns, and cross-border abductions of thousands of children. Then came the targeting of civilian shelters, hospitals, schools, museums, and power stations; the summary executions and torture of POWs; the destruction of the massive Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River; threats to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (although Russia, not Ukraine, sits downwind from it); and the use of mines, Turkish drones, ballistic missiles, cluster munitions, glide bombs, and now North Korean troops. If Putin used nuclear weapons, which he has periodically threatened to do, Russians would become the pariahs of the twenty-first century, replacing the Nazis of the last century. Like the Germans before them, Russians also support wars of territorial conquest. After the Soviet Unions export of its economic model impoverished so much of the world (itself included), nuking a neighbour would cement Russias status as the worlds most regressive country, and its people as the worlds most brutal. The negative strategic effects for Russia and Russians would last for generationsjust ask the Germans. The million-ruble question is whether Putins entourage intends to stick with him for the entire ride, which would leave them at Chinas, not Putins, mercy and headed toward an economic destination similar to that of North Korea. From China, they should expect retribution for Russias chain of abuse going back to the mid-nineteenth century. Russias power brokers should ask whose interests the Ukraine War now serves. At this stage, the answer is clear: Putins alone. The rest of us can observe their unfolding national disaster as they decide between salvaging what they can and going down with the ship. To avoid the fate of the Russian nobilityor falling from high-rise windowsthe Russian elite could incentivize Putin to retire and cut their countrys losses by returning territory in exchange for keeping their personal wealth. Unfortunately, Russians seem to require national catastrophes to precipitate a reassessment of their strategy. S.C.M. Paine is a university professor of history and grand strategy at the US Naval War College, and the author of many books, including Imperial Rivals: China, Russia and Their Disputed Frontier (Routledge, 1996), The Japanese Empire: Grand Strategy from the Meiji Restoration to the Pacific War (Cambridge University Press, 2017) and The Wars for Asia, 1911-1949 (Cambridge University Press, 2012). 2024/PROJECT SYNDICATE www.project-syndicate.org The bookstore in the metro station beneath Shanghais city library seemed increasingly out of place in Xi Jinpings China. Founded in 1997 by Yan Bofei, who researched philosophy, Jifeng Books was known for holding lectures on topics such as democracy and labour rights. Its selection of works on the humanities and social sciences was far from the Communist Partys recommended fare. The shop was purchased in 2012 by Yu Miao, who hoped to maintain it as a liberal forum. But in 2018 the government refused to renew its lease. Officials made clear that they did not like the ideas that Jifeng was spreading. Now the shop has re-emerged7,500 miles (12,000km) from its original location. JF Books, as it is called today, occupies a narrow storefront in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, DC. One of the only Chinese-language bookstores in the city, it attracts a crowd that includes newly arrived students and older dissidents. Since its opening in September, the shop has hosted talks by prominent Chinese-Americans such as Minxin Pei, a political scientist, and Ha Jin, a poet and novelist. For Mr Yu, this new chapter began when he and his family moved to America in 2019. The Chinese government, it seems, kept tabs on him. When his wife, Xie Fang, travelled back to China in 2022, she was banned from leaving. According to Mr Yu, the police demanded that he return to answer questions. They suspected him of writing anonymous online critiques of the party. He did not budge and Ms Xie was allowed to depart nine months later. Knowing that he could not return to China, Mr Yu decided to reopen his shop in America. Most of Chinas liberal intellectuals have either been silenced by the government or pushed into exile. Those who live abroad are often isolated and lonely. They need to meet in person, to share ideas and rebuild a sense of belonging, says Mr Yu. JF Books is one of several intellectual hubs created in recent years by Chinese emigres in places such as Japan, Taiwan and Thailand. The party is trying to destroy free expression inside China, says Mr Yu, but it cannot snuff out the desire of people to speak and think for themselves. 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 1. Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), has been awarded the prestigious 2024 World Tourism Leader Award during the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting held in Brussels in December 2024, Trend reports. According to the OTS, the World Tourism Leader Award recognizes individuals who have made remarkable and enduring contributions to the global tourism sector. Ambassador Omuraliev's exceptional efforts in advancing tourism cooperation among the Turkic States and promoting sustainable practices within the region have garnered international acclaim, making him a deserving recipient of this distinguished honor. The award ceremony celebrated Ambassador Omuraliev alongside an impressive legacy of past recipients, including Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia, and Jose Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission. This accolade underscores the Secretary Generals impactful leadership in fostering collaboration and innovation within the tourism industry in the Turkic region. Concerns over the long-term health impact and visual impact fears have been raised by a group of local people over a proposed new county Longford solar farm. Foigha Solar Farm Limited, a subsidiary of BayWa r.e. Ireland has submitted a planning application to develop a solar farm on a 130-hectare site in the townlands of Cornacarta, Doonacurry, Foygh, Kilcommock Glebe, Ledwithstown and Tirlickeen. Foigha Solar Farm will have the capacity to supply about 19,000 homes and the application is currently at pre-validation stage. The proposed project will have all underground cabling with an energy storage system and solar panels with a typical height of 2.44 metres. The development will include a substation and underground cable connection to the existing Lanesboro-Mullingar overhead line. PICTURES | Electric atmosphere as renowned Longford pub reopens under new ownership The company said the annual 15-year community benefit fund of 175,000 will 'provide dependable long-term funding to individuals and groups in the local community'. A community engagement event was held on December 11 and there was some positive reaction to the event from some people in the surrounding areas, however, other locals in close proximity to the site are concerned. The company said the project is a 40 year development and the farm will then be decommissioned. Damien McHugh, from Doonacurry, who lives very close to the proposed solar farm with sections of it firmly within his view, said he is not against solar farms. The father of two, in his late-40s, built his house in 2003 and he has lived in the area all of his life. PICTURES | And the Oskar goes to Fr Manning Gaels! Memorable night as Longford club embraces red carpet glitz "I just think there is a place for it and I don't think this is it. The close proximity to the houses (is the issue), if I look out there will be nothing but solar panels," he added. Mr McHugh has known about the proposed project for three years. He stated one of the main concerns is the possible health risks associated with it and there is "no point in 10 years if people start getting sick" talking about it then. "We are so close to it and this is a relatively new technology and I don't know if there is much known about it," Mr McHugh said. "They will tell you that there are no effects off it but if you have so many hundreds of acres covered in panels and you have a substation and you have a battery storage unit what are the long term effects? He asked the company to visit him at his house and they did several times, however, he stated there are people close to him and "they have never stood at their doorstep". Mr McHugh claimed some people did not know a thing about it until the communication engagement on December 11, which he believes is wrong. "The last time I heard about this was a year ago and I thought it had gone away because I had not heard anything in a long time and I got a leaflet in the door recently informing me about the engagement meeting in Kenagh." Also read: Proposed new county Longford solar farm will have capacity to supply about 19,000 homes Mr McHugh said he is in close proximity to the proposed solar farm with sections of it firmly within his view from his house and the community fund does not take his concerns away. "You would welcome it (in other circumstances). We have lots of wasteland around the area," he said. "I rang the council because they said we can have a look at the planning and the details of what is involved." Mr McHugh stated he has a certain amount of environmental questions. "My house is facing north and they (the solar farm) face south so there's bound to be a reflection or glare off them," he said. "I won't know until I see the planning application." Mr McHugh said the company has spoken about screening the solar farm off but he has reservations. "If you put hedging there all you're doing is putting a fence around it so my house will be surrounded by an eight-to 10 foot fence," he said. "They are also talking about sowing trees that will grow up to 12 or 15 feet but that will take a lot of years so you are going to be looking at that for a long time." Mr McHugh said the company told him based on studies carried out in Germany, the US and UK solar farms did not devalue houses, but he stated in those big counties they can "go off hundreds of miles away from houses". Meanwhile, Damien Mulvihill, from the Ledwithstown area who lives within about 300 metres of the proposed solar farm, said he has several concerns. The self-employed plumber and father of two stated "most people in the area" did not know anything about the project until three or four weeks ago. He is on a WhatsApp group with other people who he said are 'opposed' and he believes residents in over 100 houses are impacted. "I'm going to be looking at it for the next 40 years and we don't understand enough about the glare off it and what negative effects there are from it," he said. "There are parts where this site is proposed, if you are at a certain elevation in the Tirlickeen area, you can see across to Lough Ree and now all you will see is this mass of black solar panels. It is taking from the area." Mr Mulvihill stated 'all the boxes were ticked' by the company at the community engagement. However, he believes they did not have sufficient advance notice to have a lot of questions prepared as they only had 'five days notice'. "This has come on us very quickly and now we are in the Christmas period and everything is shut down," he said. "There are roughly 380 solar farms at different stages of planning and some are being developed and there is no regulation in the country at the moment for what standards they have to meet." Some of Mr Mulvihill's concerns include uncertainty over the effects of "glint and glare on local residents, noise vibrations, EMS (Electromagnetic spectrum)".# Mr Mulvihill said it is a prime agricultural area and he believes the ideal location for the solar farm is on "redundant Bord na Mona' bogland. "I live with my wife, one of my children has moved out and I have a four year old son who is on the autism spectrum and he is very sensitive to noise and they have said there will be some noise generated during construction and more from inverters and transformers as well," he added. Meanwhile, Kieran Ledwith, a married father from the Foigha area, said he is not completely against the solar farm but he does have a number of concerns. Kieran, who lives across the road from the proposed site and around 60 metres away, raised his concerns at the public engagement meeting. "The first one is the visual impact, they said they were going to grow the hedges to 2.5 metres, but I live in a two-storey and that is not going to cover the view from the three bedrooms facing the road and they acknowledged that," he added. Mr Ledwith stated his second concern is in relation to the construction and he has queried the route the trucks bringing the stones in will come from. "Are they going to come over Foigha bridge, which I doubt it as it was constructed quite a while ago, which means they are going to come in from the Kenagh-Ballymahon road which is a small road," he said. "Cars currently have to stop to let each other past." Also read: Longford solar farm will have capacity to power over 15,000 homes Kieran said his third concern is in relation to noise from transformers which he believes may be an issue, particularly as he is living so close to the site. Alison Murphy, a Community Liaison Officer with BayWa r.e. Ireland Ltd said the project team were delighted to have a strong turnout from members of the local community throughout the course of the evening on December 11. "It was important to get the design of the project to a point where it was ready to be presented to the community in a clear and transparent manner," she said. "There was particular interest in the community benefit fund and local authority rates that would be associated with the solar farm should it be successful in planning." She stated these benefits will provide valuable support for local groups, initiatives, and essential services, reinforcing the positive impact this project can have on the surrounding community. "As with most projects of this nature, some members of the local community had questions regarding the visual impact, noise, glint and glare, health concerns and traffic and transport associated with the proposed solar farm," she said. "We did our best to address any concerns raised by residents and provided a number of photomontages and maps for attendees to view on the night. These matters have been fully addressed in detail and are available to view in the planning application which has been submitted to Longford County Council. An Irish weather forecast has expressed major concern over a weather "tipping point" that could plunge Ireland and Europe into a deep freeze. Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel was reacting as he noted "further evidence continues to emerge that the AMOC, a critical mechanism in the wider thermohaline circulation, is approaching a tipping point." He added that a subsequent collapse of the currents would plunge northwestern Europe into a "centuries long deep freeze similar to the Younger Dryas period, while adding significant warming to parts of the southern hemisphere." The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation is a complex system of ocean currents, including the Gulf Stream, which carries heat from the warmer regions to the north and so is critically important to living conditions in the Arctic. "The most recent research, from a soon to be published paper, demonstrates that previous IPCC models have undervalued the risk of an AMOC collapse and as such, these climate models are downplaying the immediate threat of passing this climate tipping point," Cathal explained. "As previously stated, the last time this occurred, was a period known as the Younger Dryas, when glaciers once again became established across Ireland, sea ice packed the coast of Ireland during the winter, storminess increased, annual winter temperatures were similar to the present day interior of Iceland, and our summers were warmer, albeit much shorter than we currently enjoy," Cathal added. "Ireland needs to start considering the implications of such a collapse, which some scientists believe could happen as soon as 2025, with a median chance of this collapsing by 2050. "Policies should focus on how to adapt and mitigate against the worst of these conditions and SHOULDNT focus on implementing unfair taxes and punitive measures which will impact those least responsible for causing anthropogenic climate change and who are least capable of paying such taxes. "As a qualified climate scientist, with no vested interests or conspiratorial financing, this issue is what causes me the greatest concern. Society as we know it in Ireland wouldnt be able to function in its current form," he concluded. Munir al Tanzani, a Tanzanian suicide bomber who the Islamic State says detonated himself at the Puntland military base yesterday, as seen in the groups official propaganda release. A day after the Islamic State Somalias (ISS) brazen suicide assault against a Puntland military baseits most audacious attack to date in Somaliathe jihadist group released images of the men it said perpetrated the strike. All 12 individuals were foreign fighters, with no native Somalis taking part. The group named the majority of the attackers as Tanzanians, followed by Moroccans and Saudis, and then men from Libya, Tunisia, Yemen, and Ethiopia. These identities show the growing internationalization of the Islamic States Somalia chapter. The ISS undertook a major suicide assault against a Puntland Security Forces (PSF) base yesterday, where the PSF had been staging military assets for an upcoming offensive against ISS and its rival, Al Qaedas Shabaab. Using two suicide car bombs and at least four individual suicide bombers, the attack was ISSs biggest to date. Casualty numbers are still murky. The PSF was initially thought to have lost at least four soldiers, but subsequent reports indicate 18 Puntland soldiers were killed and 30 injured. For its part, the Islamic State said its men killed 22 soldiers. In its claim of responsibility for the attack, the Islamic State noted that ISS began the assault with two suicide car bombs on two nearby PSF positions, in which one suicide car bomb included a third individual mounting an attached machine gun to the vehicle. The first suicide car bombing was perpetrated by a Moroccan, while a Saudi national conducted the second, according to the Islamic State. As part of fighting within the bases, the Islamic State said that several of its men then detonated their explosive vests. This claim matches local reporting indicating at least four of the attackers detonated themselves. The remaining attackers were then killed in combatsome hand-to-handby the PSF. The fact that all of the combatants in the assault were foreign fighters is unsurprising. ISS has grown its ranks in recent years by primarily recruiting foreigners. These efforts include many recruits from East Africa, including Tanzanians and Ethiopians, and fighters from northern Africa and the Middle East. Tanzanians, Ethiopians, Yemenis, and Sudanese make up most of the groups ranks, while native Somalis occupy top officer positions. ISS also has large numbers of fighters from Morocco, Libya, and Tunisia (likely due to the Islamic States fortunes waning in North Africa), as well as from Uganda and Syria, with smaller numbers of foreigners also reported from Israel, Palestine, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Malawi. Other nationalities are also likely present within the group. Names and nationalities of the fighters who participated in yesterdays assault According to the Islamic States propaganda, the following is a list of the kunyas [noms de guerre] and nationalities of the fighters who took part in the Puntland assault. Those specifically stated to have been suicide bombers: Abu Anis al Maghribi (Moroccan) Qatada al Jazrawi (Saudi) Munir al Tanzani (Tanzanian) Those stated to have taken part in the assault as inghimasi [suicide commandos]: Abu al Bara al Maghribi (Moroccan) Nabhan al Tanzani (Tanzanian) Julaybib al Libi (Libyan) Abu al Zubair al Tunisi (Tunisian) Mujahid al Tanzani (Tanzanian) Battar al Yemeni (Yemeni) Abu al Walid al Ethiobi (Ethiopian) Julaybib al Jazrawi (Saudi) Abu Ibrahim al Tanzani (Tanzanian) Caleb Weiss is an editor of FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 1. Turkiye's car exports to Iran decreased by 9.3 percent year-on-year to $139.8 million from January through November 2024 compared to the same period last year, the statement of Turkiye's Ministry of Trade said, Trend reports. Turkiye exported $12.6 million worth of cars to Iran in November 2024, which is 10.1 percent more than in November 2023. Meanwhile, Turkiye's car exports rose 6 percent year-on-year to $33.7 billion from January through November 2024. Turkiye exported $3.2 billion worth of automobile industry products in November 2024, which is 2.3 percent more than in November 2023. To note, Turkiye has exported $36.9 billion worth of cars during the last 12 months (from November 2023 through November 2024). Dear Eric: My husband has told our kids they cannot have any friends inside of our home. They can play in the front yard and that is it. I dont know how to tackle this, or what to say when its our turn to host our kids friends. Ive been hosting the friends to movies, arcades, etc., but never in our home. My husband is retired and seems to prefer always being home and away from others. I accepted this when we married because he is fine with me going and being around people, if needed. We didnt have children until wed been married for several years and now, Im worried that our kids will suffer from this odd (in my opinion) rule. His family did not have what I consider traditional habits like eating meals together, spending holidays together or things that my kids and family enjoy. I dont want to alienate my husband by forcing him to help host other kids. I love him and understand hes not very people-y, but I also want my kids to be able to play the host role. I think this is an important social skill (they are 11 years old). Any suggestions? Home Alone Kids Dear Kids: Part of this is about negotiating the shared responsibility of parenting. I worry that youre taking on more of that responsibility than you should have to and that your husband, perhaps, isnt supporting you in the shared goal of making sure your children develop socially. If you both agree that having friends will help your children, feel a sense of belonging, develop cognitively and improve their social skills, and that being able to know your childrens friends will help you both be better parents, then you owe it to each other to talk about how that can happen. Maybe he feels that hes already done enough by allowing friends in the yard. It would be helpful to point out that youre still planning outings. Is this something that he can help with or initiate on his own? Many parents are introverted and/or dont want a house full of their kids friends. Thats perfectly fine. A childs development doesnt absolutely require having friends over inside. But friendship is important and the ways that they maintain those friendships will grow and change as they enter their teen years. This is a great opportunity for you and your husband to reassess the ways that parenting is changing for you and to realign the ways that you do this as a team. Dont let other peoples expectations of you and your childrens social calendars dictate this conversation. Instead, be open about whats important to you be it having friends over when hes not home or simply having more meals together. He doesnt have to be people-y, but the people in his home have needs, too. He can, and should, show up for you. Dear Eric: This is in response to the person who lost the love of her life unexpectedly and was not aware of his other romantic interests that were ongoing with other women (Gripped by Grief). This woman should definitely be seen by her gynecologist for possible exposures to STIs. Having worked in an OB/GYN office for 30 years, it was very common that women exposed to multiple partners sexually would have abnormal Pap smears and other sexually transmitted infections. Concerned Reader Dear Reader: This is good advice. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sexually active people with risk factors such as new partners, multiple partners or a partner who has an STI should be tested at least once a year. The letter writer was unknowingly in a relationship with someone with multiple partners, so shed be wise to seek out testing (free and low-cost options can be found at gettested.cdc.gov) and talk with her healthcare provider as soon as possible. Dear Eric: I just wanted to add to the conversation about Gripped with Grief, who found out their partner had multiple girlfriends after the partner died. They are experiencing complex, disenfranchised grief. They could benefit from reaching out to a grief counselor in their area. As a hospice social worker, I know that no amount of talking to friends or family, OR letting people know about her partners lifestyle, will take the place of a true grief counselor when one experiences this type of combined grief, betrayal and disenfranchisement of normal grief. Long Road to Healing Dear Healing: Absolutely. In addition to the testing suggested by a letter above, the letter writer should take the time to process the feelings that are coming with a professional or support group. Many state and local governments have resource pages for finding help. Additionally, there are searchable databases for groups and counselors on PsychologyToday.com. (Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.) 2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A portion of Copley Square Park in Boston is expected to reopen on New Years Day after more than a year, according to a press release from Boston Mayor Michelle Wus office. The northeast triangle of the park, next to the Trinity Church and Boylston Street, has been closed for renovations that started in July 2023. The rest of the park is scheduled to reopen in the winter and spring of this year, according to the press release. Copley Square is one of the most iconic parks in Boston, offering vibrancy and open space in an area that welcomes visitors and residents alike, Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement reported by the Boston Globe. Were excited to ring in the New Year by opening a newly renovated piece of this historic park, with the rest of the parks re-opening to follow soon after. The improvements to Copley Square Park include renovations to the parks fountain, the addition of shaded groves with seating around the fountain, a raised grove that protects trees, seating and shading at the parks bus stop and renovations to the plaza connecting Dartmouth Street and the Boston Public Librarys McKim Building, according to the site plan posted on the citys website. Since November 2024, work has paused on the fountain exterior to focus on the plaza and the raised grove areas, which are scheduled to open in January or February 2025, according to a construction update on the projects webpage. The area with the fountain is slated to open in June 2025, according to a map on the update. Additionally, Copley Square Parks tortoise and hare statues have been placed back in the area, the update reads. The budget for the project is $16.9 million, according to the website. Last year, city officials moved the First Night Boston celebration for New Years Eve from Copley Square Park to City Hall Plaza during the renovations. Gov. Maura Healey ordered an 11% pay increase for Massachusetts legislators, according to a letter she sent to Treasurer Deborah Goldberg Tuesday. In the letter, Healey writes that the administration used the U.S. Census Bureaus American Community Survey and determined the median household income for Massachusetts for the 2023-2024 period increased by 11.39%. As a result, lawmakers will see their base salary increase by $8,391, from $73,655 to $82,046, according to State House News Service. The increase in the lawmakers base pay comes after state officials announced that Healey and other statewide constitutional officers would receive a 10% pay increase on Jan. 1, a change that, under state law, triggers increases to the various leadership and travel stipends which legislators collect in addition to their base salary, according to The Boston Globe. In addition to lawmakers receiving an increase in their base pay, the legislatures top leadership will see additional increases that exceed their base pay, according to the Globe. House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen E. Spilkas extra pay is set to reach $119,632, according to the Globe. The annual stipends legislators receive for expenses and travel, which currently range between $20,468 and $27,291, will now range from $22,431 to $29,908, according to the Globe. The stipends vary depending on how far lawmakers live from the State House. The Globe reports that Mariano and Spilkas base pay will rise by $20,821, raising their total pay to $224,107 annually. The budget chiefs of both chambers will receive a $97,200 stipend, while stipends for the Democratic and Republican floor leaders will top $89,723, the Globe reports. Committee chairs and other leaders are also expected to see an increase in extra pay, according to the Globe. Healeys annual salary will rise to $243,493, while her total compensation will reach $308,493 when the annual housing stipend the governor receives is included, according to the Globe. Goldberg will receive a $22,900 increase that will push her salary to $261,694 annually, making her salary the highest of any of Massachusetts statewide elected officials and among the highest in the country for her position, according to The Globe. Former Gov. Charlie Baker used the U.S. Census Bureaus American Community Survey two years ago when determining pay raises. The Globe reports, however, that this years increase is higher than what Baker proposed in years past: 4.4% raise to lawmakers base pay starting in 2023, 6.5% for 2021, 5.9% for 2019 and 4.2% for 2017. Videos of lightning appearing to strike the Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol Building and Empire State Building took over social media on New Years Eve. But did it really happen? Dozens of TikToks captured the apparent strikes, with some videos garnering tens of thousands of views by Wednesday. One X post, which had pictures of the strikes at all three landmarks, has gotten more than 190,000 views. The alleged phenomenon caused a stir on social media, with some users saying, It might be a sign. Several TikTok users commented on one video including, God evens knows we need a change and Dark times are coming. However, it is unclear whether the national monuments were actually struck by lightning. Kyle Pallozzi, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Sterling, Virginia, told MassLive that the closest detected lightning strike on Dec. 31 was in Arlington as a storm rolled through the area Tuesday evening. The county is located on the banks of the Potomac River in Virginia, only a few miles from Washington, D.C. Pallozzi said the incident is very plausible given the heights of the buildings. The Washington Monument is 555 feet and 5 1/8 inches tall, according to the National Park Service, while the U.S. Capitol is 288 feet tall, the buildings official website states. Pallozzi added that lighting strikes are less common in the winter, making this possible incident more impressive. The National Weather Service has not yet provided any information about the reported lightning strike on the Empire State Building. A West Roxbury teen was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing after authorities said he and two other suspects took the pants off a man and stole valuable items from him during a home invasion in November. The teenager, 15, will return to court on Jan. 10, 2025, for a dangerousness hearing, the Suffolk County District Attorney said. Prosecutors also asked if the judge could revoke the teens bail on two open cases, the district attorney said. But the judge didnt rule on that request pending the dangerousness hearing. Three male suspects entered a residence on Weld Street in West Roxbury around 1 p.m. on Nov. 17, the district attorney said. A male victim heard the trio enter. He then hid in a second-floor bedroom, the district attorney said. The trio followed the victim to the bedroom. One of the suspects pulled out a black handgun while the other two suspects took out knives. Give me all your stuff or Im gonna shoot you and the dog, the male suspect with the handgun told the victim, according to the district attorney. The victims dog was in a crate in the living room. The three male suspects took the victims $300 Spyder pants off of him and stole his iPhone 13, the district attorney said. They also stole other items from him, including five pairs of sneakers worth $2,420. Police are still looking for the other suspects involved in the theft, the district attorney said. I think anyone pondering this scenario can instantly understand the fear this victim must have felt as he endured this harrowing experience, Kevin Hayden, the Suffolk County District Attorney, said in a statement. Im thankful that neither the victim nor his dog were injured in this incident and Im grateful for the diligent work of Boston police detectives to identify the juvenile defendant. Attorneys for Brian Walshe, a Cohasset man accused of killing and dismembering his wife in January 2023, filed a series of motions Tuesday seeking funds to hire a slew of experts in forensic DNA testing, in cellular devices, and for a jury consultant. Almost all of the motions filed by Walshes court-appointed attorneys, Larry Tipton and Kelli Porges, were allowed by Judge Diane Freniere. However, Freniere declined to take action on a motion for funds to hire a jury consultant an expert hired to aid lawyers during the jury selection process writing that she would not allow the motion until the Committee for Public Counsel Services sets a rate for such an expert. Each motion was filed under seal, meaning the contents are not publicly available. Tipton and Porges wrote that filing the motions in full view of the public would reveal information that neither the Commonwealth [nor] the public is presently entitled to, The Boston Globe reported. With the new year comes new life and Mass General Brigham celebrated by welcoming the first baby born in Boston in 2025. Leah James Lombardi, the daughter of Jessica and Michael Lombardi of Saugus was born at Massachusetts General Hospital at 12:14 a.m. on New Years Day, according to a statement from Brandon Chase, senior communications specialist for Mass. General Hospital. The hospital is part of the Mass. General Brigham health care system. Lombardis birth marks the first birth of a baby in Boston hospitals in 2025, Chase told MassLive Wednesday. The media relations teams from the citys hospitals communicate via text to determine which one delivered the first baby of the year, he said. Lombardis birth marked the first time in 10 years Massachusetts General Hospital delivered the first baby of the year among Bostons hospitals. Despite this achievement, theres no prize for delivering the first baby born in Boston. Its just bragging rights, Chase said. Lombardi weighed in at eight pounds and seven ounces with a recorded length of 20.5 inches. The baby is the Lombardis second-born child, and she and her mother are doing well, according to Chase. Massachusetts State Police say there is no known connection between the Bay State and what officials are labeling a terrorist attack in New Orleans. Early on New Years Day, a vehicle raced into a crowd of revelers, killing 10 and injuring 30. The driver of the vehicle was killed in a firefight with police around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday along Bourbon Street in the citys bustling French Quarter, the FBI said. After the vehicle came to a stop, the driver emerged from the truck and opened fire on responding officers, New Orleans police said. Officers returned fire, striking and killing the driver, police said. Two officers were shot and are in stable condition, police said. At a news conference, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the killings as a terrorist attack, and the citys police chief said the act was clearly intentional. Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick said the driver was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did. It was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to run over as many people as he could, Kirkpatrick said. Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoff Noble was briefed on the attack early Wednesday and remains in close collaboration with our federal, state and local partners to monitor new information and ensure the safety of Massachusetts communities, the agency said in a statement. Gov. Maura Healey and officials in the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security will be updated on all developments. State Police grieve the tragic and senseless loss of life early this morning in New Orleans. We offer our deepest condolences to the grieving families and all those affected by these attacks, the statement reads. The agency urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. Emergencies or threats should be reported to 911. Suspicious activity or behavior can be reported to the Massachusetts State Police Fusion Center at 888-872-5458 or by email at fusion@pol.state.ma.us. U.S. travelers should rethink heading to a popular Central American tourist destination. The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Guatemala on Monday. The advisory recommends tourists avoid visiting the country because of crime in several areas, some of which have been deemed completely off-limits. Some areas of Guatemala have problems with gangs, robbery, carjacking, drug trafficking and violence, the advisory reads. Local law enforcement may not always respond well to serious crimes, leading to low arrest and conviction rates. While tourists are not usually targeted, they can still be victims of opportunistic crimes. Areas under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory include the San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City and Villa Nueva. People can still visit popular places such as Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlan and the Pacific coast areas in Santa Rosa and Escuintla. Guatemala has a program called the Tourist Assistance Program (ASISTUR) that helps protect tourists in those areas. The country also has an emergency call center that serves Spanish and English speakers. Tourist groups can call and request a security escort through that center as well. Those who choose to visit Guatemala should take the following precautions: An unconscious man rescued from a burning apartment died on Monday, two days after the fire in Lynn, officials said on Tuesday. The man was only identified as in his 40s in a joint statement by Lynn Fire Chief Daniel Sullivan, Lynn Police Chief Christopher Reddy and State Fire Marsal Jon Davine. Our hearts go out to the victims family and loved ones, said Chief Sullivan. On behalf of the Lynn Fire Department, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences for their loss. Lynn firefighters were called to 104-106 Lewis St. at about 11:45 a.m. due to smoke inside the building. Firefighters found the fire in a third-floor apartment of the six-family dwelling. There they found the unresponsive man and removed him from the building. They were able to keep the fire within the room where it started and doused the flames within an hour. First responders used life-saving efforts on the man at the scene and brought him to Salem Hospital. He was later transferred to Brigham & Womens Hospital in Boston, where he died on Monday afternoon. As sad as this incident is, working smoke alarms alerted other residents to the danger and may have prevented an even greater tragedy, said Chief Sullivan. Several residents are displaced due to smoke and water damage, but no other injuries were reported. There have been 40 residential fire deaths in Massachusetts this year, State Fire Marshal Davine said. Investigators determined that smoke alarms were present and operated in just 14 of these cases; they were either not present, not working, or their performance could not be determined in the remainder. Working smoke alarms on every level of your home are among the most effective tools for preventing injury or worse in a fire, State Fire Marshal Davine said. Officials are still investigating the cause of Saturdays fire. Just under 400 days ago, on behalf of the entire GMT and WorldTempus teams, I had the pleasure of wishing you a wonderful new year. In the grand scheme of things, 400 days is both a blink of an eye and a significant passage of time especially when compared to the 400-year history of watchmaking. Still, it pales in comparison to the current scientific debate about the age of Saturns rings: some claim theyre 400 million years old, while others argue for 4.5 billion. Even IWCs Portugieser Eternal Calendar the 2024 GPHG Aiguille dOr winner with a mathematical accuracy of 45 million years cant quite match that scale. Here at WorldTempus and GMT Publishing, weve kept our feet firmly on the ground while pouring all our energy into igniting your imagination throughout the year. What a year 2024 has been! We launched our very own audiovisual production department, which has brought you highlights from Watches and Wonders, Geneva Watch Days and our inaugural GMT Watch Safari. This new immersive event which saw readers from the US, UK, France, Sweden and Switzerland tour ten watch brands in five days was such a hit that participants are already calling for a second edition in late October 2025. Our cultural and educational mission also gained momentum with the release of the fifth volume in the Millennium Watch Book series, this time focusing on travel watches. Its not too late to treat yourself or someone else to a copy and delve deeper into this fascinating world of GMT and worldtimer watches. Additionally, this year saw the publication of our first-ever qualitative study on the challenges and trends in the watch industry. Conducted by our partner M&BD Consulting, this study formed the basis of an 80-page report, which was turned into a GMT special edition that we made available to you, our readers. Watch Safari 2024 Amaury Thomas / WorldTempus At the heart of our passion and our mission to share watch knowledge is, of course, the daily creation of articles about the timepieces that capture our attention most. Youre reading the very first article of 2025, and if 2024 is anything to go by when we published no fewer than 1,305 articles you can look forward to plenty more! This unwavering creativity and pace have made WorldTempus the most-read bilingual watch news site in the world. As Piaget celebrated its 150th anniversary and Breitling its 140th in 2024, the year ahead promises to shine even brighter with a dazzling array of milestone celebrations. In 2025, well be marking Blancpains 290th, Vacheron Constantins 270th, Breguets 250th, A. Lange & Sohnes 180th, Zeniths 160th, Reuges 160th, Audemars Piguets 150th and Rolexs 120th anniversaries. Expect a flurry of launches to accompany these festivities, all of which well cover in detail on WorldTempus. Starting January 21, the spotlight will shine on Los Angeles as WorldTempus attends LVMH Watch Week, bringing you the first look at the exciting new releases showcased under the Californian sun. LVMH Watch Week 2023 Singapore LVMH With that, we thank you for your continued support and loyalty and wish you an exceptional 2025! by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, December 31, 2024 Columbia Sportswear's marketing moonshot This years most-read stories in research, retail, beauty and apparel are a humbling reminder that while every journalist has their personal favorites, Marketing Daily readers are voracious omnivores. They want lots of information, better ideas about getting closer to their customers, and inspiration to find ideas that are literal moon shots. Seriously. "Columbia Sportswear Is Over The MoonFor Real" made the Top 10, detailing how the company got its Omni-Heat Infinity fabric technology on the Odysseus robotic moon lander. Amazons innovation got noticed, too, with "Amazon Rolls Out Shopping Assistant Rufus, Ad Sales Top $14.65 Billion," landing in the Top 10. advertisement advertisement Theyre also always eager for essential industry intelligence, including forecasts that might help them tweak or shift their own strategies. Economic patterns and demographic shifts are especially important, which explains why "Forecasts Point To Retail-Healthy Holidays," focusing on data from the National Retail Federation, and "Upper-Middle-Income Surge Will Drive Holiday Increases," drawing from extensive seasonal research from Deloitte, ranked No. 1 and No. 2. Inclusivity and representation are also top of mind, and -- despite the headlines focusing on many companies pulling back from internal diversity efforts -- companies want to know more about reaching diverse audiences. Both"Black Audiences Want Better Representation" and "Giant, Google, PNC Best Ads For Black Consumers" rocketed near the top of our most-reads, as did "LOreal, Kotex Kick Off International Womens Day Campaigns." Brands understand that representation is no longer just a buzzword; its a business strategy that drives loyalty and engagement. Our readers are also intensely focused on companies big moves and strategic decisions, including "Home Depot Debuts Orange Apron Media, Announces $18B Deal" and "Takeover Fight Looms Over Macys." Finally, a "Top of the News" story about a misguided PR effort shot into the top 10: "United Healthcares Crisis Response Backfires." It described experts reaction to an op-ed from Andrew Witty, CEO of United Health Group, lamenting the murder of U.S. Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, which had happened two weeks earlier. While few would dispute Wittys sentiments about the tragedy, experts say the misstep came from positioning the company as one of the good guys, committed to fixing a broken healthcare system. Observers decried that stance as tone-deaf, stunned that even after almost two weeks of a tsunami of online hate and contempt for U.S. Healthcares business practices, Witty was so clueless. Consumers and doctors seemed pretty convinced that Witty was in fact, not just a bad guy, but the worst guy. Its possible, of course, that the story resonated with readers because of simple schadenfreude. More likely, readers ate it up because they think understanding their customers -- knowing their fears, worries, pain points, and passion -- is the marketing superpower that matters most. As Ukraine celebrates the arrival of the New Year 2025, it keeps in mind the memories of those who gave their lives for the future of the nation. Many Ukrainians have changed their usual profession, taking up arms to defend the country's independence. ADVERTISIMENT In particular, the thirst for justice and a sense of duty did not pass by famous theater and film actors. OBOZ.UA honors the memory of the Heroes who died in 2024. Andriy Kasyanov Andriy Kasyanov, an actor at the Dnipro National Theater, exchanged the stage for the front. The 27-year-old soldier laid down his life in August 2024. Colleagues remember the actor as a talented and sincere person, a brave defender of the state who died so that others could live. "We remember you as a man of strong spirit and unconquerable spirit. You gave your life for the sake of our peaceful future in a free and independent Ukraine! May you rest in peace! Heroes do not die! They are forever in our hearts!" the theater team wrote. ADVERTISIMENT Volodymyr Kucherenko In early December 2024, it became known that Volodymyr Kucherenko, the financial director of the Center for Content Analysis and an actor at the Kyiv Toteatr theater, was killed during a combat mission. A graduate of Misha Kostrov Studio of Acting, he joined the army on the first day of Russia's full-scale war, February 24, 2022. "Father, entrepreneur, supporter of the idea and practice of socially responsible business, democracy, and civil society. Sincere, humane, restless. Always ready to help. Brave, cheerful, ambitious, open to learning. A man who, by his own call, has made such transformations of spirit, lifestyle and thinking that many of us have never dreamed of. A person who does not stop and does not accept half-measures in anything. A person who is always bigger than herself. Fierce. Warm. Real. A warrior," the Hero's family said. ADVERTISIMENT Petro Velykyi In November last year, Ukrainian actor Petro Velykyi lost his life fighting in the Kursk direction. The warrior had worked at the Taras Shevchenko Chernihiv Regional Ukrainian Musical and Drama Theater since 2004. Velykyi had played over 35 roles. The terrible news was reported by the Hero's daughter, actress Kateryna Velyka. "Employees of the Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support came to the theater and notified the Petro's daughter, Kateryna, who also works as an actress with us, of his death. We don't know any more details, the family hasn't come to terms yet. However, according to his comrades-in-arms, who are also our actors fighting alongside Petro, he was killed in the Kursk sector on November 15," said the theater's general director, Serhiy Moysiienko. ADVERTISIMENT Artem Kovbasynskyi Ukrainian actor of the Klaipeda State Music Theatre Artem Kovbasynskyi joined the Defense Forces from the first days of the full-scale invasion, returning home from Lithuania. According to the artist's family, he could not afford to live in peace abroad because he would lose his dignity. The defender's colleagues noted that he considered it his duty to defend his native land from the occupiers, "Unfortunately, not everyone comes back from the war. Today we received the painful news that Artem Kovbasinskyi, a former ballet dancer of the Klaipeda State Music Theatre, was killed on the battlefield in Ukraine." Volodymyr Fedinchuk In January 2024, another loss was reported. Volodymyr Fedinchuk, an actor of the Rivne Academic Ukrainian Music and Drama Theater, died. The Ukrainian soldier was only 31 years old. According to Rivne Mayor Oleksandr Tretiak, the actor's life was cut short in a battle near Mykhailivka in Donetsk region. "Unfortunately, our actors, scientists, athletes, and teachers are dying. We are losing the best of the nation," the mayor emphasized. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Unlawful border crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border have dropped to a four-year low, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with 46,610 people stopped between ports of entry in November. The number of illegal crossings that month marked an 18% decrease from the previous month, and the lowest level since July 2020, the agency said. "Our enhanced enforcement efforts, combined with executive actions and coordination with Mexico and Central American countries in recent months, are having a sustained, meaningful impact," said Troy A. Miller, the acting head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Between June and November, the Department of Homeland Security removed more than 240,000 people, according to the agency. In fiscal year 2024, the department also removed more than 700,000 from the country, more than any prior year since 2010. The numbers represent something of a turnaround for the Biden administration, which faced major political backlash for a surge in illegal crossings earlier in Biden's term. Trump slammed Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for the increases. Immigration experts attribute the drop in border encounters -- people stopped trying to cross in areas between ports of entry -- to multiple factors, including what they said is the current administration's "carrot-and-stick" approach. Under the Biden administration, officials have encouraged migrants to turn themselves in at ports of entry, launching an app to make appointments as they travel through Mexico. It has also discouraged illegal entries between ports of entry, by making those who attempt to enter the country in that manner ineligible for asylum. The sharp decrease comes just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump is set to be sworn in, bringing with him an administration that has made cracking down undocumented immigration a top priority. During his campaign, Trump and his top advisors characterized the southern border as out of control and under"invasion," and promised mass deportations. In a Time interview, Trump vowed to mobilize the military to help deport millions of undocumented immigrants. "We have people coming in at levels and at record numbers that we've never seen before," Trump said. "I'll do what the law allows. And I think in many cases, the sheriffs and law enforcement is going to need help. We'll also get [the] National Guard. We'll get National Guard, and we'll go as far as I'm allowed to go." The recent border crossing figures paint a somewhat different picture, however. Border Patrol agents on the ground have reported a drop in the number of crossings for the last seven months, according to the agency, with a 60% decrease occurring between May and November. Officials at the Department of Homeland Security have also touted that the number of people processed for removal has doubled in recent months. The CBP One app allows migrants traveling through Mexico to make appointments at ports of entry, discouraging them from trying to enter the country through deserts in between to avoid U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents, said Michelle Mittelstadt, spokesperson for the Migration Policy Institute. The administration also issued an order making those who make illegal crossings ineligible for asylum, and encouraged the governments of Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica to increase migration controls in their counties. "November marked the first time ever that a majority of encounters were migrants arriving at a port of entry rather than being intercepted after crossing the border without authorization -- proof that this carrot-and-stick approach was taking effect," Mittelstadt said. Despite the decrease in border encounters, the incoming Trump administration has continued to promise an aggressive approach to deportations, and some have threatened sanctuary cities and states with consequences if they stand in the way. Tom Homan, acting director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the first Trump administration and "border czar" appointee for the second, has called for increased workplace raids. He told Fox News that cities that refuse to help federal immigration agencies could face criminal charges. "If you knowingly conceal or harbor an illegal alien from a police officer, it is a felony," he said. Marisa Cianciarulo, dean of Irvine's Western State College of Law and an expert on immigration and refugee law, said recollections of family separations and detentions during the first Trump administration, as well as recent threats of mass deportations, could also be playing a temporary role in discouraging migrants. "I think we're seeing a kind of preemptive response to the new administration," she said. "There's fear and anxiety, and they're going to look for other means to support their families." Trump's incoming deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller, also sent out letters to a number of California officials, cities and counties, warning them of possible consequences if they interfered with immigration enforcement. In September, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Bonsall) and other members of the House Judiciary Committee held a field hearing in San Diego County on the border crisis, inviting mayors of Santee and Chula Vista, law enforcement officials and residents to provide testimony. In his opening statement, Issa, whose district includes large portions of San Diego County, said that while there are people who legitimately seek asylum and have worked toward entering the country legally, there are millions who have entered the country illegally. "It is our goal to restore the rule of law and recognize that we can have legal immigration in our country but only if we can control the border, " he said. Issa could not immediately be reached for comment. At the hearing, Santee Mayor John Minto said that the Biden-Harris administration's approach to border security and immigration was affecting not only the state but San Diego County, which was at the forefront of the issue. He said that between September 2023 and May 2024, San Diego County received up to 154,000 street releases of migrants, many of whom were placed in trolleys and sent to the eastern region of the county. "These unofficial figures underscore the unprecedented and grave scale of the region's border crisis," he said. "The influx of migrants has drained local resources, including overcrowding at local hospitals, prompting San Diego County officials to respond with a coordinated effort involving federal, state and regional support." Minto could not immediately be reached for comment. Earlier this month, San Diego County passed a new policy that would prevent jail officials from cooperating with immigration officials in any way. The policy went beyond the state's current law, which allows local jurisdictions to notify immigration officials when someone convicted of certain violent or sexual felonies is set to be released from jail. Under the new policy, San Diego would not provide release dates to federal officials. The policy has triggered a standoff between county supervisors and the San Diego County Sheriff, who said she would continue to cooperate with federal immigration officials as state law allowed. California officials anticipate conflict with the new administration. California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta has called the letters from Miller's America First Legal a "scare tactic." Bonta said the state is preparing for legal challenges. But Cianciarulo warns that punitive policies on migrants tend to have only temporary impacts. If economic and political factors push people out of their home countries, and they're lured by the prospect of work in the U.S., migrants will eventually take the risk. "Regardless of how strict the laws are, how punitive, we still come back to the fact that immigration is an economic reality," Cianciarulo said. "[Migration] is not an emotional type of decision." 2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) Israeli strikes killed at least 12 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, mostly women and children, officials said Wednesday, as the nearly 15-month war ground on into the new year. One strike hit a home in the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza, the most isolated and heavily destroyed part of the territory, where Israel has waged a major operation since early October. Gazas Health Ministry said seven people were killed, including a woman and four children, and at least a dozen other people were wounded. Another strike overnight in the built-up Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza killed a woman and a child, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, which received the bodies. Are you celebrating? Enjoy as we die. For a year and a half, we have been dying, said a man carrying the body of a child in the flashing lights of emergency vehicles. Israel's military said militants fired rockets at Israel from the Bureij area overnight and that its forces responded with a strike targeting a militant. The military also issued evacuation orders for the area. A third strike in the southern city of Khan Younis killed three people, according to Nasser Hospital and the European Hospital, which received the bodies. The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and abducting around 250. About 100 hostages are still held in Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead. Israels air and ground offensive has killed over 45,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry. It says women and children make up more than half the dead but does not say how many of those killed were militants. The Israeli military says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because its fighters operate in dense residential areas. The army says it has killed 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The war has caused widespread destruction and displaced some 90% of Gazas population of 2.3 million, many of them multiple times. Hundreds of thousands live in tents on the coast as winter brings frequent rainstorms and temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius (50 F) at night. At least six infants and another person have died of hypothermia, according to the Health Ministry. Many displaced Palestinians in central Gaza rely on charity kitchens as their sole food provider amid restrictions on aid and skyrocketing prices. AP footage showed a long line of children waiting for rice, the only item served at the kitchen in Deir al-Balah on Wednesday. Some of those kitchens close because they dont receive aid, and others distribute little amounts of food and its not enough, said Umm Adham Shaheen, displaced from Gaza City. American and Arab mediators have spent nearly a year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release, but those efforts have repeatedly stalled. Hamas has demanded a lasting truce, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanayhu has vowed to keep fighting until total victory." Israel sees net departure of citizens for a second year More than 82,000 Israelis moved abroad in 2024 and 33,000 people immigrated to the country, Israels Central Bureau of Statistics said. Another 23,000 Israelis returned after long periods abroad. It was the second straight year of net departures, a rare occurrence in the history of the country that actively encourages Jewish immigration. Many Israelis, looking for a break from the war, have moved abroad, leading to concern about whether it will drive a brain drain in sectors like medicine and technology. Last year, 15,000 fewer people immigrated to Israel than in 2023. Military blames weakening of discipline in archaeologist's death In a separate development, Israel's military blamed operational burnout and a weakening of discipline and safety in the killing of a 70-year-old archaeologist in southern Lebanon in November along with a soldier while visiting a combat zone. According to Israeli media reports, Zeev Erlich was not on active duty but was wearing a military uniform and had a weapon. The army said he was a reservist and identified him as a fallen soldier when it announced his death. Erlich was a well-known West Bank settler and researcher of Jewish history. Media reports have said he entered Lebanon to explore an archaeological site. The military launched an investigation after the two were killed in a Hezbollah ambush. A separate probe is looking into who allowed Erlich to enter. The family of the soldier who was killed with him has expressed anger over the circumstances. The military said the entry of civilians who are not military contractors or journalists into combat zones is not widespread. Still, there have been multiple reports of Israeli civilians who support a permanent Israeli presence in Gaza or Lebanon entering those areas. ___ Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Tia Goldenberg in Jerusalem contributed. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Title: From Internship to CEO: How to Take Your Career to the Next Level at Sony (How to Work for Sony: Career Opportunities) Introduction: Sony is one of the largest electronics companies globally, known for its innovative products and technological advancements. As someone who has been fortunate enough to intern at Sony, I have gained valuable insights into how the company operates and the various career opportunities available within it. In this blog, I will explore the steps you can take to transition from an internship to a full-time role at Sony, highlighting the different paths you can follow, such as engineering, marketing, or sales. Step 1: Develop a Strong Foundation in your Field One of the most important aspects of any career is having a solid foundation in your field. Whether youre interested in electronics, business, or marketing, its essential to acquire a thorough understanding of the industry and the skills necessary to succeed. This includes taking relevant courses, attending workshops and conferences, and gaining practical experience through internships or volunteer work. Step 2: Build Your Network Building relationships with people in your industry is crucial for advancing your career. Join professional organizations, attend industry events, and connect with colleagues on LinkedIn to expand your network and stay informed about job openings and trends. By establishing connections with influential individuals in the field, youll increase your chances of being considered for internships or promotions. Step 3: Showcase Your Skills In order to stand out in a crowded job market, its important to demonstrate your skills and expertise. This can be done through your resume, cover letter, and portfolio. Highlight your accomplishments and achievements, both inside and outside of work, and show how they align with the skills and qualifications required for the position youre applying for. Step 4: Apply for Internships If you have the opportunity to intern at a reputable company like Sony, make sure to apply as early as possible. Start by researching the company and learning more about their mission, values, and culture. Then, tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific internship program youre applying for. During the interview process, be prepared to discuss your experiences, interests, and goals and showcase why you would be a good fit for the role. Step 5: Follow Up After the Interview After submitting your application and going through an interview, its important to follow up with the hiring manager to express your continued interest in the position. Send a thank-you note or email expressing gratitude for the opportunity to interview and reiterating your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate and increase your chances of getting selected for an internship. Conclusion: (How to Work for Sony: Career Opportunities) Transitioning from an internship to a full-time role at Sony requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn and grow. By developing a strong foundation in your field, building your network, showcasing your skills, applying for internships, and following up after interviews, you can increase your chances of landing a successful career at Sony. Remember, every step in the process matters, so dont hesitate to ask for help or guidance along the way. Good luck! Inquiry us if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. ([email protected]) Oakland County typically hosts the second-most vehicle miles traveled in Michigan behind only its southern neighbor Wayne. Those drivers experienced significant highway construction in 2024 as major projects on I-696 and I-96 sought to smooth out the busy roadways. Throughout the state, MDOT invested more than $2 billion in state and federal funds to improve and maintain its share of the roads this year, which include those with an M-, I-, or U.S. designation. Those dollars were used to rehabilitate, resurface or reconstruct 620 lane miles of pavement, and to conduct preventative maintenance on another 1,050 lane miles, according to state data. MDOT also replaced or repaired 87 bridges, and preserved another 147 bridges with preventative maintenance. Related: With billions spent, is Whitmers pledge to fix the damn roads a broken promise? Related: Speeding enforcement cameras to be added to Michigan work zones and on school buses Below is a summary of 15 of MDOTs largest construction projects of the year. The projects are featured on the interactive map below, followed by additional information throughout the rest of the article. In some cases, funding and construction were compiled over multiple years. I-696 in Oakland County A four-year, $275 million project on I-696 continued this year with work between the I-96/I-275/M-5 interchange and Lahser Road in Oakland County. Its a reconstruction project with an end goal sometime in 2025. I-275 in Wayne County A five-year project to improve I-275 in Wayne County continued this year with an expected end date in 2025. The $270 million project included reconstruction, concrete repairs and bridge work between Huron River Drive and 5 Mile Road. I-96 Flex Route in Oakland County Michigans second flex route made considerable headway in 2024. Located on I-96 between Kent Lake Road and the I-275/I-696/M-5 interchange, the highway got an additional part-time lane constructed for peak traffic periods. It was a $270 million project that started in 2021 and will wrap up in 2025. Crews are going to conclude testing the equipment early next year before opening the new lane to traffic. I-94 in Berrien County Crews got the ball rolling on a three-year, $205 million project to rebuild five miles of highway. Included in the work is the rebuilding of four bridges, and repairs to another nine bridges between Puetz Road and Britain Avenue. Work is projected to be done in 2026. Next year, the plan is to rebuild westbound I-94 from Washington Avenue to Empire Avenue, and the westbound I-94 bridge over Pipestone Road. Then crews will target the eastbound lanes and bridges in 2026. I-94 in Jackson County Crews set out to rehabilitate and reconstruct parts of I-94 between the Calhoun County line and M-60 this year. It was a $169 million project. I-75 in Oakland County Construction on I-75 continued this year with work between Ortonville Road (M-15) and the Genesee County line. The state has invested $160 million to resurface 15 miles of roadway, repair 11 bridges, and make drainage improvements between 2023 and 2027. I-94 in Calhoun County Crews wrapped up year No. 2 of a three-year project to repave 10 miles of I-94 and rebuild/rehab 17 bridges in Calhoun County. Its a $160 million project with an estimated completion date in 2025. I-475 in Genesee County Crews began a two-year, $133.9 million rebuild on more than three miles of I-475 between Davison Road and Carpenter Road. Northbound lanes were closed for work since April, with one lane recently reopening. Officials closed all lanes of southbound I-475 from the Flint River to Carpenter Road earlier this month. Those lanes will remain closed until September 2025, with a detour using I-69 and I-75. M-14 in Wayne County The first of four years of work on M-14 began this year in Wayne County. The $139 million project included reconstruction of the highway between Sheldon Road and Newburgh Road, plus ramp work at I-96 in the area. Seventeen bridges will get rehab work done as well, along with drainage and lighting improvements. I-96 in Ionia County The state spent $105 million on a three-year rebuild that began this year on I-96 between Sunfield Highway and Bliss Road. Work on the eight miles of highway will continue in 2025 and is expected to conclude around November 2026. U.S. 131 in Kent County Work started this year on U.S. 131 between 76th Street and 100th Street in Kent County. The two-year, $70 million project included a highway rebuild with the addition of weave/merge lanes between 76th and 84th streets. Crews will return to finish the work in 2025. U.S. 24 in Wayne County Crews spent a significant period reconstructing U.S. 24 between Grand River Avenue and 8 Mile Road (M-102). The $54 million project has sought to reconstruct the highway and diverge Diamond at M-102. Its expected to conclude in 2025. I-75 in Cheboygan County Drivers traveling into Northern Michigan may have encountered closures along I-75 as crews rebuilt the highway between Levering Road and U.S. 31. The state spent $52.6 million on the project, which began in 2023 and concluded this year. The Hebron Rest Area on southbound I-75, and Topinabee Rest Area on the northbound highway, were two of five in Northern Michigan to close in early December with an estimated reopen date in April 2025. Others closed along a similar timeline were on I-75 in St. Ignace, and on U.S. 31 in Ludington and Hart. U.S. 131 in Kalamazoo County A $51 million rebuild on U.S. 131 completed this year after two years of detours and delays. The work area was between M-216 and U Avenue in Schoolcraft. Included in the project was road repaving and adding left turns to the 13-mile stretch of highway. U.S. 223 in Lenawee County Crews rehabilitated U.S. 223 between U.S. 12 and Brooks Highway in Lenawee County this year. It was a $41 million expenditure. Those werent all of MDOTs big-money projects from 2024. Below is a database of additional major road projects, some of which were multi-year fixes. MLive has provided weekly road closure updates throughout the 2023 construction season. Those articles have come to an end with road work slowing down, but are expected to return in the spring. ANN ARBOR, MI A drone with a heat-detecting camera helped track down a man who allegedly assaulted a woman, police said. Ann Arbor police responded around 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, to a report of a domestic incident involving a gun in a home in the 1000 block of Pauline Boulevard. The man was gone when police reached the scene. No shots were fired. Police determined that a 40-year-old Romulus man assaulted a 26-year-old Ann Arbor woman in the residence. She declined medical attention, police said. Drone teams from Northfield Township Police Department and University of Michigan Police Department responded to help search for the suspect. A drone that was equipped with a thermal camera detected the suspects heat signature in the backyard of a residence in the 1000 block of Ardmoor Avenue, police said. He was arrested at 12:18 p.m. The case will be presented to Washtenaw County prosecutors for review. HOLLAND, MI - At 3 p.m. on New Years Eve, the air temperature in Holland was 35 degrees. The water temperature in Lake Michigan was slightly warmer - just over 44 degrees. The chill in the air and the Great Lakes water didnt deter Bob Bakker and about a dozen others. The West Michigan friends yelped when they entered Lake Michigan and submerged fully into the water. The New Years Eve plunge capped off 12 months of Bob Bakker, his family and friends submerging their bodies into Lake Michigan regardless of the weather conditions and temperatures. In the summer months, it was easy and refreshing. In the winter months, like Tuesday afternoon, it was challenging and chilly. Once a month each month, they ran into Lake Michigan from the same spot at Holland State Park. Many of the children who dunked in the lake on Dec. 31 said theyre doing it for bragging rights. The cold is the hardest part to get over, they added, especially in months like December or January. With rain falling and towels flying, the group of children and adults could be seen running first into the lake and then just as quickly to the car, but not before exchanging hugs and well wishes. While about a dozen friends and family members joined the Bakkers for the New Years Eve plunge, Kristin Bakker said its been a group of nine who has consistently showed up at the lake each month. In addition to Kristin and Bob, their children Everett and Andrew have jumped in the lake no matter the time of year. In addition, the Bakkers close friend Joe Baillargeon, his children Joey Jr., Will and Andrew, and Gavin Dyk, another family friend, joined each month. Will Baillargeon gets dried off after his groups monthly dip in Lake Michigan at Holland State Park in Holland, Mich. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Charlie Nick | MLive.com The group took its first plunge of 2024 on New Years Day, meaning the New Years Eve plunge marked a full-circle moment. But Bob Bakker said the event really began years ago, when he was a teenager in Holland and began doing polar plunges with his friends, a trend that continued into adulthood. On New Years Eve in 2023, Kristin Bakker said the subject came up again, and Bob Bakker realized hed jumped into the lake nearly every month of the previous year, save January and February. Lets take care of January on New Years Day, she said. It was kind of a joke. Nevertheless, Kristin Bakker said their friends and the groups children showed up the next day and jumped into the water. It was about 33 degrees. The Baillargeon and Bakker family run into the water for their groups monthly dip in Lake Michigan at Holland State Park in Holland, Mich. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Charlie Nick | MLive.com After that, there was a group of about nine of us that said, Lets keep this going, Kristin Bakker said. Lets just do all of them. Depending on the month, Bob Bakker said it can be pretty tough for the three adults and six kids to jump into the lake in the cold. February was brutal. March was brutal, and then January was the worst, he said. This is by far the hardest other than January. Other months, mainly the warmer months, Kristin Bakker said the group will spend the day on the beach together. Sometimes, they gather after the plunge for a meal together. Even some of the ones that werent that warm, but the kids didnt think it was horrible, wed stay on the beach and hang out, she said, and the kids would be splashing in the 50 degree water. Looking back, Kristin Bakker said the plunge has been a good bonding experience for the group of families and friends. Joe Baillargeon, left, and Bob Bakker laugh after their groups monthly dip in Lake Michigan at Holland State Park in Holland, Mich. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Charlie Nick | MLive.com When asked if the tradition will continue into 2025, she said, Personally, Im fine with this being the end of it, especially as the temperature is supposed to drop 10 degrees and snow. But she said shes also come to look forward to the plunge day in a strange way. Itll be something that I think a lot of people remember, and we have pictures every month and ridiculous videos of us looking like were freezing and running in, she said. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI A violent end is the only common thread among four homicides in Ottawa County in 2024. Theres the retired police officer who brought a merciful end to his wifes Alzheimers disease. The random shooting death of a man having lunch at his parents house. The traffic death of a woman in a crash that allegedly occurred while two others engaged in road rage. And, there was the Jan. 1, 2024, killing of Donna Hyma, 63, in her Zeeland Township home, allegedly asphyxiated by her live-in boyfriend. Randall Grinwis, 58, was arrested in Las Vegas. Ottawa County sheriffs Capt. Jacob Sparks has noted a concerning level of domestic violence. Victims often know their attacker. Earlier this month, a woman was hospitalized after she jumped from a second-floor apartment window to escape a male acquaintance. That seems to be what more of our violence is centered around, Sparks, in charge of the Detective Bureau, told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Here is a look at the homicides: Jan. 1, 2024 homicide Related: Woman found dead in home near Holland, police arrest boyfriend in Las Vegas Sheriffs deputies were checking Hymas welfare at Ottogan Mobile Home Estates where they found her body in her home. Police said Grinwis left for Las Vegas where he was eventually arrested. He is charged with open murder. No trial date is set pending an appeal to the state Court of Appeals. June 25, 2024 homicide Related: Two drivers charged with murder for Ottawa County road-rage crash that killed a third driver Sha-Tera Coleman, 27, of Grand Rapids, died in a June 25 collision on Lake Michigan Driver, near Trillium Lane, in Tallmadge Township. Ethan Luke Oosterhouse, 24, of Middleville, and Denis Noel Perez, 43, of Grand Rapids, were both charged with murder, manslaughter and reckless driving causing death. Perez pleaded guilty to reckless driving causing death, the Grand Haven Tribune said. He awaits sentencing on Feb. 24, court records showed. Oosterhouse has a status conference in court this week. Sheriffs deputies said the men were driving aggressively, recklessly and speeding. When their vehicles crashed, one of them crossed the median and struck the victims westbound Pontiac, police said. April 13, 2024 homicide Related: Gunman killed her husband then took aim at her: I started screaming On April 13, Miguel Zamudio and his family had just gotten to his parents house on West 19th Street for lunch when a neighbor approached with a shotgun strapped over his shoulder. Jerell Alexander Lindsey, 27, told Zamudio to get rid of his dog. It seemed an odd request. Zamudio told his son to bring it inside. The two men had brief words. Zamudio started walking toward the house when he was shot in the head. No one knew Lindsey, who lived around the corner. He was arrested by Holland police. His trial is set for April 1. Hes charged with open murder. Sept. 28, 2024 homicide Related: Retired cop, 80, shot wife in merciful end to her Alzheimers disease, 911 call shows William Bill and Donna Kitzmiller, both 80, were married 54 years. He retired as a Grand Haven police sergeant after 30 years, while she taught school for 30 years. They were described as true partners in life. In late September, he called Ottawa County Central Dispatch. He had killed his wife, who suffered from Alzheimers disease. Ive given my wife a merciful ending from her Alzheimers disease and I am going to follow her now in death, he told the 911 dispatcher. The dispatcher heard a gunshot. This story was updated on Jan. 9, 2025 to include more information about the Adelaide Pointe development. MUSKEGON COUNTY - Local residents and those visiting the area should expect to see some major developments take hold in 2025. OCEANA COUNTY, MI Human remains were discovered this week in a wooded area near Rothbury, state police said. Police did not disclose whether the remains are believed to be that of Kevin Graves, a 28-year-old Oakland County man who went missing in 2018 while attending Electric Forest music festival in Rothbury in Oceana County. Related: Parents of man who vanished from Electric Forest in 2018 keep hope alive with billboard A positive identification of the remains has not been made pending autopsy results and additional investigation, state police said. The remains were found Monday, Dec. 30. State police recovered undisclosed additional evidence on Tuesday. Graves vanished July 1, 2018, after attending the festival with his girlfriend at the 2,200-acre Double JJ Resort. His family has handed on flyers and used a billboard near the festival in an effort to find him. A billboard seeking tips in the disappearance of 28-year-old Kevin Graves from the Electric Forest music festival in 2018 is located near the entrance to the festival. Forensic anthropologists from The Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine responded to the scene and helped with recovery of the remains. During excavations in the center of the city and municipality of Alkmaar in the Netherlands, archaeologists found a cesspool containing a "time capsule" with objects from the XV century. The discovery was made during the construction of an underground garbage container. ADVERTISIMENT The "time capsule" was preserved in the anaerobic conditions of the pit flooded with water. The most remarkable find is a wooden shoe made of birch, a tree that does not grow in the Netherlands, Heritage Daily reports. "Only 44 clogs have been found in the history of the Netherlands and Belgium. Most of them are much less old and in much worse condition," commented urban archaeologist Nancy de Jong on the find. She also added that the inhabitants of 15th-century Holland practiced a "circular economy" where everything was reused, melted down, or eventually burned to heat their homes. "Most clogs have a rustic, rough model. But this one is elegant and has a double heel: something like a city clog," she says of the shoes she found. ADVERTISIMENT Another interesting find in the pit is a rare grain measure made of thin oak. Only five fragments of grain measures have been found in all of Belgium and the Netherlands. The measures were known only from descriptions and images, which makes the find from Alkmaar particularly valuable as the first relatively intact specimen. According to the researchers, the cesspool was actively used as a toilet and for garbage disposal between 1450 and 1558 AD. After this period, the houses on the site were demolished and the pit was abandoned. All finds will be sent for stabilization, conservation, and further study. Where possible, they will be restored using non-invasive methods to reassemble their broken parts for further display to the public. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! WEST OLIVE, MI - During a Jan. 2 organizational meeting, 11 elected Ottawa County commissioners will be charged with choosing a new chair and vice chair. An unscientific online survey of MLive readers found a variety of opinions on who should lead the county board in 2025. Any of the 11 county commissioners elected to the board could be selected by the board for the role. Ahead of the Thursday morning organizational meeting, the MLive online survey showed mixed support for several moderate Republican names, current Chair Joe Moss and the lone Democrat on the board, incumbent Doug Zylstra. Moss leads a far-right group of commissioners, called Ottawa Impact, who won the majority on the board in the 2022 election. That will change Thursday when more moderate Republicans take the majority on the board based on the results from the 2024 election. MLive/The Grand Rapids Press has been keeping readers updated on the latest happenings for the Ottawa County Board, most recently a contentious 2024 election cycle that resulted in Ottawa Impact, the ultra conservative political platform thats led the county since January 2023, losing its voting majority. RELATED: New Ottawa County board faces crucial decisions after far-right groups control ends Earlier this year, MLive commissioned its first professional survey asking Ottawa County residents how they felt about Ottawa Impacts job performance. That phone survey was conducted months ahead of the August primary. This week, MLive asked readers in an online survey about their thoughts on who should lead the board next. The main takeaways about who should be chosen to chair the board from the MLive-commissioned survey are: Three-quarters of respondents believe the board should move away from leadership by Ottawa Impact. Two-thirds of respondents, 66.6%, think a Republican candidate is best to lead the board. Of those, 46% think one of the six moderate Republican board members is a good choice. Responses were filtered out and not included in total percentages if they did not name a specific candidate or candidates. Stuart J., 73, from Spring Lake, said hed be happy seeing anyone but Moss. He has done enough damage, he said. At the same time, Ottawa Impact Republicans, specifically Moss, also received the support of a little more than 8% of respondents. Moss is one of four members of Ottawa Impact reelected to the board, along with current Board Vice Chair Sylvia Rhodea in District 8, Kendra Wenzel in District 6 and Allison Miedema in District 11. Holland resident Jim Lorence, 71, said Moss showed leadership over a board with much different viewpoints over the past two years. Following the November general election, six moderate Republicans will make up a majority of the board seats, and their voting power will make it likely that a like-minded Republican member is also chosen as chair. Those members are newly elected Republican commissioners Jim Barry in District 1, Jordan Jorritsma in District 2, John Teeples in District 7, Phil Kuyers in District 9 and Josh Brugger in District 10, along with incumbent Republican Commissioner Jacob Bonnema. Of those six names, Teeples was suggested the most frequently - by around 25% of respondents. Hudsonville resident Mark, 67, said he believes Teeples has a keen legal mind with extensive municipal experience, which is needed to lead (the) county back to wholesome government. The incumbent Bonnema was suggested by around 12.5% of respondents, several of which highlighted his common sense and existing board experience. Hudsonville resident Dawn, 63, said she would like to see either Bonnema or Kuyers elected as board chair because theyre experienced and not (Ottawa Impact). Kuyers was also selected by just over 8% of respondents. In addition to moderate Republicans, Democratic incumbent Doug Zylstra, who was reelected, was also the top pick for around 25% of survey respondents. Zylstra is the lone Democrat on the board, which Georgetown Township resident Chris B., 70, said could make him more likely to listen to all opinions. Karen O., a 69-year-old Spring Lake resident, said she believes Zylstra has the most experience working with Ottawa Impact commissioners returning to the board, and in this past term he exhibited the best strategic skills in trying to create discussion between board members on agenda items. Editors note: MLive will conduct surveys on interesting issues in Michigan. Artificial intelligence was used to assist in the sorting of reader responses. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. Lake-effect snow is set to ramp up today across West Michigan and Northern Michigan in what the National Weather Service (NWS) is describing as a long-duration event, with snow in the forecast for some parts of the state through the weekend. While Northern Michigan is forecast to get the heavier snow amounts, everyone will feel the cold surge that is coming on the heels of this latest system. It will be sending temperatures down into the teens by the end of this week. To cover todays lake-effect, the NWS in Grand Rapids issued a special weather statement this morning for 17 counties. It included details on the incoming snow showers and slick road conditions: Bands of snow will be on the increase this morning for western parts of Lower Michigan. Where they persist, some minor accumulations will be possible. Locally an inch or two of snow could fall this morning. Surface temperatures will fall to near freezing this morning. Bridges and overpasses will be most vulnerable for possible slippery travel. Motorist should be alert for locally slick travel conditions this morning, NWS said. Counties covered include: Mason, Lake, Osceola, Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta, Muskegon, Montcalm, Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Van Buren, Kalamazoo and Calhoun. In most places in West Michigan, this new snow will only amount to an inch or two. In Southeast Michigan, we should expect just scattered snow showers today. An inch or two of lake-effect snow is expected across West Michigan on Wednesday.Graphic provided by the NWS In Northern Michigan, higher snow amounts are expected. The areas of the highest snowfall are forecast to be near Whitefish Point and Sault Ste. Marie in the Upper Peninsula, which could see up to 6 inches of snow by Thursday morning, according to the NWS team in Gaylord. The first round of a long-lived lake effect snowfall event will begin today, mainly impacting the classic snow belts of northwest lower and eastern upper, meteorologists there said. Accumulations of 4-6 inches with locally higher amounts is expected near areas along Whitefish Bay. Please use caution while traveling this New Years Day, as roadway conditions could rapidly worsen when driving in and out of snow bands. The Gambia, a small country in West Africa, is often overlooked by travelers. However, it has many reasons to fascinate with its unique atmosphere. Gambia is home to several national parks where you can see a variety of animals. And the local beaches are called the real pearls of the region. ADVERTISIMENT The Gambia impresses with its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable impressions. The Express publication told us more about vacationing in this country. The Gambia, the smallest country on the African mainland, is known for its charming sandy beaches, but it offers much more than just a relaxing vacation. From exciting wildlife encounters to mysterious historical sites and bustling local markets, The Gambia is a destination worth visiting for any traveler looking for an African adventure. The Gambia is famous for its long sandy beaches, ideal for relaxing and swimming. The best beach area in the country is located at Cape Point. Kololi and Bijilo beaches offer excellent accommodation and leisure options. ADVERTISIMENT Nearby is the Kachikalli Crocodile Pool, a unique stop for those interested in local culture. Tourists can experience a traditional ritual to attract good luck and see sacred crocodiles up close. The Gambia River flows through the entire country. It offers unforgettable cruises where you can observe wildlife. A boat cruise allows you to see rare species of birds, as well as hippos and chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The Gambia offers one of the best places in Africa for wildlife watching. Visit traditional fishing villages to experience the real life of Gambians. The Senegambian stone circles, located in the village of Gunjur, are one of the country's hidden archaeological gems, allowing you to look into the ancient past. ADVERTISIMENT In addition to the stone circles, the National Museum of The Gambia offers an informative and rewarding experience for those interested in the country's history, with exhibits covering everything from colonial history to ancient times. When it comes to food, The Gambia offers a wonderful range of West African cuisine that reflects the country's rich cultural heritage. Fresh seafood is a staple of the cuisine, and dishes such as Yassa a spicy marinated fish or chicken dish and Domoda, a peanut-based stew, are favorites among locals and tourists alike. The Gambia is one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists. Vacations are much cheaper than in other tourist countries. English is the official language in The Gambia, which will make communication easier. Whether you are looking for a luxury resort, a mid-range hotel, or a cheap hostel, everyone will find something for themselves. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA's Telegram and Viber channels to keep up with the latest developments. On January 1, Ukraine stopped the transit of Russian gas through its territory.The contract between Gazprom and Naftogaz, which was signed before the start of the great war, has expired. ADVERTISIMENT As explained by the Ministry of Energy, gas transit was stopped at 07.00 on January 1, 2025. Ukraine informed its international partners about this in accordance with the established procedure. "We have stopped the transit of Russian gas, this is a historic event. Russia is losing markets and will suffer financial losses. Europe has already decided to refuse Russian gas. And the European initiative Repower EU envisages exactly what Ukraine has done today," emphasized Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko. Since January 1, Ukraine's gas transportation system has been operating in a mode without Russian gas transit. The gas transportation system infrastructure has been prepared in advance for zero transit and reliable gas supply to Ukrainian consumers. What will be the consequences According to Reuters, for Ukraine, the termination of transit means the loss of about $800 million in annual income from transit fees. Russia, on the other hand, will lose approximately $5 billion from gas sales to European consumers. European countries have prepared in advance for the cessation of gas supplies through Ukraine: ADVERTISIMENT Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria and other countries have found alternative supply routes; Hungary will continue to receive gas through the Turkish Stream pipeline; Since 2022, the European Union has significantly reduced its dependence on Russian gas by increasing energy imports from the United States, Norway, and Qatar. Analysts predict that the termination of transit through Ukraine will not cause a significant increase in gas prices in Europe. Compared to the price spike in 2022, the market is now much more stable thanks to alternative energy sources. As OBOZ.UA previously reported, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened to limit electricity supplies from his country to Ukraine and visited the Kremlin to meet with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. In response, Zelensky said that Putin had instructed Fico to open a second energy front against Ukraine at the expense of the interests of the Slovak people. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! On January 1, 2025, the countries holding the presidencies of the Council of the European Union and the Group of Seven will change. In the former case, Poland will take over from Hungary, and in the latter, Canada will replace Italy. ADVERTISIMENT Warsaw has said that over the next six months, it will focus its efforts on ensuring the "pace and quality" of EU enlargement, building defense infrastructure, and fully utilizing frozen Russian assets in Europe. Ottawa, on the other hand, has prioritized mutually beneficial economic development, combating climate change, and responding to the rapid development of technology. As of January 1, the rotating presidency of the European Council will be transferred from Hungary to Poland. During the Hungarian presidency, EU countries partially boycotted events at the European Council because of the differences in foreign policy actions of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the general line of the European Union. For example, the Finnish government announced that the country would temporarily not participate at the political level in informal ministerial meetings. ADVERTISIMENT Before the start of his country's presidency of the European Council, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that his country would use the next six months to strengthen its position as one of the five most important EU countries. Sikorski said that Warsaw's goals for the presidency were to use EU support instruments to build defense infrastructure (such as the Eastern Shield) and to fully utilize frozen Russian assets. In addition, Poland intends to ensure the "pace and quality" of EU enlargement to the east and south, particularly to Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans. Ukraine has high hopes for Poland's EU presidency. "We count on Polish leadership, principled position, and determination. I wish Poland success in strengthening Europe. I look forward to working closely with Radoslaw Sikorski to advance the EU-Ukraine agenda. We look forward to new initiatives to strengthen military support for Ukraine and sanctions pressure on the aggressor. We are committed to a dynamic process of Ukraine's accession to the EU, including the opening of Cluster 1 and other clusters based on the results of the screening process," emphasized Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in a tweet on the X network. ADVERTISIMENT On the same day, Canada begins its one-year presidency of the G7, which was previously held by Italy on a rotating basis. Ottawa has identified mutually beneficial economic development, combating climate change, and responding to the rapid development of technology as its priorities for 2025. Earlier, OBOZ.UA described in detail how Poland's EU presidency will affect Ukraine's interests. Also, on December 17, the President of Ukraine stated what Kyiv expects from Warsaw during the Polish presidency in the EU when he met with the Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk in Lviv. At the same time, a few days before the start of 2025, Zelenskyy spoke with the Canadian prime minister, and they discussed tougher sanctions against Russia, NASAMS, and peace. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! As of 16:00 on Wednesday, January 1, 101 combat engagements took place in the frontline since the beginning of the day. Ukraine's defenders are stopping the enemy, holding the line, and destroying the occupiers' plans. ADVERTISIMENT The enemy continues to focus its efforts on the Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and Vremivsk directions and in the Kursk region. This is stated in the operational summary of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The border towns and villages of our country suffer from Russian artillery shelling. Currently, Tymonovychi, Yanzhulivka, Karpovychi, Zaliznyi Mist, Mykolaivka in Chernihiv region, and Tymofiivka in Sumy region have been hit. Situation on the front line on January 1, 2025 In the Kupiansk sector, the enemy has made three attempts to advance in the areas of Kolisnykivka, Zahryzove, and Nova Kruhliakivka since the beginning of the day. ADVERTISIMENT In the Lyman sector, he also increased the number of attacks to six. They are attacking near Novoserhiivka, Tverdokhlibove, Kopanky, Makiivka, and Ivanivka. In Kramatorsk, Ukrainian troops repelled nine attacks in the areas of Chasiv Yar, Stupochky, and Predtechyno. One battle is ongoing as of 16:00. In the Toretsk sector, the enemy tried to advance five times in the area of Toretsk and the direction of Shcherbynivka. The battle continues. ADVERTISIMENT The aggressor is also active in the Pokrovsk sector. Clashes of varying intensity started 17 times today. Hostile attacks were repelled in the areas of Vozdvyzhenka, Myroliubivka, Lysivka, Novyi Trud, Solone, Kotlyne, Pishchane, Pokrovsk, Novooleksiivka and Novovasylivka. Seven more firefights are ongoing. Fierce fighting continued in the Kurakhove sector. There were 11 firefights near Ukrainka, Petropavlivka, and Kurakhove during the day, three hostile attacks are ongoing. ADVERTISIMENT In the Vremivsk sector, the enemy attacked 12 times in the areas of Dachne, Kostiantynopil, Yantarne, Novosilka, Rozlyv and Novyi Komar, five of the battles are ongoing. In the Orikhiv sector, one firefight took place in the vicinity of Novoandriivka since the beginning of the day, but the enemy did not succeed. ADVERTISIMENT In the Prydniprovsk sector, Ukrainian troops successfully repelled one enemy attempt to push our defenders from their positions. The enemy did not conduct any active hostilities in the Kharkiv, Huliaipole, and Siversk sectors since the beginning of the day, the report says. In the Kursk region, the Defense Forces repelled 31 invaders' attacks, two are ongoing. In addition, the enemy launched one missile and nine air strikes, using seven missiles and 11 CABs, and fired 198 artillery shells at Ukrainian positions and settlements. ADVERTISIMENT There were no significant changes in the situation in other sectors. Ukrainian defenders are exhausting the enemy along the entire front line and in the rear, the General Staff said. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the ISW suggested that Russian troops could switch their attention from Pokrovsk to another target. During the year, the occupiers' command mainly focused on capturing the rest of the Donetsk region and creating a buffer zone in the north of the Kharkiv region but failed to achieve this. In early fall, the occupiers shifted their attention to Pokrovsk, but did not make much progress there either, analysts said. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The aggressor country Russia has announced the immediate death of a significant number of pilots. It is likely to be the crew of an Mi-8 helicopter, which Ukraine's Defence Intelligence agents shot down with a maritime drone. ADVERTISIMENT It happened off the coast of Crimea on the last day of last year, December 31. The Fighterbomber Telegram channel reports that the end of 2024 in Russia was overshadowed by "the loss of the best crews." "They fought hard and died in battle. We haven't lost so many of our best guys at once since 2022," the post says. Fighterbomber added a photo of the Mi-8 helicopter to this text, showing a view from below. On December 31, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine announced that its soldiers had destroyed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter using a Magura V5 maritime drone. This was a historic moment as it was the first time in the world that someone was able to carry out such an operation. It happened off the coast of the temporarily occupied Crimea in the Black Sea near Cape Tarkhankut. The destroyed Russian Mi-8 fell into the sea, while another enemy helicopter, although hit too, managed to reach the airfield. DIU also released a radio interception of a Russian piloting the said helicopter. The occupier said anxiously that the launch was carried out from the water. As reported, on December 30, the Ukrainian Defense Forces destroyed 154 units of military equipment and weapons of the Russian occupation forces. About 1,610 invaders were either killed or injured. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Angelina Jolie hopes divorce finalisation with Brad Pitt will bring healing for family, Read more Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Palak Vij 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 Agritech sector to create 60-80K new job opportunities in next 5 years 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. 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I Accept 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 Leslie Livesay is deputy director of NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the research center where the largest robotic space missions carried out by the U.S. space agency are designed. During her nearly 40 years of experience at NASA, this mathematician and engineer has seen the potential of space probes grow from timid Martian cars, such as the Pathfinder of 1996, to the Perseverance of 2018, the largest and most sophisticated vehicle in history for exploring the red planet. One of the scientists main objectives in her new position will be to oversee an even more difficult task: to bring samples from Mars back to Earth before its biggest competitor does: China, a country with which the U.S. is also competing for the exploration of the Moon. In this conversation with EL PAIS, during her recent visit to Spain, Livesay reviews what NASAs large unmanned space missions will be like, some of which will be essential for astronauts to be able to reach the Moon and Mars later on. Question. What is the biggest question about the universe? Answer. For me its: are we alone? Is there life somewhere else? Were getting closer and closer to being able to answer that, and our technology is getting better. We just launched the Europa Clipper mission. Its not specifically designed to look for life, but we know that on this moon of Jupiter theres a saltwater ocean beneath the surface thats twice the size of the entire oceans on Earth, and it could support life. So were going there to investigate whether it has the right composition and structure, whether all the things we would need for life to exist are present. Q. Until recently, Europa was not a priority in the search for life. Now it has become one of the leading candidates for hosting it; more so than Mars, for example. A. Yes, thats true. Although we just collected a very interesting sample from Mars and were looking forward to bringing it back with a new mission, the Mars Sample Return. In 2026, were going to launch the Roman space telescope, which will carry a coronagraph that will allow us to observe exoplanets directly, because well be able to block the light coming from their star. Were putting together a lot of pieces of the Solar System puzzle; its a great time for space research. Q. When will the Mars Sample Return take place? A. We expect by the mid- to late-2030s. Q. What other great mission lies ahead for you? A. I would say our involvement in the Habitable Worlds Observatory, our next big astrophysics mission, which were doing with the Ballard Space Flight Center. [It will be the first telescope developed to search for life on planets beyond the solar system.] On the other hand, Earth science is becoming increasingly important. Were seeing the Earth change faster and faster, as evidenced by the tornadoes that hit Florida recently and affected the launch of Clipper. Its time to study the planet better, to make sure that policymakers have all the information they need to make decisions. Q. The United States and its partners, including Europe, are planning to send astronauts to the Moon after 50 years. One of the goals is to study the Moons resources, water and other minerals. This is also being pursued by China and India. Do you think there is a risk that the Moon will become a lawless land for space exploration? A. We are partners with India. Since the time of the Apollo missions, we have used robotic missions. There are a lot of things we can do with other countries on the Moon. And the Moon is certainly our intermediate station to reach Mars, which is much more difficult. Q. What types of robots will we see on future missions to the Moon, Mars, and other destinations? A. We need a robot capable of drilling through the ice and reaching the ocean of Europa, for example. We are developing it. On Mars, our capacity has increased enormously: compare the first vehicle that arrived in 1997 with Mars 2020. Its amazing. The capacity for analysis is spectacular. The same will happen with the robots that are sent to the Moon and other places, because our objective is for humans to be exposed as little as possible. Weve launched the first helicopter on another planet, Ingenuity. And we have something similar, Dragonfly, which we are going to send to Titan, Saturns moon. Robotic missions have a huge horizon ahead of them; we will be the first to arrive and we will lay the foundations for human exploration. Q. How do you expect to drill through the ice? A. The first thing we need to figure out is how thick the ice sheet is on Europa. Clipper carries radar that will allow us to study it and think about the technologies we could use. We've been studying how to do this for years and we don't really have a clear solution yet. Q. Why did you come to visit Spain? A. This year we renewed the agreement between NASA and Spain, a significant milestone for the future of the Madrid Deep Space Network Station. We are celebrating its 60th anniversary. This station plays a crucial role and supports communications with spacecraft exploring the outer reaches of our Solar System and beyond. Recently, the Madrid station demonstrated its critical importance when its six antennas were used in an advanced array configuration. This allowed us to communicate with the Voyager 1 spacecraft and perform a historic software upgrade. For the first time since launch, we had to reprogram the spacecraft to avoid a faulty memory section. The success of this operation highlights the stations vital role in deep space exploration and its promising future in supporting NASAs most ambitious missions. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Asha Menon 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 In this editing of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: Indian banks gearing for change in new year, how the trading cycle will fare in 2024... 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 Sunil Matkar 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 Russia and Ukraine end five decades of gas transit to Europe Rohit Singh 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 40-year old businessman dies by suicide in Delhi; family alleges harassment by wife, in-laws 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 Priyanjali Ghose 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 J Jagannath 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 Few issues dominated the U.S. political agenda in 2024 as immigration did. In large part, because it was an election year in which the candidate who won the presidency, Donald Trump, made the issue the central axis of his campaign. It is undeniable that the Republican monopolized the political and public debate around the issue, with his insults against the migrant community and his promises to close the border and deport millions of people. But 2024 was also a decisive year for the Democratic Party on immigration. President Joe Biden opted to adopt a tougher stance: he restricted the right to asylum at the border and deported the highest number of migrants in a decade. 2024 was also a year in which it became known that foreign immigration contributed to the largest population growth in the United States in more than 20 years; that undocumented migrants have contributed billions of dollars in taxes to the American economy; and that only the arrival of more of them will allow for the growth of the countrys workforce in the coming years. Yet for all the ways in which migration has been shown to be and will continue to be beneficial to the country, the past 12 months have seen a notable shift to the right in American immigration policy. Here are the keys to how it happened, and how that shift will also influence 2025 under a second Trump administration. Theyre eating the dogs: an electoral campaign based on migration One of the moments that best sums up the 2024 election campaign was when Trump said during the only debate between the two presidential candidates [there was a previous one between the Republican magnate and Joe Biden] that Haitian migrants who have arrived in the Ohio town of Springfield to work in recent years are eating their neighbors pets. Theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame, the Republican said on September 10. Although Trump had already been saying outrageous things about the immigrant community before the debate, in a way that comment summed them all up. The baseless claim emphasized his belief that migrants are criminals who cross into the United States to harm native communities, either by stealing their jobs or as he insisted about Springfield despite his assertions being debunked on multiple occasions by eating their pets. The comment, which went viral on social media, fueled racist hatred toward migrants not only in the Midwestern state, but throughout the country. Donald Trump speaks during the controversial debate in which he mentioned Haitian migrants allegedly eating pets in an Ohio town, in June 2024. Brian Snyder (REUTERS) Trump took advantage of the anti-immigration sentiment brewing among the population including among some immigrants to push through his most radical immigration proposals, including his flagship policy, the mass deportation of 11 million people, and to ensure his return to power. After winning the November 5 election, the Republican consolidated a team of anti-immigration hawks to carry out his agenda on the matter starting January 20, when he takes office as president. Democrats harden their stance With the election just months away, as Trump gained momentum by criticizing the Biden administration for not doing enough to address the migration crisis, the Democratic president was forced to act, announcing in June that he would deny asylum to migrants who applied for it while the border with Mexico was saturated. First, Biden made the right to asylum conditional on the number of apprehensions at the border averaging 2,500 people a day over seven days. Then, he lowered the magic number even further: starting in September, arrests must be below 1,500 a day on average for 28 consecutive days for the suspension of asylum applications to be lifted. With that last change, the president made it virtually impossible for the restrictions to be revoked before Trump returns to the White House. The move has since, unsurprisingly, significantly reduced the number of illegal border crossings, after they reached historic highs during the first three years of the Biden administration. However, the restrictions marked a 180-degree turn in the immigration policies of the president, who as a candidate during the 2020 elections in which he defeated Trump promised to create a roadmap to citizenship for the same irregular migrants that Trump now promises to deport. While it remains to be seen whether Trump will ultimately carry out mass deportations, given the numerous challenges he will face from economic and logistical to legal what is clear is that Biden deported the highest number of migrants in a decade in 2024. In his last year of government alone, the Democrat expelled 271,484 non-citizens from the country, above Trumps record (267,260 in 2019) and the highest number of deportations recorded by a president since Barack Obama in 2014. A Colombian migrant returns to Mexico after being denied entry into the United States by the Texas National Guard, on December 19 in Ciudad Juarez. Jose Luis Gonzalez (REUTERS) The battle over SB4 in Texas: states rebel on immigration Immigration not only dictated policy at the federal level in 2024, but also set the agendas of some states. Tired of the Biden administrations immigration policies and encouraged by Trump, several Republican governors and state legislatures attempted to enact their own laws to directly address the migration crisis. One such example is the controversial anti-immigrant law that Texas tried to push through in March, which led to a long legal battle between the state and the federal government that has yet to be resolved. Under the so-called SB4 law, which Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed in December last year and was set to go into effect on March 5, state law enforcement agencies could request anyones papers in order to detain and deport them to Mexico. The law is not in force because a few days before it was set to take effect, a federal judge blocked it, triggering a lengthy process of legal challenges that continues to this day. The law was briefly activated on March 19, but was halted hours later until further notice. But even though it remains blocked pending the outcome of a legal challenge, the law has served to inspire other similar legislation in different states. Since SB4 was stopped, at least six states have passed their own versions of the law: Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Arizona. Like SB4, these laws create new offenses that punish the act of crossing into a state without legal status and either authorize local authorities to detain and deport those who commit this crime, or require them to cooperate with federal authorities in doing so. So far, all of these laws remain blocked. But if the Texas law were to go into effect, it would pave the way for the others. At least two of these laws Louisianas and Arizonas included a provision stating that the rules should only go into effect when the Texas law does. At the moment, only the federal government can deport people, something that the Texas law would change by opening the door for this power to be left to the states as well. The future of these laws will be decided during the next Trump administration. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition 'Did PV Narasimha Rao visit': Biren Singh responds to Congress' jibe 'why PM can't visit Manipur Priyanjali Ghose 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 Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan says he stands by his statement on Sanatana Dharma 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. 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I Accept Saira Banu remembers mother on her birth anniversary, says, "to the woman who shaped my world..." Palak Vij 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 Sheikh Hasinas stay here should be only on Indias terms SNM Abdi is an independent journalist specialising in Indias foreign policy and domestic politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. 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 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 'Going down': Russian helicopter pilot after hit by Ukraine drone; video surfaces online Priyanjali Ghose 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 KYODO NEWS - Jan 1, 2025 - 12:50 | All, Japan, World Nippon Steel Corp. has promised it will not cut output capacity at United States Steel Corp.'s mills for 10 years, in its latest proposal to the administration of President Joe Biden aimed at winning approval to acquire the struggling producer, a media report said Tuesday. The Washington Post said the Japanese steelmaker sent its proposal to the White House on Monday after a panel of U.S. federal agencies failed to reach consensus on whether to approve the $14.1 billion sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, leaving the final decision to Biden. The two steelmakers said last week they were informed by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States that it could not come to an agreement on the deal. The panel, also known as CFIUS, is chaired by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. It is responsible for examining whether foreign investment transactions involving U.S. companies threaten national security. Biden, who leaves office on Jan. 20, and President-elect Donald Trump have both publicly opposed the deal announced by Japan's biggest steelmaker and the smaller U.S. producer in December last year. The Washington Post said Nippon Steel's proposal guarantees not to reduce production capacity at U.S. Steel's mills in Pennsylvania, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Indiana and Texas without CFIUS approval. Biden, who needs to make a final decision by early next week under CFIUS rules, could give conditional approval for the takeover if Nippon Steel agrees to comply with additional obligations, including the preservation of American jobs, the newspaper said, citing an unnamed U.S. official. While U.S. government deliberations continue, the report also noted that Biden administration officials for the first time are considering a scenario that would leave a final decision to the incoming Trump administration. During the 2024 presidential election campaign, Biden and Trump reiterated that U.S. Steel should remain in domestic hands, keeping in step with the leadership of the powerful United Steelworkers union. U.S. Steel, once an iconic American company, is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which was a key battleground state in the Nov. 5 presidential election. Related coverage: Nippon Steel says to delay deadline to buy U.S. Steel to March 2025 Biden to decide on sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel within 15 days Nippon Steel pledges $5,000 worker bonus after U.S. Steel acquisition KYODO NEWS - Jan 1, 2025 - 18:24 | All, Japan Japan on Wednesday marked one year since a powerful earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in central Japan, leaving at least 500 dead, including those who succumbed to health issues afterward, as efforts toward full recovery continue in the hardest-hit areas. Some 21,000 residents in Ishikawa Prefecture, which faces the Sea of Japan, remain evacuated or in temporary housing as of late December, with infrastructure restoration and the demolition of collapsed homes still incomplete. The Ishikawa prefectural government held a ceremony in Wajima, one of the areas hardest hit by the earthquake, to offer condolences to the victims and pledge efforts toward reconstruction. "There are many challenges left. To accomplish restoration and reconstruction efforts as soon as possible is the way to comfort the souls of the victims," Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said at the event. He expressed his intention to revise laws concerning disaster relief and countermeasures in a bid to strengthen social welfare and promote government-private cooperation in devastated regions. Those in attendance observed a moment of silence for the victims at 4:10 p.m., the same time the magnitude-7.6 quake occurred on New Year's Day last year. The region was also hit by torrential rains in September, hindering post-quake recovery efforts and increasing the number of evacuees. "We are determined to create a future for a new Noto. We will devote all our efforts to pave the way for reconstruction," Ishikawa Gov. Hiroshi Hase said at the ceremony. Residents gathered to watch the year's first sunrise early Wednesday on the coast near Mitsuke Island, a scenic, uninhabited rock island in Suzu that suffered a major landslide during the earthquake. "It was a tough year, but it cheers me up to see the sun even a little bit," 74-year-old Sumiko Ikezaki, who lives in temporary housing, said as she put her hands together. "I hope that this year is a good one, I hope that there will be no earthquakes." Meanwhile, a temporary altar was constructed at a shrine in Wajima that had been damaged by the disaster. Kenzo Yamaji, 40, who works for a nonprofit corporation in the city that supports foreigners, visited the shrine and said, "I think we have seen some change toward reconstruction. I would like to continue supporting it." Of the 504 fatalities reported as of Friday, 228 people in Ishikawa Prefecture died in the earthquake. The remaining 276 fatalities across Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama prefectures are believed to have resulted from deteriorating health conditions, in some cases linked to the stress of evacuation. Some fatalities were also attributed to limited access to electricity and water, as well as disruptions to services at medical institutions, according to local authorities. The death toll is expected to rise further, with around 200 cases awaiting review for recognition as quake-related deaths, according to relevant municipalities. The quake caused more than 150,000 houses to fully or partially collapse across Ishikawa, Niigata, Toyama and Fukui prefectures. All temporary housing for those affected was completed on Dec. 23 in Ishikawa Prefecture, but this was four months behind the initial schedule due to increased demand and delays caused by the September rains, the local government said. The Ishikawa prefectural government has established 6,882 makeshift homes across 10 municipalities, housing 12,092 people. Of these, 64 percent reside in the cities of Wajima and Suzu. The local economy of the region, known as a popular tourist destination for fresh seafood, hot spring spas and traditional artworks, including lacquerware, has also suffered. A historical marketplace in Wajima was devastated by a fire that destroyed around 240 buildings. A total of 88 hotels and Japanese-style inns, or ryokan, in Ishikawa, were partially or fully collapsed, while 100 sightseeing facilities were damaged in Ishikawa, Toyama and Niigata prefectures, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Related coverage: Post-quake deaths to rise in central Japan as 200 cases await review Recordings show crew in Haneda collision thought OK to enter runway Over 60% of quake-affected Noto residents see little recovery: survey Tourists sit on a restaurant terrace as they shelter from the cold with gas heaters, which will be banned due to CO2 emissions from the first day of the new year, in Reial Square of Barcelona, Spain on Dec. 29, 2024. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close KYODO NEWS - Jan 1, 2025 - 22:00 | All, World, Japan The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News. ---------- Japan marks 1 year since powerful Noto quake, rebuilding remains slow KANAZAWA, Japan - Japan on Wednesday marked one year since a powerful earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in central Japan, leaving at least 500 dead, including those who succumbed to health issues afterward, as efforts toward full recovery continue in the hardest-hit areas. Some 21,000 residents in Ishikawa Prefecture, which faces the Sea of Japan, remain evacuated or in temporary housing as of late December, with infrastructure restoration and the demolition of collapsed homes still incomplete. ---------- Creating grand coalition with opposition an "option": Japan PM TOKYO - Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on a radio program aired Wednesday that he believes creating a grand coalition with some of the opposition parties is a viable "option." Ishiba, who heads the Liberal Democratic Party, suffered a setback in Japan's general election in October, when the ruling coalition lost its majority in the House of Representatives. ---------- Japan emperor calls for unity in 2025 in face of ongoing challenges TOKYO - Japanese Emperor Naruhito expressed his hope that people will work together to overcome challenges such as natural disasters and rising living costs in his New Year address released Wednesday. Voicing concern for those impacted by a massive earthquake on the Noto Peninsula, central Japan, on New Year's Day of 2024, as well as typhoons and heavy rains in the past year, the emperor also said he was "heartened" to have seen people helping those in need. ---------- Tennis: Osaka beats Austria's Grabher to reach last 8 in Auckland TOKYO - Naomi Osaka made a winning start to the year Wednesday by beating Austria's Julia Grabher 7-5, 6-3 and advancing to the quarterfinals of the ASB Classic tennis tournament in Auckland. Japan's four-time Grand Slam title winner had to wait out a lengthy rain delay before sealing the victory in 85 minutes. She served five aces and saved both break points she faced against her world No. 470 opponent. ---------- Baseball: Ohtani primed for back-to-back World Series bid LOS ANGELES - Following a year of firsts, including his maiden World Series title with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani has made back-to-back championships his biggest goal for 2025. "One team wins the World Series every year, but only a limited number of teams have done it back-to-back, so it's very hard to achieve," the three-time major league MVP said in a recent online interview. "That's what I want to do most." ---------- Japan PM Ishiba vows effort with opposition to pass key bills in 2025 TOKYO - Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday pledged in his New Year's address Wednesday to tackle pressing security, economic and demographic issues through his minority government, working with opposition parties "sincerely and humbly" to ensure better lives for the public. Ishiba, who took office in October, said a top priority will be protecting national interests amid the "severe and complex" international security environment, citing Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine and North Korea's repeated missile launches. ---------- Nippon Steel promises no cuts to U.S. Steel's output for 10 years WASHINGTON - Nippon Steel Corp. has promised it will not cut output capacity at United States Steel Corp.'s mills for 10 years, in its latest proposal to the administration of President Joe Biden aimed at winning approval to acquire the struggling producer, a media report said Tuesday. The Washington Post said the Japanese steelmaker sent its proposal to the White House on Monday after a panel of U.S. federal agencies failed to reach consensus on whether to approve the $14.1 billion sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, leaving the final decision to Biden. Video: Men dressed in deity called Namahage visit residential houses during annual event in Akita Prefecture Happy 2025!!! Hope yours is off to a good start. * * * Why Do We All Watch a Ball Drop to Celebrate the New Year? Vice People Are Sharing Subtly Weird Parts Of Life In America, And Even As Someone From The US, Im Thinking Twice About Some Of These BuzzFeed (Kevin W) Ants Perform Better As a Group Than Humans When Trying to Solve the Piano Movers Puzzle Laughing Squid A practical, biomimetic, one-pot synthesis of firefly luciferin Nature (Micael T) Missing dog returns home, rings doorbell BoingBoing #COVID-19/Pandemics Nearly 1M chickens test positive for bird flu at Darke County egg producer Dayton Daily News Climate/Environment China? Will Chinas Massive Dam Project Spark A Water War With India? India Today Chuck L courteously sent the link for the article discussed below: A New Type of Political Party System That Has Grown Out of Chinese Soil Qiushi: Many people dismiss China as a one-party state but the reality is actually much more nuanced than this. As I've often argued you cannot possibly understand something let alone criticize it if you don't also understand it from the standpoint of those who defend it. Meaning, Arnaud Bertrand (@RnaudBertrand) December 31, 2024 Rupiah Intervention Shows EMs Strong-Dollar Headache Bloomberg Koreas South Korea poised to crash and burn in 2025 Asia Times (Kevin W) Africa From Sudan to the Sahel, War Spreads in Africa in 2024 Foreign Policy European Disunion Old Blighty Israel v. The Resistance Syraqistan New Not-So-Cold War Big Brother is Watching You Watch Gift Card Fraud Bruce Schneier Imperial Collapse Watch Middle Powers Revisited: Good Citizens of the World Majority Russia in Global Affairs (Micael T). From a couple of months ago. Still germane. Whod want to survive a nuclear war? Spectator GOP Clown Car At least 10 killed, dozens injured as truck crashes into New Orleans crowd Aljazeera Chief Justice Roberts condemns elected officials for intimidating judges The Hill (Kevin W) Breaking: The lawsuit v Pfizer by TX Attorney General, Ken Paxton is dismissed Sasha Latypova Immigration Our No Longer Free Press Russia Slams EU for Blocking State Media on Telegram, Vows Retaliation News Central U.S. Natural Gas Futures Soar Ahead of Historic Cold Front OilPrice (Kevin W) The Depletion Paradox Natural Resource Market Insights. We reported many years ago, based on expert views then, that shale gas production would peak in the mid-later 2020s, and decline gradually for a few years, then suddenly. It looks like the peak arrived early. Office CMBS Delinquency Rate Spikes to a Record 11%, Blowing by the Financial Crisis Peak Wolf Richter (Li) Class Warfare Antidote du jour. Tracie H: Female Mallard duck. She doesnt want to get her eyes wet if she doesnt have to. And a bonus (Chuck L): Someone brought an RC car to the dog park.. pic.twitter.com/SDprEFPFty Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) December 31, 2024 See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Yves here. Rajiv Sethi reviews and raises questions about a recent survey of political views and self-censorship among teaching faculty at 55 universities. Not surprisingly, quite a few report believing they have to keep some views, notably on Israel and Palestine, to themselves. Many of you are in academia or have close connections there. Please describe your experiences in comments. By Rajiv Sethi, Professor of Economics, Barnard College, Columbia University &; External Professor, Santa Fe Institute. Originally published at his site The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) has released the results of a national survey of university faculty that deals with freedom of expression on campus. Theres plenty of interesting material in the report, but it needs to be interpreted with some care. The organization contacted all active faculty in undergraduate-facing departments at 55 colleges and universities. Most elite private institutions and many flagship state universities were included, and the list of invited participants numbered 112,510. A total of 6269 people completed the survey, for a response rate of about 5.6 percent. This rate is within the typical range for surveys of this kind, but immediately raises the question of representativeness. Those who took the time and trouble to submit responses were a self-selected group who probably differ along multiple dimensions from those who chose not to participate. I suspect that the respondents were disproportionately likely to have a generally favorable (or at least neutral) view of the organization, and to have witnessed or experienced things that they felt an urge to communicate. This ought to be kept in mind as one interprets the report. For instance, suppose that faculty in the ideological minority on a campus are more likely to self-censor in the course of their professional lives, and also more inclined to submit responses to such surveys. This will have two effectsthe pool of respondents will be more ideologically balanced than the campus faculty as a whole, and the reported degree of self-censorship will be greater than its actual incidence. And one can imagine many other ways in which self-selection into the pool of respondents can lead reports to diverge from underlying realities. This doesnt mean that the survey is uninformative; on the contrary, I think its value is immense. But the value lies in the exposure of general qualitative regularities rather than specific quantitative claims. With that preamble out of the way, lets take a look at the findings. The degree of self-censorship in the professional lives of responding faculty is substantial, affecting areas of research for one-fifth of them, classroom discussion for two-fifths, and online activity for a majority: In addition, about a quarter of respondents engage in self-censorship in conversations with administrators, colleagues, and students, prompted by fear of social, professional, legal, or violent consequences. According to the report, these self-censorship dynamics are more prevalent and salient to conservative faculty, but also more pronounced for faculty who have weaker job protections. There are many issues about which faculty feel unable or unwilling to speak openly and honestly, but on almost every campus the one that tops the list is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This was mentioned by 70 percent of respondents overall, and by more than 80 percent of those at Columbia, Harvard, Indiana University, Oklahoma State, Rutgers, Stanford, Syracuse, the University of Oregon, and Yale. The survey asked participants where their sympathies lay in this conflict, and got the following distribution of responses: Source: Silence in the Classroom: The 2024 FIRE Faculty Survey Report This suggests to me that that faculty with a wide range of views are holding their tongues. Next, consider self-reported party affiliation. About 61 percent of respondents identify with or lean Democrat, 12 percent identify with or lean Republican, 13 percent are independent, and the rest are allied with smaller parties, no parties at all, or choose not to disclose any affiliation: Source: Silence in the Classroom: The 2024 FIRE Faculty Survey Report The distribution of self-reported political ideology is similar: about 59 percent are on the left, 17 percent on the right, 17 percent are moderates, and the remainder either do not disclose any ideological commitment or do not place themselves on this spectrum. Finally, consider attitudes towards diversity statements for hiring or promotion. These are considered never or rarely justified by about half of respondents: As in the case of self-censorship, there are significant differences in responses by faculty ideologyconservative faculty are overwhelmingly opposed to such requirements, moderates are somewhat less strongly opposed, and liberals are quite evenly divided. What should one infer about the faculty at large based on results in the report? This question cant be answered without making some judgments about the kinds of characteristics that affect response rates. My own view is that in the population invited to participate, conservative faculty are present in fewer numbers, self-censorship is less frequent, and diversity statements are less strongly opposed than a literal reading of the report would suggest. But I dont think these distortions are large, and the general qualitative picture emerging from the survey is reasonably accurate. Ill make two other points in closing. A couple of years ago, Lara Bazelon published an article in which she argued that the ACLU, once a bastion of free speech and high-minded ideals has become in many respects a caricature of its former self. It seems to me that FIRE now occupies the space that the ACLU has vacated. But it is not the only organization taking a principled stand on behalf of free expressionan amicus brief by PEN America in support of University of Washington computer scientist Stuart Reges is worth reading. Free speech and academic freedom are currently topics of animated debate on campuses across the country, and things are in a state of flux. Many institutions have taken steps towards institutional neutrality and the adoption of the Chicago principleson freedom of expression. But the embrace of abstract principles such as these will do little to restore a climate of free expression unless the thorny problem of self-censorship is squarely addressed. The FIRE faculty surveyproblems with self-selection notwithstandinggives us a sense of the nature and scale of the problem, and is therefore an essential starting point. There has been a surge of new subscribers to this newsletter over the past few days, which I think is due to a mention on the DealBook holiday reading list. Im grateful to Sarah Kessler and the rest of the team for that recommendation, and hope that the new arrivals find something of value here. And this will be my last post of 2024, so I wish all readers a very Happy New Year. ___________ One way to address the question of representativeness empirically is to examine the demographics of survey respondents alongside those of academic faculty as a whole. About 64 percent of respondents to the survey were male, and about 76 percent were white. These numbers can be compared with the faculty composition at the relevant institutions using a searchable list published by the Chronicle of Higher Education. The largest number of responses to the survey came from the University of Michigan, which has a faculty that is about 57 percent male and 53 percent white. Most other participating institutions have similar demographics, suggesting that respondents were more likely to be white and male than the population that was invited to participate. This doesnt necessarily imply that race or gender affected response rates conditional on other characteristics such as age or seniority, but does mean that self-selection mattersrespondents were not evenly drawn from different segments of the surveyed population. I attended the organizations annual faculty network conference this year, discussed the experience with Glenn Loury on his podcast, and participated (with Diana Mutz, Eugene Volokh, and John Hasnas) in a webinar on campus speech that was hosted by FIREs Director of Faculty Outreach, Komi Frey. Reges responded to a suggestion by university administrators that he include a land acknowledgement on his syllabus by posting one that clearly mocked the very idea of such acknowledgements, and was disciplined for it. He sued, and a federal district court sided with the university. The PEN America brief was submitted to the Ninth Circuit where an appeal is pending. Seoul, Dec 31 : South Korea has confirmed its 19th case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) at an egg farm in the country's central region of North Chungcheong Province, authorities said on Tuesday. The latest case was detected at a layer hen farm in Eumseong county, about 90 kilometers southeast of Seoul, the authorities said. The owner of the farm made the initial report on an increase in deaths among the livestock, reports Yonhap news agency. This raises the number of such AI cases to 19 for the winter season this year. Authorities have contained the area and decided to cull some 44,000 chickens raised at the farm. They also plan to carry out inspections at eight other farms owned by the same agricultural company, and some 55 other poultry farms within the affected farm's quarantine zone. Meanwhile, California's battle against avian influenza A (H5N1) intensified amid spreading infections across dairy farms and a growing number of human infection, including two newly confirmed cases in Stanislaus and Los Angeles counties. The virus, commonly known as bird flu, has infected 659 of California's 984 dairy operations since August, with one-quarter of these cases emerging in the past month alone, according to California authorities. The rapid spread through the state's dairy industry prompted Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency last week to protect agricultural workers and public health, Xinhua news agency reported. "This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak," Newsom said in a statement. The outbreak's human impact has grown increasingly severe, with California reporting at least 36 confirmed cases -- more than half of the nation's total of 65, according to the latest report by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), though the actual count is likely higher as recent local confirmations may not yet be reflected in federal data. KYODO NEWS - Jan 1, 2025 - 21:38 | All, Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on a radio program aired Wednesday that he believes creating a grand coalition with some of the opposition parties is a viable "option," with his coalition partner also saying it is a possibility. Ishiba, who heads the Liberal Democratic Party, suffered a setback in Japan's general election in October, when the ruling coalition lost its majority in the House of Representatives. "That would be an option," Ishiba said in the program recorded on Dec. 24. But he also said, "We must be careful that if we don't have a purpose, a single misstep could result in creating something like the Imperial Rule Assistance Association," referring to an organization that aimed at removing sectionalism and factionalism from politics during World War II. Ishiba then mentioned his relationship with two opposition leaders -- Yoshihiko Noda, head of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, and Seiji Maehara, who serves as co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party. "We aim for centrist politics and have something in common. We are longtime friends. I can trust them and have never been betrayed by them," Ishiba said. The head of the LDP's junior coalition partner separately referred to a possible grand coalition. "I would like to play a central role in building consensus within the ruling coalition, and I hope it will ultimately lead to a grand coalition," Tetsuo Saito, who leads the Komeito party, said in a different radio program aired Wednesday. Ishiba's most recent comment, however, is in marked contrast to something he said on a television program aired Sunday. At that time, the prime minister said he would "not operate (the government) with a coalition (with opposition parties) in mind," underscoring that he would seek support from other parties, depending on issues. Related coverage: Japan PM Ishiba vows effort with opposition to pass key bills in 2025 FOCUS: Japan PM faces makeover challenge as low support bodes ill for polls Varanasi, Dec 31 : A group of 20 resilient women, dubbed as the 'Green Army', hailing from Uttar Pradesh's Deora village near Varanasi, are on a mission to eradicate social evils from the society. They have been running a highly successful campaign against alcohol abuse, child marriage and dowry in the village and also getting admiration for their social work. The 'Green Army' recently received an inspiring letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which they say has fueled their determination to keep pushing forward. Nirmala Devi, a key member of the Green Army, sharing her heartwarming journey told IANS, "We are a team of 20 women, working relentlessly for over 10 years to eradicate social evils like drugs and any form of addiction in our village. We are committed to making our village 'Nasha Mukht' (free from intoxication). Our efforts have resulted in sending several offenders to prison, and we are proud of our achievements." Nirmala further said that the Green Armys mission isnt just limited to combating substance abuse. "We are also working on issues like child marriage and dowry, which have plagued our society for generations. We are here to bring change, and the letter from PM Modi has inspired all of us to continue our fight." Prem Kumari, another member of the group, shared the transformative impact of their work. "When I first joined the Green Army, I wasnt even allowed to step outside my house. Now, I feel free, empowered, and more determined to fight for my community. Although we face challenges, especially when trying to convince those who resist change, we know that with the administration's help and our growing support, we will overcome them," she said. Manju, another Green Army member, echoed similar sentiments: "We have faced many obstacles in our journey, but our resolve has only grown stronger. Our fight against 'Nasha' and child marriage continues, and PM Modis support has been crucial in boosting our morale." The Green Armys success is not just in their activism but in their unity and empowerment. Ravi Mishra, President of HOPE Welfare Trust, explained the origins of the Green Army, stating, "We saw the struggles of women in rural areas and decided to take action. We established the Green Army to empower women and eliminate social evils such as superstition and intoxication. These women have undergone two months of training, and their work is making a real difference." The Green Armys journey began with a unique initiative: a shoe-making factory in Deora. The first slippers produced were not sold but instead sent as a symbol of their determination to the Prime Minister. In a heartwarming turn of events, the Prime Minister acknowledged their efforts by sending a letter of appreciation. As Nirmala Devi shared the letter with the media, her joy was palpable. "It felt as though PM Modi was here with us, standing alongside us. We are overwhelmed by his support," she said, her eyes shining with pride. The story of the Green Army and their wide array of social work was also showcased in a video, shared by the Modi Archive. Mumbai, December 31 : Actor Karan Deol treated his fans with a glimpse of his 2024 journey. On Tuesday, Karan dropped a video featuring his father Sunny Deol and brother Rajveer Deol. The video also had Karan's wife Drisha Deol and his uncle and cousin Bobby Deol and Aryaman. Along with the post, Karan wrote a long note, "2024 has been a year of growth, family, and new beginnings. Grateful for the precious time spent with loved ones, shooting #Lahore1947, and the journeys that helped me recharge." He expressed his excitement for his upcoming film 'Lahore 1947'. "As we step into 2025, I'm excited to share my next chapter with you all--release of my film and diving into new projects. Here's to more adventures, stories, and memories ahead!" he concluded. https://www.instagram.com/p/DEPRSfaJ66O/ The upcoming period-drama film 'Lahore 1947' is rising excitement, featuring Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta in lead roles. Sunny Deol, Rajkumar Santoshi, and Aamir Khan, collaborating for the first time for this project. As per the latest information from the film's production team, "The shooting for Lahore 1947 has concluded after an intensive 70-days schedule. The schedule has been completed without taking any breaks. It's been a fantastic experience to see stalwart actors bring a magical quality to the film. Once the edit will be locked, there will be a few days of patch work... but largely the film has finished shooting. Raj ji has been very excited with what they have been able to capture. There have been several crowd sequences that have been shot". In a recent update, the makers unveiled that the film's grand finale included a breathtaking train sequence, which is touted to be one of the most ambitious and elaborate scenes ever attempted in a film about the Partition era. It is expected to set new standards for visual storytelling, capturing the chaotic and emotionally charged atmosphere of the time with unparalleled detail and intensity. For 'Lahore 1947', Aamir Khan will be stepping into the role of producer, bringing his vision and expertise to the project through Aamir Khan Productions. The film will be directed by the renowned Rajkumar Santoshi, known for his exceptional storytelling. Leading the cast will be Sunny Deol and Preity G Zinta, who will play pivotal roles in this highly anticipated film. The film was officially announced last October, garnering attention for its star-studded cast and promising storyline. Shabana Azmi and Ali Fazal have also joined the cast of 'Lahore 1947' in a pivotal role. Itanagar, Dec 31 : Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday announced that a university-level institute would be established in the state in collaboration with the US-based International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS) for promotion, documentation, research and education on indigenous culture, faith and languages of the state. The ICCS already has a centre in Arunachal Pradesh called RIWATCH at Roing in Lower Dibang Valley to document, preserve, promote and do research on Idu Mishmi culture and language. Khandu had an exclusive meeting with ICCS Founder Prof Yashwant Pathak here on the sidelines of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP). After dedicating a Donyi Polo Nyedar Namlo to the people here at Pachin Colony on the occasion of Donyi Polo Day, the Chief Minister said that the idea stemmed during his discussion with Prof Pathak to further boost the indigenous culture movement and put the significance of preserving indigenous culture and faith of the state on a global platform. "Let there be research and documentation of our indigenous faiths and culture at the highest level. Let us produce scholars on indigenous culture and languages. Let our indigenous priests adorn the professors gown and teach young minds about the age-old chants," he said. While admitting that the proposal is in its nascent form and much work lies ahead, Khandu expressed optimism that with cooperation from ICCS, it would be realised in the coming years. "If it comes up, it would be a huge boost to our movement to preserve our indigenous culture, faith and languages and thus preserve our identity. When a research centre of much smaller scale- RIWATCH can do wonders, think what a university can do, he added. Extending greetings to the people of the Donyi Polo faith, Khandu urged them to practice what they preach. He said that only speaking about Donyi Polo and its significance wont bear fruits but actually practicing Donyi Polo faith in everyday life would. He underscored the role that the IFCSAP can play in the preservation of indigenous culture of the state and suggested that under its leadership brainstorming sessions be held with all stakeholders to find out the basic reasons for the erosion of indigenous culture and faiths in the state. "Unless we realise and pinpoint the causes of cultural erosion, we will not be successful in preserving our culture and faith in the long run. IFCSAP should take the responsibility to find out the causes, he observed. When drawn attention to the fact that earlier December 31 (Donyi Polo Day) used to be a holiday but not now, Khandu assured that there is no ill-intention of the government in doing so. In fact, he informed December 31 was earlier celebrated as IFCSAP Day, which was declared a holiday by the state government. "However, as the IFCSAP Day was fixed on December 1 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Late TalomRukbo, considered the father of the indigenous faith movement in the state, the holiday too got shifted. I assure you all that from December 31, 2025, the Donyi Polo Day will be a declared local holiday in the areas inhabited by Donyi Polo believers, Khandu added. Chennai, Jan 1 : The 20 Indian fishermen, who were released from jails in Sri Lanka, reached Chennai by flight, said officials here on Wednesday. The fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy a year ago. They are residents of the Tamil Nadu districts of Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, and Tuticorin, and were in Sri Lankan judicial custody. After negotiations between the Indian and Sri Lankan governments, the latter released the 20 fishermen. They were handed over to Indian embassy officials, who provided them with temporary citizenship certificates. The fishermen were then flown from Colombo to Chennai airport. Upon arrival at Chennai airport, the fishermen underwent citizenship verification, customs checks, and other formalities before being released. They were then greeted by fisheries department officials, who arranged for them to be taken to their hometowns in separate vehicles. It may be recalled that fishermen associations across Tamil Nadu have been organising large-scale protests in coastal districts following the regular arrests of fishermen from the state. They have written to the Prime Minister, urging him to intervene and end the mid-sea arrests and seizures of mechanised boats, which form the backbone of the livelihoods of the fishermen. Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had recently discussed this issue with visiting Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake, highlighting the frequent arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the country's Navy. PMK President and former Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss also called for strong intervention by the Centre to prevent further arrests of Indian fishermen. It may be noted that 504 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu are in the custody of Sri Lankan authorities. Around 48 mechanised fishing boats are also in the custody of the Sri Lankan authorities. A. Thajudhin, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, emphasized the growing hardships faced by fishermen and their families. The livelihood of our fishermen is under threat. Thousands of families who rely on fishing and related activities are facing severe hardship. A sense of fear has already gripped fishermen and their families about venturing out to sea, he said. Thajudhin also raised concerns about the Sri Lankan governments decision to nationalize seized mechanised fishing boats. This action will devastate the industry, as many fishermen have taken loans to purchase these expensive boats, expecting to repay them through their earnings, he explained. Fishermens associations across Tamil Nadu are organising large-scale protests across coastal districts. New Delhi, Jan 1 : President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their New Year greetings on Wednesday to the nation, hoping that 2025 brings new opportunities, success, and joy to all. President Murmu urged people to renew their commitment to work together to create a brighter, more inclusive, sustainable future for India and the world. She wrote on X, "Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! May the year 2025 bring joy, harmony and prosperity to all! On this occasion, let us renew our commitment to work together for creating a brighter, more inclusive and sustainable future for India and the world." Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said this year marks the nation's entry into the final quarter of our Constitution's centenary and is the time to rededicate ourselves towards realizing the vision of our Constitution makers. "Warm greetings to all citizens as we enter 2025 a momentous juncture in our republic's journey. This year marks our entry into the final quarter of our Constitution's centenary. Time for us to rededicate ourselves towards realizing the vision of our #Constitution makers while advancing towards #ViksitBharat at 2047. Let us move forward with determination, nurturing democratic values with resolve to keep nation first. Wishing all a happy and purposeful," he wrote on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his New Year greetings, hoping that 2025 brings new opportunities and success to all. Taking to X, he wished that all be blessed with good health and prosperity. May this year bring everyone new opportunities, success and endless joy. May everybody be blessed with wonderful health and prosperity," the PM wrote on his X handle. The nation welcomed the year 2025 with various celebrations. Some prayed to enter the New Year offerings at temples and other religious places and many took to the streets to celebrate with friends and acquaintances. Several leaders took to social media to greet the people on the occasion Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Chief Mayawati in her greetings wished for a happy, peaceful and prosperous life for all. She wrote on X (in Hindi): "Hearty congratulations to all Indians living in the country and across the world and their families for the New Year 2025 and many best wishes for a happy, peaceful, prosperous and prosperous life. May the struggle of all hardworking people be successful and make their lives happy and prosperous, I wish the nature (almighty) for the same." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on X, "Happy New Year to everyone! May this year be filled with happiness, prosperity and good health." Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari wrote on X, "Wishing a joyful and prosperous 2025! May this year bring abundant joy and good health to all." Sydney, Jan 1 : Of all the rich and powerful people cosying up to US President-elect Donald Trump, few have rushed to Mar-a-Lago faster than the crowned heads of big tech, including California's own chiefs of Google and Meta, local media reported. "And few have a stronger motive to curry Trump's favour than Silicon Valley: the fate of the H-1B visa program that permits foreign-born computer scientists, engineers and other highly skilled workers to migrate to the United States hangs in the balance," noted the report on Tuesday. Support for retaining H-1B from Elon Musk, the incoming president's new closest associate, has stirred rage through much of Trump's MAGA base, which is against immigration in almost any form. But keeping the pipeline open for tech and other skilled workers is seen by many business leaders as critical for the American economy, especially in California, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting the Los Angeles Times. The state is by far the biggest user of the H-1B. In fiscal 2024, more than 9,600 employers in California sought clearance for at least one H-1B worker, and 78,860 visa applications for new and continuing employment were approved, according to data from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). "They include all kinds of skilled work in various industries, including nurses and science teachers. But the top 10 beneficiaries of H-1B visas in California -- accounting for almost one-third of all the approvals -- were dominated by tech giants, most of them in the Bay Area," it added. Earlier, Trump declared that he is a "believer in H-1B" visas, quashing the opposition to the programme for qualified professionals to work in the US that pitted the right-wing fringe against his advisers Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. "It's a great program," he told the New York Post in a phone interview on Saturday. He said, "I've always liked the visas; I have always been in favour of the visas. That's why we have them." "I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I've been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times," he told the newspaper that is a part of the Rupert Murdoch-controlled News Corp. Trump has supported reforming the immigration system to make it merit-based, adopting a points system like Canada's or Australia's that gives weight to academic and employable qualifications. New Delhi, Jan 1 : India's tobacco exports have surged by as much as 87 per cent during the past five years to touch a record Rs 12,005.89 crore ($1.45 billion) in 2023-24 as against Rs 6,408.15 crore in 2019-20, leading to the more than doubling of farmers' income, said Commerce and Industry Ministry on Wednesday. During this period, the export volumes have increased from 218.84 million kg to 315.51 million kg, the statement said. "As the Tobacco Board celebrates its formation day, it proudly highlights that Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco farmers' earnings have more than doubled between 2019-20 and 2023-24 from Rs 124.00 per kg in 2019-20 to Rs 279.54 in 2023-24," the statement said. The surge in international demand for Indian FCV tobacco this year has played a pivotal role in achieving these unprecedented figures. Not only has this benefited the farmers, but it has also significantly contributed to the national exchequer by generating foreign exchange through exports. India is the second largest producer of tobacco in the world after China. India is the fourth largest producer of FCV tobacco in the world after China, Brazil and Zimbabwe. India is the second largest exporter of unmanufactured tobacco (quantity terms) after Brazil. "The 2023-24 crop season has turned out to be a remarkable year for FCV tobacco farmers across Andhra Pradesh. Despite facing natural calamities, our farmers' determination and resilience resulted in a record-high production of 215.35 million kg kilograms of tobacco. This is an outstanding achievement, further complemented by a record-high price realisation of Rs 288.65 per kilogram," the statement said. The Tobacco Board has undertaken several strategic activities to ensure the sustainability and growth of the tobacco industry. These include crop planning and regulation of production to meet both domestic and export demands. The efficient and transparent electronic auction system being implemented by the Tobacco Board for the sale of tobacco produced by the farmers helped in achieving the Government's vision of doubling farmers' income in the FCV tobacco sector, the statement said. The Board supports farmers by providing handholding assistance to produce tobacco of requisite quality to meet the standards of importing countries. The Tobacco Board was established on January 1, 1976, by an Act of Parliament 'Tobacco Board Act, 1975 (Act 4 of 1975)'. The Board's primary role is to ensure the smooth functioning of the farming system, fair and remunerative prices for tobacco farmers and the promotion of exports. Financial assistance is extended to farmers through banks, along with the necessary inputs for the production of quality tobacco. The Board also engages in extension and developmental activities to promote sustainable tobacco cultivation practices. To ensure better price discovery and secure remunerative prices for farmers, the Tobacco Board has implemented an IT-enabled electronic auctioning system for FCV tobacco. Additionally, export promotion activities are carried out to sustain and improve India's tobacco exports. Welfare measures are extended to tobacco farmers, providing financial relief in the form of grants and loans during times of need, the statement added. New Delhi/Mumbai/New York, Jan 1 : Pakistani-Canadian Tahawwur Rana could soon be extradited to India for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that killed around 175 people, sources in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Mumbai Police's crime branch confirmed on Wednesday. The extradition process had intensified after a federal appeals court in the US had quashed Rana's appeal in August, last year. The California-based Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals had upheld a lower federal court verdict permitting his extradition and ruled that the 1997 extradition treaty between India and the US covered his alleged offences. A three-panel appeals court bench had heard the habeas corpus petition against the Central California District Court judgement allowing Rana's extradition. Judge Milan Smith, who wrote the opinion for the bench, said "India provided sufficient competent evidence" to support the initial order of a magistrate judge's "finding of probable cause that Rana committed the charged crimes" to allow the extradition. Rana, a Canadian citizen living in Chicago, was arrested in the US in 2009 for plotting to bomb a Danish newspaper, 'Jyllands-Posten', that published a controversial image of Prophet Mohammed. He faced three main charges in a Chicago federal court relating to his involvement in the Danish case, providing support to Lashkar, and conspiring for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. He was acquitted of the Mumbai attack charge, but convicted in the other two and sentenced to 14 years. The appeals court ruled that his acquittal in the Mumbai attack charge did not affect his extradition because in India he faces several different charges. The charges include conspiracy, waging war, murder, terrorism, and forgery, the judgement noted. Rana was released after seven years on compassionate grounds during the Covid pandemic, following which India requested his extradition to face trial there, which the magistrate judge approved. Rana is a former Pakistan Army doctor who set up an immigration service after immigrating to Canada. Ranas extradition would be a partial fulfillment of Indias attempts to get the US-based Lashkar-e-Taiba accomplices face trial in India as Washington had refused to extradite Rana's Pakistani-American accomplice Daood Gilani, who uses the name David Headley. Headley had worked as an informant for the US governments Drug Enforcement Agency and after admitting to 12 terrorism-related charges, made a deal to cooperate with the US government on the condition that he will not be extradited. The judgement mentioned Rana helping Headley get a five-year visa for India under the pretext of setting up a branch of his business there. Headley used the visa to help plot the Lashkar terror rampage by surveilling the Taj Hotel and other targets. Headley had informed Rana about the surveillance activities, the judgement said. Judge Smith also noted in the judgement that "Rana commended the terrorists who carried out the attacks and stated that the people of India 'deserved it'." Mumbai, Jan 1 : Maharashtras Information and Technology Minister Ashish Shelar has announced that the state government will soon come out with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy to shape the future of industries, businesses and governance and recognise its transformative potential. He has directed the department to draft the AI policy. Minister Shelar instructed the department that the era of AI technology has begun and Maharashtra must seize the opportunity to become a leader in this space. By leveraging AI, we can attract more industries and businesses, create employment opportunities for the youth and position Maharashtra as a formidable player, said the Minister during his meeting with the department officers. "The India AI Mission, launched in March this year with an allocation of Rs 10,372 crore focuses on advancing AI capabilities across the nation with special allocations for the India AI Datasets Platform, Application Development initiatives, Graphic Processing Units, India AI Innovation Centre, Future Skills Programme and financing startups in the AI space. It is important to align Maharashtras AI aspirations with these national efforts so that the state emerges as a leader in the AI revolution," said Shelar. According to the Minister, the Central government plans to start the collection and aggregation of non-personal datasets to build a comprehensive database that will power the India AI Datasets Platform from January 2025. This will enable seamless access to startups, companies, academics and researchers to develop applications, interface with language models and offer specialized services. "It is important that Maharashtra works towards positioning itself at the forefront of Indias technological advancement while contributing to the nations vision of becoming a global AI leader," said Shelar. Minister Shelar's statement comes after the state body MITRA, which has been established on the lines of NITI Aayog, has recently recommended the development of sovereign AI with the establishment of a joint government and private sector company with 49 per cent - 51 per cent equity holding through a competitive selection process involving credible IT companies. IT firms specialising in AI, machine learning (ML) and Quantum Computing will have free access to large, high-quality, machine-reachable public datasets for the first two years. It has emphasised the need for establishing an Investment Fund to finance AI and Quantum Computing startups. Mumbai, Jan 1 : For Tusshar Kapoor this New Year is all about health and tradition. Sharing a glimpse of his new year celebration, the 'Golmaal' actor dropped a video on his official Instagram account. He flew to 'God's Own Country' , Kerala to ring in 2025 and posted a clip of his lavish South Indian meal, called the Sadhya Thali including red rice, channa, and other local delicacies. Tusshar can be seen dressed in a white shirt, paired with a mundu and an angavastram for the occasion. The actor also shared snippets of the place he stayed in during his getaway. Along with the video Tussar wrote, "Happy New Year everyone! Starting the new year with a sumptuous and, if I may say so, a healthy #sadhyathali best part is that it includes red rice, channa(protein) and numerous veggies but in the right quantity! Exactly what I want and eat daily! Once again, it pays to be in gods own home!." The comment section for the Insta post saw a few welcoming remarks like, "Jealous, of the meal. Happy New Year", "Happy new year to one of the most humble and flawless star .hope the little kids gets all the good qualities of their Dad.", and "Going traditional is a nostalgic feeling", among others. Talking about his upcoming projects, Tusshar will next be a part of Sanjay Gupta's action thriller Shootout at Byculla. The film is nspired by JJ Hospital Shootout in 1992 when Arun Gawli Gang murdered Haseena Parkar's husband. Later on Dawood Ibrahim took revenge from Gawli Gang for the same. The movie is likely to enjoy an ensemble cast with Sanjay Dutt, John Abraham, Saif Ali Khan Sunny Deol, Emraan Hashmi, Abhishek Bachchan, Suniel Shetty, Prateik Patil Babbar, and Fardeen Khan, along with others. KYODO NEWS - Jan 1, 2025 - 12:06 | All, Japan Japanese Emperor Naruhito expressed his hope that people will work together to overcome challenges such as natural disasters and rising living costs in his New Year address released Wednesday. Voicing concern for those impacted by a massive earthquake on the Noto Peninsula, central Japan, on New Year's Day of 2024, as well as typhoons and heavy rains in the past year, the emperor also said he was "heartened" to have seen people helping those in need. "I pray that the coming year will be one in which the people of our country and the world can walk forward with hope," the 64-year-old said in a statement. The emperor and Empress Masako visited the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, which was also affected by heavy rainfall later in the year, to meet with those affected by the disasters three times, with the imperial couple also making a state visit to Britain in June. The trip marked the couple's second overseas goodwill trip since Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne in 2019, and the first state visit to Britain by a sitting emperor since his father Akihito's in 1998. With 2025 marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the emperor touched on the "tireless efforts of those who have built the peace and prosperity we enjoy in our country today," while expressing sorrow over the many lives still being lost in wars and conflicts around the world. "I am reminded of the importance of accepting our differences and joining hands to work together toward building a peaceful world," he said. His address comes as Russia's war with Ukraine is about to enter its fourth year, and Israel's attacks on the Palestinian militant group Hamas are ongoing. The emperor, together with other members of the imperial family, is set to hold a public New Year greeting event at the Imperial Palace on Thursday. The event was canceled in 2024 out of consideration for the damage caused by the Noto Peninsula earthquake. Related coverage: Japan's emperor eyeing visits to domestic war-related sites in 2025 Japan's former Emperor Akihito turns 91 Prince Hisahito, 2nd in line to throne, to enroll in Univ. of Tsukuba New Delhi, Jan 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded the first cabinet decision of 2025 and said that his government is committed to enhancing the well-being and prosperity of the farming community. PM Modis admiration follows the Union Cabinets go-ahead for the extension of a one-time package for DAP procurement. Taking to his social media handle on X, PM Modi wrote, Ours is a government fully committed to furthering the welfare of farmers. We are proud of all our farmer sisters and brothers who work hard to feed our nation. The first cabinet of 2025 is dedicated to enhancing prosperity for our farmers. I am glad that key decisions have been taken in this regard, he added. The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi, this morning, approved the extension of a one-time special package on procurement of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) beyond the NBS subsidy, to ensure sustainable availability at affordable prices for farmers. Under the special package, farmers will continue to get DAP at Rs 1,350/- per bag for 50 kg and the extra burden will be borne by the government. The decision will ensure greater availability of DAP to farmers at subsidised, affordable and reasonable prices, said the government in a statement. The cabinet okayed the one-time special package of Rs 3,850 crore for DAP procurement. The additional subsidy will offset a hike in international prices which will benefit eventually farmers. Many farmers from Haryana welcomed the move, soon after the announcement. A couple of them said that this move was highly beneficial for the farming community and it would buffer them from soaring prices. Notably, the global market prices of DAP remain volatile because of fluctuations in geo-political dynamics and this one-time special package is likely to cushion that impact. Mumbai, Jan 1 : Actress Rakul Preet Singh recently shared a glimpse of her enchanting vacation in London with her husband, actor Jackky Bhagnani. Known for her social media presence, Rakul took to Instagram to offer her followers a peek into their romantic getaway in the British capital. Through a series of pictures and videos, she showcased her fun-filled moments spent with Jackky. One of the photos features the actor posing at a restaurant, where he tagged Rakul and asked, What say? Resharing Jackkys picture on her Instagram story, the Thank God actress simply wrote, Best. On December 25, Jackky Bhagnani celebrated his birthday with his wife. Rakul also penned a heartfelt birthday message for him, calling him the "best gift Santa could have given her." In her Instagram post, Rakul shared a series of romantic photos with Jackky and wrote a sweet note: Happppppy bdayyyy babyyyyy!! You are the best gift Santa could have given me!! You are the best son, best brother, best friend, and best husband. May this year bring all the success and joy you deserve. May you keep smiling always and keep me cracking up with your dry sense of humor forever. Loveeeee you to infinity and beyond @jackkybhagnani. In one of the pictures, Rakul was seen planting a kiss on Jackky's cheek, while in another, he sweetly kissed her forehead. Additional photos captured the couple smiling and posing happily together for the cameras. Meanwhile, Jackky Bhagnani hosted a glamorous birthday party in Mumbai, attended by several celebrities, including Aayush Sharma, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Pragya Jaiswal, and more. On February 21, Singh tied the knot with Bhagnani in a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony in Goa. The couple, who made their relationship Instagram-official in October 2021, celebrated their union with Anand Karaj and Sindhi rituals, followed by a glamorous wedding reception. New Delhi, Jan 1 : In 2015, preceding Chinese President Xi Jinpings maiden visit to Pakistan, the two nations indulged in grandiose rhetoric to celebrate their friendship. The relationship was described as being "higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the ocean, sweeter than honey, and stronger than steel". This flowery depiction underscored the strategic significance of their bilateral engagement as part of President Xis ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The partnership was hailed as transformative for regional geopolitics, with the potential to reshape South Asias strategic dynamics. However, by 2024, nearly a decade later, this partnership has encountered serious challenges, overshadowed by Islamabads inability to provide security for Chinese investments and nationals. As tensions mount and Beijing appears to recalibrate its approach towards Pakistan, this decline reflects the systemic failures of Pakistans military-dominated establishment to ensure internal stability and meet its strategic commitments. Often referred to as "all-weather friends" and "iron brothers", Pakistan and China have historically enjoyed close relations. Despite Pakistan's alignment with the US-led Western bloc during much of the Cold War, Islamabad and Beijing managed to cultivate a robust partnership. Over the years, economic cooperation emerged as a cornerstone of their relationship, witnessing a qualitative leap following Xi Jinpings ascension to the Chinese presidency in 2012. Under President Xis leadership, Pakistan became a key node in Chinas Asian policy framework, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) emerging as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative. By 2024, CPEC investments were estimated to exceed $62 billion, underscoring their critical importance in the economic and geopolitical calculations of both nations. Despite this promising start, the bilateral relationship has experienced significant turbulence in recent years. Pakistans chronic economic mismanagement, coupled with a spate of insurgent attacks targeting Chinese interests and nationals, has strained ties between the two countries. A particularly notable incident occurred on October 6, 2024, when operatives from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) attacked a convoy of Chinese workers near Karachi's Jinnah International Airport. The assault, which resulted in the deaths of two Chinese engineers, highlighted glaring security lapses. Beijing's frustration with Islamabads inability to protect its citizens and projects was evident, with the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, issuing a rare public rebuke. Ambassador Jiang demanded immediate action to "hunt down" the perpetrators and implement measures to safeguard CPEC projects and Chinese personnel. This attack was not an isolated incident. Earlier in March 2024, Pakistan witnessed a series of violent attacks targeting Chinese nationals and CPEC-linked projects. On March 20, insurgents from the BLAs Majeed Brigade attacked the heavily fortified Gwadar Port Authority Complex in Balochistan. As the flagship initiative of CPEC, Gwadar Ports vulnerability raised serious concerns about Pakistans ability to protect critical infrastructure. This was followed by a second attack on March 25, targeting Pakistan Naval Station (PNS) Siddique, a high-security naval airbase tasked with safeguarding CPEC assets. The breach of this military installation not only underscored Pakistans security weaknesses but also eroded Chinese confidence in Islamabads capacity to fulfil its commitments. The most devastating attack during this period occurred on March 26, when a suicide bomber affiliated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a convoy of Chinese workers near Besham in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attack, which killed five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver, further exacerbated tensions between the two countries. Beijings response was unequivocal, framing the growing threats to its nationals and projects as a critical red line". Chinese authorities demanded robust guarantees from Islamabad, including a thorough investigation, accountability for the perpetrators, and immediate action to address security lapses. These recurring attacks have severely tested Sino-Pakistani relations, prompting Beijing to mount pressure on Islamabad to launch a comprehensive nationwide military campaign against insurgent groups. China's growing impatience was evident in its decision to delay Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs planned visit to Beijing in May 2024. Beijing conditioned the visit on Islamabads explicit commitment to initiate a counterterrorism operation, to which Pakistan ultimately acquiesced. Although Prime Minister Sharif eventually visited Beijing in June, the trip yielded little in terms of substantive economic commitments or new projects. This lukewarm reception signalled a qualitative cooling in the bilateral relationship. In response to Chinese demands, Pakistan launched Operation Azm-i-Istehkam on June 22, a nationwide military campaign aimed at dismantling insurgent networks. However, the operations effectiveness has been called into question, as attacks targeting Chinese interests have persisted. The trust deficit between the two nations has deepened, with Beijing reportedly pressing Islamabad to allow the deployment of Chinese security personnel within Pakistan. A November 12, 2024, report by Reuters revealed that Beijing had proposed a clause permitting Chinese security agencies and military forces to conduct joint counterterrorism operations on Pakistani soil. While Islamabad has resisted this demand, it has counter-proposed the establishment of a specialised security firm, developed with Chinese assistance, to safeguard Chinese nationals and projects. Despite these overtures, Beijings dissatisfaction remains evident. The deteriorating relations between China and Pakistan underscore the disconnect between Islamabads rhetoric and its ability to address Beijings concerns. The Pakistani military, which remains preoccupied with internal political manoeuvring and safeguarding the privileges of its elite, has failed to prioritise the security of Chinese investments and personnel. Unless Islamabad undertakes decisive action to dismantle militant networks and address its internal security challenges, the prospects for improving Sino-Pakistani relations appear bleak This decline in bilateral ties carries broader implications for Pakistans strategic standing in the region. China, which has historically been one of Pakistans most reliable allies, appears increasingly disillusioned with Islamabads inability to deliver on its commitments. This disillusionment risks further isolating Pakistan, which is already grappling with economic instability and strained relations with other regional players. The persistent neglect of security imperatives not only jeopardises Pakistans relationship with China but also undermines its credibility as a partner in regional development initiatives. Moreover, the growing tension between China and Pakistan has ramifications for the broader Belt and Road Initiative. CPEC, once heralded as the game-changer for Pakistans economy, now faces significant challenges due to security concerns and waning Chinese enthusiasm. For Beijing, Pakistans inability to secure CPEC projects raises questions about the viability of similar investments in other politically unstable regions. For Islamabad, the deterioration of its relationship with China could have far-reaching consequences, limiting its access to critical financial and infrastructural support at a time when its economy is teetering on the brink of collapse. In conclusion, the once-celebrated Sino-Pakistani partnership now finds itself at a crossroads. The repeated attacks on Chinese nationals and interests have exposed Pakistans systemic weaknesses and undermined its strategic credibility. Unless Islamabad takes decisive action to address these challenges, it risks not only losing a key ally but also further destabilising its already fragile internal security landscape. For China, the situation serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with investing in politically volatile regions. Moving forward, both nations must recalibrate their approaches to ensure the sustainability of their partnership and address the root causes of their current tensions. Without meaningful reforms and sustained efforts to improve security, the prospects for the Sino-Pakistani relationship will remain uncertain, with significant implications for the broader geopolitical landscape of South Asia. New Delhi, Jan 1 : Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, known for enamoring the audience with his stellar singing and acting skills, on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which he was seen sharing some candid moments with the PM, who praised his journey from being a countryside lad to a widely-acclaimed icon. In a video shared by Diljit on X, the energetic entertainer is seen greeting PM Modi with a bouquet of flowers, with the Prime Minister welcoming him, saying "Sat Shri Akal Ji". The music of Diljit's superhit musical number "Born to Shine" in the background brings an added essence to the moment in the video. Taking to X, PM Modi also shared pictures of his meeting with the Punjabi superstar. He wrote: "A great interaction with Diljit Dosanjh! He's truly multifaceted, blending talent and tradition. We connected over music, culture and more..." On his part, Diljit wrote: "A fantastic start to 2025! A very memorable meeting with PM @narendramodi Ji. We talked about a lot of things including music of course!" In the video, the Prime Minister, praising Diljit, says: "When an Indian youth from the countryside gets fame in the world, it feels nice." Diljit acknowledges the words of appreciation by PM Modi with folded hands. PM Modi further said: "Your family has named you Diljit... and you just go on to win over the people." To this, Diljit said: "I used to read that India is Great... and only when I travelled across the country, I realised why this country is great." His words made the Prime Minister smile, and he said: "The vastness of India is indeed a strength. We are a vibrant society." Diljit, in the video, can also be heard describing Yoga as a magic to which PM Modi says: "The one who has experienced Yoga is actually aware of its power." The Punjabi superstar also recalled the moments when PM Modi paid an emotional tribute to river Ganga and drew a reference to the mother-son relationship, saying he felt overwhelmed by that. He also sang a few lines in Punjabi, making a soulful mention of Guru Nanak, to which the Prime Minister tapped the table as Diljit was singing. Diljit Dosanjh, with a millions' fan following, also appears as a polarising figure to certain sections due to his support for the farmers' protests. Many times, he faced trolling due to his personal views, with some even questioning his integrity and loyalty towards India. Diljit's meeting with Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday against these backdrops assume significance from a socio-political perspective, as those critical of him might be left wondering how someone being vocal about debatable topics could be appreciative of the PM. Stocks to Watch on January 1: SJVN, Kalpataru, ITC, Sun Pharma, Piramal Enterprises, LT Foods Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 08:42 IST Stock exchanges BSE and NSE will remain opened on Wednesday normally; heres a roundup of the key developments impacting the stocks today. Stocks To Watch Today. As the new year begins, several stocks are set to grab attention in todays trading session. Stock exchanges BSE and NSE will remain opened on Wednesday normally. Heres a roundup of the key developments impacting the stocks today. Check key stocks to watch on January 1, 2025. SJVN related stories The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bihar government to develop the 1,000 MW Hathidah Durgawati Pumped Storage Project and other similar projects. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries In a strategic move, Sun Pharma has agreed to sell its Japanese subsidiary, Sun Pharma Japan Technical Operations, to Zaza Industrial Holdings KK for just one yen. This sale marks the exit of the subsidiary from the Sun Pharma group. ITC With the demerger of its hotels business finalized, ITC will transfer its stakes in eight associated companies, including Fortune Park Hotels and Bay Islands Hotels, to ITC Hotels Limited, effective January 1, 2025. Kalpataru Projects International The company secured fresh orders worth 1,011 crore in the transmission, distribution, and railway sectors. This brings their year-to-date (YTD) order inflow to over 17,300 crore. Piramal Enterprises Piramal has infused Rs 1,000 crore into its subsidiary, Piramal Capital & Housing Finance, via a rights issue to support business growth and corporate needs. Utkarsh Small Finance Bank The bank has sold a 354.54 crore portfolio of stressed microfinance loans to an Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) for 52 crore. LT Foods The acquisition of a 17.5% stake in Nature Bio-Foods for 110 crore now makes the organic food subsidiary wholly owned by LT Foods. Newgen Software Technologies The company bagged several significant projects, including a $1.64 million credit automation services contract, a 20.9 crore purchase order for its remittance system, and international projects in Singapore and the US. IndoStar Capital Finance The company approved the sale of a portion of its commercial vehicle loan portfolio, valued at 174 crore, to Assets Care & Reconstruction Enterprise. TVS Holdings The company sold its entire stake in TVS Emerald to VEE ESS Trading, a promoter group entity, for 485.85 crore. Key Leadership and Regulatory Updates Hazoor Multi Projects Francisca Rosario has been appointed CFO, while Radheshyam Laxmanrao Mopalwar takes over as Chairman. Meanwhile, two directors have stepped down from their roles. Persistent Systems Executive Director Sunil Sapre retired on December 31, marking a key leadership change. Kirloskar Industries The company is contesting SEBIs directive to disclose the 2009 Deed of Family Settlement. It argues that the DFS does not impose liabilities or restrictions on the company, and the matter remains sub-judice. Bulk Deals to Watch Easy Trip Planners: Promoter Nishant Pitti offloaded a 14.09% stake, while Arunaben Sanjaykumar Bhatiya acquired a 0.67% stake. AGS Transact Technologies: Neomile Growth Fund acquired a 1.16% stake, while promoter Vineha Enterprises sold a similar amount. Unimech Aerospace: VQ Fastercap Fund purchased nearly 1% of the company at an average price of 1,387.56 per share. Bonus Issue Ex-Date top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Surya Roshni: The stock will trade ex-bonus today. These developments are likely to shape the trading landscape as the market kicks off the new year. Keep an eye on these key players for potential opportunities. First Published: January 01, 2025, 08:42 IST KYODO NEWS - Jan 1, 2025 - 12:26 | All, Podcast What locations do you recommend in Japan? Three Kyodo News reporters Junko Horiuchi, Eduardo Martinez, and Maya Kaneko, correspondent in Beijing talk about Japan's plans to ease visa requirements for Chinese tourists. Listen as they discuss why the country decided to take this step and where tourists like to visit in each country. Article mentioned in the podcast: Japan to ease visa requirements, agrees on top China diplomat visit Kyodo News presents a bilingual podcast for English learners about the ins and outs of news writing and how to translate tricky Japanese phrases into English. Have fun listening to journalists discuss recent articles as they occasionally go off on unrelated tangents. Recent episodes: Podcast [English World] Episode 77: Scan-free ticket gates Podcast [English World] Episode 76: Closing izakayas Podcast [English World] Episode 75: All aboard the One Piece shinkansen GK: Significant Policies & Initiatives Of Dr Manmohan Singh During His Tenure As PM Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 19:01 IST Dr Manmohan Singh was elected as the 13th Prime Minister of India, the position which he retained for the second time. Former PM Manmohan Singh spearheaded the significant initiative for India's development. (Image: PTI/File) Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday, December 26, at the age of 92. He was cremated with full state honours, in the presence of top dignitaries from India and abroad, on Saturday. Take a look at Dr Manmohan Singhs lasting legacy, which marked a turning point in Indian history. Key Initiatives By Dr Manmohan Singh As PM (2004-2014) related stories 1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (2005) One of the most significant initiatives by Manmohan Singh was the launch of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in 2005. Through this, he aimed to provide 100 days of assured wage employment per year to rural households. The scheme helped enhance livelihood security and also empower the people. 2. Right to Information Act (2005) To bring transparency and accountability for all, Singh during his first tenure implemented the Right to Information Act in 2005, during the second year of his decade-long leadership. This empowered citizens to seek information from public authorities, allowing more openness in the overall system. 3. Indo-US Nuclear Agreement (2005) Manmohan Singh made a historic shift, showcasing his strategic vision with the nuclear deal with America. The Indo-US nuclear agreement was a landmark move that granted India access to advanced nuclear technology and resources. Singh, who was convinced about the futuristic outcomes of the deal showed extreme determination to push it through, even at the stake of his government during a confidence vote in parliament. 4. Right to Education Act (2009) In an important step towards mandating education among children, his government enacted the Right to Education Act in 2009, declaring education as a fundamental right for every child between the ages of 6 and 14. Under this act, quality education has been made accessible to every kid across the country. 5. Agricultural Debt Waiver (2008) In a bid to address the agrarian crisis, Singhs government initiated a loan waiver scheme called the Agricultural Debt Waiver in 2008. As a part of it, the government allotted Rs 71,000 crore, largely benefiting millions of farmers in India. The scheme was dubbed one of the largest farm loan waivers. 6. Aadhaar (2010) Dr Manmohan Singhs government also launched another initiative with Aadhaar, which has now emerged as the largest biometric identification system, providing every citizen with a unique ID in India. He launched the initiative in 2010 with then Congress President Sonia Gandhi. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 7. National Food Security Act (2013) Another crucial initiative taken by his government was the introduction of the National Food Security Act in 2013. It aimed to provide subsidised foodgrains to proximity 2/3rd of the Indian population to ensure food security for millions of people. First Published: January 01, 2025, 13:42 IST Veer Savarkar College, 1,675 Flats, First Address Of 2025: PM Modi Shifts Focus To Poll-Bound Delhi Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: January 02, 2025, 12:13 IST PM Narendra Modi, the BJPs mega vote catcher, has his work cut out as the Election Commission may announce the dates for the Delhi assembly elections any day on or after January 6 PM Narendra Modi, ahead of the poll dates announcement, will not only be reaching out to the economically disadvantaged, but even to those aspiring to be Delhi residents. (Image: PTI/File) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to lay the foundation stone for the Veer Savarkar College, which will have state-of-the-art facilities, at Roshanpura in Delhis Najafgarh area. While he is also scheduled to do the same for two other new projects in Delhi University, the focus has been on the college named after the Hindutva ideologue since the central government announced it. The two projects at Delhi University are academic blocks one on the Eastern Campus at Surajmal Vihar in East Delhi and the other on the Western Campus in Dwarka. He will also be inaugurating the CBSEs Integrated Office Complex in Dwarka. related stories Modi, the BJPs mega vote catcher, will understandably shift focus on poll-bound Delhi in the very first week of the new year. The laying of foundation stone is scheduled for January 3, even as Delhi is still shrouded in New Year festive cheer. He has his work cut out, as the Election Commission may announce the poll dates any day on or after January 6. On January 3, he will also hand over keys of new flats to slum residents. The central government has built 1,645 flats for poor families, under the Swabhimaan Awas Yojana in Ashok Vihar. But, before that, he will visit newly constructed flats for the residents of jhuggi jhopri (JJ) clusters under the in-situ slum rehabilitation project at Swabhiman Apartments in Ashok Vihar. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has constructed the flats under the Where there are slums, there are houses scheme. The Swabhimaan Yojana was started for the economically disadvantaged sections, which is a core voter base of former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. New flats have been made available under this scheme for those who want to buy a house in Delhi-NCR. According to the Centre, for every Rs 25 lakh spent on the construction of a flat, eligible beneficiaries pay less than 7 per cent of the total amount comprising Rs 1.42 lakh as a nominal contribution and Rs 30,000 for five years of maintenance. The Prime Minister, ahead of the poll dates announcement, will not only be reaching out to the economically disadvantaged, but even to those aspiring to be Delhi residents. He will inaugurate the World Trade Centre (WTC) at Nauroji Nagar, which has transformed the area by replacing more than 600 dilapidated quarters with state-of-the-art commercial towers. He will also inaugurate the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar, where 2,500 residential units are environmentally conscious. It is, meanwhile, speculated that Modi will also deliver an address on that day. But, this is not yet confirmed unlike the public address scheduled for January 5. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On January 5, he will reach Meerut from Delhi in Uttar Pradesh in nearly one hour using the Namo Bharat Corridor. He will inaugurate the 13-km long regional rapid transit system (RRTS) between New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and Sahibabad in Uttar Pradesh. This will be followed by a public meeting in Rohinis Japanese Park, where he will also lay the foundation stone for a new Metro line. While most of these are not BJP events, with the election round the corner, all of it will be seen through the prism of politics. So, when he delivers his speech, the partys Delhi unit is hopeful that it will have enough ingredients for them to launch a political attack on Kejriwal, who is the Aam Aadmi Partys CM candidate. First Published: January 01, 2025, 23:40 IST 14 Foreign Terrorists Killed, 13 Terror Modules Busted in Jammu Region in 2024: Police Published By : PTI Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 08:13 IST Police detained 180 persons under the Public Safety Act (PSA), higher than the 168 detainees in 2023. In the realm of general crime, the Jammu zone witnessed a significant decline, with 13,163 criminal cases registered in 2024. (Image: News18/video grab) Fourteen foreign terrorists were killed and 13 terror modules were busted in the Jammu region while action has been taken against 827 individuals for their involvement in anti-national activities in 2024, a police spokesperson said. Police detained 180 persons under the Public Safety Act (PSA), higher than the 168 detainees in 2023. related stories In 2024, the Jammu zone achieved significant progress in security and crime control. On the anti-terror front, 14 foreign terrorists have been neutralised this year," the spokesperson said. The police further reported that 13 terror modules were busted across the region. These modules were busted throughout the Jammu zone, including one each in Rajouri and Reasi, two each in Poonch and Kathua, three in Udhampur and four in Doda," the spokesperson added. The neutralisation of these foreign terrorists dealt a critical blow to networks attempting to disrupt peace and stability in the region, the official said. The police maintained constant pressure on anti-national elements, he said. There was a substantial crackdown on overground workers (OGWs), with action taken against 827 individuals compared to 282 in the previous year. As many as 180 individuals were detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA), which is higher than the 168 detainees in 2023," the spokesperson added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the realm of general crime, the Jammu zone witnessed a significant decline, with 13,163 criminal cases registered in 2024 compared to 15,774 in the previous year. This positive trend is attributed to the relentless efforts of police personnel in maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety across the region," the spokesperson said. Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India First Published: January 01, 2025, 08:13 IST 2024 Ends As The Warmest Year For India, Surpasses 2016 With 0.65 Rise Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 21:18 IST A series of record-breaking temperatures impacted India in 2024 with an unprecedented rise of 0.83 in mean temperatures from October to December The IMD said July and September were the second-warmest in 123 years, while October became the hottest on record and November was the third-warmest since 1901. (Image: PTI/File) India endured its warmest year on record in 2024, the MeT said. It surpassed 2016 as the hottest-ever since 1901 with an annual mean temperature rise of 0.65 over its long-term average higher than 0.54 recorded in 2016. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), which defines its long-term average from 1991 to 2020, said the year has had a series of record-breaking temperatures all through with an unprecedented rise of 0.83 in mean temperatures from October to December. July and September were the second-warmest in 123 years, while October became the hottest on record and November was the third-warmest since 1901, it said. related stories The impacts of climate change intensified, as warming caused an increase in intensity and frequency of extreme weather events. Deadly heat waves scorched large parts of India from April to June, upending lives and livelihoods. The searing heatwave conditions swept Odisha and West Bengal consecutively for more than 15 days in April leading to a rise in hospitalisations. We are clearly seeing a trend of increase in minimum temperatures over India due to climate change. In fact, the maximum warming is occurring in the post-monsoon season and the winter season. The winter season is becoming warmer than usual," said IMD chief Dr M Mohapatra on Wednesday. ALSO READ | Climate Emergency Reached Tipping Point In 2024 As Extreme Weather Escalated Across India The year 2024 also began under the impact of El Nino, a global ocean phenomenon associated with warmer-than-usual temperatures over the equatorial Pacific Ocean. It transitioned to neutral conditions during the monsoon, but the emergence of its cooler counterpart La Nina was unusually delayed. Global forecasters expected La Nina to emerge in August-September, but the sea-surface temperatures remained above-normal till December. We are now expecting a weak and short-term La Nina this time, and it is most likely to switch to neutral conditions after March. So, we may not see its conventional impacts on the weather this time," Mohapatra said. La Nina is associated with an intense winter and a relatively cooler atmosphere. India has recorded five of its warmest years in the last 15 years 2024, 2016, 2009, 2010 and 2017. The year gone by is also likely to be the hottest on record globally, as per the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) though an official assessment is awaited. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ | What Could Be The Worst Impact Of Climate Change? New Lancet Report Explained The top 10 hottest years have happened in the last decade, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had said in his last address, as 2024 came to a close. Additionally, a new report by an international group of experts under the World Weather Attribution and Climate Central said climate change had intensified 26 out of the 29 weather events and resulted in as many as 3,700 deaths and displaced millions. First Published: January 01, 2025, 19:38 IST 3-Year-Old Girl, Stuck In Borewell For 10 Days, Dies Hours After Being Rescued In Rajasthan Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 21:01 IST A three-year-old girl had fallen into a deep borewell while playing on December 23. She was rescued after days of operation by the authorities, however, hours later, she died. Rajasthan girl rescue operation (PTI Image) A three-year-old girl, who fell into a 150-feet deep borewell in Rajasthans Kotputli 10 days ago, died hours after being rescued, officials said on Wednesday. After over 160 hours of rescue operation that ended this evening, Chetna was immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment, after which the authorities said that she was stable and was being monitored. related stories Chetna fell into a borewell while playing on her fathers agricultural farm in Badiyali Dhani, under the Sarund police station in Rajasthans Kotputli-Behror district on December 23. Initial rescue efforts, using a ring to pull her out, were unsuccessful. After two days of failed attempts, a piling machine was brought in on Wednesday morning, and a parallel pit was dug to aid in the rescue operation. Rescue Operation In arguably one of the longest rescue operations in the state, the authorities worked day in and day out for over 160 hours. The administration said that it was one of the toughest operations. The teams dug a parallel tunnel where they found a rock-solid strata. Rain also posed a challenge. NDRF team in-charge Yogesh Kumar Meena said earlier that the rock was hard and cutting it was the challenge for the rescuers. Family Alleged Delay The family members had previously blamed the administration for a delay in carrying out the operation. Its been days my daughter is stuck in the well. She is suffering from hunger and thirst," the mother had earlier said. Former minister Rajendra Singh Gudha also visited the spot and blamed the family for keeping the borewell open, leading to the incident, and also slammed the administration for delay in the rescue operation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Everyone is engaged in rescuing the girl but the administration delayed it. If the operation was carried out at war footing after the incident happened then the result would have been better. The preparations that were done in the last three days should have been done six days earlier. I got to know that the district collector took three days to reach the spot. It is a matter of shame," Gudha told reporters on Sunday. Location : Kotputli, India First Published: January 01, 2025, 19:41 IST Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra Succeeds Pankaj Mohan Sinha At Western Air Command Published By : PTI Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 16:49 IST The Western Air Command, overseeing Ladakh's airspace, now has Air Marshal Jeetendra, a seasoned fighter pilot. With more than 3,000 hours of flying experience, Air Marshal Mishra now leads the Indian Air Force's Western Air Command. (IMAGE: DD NEWS/X) Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra on Wednesday took charge as the chief of Indian Air Forces Western Air Command that looks after the security of the air space in the sensitive Ladakh sector as well as some other parts of north India. Air Marshal Mishra, a fighter combat leader and an experimental test pilot, has more than 3000 hours of flying experience, according to the IAF. related stories He succeeds Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha, who superannuated after putting in more than 39 years of distinguished service. Air Marshal Mishra was commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a fighter pilot on December 6, 1986. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Air Force Test Pilots School, Bangalore, Air Command and Staff College, the US, and Royal College of Defence Studies in the UK. In his service career spanning over 38 years, the Air Marshal has tenanted important command and staff appointments. These include Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron, chief test pilot at Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Air Officer Commanding of two frontline air bases, Director (Operational Planning and Assessment Group), Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects) at the air headquarters. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He was Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) prior to taking over his new appointment. The Air Officer is a recipient of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal. First Published: January 01, 2025, 16:49 IST Aligarh Man Enters Pakistan To Meet Lover He Met On Facebook; Family Stumbles On His Story Online Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Sumedha Kirti Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 11:33 IST This is not the first time that a cross-border love story has been reported. Among the ones that made headlines were stories of Seema Haider and Iqra Jeewani. Badal Babu had previously attempted to cross the India-Pakistan border twice but failed. (News18 Hindi) A 30-year-old man from Uttar Pradeshs Aligarh district has been arrested in Pakistan for illegally crossing the border. While authorities in the neighbouring country are investigating the motive of his illegal entry, the man says that he had crossed the border to meet a woman he fell in love with after befriending her on Facebook. This is not the first time that a cross-border love story has been reported. Among the ones that made headlines were stories of Seema Haider and Iqra Jeewani, both Pakistani nationals who entered India illegally for love. related stories While Seema Haider met her lover, Sachin Meena, while playing PUBG, Iqra Jeewani fell in love while playing board game Ludo online. Reports in 2023 had stated that Jeewani was a shy teenage", who sold her jewellery and borrowed money from friends to buy air tickets to Dubai and onwards to Kathmandu from where she crossed into India. India and Pakistan share a strained relationship. The neighbours have fought three wars since 1947, when India was partitioned on Independence and Pakistan created. People have reported that the bitter history often makes it hard for them to get visas to travel to see each other. The Aligarh man, arrested by Pakistans Punjab Police in Mandi Bahauddin city, has been identified as Nagla Khatkari village resident Badal Babu. A report in India Today quoted Pakistani authorities as saying that Babu confessed during interrogation that he had developed a romantic relationship with the woman on social media and, desperate to meet her in person, entered the country without a valid visa or travel documents. The report stated that Babu was arrested on December 27 after he failed to produce any travel documentation. He was booked under Sections 13 and 14 of Pakistans Foreigners Act, 1946. Babu was later presented in court, where he was remanded in judicial custody for 14 days. He is scheduled to appear again on January 10, 2025. Babus History Makes Pakistan Suspicious Even as the Aligarh man has confessed to his love story, authorities in Pakistan are investigating if there could be other motive for his illegal entry as he had previously attempted to cross the India-Pakistan border twice but failed. The publication stated that Babu, on his third attempt, successfully crossed into Pakistan and reached Mandi Bahauddin, where he reportedly met the woman he had been communicating with online. Aligarh Mans Family Unaware Of His Plans top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Badal Babus family got to know about his arrest in Pakistan when the news went viral on social media. News18 Hindi quoted his father, Kripal Singh, as saying that Babu had come home 20 days before Diwali. The last he spoke to his son was on November 30 via a video call. Babu had then told his family that the work for which he was travelling was done. The family did not speak to him post that. They are now pleading the government to bring Babu back. Aligarh SSP Sanjeev Suman told News18 Hindi that no information has been received from Pakistan or the Indian Embassy in this regard yet. The police is still gathering information by talking to the family members. Location : Aligarh, India First Published: January 01, 2025, 09:28 IST Andhra CM Naidus Family-Owned Dairy Firm Accounts For 82% Of His Rs 931Cr Wealth Published By : PTI Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 23:39 IST 82% of Naidu's Rs 931 crore wealth comes from his family's stake in a dairy firm established post-liberalization era ushered in by Manmohan Singh. Naidu's wealth of Rs 763 crore comes from his wifes 24.37% stake in Heritage Foods, not his own shares. (IMAGE: PTI) About 82 per cent of the Rs 931 crore wealth attributed to Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu is on account of his familys shareholding in a dairy product retailing firm that was set up soon after Manmohan Singh opened up the Indian economy more than three decades back, company officials said. While Naidu does not own any shares in Heritage Foods Ltd the milk and dairy product retailer set up in 1992 and listed on bourses in 1994, his wife Bhuvaneswari Nara owns a 24.37 per cent stake whose worth of about Rs 763 crore is counted as the Andhra chief ministers wealth. related stories Naidu has been in a report of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) touted as the richest chief minister with assets worth over Rs 931 crore. Explaining the context, Heritage Foods officials said the company is a pure-play daily product retailer and not in any crony capitalist sector like infrastructure. A retail firm, which does not get any government subsidy or other support, can only grow if its products are accepted by masses. And this company was set up when Naidu was just an MLA. He became chief minister of the state after the firm got listed on stock exchanges. They said in the early 1990s Naidus home district of Chittoor in united Andhra Pradesh was the states largest milk producing district. In 1992, there was a milk surplus and there was a marketing crisis for the milk farmers. And the then finance minister Manmohan Singh liberalised the economy in 1991-92, opening up several sectors for private capital. The dairy sector too was liberalized and private entrepreneurs were encouraged to invest in milk processing and marketing. Spurred by this opportunity, Naidu set up Heritage Foods in 1992 with an initial capital of Rs 50 lakh and set up Heritage Foods first milk chilling unit in Chittoor. For this, loans were taken from Bank of Baroda, they said adding Naidu was the managing director of Heritage Foods for two years. When Naidu became a minister for the first time in 1994, he quit the post and his wife became an executive director and subsequently managing director. Heritage Foods went public in 1994 and had a market capitalisation of Rs 25 crore when it was listed in 1994. The mcap rose as the company grew. Loans taken from Bank of Baroda and other nationalized banks towards expansion activities were paid back and post COVID, Heritage Foods was declared a debt-free company, they said. Presently, Heritage Foods has a total market value of Rs 4400 crores, revenues of Rs 3750 crores, and operates in 12 states of India. It has an asset value of Rs 600 crores. It is well regarded for quality dairy products, and distribution is their strength. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Presently the business is managed by Bhuwaneswari Nara who is Managing Director, and Nara Brahmani (daughter-in-law of Naidu) who is executive director for the last 10 years. Brahmani is wife of Nara Lokesh, is a graduate of Stanford business school who has worked in leading global dairy companies. Location : Amaravati, India First Published: January 01, 2025, 23:39 IST Centre Proposes Sites For Manmohan Singh's Memorial, Sends Location Options To His Family Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 19:46 IST Former prime minister Manmohan Singh died on December 26 last year and was cremated at Nigambodh Ghat, a move which was crticised by the Congress which alleged insult to the former PM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with former PM Manmohan Singh's family (PTI Image) The Centre has begun the process of identifying the site for the setting up of a memorial of late former prime minister Manmohan Singh and is in touch with his family to finalise the location, sources said on Wednesday. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) officials visited sites around the Sanjay Gandhi memorial in the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal and listed some spots where the memorial could be built, sources said. related stories The government is in touch with Singhs family and has held discussions on the three or four options for the memorials location, they said, adding that no spot has been given a go-ahead yet and everything would be done in consultation with the former prime ministers family. The Centre will also set up a trust before allotting the chosen land to it for the construction of the memorial. The government has already conveyed its willingness to set up Singhs memorial to his family. Manmohan Singh passed away at 92 at AIIMS Delhi on December 26 last year. The Ministry of Home Affairs ordered his last rites to be held at Nigambodh Ghat. Row Over Manmohan Singh Memorial The Congress party criticised the governments move and engaged in a war of words with the BJP over the cremation and the setting up of a memorial. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to hold the last rites of the late PM at a place where his memorial could be built. Akali Dal claimed that the Centre declined" Singhs familys request for the funeral to be held at a place where a memorial could be built in his memory. Shocking and unbelievable! It is condemnable in the extreme that Union Govt has declined the request of Dr Manmohan Singh Jis family for performing the funeral and last rites of the highly distinguished leader at a place where an appropriate and historic memorial may be built to commemorate his unparalleled services to the nation. This place should be Raj Ghat. This will be in keeping with the settled practice and tradition followed in the past," Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal claimed. How BJP Reacted To Memorial Row? BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan lashed out at the Congress over the row and said that it was ironic" of Mallikarjun Kharge to write to PM Modi about traditions and funeral place becoming the sacrosanct venue for a memorial. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all One should remind Kharge ji how the Congress-led UPA Govt never built a memorial in Delhi for former PM Narasimha Rao ji, who passed away in 2004. The Congress never built a memorial for him in the 10 years they were in power from 2004-2014," he said. (With PTI inputs) First Published: January 01, 2025, 19:03 IST Clashes Break Out In Maharashtra's Jalgaon District Over Trivial Road Incident Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 13:48 IST There was a heated exchange between a group of locals and the driver of state minister Gulabrao Patil's car in Kasaiwada when the driver honked and asked them to give way, said an official Additional police personnel, State Reserve Police Force and Riot Control Police teams alongside fire brigade vehicles were deployed in Palthi village, he said, adding that the situation was now under control. (Photo:ANI) A petty dispute between the driver of a ministers car and a group of locals triggered violent clashes between two groups in north Maharashtras Jalgaon district, leading to arson and vandalism, police said on Wednesday. While the original altercation took place late Tuesday night in Kasaiwada area of Palthi village, incidents of violence were reported till early Wednesday morning though the situation was now under control, a police official said. related stories There was a heated exchange between a group of locals and the driver of state minister Gulabrao Patils car in Kasaiwada when the driver honked and asked them to give way, said an official. #WATCH | Security heightened in Maharashtras Jalgaon after a violent clash broke out between two groups here last night.Curfew has been imposed in violence-hit Paladhi village in Maharashtras Jalgaon district pic.twitter.com/rJxwDZhcwO ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2025 Patil, a Shiv Sena leader and the minister for water supply and sanitation, was not present, but a member of his family was riding in the car. While the argument ended at the spot, some persons from the locality later went to a village square and protested, he said. Another group then arrived there, leading to clashes. Several shops in the village were burnt and public property was damaged, the official said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Additional police personnel, State Reserve Police Force and Riot Control Police teams alongside fire brigade vehicles were deployed in Palthi village, he said, adding that the situation was now under control. A few persons have been detained for arson and damaging public property, and probe is underway, he said. Location : Jalgaon, India First Published: January 01, 2025, 13:48 IST Emergency relief supplies with "China Aid" marks are transported onto a plane at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 1, 2025.(Xinhua/Liang Xu) SHENZHEN, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- A shipment of emergency relief supplies departed Wednesday evening from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen to Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, to support earthquake relief efforts in the Pacific island country. The flight, carrying essential supplies including tents, folding beds, water purification equipment, solar lamps, emergency food and medical materials, left Shenzhen Baoan International Airport at 7:18 p.m. Beijing time. It is expected to arrive in Port Vila at 4:45 a.m. Thursday, according to civil aviation authorities. A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila on Dec. 17, causing casualties and significant damage. The Chinese government has provided 1 million U.S. dollars in emergency assistance to Vanuatu to support its disaster response and reconstruction efforts, Li Ming, spokesperson for China International Development Cooperation Agency, announced last week. At the request of the Vanuatu government, China has sent four engineering experts to assist with post-earthquake response in the country, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday. "This is the first time that China has sent an emergency post-disaster assessment team to a Pacific island country, with hopes of contributing to Vanuatu's reconstruction," Mao said at a daily press briefing. Emergency relief supplies with "China Aid" marks are transported onto a plane at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 1, 2025.(Xinhua/Liang Xu) Emergency relief supplies with "China Aid" marks are transported onto a plane at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 1, 2025.(Xinhua/Liang Xu) A flight carrying emergency relief supplies prepares to depart from Shenzhen Baoan International Airport in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 1, 2025.(Xinhua/Liang Xu) Emergency relief supplies with "China Aid" marks are transported onto a plane at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 1, 2025.(Xinhua/Liang Xu) Delhi Bakery Owner Dies By Suicide Amid Divorce Dispute, Family Says 'Wife Mentally Tortured Him' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 02, 2025, 11:30 IST Puneet Khurana was found hanging in his house in Model Town's Kalyan Vihar area. His family said that Puneet Khurana was "upset with his wife". Puneet Khurana was found hanging in his house in Model Town's Kalyan Vihar area. (Image: Twitter) A bakery owner in Delhi allegedly died by suicide amid an ongoing dispute with his wife. Puneet Khurana was found hanging in his house in Model Towns Kalyan Vihar area. His family said that Puneet Khurana was upset with his wife. The couple got married in 2016 and co-owned the For Gods Cake bakery as well as another eatery called Woodbox Cafe that closed a while ago. Read more: He Suffered Silently: Delhi Cafe Owners Mother Breaks Down In Tears, Demands Justice related stories The police said that his wife was the last person that Puneet Khurana spoke to and the conversation was about the bakery business. His family also claimed that the wife recorded the conversation and sent it to her relatives. #WATCH | Delhi | Deceased Puneets mother says, She (Puneets wife) used to keep torturing himI want justice for him." pic.twitter.com/DHQt9mNU2E ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2025 Police have seized Puneet Khuranas phone, they said. Reports claimed that in the audio of the last conversation between the couple, they can be heard arguing about their bakery. You are calling me at 3 am, cant you sleep? You disrespected me and my family," Puneet Khuranas wife said on the call as per India Today to which he replied, All these things have no meaning right now Tell me what you want now." The deceaseds sister said as per news agency ANI, Manika Pahwa, her sister and parents mentally tortured and harassed him. There is a video recording of around 59 minutes, in which Puneet has mentioned details of harassment he faced. The woman had even hacked Puneets social media account.." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The case comes weeks after Bengaluru-based techie Atul Subhash died by suicide earlier last month. The software engineer left behind a 24-page suicide note in which he accused his wife and her relatives of harassment. Atul Subhash was found hanging in his Bengaluru apartment with a placard reading Justice is due". DISCLAIMER: 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) Location : Delhi, India First Published: January 01, 2025, 13:45 IST Former DM, Cops Among 26 Booked Over Illegal Demolition Of House In UP's Maharajganj Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 15:28 IST The public servants, engineers and contractors have been booked for "intentionally" disobeying laws and "creating" incorrect documents with the "intention of causing harm", among other charges, according to the FIR lodged at the Kotwali police station on Monday The Supreme Court had, on November 6, pulled up the Uttar Pradesh government for an illegal demolition in 2019, while issuing directions to all states and Union territories on the procedure to be followed during road widening and removal of encroachments.(Photo: PTI) file The Uttar Pradesh Police has lodged an FIR against a former district magistrate of Maharajganj, besides several administrative and police personnel, over the alleged illegal demolition of a house without issuing a prior notice here in 2019, officials said on Wednesday. The public servants, engineers and contractors have been booked for intentionally" disobeying laws and creating" incorrect documents with the intention of causing harm", among other charges, according to the FIR lodged at the Kotwali police station on Monday. related stories The Supreme Court had, on November 6, pulled up the Uttar Pradesh government for an illegal" demolition in 2019, while issuing directions to all states and Union territories on the procedure to be followed during road widening and removal of encroachments. A bench of then Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra had also directed the state government to pay a compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the petitioner, whose house was razed in 2019 for a road-widening project. Petitioner Manoj Tibrewal Aakash, a journalist, told reporters here on Tuesday that the court had ordered lodging an FIR in the case and asked the government to report back to it on the compliance of the verdict within a month. He said pursuant to the apex courts order, an FIR was registered at the Maharajganj police station Kotwali on December 30. According to an order of the government, an FIR has been registered and further investigation will be carried out by the states CB-CID," Kotwali Sadar in-charge Inspector Satendra Rai told PTI on Wednesday. Those booked include the then Maharajganj DM Amarnath Upadhyay, the then additional DM Kunj Bihari Agarwal, the then municipal executive officer Rajesh Jaiswal, public works department (PWD) officers Manikant Agarwal, Ashok Kannojia, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officer Digvijay Mishra, besides engineers, police inspectors, sub-inspectors and some unidentified people, according to the FIR. They have been booked under Indian Penal Code sections 147 (rioting), 166 (public servant disobeying law), 167 (false document created by public servant), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), 506 (criminal intimidation), 427 (mischief causing damage), 452 (house-trespass to commit an offence), 342 (wrongful confinement), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety), 355 (assault or use of criminal force to humiliate), 420 (cheating), 467 (forgery of valuable security or will), 468 (forgery for the purpose of cheating), 471 (using a forged document as genuine) and 120B (criminal conspiracy). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On November 6, the Supreme Court had told the lawyer representing the Uttar Pradesh government in the matter: You cannot come with bulldozers and demolish constructions overnight. You do not give the family the time to vacate. What about the household articles inside the house?" Further, the court had directed the state chief secretary to conduct an inquiry into the matter pertaining to a house in Maharajganj and take suitable action. The bench elaborated on the steps that a state or its instrumentality must undertake before taking action in pursuance of a road-widening project. First Published: January 01, 2025, 15:28 IST 16 Bangladeshi Nationals Arrested For Staying Illegal In Parts Of Maharashtra Published By : PTI Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 12:42 IST Maharashtra Police, in collaboration with the ATS, arrested 16 Bangladeshi nationals for staying illegally across five districts of the state. A representative photo of Maharashtra Police (PTI) Maharashtra Police have arrested 16 Bangladeshi nationals staying illegally in Mumbai, Thane and three other districts of the state, officials said. As part of a special drive, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) with the help of local police arrested nine Bangladeshi nationals from Mumbai, Nashik, Nanded and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in the last four days, an official said. related stories The accused eight males and one female got Aadhaar cards made using forged documents, he said, adding that police have registered five cases against them under the Foreigners Act and other relevant legal provisions. With this, the ATS has arrested 43 Bangladeshi nationals in 19 cases last month as part of the special drive, the official said. In another action, the police in the states Thane district, raided a godown at Prerna Complex in Mankoli area on Tuesday after receiving a tip and found seven Bangladeshi persons working there. The accused, in the age group of 26 to 54 years, could not produce any valid documents for staying in India, an official from Narpoli police station said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The police seized mobile phones and other goods valued at Rs 35,000 from their possession, he said. An FIR was registered against them under provisions of the Foreigners Act, the Passports Act and the Passport (Entry into India) Act, the official said. Location : Thane, India First Published: January 01, 2025, 12:42 IST 'Past Sins Of Congress': CM Biren Singh's Barb After Jairam Ramesh Asks Why PM Can't Visit Manipur Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 12:12 IST Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has accused the Congress of politicising the ethnic violence in the state and blamed the party's past actions for the current turmoil there. N Biren Singh (L)/Jairam Ramesh (R) (Photos: PTI) Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday alleged that the state was in turmoil today because of the past sins committed by the Congress". The Chief Ministers remark came as a scathing attack on Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has avoided" a visit to Manipur since 2023, when ethnic violence broke out there. Responding to Jairam Rameshs remark, the Chief Minister also said that the Congress party was polticising the issue instead of resolving it. related stories The war of words between Manipurs Chief Minister and the Congress erupted after Singh, while addressing the media on Tuesday, apologised for the current situation of the state and appealed to all communities to forget and forgive past mistakes and live together in a peaceful and prosperous state. This entire year has been very unfortunate. I feel regret and I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what is happening till today, since May 3, 2023," Biren Singh said. Many people lost their loved ones, many left their homes. I would like to apologise, and now, after seeing the progress in the state over the past three to four, I hope that with the New Year 2025, normalcy and peace will be restored in the state," he added. I want to appeal to all the communities of the state that whatever happened has happened. We now have to forget past mistakes and have to start a new life. A peaceful Manipur, a prosperous Manipur, we should all live together," the Chief Minister said. VIDEO | Heres what Manipur CM N Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) said during a press conference in Imphal.This entire year has been very unfortunate. I want to say sorry to the people of the state for whats happening till today since last May 3. Many people lost their loved ones. pic.twitter.com/kzjTFjZycA Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 31, 2024 Firing incidents have declined in the state over the last 20 months since the ethnic conflict began in May 2023, the Chief Minister was quoted by news agency PTI as saying. From May to October 2023, 408 firing incidents were reported. From November 2023 to April 2024, there were 345 firing incidents, whereas from May this year till now, 112 firing incidents were reported," he said. Of all the looted weapons, 3,112 have been recovered and 2,511 explosives have been seized during the period, he said. The Chief Minister also said that 625 people have been arrested and 12,247 cases registered so far. Seventeen companies of security forces have been deployed along the Imphal-Mao-Dimapur National Highway and an additional 18 companies along the Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar National Highway, he said. The Chief Minister also mentioned that the government has procured 40 bulletproof vehicles and heavy weapons to counter armed militants. With the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in the state, the law and order situation has improved. The government acted as a bridge between the insurgent groups and the Centre for initiation of peace talks," he claimed. Nearly an hour after Singhs address, Jairam Ramesh took to social media and wrote, Why cant the Prime Minister go to Manipur and say the same thing there? He has deliberately avoided visiting the state since May 4th, 2023, even as he jets around the country and the world. The people of Manipur simply cannot understand this neglect". Why cant the Prime Minister go to Manipur and say the same thing there? He has deliberately avoided visiting the state since May 4th, 2023, even as he jets around the country and the world. The people of Manipur simply cannot understand this neglect https://t.co/38lizNtiAy Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) December 31, 2024 Also speaking to news agency ANI, the Congress leader said, The Prime Minister should go to Manipur and say the same thing that the Chief Minister said today. The people of Manipur are asking why Prime Minister Narendra Modi is neglecting us." #WATCH | Delhi | On Manipur CM N Biren Singhs statement today, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh says, " The Prime Minister should go to Manipur and say the same thing that the CM said today. The people of Manipur are asking why the PM is neglecting us" pic.twitter.com/UdlkqX4dMn ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2024 Responding to Jairam Rameshs remark against PM Modi, Singh, in a lengthy X post wrote, Everyone, including yourself, is aware that Manipur is in turmoil today because of the past sins committed by the Congress, such as the repeated settlement of Burmese refugees in Manipur and the signing of the SoO Agreement with Myanmar-based militants in the state, spearheaded by P Chidambaram during his tenure as the Home Minister of India." The Chief Minister also clarified his statement to ANI, wherein he apologised to the people of the state, and said, The apology I extended today was a sincere act of expressing my grief for the people who have been left displaced and become homeless. As a Chief Minister, it was an appeal to forgive and forget what had happened. However, you brought politics into it." Let me remind you: The Naga-Kuki clashes in Manipur resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,300 people and the displacement of thousands more. The violence persisted for several years, with periodic escalations occurring between 1992 and 1997, though the most intense period of conflict was in 19921993. The clashes began in 1992 and continued at varying intensities for around five years (19921997)," the Chief Ministers X post read. This period marked one of the bloodiest ethnic conflicts in northeast India, deeply affecting relations between the Naga and Kuki communities in Manipur. Did Shri PV Narasimha Rao, who served as the Prime Minister of India from 1991 to 1996 and was the President of the Indian National Congress during this time, come to Manipur to extend an apology?" he asked. The Kuki-Paite clashes claimed 350 lives in the state. During most of the Kuki-Paite clashes (19971998), Shri IK Gujral was the Prime Minister of India. Did he visit Manipur and say sorry to the people?" Instead of putting efforts to solve the core issues in Manipur, why is the Congress playing politics over it all the time?" he asked. Everyone, including yourself, is aware that Manipur is in turmoil today because of the past sins committed by the Congress, such as the repeated settlement of Burmese refugees in Manipur and the signing of the SoO Agreement with Myanmar-based militants in the state, spearheaded https://t.co/A0X9urZ7M6 N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) December 31, 2024 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence in Manipur since May 2023. First Published: January 01, 2025, 12:05 IST Modi Govt Extends Crop Insurance Schemes, Adds Rs 824 Crore Tech Fund Published By : PTI Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 21:02 IST The government enhances crop insurance budget to Rs 69,515 crore and creates a tech fund for better implementation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan at India Agricultural Research Institute, in New Delhi. (IMAGE: PTI) The Centre on Wednesday extended two crop insurance schemes PMFBY and RWBCIS for one more year till 2025-26 and also created a separate Rs 824.77 crore fund for technology infusion in the implementation of flagship schemes. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) have been extended to align it with the 15th Finance Commission period. related stories A decision in this regard was taken in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The schemes have received positive response from the farmers and therefore, the allocation for PMFBY and RWBCIS has been enhanced," Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters. Asked about the ongoing farmer agitation in Punjab and why the government is unable to convince them, Vaishnaw said, If you would have moved around during Haryana elections, farmers gave great feedback on Andolan versus real welfare versus good to farmers, you would have yourself seen". The total outlay for PMFBY and RWBCI has been enhanced to Rs 69,515.71 crore for 2021-22 to 2025-26, higher from Rs 66,550 crore for 2020-21 to 2024-25. For the targeted infusion of technology in the implementation of the crop insurance schemes, the minister said the Cabinet also approved the creation of a separate Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) with a corpus of Rs 824.77 crore. It will help in the use of technology for faster assessment of crop damage, claim settlement and lesser disputes. It will also help in using digital technologies for easier enrolment and greater coverage, Vaishnaw said. In a statement, the agriculture ministry said the fund will be utilised towards funding technological initiatives under the scheme namely, YES-TECH, WINDS, etc as well as research and development studies. Yield Estimation System using Technology (YES-TECH) uses remote sensing technology for yield estimation with a minimum 30 per cent weightage to technology-based yield estimates. Nine major states are currently implementing, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Other states are also being on-boarded expeditiously. With the wider implementation of YES-TECH, Crop Cutting Experiments and related issues will be gradually phased out. Under YES-TECH, claim calculation and settlement have been done for 2023-24. Madhya Pradesh has adopted 100 per cent technology-based yield estimation. Weather Information and Network Data Systems (WINDS) envisages setting up Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) at the block level and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs) at the panchayat level. Under WINDS, a five times increase in current network density is envisaged to develop hyper-local weather data. Under the initiative, only data rental costs are payable by central and state governments. Nine major states are in the process of implementing WINDS, including Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Puducherry, while other states have also expressed willingness to implement. WINDS could not be implemented by States during 2023-24 due to various background preparatory and planning work required before tendering. Accordingly, the Union Cabinet has approved 2024-25 as the first year of implementation of WINDS compared to 2023-24 earlier to give benefit to state governments with higher central fund sharing in a 90:10 ratio. According to the ministry, all efforts are made and will continue to be made to saturate all farmers of northeastern states on priority. To this extent, the centre shares 90 per cent of premium subsidy with northeastern states. However, due to the scheme being a voluntary and low gross cropped area in northeastern states, flexibility has been given to avoid surrender of funds and for reallocation in other development projects and schemes with fund requirements. In terms of policies issued, PMFBY is the countrys largest insurance scheme and third-largest in terms of total premiums. About 23 states and Union territories are implementing it. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all PMFBY and RWBCIS offer financial assistance to farmers suffering from crop loss or damage caused by various unforeseen events. PMFBY covers crop losses based on yield risk, while RWBCIS focuses on weather-related risks. First Published: January 01, 2025, 21:02 IST Modi Govts New Year Gift To Farmers: Higher Crop Insurance, Fertilizer Subsidy Published By : PTI Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 20:55 IST The Modi government boosts farmers welfare with increased crop insurance allocation and extended DAP subsidy for affordable access. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan during the release of 109 high yielding, climate resilient and biofortified varieties of crops, at India Agricultural Research Institute, in New Delhi. (IMAGE: PTI FILE) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that the governments first decision in the New Year is dedicated to farmers, as the Union Cabinet headed by him enhanced allocation to crop insurance scheme and raised subsidy to a key fertiliser. He said on X, (Govts) first decision of the New Near is dedicated to crores of farmer brothers and sisters of our country. We have approved increasing the allocation for crop insurance scheme. This will provide more security to farmers crops and will also mitigate their concerns about any damage." The Cabinets decision on extending the one-time special package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) will help farmers by ensuring the fertiliser at affordable prices, he added. related stories The Cabinet approved continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme till 2025-26 with an overall outlay of Rs 69,515.71 crore for 2021-22 to 2025-26. The decision will help in risk coverage of crops from non-preventable natural calamities for farmers across the country till 2025-26, a statement said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It also approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for extension of One-time Special Package on DAP beyond the NBS subsidy at Rs 3,500 per MT for the period starting from Wednesday till further orders to ensure sustainable availability of DAP at affordable prices to the farmers. The tentative budgetary requirement for this would be approximately up to Rs 3,850 crore, the statement said. First Published: January 01, 2025, 20:55 IST Mumbai: 17,800 Traffic Violators Penalised On New Year, Rs 89 Lakh Fines Collected Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 14:58 IST Action was taken against people indulging in drunk driving, causing obstruction to the free flow of traffic, riding motorbikes without wearing helmet, jumping signals and entering one-way roads, the traffic police official said Security was tightened at key locations in the city to avoid any untoward incident, the official said. (Image: AFP file) Mumbai traffic police penalised 17,800 motorists and collected Rs 89.19 lakh as fines for the violation of road rules during the New Year celebrations in the city, an official said on Wednesday. The police conducted the drive from the New Years eve till the early hours of Wednesday. related stories Action was taken against people indulging in drunk driving, causing obstruction to the free flow of traffic, riding motorbikes without wearing helmet, jumping signals and entering one-way roads, the traffic police official said. Motorists were also fined for speed violations, driving four-wheelers without wearing seat belt and using mobile phone while driving, he said. The traffic police collected Rs 89,19,750 as fines via e-challan from the traffic norm violators, the official said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A large number of people assembled at prominent places in Mumbai, including Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Bandra Bandstand and Juhu Chowpatty, to celebrate the New Year. Security was tightened at key locations in the city to avoid any untoward incident, the official said. First Published: January 01, 2025, 14:58 IST Punched, Dragged Each Other By Hair: Two School Girls Clash 'Over Same Boy' In UP Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 21:05 IST A video of two girls clashing with each other over a boy went viral on social media. The police took note of the video and started an investigation. Viral video of UP girls fighting over boy (Photo: X) Two teenage girls engaged in fisticuffs on a road in Uttar Pradeshs Baghpat after discovering that both of them liked the same boy at their school. The video of the incident that occurred in the Aminagar Sarai town has gone viral on social media. The police said that an investigation into the incident is underway. related stories What Did The Viral Video Show? The video showed both Class 10 girls, clad in school uniforms, engaging in a violent altercationpunching, kicking, and pulling each other by the hairwhile other students and passersby tried to intervene and separate them. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to reports, the two girls liked a boy who studied at their school. They would speak with the boy regularly and as they found out one day that both of them liked him, they broke into a fight outside the school. The police said that they had taken cognisance of the video and would investigate the incident. Location : Baghpat, India First Published: January 01, 2025, 21:05 IST Ready To Offer Blood Money To Yemeni Victims Family, Nimisha Priya's Husband Tells News18 Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Nitya Thirumalai Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 09:28 IST Indian nurse Nimisha Priya could be executed in Yemen within a month for allegedly murdering her Yemeni business partner. Back in Kerala, her familys only hope is that the murder victims family accepts their offer of diya or blood money Family members and legal representatives allege that the deceased Talal Abdo Mahdi tortured Nimisha Priya under the influence of drugs and withheld her passport. (News18 Malayalam) Nimisha Priyas 13-year-old daughter (name withheld) lives with a sliver of hope that she will be united with her mother, who is on death row in Yemen for allegedly murdering a Yemeni national. The young girl firmly believes that her mother, a nurse, will be pardoned and back home with her in India with the help of authorities from both countries. On Monday, Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi upheld the death sentence awarded by his countrys court to Nimisha, leaving the nurses family and supporting human rights groups scrambling for a resolution to save her life. related stories For the past seven years, we have been trying every possible legal way to seek pardon and bring Nimisha home alive. Our child was just two-years-old when this happened. She has seen her photographs and speaks over video calls, but she needs the support and love of a mother. We are hoping that we can connect to the family of Talal Abdo Mahdi and find a solution. We are ready to offer diya (blood money) in return for the life of my wife," said a shaken Tomy Thomas, Nimishas husband. Time Is Ticking Nimishas family back in Kerala are quite stunned by the decision of the Yemeni government. After the Yemeni president upheld the death penalty, a statement from Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: We are aware of the sentencing of Nimisha Priya in Yemen. We understand that the family of Priya is exploring relevant options. The government is extending all possible help in the matter." Yemeni media reports indicated that with this new development, Nimisha Priyas death sentence could be executed within a month. But Nimishas husband refuses to lose hope. He says that though the time is ticking, he is confident that appeals and pleas to the family of Mahdi will be heard. We are trying to get my wife back so that we can live as one family again. In my heart, I know. I strongly believe that the discussions will reach a point where we can discuss diya or blood money. I am positive. I refuse to give up hope. My wife is a good human being. She is of a very caring and helpful nature. But we are caught in this, now we are trying to arrive at a settlement to try and save Nimishas life," her husband told News18. Hard Road To Justice Nimisha Priya, who has been in jail in Yemen since 2017, was handed capital punishment by a trial court in 2020 and Yemens Supreme Judicial Council upheld the verdict in November 2023. Yemens President Rashad al-Alimi has approved her death sentence. Nimishas daughter, who was just two-years-old when the incident took place, has been also making an appeal in her own way to seek her mothers pardon and release. Whenever Nimisha calls me, the first thing she asks about is our daughter. She asks how shes doing, enquires about my health, and how were coping. Shes in jail and has no knowledge of whats happening outside. But the first thing is always to know how our daughter is faring and how she wants to reunite as a family," her husband said. Tomy, who works as a daily wage labourer and an autorickshaw driver, has been forced to send his daughter to a hostel. I cannot keep my young daughter alone at home, or locked up while I drive around the city to earn a living. Its not safe. I have to earn for the both of us to survive, as well as try and get money for Nimishas case. We somehow are making ends meet. I have a huge debt of Rs 60 lakh that I had taken in 2015 to start our own clinic, but that has been shut since 2017. We had to sell our home, Nimishas mother sold hers as well, today we have only one small roof above our heads," explained Tomy. International groups have been intervening and trying to help the family and the family believes some progress was being made until the decision by the Yemeni government on Monday. The discussions were just beginning. The paperwork has only recently started, and the situation in Israel, Yemen, and the war has further delayed the process. We havent spoken directly to Mahdis family to date," said Tomy. Nimishas mother Prema Kumari has been running from pillar to post to try and save her daughters life by securing a waiver of the death penalty. With the support of Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, a group of NRI social workers based in Yemen, Prema Kumari has been living in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, since early 2024 to negotiate the payment of blood money to the victims family. However, efforts to negotiate the blood money faced setbacks. What Happened Back In 2017? Nimisha Priya, a trained nurse hailing from Kollengode in Keralas Palakkad district, was in Yemen with her husband in 2012. The family returned in 2014 with their young daughter. Tomy recalled that Nimisha went back to Yemen on February 9, 2015. The idea was to organise some more money, and my daughter and I would join her there. After a month, the war broke out, Indians were fleeing, the Embassy was shut down, and the Indian government did not allow people to travel to Yemen. This is when Mahdis behaviour changed. He had even come to our home and stayed with us. He was a nice man then. He had a wife and children, but with the war, their attitude and behaviour changed, and he became abusive and began to torture my wife," said Nimishas husband. Nimisha had worked in various hospitals before setting up her own clinic in the Yemeni capital after she realised there was more potential for them to start their own practice. Since Yemens laws required foreign nationals to have local partners to establish businesses, she partnered with the Yemeni national, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in 2015. During a brief holiday the same year, Mahdi accompanied Nimisha Priya to Kerala and stayed at their home. Tomy alleges that it is here that the Yemeni national allegedly stole a wedding photograph of her and later altered and manipulated it to falsely claim he was married to the nurse back in Sanaa. Nimishas family say that over time, Mahdi began harassing her, extorting money from her clinic, and seizing her passport to prevent her from leaving Yemen. Family members and legal representatives alleged that he also tortured her under the influence of drugs, threatened her at gunpoint, and manipulated the clinics ownership documents to claim full control. Upset with a section of the media who reported that the Yemeni national was Nimishas husband, as he had claimed while running the hospital back in Yemen, Tomy, who does not like to speak to the media, is wary when asked about the case. There is a section of the media which has been spreading false reports, claiming that the Yemeni Mahdi was her partner, sponsor, and husband. If thats the case, then who am I? Thats completely untrue. Theyve got their facts wrong," he said. In 2017, Nimisha attempted to retrieve her passport from Mahdis possession. Acting on advice from a prison warden who was a patient of hers as well as one who knew of her case as she had repeatedly reported to the local police of assault or threats by the Yemeni national, she tried to sedate Mahdi to incapacitate him temporarily and retrieve her passport to flee back home. Her first attempt failed as Mahdis substance abuse didnt calm him down. On her second attempt, when she used a stronger sedative, Mahdi died from an overdose within minutes. Diya: The Only Hope Nimisha was arrested while trying to leave Yemen and charged with murder. In 2018, a trial court in Sanaa sentenced her to death. In November 2023, Yemens Supreme Judicial Council upheld the death sentence, but it left open the possibility of avoiding execution through blood money a financial settlement with the victims family. This is the sliver of hope that the family has been trying to use to save the nurses life. Nimishas mother filed a plea stating that her daughter endured years of abuse at the hands of Mahdi. She alleged that Nimisha had sought help from the Yemeni police but was arrested and jailed instead. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council raised funds for legal fees and negotiations through crowdfunding. Now, with international organisations and Indian authorities involved, efforts are underway to secure forgiveness from Mahdis family and tribal leaders. If successful, Nimisha Priyas life could be spared through a financial settlement. Location : Kerala, India First Published: January 01, 2025, 09:28 IST Mumbai 26/11 Attacks Accused Tahawwur Rana Likely To Be Extradited To India Soon: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 11:25 IST Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is set to be extradited to India after a US court upheld his extradition, a report has claimed. Tahawwur Rana (Photo: ANI) Tahawwur Rana, the Pakistan-origin Canadian businessman involved in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is likely to be brought to India soon. According to a report with The Economic Times, the process to bring Rana to India through diplomatic channels is underway. In August 2024, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that Tahawwur Rana is extraditable to India" under the extradition treaty between the two countries. related stories The panel affirmed the district courts denial of Tahawwur Hussain Ranas habeas corpus petition challenging a magistrate judges certification of Rana as extraditable to India for his alleged participation in terrorist attacks in Mumbai. The panel also held that India provided sufficient competent evidence to support the magistrate judges finding of probable cause that Rana committed the charged crimes. Rana was named by the Mumbai Police in their 405-page chargesheet in connection with the 26/11 attacks. Rana is accused of being an operative of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba. In the chargesheet, the Mumbai Police mentioned that Rana is accused of supporting the 26/11 attacks mastermind David Coleman Headley, who conducted the recce of the Mumbai attacks. Under the limited scope of habeas review of an extradition order, the US panel held that Ranas alleged offence fell within the terms of the extradition treaty between the United States and India, which included a Non-Bis in Idem (double jeopardy) exception to extraditability when the person sought has been convicted or acquitted in the Requested State for the offence for which extradition is requested." Relying on the plain text of the treaty, the State Departments technical analysis, and persuasive case law of other circuits, the panel held that the word offence" refers to a charged crime, rather than underlying acts, and requires an analysis of the elements of each crime. The panel concluded that a co-conspirators plea agreement did not compel a different result, and further held that the Non Bis in Idem exception did not apply because the Indian charges contained distinct elements from the crimes for which Rana was acquitted in the US. Less than a year after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Chicago arrested Rana. He was operating a travel agency in Chicago 15 years ago, when he and his friend David Coleman Headley, scouted Mumbai locations and landing zones to carry out the attack. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to investigators, Pakistani terrorists who carried out the deadly attack worked off a blueprint that Rana had a hand in producing. Rana and David Headley are charged with aiding the terror plot. First Published: January 01, 2025, 10:38 IST GAZA, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 17 Palestinians were killed by Israeli bombings in the northern and central Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported. At least 15 Palestinians, most of them children, were killed and several others injured when the Israeli aircraft bombed a house in Jabalia Al-Balad, northern Gaza, WAFA said. Two more people were killed as a result of the Israeli bombing of a house in Al-Bureij camp, central Gaza, it added. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, in a warning statement on Wednesday, urged residents in some blocks in the Al-Bureij area to "move immediately to the humanitarian zone" before an attack, adding that "terrorist organizations are once again launching rockets from this area." Earlier, the military said in a statement that Hamas launched two projectiles from central Gaza into southern Israel overnight, triggering sirens in the western Negev desert. One of the projectiles was intercepted and the other fell in an open area, with no injuries reported. Hamas' armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for the attack, which was aimed at the southern Israeli city of Netivot. Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 45,553, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Wednesday. 'India Should Shift Focus From H-1B Visas To Professional Services During Trump 2.0': Think Tank Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 10:09 IST A think tank report has advised India to diversify its service sector focus beyond H-1B visa reliance, emphasising professional services and MROs. Think tank report on India and H1B visa holders (Photo: PTI) Amid the backlash against Indian H-1B visa holders in the United States and the ongoing debate over the programme, a report by policy think tank Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) has suggested that there was an inordinately high reliance on H-1B visas as a tool for service delivery and that India should increase its focus on professional services and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MROs) services. The report also stated that India is well entrenched in the services sector in the US, but should explore a comprehensive new institutional framework to address the multiple issues that arise from trade, investment, technology and finance linkages. related stories It also said that despite the US economy performing robustly, the trade deficit would remain a priority concern for the incoming Donald Trump administration. The report was published after the RIS hosted a briefing session on Trade, Tariff and Trump on December 31, 2024, addressing the anticipated economic and trade implications of the incoming Trump 2.0 administration. Despite the US economy performing robustly exhibiting a GDP growth rate improving from 1.9 per cent in 2022 to an expected 2.7 per cent-2.8 per cent in 2024 the trade deficit would remain a priority concern for the incoming Trump administration," the report stated. It also stated that India is among the top 10 countries that the US identifies as partners in the current value chains, with whom the US trade deficit is more than 40 per cent. The Trump 2.0 administration, with its America First policy priority, is likely to identify countries and sectors that can provide the best recourse for reducing imports. They may also like to focus on steps that bring in manufacturing from their partners in the current value chains, which may mean a greater emphasis on Mexico, Canada, and China with whom US trade deficit is more than 40 per cent. India, with trade surplus of US$ 33.8 billion, is at the 9th position," the report stated. India may need to plan first, plan hard, and yet plan fast. We need to deepen trade linkages at sectoral and product level by identifying issues related to threats and opportunities before devising policy actions. In terms of sectors and products of importance, end-use goods consumer goods may be a higher target for the US administration to impose tariffs," it added. India is well entrenched in the services sector in the US, but there is inordinately high reliance on H1B visa as a tool for service delivery. Service delivery business model is changing rapidly, so the provision of servicers from BPOs etc. stationed in India may not benefit as much from the time-zone advantage any longer," the report stated. India may like to increase its focus on professional services and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MROs) services, and similar other service sub-sectors," it read. In terms of technology driven products, India has entered the US market in all segments. US tariffs are the lowest in the high technology products (0.2 per cent), so they may be targeted for tariff hikes by the new administration. To avert losses, tie up with our US importers need to be strengthened so that they lobby for their own needs. However, low technology products have high US tariffs." We may be left with an avenue there to improve our participation in the value chains being built up in the US manufacturing sector," the report stated. Given the intrinsic linkage between trade and investment, India may also focus on rapidly reviewing its bilateral investment treaty model to support sustainable trade initiatives. Since US tariffs are likely to impact countries like China, the impact of that US action on Indias trade and Indias position in the US market needs to be studied," it read. THE DEBATE AROUND H-1B VISA 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. Elon Musk, who was once on an H-1B visa and whose electric vehicle company Tesla has hired workers using the programme, defended the tech industrys need to hire 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 fibre of your being to keep it that way!" he wrote on X on December 28. Musks statement also received backing from President-elect Donald Trump whose first administration restricted the programme in 2020, arguing that it allows businesses to replace Americans with lower-paid foreign workers. However, Trump recently said: Ive always liked the visas, I have always been in favour of the visas. Thats why we have them." 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. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Several of Trumps supporters and immigration hardliners have been increasingly pushing for scrapping the H-1B visa programme amid debate over immigration. The debate intensified when Indian-American tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy criticised American culture for promoting mediocrity instead of focusing on academic excellence and success based on merit. First Published: January 01, 2025, 09:41 IST UP Man Buys Dawood Ibrahim's Mumbai Property, Fights 23-Year-Long Battle For Possession Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 16:37 IST A man from Uttar Pradesh spent 23 years of his life fighting for possession of a property of Dawood Ibrahim in Mumbai, which he purchased in 2001. Hemant Jain and Dawood Ibrahim (Photo: X) An Uttar Pradesh man, who purchased a property of mafia don Dawood Ibrahim in Mumbai in a 2001 auction, has finally got its ownership rights following a long battle of 23 years, according to reports. Hemant Jain, 57, who set his sights on a 144-square-foot shop in the citys Nagpada area when he was 34, had seen a chance to defy the underworlds shadow by purchasing the property. related stories I bid for the property after reading in a newspaper that Dawoods properties werent attracting buyers," he was quoted as saying by the Times of India. Hemant Jains Journey The UP man had bought the property in September 2001 in an auction held by the income tax department by bidding Rs 2 lakh for the shop on the Jayraj Bhai Street, TOI reported. However, his bliss was short-lived as he claimed that the officials misled him after the purchase stating that there was a ban on the transfer of Centre-owned properties. He said that he later found out that no such ban existed. From that point onward, bureaucratic hurdles multiplied rapidly. The Income Tax Department asserted that the original files were missing," effectively stalling the ownership transfer process. He wrote several letters to the Prime Ministers Office spanning tenures of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi however, no significant progress was made, TOI reported. Property Disappears By 2017 By 2017, the property file had disappeared entirely, and Jain was instructed to pay stamp duty calculated on the current market value, which had skyrocketed to over Rs 23 lakh. Adding to his burden, registration fees and penalties further escalated his financial distress. Since the property was bought in the auction, the stamp duty should not have been calculated as per the market value. I kept following up with the registrars office for several years but received no response," he was quoted as saying by TOI. Jain paid Rs 1.5 lakh in stamp duty and penalties and finally on December 19 last year, the property was registered in his name. I wont abandon this fight. Now that the property is in my name, I will also secure possession," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, the victory remains incomplete. The shop is still under the control of alleged associates of Dawood, who have converted the space into a lathe machine workshop. Authorities told me to let go of the property and live in peace," he said. But we villagers are not easily intimidated. A man from the village is like a banyan tree steadfast and unyielding against all storms." First Published: January 01, 2025, 16:37 IST When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2025? Date, History, Significance, Muhurat, Rituals And Celebrations Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 12:00 IST Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 celebrations will begin on August 27 and conclude with the visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi, which falls on September 6. Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Ganesh Utsav or Vinayaka Chaturthi. (File pic) Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Ganesh Utsav or Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a Hindu festival commemorating the birth of the elephant-headed god Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is regarded as the god of knowledge, wealth, and good fortune. He is also called Gajanana, Dhoomraketu, Ekdanta, Vakrtunda, and Siddhi Vinayaka. Lord Ganesha, who is revered for removing barriers, is always called upon at the beginning of new undertakings, intellectual activities, or commercial endeavours. The Hindu community in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and even abroad celebrate the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebration with great fervour. related stories When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2025? Date and Timings According to the Gregorian calendar, the 10-day celebration starts on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which normally occurs in August or September. In 2025, the much-loved festivities and rituals will begin on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, with the Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat, which will last from 11:05 AM to 1:40 PM. Meanwhile, the Ganesh Visarjan is set for Saturday, September 6, 2025. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Shubh Muhurat As per Drik Panchang, the Chaturthi Tithi will commence at 01:54 PM on August 26, 2025, and end at 03:44 PM on August 27, 2025. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Sthapana Muhurat Ganesh Puja is celebrated during Madhyahna since it is believed that Lord Ganesh was born around this time. According to the Hindu calendar, Madhyahna Kala equals midday. It is the period of time between dawn and dusk that is split into five equal portions. According to Drik Panchang, the Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat is scheduled on August 27, 2025, from 11:05 AM to 01:40 PM and the duration is 2 hours 34 minutes. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: History, Significance, and How it is Celebrated? India celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival that originated in the 17th century under the Maratha Empire when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj observed it to encourage togetherness and nationalism. Furthermore, freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak utilised it to inspire independence and bring people together during the British colonial era, which is when it acquired popularity. Hindu mythology states that the Goddess Parvati created Ganesha by breathing life into him with her own body. He is revered as the deity of knowledge, intelligence, and wisdom and is known as the Vighnaharta, or the remover of impediments. The festival transcends all barriers, uniting individuals from all backgrounds, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, in honour of Lord Ganeshas heavenly presence. Devotees bring clay statues of Lord Ganesha into their houses and adorn them with flowers and rangoli patterns during Ganesh Chaturthi. They take a bath, get up early, dress cleanly, observe fasting, and carry out daily puja rituals. In addition, the event is celebrated by cooking a delectable food, dancing to drum beats, and singing and performing religious songs. Devotees end the pooja with the chanting of the Om Gan Ganpataye Namah" mantra, to ensure a joyful and prosperous celebration. Ganesh Chaturthi is an occasion to honour the heavenly attributes of Lord Ganesha, meditate on ones spirituality, and celebrate Indias common cultural heritage. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Rituals Heres a comprehensive step-by-step explanation of the traditional ceremonies done during Ganesh Chaturthi: Install Ganesha idol: Begin by placing a Ganesha statue, which can be made of clay, wood, or metal, in your home or at a public place. Prana Pratishta (Invocation of life): After placing the idol, do the first puja by bathing it and offering prayers, food, and flowers. A priest will execute rituals and chant mantras to bring the Ganesha idol to life. Sing bhajans and kirtans: To honour Lord Ganesha and commemorate the occasion, sing bhajans (devotional songs) and kirtans (devotional chants). Shodashopachara (16-fold worship): To worship Lord Ganesha, perform the Shodashopachara Puja, a series of sixteen traditional procedures. The steps are: Avahana and Pratishthapan; Asana Samarpan; Padya Samarpan; Arghya Samarpan; Achamana; Snana Mantra; Vastra Samarpan and Uttariya Samarpan; Yajnopavita Samarpan; Gandha; Akshata; Pushpa Mala, Shami Patra, Durvankura, Sindoor; Dhoop; Deep Samarpan; Naivedya and Karodvartan; ambula, Narikela, and Dakshina Samarpan; Neerajan and Visarjan. Present 16 varieties of offerings, including flowers, fruits, chocolates, and modaks. Modaks are particularly noteworthy because they are thought to be Lord Ganeshas favourite pleasure. Uttarpuja (final worship): On the tenth day, complete the final worship rituals, repeat mantras, ask Lord Ganeshas blessings, and prepare to say goodbye. Ganpati Visarjan (Immersing the Ganesha idol): Ganpati Visarjan, in which the Ganesha statue is immersed in a river or ocean, marks the end of the festival celebrations. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Fasting Rules Types of Fasting Nirjal Fasting: This severe fast requires abstaining from both food and water for the full day. Phalahar Fasting: Fruits, nuts, and dairy products such as milk and yoghurt can all be consumed. Satvik Fasting: This entails consuming basic vegetarian foods like sabudana (tapioca pearls), fruits, veggies, and nuts. Fasting Guidelines Choose the duration of your fast based on your particular preferences and health. You might fast for the full day or restrict it to specific times or meals. Physical and mental purity should be maintained throughout the fast. Stop thinking negatively and gossiping about others. Engage in spiritual practices such as prayer and mantra recitation. Non-vegetarian foods are prohibited during the Ganesh Chaturthi fast. Many devotees even forgo eating onion and garlic throughout the fast. Fasting meals should be cooked with little spices and oils. Common salt is normally avoided while fasting. Instead, rock salt (sendha namak) is used since it is considered pure and suitable for fasting. If you are observing a nirjal fast, drink plenty of water before and after. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: When is Anant Chaturdashi? Anant Chaturdashi is a Hindu festival that takes place on the 14th day of the lunar month of Bhadrapada, which falls in September. This festival is devoted to Lord Vishnu and concludes the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. According to Drik Panchang, Anant Chaturdashi will take place on September 6, 2025. On this day, ardent devotees execute special prayers and rituals, which commonly include immersing Ganesh figurines in water to symbolise the deitys return to his celestial abode. Devotees celebrate Anant Chaturdashi by fasting and praying to Lord Vishnu for wealth and good health. Tying a holy thread around the wrist is an important practice that is said to bring good fortune and protection. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Is it a bank holiday in India According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulation, banks in India are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, as well as on Sundays and other regional and national holidays. ALSO READ: Festivals And Bank Holidays Calendar 2025: Complete List Of Indian Festivals And Public Holidays In addition, banks in numerous states are closed for Ganesh Chaturthi. Banks are closed in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Goa. However, banks in other states operate as usual. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: FAQs When is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated? Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the Bhadra month according to the lunar calendar. In 2025, it will be celebrated on August 27. Who is the deity worshipped during Ganesh Chaturthi? The deity worshipped during Ganesh Chaturthi is Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. What are some rituals performed during Ganesh Chaturthi? Some rituals performed during Ganesh Chaturthi include: Offering fresh flowers Chanting mantras Performing aarti daily top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Keeping the idol at home for some time Immersing the idol on the last day of the festival. First Published: January 01, 2025, 12:00 IST Holi 2025: Shubh Muhurat, Rituals, History, Significance, And Celebrations Across India Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: March 13, 2025, 23:57 IST Holi is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Falgun. This year, it will be observed on Friday, March 14. Holi, also known as the festival of colours, is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India and also other parts of the world. (Image: Shutterstock) When Is Holi 2025 Date: Holi, also referred to as the Festival of Colours, Love, and Spring, isnt just a festival; its an enchanting occasion that holds a special place in the hearts of millions across India and the globe. During this festival, people come together, unwind, and engage in joyous celebrations with friends and family. As one of the biggest festivals on the Hindu calendar, Holi transcends religious boundaries, marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The festival symbolises renewal, rebirth, and good over evil, which is celebrated in different ways, each region infusing its unique customs and traditions. related stories ALSO READ: Happy Holi 2025: Top 50+ Wishes, Quotes, Captions, And Messages To Share With Friends And Family The festivities begin with a bonfire in the evening, signifying the victory of good. On the following day, streets turn into bright parties with lots of laughter, music, and vibrant colour fights everywhere, creating a colourful atmosphere. People also gather and enjoy sweets and delicacies. Heres a look into the date, shubh muhurat, history, significance, rituals, and everything related to this festival. When Is Holi 2025? Date Every year, people celebrate Holi on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month Falgun, which usually occurs in February or March. In 2025, the festival of colours will be observed on Friday, March 14. Holi 2025: Shubh Muhurat As per Drik Panchang, the auspicious time for Holi begins on March 13, 2025, at 10:35 AM and concludes at 12:23 PM on March 14, 2025. Holi 2025: History Holi holds deep roots in Hindu mythology with a belief that this day can ward off various fears. The festival commemorates the story of Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, who was saved from the evil plans of his father, Hiranyakashyap, and her sister, Holika. Hiranyakashyaps sister had a magical boon that made her immune to fire. So, she tried to use her powers to harm Prahlad by sitting with him in a burning pyre. However, Holika perished in the flames, while Prahlad remained unharmed. This victory of good over evil is celebrated on the day of Holi. While in other places like Mathura and Vrindavan, the festival is considered a celebration of the love between Lord Krishna and Radha. Holi 2025: Significance Holi is a festival that marks the victory of good over evil while also celebrating heavenly love shared by Lord Krishna and Radha. Besides, the harvest festival also respects the arrival of spring, and it also marks the end of winter. If our Hindu mythology is anything to go by, Goddess Radha was extremely fair, whereas Lord Krishna had a dark complexion. This contrasting difference in their complexion always had Lord Krishna worried about whether she would accept him. Seeing this dilemma, Mother Yashodha asked Lord Krishna to smear colour on Radha to bridge the gap. Holi 2025: Rituals Performing Holi rituals at the right time is crucial to avoid misfortune and suffering. So, check below the step-by-step ritual for this religious festival. On the first day of Holi, the Holika Dahan ritual is conducted using a pile of wood. The items required for the puja are a bowl of water, cow dung, unbroken rice, flowers, raw cotton thread, agarbatti, batasha, moong, turmeric pieces, gulal, and a coconut. The rituals begin by tying cotton threads around the wood, and Ganga water is sprinkled along with flowers. Then, the Holika Dahan structure is worshipped using the above-mentioned items. After finishing the puja, the wood is lit, symbolising the burning of evil, negativity, and ego from ones life. Holi 2025: Holika Dahan Date and Muhurat The eve of Holi, known as Holika Dahan, will fall on Thursday, March 13. The shubh Muhurat for performing the rituals starts at 11:26 PM on March 13 and culminates at 12:30 AM on March 14, according to Drik Panchang. Holika Dahan Puja Vidhi Keep all Puja ingredients, i.e., one bowl of water, beads made of cow dung, roli, unbroken rice, fragrances like agarbatti and dhoop, flowers, raw cotton thread, turmeric pieces, moong, Batasha, Gulal powder and coconut on a plate. Moreover, fully grown grains of freshly cultivated crops like gram and wheat can be included in the Puja items. Now, accompany a small water pot with Puja Thali. Then, sit down facing the East or the North direction and sprinkle some holy water on the Puja Thali and yourself. Take the water, rice, flower and some money in the right hand and take Sankalp. Following this, take the flower and rice in the right hand and remember Lord Ganesha by chanting a mantra. After worshipping Lord Ganesha, remember Goddess Ambika by chanting auspicious mantras. While reciting, apply roli and rice on a flower and offer it along with agarbatti to Goddess Ambika. Now, remember Lord Narasimha by chanting the mantra and applying Roli and rice on a flower and offering it along with fragrance to the Lord. Next, remember devotee Prahlada by reciting a mantra and offering a flower by applying Roli and rice along with fragrance to devotee Prahlada. Stand with folded hands and request to fulfill your wishes while chanting mantra. Then, offer rice, fragrances, flower, turmeric pieces, Moong, coconut and a garland made of dried cow dung to Holika. Tie three, five, or seven rounds of raw yarn around the Holika while circumambulating it. After that, empty the water pot in front of the Holika pile. Lastly, Holika is burnt, and the fire from the public bonfire is brought home to burn Holika. After that, all men wear an auspicious mark of Roli and take blessings from elders. People also circumambulate Holika and offer new crops to the bonfire and roast them. The roasted grains are distributed to people as Holika Prasad. The next morning, the ash from the bonfire is collected and smeared on the body. The ash is considered holy, and it is believed that body and soul are purified after applying it. Holi 2025: Why is Holi called the Festival of Colours? According to Hindu mythology, this religious festival is based on the legend of Lord Krishna. It is believed that the Lord Krishna was worried about the blue colour of his face, which happened after being poisoned by breast milk in his childhood. He was in despair because he believed that Radha and other girls wouldnt like him because he had a dark complexion and Radha was very fair. Seeing his pain, mother Yashoda playfully suggested him to smear Radhas face with colours and remove any differences in their complexion. Krishna listened to her mother and applied gulal on Radhas face. This is how the celebration of Holi around the world began and the reason why the day is known as the festival of colours. Holi 2025: Why is Lathmar Holi celebrated? The entire country celebrates the spring festival, with each state having its own traditions and ways to observe the day. But the Lathmar Holi celebrations are world-famous, thanks to their colourful and lively way that brings joy to everyone involved. Lathmar Holi is celebrated in Uttar Pradeshs Barsana, which is believed to be the birthplace of Radha. The Holi celebration in Barsana has drawn its name from the unique way the villagers observe the day. During Lathmar Holi, women of the village playfully chase and hit men from Nandgaon, Krishnas village, with huge sticks called lath or lathi. The men defend themselves with shields amid the splashing of colour and gulal. As per mythology, Lord Krishna and his troop used to visit Barsana to play Holi with Radha and other Gopis, and lathmar Holi is held to recreate that time and keep the tradition alive. This celebration draws millions of people from across India and abroad every year who take part in the celebrations. Holi 2025: What is Rang Panchami? Rang Panchami, also known as Krishna Panchami and Dev Panchami, is celebrated on the fifth day of Holi.According to the Purnimanta Hindu calendar, Rang Panchami is celebrated on the Krishna Paksha Panchami of the Chaitra month. This festival is observed to commemorate Lord Krishna playing Holi with colours and Gulal with Radha Rani.On this auspicious occasion, Rangotsava and special tableaux are organised in various temples of the country. Moreover, several types of cultural programs are organised at the regional level. In 2025, Rang Panchami falls on March 19. Holi 2025: Traditions Across India Dol Jatra Holi is observed as Dol Jatra in the eastern part, mainly in West Bengal and Odisha.The festival starts by worshipping Lord Krishna, with the idols of Lord Krishna and Radha placed on swings. Devotees who take part in the puja get a chance to swing the idols, which is considered auspicious. Later, people smear each others faces with red and pink colours known as abeer,sing along and dance to traditional music or folk songs as well.In many places, the idols of Lord Radha-Krishna are also taken out on a procession. Lathmar Holi The Lathmar Holi in Mathuras Barsana, the birthplace of Radha, draws lakhs of people from across India and abroad every year. In this Holi celebration, women of the village beat men with huge sticks called lath. During this, men are forced to defend themselves with wooden shields amid the splashing of colourful gulal. Bhasm Holi in Varanasi Now, another unique Holi celebration is held in Varanasi, the land of Lord Vishwanath. This is a unique tradition of playing Holi as saints, Aghoris and Naga Sadhus celebrate the festival with the ash from the funeral pyreto pay obeisance to Lord Vishwanath. As the name suggests, Chita Bhasm Holi,or Masan Holi,is celebrated at the cremation ground in Varanasi by smearing ashes. It is believed that Lord Shiva visits the famous Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi on this day to celebrate Bhasm Holi. Phool Wali Holi Now, those who visit the holy city of Vrindavan know how popular Phool Wali Holi is among the tourists. Before the occasion of Holi, Phool Wali Holi is celebrated in the state at the famous Bankebihari temple of Vrindavan. On this day, devotees shower colourful flower petals on the idols Radha-Krishna at the temple. Holi 2025: Is it a bank holiday in India? Banks observe holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays and every Sunday of the month. In addition, they are closed for festivals and other special occasions. So, if youre planning tovisit your loved ones during the festival or enjoy the Holi of Vrindavan, let us clear you that banks will be closed on the occasion of Holi. Holi 2025: FAQs What is Holi? Holi, also known as the festival of colours, is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India and also other parts of the world. The day marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. When is Holi celebrated? Holi is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month Falgun. This year, it falls on Friday, March 14. The eve of Holi, known as Holika Dahan or Choti Holi,will be observed on Thursday, March 13. What is the story behind Holi? There are mainly two narratives associated with Holi: Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu and Kamadeva and Shiva. Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu:This is the story of a demon king, Hiranyakashipu, who wanted everyone to worship him. However, his son, Prahlad, was a devotee of god Vishnu. This enraged Hiranyakashipu who asked her sister, Holika, who had a blessing that fire cannot burn her. She tried to burn Prahlad in a fire, but she perished instead. This marks the triumph of good over evil. Kamadeva and Shiva:In some traditions, the festival is linked to the god of love, Kamadeva. It is believed that he awakened Shiva from his deep meditation with an arrow. This story indicates the return of spring and fertility. How is Holi celebrated? Holi is a joyous and vibrant festival and is celebrated with full enthusiasm across the country. It starts by performing Holika Dahan in the evening of Holi, followed by playing with colours and savouring traditional Holi cuisines and drinks. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all What are the traditional foods eaten during Holi? The traditional foods that are widely enjoyed during Holi are sweets like malpua and gujiya. Moreover, Thandai, a special drink made with milk, nuts, and spices, is also savoured in several parts of India. First Published: January 01, 2025, 11:00 IST Anurag Kashyap Says Bollywood Filmmakers Have 'Ignored' Hindi Audience: Thats How Dumb They Are Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 02, 2025, 00:05 IST Anurag Kashyap blames Bollywood for ignoring Hindi audiences, allowing South films to dominate and reshape the market. Gangs Of Wasseypur director Anurag Kashyap recently revealed he is moving out of Mumbai and going to South. Producer Naga Vamsis comments about South Indian cinema reshaping Bollywoods approach have reignited discussions on social media. Adding to the debate, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently shared his perspective, critiquing Bollywood for collectively neglecting its core Hindi-speaking audience. Kashyap cited the mishandling of his iconic films Gangs of Wasseypur and Mukkabaaz as examples of Bollywoods disconnect, explaining how this negligence created opportunities for South Indian cinema to dominate. In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kashyap revealed, Our audience was ignored collectively. For example, during Covid, I found out that my two films Gangs of Wasseypur and Mukkabaaz which now have a very core audience in North India, werent released in North India. I found out, during a distribution meeting, that my North Indian films werent released across North India because the studio decided that my core audience is in Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Hyderabad and thats it. Thats how dumb they are." related stories Kashyap also highlighted an incident involving a theatre owner in Bihar. A theatre owner from Bihar told me that he was begging Eros (production house) to release the film in his theatre, but they refused because it takes money to make one more DCP (Digital Cinema Package) and they thought its not worth the cost for that market." The filmmaker delved deeper into how South films have captured the North Indian market, noting that even dubbed versions have garnered massive success. We make Hindi films but we have ignored the Hindi film audience. The advantage was taken by this man who created the YouTube channel Goldmines, where he started picking films from the South at cheap rates, dubbed them, and started catering to that Hindi audience. And that audience got built so much that Pushpa 2s trailer was released in Patna," Kashyap stated. This shift in audience preference has dramatically altered the dynamics of Indian cinema. Kashyap observed that the North Indian audience, once loyal to Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Govinda, and Salman Khan, now embraces South Indian stars. First Published: January 02, 2025, 00:05 IST Housefull Director Sajid Khan Contemplated Suicide 'Many Times' In Last 6 Years: 'Life's Been Tough' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 02, 2025, 01:30 IST Sajid Khan reflects on hardships after #MeToo allegations, revealing struggles, loss of work and rebuilding his life over six years. Sajid Khan was last seen in Bigg Boss 16. Actor-director Sajid Khan, who faced multiple allegations during the #MeToo movement in Bollywood, recently opened up about the severe impact it had on his personal and professional life. In 2018, while filming Housefull 4, several women accused Khan of sexual harassment, leading to his removal from the project and a halt in his career. In a candid interview with Hindustan Times, Sajid revealed the mental and emotional toll of the past six years. I thought of ending my life many times in the last six years," he shared, describing this period as extremely bad." The filmmaker admitted that being out of work and facing public scrutiny pushed him to his lowest point. related stories Despite being cleared by the Indian Film and Television Directors Association (IFTDA), Sajid has struggled to find footing in the industry again. The financial strain forced him to sell his house and move to a rented apartment. Since the age of 14, I have been earning for my family," he said, recalling the responsibility he shouldered after the death of his father, producer-director Kamran Khan, who left behind debts. Reflecting on his hardships, Sajid expressed a deep sense of loss over his mother, Menaka Irani, not being alive to witness his attempts to rebuild his life. More than her son, I was her caretaker. Life has been quite tough," he admitted, speaking of the bond they shared. The Housefull series director revealed his struggle to cope with the challenges of the last few years. Even after IFTDA cleared me, getting back on my feet has been a slow and painful process," Sajid said, acknowledging the uphill battle to regain his place in the industry. After stepping down from Housefull 4, Sajid was replaced by Farhad Samji. Over his career, he has directed films such as Heyy Babyy, Darna Zaroori Hai, and Himmatwala. Despite the controversies, Sajid is attempting to move forward. DISCLAIMER: 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) First Published: January 02, 2025, 01:30 IST Rishi Kapoor's Brother Rajiv Kapoor Had An 'Alchohol Addiction', Was 'Keeping Low' Before His Death Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 15:26 IST Khushbu Sundar recalled that Rajiv Kapoor had heart issues and a bad knee problem. Rajiv Kapoor is Raj Kapoors third and youngest son. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Rishi Kapoor and Randhir Kapoors youngest brother, Rajiv Kapoor, passed away in 2021 due to a heart attack. He was 58 years old at the time of his passing and died a year after Rishi Kapoor. His friend and actress Khushbu Sundar recently opened up about his health condition before his demise and said that he was addicted to alcohol. Speaking to Vickey Lalwani, Khushbu said, He (Rajiv) did have a heart issue, but because of his addiction to alcohol, we knew that it could create a huge problem. We were not successful in making him quit this habit." related stories She shared, He was keeping extremely low. He had a major issue with his knee, so he underwent a couple of surgeries. But that didnt help him at all. We were definitely aware that Chimpu (Rajiv) was unwell. I was in Bombay when Chimpu died. I was informed about his death by Boney Kapoor. He called me and said, Chimpu is no more. It came as a rude shock to me." Khushbu Sundar said that she spoke to the late actor the day before his death. She mentioned, I spoke to Chimpu just a day before his death. He was down with very high fever and it was during COVID-19. Despite being unwell, he was being his usual self He was taking his health lightly and promised to meet soon His death came as a shock to me. It is very rare to find people with so much liveliness and commitment towards their friends and friendships. We still believe he is with us." Speaking about Rajivs impact on her life, she said, He has taught me so many things. I only put white nail paint on my toes because Chimpu once told me that its classy. He had told me this in 1983, and to date, I only use the same paint. He didnt like the way I walk, so he made me learn how to walk with heels without making any noise." The actress mentioned that she still has Rajiv Kapoors number and regrets not staying in touch with his family. First Published: January 01, 2025, 15:26 IST Salman Khan Wishes Paps Happy New Year As He Heads Back To Mumbai After Spending Birthday In Jamnagar | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 20:24 IST Superstar Salman Khan celebrated his birthday on December 27 and rang in the New Year in Jamnagar with the Ambani family. Salman Khan heads back to Mumbai from Jamnagar. Superstar Salman Khan celebrated his birthday on December 27 and rang in the New Year in Jamnagar with the Ambani family. He is now on his way back to Mumbai. A video of Salman leaving Jamnagar has now gone viral on social media. In the clip, Salman can be seen exuding his signature swag, dressed in a black tee, blue denims and a beige jacket. The actor was spotted heading to the airport and as he walked toward the departure gate, he greeted and wished the paparazzi a happy New Year. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan recently celebrated his 59th birthday at a grand event in Jamnagar. Visuals from the celebration along with his family members and friends went viral on social media. Another video, that show Salman visiting Jamnagar mall with Mukesh Ambanis son Anant Ambani, made the rounds of social media. Later, Radhika Merchant was also seen joining them on the stage, while Salman addressed the crowd. related stories Videos shared by Salman Khans fan pages on social media showed Salman Khan and Anant Ambani walking inside a Jamnagar mall. They were seen interacting with each other, and were surrounded by security personnel. A huge crowd had gathered around them, and they were seen screaming and trying to click pictures. Salman smiled and waved at his fans. On the professional front, Salman Khan will next be seen in AR Murugadoss upcoming film Sikandar, co-starring Rashmika Mandanna. The film will release on Eid 2025, and its teaser was unveiled on Saturday. In a post shared on his social media yesterday, Salman Khan wrote, Thank u all for your birthday wishes.. much appreciated. Hope you like the teaser of Sikandar. #SikandarTeaser." Directed by AR Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, Sikandar is set to be a high-octane action extravaganza. The film features an ensemble cast, including Sathyaraj, Prateik Babbar, Kajal Aggarwal, and Sharman Joshi, alongside Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna. First Published: January 01, 2025, 20:24 IST Global Watch | Water Wars In Pakistan: Sindhs Struggle Against Systemic Exploitation Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 13:53 IST Sindhs protests against the proposed canals are not merely about water; they are a manifestation of the provinces broader struggle for justice and equity The devastating floods of 2022, which submerged 4.4 million acres of agricultural land and claimed nearly 800 lives, are a stark reminder of Sindh provinces precarious situation. (AP Photo) The Sindh province of Pakistan is once again embroiled in protests over a proposed plan by the federal government that threatens to exacerbate its already strained water resources, imperilling the livelihoods of countless farmers. On 15 December 2024, workers from the Sindh United Party and the Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party, alongside other political entities, organisations, and ordinary citizens, marched an arduous 18 kilometres on foot to demand the cancellation of six new canals proposed for construction on the Indus River. These protests, which have rocked Sindh since October, have brought together a diverse coalition of social formations, human rights organisations, and political parties. related stories Even the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), often aligned with the federal government, has categorically opposed the controversial canals. The crux of the issue lies in allegations that the canals, intended to irrigate agricultural lands in Punjabs Cholistan region, will divert water away from the lower-riparian Sindh, further depriving it of its rightful share. This conflict is deeply rooted in decades of systemic marginalisation and deliberate discrimination against Sindh by Pakistans political and economic elite. The inequitable distribution of water resources within the country has long been a source of contention, exacerbating inter-provincial rivalries. After the partition of the subcontinent in 1947, the distribution of the waters of the Indus basin became a contentious issue between India and Pakistan. While the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 resolved the inter-state aspect of water sharing, dividing the rivers of the basin between the two nations, it failed to address intra-national disputes within Pakistan. Over the years, water management projects such as the Mangla and Tarbela dams were implemented, disproportionately benefitting Punjab, Pakistans most populous and agriculturally productive province. This imbalance has left Sindh and other provinces grappling with underdevelopment, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure. The Water Apportionment Accord of 1991 was designed to ensure the equitable distribution of water among Pakistans provinces, ostensibly to resolve these persistent disputes. However, the implementation of this accord by the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has been fraught with complications and ambiguities. IRSAs mechanisms for managing water distribution remain unclear, leading to frequent disagreements among provinces over the interpretation of the accords provisions. Furthermore, the accord does not adequately address the sharing of water shortages, which arise from infrastructural inadequacies, ineffective governance, natural disasters, and the growing impacts of climate change. In such situations, lower-riparian Sindh often bears the brunt of water shortages, while upper-riparian Punjab claims a disproportionate share of available resources. Sindhs long-standing grievances regarding water distribution have only intensified over the years. According to IRSA figures, between 1999 and 2023, Sindh suffered an average water shortage of 40 per cent, compared to Punjabs significantly lower 15 per cent. Sindhs residents have consistently alleged that their fair share of water is being deliberately diverted to Punjab, which enjoys political and economic dominance in Pakistan. These grievances have been repeatedly voiced in opposition to various water management projects, such as the Kalabagh Dam, proposed in the 1970s. Sindhs vehement objections, alongside resistance from other stakeholders, ultimately prevented the dams construction. Similarly, Sindh opposed the development of canals such as the Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal and the Taunsa-Panjnad Link Canal, arguing that these projects would further deprive the province of its rightful water share. Despite these objections, the canals were constructed, and Punjab has since drawn water from them, ignoring Sindhs persistent protests. The most recent controversy erupted in October 2024 when the Central Development Working Party approved an irrigation project for Punjab involving the construction of six new canals worth 211 billion PKR in the Cholistan area. Sindhs government and civil society were quick to condemn the proposal, highlighting its potentially devastating impact on the provinces agriculture and economy. Nabi Bux Sathio, Vice President of the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture, warned that the canals would ruin 12 million acres of agricultural land in Sindh to irrigate just 1.2 million acres of desert" in Cholistan. This dire prediction has resonated with farmers across Sindh, who rely heavily on irrigation for 77 per cent of their agricultural land. Given the provinces agrarian economy, the proposed canals are seen as an existential threat. Sindhs vulnerability to water-related challenges has been exacerbated by climate change and poor disaster management. The devastating floods of 2022, which submerged 4.4 million acres of agricultural land and claimed nearly 800 lives, are a stark reminder of the provinces precarious situation. Recurrent floods and droughts, compounded by systemic mismanagement of water resources, have further weakened Sindhs capacity to cope with environmental and economic pressures. Against this backdrop, the federal governments continued prioritisation of Punjabs interests is perceived as an act of systemic exploitation and a denial of Sindhs rights. The ongoing protests in Sindh reflect a broader pattern of resistance to the federal governments water policies. Farmers, activists, and political leaders have joined forces to demand the cancellation of the proposed canals, underscoring their collective determination to protect Sindhs water resources. These demonstrations have drawn attention to the historical and structural inequities that have long plagued inter-provincial relations in Pakistan. While the protests may succeed in stalling the canal project temporarily, the underlying issues of water distribution and governance are unlikely to be resolved without significant reforms. The systemic marginalisation of Sindh in favour of Punjab is rooted in Pakistans political and economic power dynamics. Punjabs dominance in these spheres has allowed it to secure a disproportionately large share of resources, often at the expense of other provinces. This imbalance is further reinforced by a lack of transparency and accountability in water governance. The federal governments repeated failure to address Sindhs grievances has fuelled a deep sense of distrust and alienation among the provinces residents. The issue of water sharing within Pakistan underscores the urgent need for a more equitable and inclusive approach to resource management. The federal government must prioritise the development of transparent mechanisms for water distribution, ensuring that the rights and needs of all provinces are respected. The IRSAs role in implementing the Water Apportionment Accord must be reviewed and reformed to address its shortcomings. Additionally, policies must be developed to mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve water infrastructure across the country. Sindhs protests against the proposed canals are not merely about water; they are a manifestation of the provinces broader struggle for justice and equity. The federal governments persistent favouritism towards Punjab has deepened inter-provincial divisions, threatening national unity and stability. Unless these systemic issues are addressed, Pakistan will continue to face recurring conflicts over resource distribution, undermining its development and governance. The current controversy over the construction of new canals on the Indus River serves as a microcosm of Pakistans larger water crisis. It highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address the structural inequities and mismanagement that have long plagued the countrys water governance. By prioritising the interests of dominant provinces and neglecting the rights of others, the federal government risks exacerbating inter-provincial tensions and perpetuating a cycle of conflict and deprivation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sindhs protests are a wake-up call for Pakistans leadership to adopt a more inclusive and equitable approach to resource management, ensuring a fair and just future for all its citizens. 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: January 01, 2025, 13:53 IST Opinion | PM Modi And Sikhism: An Enduring Bond Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 13:36 IST By implementing policies that empower Sikhs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has demonstrated genuine care and commitment to their welfare Elections or no elections, Modi has never missed out on an opportunity to connect with the valiant Sikh community. (PTI Photo) Last week, 26 December 2024, was celebrated as Veer Baal Divas" in memory of the Chhote Sahibzaade (younger sons) of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Prime Minister Modi has often stated that, from his childhood, he has been profoundly influenced by the lives, valour, supreme sacrifice, and generosity of the Sikh Gurus. Elections or no elections, Modi has never missed out on an opportunity to connect with the valiant Sikh community. The removal of the langar tax," frequent visits to Gurudwara Sis Ganj and Rakab Ganj Sahib, quoting from the sacred Sikh Granths, and promoting Anandpur Sahib, Hemkund Sahib, and the Golden Temple in Amritsar as places of worship and symbols of our unity in diversity are all actions that Modi has undertaken with conviction. He does so unabashedly because he genuinely believes in them. The key point here is that the welfare of Sikhs has remained a priority across the breadth and depth of BJP leadership. related stories Speaking of Sikhs, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Indias first Sikh Prime Minister, was cremated with full state honours, including a 21-gun salute, last week. It should be noted that Dr Singh was reduced to a mere proxy during his tenure, with real power being wielded by Sonia Gandhi through the National Advisory Council (NAC), thereby undermining the very ethos of our Constitution. The ultimate insult came in 2013 when Rahul Gandhi publicly tore up an ordinance approved by the Manmohan Singh-led Cabinet. Rahuls father, Rajiv Gandhi, was no better. In 1985, he unceremoniously removed Dr Singh as the Reserve Bank of India Governor and reassigned him to the Planning Commission, then regarded as a less prestigious post. Worse still, Rajiv Gandhi disparagingly referred to Dr Singh and the Planning Commission members as a bunch of jokers." While the Modi government declared a national seven-day mourning period in Dr Singhs honour, Rahul Gandhi left for Vietnam to celebrate New Year festivities, showcasing blatant disregard for Dr Singhs legacy. Not a single senior Congress leader was present during the immersion of Dr Singhs ashes at the Yamuna. Despite the Modi governments commitment to building a memorial in Dr Singhs honour, the Congress politicised the matter by questioning why the former Prime Ministers last rites were held at Nigambodh Ghat instead of Rajghat. This criticism comes from a party that, in 2004, denied the mortal remains of former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao entry into the AICC headquarters after his death. Also, the Congress failed to honour former President Pranab Mukherjee after his death in 2020 and did not even call for a formal condolence meeting. The limited point is thisthe Congress has never had any regard for any former PMs other than those from the Gandhi dynasty. Using Dr Singhs Sikh credentials to gain political mileage is nothing but the Congresss petty and reductionist mindset on display. In sharp contrast, PM Modi has done more for Sikhism than any of his predecessors. I dont think any other Prime Minister in the history of India has done for the Sikh community what Prime Minister Modi has been doing, including the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, the celebrations of Guru Nanaks 550th birth anniversary, abolishing the blacklist of Sikhs who were unable to visit India, and securing justice for the victims of the Sikh genocide that occurred in 1984 under the Congress government," said Jasdip Singh Jassee, Chairman of Sikhs of America. Jassee made this statement while referring to the anti-Sikh riots of 1984, which followed the assassination of Indira Gandhi, during a major community event at the Nassau Coliseum in New York in September 2024. Prime Minister Modi addressed this gathering, which was attended by over 13,000 Indian-Americans, with a significant presence of the Sikh community. On 21 April 2022, the Prime Minister also released a commemorative coin and postage stamp to mark the 400th Parkash Parab of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur has inspired many generations of Indians to live and die to protect the dignity of their culture, for its honour and respect. Great powers have vanished, and mighty storms have abated, but India remains immortal and continues to progress. I am pleased that today, our country is moving forward with unwavering devotion to the ideals of our Gurus. On this virtuous occasion, I bow at the feet of all ten Gurus. When we speak of a self-reliant India, we consider the progress of the entire world as part of that goal," said Prime Minister Modi during his electrifying speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort to mark the 400th Parkash Parab. The credit for mainstreaming the ideals and philosophies of the ten Sikh Gurus, and reinforcing them from various public platforms over time, belongs solely to Prime Minister Modi. In his speech on 21 April 2022, Modi also exposed the atrocities of the murderous marauder Aurangzeb, who beheaded Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1675. For decades, under the Congress regimes accused of being Hinduphobic, our history books whitewashed the crimes of the Mughals. Figures like Aurangzeb were even honoured with a road named after them, until the Modi government decided enough was enough and, in 2015, renamed Aurangzeb Road in the heart of Delhi to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road. Coming back to what Prime Minister Modi has done for the Sikh community, he has not only revived religious and cultural tourism but also enhanced infrastructure and connectivity to key Sikh pilgrimage sites such as Fatehgarh Sahib, Chamkaur Sahib, and Anandpur Sahib. Furthermore, the Modi government passed the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial (Amendment) Bill in 2019, ensuring the renovation and upgradation of the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial. The 2019 amendment to the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Act of 1951 addressed the long-neglected upkeep of this historic site, which commemorates the massacre of 13 April 1919 in Amritsar. Previously, the Congress president was a permanent member of the trust overseeing the memorial. However, despite this responsibility, the Jallianwala Bagh was poorly maintained, and Congress did little to preserve the legacy of this hallowed ground. By inserting a clause that removes the Congress president as a permanent member of the trust and by broadbasing the composition of the trust, the Modi government has made the trust apolitical, so that the upkeep of the memorial is not at the mercy of wily politicians. In 2016, the long-standing demands of Gurudwara committees were addressed with the passing of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee Amendment Bill, ensuring greater operational flexibility. Additionally, FCRA registration was approved for the Harmandir Sahib. Sri Darbar Sahibs divinity gives strength to us. For decades, the Sangat worldwide was unable to serve there. The Modi governments decision to allow FCRA to the Sri Harmandir Sahib deepens the connection of Seva between the Sangat globally and the Sri Darbar Sahib. A blessed moment!" remarked Union Home Minister Amit Shah, following Prime Minister Modis historic decision to grant FCRA registration to the Golden Temple, also known as Gurudwara Harmandir Sahib. On the 550th Parkash Parab of Guru Nanak Dev, Prime Minister Modi took a personal interest and urged UNESCO to ensure that Gurbani is translated into as many local and foreign languages as possible worldwide so that Guru Nanak Devs spiritual message reaches a broader global audience. The amendment to the Sikh Gurdwaras Bill, passed in 2016, addresses several aspects regarding the voting rights of Sahjdhari Sikhs. The amendment introduced by the Modi government includes the provision for Sahjdhari Sikhs to vote in elections to the Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC). Sahjdhari Sikhs are members of the Sikh religion who cut or trim their beards or hair. Since 1944, Sahjdhari Sikhs were not permitted to vote in the SGPC elections. This new amendment will take effect retrospectively from 8 October 2003. Under the Sikh Gurdwara Act of 1925, every Sikh above the age of 21, who is a registered voter, is entitled to vote in SGPC elections. Furthermore, the establishment of an interfaith university in Amritsar, with an allocation of over Rs 510 crore, represents a significant initiative. Additionally, apart from visiting Dera Baba Nanak, Prime Minister Modi is one of the few contemporary leaders to have paid homage at the historic Ber Sahib Gurdwara in Sultanpur Lodhi. Sultanpur Lodhi, where Guru Nanak Dev spent much of his life, is now being developed as a heritage site. On the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, Prime Minister Modi also commissioned a 750-bed hospital in the memory of the 10th Sikh Guru in Jamnagar, Gujarat. However, the most transformative outreach by Prime Minister Modi, which will bring much-needed relief to thousands of Sikhs, is the landmark Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019 (CAA). This Act aims to grant citizenship rights to persecuted minorities in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It is worth noting that while there were over five lakh Sikhs in Afghanistan in the 1960s, that number dwindled to a mere 700 by 2022 due to forced conversions and persecution. The fight against forced conversions, championed by Guru Tegh Bahadur through his life and sacrifice, serves as an enduring lesson. By implementing policies that empower Sikhs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has demonstrated genuine care and commitment to their welfare. Under Operation Devi Shakti, a special flight organised by India arrived in New Delhi from Kabul in 2021. It safely evacuated 10 Indians and 94 Afghans, including members of Afghanistans Hindu-Sikh minority community, after the Taliban seized control of the country. The Guru Granth Sahib was also brought back to Delhi from Kabul amidst tight security and, with full religious fervour and devotion, was moved to Gurdwara Guru Arjan Dev at Mahavir Nagar. The last two Saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib were also transported to Delhi from Kabul in January 2023. The moot point is this: Indira Gandhi desecrated the Harmandir Sahib; her son Rajiv Gandhi belittled the Sikh community with his infamous remark, Jab ek bada ped girta hai, toh dharti thodi hilti hai," while referring to the 1984 Sikh genocide under his government. Rajivs son, Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, has flown to Vietnam for a holiday during the period of national mourning for Manmohan Singh. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In sharp contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stands out as someone with an enduring bond with Sikhism and the Sikh community. Sikhs have carried immense pain for decades because many promises made to them by successive Congress regimes were not fulfilled. However, the Modi government has undertaken transformative initiatives, including opening the corridor to Kartarpur Sahib, commemorating the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singhs sons, and translating Gurbani into over nineteen regional and foreign languages to ensure Guru Nanak Devs teachings can be accessed and embraced by a larger local and global audience. Sanju Verma is an Economist, National Spokesperson of the BJP and the Bestselling Author of The Modi Gambit. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: January 01, 2025, 13:36 IST This photo taken on Jan. 1, 2025 shows a panda at Locajoy animal theme park in Yongchuan district of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. On the first day of the New Year, the Locajoy animal theme park in Chongqing held a celebration for its four giant pandas, marking their first anniversary at the park. Since their arrival at the park last year, the four giant pandas have successfully adapted to their new surroundings under the attentive care of their keepers. Their relaxed lifestyle and endearing appearance have brought much joy to visitors. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao) This photo taken on Jan. 1, 2025 shows a panda at Locajoy animal theme park in Yongchuan district of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. On the first day of the New Year, the Locajoy animal theme park in Chongqing held a celebration for its four giant pandas, marking their first anniversary at the park. Since their arrival at the park last year, the four giant pandas have successfully adapted to their new surroundings under the attentive care of their keepers. Their relaxed lifestyle and endearing appearance have brought much joy to visitors. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao) This photo taken on Jan. 1, 2025 shows a panda at Locajoy animal theme park in Yongchuan district of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. On the first day of the New Year, the Locajoy animal theme park in Chongqing held a celebration for its four giant pandas, marking their first anniversary at the park. Since their arrival at the park last year, the four giant pandas have successfully adapted to their new surroundings under the attentive care of their keepers. Their relaxed lifestyle and endearing appearance have brought much joy to visitors. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao) This photo taken on Jan. 1, 2025 shows a panda at Locajoy animal theme park in Yongchuan district of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. On the first day of the New Year, the Locajoy animal theme park in Chongqing held a celebration for its four giant pandas, marking their first anniversary at the park. Since their arrival at the park last year, the four giant pandas have successfully adapted to their new surroundings under the attentive care of their keepers. Their relaxed lifestyle and endearing appearance have brought much joy to visitors. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao) This photo taken on Jan. 1, 2025 shows a panda at Locajoy animal theme park in Yongchuan district of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. On the first day of the New Year, the Locajoy animal theme park in Chongqing held a celebration for its four giant pandas, marking their first anniversary at the park. Since their arrival at the park last year, the four giant pandas have successfully adapted to their new surroundings under the attentive care of their keepers. Their relaxed lifestyle and endearing appearance have brought much joy to visitors. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao) This photo taken on Jan. 1, 2025 shows a panda at Locajoy animal theme park in Yongchuan district of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. On the first day of the New Year, the Locajoy animal theme park in Chongqing held a celebration for its four giant pandas, marking their first anniversary at the park. Since their arrival at the park last year, the four giant pandas have successfully adapted to their new surroundings under the attentive care of their keepers. Their relaxed lifestyle and endearing appearance have brought much joy to visitors. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao) This photo taken on Jan. 1, 2025 shows a panda at Locajoy animal theme park in Yongchuan district of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. On the first day of the New Year, the Locajoy animal theme park in Chongqing held a celebration for its four giant pandas, marking their first anniversary at the park. Since their arrival at the park last year, the four giant pandas have successfully adapted to their new surroundings under the attentive care of their keepers. Their relaxed lifestyle and endearing appearance have brought much joy to visitors. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao) Opinion | Rationalising GST Rates For A Healthier India Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 17:53 IST Addressing embedded tax inefficiencies and reducing costs shall not only make healthcare more affordable but also attract investors available globally and improve public healthcare outcomes Items like diagnostic kits, X-ray equipment(s) and hospital furniture are taxed between 12 and 18 per cent.(Representational image/PTI) The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has drastically changed Indias taxation system, aiming to simplify processes and encourage compliance. However, its impact on the healthcare sector reveals challenges that require immediate attention. Despite healthcare services being largely exempt from GST, healthcare providers face mounting operational costs due to the embedded nature of taxes and the limited availability of input tax credits in this respect. Rationalising GST rates across the sector is thus crucial to addressing these challenges, ensuring affordability, and fostering sectoral growth. related stories The Embedded Tax Burden One of the primary challenges concerning the healthcare sector today is the embedded tax on input goods and services as part of GST, which disproportionately affects the healthcare providers in the country. As per a study conducted by EY, hospitals incur embedded taxes amounting to as much as 6 per cent of their turnover, significantly higher than the 4.3 per cent pre-GST burden. This increase stems from the inability to claim tax credits on essentials like medical equipment(s), medical devices as well diagnostic tools which are taxed at rates of 12-18 per cent, a cost that hospitals must either absorb or pass on to their patients. This structural issue drives up the cost of healthcare delivery, thereby adversely impacting affordability on the part of the patients. In a country where out-of-pocket expenditure accounts for roughly 63 per cent of the total healthcare spending, compared to merely 18 per cent globally, these inefficiencies exacerbate the financial burden on both providers as well as consumers. High GST Rates On Medical Inputs The current GST regime applies steep taxes to critical healthcare inputs. Items like diagnostic kits, X-ray equipment(s) and hospital furniture are taxed between 12 and 18 per cent. Meanwhile, essential drugs and consumables, such as intravenous fluids and blood reagents, also attract 12 per cent GST. This taxation affects hospitals ability to maintain operational efficiency and denies them the benefits of seamless credit flow, a critical component of GST for other sectors and a rationale usually used for the transition from VAT to GST. Rationalising these rates to a uniform 5 per cent, therefore, would significantly reduce operational costs, making healthcare affordable for all. Governments GST Mandate On Hospital Room Rents The government has mandated GST on hospital room rents exceeding Rs 5,000 without extending input tax credit (ITC) benefits. This sets a precedent that could be expanded to all healthcare services, enabling a seamless flow of credit as originally envisioned under the broader GST framework. Alternatively, the ITC could be allowed on significant expenditures like AMC, rent, and other major costs while harmonising all input tax slabs in healthcare to a uniform 5 per cent. Additionally, the government should remove the GST and customs duty on cancer care across the board, particularly on high-end radiology equipment and essential consumer goods, to reduce the financial burden on patients and healthcare providers. Challenges With Healthcare Infrastructure Building and expanding healthcare infrastructure faces similar challenges. While healthcare services are exempt from the GST imposition, inputs like construction materials and medical machinery are taxed, driving up initial capital costs. For instance, hospitals and diagnostic labs demand massive investments, much of which becomes unrecoverable under the current system. This deters private investment(s) in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in underserved and rural areas. Moreover, the GST imposed on hospital rentals further increases operational costs, discouraging private sector engagement and stalling infrastructure development. Given that India has only 0.55 hospital beds per every 1,000 peoplewhich is far below the WHO norms of 3.5 beds (per every 1,000 people)these systemic inefficiencies severely constrain healthcare access. Policy Recommendations The healthcare sectors GST-related challenges call for targeted reforms. However, the following measures would alleviate financial burdens while ensuring better service delivery: Reducing GST on Medical Essentials: Lowering GST rates on essentials like diagnostic kits, hospital furniture as well as medical equipment to 5 per cent shall help streamlining costs and improving affordability. Input Tax Credit Reforms: Allowing full or partial tax credits to healthcare providers would help mitigate the embedded tax burden, thereby ensuring efficiency across the value chain. Exempting Hospital Rentals from GST: Removing GST on hospital rentals shall help attract private investments, enabling faster infrastructure development. Support for Smaller Establishments: Reducing compliance-related complexities and introducing incentives for smaller hospitals and diagnostic labs may ensure equitable and regionally distributed growth in the sector. Way Forward As understood, rationalising GST rates is therefore not just a financial reform but a social investment into Indias future. The sectors growth potential in this respect is immense, estimated at a whopping $372 million by 2022 and expanding further due to medical tourism and health-tech innovation. Addressing embedded tax inefficiencies and reducing costs shall not only make healthcare more affordable but also attract investors available globally and improve public healthcare outcomes. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In conclusion, aligning GST policies with the needs of the healthcare sector is crucial for achieving universal health coverage and fostering economic resilience. By adopting rational tax structures and ensuring seamless credit flow, India can build a more inclusive, robust, as well as sustainable healthcare ecosystem. Therefore, the time to act is now, for a healthier and wealthier India. Dr Kirit P. Solanki is former Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, and a former member of the Standing Committee on Finance. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: January 01, 2025, 17:53 IST Opinion | The Controversy Of The Places Of Worship Act: Secularism, Justice, And Religious Harmony In India Written By : News18.com Last Updated: December 31, 2024, 13:00 IST Fundamentally, the Act invites critical examination of whether it represents a moral framework or a contentious settlement disguised in the language of secularism. The Places of Worship Act, 1991, was first invoked when the first legal petition on Varanasi's Gyanvapi mosques origins reached the courts in 1991. (Image: PTI) The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act 1991 (hereinafter referred as Act"), has been a subject of enduring controversy since its enactment. It stands as a deeply contentious piece of legislation, entwined in Indias complex history of religious conflict. Introduced in the aftermath of the Ayodhya dispute, the Act aimed to prevent recurrent religious confrontations over places of worship. Enacted during heightened communal tensions, particularly surrounding the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the Babri Masjid dispute, the Places of Worship Act was a legislative effort by the Congress government led by Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao to preserve communal harmony and avoid further conflict. However, the Act brings forth significant concerns about its alignment with the principles of justice and equality. Does it genuinely preserve the secular foundation of the nation, or does it inadvertently validate historical injustices in the name of social harmony? Fundamentally, the Act invites critical examination of whether it represents a moral framework or a contentious settlement disguised in the language of secularism. The claim that the Act promotes communal harmony is flawedtrue secularism and harmony can only be achieved through justice for all communities, not appeasement. Thus, the Act perpetuates religious injustice and undermines the democratic rights of Hindus, making it both morally and constitutionally flawed. related stories The Act has sparked significant debate since inception. Hindutva proponents argue that it unfairly restricts Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs from reclaiming places of worship allegedly converted after independence, hindering religious restitution. In contrast, secularists and minority groups defend the Act, viewing it as essential for preventing communal tensions and preserving religious harmony by safeguarding the existing character of places of worship. Legal experts have also criticised the Act, particularly its prohibition on judicial review, arguing that it infringes upon the fundamental right to access justice. The Act, by preventing citizens from approaching courts to challenge the ownership of disputed religious sites, undermines judicial scrutiny, a cornerstone of democracy and the rule of law. This restriction not only violates the right to access justice but also fails to recognise the constitutional right of individuals to restore their religious and cultural heritage. The Act, far from promoting secularism, indirectly condones historical religious intolerance and iconoclasm, which runs contrary to the values of a secular society. The Honble Supreme Court of India on December 12, 2024, issued a directive barring all Lower Courts across the country from registering new suits or initiating proceedings that challenge the ownership and title of any place of worship. The Apex Court also prohibited ordering surveys of disputed religious sites until further notice. A bench led by Honble Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Honble Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan while hearing the constitutional validity of the Act emphasised that since the matter remains sub judice, no fresh suits shall be filed or registered, and no interim or final orders, including survey orders, shall be passed in pending cases until it concludes its hearing. As a result, the Lower Courts are also prohibited from ordering surveys or seeking reports from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), as has been done in several recent cases. All these civil cases have challenged the ownership of mosques, claiming they were constructed on Hindu religious sites that were demolished by medieval rulers. Key provisions under review include Sections 2, 3, and 4 of the Act. These sections prohibit the conversion of religious sites and bar lawsuits challenging the religious character of places of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947. This approach of the Act has sparked criticism for allowing symbols of historical injustice to persist under the guise of maintaining communal harmony, effectively granting legal respectability to past wrongs. Petitioners, including religious leaders, politicians, and advocates, argued that the Act infringes upon the constitutional rights of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs under Article 25 (Freedom of Conscience and Free Profession, Practice, and Propagation of Religion), Article 26 (Freedom to Manage Religious Affairs), and Article 29 (Protection of Interests of Minorities). They claim the Act unlawfully restricts their ability to restore and manage their places of worship, thereby violating their religious freedoms and cultural rights. The lead Petition challenging the Act has been filed by BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay in 2020, who alleged that the Act violates Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution by restricting the right to practice and manage religious affairs. He argues that the Act is discriminatory, barring religious communities from approaching courts to reclaim places of worship and questioning the then Centres authority to enact such legislation. Other Petitioners include the Vishwa Bhadra Pujari Purohit Mahasangh, represented by Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, and BJP leader Subramanian Swamy. The Mahasangh contended that the Act denies judicial review, a fundamental feature of the Constitution, by preventing lawsuits to reclaim temple land destroyed by Muslim rulers. Swamy calls the Act void ab initio," claiming it infringes on Article 25 by barring Hindus from praying at temples converted during foreign invasions and seeks the same exemption granted to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site for the Kashi Vishwanath and Krishna Janambhoomi Mathura temples. Similarly, pleas by Karunesh Shukla, Anil Tripathi, and Dinesh Sharma argued that the Act inflicts significant harm on Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs by denying judicial remedies and allowing the Centre to legitimize the atrocities of historical invaders, preventing citizens from restoring the cultural and religious heritage of their places of worship. The petitioners have challenged the Act on two key grounds. Firstly, they argued that the Act undermines judicial review by extinguishing existing claims at the time of its enactment and prohibiting new claims in courts. Secondly, they contend that the Act is arbitrary for retrospectively selecting August 15, 1947, as the cut-off date to determine the religious character of places of worship. Petitioner and Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, argued that the law unfairly denies Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs the right to approach courts to reclaim" their places of worship allegedly invaded" and encroached upon" by fundamentalist barbaric invaders." Several applications have been filed in support of the petitions seeking to repeal the Act. The Delhi-based NGO Hindu Shree Foundation, claiming to represent the interests of Hindu devotees globally, argued that the Act is arbitrary, asserting there is no logical connection between Indias political independence and resolving civilizational conflicts stemming from colonial erasure of Hindu identity and cultural imposition by Islamic invaders. Former MP Chintamani Malviya also challenged the Act, alleging that it violates the principle of secularism and should be repealed. Critics argue that the Act is void and unconstitutional for several reasons, including infringing on the rights of Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs to pray, profess, and propagate their religion, as well as depriving them of owning misappropriated religious properties belonging to deities. Additionally, they contend that the Act unlawfully bars judicial remedies, undermining the fundamental right to judicial review, which has been upheld by the Supreme Court as a basic feature of the Constitution. Furthermore, an application was also filed by Kumari Krishna Priya of the Kashi Royal family, alleging that the Act, is discriminatory for exempting the Ram Janmabhoomi but not the Kashi Vishwanath temple. The application also highlighted that the Idgah in Mathura is adjacent to the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sthal, believed to be the birthplace of deity Krishna, while the Gyanvapi case involves claims that the mosque is part of the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Ironically, in the landmark 2019 Ayodhya verdict, a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Honble Supreme Court described the Act as integral to the basic structure of the Constitution." Although the Act was not directly challenged in that particular case, the Courts recognition of its importance in upholding constitutional values could play a significant role in shaping its scrutiny in the ongoing legal proceedings. With 18 lawsuits concerning 10 mosques or shrines currently pending across the country, the Supreme Courts ruling will be pivotal in determining the fate of several contested religious structures, including the prominent cases of Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi, the Shahi Eidgah Mosque in Mathura, the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, and the Ajmer Dargah in Rajasthan. Notably, a 2022 bench led by then-Chief Justice DY Chandrachud allowed surveys to proceed while clarifying that the Act permits investigations into the status of places of worship as of August 15, 1947, provided they do not seek to alter their character. As these hearings progress, the Act will likely remain a focal point of legal and public debate. Striking a balance between preserving Indias secular fabric and ensuring justice for individual rights continues to be a delicate and evolving challenge. As India continues to evolve, the delicate balance between preserving religious harmony and safeguarding individual rights will undoubtedly remain a complex and contentious issue. Let us look at the timeline for a better understanding of this complex issue: 1991: The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act was enacted, stating that the religious character" of a place of worship will remain as it was on August 15, 1947, with the only exception being the Ram Janma Bhumi-Babri Masjid." The Ayodhya agitation was at its peak, and the Babri Masjid was still standing. October 2020: The first petition challenging the Act was filed, followed by five more petitions. These challenges were based on the grounds of arbitrariness regarding the cut-off date and the fact that the Act takes away judicial review. August 2021: Five women filed a suit in Varanasi seeking permission to pray at the Gyanvapi mosque. May 2022: After the case reached the Supreme Court, then Chief Justice DY Chandrachud orally observed that a survey may not necessarily fall foul" of the Places of Worship Act. 2022-2024: At least six suits were filed claiming the past existence of a Hindu temple at the site of a mosque or dargah, with surveys ordered in three of these cases. December 2024: The Supreme Court barred further survey orders, effective orders, and the registration of fresh suits. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This timeline illustrates the evolving legal battles and decisions surrounding the Act, underscoring the ongoing debate over religious rights, judicial review, and the preservation of communal harmony in India. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: December 31, 2024, 12:57 IST Modis Resilient Political Journey Is Far From Over. 2025 Will Be Proof Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 06:43 IST As the partys top vote-catcher, the prime ministers ability to connect with the masses and steer the political narrative will remain central to its electoral strategy. PM Modi's resilience in the face of adversity has only strengthened his hold over Indian politics. (AFP) A defining moment for Modi this year came during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in February. This event was symbolic not just of his leadership but also of the larger political narrative he had been shaping for years of restoring Hindu pride. related stories Many in the BJP expected the Lok Sabha polls to then be a cakewalk. But a setback was in store as BJPs tally dropped from 302 seats to 240, and ironically the biggest dent came from Uttar Pradesh. A silver lining was the TDP and JDU helping NDA cross the majority mark and a significant win in the Odisha assembly poll. Although the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a historic third consecutive term, with Modi equaling Nehrus win record as PM, the Congress party aimed to challenge the perception of Modis invincibility. Rahul Gandhi argued that the Opposition was just 20-30 seats away from toppling the government, despite the Congress securing only 99 seats. Modi, however, was quick to respond, pointing out that the BJP had won more seats than the entire opposition bloc (INDIA), including the Congress, in the last three general elections combined. He also highlighted BJPs victories in key states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh at the end of 2023 as evidence of the enduring popularity of the Modi factor. But nothing succeeds like success. The turning point for Modi came through his electoral victories in Haryana and Maharashtra, which significantly shifted the political narrative. These wins not only solidified his dominance but also gave birth to a key slogan of his campaign: Ek Hain Toh Safe Hain (Unity is Safety). This phrase had sidelined the Congresss Samvidhan Khatre Mein Hai (Constitution is in Danger) campaign during the Lok Sabha elections by emerging as the rallying cry of 2024, successfully reasserting BJPs position among Dalit voters and consolidating its Hindu vote base. Modis confidence was unmistakable during the November celebrations at the BJP headquarters following the partys resounding win in Maharashtra. The mood at the headquarters was starkly different from the subdued reactions after the BJPs third consecutive victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Modis ability to rebound from setbacks is a hallmark of his political career. After the 2002 Gujarat riots, many believed his political future was over. However, he not only managed to rebrand himself with the Gujarat model of development but also emerged as a national figure, eventually becoming prime minister in 2014 on the back of his image as a visionary leader and a Hindu Hriday Samrat" (Emperor of Hindu Hearts). Despite numerous challenges, including charges of political vendetta and the arrest of his close associate Amit Shah, Modi persevered, ultimately claiming victory in Delhi in 2014. In 2024, facing a growing opposition narrative around caste census and the Adani controversy, Modi shifted his focus to blunt these attacks. The Congresss attempts to rally Dalit support through these issues were countered effectively, particularly in Maharashtra. The BJP in fact swept the SC-dominated seats in Maharashtra, in a reversa from the Lok Sabha scenario. The BJPs efforts to neutralise the oppositions caste-based agenda, as well as its strategic responses to criticisms surrounding the Adani group, helped protect Modis image. By the end of the year, the BJP had strategically raised the issue of George Soros, attempting to link the Opposition, particularly the Gandhis, to foreign influence. This proactive approach underscored Modis determination not to let opposition narratives gain ground. Modis 105-minute long address in Parliament while replying to the debate on the constitution showed how the PM was back in his element and true form. Looking ahead, 2025 will bring new challenges. The controversy around Amit Shahs remarks on Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar are again rallying the Opposition together. The Congress is desperate to unite the fractured Opposition, and Modi is likely to face renewed attacks as the battle for Delhi intensifies. The BJPs leadership is set to go head-to-head with Arvind Kejriwal in a high-stakes election. Later in 2025, the alliance with Nitish Kumar in Bihar will be tested, and the BJP will face a tough contest in the state, which has long been a key battleground. Yet, throughout these challenges, the BJP will continue to rely on its most formidable assetPrime Minister Narendra Modi. As the partys top vote-catcher, Modis ability to connect with the masses and steer the political narrative will remain central to its electoral strategy. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As 2024 ends, one thing is clear: Modis political journey is far from over, and his resilience in the face of adversity has only strengthened his hold over Indian politics. Modis slogan is Ek Hain Toh Safe Hain, but for the BJP the slogan may well be Modi Hai Toh Safe Hain. First Published: January 01, 2025, 06:43 IST With The Rise And Fall Of The Congress And Rahul Gandhi In 2024, What Awaits In 2025? Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 15:10 IST A crumbling INDIA bloc, questions being raised over Rahul Gandhi's ability to lead the coalition, a Congress that finds itself alone on the pet issue of Adani and crony capitalism, and the passing of Dr Manmohan Singh 2024 seems to have ended on an... Read More LoP in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi with party President Mallikarjun Kharge. (Image: PTI/File) What begins well may not end well. After the high of a good Lok Sabha electoral performance, with the Bharatiya Janata Party failing to get even a simple majority, the Congress lost in two states where its hopes were high: Haryana and Maharashtra. A crumbling INDIA bloc, questions being raised over Rahul Gandhis ability to lead the coalition, a Congress that finds itself alone on the pet issue of Adani and crony capitalism, and the passing of Dr Manmohan Singh2024 seems to have ended on an ominous note for the party and the Raebareli MP. related stories Lok Sabha polls boost Rahul Gandhis image The successful Bharat Jodo Yatras, even according to sceptics and critics of Rahul Gandhi, boosted his image. Till then Rahul was seen as an absentee leader, who was more of an armchair neta than a street politician, who could match up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi or even many opposition leaders like Arvind Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee. But the yatras showed him as a man who could hit the streets and take on the mighty BJP. Rahul Gandhis aggression, backed by a social media narrative that gained and got traction, set the stage for the Lok Sabha polls. And it did come up with a pleasant surprise with the BJP not getting a simple majority. While the BJP calculated its losses, the opposition dismissed him as someone who had no mandate to become the PM. Armed with this confidence and narrative, the Congress under Rahul Gandhi went into the Haryana polls. It was confident of a win, which didnt happen. A shocking, unexpected defeat for the Congress once again raised questions over Rahul Gandhis ability to win votes. A divided Congress battling for the chief ministers post, the Hooda versus Selja fight, and an aggressive BJP on the ground spelt doom for the grand old party. The BJP attacked Rahul Gandhi as a failure. Indeed, more than Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, it was Rahul Gandhi who had chalked out the strategy that failed to yield results. To make matters worse came the Maharashtra results. While the Marathi-speaking Kharge did more rallies than Rahul Gandhi, the Maha Vikas Aghadi in private blamed the Raebareli MP and the Congress for the defeat. Rahul Gandhis fall Both these results have dented the image of the Lok Sabhas leader of opposition. He finally mustered the courage to take this position, which brought him head-on with the PM. But with losses, it put him on the backfoot. To make matters worse, the fumbling and crumbling INDIA bloc is not too keen on Rahul Gandhi as its head or convener. The demand for Mamata Banerjee by the Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, Aam Aadmi Party, and Rashtriya Janata Dal is growing, and this issue must be resolved soon. In fact, most of these parties, while pitching for Mamata Banerjee, are making the point that the Congress just does not have the ability and Rahul Gandhi doesnt have the right credentials to become their leader. But matters dont end here. The upcoming state polls offer little hope for the Congress. Once ruling Delhi, its space has gone to AAP, with the BJP as the other key contender. The Congresss last-minute overture to AAP to form an alliance has been snubbed, with Arvind Kejriwal making it clear that there would be no tie-ups. Many allies are beginning to look at the Congress as a liability and Rahul Gandhi as a leader who is out of sync with the pulse of the people. Many within his own party and among allies feel that his focus on Adani and crony capitalism has not clicked, and thats one reason why during the Parliament protests at the Makar Dwaar, most of them stayed away. The SP is upset with Rahul Gandhi for not standing up on the Sambhal issue inside Lok Sabha. The TMC has never been impressed with him either. Slowly but surely, the drift is beginning Whats in store? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 2025 has two polls. Delhi seems to be slipping out of hand while Bihar could be a challenge, especially with the Congress perhaps being forced to eat humble pie as its ally RJD is not too happy with it and may want to keep it in check. But the real challenge for Rahul Gandhi is to ensure a bounceback from the Soros charges" against him and his family. There is already a case questioning his citizenship coming up. There is no clarity on whether this could put him in the dock yet, but its likely to entwine him in legal hassles. With Priyanka Gandhi Vadra entering the Lok Sabha, another power centre seems to have developed in the Congress. And there are many who are waiting to watch how soon she will overshadow Rahul. First Published: January 01, 2025, 15:10 IST 53-Foot Asteroid Passes Close To Earth On Last Day Of 2024 Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 07:00 IST This asteroid belonged to the class of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), which are objects of scientific interest due to their near orbits around the Earth. The event marked the second near-Earth encounter in the last month of 2024. (Representative Image) A large, house-sized asteroid, dubbed 2024 AV2, reportedly made its closest approach to Earth on December 31. According to reports, this marked the second near-Earth encounter in the last month of 2024. The 53-foot-wide asteroid approached Earth at around 9:17 AM IST on December 31, with a speed of 28,227 km/h, and passed at a distance of 2,580,000 kilometres, approximately 6.7 times the distance between the Moon and Earth. This asteroid belonged to the class of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), which are objects of scientific interest due to their near orbits around the Earth. According to NASA, the asteroid posed no threat to the planet. The 2024 AV2 was not large enough to be considered potentially hazardous", which is a classification used to describe asteroids larger than 492 feet that travel within 7.5 million kilometres of Earth. related stories NASAs Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) tracks asteroids like 2024 AV2 using advanced technologies, while sophisticated telescopes and missions, including Pan-STARRS, the Catalina Sky Survey, and NEOWISE, provide critical data for accurate projections and early warnings. Future missions, such as the NEO Surveyor, aim to improve detection capabilities and enhance NASAs ability to handle any threats. Through initiatives such as the Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO), efforts are focused on detecting and tracking objects larger than 140 meters to assess and reduce the chance of future collisions. Additionally, the agency is using missions like the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) as part of its strategy to enhance asteroid deflection techniques. This near-Earth encounter comes on the heels of a stunning fireball that lit up the Russian sky earlier this month, caused by a tiny asteroid named 2024 XN1. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Scientists successfully tracked the asteroids trajectory when it was detected only 12 hours before impact and predicted its atmospheric entrance with a ten-second margin of error. As it entered, the asteroid shattered into tiny pieces that scattered throughout a secluded wooded area in Yakutia. Space agencies, like NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), are constantly upgrading their detection skills to detect such events early and issue timely warnings. Location : Delhi, India First Published: January 01, 2025, 07:00 IST Customer Takes Legal Action Against Walmart Over Delivery Drivers Disturbing Actions Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 10:00 IST After completing the Walmart delivery, the driver remained in his vehicle for 10 to 15 minutes. When the woman stepped outside, she found him engaged in an unsettling act. The woman has now chosen to take legal action against all involved parties. (Representative Image) A woman from South Carolina has filed a lawsuit against Walmart, accusing one of its delivery drivers of inappropriate behaviour on her property. The incident took place on July 8, 2024, in Horry County, when Alvin Ortiz, after delivering groceries, reportedly remained in his vehicle for 10 to 15 minutes. The woman claims that when she stepped outside, she found Ortiz with his pants down, engaging in a disturbing act. Shocked, she retreated with her child and contacted a neighbour, who confronted Ortiz. The situation escalated when Ortiz allegedly threatened to return and harm them before leaving the scene. The woman, who had been tracking her grocery order through the app, confirmed seeing Ortiz deliver the items to her doorstep and return to his vehicle, with the footage captured by her doorbell camera. After the disturbing encounter, she immediately reported the incident to the police, who contacted Walmart. Following an investigation, Ortiz was arrested the next day. In her lawsuit, the woman alleged that Walmart failed to conduct a proper background check on Ortiz, which she believes could have prevented the incident. She also argued that the company should be held accountable for the actions of its employees while they are on the job. related stories As per WMBF News, the lawsuit claims that the woman suffered injury to include emotional distress, anguish and hardship. If it would not have been for the Defendants wilful, wanton, reckless, deliberate indifference and negligence, Plaintiff would not have been harmed." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In a statement, a Walmart spokesperson said, The safety and security of our customers is always a top priority. We are reviewing the complaint and will respond appropriately to the Court." Although Alvin Ortiz was arrested for a serious offence, he was released the following day on a $2,500 (approximately Rs 2 Lakh) bond. Feeling Unsatisfied with the outcome, the unnamed woman has now chosen to take legal action against all involved parties. She is accusing them of negligence, gross negligence and recklessness. She has also requested a jury trial to ensure her case is heard and decided by members of the community. Location : Delhi, India First Published: January 01, 2025, 10:00 IST Russian Influencer, Dealing With Cold Symptoms, Finds Metal Spring In Lungs Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 15:00 IST When the influencer was 27 years old, she suffered thromboembolism which led 33 tubes to being placed in her leg. The 34-year-old content creator has a complicated medical history. (Representative Image) In a shocking turn of events, a metal spring was discovered in the lungs of a Russian content creator who was experiencing symptoms of a common cold. Ekaterina Badulina had been suffering from a runny fever with chills for a long time. When her condition deteriorated, the 34-year-old doubted that she might have developed pneumonia. She soon visited a doctor who advised him to have an X-ray. When the report came out, Badulia was told that she might die at any second" due to a metal spring stuck in one of her lungs. The object was inserted into her body during a prior operation, as claimed by Jam Press. As the X-ray report seemed confusing, Badulina underwent a CT scan so that the doctor could have a better view of the surgical straggler. It turns out that in the picture the doctors saw some kind of metal spring measuring 5 by 16 millimetres, which was in the lung," the content creator revealed, as quoted by the New York Post. related stories Despite fever and chills, Badulina didnt feel any other discomfort. She was undoubtedly shattered when the doctors informed her about the foreign object. After all the examinations, they said that the spring had moved in my body from a past operation through the bloodstream which, apparently, I didnt even feel," she explained further. Badulina has a complicated medical history. When she was 27 years old, the Instagrammer suffered thromboembolism which led 33 tubes to being placed in her leg. It occurs when a blood clot develops in the deep veins and blocks a vessel. A part of the blood clot may break off and travel to the lungs through the bloodstream. Badulia had to come under the knife 20 times in one year to get rid of thromboembolism. Miraculously, I managed to survive," she recalled. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Badolina again felt the horror when the sprint resurfaced after years. After hearing the fragment had moved, I had to take control of my thoughts and emotions. Focusing only on optimism, not fear and despondency. Anyone can die at any second; no one knows what will happen to them tomorrow," she said. Though Venous Thromboembolism is a preventable condition, patients are advised to consult with a specialist as soon as possible to avoid severe consequences. Location : Delhi, India First Published: January 01, 2025, 15:00 IST What Topped Indias New Years Eve Shopping List? Aloo Bhujia, Condoms, Ice And Soft Drinks Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 11:14 IST New Years Eve prep involved more than just snacks. Can you guess them all? How did India ring in 2025? Swiggy Instamart and Blinkit's data reveals. What did you stock up on this New Years Eve to ring in 2025? Chips, soft drinks, ice cubes paneer? As India partied its way into the new year, quick commerce platforms like Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart experienced a surge, delivering all the essentials for house party shenanigans. From crowd-pleasers like aloo bhujia and chips to milk and paneer (because why not?), the orders spoke volumes about the countrys diverse celebrations. And lets not forget the spicy side condoms were a hot pick, with one even ordering blindfolds and handcuffs to dial up the drama. related stories Aloo bhujia topped the list Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa gave us a sneak peek into how India partied its way out of 2024 and into the new year. According to his social media post, aloo bhujia took the crown as the ultimate party snack. And why not? Whether paired with your favourite drink or enjoyed by a bonfire while swapping stories, aloo bhujia is the MVP of almost all the celebrations. Read| Is Goa Quiet This New Year? Womans Post Shows Deserted Roads And Beaches En route right now. 2,34,512 packets of aloo bhujia; 45,531 cans of tonic water; 6,834 packets of ice cubes; 1,003 lipsticks and 762 lighters. All should be delivered in the next 10 minutes. Partys just getting started!" wrote Dhindsa on X (formerly known as Twitter). Enroute right now2,34,512 packets of aloo bhujia45,531 cans of tonic water6,834 packets of ice cubes1003 lipsticks762 lighters All should be delivered in the next 10 minutes. Party's just getting started! Albinder Dhindsa (@albinder) December 31, 2024 Ice sales went up To pair the aloo bhujia, chips, and other midnight munchies, folks were stocking up on soft drinks and ice cubes like there was no tomorrow. Swiggys co-founder, Phani Kishan A, spilled the tea over 100 kg of ice was ordered on New Years Eve alone. Ice hit its peak at 7:41 PM with 119 kgs delivered in that minute!" wrote Swiggys co-founder revealed. He added, Despite doubling their orders, Chennai still trails behind Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad when it comes to stocking up for chilled drinks tonight." Ice hit its peak at 7:41 PM with 119 kgs delivered in that minute! Despite doubling their orders, Chennai still trails behind Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad when it comes to stocking up for chilled drinks tonight. Phani Kishan A (@phanikishan) December 31, 2024 Condom sales spiked on New Years Eve Dhindsa teased the customers with a playful post, asking, Prep for the after-party?" before dropping some jaw-dropping stats. He revealed that the company delivered 1,22,356 packs of condoms, 45,531 bottles of mineral water, 22,322 Partysmart, and 2,434 Eno. 1,22,356 packs of condoms45,531 bottles of mineral water22,322 Partysmart2,434 Eno..are enroute right now! Prep for after party? Albinder Dhindsa (@albinder) December 31, 2024 Swiggy Instamart joined in and revealed that a customer ordered blindfold and handcuffs on New Years Eve. Looks like they were planning a very memorable night! raatke ke 8:15 baje kisi ne handcuffs aur blindfolds mangwaye hai. mujhe toh likhte hue hi sharam aa rahi hai ye tweet. Swiggy Instamart (@SwiggyInstamart) December 31, 2024 But New Years Eve prep involved more than just snacks. Can you guess the item? Well, its mens underwear. Another product which I didnt expect will be ordered in high quantities mens underwear. Chart comparing today vs last Tuesday," Dhindsa wrote while sharing a graph on X. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Another product which I didn't expect will be ordered in high quantities men's underwear Chart comparing today vs last tuesday pic.twitter.com/SRWfb0mi3U Albinder Dhindsa (@albinder) December 31, 2024 What did you order to keep the party rolling into New Years Day? First Published: January 01, 2025, 11:08 IST Honolulu-Bound Hawaiian Airlines Flight Returns To Seattle After Reports Of Fumes In Cockpit Published By : Associated Press Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 07:50 IST A Hawaiian Airlines flight bound for Honolulu made an emergency return to Seattle shortly after takeoff due to reports of cockpit fumes. The plane landed safely. Flights at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Photo: AP) A Hawaiian airlines flight bound for Honolulu was forced to return to the Seattle airport shortly after takeoff due to reports of fumes in the cockpit, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The agency previously said the crew reported smoke on the flight deck but later changed that to fumes. related stories Hawaiian Airlines Flight 21, an Airbus A330, took off at about 1 pm Monday from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport carrying 273 passengers and 10 crew members. It was heading to Daniel K Inouye International Airport in Honolulu when the crew reported the fumes, airline spokesperson Marissa Villegas told The Associated Press in an email. The captain declared an emergency to obtain priority handling and the Airbus A330 landed at SEA without incident," Villegas said, and fire and medical personnel met the aircraft at the gate as a precaution and everyone onboard safely deplaned. Once the aircraft was cleared, the Port of Seattle Fire Department boarded to investigate and did not find any smoke or smell, airport spokesperson Perry Cooper said via email. Flight 21 left Seattle on Tuesday morning in a new aircraft, according to Villegas. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Safety is our priority, and we sincerely apologize for this event," she said. The FAA is investigating. Location : Seattle, Washington State, USA First Published: January 01, 2025, 07:50 IST Hell-Bent On Carnage: The Driver Who Rammed Into New Orleans Crowd Had IS Flag Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 02, 2025, 07:37 IST Police officials said the suspect was "hell-bent on creating the carnage he did" and added that he died in a gunfight with cops. Emergency services attend the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO) The suspect who rammed into a crowd celebrating New Years Day on Wednesday in US New Orleans, killing 15, was trying to kill as many people as he could and his actions appeared intentional, police officials said. (He displayed) very intentional behaviour. (He) was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could," New Orleans police superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick was quoted as saying by the CBS. related stories (The individual) was hell-bent on creating the carnage and damage he did," she further added. The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, was killed in a shootout with police after crashing his rented truck. Investigators later found an ISIS flag, weapons, and a possible explosive device inside the vehicle, intensifying concerns about a coordinated terrorist plot. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has now taken over the case and is probing it as an act of terror", after denying it to be a terror attack. Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBIs New Orleans field office, said: This is not a terrorist event". Later the FBI said in a statement that we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism." New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell called the incident a terrorist attack." The incident at 3:15 a.m. occurred at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets during New Years celebrations, the city said in a statement. Bourbon Street is a historic tourist destination in the citys French Quarter, known for attracting large crowds with its music and bars. The area is known as one of the largest New Years Eve destinations. Kirkpatrick said the driver fired at police and struck two police officers from the vehicle after it crashed. The officers are in stable condition, she added. The driver died following the shootout with police, officials said. A disturbing video, recorded by a witness, which has gone viral on social media and was later verified by Reuters, showed two mangled bodies lying in the street, one appearing to be submerged in a pool of blood. A bystander kneels beside one of the victims, while a group of armed military personnel in green uniforms rushed by. We know the perpetrator has been killed," said New Orleans City Councilman Oliver Thomas. The FBI said a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) was found and the FBI was working to determine if it was viable. The attack is the latest example of a vehicle being used as a weapon to carry out mass violence, a trend that has alarmed law enforcement officials and that can be difficult to protect against. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A 50-year-old Saudi doctor plowed into a Christmas market teeming with holiday shoppers in the German city of Magdeburg last month, killing four women and a 9-year-old boy. (with inputs from Reuters and AP) Location : New Orleans First Published: January 01, 2025, 20:43 IST SHENZHEN, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese auto company BYD saw new energy vehicle (NEV) sales soar 41.26 percent year on year to over 4.27 million units in 2024, the company stated in a filing to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange on Wednesday. Passenger vehicles dominated the company's NEV portfolio, with sales reaching 4.25 million units, up 41.07 percent from the previous year, it said. Breaking down the numbers, fully electric vehicles accounted for more than 1.76 million units, rising 12.08 percent year on year, while plug-in hybrids surged 72.83 percent to around 2.49 million units. Meanwhile, BYD's overseas sales of passenger NEVs grew 71.9 percent year on year to 417,200 units last year, underscoring the company's expanding presence in international markets. BYD is one of many NEV producers that have seen booming sales as China, which has the largest number of motor vehicles in the world, continues its transition toward greener technology. China's carmakers sold more than 11.26 million NEVs in the first 11 months of 2024, a 35.6 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. 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. IDF Confirms It Killed One Of The Key Hamas Commander Who Led October 7 Attacks Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 16:59 IST Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a key figure in the Kibbutz Nir Oz massacre, was killed in southern Gaza by Israeli forces. Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a leader of the Nukhba Platoon in Hamas, was killed in a targeted IDF drone strike in Gaza. (IMAGE: IDF) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday confirmed the killing of Hamas Nukhba Platoon commander, Abd al-Hadi Sabah, in a recent drone strike. As per the IDF, Sabah had led the attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7, 2023, massacre. related stories The Nukhba Platoon commander in Hamas Western Khan Yunis Battalion was eliminated in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza, the IDF added in its statement. Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a Nukhba Platoon Commander in the Western Khan Yunis Battalion was eliminated in an intelligence-based IDF and ISA strike," the IDF wrote on X. They also added," Abd al-Hadi Sabahwho operated from a shelter in the Humanitarian Area in Khan Youniswas one of the leaders of the infiltration into Kibbutz Nir Oz during the murderous October 7 massacre. Sabah also led and advanced numerous terrorist attacks against IDF troops throughout the current war. The IDF and ISA will continue to operate against all of the terrorists who took part in the murderous October 7 Massacre." Earlier on Tuesday, the IDF and Shin Bet killed Anas Muhammad Saadi Masri, the commander of the northern sector of the rocket unit of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the IDF confirmed. Masri was described as a significant figure responsible for executing numerous terrorist operations, managing and directing actions by the organisation that targeted Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers". Since October 7, Masri had been actively commanding rocket fire from northern Gaza into Israeli border communities. He also oversaw several operatives involved in launching rockets into Israeli territory. Earlier, the IDF reported that its units, working with the Shin Bet (Israels General Security Service), eliminated 14 Hamas terrorists, six of whom had participated in the October 7 massacre. These operations were carried out as part of the IDFs 162nd Steel" Divisions ongoing activity in the Gaza Strip. The 162nd Division operated in the areas of Jabalia and Beit Lahia, as part of the joint activity of the IDF and Shin Bet to locate and eliminate terrorists who took part in the October 7 attack. The 162nd Division has been operating in the areas of Jabalia and Beit Lahia, as part of the joint effort between the IDF and Shin Bet to locate and eliminate terrorists involved in the October 7 attack. On October 7 last year, Hamas launched a massive terror attack on Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. Around 100 hostages remain in captivity, with many feared dead. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In response, Israel launched a strong counteroffensive targeting Hamas units in Gaza. However, the Israeli operation has resulted in more than 45,000 Palestinian casualties in Gaza. The mounting civilian toll has raised global concerns and increased calls for a ceasefire. The conflict has escalated further, with Houthi rebels from Yemen and Hezbollah from Lebanon both considered Irans proxies intensifying their offensives against Israel, compelling Tel Aviv to engage in a multi-front war. Location : Tel Aviv, Israel First Published: January 01, 2025, 16:59 IST India Presses Pakistan For Expediting Release Of 183 Indian Fishermen, Civilian Prisoners Published By : PTI Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 23:09 IST New Delhi pressed Pakistan to provide immediate consular access to the 18 civilian prisoners and fishermen who are in Islamabads custody. The government said 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. (IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK) India on Wednesday urged Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of 183 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners in view of completion of their jail terms. In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the 18 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistans custody, who are believed to be Indian, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. related stories India made the request in the context of the exchange of lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen by both the countries as part of a practice to do so on January 1 and July 1 every calendar year under the framework of a 2008 pact. India has shared names of 381 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistani or are believed-to-be-Pakistani. Similarly, Pakistan has shared names of 49 civilian prisoners and 217 fishermen in its custody, who are Indian or are believed-to-be-Indian, according to the MEA. The government of India has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel from Pakistans custody," it said. Pakistan has been asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 183 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentence," it said. In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the 18 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistans custody, who are believed-to-be-Indian and have not been provided consular access so far," the MEA said in a statement. New Delhi specifically requested Islamabad to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India. The MEA said India remains committed to addressing, on priority, all humanitarian matters, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each others country. In this context, India has urged Pakistan to expedite the nationality verification process of 76 believed-to-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen in Indias custody, whose repatriation is pending for want of nationality confirmation from Pakistan," it said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The MEA noted that as a result of sustained efforts by the Government, 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. This includes 478 Indian fishermen and 13 Indian civilian prisoners who have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2023 till date," it said. First Published: January 01, 2025, 23:04 IST Indian-Origin Doctor Among 2 Killed In UAE Plane Crash: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 31, 2024, 20:25 IST Sulaymaan Al Majid was co-piloting the aircraft with a 26-year-old Pakistani woman who also died in the accident. Sulaymaan's younger brother was scheduled to take the next flight, as per the reports. (File) A 26-year-old Indian-origin doctor was among two killed in a light aircraft crash in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aircraft, that crashed off the coast of UAEs Ras Al Khaimah on Sunday, claimed the lives of both the pilot and co-pilot, the General Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement, as reported by Khaleej Times. related stories Sulaymaan Al Majid was co-piloting the aircraft with a 26-year-old Pakistani woman who also died in the accident. The doctor, Sulaymaan Al Majid, was a clinical fellow at the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust in the UK. Born and raised in the UAE, Sulaymaan hired the aircraft for a sightseeing experience. His father, mother, and younger brother were at the aviation club to watch the flight, the report added. We were looking forward to the New Year as a family, planning to celebrate together. Instead, our lives have been shattered. It feels like time has stopped for us. Sulaymaan was the light of our lives, and we dont know how to move forward without him," Sulaymaans father said as quoted by the news outlet. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff near the Cove Rotana Hotel along the beach, said the aviation authority. Initial reports suggest the glider lost radio contact and later attempted an emergency landing. Despite resuscitation efforts, both occupants succumbed to their injuries," the aviation authority added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sulaymaan was also known for his dedication to medical advocacy. He served as Co-Chair of the Northern Resident Doctors Committee of the British Medical Association, where he worked to advance the interests of his peers, according to his LinkedIn profile. The family, who resides in Sharjah, is preparing for Sulaymaans funeral at Al Ghusai graveyard. Location : Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) First Published: December 31, 2024, 20:25 IST Indian-Origin Man Jailed In Singapore For Hurling Racial Slurs, Assaulting Cashier At Cafe Published By : PTI Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 07:35 IST A 27-year-old Indian-origin man in Singapore has been sentenced to four weeks in jail and fined SGD 4,000 for racially abusing and assaulting a cafe cashier. A representative photo of Singapore police (AP) An Indian-origin man has been jailed for four weeks and fined SGD 4,000 for having hurled racial slurs and throwing a tip box at a cashier in a cafe. Rishi David Ramesh Nandwani, 27, on Monday pleaded guilty to one charge of using insulting words and one charge of a rash act that endangered the victims safety at the cafe in an upmarket shopping conclave of Holland Village. related stories Two similar charges were considered in sentencing. Rishi appeared in court through video link from his place of remand, according to a Channel News Asia report. The incident happened on October 31, when the cafe was crowded and children were present. The court heard that at about 12.20 pm, Rishi stood in front of the counter under the mistaken belief that he was joining the queue to place an order. He was actually at the wrong end of the queue. When he stepped in front of the cashier and tried to order, she informed him of this and asked him to go to the back of the queue and wait for his turn. Rishi got upset at the cashiers refusal to serve him. He launched into a two-minute tirade against her, which included racial slurs against Chinese people. He also hurled vulgarities and said that he was sick of this country". He continued to hold up the queue and refused to go to the back of the line. His insults distressed the victim. She disengaged by stepping away and turning her back to him to let her superior speak to him instead. Rishi continued shouting at the victim. He then picked up a tip box on the counter and threw it at her, hitting her lower back. He went back to his seat and fumed for a few minutes, before returning to the counter and throwing two serving trays that missed the victim. He continued to shout vulgarities and slurs at her before eventually leaving the cafe. Rishi was arrested about an hour after the victim called the police to report a raging" customer. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Videos of his tirade and him throwing the tip box were played in court. They showed many customers standing in the queue and watching in silence as he shouted. In sentencing, District Judge Janet Wang said that Rishis offences caused public disquiet and that the law recognises the need to protect service staff from abuse. Location : Singapore First Published: January 01, 2025, 07:35 IST Kim Jong Un Receives New Years Card From Xi, Attends Festivities With Daughter Ju Ae Published By : Reuters Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 23:32 IST Kim Jong Un and daughter Ju Ae attended New Years celebrations with fireworks and ice displays. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae attend an event to celebrate the New Year, in Pyongyang, North Korea. (IMAGE: KCNA/REUTERS) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Ju Ae attended New Years celebrations including fireworks and an ice dancing display, state media KCNA reported on Wednesday. Senior North Korean officials joined them in watching the events, state media photos showed. There was no mention of any speech by Kim. related stories KCNA also said that Kim received New Years cards from many heads of state including the Chinese President, although it did not mention Xi Jinping by name nor disclose further details. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It also did not mention if Kim sent greetings to Xi. The terse state media message contrasted with KCNAs description of Kims exchange with Russian President Vladimir Putin the previous day, which said Kim had pledged to solidify the countrys comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a letter to Putin. Location : Pyongyang, North Korea First Published: January 01, 2025, 23:32 IST Massive Volcanic Eruption Worse Than 1815's Tambora Could Spell Doom This Century, Warn Scientists Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 09:54 IST Scientists warn that a catastrophic volcanic eruption could occur this century, with humanity unprepared. They note that the 1815 Tambora eruption in Indonesia caused a 'year without summer', but the next eruption could be far more devastating Climate experts like Markus Stoffel of Geneva University stress that the critical question is not if but when such an eruption will occur. (News18) Scientists have long expressed concern that humanitys end could result from a viral epidemic, an asteroid collision, or the catastrophic aftermath of a massive volcanic eruption. While the probability of an asteroid strike is relatively low, researchers warn that the likelihood of a large-scale volcanic event is much higher and could occur as soon as this century. Studies suggest there is a one-in-six chance of a massive volcanic emission within this century. According to a CNN report, such an event would lead to unprecedented climate upheaval, surpassing the devastation caused by the 1815 Mount Tambora eruption in Indonesia. This eruption remains the most catastrophic on record, releasing particle clouds that drastically cooled the Earth. The year 1816 was famously dubbed the year without a summer, as global crop failures, widespread famine, and a cholera epidemic ensued. related stories The Tambora eruptions chilling effects were so profound they are believed to have inspired Swiss scientist Mary Shelley to write her novel Frankenstein during the cold and bleak summer of 1816. However, scientists now warn that a similar or more severe event is increasingly likely. The consequences this time could be even graver due to the added pressures of a rapidly warming climate. Why The Risk Is Greater Today Climate experts like Markus Stoffel of Geneva University stress that the critical question is not if but when such an eruption will occur. While volcanic eruptions have always impacted the planet, todays hotter climate amplifies their potential destructiveness. For instance, the 1991 Pinatubo eruption released 15 million tonnes of sulphur dioxide into the stratosphere, cooling the Earth by 0.5C. Similarly, Tamboras eruption cooled the planet by 1C. However, the warmer conditions today would exacerbate these effects. A hotter atmosphere accelerates the dispersion of sulphur dioxide, leading to faster and more severe cooling. Additionally, warmer ocean surfaces could intensify atmospheric cooling. Climate change also heightens the likelihood of volcanic eruptions, creating a dangerous feedback loop. The Economic And Geopolitical Impact top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to an analysis by Lloyds, an eruption on the scale of Tambora could result in economic losses exceeding $3.6 trillion (2.9 trillion). The most affected nations would likely include the United States, Russia, and China. Alarmingly, predicting such events remains beyond current scientific capabilities. While areas in Indonesia and the United States are under close observation, experts admit that pinpointing the timing and location of a major eruption is impossible. First Published: January 01, 2025, 09:54 IST Mumbai Court Hands 20-Year Jail Terms To 8 Pakistanis Found With 232Kg Heroin Published By : PTI Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 22:50 IST Mumbai court delivers maximum punishment to eight Pakistanis for 7 crore heroin seizure in 2015. A Mumbai court convicted eight Pakistanis for smuggling 7 crore heroin off Gujarat's coast. (IMAGE: PTI) A special court here on Wednesday sentenced eight Pakistani nationals to 20 years imprisonment in a 2015 case of seizure of more than 200 kg of drugs valued at nearly Rs 7 crore. Special judge for NDPS Act cases, Shashikant Bangar, convicted the eight persons for offences committed under the anti-drug law. related stories They were handed 20-year jail term, maximum under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on each of the convicts. In 2015, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended the accused from a boat carrying 232 kg of heroin valued at Rs 6.96 crore off the Gujarat coast. As per the prosecution, there were 11 drums on the boat with 20 plastic pouches containing a wheatish brown colour powder. The contents of each packet were tested, which revealed it to be heroin, it said. The eight Pakistan nationals were also found in possession of three satellite phones, GPS navigation charts, among other electronic devices. They were later handed over to the Yellow Gate police in south Mumbai. Special Public Prosecutor Sumesh Punjwani sought maximum punishment for the accused, saying it can be a lesson for other drug traffickers. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The defence counsel, however, submitted that a lenient view be taken. After hearing both the sides, the court refused to show leniency and sentenced the eight accused to maximum punishment. First Published: January 01, 2025, 22:50 IST 'Criminals Coming In Are Far Worse': Trump Links New Orleans Terror Attack To Illegal Immigration Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 22:15 IST As many as 10 people died and at least 30 were injured after a truck plowed into a crowd on the New Year's Day in New Orleans. Donald Trump reacts tTo New Orleans terror attack (AFP Image) US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday described the New Orleans terror attack as an act of pure evil" and linked the incident to illegal immigration an issue that was at the heart of his historic election victory. He indicated that the crime rate in the United States has risen to an all-time high. related stories This comes after 10 people were killed while at least 30 others were injured as a truck driver rammed into a crowd at Canal and Bourbon Street in the southern US city. The incident occurred at 3.15 am during the New Years celebrations at Bourbon Street which is a historic tourist destination in the citys French Quarter. Donald Trump Reacts To Terror Attack Reacting sharply to the incident, which is being probed by the FBI as an act of terror" after initial denial, Trump said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have" in the US, apparently hinting that the driver may be an illegal immigrant. When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true," Trump posted on Truth Social. He extended condolences to the families of the victims of the attack and said that his incoming administration would support the city to recover from this act of pure evil". The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before. Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department. The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil!" Trump wrote. Joe Biden Condemns Attack Outgoing President Joe Biden said that he has issued directions to ensure resources to get to the bottom of the incident. The FBI is taking the lead in the investigation and is investigating this incident as an act of terrorism. I am grateful for the brave and swift response of local law enforcement in preventing even greater death and injury. I have directed my team to ensure every resource is available as federal, state, and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat of any kind," Biden said in a statement released by the White House. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nations communities," he added. How Did The Attack Take Place? The vehicle, reportedly a truck rammed into the crowd celebrating New Years Day, causing mayhem on the streets. Disturbing videos surfaced of bodies lying on the streets and people running for life. The driver of the vehicle exited and opened fire at the police which then retaliated and took down the man, the officials said. New Orleans police superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said that the driver was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could. (The individual) was hell-bent on creating the carnage and damage he did," she said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The FBI has taken over the case and is taking it forward as an act of terror". It had initially contradicted the description of the incident by the citys Mayor who called it a terror attack. However, later the FBI said that it is probing the case as an act of terrorism. The driver died following the shootout with police, officials said. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: January 01, 2025, 21:36 IST Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus leadership hangs in the balance as his key ally New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh said he would introduce a motion to topple the minority Liberal government. This comes as Jagmeet Singh said that he would declare a loss of confidence in the Trudeau-led Liberal government- which could trigger an early election if other opposition parties support his move. Jagmeet Singh earlier said that Justin Trudeau was undeserving of another chance" owing to which the NDP will vote to bring this government down and give Canadians a chance to vote for a government who will work for them." Now, Quebec MPs also want Justin Trudeau to step aside as leader. Quebec caucus chair Stephane Lauzon consulted with MPs on the same and said, No letter has been sent to the prime minister from the Quebec caucus. Unfortunately, what happens in the Quebec caucus stays in the caucus." As per CBC News, one Quebec Liberal MP said that the consensus among them is that Justin Trudeau should step down. Another MP, Alexandra Mendes, said as per the outlet that she understands the caucus consensus to be that the prime minister should step away." She said, That has been the consensus that was communicated to the caucus chair and that he was meant to convey to the national caucus." To mark the New Year, Justin Trudeau said in an interview, Right now were in a moment where everything is difficult, and Pierre Poilievre is trying to convince Canadians not to believe in themselves, not to believe in climate change, not to believe in gun control, not to believe in womens rights. I believe Canadians rise to the occasion, and I am certainly not going to stop fighting at this moment where its so important." 'Our Presence Will Be Felt': Pakistan Begins Two-Year Term As UNSC Non-Permanent Member Published By : PTI Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 23:52 IST Pakistans top diplomat Akram promised that Pakistans influence will be strongly felt as it begins its tenure in the UNSC. Pakistan will serve as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the 2025-26 term, its eighth tenure. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Pakistan began its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday, with Ambassador Munir Akram saying that the Pakistani delegation will play an active and constructive" role in addressing key challenges facing the world. Our presence will be felt in the Security Council," Ambassador Akram, Pakistans top diplomat at the UN, told state-run APP (Associated Press of Pakistan) news agency. related stories Pakistan will sit in the Security Council for the 2025-26 term as a non-permanent member the eighth time that the country has had a seat on the 15-member bodys horseshoe table. In June, Pakistan was elected to the council with a massive majority as a non-permanent member, polling 182 votes in the 193-member General Assembly far more than the required 124 votes representing a two-thirds majority. We enter the council at a time of great geopolitical turbulence, intense competition between the two largest powers, raging wars in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere and a sharply escalating and multi-dimensional arms race," Akram said. As a responsible State the fifth largest by population Pakistan will play an active and constructive role, in accordance with the UN Charter, to halt wars, promote the pacific settlement of disputes and contain the negative impacts of great power rivalries, the arms race, new weapons and domains of conflict as well as the spreading scourge of terrorism," he said. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan begins its term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC with a rich legacy of experience and commitment to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. He was addressing a reception hosted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Office said in a statement. The event was attended by the heads of resident missions of the UN Security Council Member States in Islamabad and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dar highlighted Pakistans contributions to international peace and security, especially through its active role in UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding endeavours around the world. Dar said that Pakistan looked forward to seeking just and peaceful resolution of situations on the agenda of the UN Security Council". As a member of the council, Pakistan will continue to oppose the unilateral and illegal use or threat of force; combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations; and support effective UN peacekeeping, and peacebuilding efforts," he said. Pakistan replaced Japan, which currently occupies the Asian seat in the Security Council, a primary instrument for establishing and maintaining international peace. Pakistans earlier terms on the council were in 2012-13, 2003-04, 1993-94, 1983-84, 1976-77, 1968-69 and 1952-53. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the June election in the General Assembly, Pakistan was elected along with Denmark, Greece, Panama and Somalia to replace Japan, Ecuador, Malta, Mozambique and Switzerland whose terms end on December 31, 2024. The new members join the five veto-wielding permanent members the United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom and France and the five countries elected as non-permanent members last year Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia. Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: January 01, 2025, 23:52 IST BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- A set of legal and policy measures took effect in China on Wednesday as part of the country's efforts to advance high-quality development and high-standard opening up. These measures include the country's first energy law, a new regulation on data security, import tariff cuts on a large number of goods, and a free trade agreement between China and the Maldives, among others. The energy law aims to promote high-quality energy development, ensure national energy security, accelerate green transition, and support the country's efforts to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. To boost data security, the new regulation on network data security management seeks to regulate network data processing, protect the legitimate rights and interests of individuals and organizations, and safeguard national security and public interests. Wednesday also saw a reduction in import tariffs on a large number of goods, aimed at boosting imports of quality products and expanding domestic demand. Provisional import tariffs, lower than the most-favored-nation rates, will be applied to 935 commodities as part of an annual tariff adjustment plan. According to the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement, the vast majority of China's industrial exports to the Maldives, including ships, electrical equipment, and furniture, as well as agricultural products such as vegetables and fruits, will benefit. The vast majority of the Maldives' aquatic exports to China will also enjoy zero tariffs. Schengen Expansion: Romania, Bulgaria End Land Border Controls For Free Travel Published By : Reuters Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 23:13 IST The Schengen Areas expansion sees Romania and Bulgaria join the 25-member bloc. A car passes by a now vacant border guards stall as Romania and Bulgaria both join the Schengen bloc, at the Romanian - Bulgarian customs point in Giurgiu, Romania. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Romania and Bulgaria scrapped land border controls to become full members of the European Unions Schengen free-travel area on Wednesday, joining an expanded bloc of countries whose residents can travel without passport checks. Fireworks lit the sky at a crossing close to the Bulgarian border town of Ruse just after the stroke of midnight as the Bulgarian and Romanian interior ministers symbolically raised a barrier on the Friendship Bridge straddling the Danube River. The crossing is a major transit point for international trade, and bottlenecks are common. related stories This is a historic moment," said Bulgarian Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev. From Greece in the south to Finland to the North and all the way to Portugal to the West you can travel without borders." Checks on travelling by air and sea from Bulgaria and Romania were lifted in March 2024, but land checks continued until Austria last month dropped a veto it had maintained on the grounds that more was needed to stop irregular migration. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Border checks between France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg were first dropped in 1985. The Schengen area now covers 25 of the 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Ireland and Cyprus are not members of the Schengen zone. Location : Bucharest/Sofia First Published: January 01, 2025, 23:13 IST 'Autopsy Report Indicates Struggle, Head Injury': Suchir Balaji's Mother Rejects Suicide Ruling Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 14:48 IST Suchir Balaji's mother has rejected the suicide ruling, citing the second autopsy. She has alleged the autopsy has suggested a head injury and signs of struggle. Suchir Balaji (Photo: ANI) The parents of 26-year-old Suchir Balaji, who was found dead at his San Francisco apartment on December 14, 2024, have alleged that the report of a second autopsy of their son indicates signs of struggle", including a head injury and trauma. Suchirs mother, Poornima Ramarao, has expressed disbelief at the suicide ruling, citing the absence of a suicide note and the findings of the second autopsy, IANS quoted a report by NDTV. We have facts with the second autopsy head trauma and signs of struggle. This is not a suicide, its a murder," Suchirs mother was quoted as saying. related stories There was a struggle, he did not take his life. Now, who and why need to be explored," she said, urging the Indian government to support their cause. His father, Balaji Ramamurthi, recounted their last conversation on December 22, when Suchir returned from a trip to Los Angeles in good spirits. He seemed happy," he said. Asked if Suchir picked up another job, his mother responded, No, he didnt. They (OpenAI) probably threatened him. They didnt allow him to work somewhere else. He also consulted a copyright attorney and figured out that he was not doing anything wrong and they were just suppressing him. That made him give the New York Times interview and resulted in his death." She also mentioned that Suchir was working on personal research which he wanted to get published, in which he explains that modulated answer is not exactly as the information pegged to ChatGPT, giving an example of a black and white cat coming out as a coloured cat." Additionally, the work of artists and journalists were all stolen, which is unethical. This is what we talked about the last time I met him," she mentioned. He was working in the core group of the ChatGPT. He was kind of an architect of the whole thing. He knew a lot about ChatGPT. There were some restrictions on him to not work in other AI companies," Suchirs father was quoted as saying. Suchir was a researcher at OpenAI and had made headlines for his whistleblowing revelations about the ethical concerns surrounding generative AI. His parents are now demanding a probe by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in connection with his death. A postmortem report in the case had earlier suggested that Suchir had died of suicide. However, pressing for their demands for a proper investigation of the case, Suchirs mother had earlier tagged Elon Musk in a social media post. Later, Musk backed the allegation of foul play in Suchirs death. This doesnt seem like a suicide," Musk had written in response to her post. In her X post, Suchirs mother had raised concerns about the investigation conducted by the San Francisco Police Department, which ruled her sons death a suicide. This doesnt seem like a suicide Kekius Maximus (@elonmusk) December 29, 2024 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Suchir had worked at OpenAI for nearly four years before resigning over ethical concerns. He was a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and was a prominent figure in the tech industry, with his whistleblowing revelations sparking global discussions on AI ethics. In an October post on X, he criticised the misuse of copyrighted materials in generative AI, stating, Fair use seems like a pretty implausible defence for a lot of generative AI products." First Published: January 01, 2025, 14:48 IST Some criminals in the UK might be toasting the new year with large quantities of ill-gotten Guinness. The Guardian , citing "sources familiar with the incident," reports that a truck carrying 400 kegs of Guinness, enough for 35,200 pints, was stolen from a logistics hub in Northamptonshire, England, in mid-December as pubs across the UK were experiencing shortages. Guinness owner Diageo declined to comment on the alleged theft of the Irish stout, which has been surging in popularity. Earlier this month, Diageo tapped its backup reserves in Ireland and rationed how much Guinness pubs in England, Wales, and Scotland could buy. "It's just a bit of a shambles at the moment and killing me off," Steven Crosbie, landlord of an Irish pub in Liverpool, told the BBC. Guinness has stepped up its social media campaigns in recent years and the shortage has been fueled "by its newfound popularity with Gen Z, many of whom like to pose, pint in hand, on social media," according to the Guardian. (Earlier this year, a con man stole 50,000 pounds of cheese from a distributor in London.) Ukraine on Wednesday halted Russian gas supplies to European customers that pass through the country after a prewar transit deal expired at the end of last year. The New York Times reports Ukraine refused to renew the deal. At a summit in Brussels last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed that Kyiv would not allow Moscow to use the transits to earn "additional billions ... on our blood, on the lives of our citizens." But he briefly held open the possibility of the gas flows continuing if payments to Russia were withheld until the war ends. Ukraine's energy minister, Herman Halushchenko, confirmed on Wednesday morning that Kyiv had stopped the transit "in the interest of national security." More from the AP: President-elect Trump confirmed to reporters outside his Mar-a-Lago New Year's Eve party that he will attend Jimmy Carter's funeral on Jan. 9. "I'll be there. We were invited," Trump said, per Reuters. He declined to say whether he had spoken to any Carter family members since the former president died on Dec. 29. The New York Times notes that attending a predecessor's funeral would be "virtually automatic for any other president-elect," but Trump has skipped the funerals of other major political figures and there was some uncertainty over whether he would be at Carter's state funeral. House speaker. Asked about Friday's House leadership election, Trump predicted that Mike Johnson would be re-elected as speaker and said he would make calls on his behalf if he needed to. "Almost everybody likes him," Trump said of Johnson, per the Times. "Others are very good, too, but they have 30 or 40 people that don't like them, so that's pretty tough." This photo shows the CR450AF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) China's determination to advance high-quality development, expand high-level opening up, and comprehensively push forward Chinese modernization reflects China's commitment as a responsible major country, said Stephen Ndegwa, a Kenyan expert on international issues. BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- The New Year message delivered by Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday demonstrates China's remarkable achievements in pursuing high-quality development in the past year, and injects a sense of confidence into the world amid challenges and turbulence, overseas experts have said. Xi's message also shows China's responsibility as a major country to advance global peace and development and its resolution and action to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, they observed, while expressing their hope to jointly create a better future for the world. INJECT CONFIDENCE INTO WORLD ECONOMY "We have proactively responded to the impacts of the changing environment at home and abroad. We have adopted a full range of policies to make solid gains in pursuing high-quality development. China's economy has rebounded and is on an upward trajectory," Xi said in his New Year message. "China's comprehensive policy measures to address complex domestic and international challenges demonstrate its robust governance and adaptability," said Benjamin Mgana, chief editor of foreign news at The Guardian newspaper in Tanzania. From economic recovery to the production of over 10 million new energy vehicles in a year, these milestones reflect the success of China's high-quality development strategy, Mgana said, noting the advancement of green and low-carbon development and the emergence of new industries and business models underscore China's commitment to sustainable development. "Today China has emerged as a global leader in combating climate change, advancing green and low-carbon development, and setting an inspiring example of sustainable progress," said Hassan Daud Butt, former CEO of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment&Trade in Pakistan. China is innovating at an unprecedented scale, while actively sharing its successes with the world, particularly with developing nations, he added. Impressed by China's breakthroughs in integrated circuit, artificial intelligence, quantum communications and many other fields mentioned by Xi, Hidetoshi Tashiro, chief economist at Japan's Sigma Capital Ltd., said "China has promoted high-quality development through high-level opening-up, which has benefited the world and provided leapfrog development opportunities for developing countries." CONTRIBUTE TO GLOBAL PEACE, DEVELOPMENT "In a world of both transformation and turbulence, China, as a responsible major country, is actively promoting global governance reform and deepening solidarity and cooperation among the Global South," Xi said in the message. "China is increasingly becoming a key stabilizing force through its advocacy of multilateralism and openness," said Lyazid Benhami, vice president of the Paris Association of French-Chinese Friendship. By driving the reform of global institutions, China will give a voice to those countries long marginalized and strive to ensure their voices are heard, Benhami added. Xi's message showed China's important role as a Global South leader, said Joseph Matthews, a senior professor at the BELTEI International University in Cambodia. Through multilateral forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, APEC and G20, China has been dedicated to advocating and promoting multilateralism as well as creating an even playing field for all the players, Matthews said. "President Xi's remarks send a message to the world that China is willing to work with each and every country who wants to promote peace and socio-economic development and fight against poverty and unjust global governance system," the expert added. As Xi mentioned in his message, China is making deeper and more substantive advances in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Ravshan Nazarov, a senior researcher at the Institute of State and Law of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, noted in particular that the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), will fill gaps in the region's cross-border transport network, contributing to the integration of logistics and strengthening the infrastructural and economic connectivity of BRI partners as well as the role of Central Asia in global supply chains. China's determination to advance high-quality development, expand high-level opening up, and comprehensively push forward Chinese modernization reflects China's commitment as a responsible major country, said Stephen Ndegwa, a Kenyan expert on international issues. "China's series of propositions on the concept of regional cooperation and the direction of development will have a positive impact on the maintenance of global stability and the prospects of world economic growth," he said. JOINTLY CREATE A BETTER FUTURE "As changes unseen in a century accelerate across the world, it is important to rise above estrangement and conflict with a broad vision, and care for the future of humanity with great passion," Xi noted in his message, adding China will work with all countries to promote friendship and cooperation, enhance mutual learning among different cultures, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. "We must jointly create a better future for the world," Xi made the call. Gan Tian Loo, vice chairman of the Association of Interaction Malaysia-China, said that the initiative to build a community with a shared future for mankind is actively contributing to global modernization, transcending conflict and confrontation in favor of peaceful development, replacing zero-sum games with win-win cooperation, and preventing civilizational clashes through exchange and mutual understanding. "Multilateralism is the only way to ensure a stable world, cooperation and sharing," Mladen Plese, former editor-in-chief of Croatian daily Jutarnji List, told Xinhua, noting that China's contribution to world peace is "immeasurable." Xi's call for joint efforts to tackle global challenges aligns with the aspirations of developing countries for sustainable development and resilience against climate change, said Balew Demissie, communication and publication consultant at the Policy Studies Institute of Ethiopia. Demissie also noted that Xi's emphasis on multilateral cooperation frameworks contributes to a multipolar world where African countries can assert their interest and benefit from their participation. Harry Chandler, a Navy medic who helped pull injured sailors from the oily waters of Pearl Harbor after the 1941 Japanese attack on the naval base, has died. He was 103. Chandler died Monday at a senior living center in Tequesta, Florida, according to Ron Mahaffee, the husband of his granddaughter Kelli Fahey. Chandler had congestive heart failure, but Mahaffee said doctors and nurses noted his advanced age when giving a cause of death. The third Pearl Harbor survivor to die in the past few weeks, Chandler was a hospital corpsman 3rd class on Dec. 7, 1941, when waves of Japanese fighter planes dropped bombs and fired machine guns on battleships in the harbor and plunged the US into World War II, the AP reports The man who drove a truck into a crowd of people in New Orleans' French Quarter in the early hours of New Year's Day had an ISIS flag in the vehicle, the FBI said in a statement Wednesday. The FBI named the attacker as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, a US citizen from Texas. The attacker was killed in a firefight with police after the Bourbon Street attack. Ten people were killed and at least 35 others injured in what the FBI said it is investigating as a terrorist attack. The agency said it is "working to determine the subject's potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations." The attacker was dressed in military gear and may have fired a rifle into the crowd as he was running people over, reports WDSU. Law enforcement officials tell the AP that authorities are searching the French Quarter, which was packed with people celebrating New Year's Eve during the attack at 3:15am, for potential explosive devices. "Weapons and a potential IED were located in the subject's vehicle," the FBI said. "Other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter." Attorney General Merrick Garland said agencies including the ATF are also investigating the attack. "My heart is broken for those who began their year by learning people they love were killed in this horrific attack," Garland said, per the New York Times. This story has been updated with new developments. (More Bourbon Street attack stories.) TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com The Ministry of Oil and Environment is leveraging technology and inter-agency collaboration to combat illegal fishing practices in Bahrain's territorial waters. In response to concerns raised by Shura Council member Fuad Ahmed Alhajee regarding the enforcement of Decree-Law No. (20) of 2002, the ministry detailed a multi-pronged approach. This includes electronic linking with Customs Affairs to ensure smart surveillance of marine resource import, export, and re-export. This sophisticated system prevents the entry of prohibited fishing equipment and verifies the authenticity of imported fish. Additionally, coordination with the Cybercrime Directorate at the Ministry of Interior actively monitors and curtails the illegal online trade of prohibited fishing tools and equipment. Moreover, the Ministry stated that it's collaborating with relevant parties at the Survey and Land Registration Bureau to establish a smart monitoring room equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) to significantly enhance real-time surveillance and detection capabilities. Joint Enforcement Operations Yield Results "This technological boost complements ongoing joint operations with the Coast Guard and the General Directorate of Marine Wealth at the Supreme Council for the Environment. These collaborative efforts have resulted in numerous arrests for various violations throughout 2024," the Ministry said in its response, explaining: " Offences recorded in 2024 include the illegal sale and trade of shrimp during closed seasons, the sale and trade of undersized fish and shellfish, and unlicensed fishing activities. All apprehended offenders are subsequently referred to the Public Prosecution for legal action," New Law for Regulating Recreational Fishing The Ministry also revealed that a new law regulating recreational fishing is under development. This is a crucial step, as the increasing popularity of recreational fishing has raised concerns about potential overfishing, damage to sensitive habitats, and a lack of accountability for irresponsible practices. The new legislation aims to address these concerns by establishing clear guidelines for licensing, permitted fishing methods, catch limits, and penalties for violations. Beyond enforcement, a key component of the Ministry's strategy is public awareness. "Regular meetings and workshops with fishermen's associations educate stakeholders on existing regulations, emphasising the importance of marine resource conservation and the fishermen's crucial role in monitoring illegal activities," the Ministry stated. TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com As Bahrain continues to strengthen its position in the global economy, Export Bahrain celebrates its dedicated efforts over the past six years in empowering Bahrain-based businesses to expand internationally, facilitating in a remarkable $1 billion in export value. Established as the national export development and internationalization support arm, Export Bahrain has played a crucial role in driving the global success of local businesses while reinforcing Bahrains status as a dynamic hub for international trade. Export Bahrain has consistently demonstrated exceptional year-on-year growth in facilitating exports, underscoring its strategic focus on resilience and economic diversification. Between 2019 and 2020, Export Bahrain achieved an impressive 167% growth in export value, despite the global challenges posed by the pandemic. This upward momentum continued with a 66% increase from 2020 to 2021, fueled by the expansion of critical international partnerships. The positive trajectory persisted, with export values rising by 46% from 2021 to 2022 and a further 24% from 2022 to 2023. Recently, Export Bahrain recorded an additional 26% growth, culminating in a milestone achievement of facilitating $1 billion in export value. These accomplishments have empowered Bahraini businesses to expand internationally and solidified Export Bahrains role in supporting the Kingdoms economic growth and diversification. 78 products, 98 international markets To strengthen Bahrains presence in the global marketplace, Export Bahrain has supported the entry of 78 product and service categories into more than 98 international markets with KSA, Kuwait and UAE (GCC countries, followed by Asia and European markets) being the top export destinations, Export Bahrains strategic efforts have elevated Bahrain-based businesses internationally, opening new markets and fostering sustainable export growth. It has played a pivotal role in facilitating the international expansion of local businesses as Export Bahrain has signed more than 50 partnership agreements with local and international partners, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to putting local exporters on the global trade map. These collaborations further highlight Export Bahrains focus on building strong alliances to enhance Bahrains international trade efforts. $5.8 million in revenue Notably, its International Retail Initiative has generated over $5.8 million in revenue locally and internationally, while its E-commerce Facilitation support has transformed over 15 Bahrain-based businesses, enabling them to reach new markets through digital platforms. These initiatives have not only enhanced the global competitiveness of Bahrains exports but also equipped businesses with the tools to navigate the complexities of international trade. Export Bahrains unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving export ecosystem is reflected in its efforts to empower local businesses, with 20% of first-time exporters, and more than 50 companies benefiting from Export Market Intelligence tools. These milestones underscore the confidence and capability of Bahrain-based businesses to compete and succeed on the global stage. In line with its mission to cultivate export awareness, Export Bahrain has hosted various sessions and workshops since its inception, providing exporters with the knowledge and tools needed to explore international markets. Additionally, presenting national products and services to target audiences by participating in international exhibitions and conferences, which are crucial for facilitating connections between exporters and global buyers therefore supporting trade agreements. 20 awards Recognized for its excellence, Export Bahrain has garnered 20 prestigious awards over the past six years, reflecting its transformative contributions to Bahrains export sector. Notably, Export Bahrain has been a finalist for the first time in the World Trade Promotion Organization (WTPO) Awards 2024 in the Best of Partnerships category, a testament to its success in fostering impactful collaborations and advancing Bahrains international trade interests. Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce and Chairman of Export Bahrain, remarked: Export Bahrain has been a catalyst for empowering local businesses and driving substantial export growth. Over the past six years, their unwavering dedication and innovative strategies have positioned Bahrain as a formidable player in the global market. This transformative approach fosters increased collaboration, enhances competitiveness, and cultivates a dynamic export ecosystem that benefits both Bahraini businesses and the broader economy. Ms.Safa Sharif A.Khaleq, Chief Executive Officer of Export Bahrain, stated, Our growth at Export Bahrain reflects our commitment to empowering local businesses to thrive internationally, enhancing their competitiveness and supporting the Kingdoms economic diversification. Reaching over $1 billion in export value is a significant milestone, and we will continue to facilitate the growth of Bahraini businesses in the global market. MANILA, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- A police officer killed two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle who shot at him during his patrol in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, a senior police officer said Wednesday. Colonel Kimberly Molitas, director of Zamboanga Police Office, said the new year's eve shootout took place in front of a church. Molitas said the police officer was wounded in the attack but was able to shoot and kill the gunmen. The gunman driving the motorcycle died at the scene, while his companion was pronounced dead at the city hospital. Police were investigating the identities of the slain suspects, Molitas said. MOGADISHU, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- The new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia on Wednesday announced its commitment to the country's stabilization efforts in 2025 and post-conflict recovery as it began operations the same day. The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) officially replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), marking a further step in transitioning national security responsibilities to that country's own forces. In his New Year message, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia Mohamed El-Amine Souef said 2024 marked a pivotal year for Somalia, characterized by significant strides in peace and security thanks to the concerted efforts of the Somali government in collaboration with the pan-African body's peace mission. "AUSSOM has finally become operational, beginning Jan. 1, 2025, as per UN Security Council Resolution 2767 (2024). It will build on the achievements made under ATMIS to ensure Somalia realizes long-term peace and security," Souef said. On Dec. 27, 2024, the UN Security Council (UNSC) endorsed the African Union Peace and Security Council's decision to replace ATMIS with AUSSOM. He said ATMIS made significant strides by transferring military bases to the Somali Security Forces in 2024, in line with the Somalia Transition Plan. This, Souef said, shows that the Somali security forces have acquired the necessary expertise to independently take over the country's security responsibilities. According to Souef, ATMIS, in collaboration with development partners, also initiated a range of quick-impact projects, including the construction of boreholes, classrooms, police stations, and rehabilitation of health centers, to improve the lives of residents in liberated areas. The AU envoy said they would continue engagements under AUSSOM, guided by the AU Peace and Security Council communiques and UNSC resolutions. The UNSC also authorized AU members to take necessary measures for 12 months starting Jan. 1, including supporting the Somali government in degrading al-Shabaab and affiliates linked to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, also known as Da'esh. Somalia will in January join the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member following its successful election. "This marks a momentous achievement in the country's recent history and provides an opportunity for Somalia to contribute to global peace and security," Souef said. Somalia continued the path to economic revitalization in March 2024 when the country became a full member of the East African Community, a regional trading bloc with a market size of over 170 million people, said the AU envoy. "Somalia, boasting the longest coastline in Africa at over 3,000 km and rich natural resources, is strategically positioned to emerge as a key player within the economic bloc." A state appeals court ruled Tuesday that a judge erred in allowing state officials to deny a former Burlington County police chief of his retirement pension after his conviction in federal court of lying to the FBI. The appeals court found fault in how officials used similar state crimes to justify their desire to deny former Bordentown Township Police Chief Frank Nucera Jr.s of his pension after his conviction of a federal crime, in 2019. The state crimes they cited - official misconduct and perjury - simply do not align with the crime of lying to the FBI, and a Superior Court judge in Mercer County erred in approving the order, the decision says. Federal authorities arrested and charged Nucera Jr. in late 2017 with hate crime assault and a Civil Rights charge in connection with a 2016 arrest in which he was present and was accused of slamming a Black teenagers head into a doorjamb. Federal authorities also documented multiple times when the chief use racist language to disparage Black people in general. Nucera Jr. had retired from the force earlier in 2017 when he realized he was under investigation. He was making $151,000 at the time. Authorities later indicted him on the charges, plus the lying charge of making false statements to the FBI, which occurred during the investigation when Nucera told agents he was hands-on during the arrest. Over the next several years, federal prosecutors tried Nucera Jr. twice. A jury convicted him in 2019 of the lying charge, but was hung on the assault and Civil Rights charges and the judge declaring a mistrial each time, the second in late 2021. Prosecutors declined to try him a third time. Frank Nucera Jr. (left), the former Bordentown police chief, and his defense attorney Rocco Cipparone address the media in a 2019 file photo.Joe Brandt | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com A judge sentenced Nucera Jr. in May 2021 to 28 months in prison for the lying charge, but delayed his prison report date until after the second trial. Nucera Jr. eventually reported to prison, but his lawyers won and appeal and he was resentenced in May 2023 to the 13 months hed already served and he was set free on June 1, 2023. Meanwhile, lawyers with the state Attorney Generals Office sought to strip Nucera Jr. of his pension, a move they can do if they can prove a conviction in the federal system or another state is substantially similar to a New Jersey crime which would have led to a pension forfeiture - like official misconduct or perjury. When lined up side-by-side and examined word-for-word, Nuceras lawyers argued and the appeals judge agreed, the federal lying charge is not as loaded as New Jerseys official misconduct and perjury charges and does not qualify as the equivalent of a charge that would lead to a pension being denied. For example, the New Jersey official misconduct charge is more serious and has more onerous elements than the federal false statements charge. And on the perjury charge, New Jersey prosecutors must prove in part that the false statement was made under oath or equivalent affirmation and in any official proceeding. The federal false statement charge is further unlike the state perjury again, as the state crime, does not criminalize the act of making false statements; it penalizes the act of giving false testimony, the decision says. Nucera Jr.s lawyer and the state Attorney Generals Office did not immediately return messages seeking comment. 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. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com A Delaware woman was arrested after driving her car through an emergency entrance at Inspira Hospital in Bridgeton just before midnight on New Years Eve, police said Wednesday. At about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, Bridgeton police responded to the hospital on Irving Avenue for a report of a vehicle that struck a building, police said. Officers discovered a car had been driven through ambulance bay entrance doors and down a hallway about 60 feet, nearly hitting a security officer, according police. The security officer suffered a minor injury while jumping out of the way of the car, a spokesperson for Inspira Health Network said Wednesday. The 38-year-old driver from New Castle, Delaware remained at the scene. She did not require medical treatment and no one else was injured in the crash, police said in a news release. A spokesperson for the hospital said ambulances were diverted until about 3:30 a.m. while the damaged entrance was secured and an alternate entrance could be set up. The walk-in emergency entrance remained open while authorities secured the scene and patient care was not impacted during the incident, the spokesperson said Wednesday. The woman was arrested and charged with assault by a motor vehicle, endangering another person and third-degree criminal mischief, according to police and online court records. She was being held Wednesday at the Cumberland County Jail pending further court appearances. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X One baby arrived at exactly midnight. Another let her mom enjoy a fireworks show outside the hospital room window before making her grand entrance. While most people across New Jersey were watching the ball drop as 2024 became 2025, maternity wards around the state were bustling with baby deliveries. And theres an extra special tagline for these newcomers, as babies born in 2025 are the first members of a new generation -- Generation Beta. Generation Beta is expected to last from 2025 to 2039. The New Year also marks the end of Generation Alpha, which included those born between the early-2010s and mid-2020s. Both generations were named by Mark McCrindle, an Australian researcher and demographer. Of the hospitals who shared their New Years births with NJ Advance Media, five of the eight babies were girls. New Jerseys first babies are a mix of first children and some who were born with siblings -- and in these days of epic gender reveals, one babys was a total surprise to her parents. Its always wonderful to have a baby born on the New Year, said Jenny Breunig, VP of Operations at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital. Its a time of new beginnings and a new start. Its exciting not only for the family, but for our staff and the community at large. Here are some of the babies born on New Years Day around New Jersey: Cataleya Cataleya Lopez arrived at exactly midnight.Courtesy of Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center Cataleya Lopez was born at exactly midnight at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. She is the fourth child for Julissa and Manfer Lopez, of Neptune City. Cataleya weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces. Clementine Clementine was born at 12:37 a.m.Courtesy of RWJBarnabas Health Clementine Frances Muglia was born at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston at 12:37 a.m. to Grace Ann Caramico and Alfonse Muglia of Bloomfield. She weighed 7 pounds and measured 19 inches. Clementine was born one day after her due date. Her arrival adds to an already celebratory first week of the year. Her dad, an attorney, and her mom, who works in business development at a law firm, will celebrate their 6th wedding anniversary on Jan. 3. And Clementines big sister, Theadora, celebrates her 3rd birthday on Jan. 7. Aidan Aidan Aziel Lopez arrived at 4:18 a.m.Courtesy of RWJBarnabas Health Aidan Aziel Lopez Iboy was born at 4:18 a.m. at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset to Adrian Lopez and Heidy Iboy Mendoza of Plainfield. Baby Girl The not yet named baby girl has two older sisters.Courtesy of RWJBarnabas Health Manchester resident Ester Malika Gross welcomed her third daughter at 2:03 a.m. at Monmouth Medical Center. The baby girl is not yet named. Evelyn Evelyn Diane was Gloucester County's first baby born in 2025.Courtesy of Jefferson Washington Township Hospital Evelyn Diane was born at 5:13 a.m. at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital to Crystal and Matthew Eisenhard of Turnersville. Crystal said shell always remember seeing fireworks from her hospital room before her labor began. Evelyn, who weighed in at 7 pounds, 15 ounces, was Gloucester Countys first baby of the new year. Eleanora Eleanora's gender was a surprise for her parents.Courtesy of Englewood Health Eleanora Elizabeth Steen was born at 9:50 a.m. at Englewood Health to first-time parents Alyssa Roy and Andy Steen of Jersey City. She weighed 6 pounds, 1 ounce and is 17 inches long. The parents did not know the babys gender before birth. Baby Boy A baby boy was born at 2:26 a.m. at Saint Peters University Hospital.Courtesy of Saint Peters University Hospital A baby boy weighing 4 pounds, 15 ounces was born at 2:26 a.m. to Bhumika and Mehul Patel of Colonia at Saint Peters University Hospital. This is the third child for the family, who also have a 5 and 8 year old. Julian Julian was born at 11:27 a.m.Courtesy of Holy Name Medical Center Julian Chamoun was born at 11:27 a.m. at Holy Name Medical Center to Samira and Camille Chamoun of Edgewater. He weighed 7 pounds and measured 21 inches. He is the couples second child. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com. New York has Times Square and an estimated 1 million people to watch the ball drop. The City of Passaic has a single Art Deco building downtown, a pinata, and a crowd of at least a couple thousand people are expected to celebrate the New Year. New York has the tradition crowds have been gathering in Times Square on New Years Eve just about every year since 1907. But Passaic Mayor Hector Lora says his city has smaller, friendlier idea plus plenty of free parking. When I became mayor in 2017, I wanted to have a lot of events to bring the community together, Lora said. And I realized very few people in Passaic go to New York to watch the ball drop. They just dont have the means. So one day I was driving by 663 Main, and I said, what if we did our own ball drop-kind-of event? A tradition was born, now its seventh year. Rain or shine, Lora expected at least a couple thousand people to gather downtown tonight. There will be a DJ, live music, and vendors selling all kinds of food, and the bars and restaurants in the city will stay open until 5 a.m. Just before midnight, Lora will lead the countdown, and with the help of city firefighters manning a crane, the pinata will slide down the side of the building. At the stroke of midnight, the pinata will pop and ring in the New Year with a shower of confetti. We tested it yesterday, and it works great, said Lora, who helped load the pinata on Tuesday morning. Were definitely doing it, rain or shine. Were going to be out there. The Board of Education building at 663 Main Avenue in Passaic, where the pinata will be lowered at midnight to celebrate the New Year.Richard Cowen/NJ Advance Media for NJ.Com While Passaic drops its pinata, the rural town of Hammonton, in Atlantic County, will be dropping a giant blueberry. Hammonton is billed as the Blueberry Capital of the World, a major producer of New Jerseys leading cash crop. Hackettstown in Warren County is home to the candy maker Mars Wrigley, and will celebrate with an M&M ball drop. Elsewhere, Morristown will hold what it bills as the largest First Night celebration in New Jersey. And fireworks are scheduled along the Jersey Shore, in Long Branch, Seaside Heights, Sea Isle City, Ocean City and Atlantic City. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Richard Cowen may be reached at rcowen@njadvancemedia.com. The year 2024 ended tragically in Passaic, where a woman died in an apartment fire as thousands of people gathered downtown to celebrate the New Year with the citys traditional pinata drop. Fire broke out in a first-floor apartment at 361 Madison Street around 9:30 p.m. and quickly went to three alarms. Passaic firefighters, with assists from companies in East Rutherford and Carlstadt, arrived to find smoke billowing from a first-floor apartment. The building has 25 units, but the fire was contained to the first floor. Firefighters removed the victim, a 50-year-old old woman, and a 66-year-old man who is believed to be her partner and took them to St. Marys Hospital. Two police officers and a third apartment-dweller were treated for smoke inhalation, Lora said. The mayor, who used to Facebook Live to update residents, said he was in the emergency room when the woman was pronounced dead, and her partner was in critical condition. After updating residents, Lora then rejoined the New Years Eve festivities, and at midnight, dropped the huge pinata from atop the Board of Education building at 663 Main Avenue. It certainly was a tragic end to 2024, Lora said. Two years, one marked by sorrow, one marked by joy, all in one night. Lora said despite the heavy rain earlier in the evening, thousands came downtown to continue the New Years Eve tradition of watching the pinata drop, now it its seventh year. Theres a time to laugh, and a time to cry, Lora said. All told, 59 people were temporarily displaced by the blaze. The mayor said that most of the residents who live above the first floor will be allowed back in the building, once the alarms have been resent and the water turned on. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Richard Cowen may be reached at rcowen@njadvancemedia.com. Two New Jersey teenagers face numerous felony charges after being captured Sunday in a stolen car by Delaware State Police, authorities said. The teenagers, a 14-year-old boy from Penns Grove and a 16-year-old male from Deepwater, were spotted by Delaware State Police on Route 1 in New Castle around 4:50 p.m. in a 2012 Kia Optima reported stolen in Carneys Point earlier in the day. The 14-year-old was behind the wheel when troopers tried to stop the car. The vehicle took off and sped across a lawn, knocked down a mailbox and nearly struck a pedestrian before colliding with a Nissan Maxima at the intersection of North Dupont Highway and School Lane, Delaware State Police said. The 14-year-old tried to escape on foot, but was captured after a brief chase. The 16-year-old remained in the car and was taken into custody. The driver of the Nissan Maxima was taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, Delaware State Police said. Troopers searched the stolen car and found screwdrivers and multiple pairs of gloves. The column on the steering wheel and ignition were broken. That type of damage is consistent with a nationwide trend of thieves using screwdrivers to steal Kias, Delaware State Police said. The Delaware State Police filed felony charges against both juveniles, including receiving stolen property, possession of burglary tools and conspiracy. In addition, the 14-year-old was charged with reckless driving, driving without a license, vehicular assault, resisting arrest and criminal trespass The 14-year-old is being held at the New Castle (Del.) Detention in lieu of $21,000 bond. The 16-year-old was released to a guardian after posting a $5,000 bond, state police said. Our journalism needs your support. Please consider subscribing to NJ.com. Rich Cowen may be reached at rcowen@njadvancemedia.com. ISTANBUL, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of people gathered Wednesday in Istanbul, Turkiye's largest city, to denounce the ongoing oppression in Gaza and express their solidarity with the Palestinian people. Responding to the call of nearly 400 civil defense organizations, demonstrators from various parts of Turkiye converged on the European side of the city on New Year's Day. They marched to the iconic Galata Bridge, holding Turkish and Palestinian flags and carrying banners and placards with slogans such as "Stop Genocide in Gaza," "Where Children Don't Grow: Gaza," and "Jerusalem is Under Occupation." Stringent security measures were implemented for the demonstration, including road closures and extensive security precautions around the bridge. 27 December 2024 That the overwhelming majority of the Indian intelligentsia, the middle class and the Commentariat, given their general political-moral make-up, should now be singing the praises of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after his demise, is not at all surprising. But the proper evaluation of his record can only come from the progressive Left and this has to be strongly negative. The only half-way positive aspects of the UPA-I period of governance such as the establishment of the RTI and NREGA programmes were the price Manmohan Singh had to pay to stabilise coalition rule, dependent as he was on the support of the parliamentary Left, until he was able to do the dirty on them towards the end of his first term by winning over outside parties to get the Indo-US Nuclear Deal through. He was also intellectually unprincipled. As the Chairman of the South Commission (1987 to November 1990), a policy think tank headquartered in Geneva and concerned with the needs of the developing world, he was critical of the global turn towards economic neoliberalism. Appointed finance minister under Narasimha Rao in 1991 he had no problems shifting to strong advocacy and pursuit of the policies he had once decried. Politically without any base he knew he had to be, and was, subservient first to Rao and then to Sonia Gandhi. The BJP did not initiate the turn towards neoliberal economic policies nor that towards a strategic re-alignment with the worst imperialist power the US. They adopted and accelerated these changes in direction. But going beyond the BJP and the right and far-right is the applause by even the so-called liberal intelligentsia and journalists of this economic shift. India has now stood up economically in the world and is on its way to being a major global power. The acceleration in average annual growth rates from what used to be derisively called the Hindu rate of growth was the accepted proof of the inauguration of a new era of domestic prosperity for all. Barring a few critical voices, we have been continuously barraged in the media by how wonderful this economic turn has been especially for the poor. The profound falsity of this claim can be provided by one simple piece of factual evidence/data which has never been highlighted in this media, not even it seems by critics. This is the finding provided on the basis of UN accumulated world data that has been analysed by L. Chancel and T. Piketty in Inequality 1922-2015: From British Raj to Billionaire Raj? [Review of Income and Wealth, Vol. 65, No. 1, 2019, Appendices 10 and 11]. It can be summed up as follows. Annual average real income growth of the bottom 50% of the Indian population was higher in the period 1951-80 than in the period 1980-2015 when the moves towards neoliberal globalisation began and then decisively accelerated in the 1990s under Rao and Manmohan Singh. The point to be made here is simple. Of course, as incomes accumulate despite the lower rate of annual growth for the bottom half of the population, income measured levels of poverty would decline. But this was happening faster in the earlier period. That is to say, the neoliberal turn has most strongly benefitted the elites and sections of the middle class and their incomes and wealth. No wonder India is now said, income distribution wise, to be among the most unequal societies in the world--- according to Piketty, the second most unequal society after South Africa while also having the third largest number of dollar billionaires, having overtaken Russia on this score. In absolute numbers it has the largest number of people below the internationally accepted poverty line while Indian spending on health, pensions, education and other aspects of public welfare remains at atrociously low levels proportionate to GDP in comparison to most other poor countries. At $86.6 billion in 2023-24, India ranks fourth behind the US, China, Russia in military spending. In the Global Human development index India ranks 134 out of 191 countries in 2023-24. There are three other ugly aspects of the Manmohan Singh period of rule as PM. He had no hesitation in declaring that enemy number one domestically was Naxalism not Hindutva. The Congress outcast Mani Shankar Aiyar would condemn the Hindutva forces as the biggest threat but not Singh and his cohorts. Any surprise that, then and now, the Congress plays soft Hindutva? Then there was the Indo-US Nuclear Deal as part of the shift towards not just alignment with Western imperialism, above all the US, but the further consolidation of India as a sub-imperial power. This reality its drum-beaters in academia and the media disguise by calling this behaviour a welcome search for multi-polarity when there is no way any government--- BJP or Congress-led --- will ever seriously challenge the US. Lastly, let us not forget that it is in the 2004-2014 period that India became the number one purchaser of arms from Israel; that in 2008 it took Israeli help to set up a Central Monitoring System (CMS) to enable a capacity shift from targeted to mass surveillance. It was in February 2014 before the UPA-II government ended that the first major deal for regularised sending of security and police personnel from India to Israel for the purposes of learning counter-terrorism, crowd control and border management was signed. One would have at least expected the major Indian left parties to be more critical of Manmohan Singh than they have so far shown. That the overwhelming majority of the Indian intelligentsia, the middle class and the Commentariat, given their general political-moral make-up, should now be singing the praises of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after his demise, is not at all surprising. But the proper evaluation of his record can only come from the progressive Left and this has to be strongly negative. The only half-way positive aspects of the UPA-I period of governance such as the establishment of the RTI and NREGA programmes were the price Manmohan Singh had to pay to stabilise coalition rule, dependent as he was on the support of the parliamentary Left, until he was able to do the dirty on them towards the end of his first term by winning over outside parties to get the Indo-US Nuclear Deal through. He was also intellectually unprincipled. As the Chairman of the South Commission (1987 to November 1990), a policy think tank headquartered in Geneva and concerned with the needs of the developing world, he was critical of the global turn towards economic neoliberalism. Appointed finance minister under Narasimha Rao in 1991 he had no problems shifting to strong advocacy and pursuit of the policies he had once decried. Politically without any base he knew he had to be, and was, subservient first to Rao and then to Sonia Gandhi. The BJP did not initiate the turn towards neoliberal economic policies nor that towards a strategic re-alignment with the worst imperialist power the US. They adopted and accelerated these changes in direction. But going beyond the BJP and the right and far-right is the applause by even the so-called liberal intelligentsia and journalists of this economic shift. India has now stood up economically in the world and is on its way to being a major global power. The acceleration in average annual growth rates from what used to be derisively called the Hindu rate of growth was the accepted proof of the inauguration of a new era of domestic prosperity for all. Barring a few critical voices, we have been continuously barraged in the media by how wonderful this economic turn has been especially for the poor. The profound falsity of this claim can be provided by one simple piece of factual evidence/data which has never been highlighted in this media, not even it seems by critics. This is the finding provided on the basis of UN accumulated world data that has been analysed by L. Chancel and T. Piketty in Inequality 1922-2015: From British Raj to Billionaire Raj? [Review of Income and Wealth, Vol. 65, No. 1, 2019, Appendices 10 and 11]. It can be summed up as follows. Annual average real income growth of the bottom 50% of the Indian population was higher in the period 1951-80 than in the period 1980-2015 when the moves towards neoliberal globalisation began and then decisively accelerated in the 1990s under Rao and Manmohan Singh. The point to be made here is simple. Of course, as incomes accumulate despite the lower rate of annual growth for the bottom half of the population, income measured levels of poverty would decline. But this was happening faster in the earlier period. That is to say, the neoliberal turn has most strongly benefitted the elites and sections of the middle class and their incomes and wealth. No wonder India is now said, income distribution wise, to be among the most unequal societies in the world--- according to Piketty, the second most unequal society after South Africa while also having the third largest number of dollar billionaires, having overtaken Russia on this score. In absolute numbers it has the largest number of people below the internationally accepted poverty line while Indian spending on health, pensions, education and other aspects of public welfare remains at atrociously low levels proportionate to GDP in comparison to most other poor countries. At $86.6 billion in 2023-24, India ranks fourth behind the US, China, Russia in military spending. In the Global Human development index India ranks 134 out of 191 countries in 2023-24. There are three other ugly aspects of the Manmohan Singh period of rule as PM. He had no hesitation in declaring that enemy number one domestically was Naxalism not Hindutva. The Congress outcast Mani Shankar Aiyar would condemn the Hindutva forces as the biggest threat but not Singh and his cohorts. Any surprise that, then and now, the Congress plays soft Hindutva? Then there was the Indo-US Nuclear Deal as part of the shift towards not just alignment with Western imperialism, above all the US, but the further consolidation of India as a sub-imperial power. This reality its drum-beaters in academia and the media disguise by calling this behaviour a welcome search for multi-polarity when there is no way any government--- BJP or Congress-led --- will ever seriously challenge the US. Lastly, let us not forget that it is in the 2004-2014 period that India became the number one purchaser of arms from Israel; that in 2008 it took Israeli help to set up a Central Monitoring System (CMS) to enable a capacity shift from targeted to mass surveillance. It was in February 2014 before the UPA-II government ended that the first major deal for regularised sending of security and police personnel from India to Israel for the purposes of learning counter-terrorism, crowd control and border management was signed. One would have at least expected the major Indian left parties to be more critical of Manmohan Singh than they have so far shown. SANAA, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said it shot down a U.S.-made MQ-9 drone over central Yemen on Wednesday, making it the second MQ-9 drone the group downed within 72 hours. "We shot down an American MQ-9 aircraft while it was carrying out hostile missions over Marib province," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. "The plane was shot down with a locally-made surface-to-air missile," he said. "This is ... the 14th one of the same type we have shot down since November 2023." Al-Masirah TV said footage of the downed plane would be broadcast in the next hours. The U.S. army has not commented on the Houthi claim. The Houthi group, which controls much of northern Yemen, has been launching regular rocket and drone attacks against Israel and disrupting "Israeli-linked" shipping in the Red Sea since November 2023 to show solidarity with Palestinians amid their conflict with Israel in the Gaza Strip. In response, the U.S.-led navy coalition stationed in the area has regularly conducted air raids and strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group, prompting the Houthis to expand attacks to include U.S. warships. On Tuesday, the U.S. Central Command issued a statement on social media platform X, saying its forces have conducted multiple precision strikes since Monday against Houthi targets in Sanaa and Houthi-controlled coastal regions in Yemen. It said the targets included "a Houthi command and control facility and advanced conventional weapon (ACW) production and storage facilities that included missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV)." "In addition, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force aircraft destroyed a Houthi coastal radar site and seven cruise missiles and one-way attack UAVs over the Red Sea," it said. New year, new start, and a chance to take stock. Since the election in July, my team and I have so far grappled with almost 1,900 cases on behalf of constituents in North Devon, hosted more than fifty constituency surgeries, and sent over 6,000 individual emails. Looking ahead to this new year, theres a lot to be done but also a lot to be hopeful about. The past year, 2024 was a massive one for my party; we Liberal Democrats achieved an all-time record result by winning 72 seats in Parliament. This was a historic moment for us. With this increased representation, we are now better positioned to be able to influence legislation. A great example of this is my colleague Roz Savage's groundbreaking Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill which is scheduled for its second reading in Parliament later this month. And as a party, we continue to advocate for our shared goals, particularly the NHS, addressing the cost of living crisis, and the environment. Beyond that, I was honoured to be appointed a seat on the Defence Select Committee by my fellow MPs. As a veteran myself, this was a proud moment for me, especially with RMB Chivenor and a significant armed forces presence here in our constituency. Its a real opportunity for me to influence and engage with important armed forces policy questions, veterans issues, and the long-term security of the UK. I look forward to bringing our communitys voice to these discussions. But, of course, 2024 had its ups and downs. Life can be tough for some even in the best of times. In North Devon, I heard from many people who faced serious struggles, like farmers, small businesses and health providers grappling with the governments tax changes, water bill rises, and pensioners worried about making ends meet. It only took a small glance at my inbox to see this. The cases brought to us have covered a wide range of issues: struggling to access NHS dentists, the urgent need for social housing amidst the long waiting lists, potholes, parents facing challenges with their childrens education, and complex immigration matters. Many of these cases raised systemic issues, problems that require more than a quick fix. So, although my office was able to resolve some of these issues directly, others were part of bigger national challenges. But, whats important is that these matters were brought to my attention, as getting an understanding of where the main issues lie in North Devon is extremely helpful and informs my decisions in parliament. It is because of this that I know what to keep and to add to my New Years political priority list, which includes securing NHS funding through the New Hospital Programme, addressing the sewage scandal, improved SEND facilities, and better NHS access in our area. Looking back, 2024 will be remembered as a year of big political change, with a new party taking office. I do hope that, with this, we will now start to see a government guided by the values that underpin our democracy: honesty, integrity, justice, and responsibility. After years of these principles being undermined by the former Conservative government and the economy being shamelessly neglected, let us hope that this marks the start of a new beginning in UK politics. While Ive had my disagreements with some of the new governments decisions, like the farmers tax, winter fuel cuts, increased NICs for employers to name a few, Ill stay hopeful and relentless in my efforts to bring about positive change. Cynicism has never solved a problem, and it wont now. I will continue to hold the government to account where necessary and wont stop fighting for the changes and improvements that North Devon needs and deserves. Bring on 2025! YAOUNDE, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has announced the definitive withdrawal of French troops from the Central African country on Jan. 31. "I welcome the withdrawal of the first wave of French forces stationed in Chad. Other waves ... will follow until the complete withdrawal on Jan. 31, 2025," Deby said in a televised address to the nation Tuesday night. He said he was convinced that the decision was a response to a "common and legitimate aspiration" of the Chadian people. "Any fight for independence or sovereignty has its sacrifices and we owe them for future generations, just as our elders made sacrifices, to bequeath us a standing country," the Chadian president said. In November, Chad announced the end of the security and defense cooperation agreement with France before part of the French troops began to leave the Central African country on Dec. 10. The Irish Coast Guard has said it responded to 2,554 incidents in 2024 which included search and rescue, maritime casualty responses as well as pollution and preparedness responses. It was an extremely busy year for the Irish Coast Guard as its 44 units were mobilised on over 1,154 occasions throughout the 12 months. The Irish Coast Guard provided critical assistance to 537 people in 2024, preventing loss of life and/or delivering people to appropriate medical care. READ NEXT: Funeral arrangements announced for couple killed in hit and run in Blanchardstown They also assisted in a large number of search and rescues with the three Irish Coast Guard Maritime Coordination Centres in Dublin, Malin and Valentia launching Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboats 699 times and launching the community inshore rescue service on 73 occasions. The Irish Coast Guard also provided 134 air ambulance flights in support of the offshore island communities. In December, the first two of the AW189 helicopters, provided by Bristow Ireland Limited under the new aviation service contract, commenced operation in Shannon. Another four helicopters are scheduled to be delivered in early 2025. This phased transition to the new contract is to ensure the safety of the helicopter crews, Irish Coast Guard members and other stakeholders who will be working alongside the helicopters. The other three SAR (Search and Rescue) bases are continuing the transition to the new contract and will commence operation in the first half of 2025. The Coast Guard will also be welcoming the first fixed-wing aircraft to the IRCG fleet in the coming weeks. Assistant Secretary General at the Department of Transport, Joanna Cullen, said: "2024 was an important and busy year for the Irish Coast Guard. I want to thank all members of the Irish Coast Guard who have once again shown their dedication to keeping the Irish coastline safe. "I want to particularly extend my appreciation to the staff in the three Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres, who remain vigilant both day and night and ensure our critical work continues, especially during the Christmas period when others enjoy some time off with family and friends." The Irish Coast Guard has once again reminded everyone that if you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, use marine VHF Ch 16 or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. JERUSALEM, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israel's population has reached 10.027 million by the end of 2024, an increase of 1.1 percent from the 9.915 million reported at the end of 2023, according to an annual report issued by the country's Central Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday. When Israel was established in 1948, the country's population was only 806,000 and has since grown more than 12-fold. The report showed that 76.9 percent of the population, or about 7.71 million people, are Jewish, while 2.104 million are Arabs, accounting for 21 percent. It noted that the Israeli population growth rate fell from 1.6 percent in 2023 to 1.1 percent in 2024, mainly due to the high number of 82,700 Israelis who emigrated from the country in 2024. The number of Jewish immigrants arriving in Israel decreased by 31 percent year-on-year, totaling 32,800 in 2024. The report stated that there were 181,000 newborns in Israel in 2024, while 51,400 people died. This photo taken on Dec. 27, 2024 shows the first preparatory hearing on President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment at South Korea's constitutional court in Seoul, South Korea. (NEWSIS via Xinhua) President Yoon Suk-yeol's failure to respond to summonses by the joint investigation unit prompted a South Korean court's decision to issue the arrest warrant. SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Seoul Western District Court on Tuesday issued a warrant to arrest the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol and search the presidential residence on insurrection and other charges, marking the first time in the country's modern history that an arrest warrant was issued against a sitting president. Consisting of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), the National Office of Investigation (NOI) and the defense ministry's investigation headquarters, a joint unit in charging the investigation of the emergency martial law order issued by Yoon on Dec. 3 requested the warrants to the court on Monday, naming Yoon as a suspected ringleader on insurrection charge. However, Yoon's side submitted a written opinion and appointed defense counsel to the Seoul Court just hours after the request for issuance of the warrants. According to the country's Yonhap News Agency, the court may have concluded that there is substantial evidence supporting allegations of insurrection by Yoon and it may have accepted the CIO's view that Yoon declared emergency martial law to disrupt the constitutional order and must therefore undergo a compulsory investigation. People attend a rally calling for the impeachment of South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol near the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) Yonhap said that Yoon's failure to respond to summonses by the joint investigation unit prompted the court's decision to issue the arrest warrant. The unit asked Yoon to appear for questioning three times on Dec. 18, Dec. 25 and Dec. 29, but the impeached leader refused to receive summonses and submit documents for the appointment of his defense counsel. Yoon said in a televised address on Dec. 12 that he will not avoid his legal and political responsibility for the martial law that was revoked by the National Assembly only hours later. Under South Korean law, an arrest warrant is generally valid for one week from the date of issuance. If not executed within this timeframe, its validity can be extended with court approval. According to Yonhap, the CIO has not yet determined the date for executing the arrest warrant. CIO officials told the media that the method and timing of executing the warrant will be carefully considered in light of various circumstances. When asked whether the CIO would coordinate the timing with Yoon's team, the officials said that this is not customary but could be considered if necessary. South Korean National Assembly lawmakers cast their votes on the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 14, 2024.(Xinhua/Yao Qilin) The CIO plans to detain Yoon and conduct investigations at the government office building in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, after which Yoon will be held at the Seoul Detention Center. Regarding potential physical confrontations with the Presidential Security Service, the CIO stated that it would seek police support if necessary. According to Yonhap, Yoon's side is expected to resist the execution of the arrest warrant. His legal team issued a statement asserting that the arrest and search warrants requested by an agency lacking jurisdiction over insurrection charges are illegal and invalid. Yoon's team also announced plans to file a jurisdictional dispute and request a suspension of the warrant's effect with the constitutional court. Yoon was impeached on Dec. 14 when an impeachment motion against him was passed in the National Assembly. The impeachment was delivered to the constitutional court to deliberate it for up to 180 days, during which Yoon's power was suspended. by Xinhua writer Xia Yuanyi BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- The 30th anniversary of the World Trade Organization (WTO) arrives at a precarious moment for the global economy. The principles on which the WTO was founded -- free trade and multilateralism -- are under siege. Rising protectionism, unilateral trade actions, and the erosion of trust in international institutions have all cast doubt on the future of the system, which has underpinned decades of growth. In this challenging moment, the international community must come together to reaffirm its commitment to the ideals of open and inclusive trade. This is not just a matter of economic policy; it is about preserving the stability and peace that free trade has helped foster. Over the past 30 years, the WTO has transformed global trade. By lowering tariffs, clarifying rules, and resolving disputes, it has spurred unprecedented economic growth. Developing economies, in particular, have seen their share of global trade increase from 25 percent in 1995 to 44 percent in 2023, according to UN data, enabling them to industrialize and modernize. China's own journey is a testament to the power of free trade. Since joining the WTO in 2001, China has rapidly integrated into the global economy, becoming a main trade partner for more than 140 countries and regions. Committed to further market liberalization, China has consistently reduced tariffs, lowering its overall tariff rate from 15.3 percent in 2001 to 7.3 percent now. This integration has not only driven China's development but also created immense opportunities for its trading partners, highlighting the mutually beneficial nature of globalization and free trade. However, cracks in this multilateral trading system are evident. The Appellate Body, the cornerstone of the WTO's dispute resolution mechanism, has been paralyzed since 2019 because Washington blocked the selection of judges of the body. What is worse, unilateral tariffs and protectionist rhetoric, particularly from the United States, have raised barriers to global trade. The resulting uncertainty threatens to erode decades of progress. In a recent article, Anne Osborn Krueger, former World Bank chief economist, cautioned that if the global trading system continues on its current path, economic growth will lag behind its potential. "The world would be poorer, more divided, and far more vulnerable to looming existential threats." Critics of the WTO and globalization may argue that free trade has fueled inequality and job losses. However, these criticisms often overlook deeper structural issues. Failure to invest in education, infrastructure, and worker retraining has left many economies ill-prepared to adapt to rapid changes in technology and trade patterns. The solution lies not in retreating from free trade and globalization but in reforming domestic and international systems to ensure that trade benefits are more broadly shared. The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and other pressing global crises have underscored a fundamental truth: the world's challenges are deeply interdependent. No single nation, no matter how powerful, can tackle these issues in isolation. Therefore, multilateral cooperation, supported by the principle of free trade, is an urgent necessity. It is the only way to not only navigate today's crises but to ensure long-term peace and prosperity. China is not only a beneficiary of the multilateral trading system but also one of its staunchest defenders. It has called for reforms to the WTO, including measures to address digital trade, climate change, and the rights of developing nations. These efforts reflect China's understanding that a stable, rules-based global trading system benefits all economies, particularly in a world increasingly shaped by shared challenges. As said by Li Chenggang, China's ambassador to the WTO, China has always been a staunch defender of the multilateral trading system, a major participant in WTO reform, and an important driving force of the global development agenda. With the WTO entering its fourth decade, the need for global unity has never been clearer. The international community must recommit to the ideals of free trade and multilateralism. This means resisting the growing tide of protectionism and, more importantly, taking bold steps to strengthen the global trading system. The stakes are too high, and the time for action is now. CYBERTRUCK engulfed in FLAMES outside TRUMP TOWER in Las Vegas, sparks suspicion A video shared by @kaaaassuu on social media shows a Cybertruck catching fire outside Trump Tower in Las Vegas, with ... (Image by YouTube, Channel: Diario AS) Details DMCA Chaos erupted outside Trump Tower in Las Vegas on New Year's Day after a Cybertruck, Teslas popular-but-maligned electric pickup truck model, exploded into flames, killing one and injuring an additional seven. While CEO Elon Musk responded Wednesday on X, (The whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now Weve never seen anything like this), the tragedy also garnered a fair amount of ridicule and mockery on the social media platform, with some users expressing that its a perfect metaphor for whats in store for 2025 under President-elect Donald Trump and Musk. Many people became aware of gun violence after massacres like Columbine, Virginia Tech and the many mass shootings that have occurred since 2007. However, if you lived in New Orleans in the late seventies, you were aware of the epidemic much earlier. In fact, New Orleans was way ahead of the rest of the nation when it came to gun violence. Many witnessed a random shooting on Canal street, the major retail street that borders downtown New Orleans and the French Quarter, in the middle of the day in 1978. Some children, likely 8 to ten years old, were walking away from another group of children. A boy in the following group called the boy in the front group "a p*ssy"--they were fighting over a hat--and the boy called a p*ssy turned around and shot the boy in the stomach. The victim died. Around the same period of time, a tourist on Royal street--six blocks away in New Orleans' French Quarter--was held up at gunpoint for his money and fatally shot in the head. A witness to the bloody incident said the gunman--or "gunboy" since he was reportedly very young--was shaking so much, it was not even clear that he intended to shoot, maybe just threaten. Soon after that, a guard at Quarter hotel only about two blocks away from the fatal tourist shooting was also shot in the head and died. Many times after that, tourists who had simply ventured a few blocks away from the lighted "nightlife" area of New Orleans' Quarter--where this morning's murders occurred--became gun violence victims. In 1980, the shooting death of a police officer near the low-income Fischer Projects in Algiers led to a police raid in which four Black people were killed in crossfire. A civil rights protest against the New Orleans Police Department, citing racism and police brutality, followed. Fifteen Years Later Fifteen years later, gun violence New Orleans was still raging. In 2004, the rock musician Ray Davies, front man of the music group the Kinks, was approached by armed robbers while walking with his girlfriend on Burgundy, a street that borders the French Quarter. Many people were in town for the Sugar Bowl match between Louisiana State University and Oklahoma at the Superdome. Davies said an armed mugger appeared and fired one round into the ground to show that the gun was loaded, then asking for all his money. When Davies refused, the mugger grabbed Davies' girlfriend and put the gun to her body, again demanding money. Davies complied. After ascertaining that the girl was okay, Davies pursued the mugger who turned and opened fire, hitting him with a bullet that went straight through his leg. According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune newspaper, Davies' alleged assailant Kawan Johnson was never brought to trial but his cousin, Jerome Berra who drove the getaway car was charged twice. The case was dismissed twice because Davies failed to appear in court to testify (though he said he was notified of the trial only days before he was asked to appear and couldn't make the trip from London). Many have worried that violence and terrorism would break out during New Orleans' massive yearly Mardi Gras celebrations which take place in late January and early February. Who knew the fears would be realized even sooner? Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). "Charter accountability is critical to ensuring that our students and families are not taken advantage of by charter schools" - LAUSD School Board Member Karla Griego Keith Dell'Aquila, CCSA Vice President for Greater Los Angeles Local Advocacy (Image by LAUSD) Details DMCA Earlier this month, the California Charter School Association (CCSA) faced the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board, which now comprises members who won the November election . Supporters of charter schools spent $8.9 million in this election cycle, hoping to seat board members who would not hold their schools accountable for the public funds they receive. However, their attempts failed; the new majority was decidedly against the privatization of our public schools. CCSA Vice President for Greater Los Angeles Local Advocacy, Keith Dell'Aquila's appearance in front of the Board was intended to help charter schools win approval of their charter renewals. School boards have not been able to review these charters for the past couple of years after Governor Gavin Newsom gifted the schools with extended terms due to the COVID crisis. With this gift now expiring, the Board was holding public hearings for ten schools whose renewal will be voted on next month. The only Board District not represented on this list is Nick Melvoin's BD4. While the political campaigns run by the supporters of charter schools were ethically challenged, often attacking supporters of public education on a personal level, Dell'Aquila gave the appearance of wanting to build bridges offering "honest and sincere wishes of congratulations and excellent success on the Board" to Sherlett Hendy Newbill and Karla Griego. He extended an invitation "to work with us in tandem" so the Board could "stand in partnership with the charter school community". Proving that the CCSA is an adversary on whom you can never turn your back, Dell'Aquila peppered his calls for de'tente with exaggerations that have become a hallmark of the public relations campaigns run by the charter school industry. He started by claiming that "one in four public school students attends a charter school", when these schools are privately run and were designed to be separate from the public school system. Even if you accept his definition, reviewing the data shows the number is closer to one in five (20%). In arriving at his 25% number, Dell'Aquila used an enrollment of 120,000 students in charter schools. This is 11,480 more students than the LAUSD lists as part of its demographic data. It would also indicate that there are more students in these publicly funded private schools this year. If it is true, it would mean that charter schools have reversed their multi-year trend of losing students. This would be very surprising at a time when the number of school-age students in Los Angeles is declining and charter school failures have reduced the number of available schools. An email was sent to Dell'Aquila asking for clarification but, as of publication, a response had not been received. In an attempt to show that "the children attending charter schools are the same children in District public schools", Dell'Aquila cited demographic data that showed the publicly funded private schools he represents serve substantial numbers of students from at-risk communities. He omitted that the LAUSD serves a greater percentage of students in three of the four categories he listed, making his schools cheaper to operate as they shift the costs of meeting these responsibilities to LAUSD schools. The one exception was the population of students with disabilities, where a previous study showed the District tends to serve those with more severe categories that are, too often, ignored by their charter school counterparts. Since these numbers are not audited, it is impossible to know what types of disabilities Dell'Aquila includes. While the LAUSD only includes students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in their numbers, schools like Granada Hills Charter will sometimes include students with 504 plans when reporting their numbers in unofficial settings. Students with 504 plans require slight modifications to their education process. These modifications, like being granted additional time to take a test, often have no real cost. IEPs allow fundamental, and sometimes costly, modifications to how services are provided. In pointing out that Newbill and Griego are parents, Dell'Aquila suggested that this would help them "understand that there is no more important responsibility than ensuring your child is safe, secure, valued, and nurtured". If this is true, the parents on the Board should question why his organization has lobbied against earthquake standards that would ensure charter school buildings meet the same requirements as buildings housing all other types of schools, thus endangering the lives of charter school students. Surprisingly, Dell'Aquila focused on safety when four of the charters that are up for renewal are run by KIPP. This nationwide chain of charter schools tried to build a facility on a former battery-manufacturing site in Cudahay where soil samples showed "levels of arsenic... as high as 14.5 milligrams per kilogram". The site is also "contaminated with toxic gases" which "can cause cancer, cognitive and motor impairments, liver damage, kidney damage, and impair one's immune system, development, reproductive system, and fertility". The project was canceled when concerned citizens went to court to force the charter chain to conduct environmental studies it had avoided by gaining the support of politicians the charters had financed during their campaigns. In closing, Dell'Aquila noted that "too frequently the experience of families who come into [the LAUSD Board Room] is one rooted in fear", without reflecting on what is causing the anxiousness of charter school families. While the overwhelming majority of charter schools are renewed by the LAUSD Board, the CCSA still fills the Board Room with parents and students who have been told, often falsely, that their school is in danger of imminent closure. Teachers have reported that they have been threatened with termination if they do not show up. In the rare event that government agencies hold one of these schools accountable for their wrongdoing, they are faced with parents who have been told the action is being taken because the representatives hate charter schools. While the CCSA would like to pretend that Newbill "represents" 41 charter schools and Griego "represents" 47 charter schools, the truth is that these charter school students are represented by the (often unelected) members of the governing boards of the schools they attend. The LAUSD School Board's sole responsibility to these students is to ensure that these schools are not harming them. This can only be done by ensuring the renewal process is thorough and that only schools that are properly serving their students are permitted to operate. Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own. DOHA, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Dozens were injured in a crowd surge at a metro station near Lusail Boulevard following New Year's Eve celebrations in the Qatari capital of Doha, witnesses told Xinhua on Wednesday. Emergency medical teams treated the injured at the scene, according to media reports. Lusail Boulevard, located north of Doha, has hosted New Year celebrations in the past two years. Local authorities have yet to comment on the incident. Congress passed the usual last-minute spending bill in mid-December, continuing the budget and avoiding a government shutdown. The bill passed in the end was a replacement for a previous bill supported by both parties that was trashed by President-elect Trump and unelected grand vizier Elon Musk, causing frightened congressmembers to vote against it and start over with a race against time for a new bill. In the process, some very good items in the first bill were lost. Sadly, one of those items was an extension of federal replacement funds for SNAP ("food stamp") benefits stolen by "skimming". While local news is rife with stories of stolen toys and decorations at Christmas time, the government's decision to ignore the theft of survival food money from the country's most vulnerable residents including seniors, children, and people with disabilities should be front and center. SNAP theft occurs when someone steals the information for someone's SNAP card using skimmers and other devices, the same way that credit and debit card info is stolen. This type of electronic robbery has been increasing to the point where government intervention was finally demanded, to reimburse people who had lost benefits. Ortega v Johnson, a case won by Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles when this crime was relatively new, established the right to return food benefits, whereas only cash benefits were protected before. Click Here States reimbursed victims up to a certain point out of their own funds. Washington DC finally decided that it would get involved in remedying what was becoming theft in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Beginning in 2023, the federal government has reimbursed the states for their compensation of the theft victims. In December's first iteration of a spending bill extension, Republicans and Democrats came together and included an extension of this policy for four years. But the Musk-Trump threats resulted in a frantic re-working of the bill, with the extension of this compensation falling to the wayside in the ruckus. And the final version of the government spending bill, unlike the heart-warming stories on the local news of truckloads of toys being collected to replace stolen Christmas gifts, was a big middle finger to the poorest people in our country, who are losing a lot more than just some toys--they can't buy food. In a country obsessed with Bitcoin and AI, we can't figure out a way to get assistance to the poor to buy food, without having the funds stolen. A major step would be the use of chip/tap cards for EBT recipients; these features have long been standard on credit and debit cards, but the long delay in implementation for SNAP (in a couple of states like California and Oklahoma) shows just how low of a priority is given to low-income victims of nationwide digital crime. Washington just showed again it doesn't have the will to compensate for those who have been victims of this skimming of benefits. Someone should invent a cryptocurrency for use only by the poor. Frank Tamborello was born in Texas and now lives in California working in the social services field. Just released from PeacePeople.com: Press release 1st January, 2025 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE PROFESSOR MAZIN QUMSIYEH, BETHLEHEM, PALESTINE Nobel Peace Laureate, Mairead Corrigan Maguire, today nominated Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh for the Nobel peace prize. Maguire said 'I have great pleasure in nominating Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh for the 2025 Nobel peace prize. I have met professor Mazin and have followed his inspiring peace work for many decades. Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh is a life scientist, teacher and activist for peace, nonviolence and the sustainability of human and natural communities over the past 50 years. Qumsiyeh was born in Beit Sahour, the Shepherds' field on the outskirts of Bethlehem. He got his formal education in Jordan and the USA in areas of biology and medical genetics. Yet the pressures of the Israel occupation on his people and the pressure on the environment that culminated in genocide and ecocide ensured Qumsiyeh pursued a life focused on peace-making, non-violent resistance, service to people, and service to nature. In the l990's he created peace groups like the Triangle Middle East dialogue and led the Palestinian American congress. He activated and led a chapter of the American Arab anti-discrimination committee receiving the Raymond Jallow award for activism. He organized a petition garnering over one million signatures supporting the right of Palestinian refugees. He was the key founder of the Palestine right to return coalition. (PRRC). He co-organized what was at that time the largest demonstrations for Palestine in Washington DC with over 5000 attending (only in 2024 during the genocide in Gaza did larger demonstrations happen). He founded the Wheels of Justice bus tour promoting non-violence with justice. Between 2000 and 2006 the tour team reached 48 states speaking at over 1200 colleges and universities, over 400 schools and hundreds of community centers, churches and mosques (more background on Prof. Qumsiyeh on qumsiyeh.org ) He oversaw many conservation projects including formulating the national biodiversity strategy and action plan and creating a new protected area network and landscape for nature conservation. But perhaps his most enduring legacy is the tens of thousands of children empowered in peacemaking and environmental stewardship including with the mobile educational unit. More background here Mairead Corrigan Maguire (www.peacepeople.com) ============= The Pope spoke about Gaza (excellent message): "Yesterday they did not allow the Patriarch (of Jerusalem) into Gaza as promised. Yesterday children were bombed. This is cruelty, this is not war," The Pope also sent a message to us at Bethlehem University available in several languages here We concluded this 10 year anniversary year (2024) successfully. This video highlights our achievements in ten years and garnered over 2500 views: and a booklet describing the achievements. Children at our institution thank you (49 seconds). Here is a message I recorded at end of year. Do support us (volunteering, donating, networking etc) and do come visit us in Bethlehem. Stay Humane and keep hope alive Mazin Qumsiyeh A bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home Professor, Founder, and (volunteer) Director Palestine Museum of Natural History Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability Bethlehem University Occupied Palestine facebook pages Personal Institute French Public Domain Review has released its annual list of the new crop of works entering the public domain, stating, "Due to differing copyright laws around the world, there is no one single public domain -- and here we focus on three of the most prominent. Newly entering the public domain in 2025 will be: works by people who died in 1954, for countries with a copyright term of "life plus 70 years" (e.g. UK, Russia, most of EU and South America); works by people who died in 1974, for countries with a term of "life plus 50 years" (e.g. New Zealand, and most of Africa and Asia); films and books (incl. artworks featured) published in 1929 for the United States. " Starting, January 1, 2025, you can legally access, adapt, remix, and republish (depending on your jurisdiction) the work of Henri Matisse, Frida Kahlo, and Robert Capa, as well as certain texts by William Faulkner, Virginia Woolf, and Ernest Hemingway, among others. "In the United States, the copyright term surrounding commissioned works is 95 years, so films and books that were published in 1929 are up for grabs. The US also abides by the "life plus 70 years" term for individual works that are copyrighted; therefore, the protection for the work of any author or creator who died in 1954 has now expired." Frida Kahlo, elf Portrait with Animals. (Image by Public Domain) Details DMCA Frida Kahlo (Wikipedia) Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderon was a Mexican painter known for her many portraits, self-portraits, and works inspired by the nature and artefacts of Mexico. Influenced by the country's popular culture, she employed a naive folk art style to explore questions of identity, postcolonialism, gender, class, and race in Mexican society. Her paintings often had strong autobiographical elements and mixed realism with fantasy. In addition to belonging to the post-revolutionary Mexicayotl movement, which sought to define a Mexican identity, Kahlo has been described as a surrealist or magical realist. She is also known for painting about her experience of chronic pain. Kahlo drew her main inspiration from Mexican folk culture, and painted mostly small self-portraits that mixed elements from pre-Columbian and Catholic beliefs. Her work as an artist remained relatively unknown until the late 1970s, when her work was rediscovered by art historians and political activists. By the early 1990s, not only had she become a recognized figure in art history, but she was also regarded as an icon for Chicanos, the feminist movement, and the LGBTQ+ community. Kahlo's work has been celebrated internationally as emblematic of Mexican national and Indigenous traditions and by feminists for what is seen as its uncompromising depiction of the female experience and form. Matisse 'La Danse' (first version), 1909, MOMA (Image by Public Domain) Details DMCA Henri Matisse (Britannica) Henri Matisse, (born Dec. 31, 1869, Le Cateau, Picardy, Fr.-- died Nov. 2, 1954, Nice), French painter, sculptor, and graphic artist. He was a law clerk when he became interested in art. After study with Gustave Moreau at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, he exhibited four paintings at the Salon and scored a triumph when the government bought his Woman Reading (1895). Self-confident and venturesome, he experimented with pointillism but eventually abandoned it in favour of the swirls of spontaneous brushwork and riots of colour that became known as Fauvism. Though his subjects were largely domestic and figurative, his works exhibit a distinctive Mediterranean verve. He also took up sculpture and would produce some 60 pieces during his lifetime. The Armory Show exhibited 13 of his paintings. In 1917 he moved to the French Riviera, where his paintings became less daring but his output remained prodigious. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Southwest seats passengers through an open seating process that rewards travelers who have a physical disability, the airlines website states.TNS Southwest Airline passengers have cracked a code allowing them to subvert the travel providers boarding rules by claiming to need wheelchairs. A report on airline site View From the Wing alleges 30 passengers claimed to need wheelchairs on a recent flight between Florida and Puerto Rico. When the plane landed, 28 of those travelers reportedly walked away, leaving the chairs behind. Southwest seats passengers through an open seating process that rewards travelers who either arrive early, pay extra or have a physical disability, the airlines website states. They didnt all need a wheelchair, but cracked a code, View from the Wing reported. The site calls the passageway that gets travelers on board their flights a Jetbridge Jesus because people who supposedly need a wheelchair to board miraculously rise to their feet and walk away upon arriving at their destination. Several photos posted to the site show passengers seated in wheelchairs as well as several empty wheelchairs. Its not clear if the passengers in those chairs needed them or were gaming the system. Southwest couldnt immediately be reached for comment. Multiple passengers posted images on social media claiming they also had encountered travelers boarding in wheelchairs, then walking away when their Southwest flight deplaned. Fix this please, wrote one social media user who expressed frustration over what they called an abuse of privilege. That person claimed to have witnessed 15 wheelchair-bound travelers pre-board, then rise to their feet once inside the jet. The point could be moot when the airline implements an assigned seating process similar to what its competitors use. _____ 2024 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A man was fatally shot in a hotel parking lot in Northeast Portland on Tuesday evening, police said. North Precinct officers found the man dead after responding to a report of a shooting in the 8200 block of Northeast Sandy Boulevard shortly after 5:30 p.m. The possible suspect or suspects in the shooting departed before officers arrived, police said. Homicide detectives are investigating the shooting. No arrests have been made. Police did not provide the name of the hotel where the shooting occurred, but an employee at the Quality Inn who asked not to be identified told The Oregonian/OregonLive it happened in the motels parking lot. It marks the third fatal shooting in the motels parking lot in just over a month. Vancouver resident Kimo Henriques, 43, was shot and killed in the motels parking lot on Nov. 20. Two weeks later on Dec. 4, Benjamin Walker, 45, was killed in a fatal shooting at the same location. The owner of Namaste Indian Cuisine, who asked not to be named for this story, said his restaurant on Northeast Sandy Boulevard shares a parking lot with the Quality Inn and that the recent shootings have led to a decline in customers in recent months. He said he has also struggled to get enough employees to work evening shifts amid concerns about safety. Anyone with information about Tuesdays shooting should contact Detective Sean Macomber at Sean.Macomber@police.portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0404, or Detective Jeff Pontius at Jeffery.Pontius@police.portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0433. Those calling in should reference case number 24-333724. Kristine de Leon covers consumer health, retail, small business and data enterprise stories. Reach her at kdeleon@oregonian.com. Jamie Goldberg oversees The Oregonian/OregonLives politics, education and homelessness coverage. She can be reached at jgoldberg@oregonian.com or 503-221-8228. You can find her on X at @jamiebgoldberg or Bluesky at @jamiebgoldberg.bsky.social. The customary lull after the winter holidays is anything but this week as we see plenty of interesting events the first full week of January. Choose from a murder-mystery stage play, an Epiphany choir concert, the Oregon Symphony playing the score to the final Harry Potter movie, or dreaming of warmer weather at the annual Portland Boat Show. Ashley Pio and Ty Boice star in "The Maltese Falcon" playing at Lakewood Theatre Company.Photo by Triumph Photography. The Maltese Falcon Start off the new year with a mystery-thriller onstage at Lakewood Theatre. The play is based on the serialized story by Dashiell Hammett and adapted for the stage by David Jacklin. It was also made into a treasured movie classic staring Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade, the world-weary private eye. Opens 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, and continues 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 9, Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State St., Lake Oswego; tickets $30-$42; lakewoodtheatrecompany.csstix.com. Stage Fright Theatres double feature Come for the creepy laughs as Stage Fright Theatre offers They Were A Dracula and Stitches. The first show starts with familiar characters from Bram Stokers famous novel but quickly tears open the story, as one actor after another gets turned into vampires. The second show was created by and features Nathalie FitzSimmons. This queer, body horror clown show follows a reanimated corpse in its attempts to achieve true life on its own terms. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3-5, CoHo Theatre, 2257 N.W. Raleigh St.; tickets on sliding scale, $25 suggested; cohoproductions.org/stage-fright-presents. The Oregon Symphony plays the score to the final movie in the Harry Potter series. File photo. Jason DeSomer Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in Concert The epic finale of the Harry Potter film saga is a heroic battle between good and evil. The Oregon Symphony plays the score as the feature film is projected above the stage. Norman Huynh conducts. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3-5, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway; tickets start at $45; orsymphony.org/concerts-tickets/2425/harry-potter. Lutheran Choral sings the music of Epiphany The 12 days of Christmas begin, not end, on Dec. 25. This large ecumenical choir signs a program that will include familiar carols, original choral pieces, and some less well-known carols. The choir has members from dozens of churches and several denominations in the Portland metropolitan area. Sue Thompson Armentrout directs. 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5, Peace Lutheran Church, 2201 N. Rosa Parks Way; free admission, donations are appreciated; lutheranchoral.org. Isidore String QuartetPhoto by Jiyang Chen Isidore String Quartet The next concert in the Friends of Chamber Music series features the 2023 winners of the Avery Fisher Career Grant. This New York City-based quartet will perform works by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Billy Childs on Monday, and Dvorak, Schulhoff, and Bartok on Tuesday. 7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, Jan. 6-7, Lincoln Hall, PSU, 1620 S.W. Park Ave.; tickets $32-$59; focm.org/concerts/2024-25-season. Shop all the latest models at the annual Portland Boat Show held at the Expo Center. O'Loughlin Trade Shows Portland Boat Show The weather outside might be frightful, but the Expo Center is warm and dry and so are the hundreds of watercraft on display during the annual Portland Boat Show. This is the premier event for boating enthusiasts, featuring the latest watercraft, marine gear and accessories. Whether youre a seasoned boater or new to the scene, this event offers everything you need to make your warm weather dreams come true. Kids 16 and younger are always free. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, Jan. 8-10, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Jan. 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 12, Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Drive; admission $16 (parking is an extra fee); expocenter.org/events/portland-boat-show. Tim Mathesons Damn Glad to Meet You Live Actor and director Tim Matheson takes to the stage to share his stories and experiences from his extraordinary life - both in front of and behind the camera. Hes been the voice of Jonny Quest, was Animal Houses iconic Otter, and everyones disgraced television Vice President Hoynes in The West Wing. Soak in Hollywoods history as Matheson discusses his career and talks about his new book Damn Glad to Meet You. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 N.E. Alberta St.; tickets $35; etix.com/ticket/tim-mathesondamn-glad-to-meet-you. American Strings: An evening with Black Belt Eagle Scout Native songwriter and performer Katherine Paul sings songs of a world that is wounded, and in need of healing. See her live in Beaverton as she performs songs from The Lane, The Water, The Sky. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, 12625 Crescent St., Beaverton; limited seating remaining at $28; secure.thereser.org. - If you have events youd like to see highlighted at OregonLive.com or in the weekly printed A&E section of The Oregonian, please email submissions to events@oregonian.com at least three weeks prior to the start of your event. Digital images or links to videos are helpful. Rosemarie Stein 503-221-4376, events@oregonian.com; @trafficportland Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe By Nick Coltrain, The Denver Post DENVER -- Over the last five years, Larimer County in northern Colorado has seen what appears to be a steady, sustained drop in its suicide rate a potentially significant breakthrough in a state that consistently ranks in the top 10 nationally for its high rate. How the county got there was a decadelong affair in which local officials, nonprofits, private businesses and law enforcement rallied around suicide prevention, Larimer County advocates said. Their efforts were bolstered by state and federal grants and a voter-approved dedicated sales tax that pumped millions of dollars into varying initiatives. The combined push there has included community training, economic support, and sustained investment in suicide prevention organizations. As a result, Larimer County stands alone among large Colorado counties in seeing a continuous year-over-year decrease in suicide rates between 2019 and 2023. What Larimer is exemplifying, and what we were hoping to see, is that implementing all the best practices at once for all communities is the best strategy to reduce the impact of suicide, Lena Heilmann, the director of the state Office of Suicide Prevention, said in an interview. In 2019, Larimer County had one of the highest rates of suicide deaths per capita in Colorado, about 23 per 100,000 residents, among counties with a population of at least 100,000. That about matched the statewide rate. But unlike the state as a whole, the rate since then has slowly ticked down, to about 21.2 deaths by suicide per 100,000 people in both 2021 and 2022 and then to 16.5 in 2023 a total drop of about 28% over the time span. In terms of individual lives, that equated to 20 fewer deaths by suicide in Larimer County in 2023 compared to 2019. The statewide suicide rate in that time has hovered at about 22 deaths per 100,000 people, with an uptick in 2021 to just under 24. Denver likewise remained about flat, at 22 per 100,000 people, in that time. Jefferson County averaged 21 deaths by suicide per 100,000, including a swing from about 18 in 2019 to nearly 27 in 2021. Rates are always at risk of fluctuating, but a sustained drop represents a clear success. Advocates say Larimer Countys decreases also highlight that theres no single tool local agencies can leverage on its own to fight a public health crisis as complex as suicide. One local official says the success has come from anti-suicide efforts there being truly communitywide. If I look at what we identify as pieces that have contributed to the success in Larimer County, its that ongoing community dialogue about behavioral health across the continuum, from crisis through wellbeing and recovery, said Amy Martonis, the Larimer County behavioral health director. That is, the shared commitment for this to be a community issue. Its not an individual issue or a family issue to be solved. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, help is available. Call or text 988 for 24-hour, confidential support, or visit 988lifeline.org. Grant fueling decrease is set to expire In late 2015, two 11-year-olds in Fort Collins, the countys largest city, died by suicide within a week of each other. The tragedies shattered hearts across the city and underscored the importance of fighting the public health crisis that has long plagued the Mountain West. The community formed the Imagine Zero coalition. The coalition worked to weave together disconnected anti-suicide efforts, and in turn they flourished, said Rachel Olsen-Towlen, deputy director of the Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County, in an interview. Local advocates also built support for a dedicated sales tax to support behavioral health services and suicide prevention. The quarter-percent tax, equal to 25 cents on every $100 spent, passed in 2018. The tax revenue has led to more than $14 million in local community grants and the opening last year of the Longview Campus, which has 24/7 behavioral health urgent care among its services. That influx of money coincided with another major effort as part of the Colorado-National Collaborative for Suicide Prevention. The program includes $900,000 in grants, spread across counties with high rates of suicide, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The federal grant has made up a third of the budget for the local Alliance for Suicide Prevention. That grant expires next year, and officials arent sure if they can expect more. The grant was billed as funding a pilot program to see which strategies might work to reduce suicide rates. The numbers bear out the efforts success, and now the alliance is looking to shore up financial support and avoid any sudden funding gaps. Kimberly Moeller, executive director of the alliance, expressed concern but said the group was hopeful. We believe that people are generous, she said. We believe that our community is invested. We believe that this state is invested, and we are cautiously optimistic that this funding will continue to come. The alliance isnt a direct services provider in the way the Longview Campus is. Its more focused on acting quickly and filling in where needs arise, such as community training, awareness campaigns and connecting providers with those who need help. A big part of the success was simply investing in the staff that made these efforts possible, Moeller and Olsen-Towlen said. Low pay and trying work conditions lead to turnover, which in turn leads to frayed relationships that need to be rebuilt whenever a new person is hired. Breaking that cycle means that staff members stay around long enough to build programs and adapt them to changing needs, without starting fresh at every new development. The broad-based strategy means theres no specific program or effort that officials in Larimer County can point to for other communities to emulate. The makeup of every community and county is too distinct. I wish there was a cookie-cutter situation where we could say, Here is our plan, heres exactly how we did it and go and implement this into another community, Olsen-Towlen said. I dont really think that (our success is) exactly there. But part of what has made us successful is that we are a very small, nimble nonprofit. Larimer County is among 15 Colorado counties that have participated in the Colorado-National Collaborative. Most others are smaller and rural, making per-capita trends more subject to large fluctuations. In the larger participating counties El Paso, Jefferson, Pueblo and Mesa the suicide rates also fluctuated up and down. Larimer also wasnt the only community in Colorado to pass a dedicated sales tax for behavioral health needs, the umbrella term for substance use and mental issue issues, in recent years. Denver voters approved a similar tax in 2018, and its suicide rate has remained relatively flat, at about 22 deaths per 100,000 people, since 2019. A recent investigation by Colorado Public Radio found Denvers grant money, which has gone to service providers to address a variety of purposes, was subject to questionable oversight. The cavalry isnt coming to save us Heilmann, from the state Office of Suicide Prevention, highlighted Larimer Countys and the alliances focus on community training to recognize suicidal despair, the fighting of isolation and connecting people with economic support as particularly effective. Advocates have worked with schools, businesses and the wider health care community to launch suicide prevention initiatives and trainings. The results have caught the eye of federal partners, Heilman said, as well as the state. One of the most visible pieces of Larimers commitment has been the Longview Campus for behavioral health services. In its first year, it served more than 6,000 people across the behavioral health spectrum. Its services include medicated withdrawals for substance use disorders and other crisis care. Dr. Lesley Brooks, the executive director and medical director at Longview, noted it was too new to play a direct role in suicide rates yet, but she underlined its importance both as a symbol of the community taking action and producing tangible results in peoples lives. Many of the people it has served since opening might have found care elsewhere, she said, but some also likely would have stayed home and suffered in silence. Larimer Countys broader suicide prevention efforts and its long-term push show a recognition that the cavalry isnt coming to save us, she said. Thats the lesson she hopes other communities take from its promising results: Community advocates, including those in law enforcement, schools, local governments and private businesses, need to rally together to identify the gaps and how to fill them. That doesnt necessarily mean new taxes, either, she said. We really did, across sectors, have people who said, OK, lets figure this out, Brooks said. Thats my message to other communities: You have those champions. You dont have to pass ballot initiatives. None of the officials downplayed the role of money in helping Larimer County bend down the curve of suicide rates, but they also said its not the central piece. This is really a county that is demonstrating this comprehensive approach is working, Heilmann said. Were on the right track on understanding how to implement this comprehensive approach, tailored to local communities, to see the biggest decrease that we can. 2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at denverpost.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A sea turtle found Monday near Fort Stevens State Park was already dead when it washed ashore, the Seaside Aquarium said. The 40-pound olive ridley sea turtle was found on Sunset Beach. It is not the only sea turtle that has been found recently on the Oregon coast. A loggerhead was found Saturday on Short Beach, which is just south of Cape Meares, KOIN reported. The loggerhead is being cared for in Newport, KOIN reported. The strandings are most likely caused by recent storm systems coming up from the south, the Seaside Aquarium said in an email to The Oregonian and in a Facebook post Tuesday afternoon. Sustained south-southwesterly winds can push warm water farther north than usual. The sea turtles travel with the warm water and can find themselves trapped when weather conditions change and the warm water quickly dissipates, the aquarium said. When this happens, sea turtles become hypothermic. When sea turtles are found on Oregon or Washington beaches its usually due to hypothermia, and they rarely survive, the aquarium said. Those that do live are taken to the Oregon Coast Aquarium or the Seattle Aquarium. When stabilized, the turtle is transferred to a center in California, where it is released back into the wild in warmer waters. If you find a sea turtle on the beach, call the Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 1-866-767-6114. Its a new year, and that means the end of Styrofoam to-go containers in Oregon. As of Jan. 1, a new state law takes effect that bans restaurants and food carts from using polystyrene foam, commonly known by the trademarked product name Styrofoam. Senate Bill 543 passed 20-9 in 2023, with bipartisan support, but it didnt take effect until now. Polystyrene is a non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastic. Maine was the first state to pass a ban on polystyrene foam containers in 2019, with the ban beginning in 2021. Eleven states, including California and Washington, have banned polystyrene foam food containers. Several Oregon cities have already had bans in place, including Ashland, Eugene, Florence, Lincoln City, Medford, Milwaukie, Newport and Silverton. And this will be nothing new for Portland residents, where the city has banned polystyrene foam food containers since 1990. In an effort to encourage alternatives to Styrofoam, the Oregon Legislature passed a separate bill in 2023 to allow restaurant customers to bring their own reusable containers for takeout or leftovers. Restaurants are not required to allow customers to do this, but the rules for those who do went into place in 2024. Samantha Swindler covers features for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Here is Oregon. Reach her at sswindler@oregonian.com. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. CHANGCHUN, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Hongqi, a car brand under China's leading automaker FAW Group Co., Ltd., saw its annual sales volume exceed 400,000 units for the first time in 2024. Hongqi sales figures reached a record of 411,777 units last year, representing an increase of 17.4 percent compared with the previous year and marking positive growth for seven consecutive years, according to the company on Wednesday. Notably, new energy vehicle sales soared to 115,000 units -- up 43.7 percent. Hongqi, meaning red flag, is China's iconic sedan brand. Established in 1958, the brand has seen its vehicles used in parades to mark national celebrations. Its producer, FAW Group, was founded in 1953 in the northeastern city of Changchun, Jilin Province, which is regarded as the cradle of China's auto industry. In 2024, the group achieved a total vehicle sales volume of 3.2 million units, with revenue exceeding 550 billion yuan (76.5 billion U.S. dollars). What better words to end the year with than those of Alfred, Lord Tennyson? Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky, The flying cloud, the frosty light: The year is dying in the night; Ring out, wild bells, and let him die. Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true. Ring out the grief that saps the mind For those that here we see no more; Ring out the feud of rich and poor, Ring in redress to all mankind. Ring out a slowly dying cause, And ancient forms of party strife; Ring in the nobler modes of life, With sweeter manners, purer laws. Ring out the want, the care, the sin, The faithless coldness of the times; Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes But ring the fuller minstrel in. Ring out false pride in place and blood, The civic slander and the spite; Ring in the love of truth and right, Ring in the common love of good. Ring out old shapes of foul disease; Ring out the narrowing lust of gold; Ring out the thousand wars of old, Ring in the thousand years of peace. Ring in the valiant man and free, The larger heart, the kindlier hand; Ring out the darkness of the land, Ring in the Christ that is to be. Newly posted on the website of the Interpreter Foundation: Interpreter Radio Show December 22, 2024, including Doctrine and Covenants in Context, Joseph SmithHistory 1:126 For the 22 December, 2024 episode of the Interpreter Radio Show, Steve Densley hosted special guests Jasmine and Don Bradley. They discussed Dons recent Christmas essay for Interpreter, as well as Come, Follow Me Doctrine & Covenants lesson 3. The conversation between Steve Densley and the Bradleys was recorded, edited to remove commercial breaks, and archived, and it is now available for y9ur listening pleasure at your convenience The Interpreter Radio Show can be heard Sunday evenings from 7 to 9 PM (MDT), on K-TALK, AM 1640, or you can listen live on the Internet at ktalkmedia.com. Also newly posted on the Interpreter Foundation website: Come, Follow Me D&C Study and Teaching Helps (2025): Doctrine and Covenants 1 (January 612: Hearken, O Ye People), written by Jonn Claybaugh Have you seen the latest videos from the Interpreter Foundations Not by Bread Alone project? Theyre available in English here. And theyre available here in French. And another video will be arriving soon, in both languages. (Ive already seen it.) Were doing these videos in both English and French because the Saints of Francophone Africa and of Anglophone Africa, as well as their neighbors, are a principal audience for this effort. It is, after all, their story. But its a story that we also want the rest of the Church to come to know and to be inspired by. Today is the last day for us to accomplish the 2024 New Years goals that we set for ourselves twelve months ago. But theres very little time left. Its perhaps a little late, frankly, to form that new exercise habit for this year. And no, you probably cant read all four of the Standard Works by midnight. Not even if you binge-read Leviticus. Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro dont work instantly, and most if not all surgical weight-loss centers are either (a) altogether closed today or (b) scheduled to close early in anticipation of tonights New Years Eve revels. And, anyway, its probably too late to set up an appointment. Still, you neednt feel altogether down-hearted: Im happy to announce that, for the remainder of the day today, right up until the ball drops at midnight, you can still make a donation to the tax-exempt Interpreter Foundation and receive a 2024 write-off for it from the kind folks who run the Internal Revenue Service. And that will make you feel a whole lot better about the year. End 2024 in glorious triumph! Of course, you might reasonably want to postpone your donation for just a little while out of prudence, to see whether the Interpreter Foundation survives overnight and into tomorrow. Almost a dozen years ago now, on a far-away message board, a pseudonymous critic going by the moniker Bond James Bond took it upon himself to prophesy. And this is what he said. This is what Bond James Bond said. He said: By Jan. 1, 2014 Interpreter will be dead. . . . Either totally dead or down to token blog style postings. (Bond James Bond, 25 January 2013) The Interpreter Foundation was about five and a half months old when Mr. Bond pronounced his oracle. But the Foundation seems to have survived past the beginning of January 2014. (Prediction, as the saying from Yogi Berra goes, is very difficult. Especially when its about the future.) Perhaps, though, Mr. Bond misread his crystal ball. Maybe he made a typographical error. Its possible that he meant that Interpreter would be dead by the beginning of January 2024. (But then hed still be a year off. Its all so confusing!) Speaking for myself, personally, Im on absolute pins and needles. Could tomorrow be the end for the Interpreter Foundation? Inquiring minds want to know! Please mark 6-8 August 2025 on your calendar for the upcoming annual FAIR conference, which will be held at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah. In fact, you can already buy your ticket. As they always are, this FAIR conference should be a great deal of fun, not to mention edifying and informative and faith-promoting. The Other Side Academy and its associated projects, with which Ive had some slight and intermittent contact over the years Ive spoken there two or three times and, in January 2024, I accompanied a group of its leaders on a marvelous and unique tour of Egypt represents one of the most admirable, most phenomenal, charitable undertakings of which I know. I think very highly of this group and its leaders and of what theyve done, and I want other people to hear about them. Heres a great new milestone: A dream come true: First of its kind homeless village opens in Utah with more units to come If you cant bring yourself to support the Interpreter Foundation, or if you still have funds available to you for charitable purposes after your donation to Interpreter, The Other Side Academy is most definitely a cause that you should consider. And, if you dont delay, a donation made before midnight tonight can still count with the IRS as a tax-deductible contribution for the current year which, as of today, is 2024. The Keystone State has the sixth-highest rate of wrongful convictions, according to a new study. Per the most recent data, 3.93 per 100,000 residents in Pennsylvania were wrongfully convicted of a crime over the past five years. That comes out to around 509 incarcerated people cleared for crimes they did not commit. Additionally, wrongfully convicted Pennsylvania residents spent an average of 20 years in prison. The analysis, based on data from The National Registry of Exonerations, examined exonerations across states from 2020 to 2024. Rankings were determined by scaling wrongful convictions per 100,000 residents. Wrongful convictions, where innocent individuals are imprisoned, remain a serious issue in the U.S. justice system, with estimates suggesting that 4% to 6% of prisoners might be wrongfully incarcerated. Pennsylvania still doesnt come close to Illinois, which had 231 exonerations, resulting in a rate of 18.41 per 100,000 residents. Illinois has a substantial lead over any other state, reporting 208% more wrongful convictions than the second-most affected state, Michigan. The next state on the list was Oregon, which had 4.25 every 100,000 residents. South Carolina, meanwhile, reported the lowest number of overturned convictions at a rate of 0.19 per 100,000 residents. Kentucky came in at 0.22, Arizona came in at 0.27, Colorado had .34 and Alabama had 0.39. States that placed low in the study could indicate these states have the least amount of wrongful convictions; but alternatively, could imply these are states doing the least about overturning wrongful convictions. The National Registry of Exonerations is a project of the University of California Irvine Newkirk Center for Science & Society, the University of Michigan Law School, and the Michigan State University College of Law. A Bedford County teen is facing charges in connection with a fatal crash that killed two people in October. Kaleb Strong, 19, is being charged with felony homicide by vehicle while DUI, homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and more, according to WJAC and WTAJ. The accident occurred along the Lincoln Highway in East Providence Township on Oct. 27. Police said that a Honda Accord driven by Strong crashed into a rock embankment, throwing him and two other people out of the car. The two other people, Altoona Area High School student Keaghan Smith-Price, 16, and Kamren Martin, 22, were pronounced dead at the scene. Police at the scene said that they could smell alcohol on Strongs breath and that alcoholic beverages were found in the car. A later blood test revealed that Strongs blood-alcohol content was double the legal limit at 0.16. Strong was arraigned on New Years Eve and is currently in Bedford County Prison. His bail is set at $150,000. By Jesse Bunch, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) PHILADELPHIA Hungry, thirsty and left for dead. Thats the condition in which Montgomery County prosecutors allege the parents of Tylim Hatchett a care-dependent person who was blind and deaf and had cerebral palsy left their son in the weeks before his September death in an upscale apartment. For the second time in a month, District Attorney Kevin R. Steele appeared distraught at a news conference Tuesday as he outlined the details behind a homicide where an act of depravity allegedly led to another untimely death of a young person. The countys top prosecutor painted a vivid portrait of a monthslong period of declining health for 21-year-old Tylim Hatchett at the hands of his parents, Sherrilynn Hawkins and Vernon Hatchett, as well as the young mans hired caregiver, Loretta Harris. Those three adults were responsible for virtually all of Tylim Hatchetts needs, Steele said. In addition to his sensory disabilities, the young man used a wheelchair and was nonverbal. After Upper Dublin police discovered Tylim Hatchett starved and dead on the floor in a Dresher apartment unit on Sept. 18, the full scope of the neglect came into view, according to Steele. An autopsy would find that he went from 90 to 56 pounds in the six months before his death, which was ruled a homicide due to complications of cerebral palsy in the setting of neglect, Steele said. Detectives determined that during the last several weeks of his life, the young man was left alone in the apartment unit, save a handful of visits from those responsible for him. Meanwhile, prosecutors alleged not only that those individuals 42-year-old Hawkins, 39-year-old Vernon Hatchett, and 45-year-old Harris were complicit in the neglect, according to Steele, but also that Hawkins and Harris had collected thousands of dollars per month for home-care assistance that they ultimately failed to provide. Police arrested Hawkins on Monday and charged her with first- and third-degree murder, neglect of a care-dependent person, and theft by deception. Harris turned herself in Tuesday and was charged with neglect of a care-dependent person and theft by deception. Vernon Hatchett is wanted for arrest and faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter in addition to the neglect and theft charges. A joint investigation by Montgomery County detectives and Upper Dublin police helped Steeles office piece together the final days of Tylim Hatchetts life. Investigators found that the young mans parents had rented the luxury unit at the Residences at the Promenade and kept their son there, though from Sept. 1 to Sept. 18, they were absent more than 80% of the time, Steele said. In all, Harris, the home-care aide, was at the property once during that period, while Vernon Hatchett visited three times, according to Steele. Hawkins, according to Steele, used some of the funds she received from Athena Health Care the medical group compensating her and Harris for her sons care to pay for the apartment. But for the most part, the district attorney said, the two women collected the money while denying Tylim Hatchett the critical services he required. During the young mans final month, Steele said, Hawkins received around $2,000, while Harris received $3,000. It was not immediately clear to investigators what sort of oversight Athena had, he added. She had a duty as a contracted employee, she was receiving benefits for this, and she let him die, Steele said of the mans mother. And Steele suggested that the homicide charge was justified because Hawkins knew this was going on. On that day, she didnt want to go into the house because she knew what she was gonna find, Steele said. Vernon Hatchett was at the apartment when police arrived and told officers he had discovered his son almost two hours prior to 911 being called, according to an affidavit. Hawkins is being held in Montgomery County without bail. Harris was scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday afternoon. Police are still seeking Vernon Hatchett. Steele urged anyone who sees him to contact law enforcement. Hes wanted, Steele said, and he knows hes wanted. 2024 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. By Ellie Rushing, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) PHILADELPHIA They arrived en masse, the thousands of dress-wearing, face-painted clowns, leopards, and sparkling aliens, with golden slippers on their feet and drinks in their hands, descending on Philadelphias City Hall for a storied annual tradition. Who are these people? a little girl asked her mother on the sidewalk. The Mummers. For its 124th year, spectators on Wednesday flocked to Broad Street to ring in 2025 and see more than 40 brigades strut southward for the citys iconic Mummers Parade. Men, women and children dressed as mimes, bumble bees, jesters, and Scooby-Doo characters twirled down the street, dipping their parasols as part of the longest continuously-running folk parade in the nation. Turnout appeared strong, seemingly undeterred by the overnight tragedy in New Orleans, where a man drove his truck into a crowd of New Years revelers on Bourbon Street, killing 10 and injuring dozens more. The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism. In response, the Philadelphia Police Department said in a statement that it was closely monitoring areas throughout the city, including the parade. And while department leadership, including Commissioner Kevin Bethel, attended the Mummers event, the department declined to say whether it had beefed up the number of officers on site as a precaution. Maleeka and her daughter Rachel Wade, of Chester, Pennsylvania, watch the Mummers Parade near City Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Philadelphia. (David Maialetti/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS)TNS Its tragic, but you cant live scared, said Tim Giffins, who watched the parade with his daughter and three grandsons. Brooks Davis felt similarly. We cant let it ruin the holidays, said Davis, 30, who toted his 6-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son outside before the freezing winter temperatures return this week. The roots of the day-long party and elaborate costumes go back to New Years traditions brought to the city by Swedish, Finnish, Irish, German, English and African immigrants. While the parade kicked off at 9 a.m., most troupes initiated their celebrations hours earlier. A group of blue and white clowns from the Barrels Brigade, of the Landi Comics in South Philadelphia, filtered into SEPTAs Broad Street Line Snyder station shortly after 8:30 a.m., bouncing to music with red wine stains on their teeth and half-empty beers in hand. Michael Caruso, carrying a box of Surfsides, has marched with the brigade for 42 years, he said, and now his two children and wife join. Its fun for the whole family, he said drinking and strutting and carrying on a South Philly tradition. As the subway arrived, Caruso, 43, pointed straight ahead. Clowns! Attack! he shouted as they filtered into the car with cigarettes behind their ears and empty booze cans clanging in their pockets. Performers with the South Philly Vikings Fancy Brigade prepare for the finale at the Convention Center Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, part of the 2025 Philadelphia Mummers New Years Day parade. Their theme this year is The Forgotten Forest and the Staff of Enchantment.TNS Membership in the Mummers has dwindled in recent years, amid occasional controversies over performers in racist costumes. Spectators appeared unbothered. Fatmah Behbehani, 34, brought her two daughters to watch the parade for a second year. The family moved to the U.S. from Kuwait 10 years ago, and have been in Philadelphia for four. Theyve enjoyed learning the traditions of the city, she said. And Jean Blasy, of Catonsville, Md., joined her boyfriend Rob McGuire, of York, in the city for her first experience. Attending had always been on her bucket list, she said, so they made it a holiday trip. I heard about it 10 years ago, and I said, You know what? Im gonna go there, she said. And now here we are. People visit a light show in celebration of the New Year in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Dec. 31, 2024. (Photo by Zafar Khalilov/Xinhua) For Uzbeks, the New Year is not just a time to celebrate, it is a moment to unite, give thanks, and look forward with hope and determination. TASHKENT, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- On New Year's Eve, the streets of Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital, come alive with festive lights and vibrant decorations. From lively public squares to cozy family gatherings, the city embraces the holiday spirit with traditions and feasts reflecting the warmth of Uzbek culture. On Dec. 31, Uzbek families prepare a variety of dishes, salads, and desserts to adorn their New Year's tables. Traditional dishes such as samsa, khanum, manti, and kebabs are usually prepared on this occasion. Samsa is a bun stuffed with meat and vegetables, khanum is a steamed flour dish filled with potatoes or meat, and manti consists of spiced meat wrapped in thin dough. The "Olivier" salad is a staple of the holiday feast. In Tashkent and nearby regions, a special dish called "naryn," a cold salad combining fresh noodles and meat, is also prepared. "The New Year isn't just another holiday," said Kurbanoy Atakulova, a pensioner from the Tashkent region. "It's a grand celebration that opens doors to a new life and brings dreams closer." "In our family, there's an ancient tradition: Whoever sets the New Year table abundantly will have a prosperous year ahead. That's why I always advise my children and grandchildren to welcome the New Year with joy and gratitude," Atakulova said. On the holiday, families decorate New Year trees at home and prepare delicious dishes for their table. At midnight, family members gather around the table to welcome the New Year. Fireworks light up the sky, and everyone makes wishes for the upcoming year. Relatives and friends visit each other's homes as part of a family tradition. Mastura Khasanova, a Tashkent resident, mentioned that such visits typically last for three days. "New Year is one of the biggest holidays for our family," she said. "On this day, I start preparing the most delicious dishes. I give my husband and children new clothes to wear on the holiday. We visit friends and relatives and host them at our home, dancing to music and expressing gratitude for the past year while making plans for the new one." For some families, New Year is a rare opportunity to gather around one table. Alijon Uskenov, a law enforcement officer, spends little time with his family due to work commitments. For him, New Year is a special occasion to be with his loved ones. "I love being with my family, seeing the joy of my children, wife, and parents. That's why, on New Year's Eve, I gather everyone at one table and give them the gifts I've bought. We talk until morning, discuss plans, and reflect on what we achieved over the past year," he said. For Uzbeks, the New Year is not just a time to celebrate, it is a moment to unite, give thanks, and look forward with hope and determination. Central Pennsylvania animal lovers got their new year started with a frigid dip into the Susquehanna River. About 200 participants ushered in 2025 by lining up along the shore decked out in swimsuits, winter clothing or costumes. Temperatures hovered near 41 degrees but gusty winds of 25 mph made it feel much chillier. They plunged into those waters from the shores of Harrisburgs City Island, where the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area hosted its annual Penguin Plunge fundraiser. The Wednesday event was the fundraisers 28th year. At noon, organizers gave a countdown, and participants waded into the water, hollering and splashing in the cold. The plunge, which sees around 200 participants a year, raises in the neighborhood of $30,000 annually. The plunge is meant to kick off a new year of fundraising for the Humane Society. By Jordan Anderson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS) Homelessness in the United States has soared to record-breaking levels, and Pittsburgh advocates dont see the crisis slowing anytime soon. A new report released by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development found 770,000 people experiencing homelessness on a single night, a staggering 18% rise from 2023. Homelessness among families with children rose more than any other group by 39%. As the nations largest and most regular housing survey, the Point in Time count offers an annual snapshot of individuals in shelters, temporary housing and outdoors, although it has been criticized for underestimating the true scale of the crisis, as it only captures data from a single night. Annie Cairns, senior marketing and communications manager for the homeless shelter provider Light of Life Rescue Mission, wasnt surprised by the findings. Not only are Light of Lifes shelters typically at capacity each night, the food pantry and donation center are also experiencing more demand than ever. Cairns said many people seeking help in those programs arent yet homeless but are on the brink of crisis. The pandemic skyrocketed what was already becoming an issue, she said. The numbers dont surprise me at all. If anything, I cant believe its not more. HUD attributes the rise in homelessness to increased immigration, natural disasters like the Maui fires, the ongoing affordable housing shortage and significant rental cost hikes. Cairns said even dual-income households are struggling to meet basic needs. Housing and food are becoming more of a luxury rather than a basic human right, she said. Somewhere along the line, something got broken in the system. Until people become homeless and you physically see this uptick, it doesnt get talked about. As tension around the crisis grows, many states and cities are criminalizing sleeping in public spaces, even for those with no alternatives, and a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision this year cemented the authority to enforce such policies. At the time, Pittsburgh and Allegheny County leaders said that they would avoid such hard-line approaches. Still, Mayor Ed Gainey recently announced plans to clear two major encampments, one behind the Allegheny County Jail and another at Southside Riverfront Park, by the end of winter. More than a dozen tents under the 16th Street Bridge were also recently decommissioned. Our Streets Collective, a local advocacy group, criticized these actions and organized a protest outside the mayors home, calling encampment sweeps cruel, dangerous, and ineffective. While decommissions can increase the safety of some public spaces, Cairns said they dont fix the underlying problems. Pittsburgh has an estimated deficit of more than 8,200 units for households earning at or below 30% of the area median income. Some local housing groups argue the shortfall may be as high as 26,000 units. Pandemic-era safety nets, such as eviction freezes and rental assistance programs, offered a temporary solution. In January 2021, the national homeless count dropped to 381,000. However, after the eviction moratorium ended, homelessness surged again climbing to 580,000 in 2022, 650,000 in 2023 and 772,000 in 2024. They dont just automatically overnight not become homeless anymore, she said. Its like a Band Aid on a broken leg. Theyre just going to go back out onto the street again, unless you are actually diving into solutions that are long-term. Several power outages are being reported in parts of central Pennsylvania. PPLs Outage Map shows outages in several areas in Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon and Lancaster counties impacting about 1,500 customers. First Energy is reporting about 4,900 customers are without power. Many of the outages are related to tripped breakers and blown fuses due to high winds. The Harrisburg area, along with most of Pennsylvania, is under a wind advisory through the first day of the year. About 424 PPL customers in Swatara Township near Rutherford are without power, which, according to PPL, is estimated to be restored by 9:30 p.m. PPL said power is expected to be restored by 9 p.m. to about 543 customers in Elizabethtown. To check the latest updates on power outages in the Harrisburg area, use the PPL Outage Map. Its 2025 and hopefully everyone had a great and safe New Years Eve celebration. That out the way, if you want to keep the good vibes flowing, it might be best to just go ahead and skip this article about Nostradamus predictions for 2025. Because its just not good. Really, it is worse than that because the Nostradamus the History Channel calls him historys Most famous seer, apparently saw the world ending in 2025. Now, its worth noting that he has been dead a long time, and he wrote in quatrains, so just about all of the reporting on his predictions is really just interpretation of those quatrains. And, thankfully, that leaves some wiggle room when it comes to this years predictions. There is some good in there. He appears to predict the end of a long way, which many think is a reference to the war between Russian and Ukraine. But, with the end of one war, he apparently predicts a war in England beginning. He also appears to predict plague. The kingdom will be marked by wars so cruel, foes within and without will arise, he wrote. A great pestilence from the past returns, no enemy more deadly under the skies. He also appears to predict devastation in the Amazon, and oddly the rise of a mysterious leader who would form an aquatic empire. Kind of makes you think about the conspiracy theory that those mystery drones over Jersey were coming out of the ocean. But all of that is nothing compared to the end of the world. And, according to at least one report, there is an ominous quatrain above all others for 2025. From the cosmos, a fireball will rise, a harbinger of fate, the world pleads, it reads. Science and fate in a cosmic dance, The fate of the Earth, a second chance. Maybe the second chance reference means we will pull the nose up on things if an asteroid does come skirting our way. Hopefully, he was just wrong. The rest of the predictions are just about as fun, according to this report. Here is how his 2024 predictions shaped up. By Aliya Schneider, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) Following President-elect Donald Trumps endorsement of House Speaker Mike Johnson, some Pennsylvania Republicans have praised the speaker, but U.S. Rep. Scott Perry had sharp words for him. Trump announced on Monday that he fully endorses Johnsons retention as speaker after the Louisiana Republican faced backlash from some in his party over a bipartisan government funding deal to avert a government shutdown. The endorsement is valuable for Johnson, who has led the House with a narrow Republican majority since October 2023. Given the tight margins in the House, Johnson can afford few GOP defections when Congress begins its new session this week if he wants to keep his gavel. Trumps endorsement came as part of a diatribe about the presidential election and President Joe Bidens administration. After mentions of Beyonce and Al Sharpton both surrogates of Vice Presidential Kamala Harris unsuccessful campaign and various phrases in all caps, Trumps final sentence said: 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!!! Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, file)AP U.S. Rep.-elect Ryan MacKenzie, a Republican Pennsylvania senator who ousted Democratic U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, said in a statement to the Inquirer that Johnson has ably managed the tight House majority. Heading into the new Session, we need to stay focused on improving our economy, strengthening border security, and ending the chaos around the world, MacKenzie said. But Perry, a Republican who was just re-elected, had sharper words for Johnson, saying on Fox Business on Monday that the speaker has not been artful in advancing the Trump agenda. Perry had said on Friday that Trump would likely have the final say on who would become speaker. What we cant have is the disaster of what weve had over the last year and a half of having more Democrats voting for massive bills than Republicans under a Republican-led House, Perry said Monday. He said that he believes Johnson understands that if hes going to be speaker, things are going to have to change. We have to be able to move the Trump agenda, Perry added, noting that he feels confident its going to work out one way or another. Perry did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) said he supports Trumps endorsement of Johnson and that the House will continue to be a bulwark against the lefts destructive policies and correct course for our great nation under Johnsons leadership. As we move forward to build on the historic victory of 2024, President Trump is carefully assembling the best possible team to advance the America First agenda and Speaker Johnson will play a critical role in that effort, he said in a statement to the Inquirer. Meuser called Johnson a man of principle, integrity, and hard work, and said that Trumps trust in him speaks volumes. NEW DELHI, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- India and Pakistan on Wednesday exchanged the list of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other's jails, officials said. The exchange was carried out through diplomatic channels simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad, India's Foreign Ministry said. India has shared the names of 381 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistanis or are believed to be Pakistanis. Similarly, Pakistan has shared the names of 49 civilian prisoners and 217 fishermen in its custody, who are Indians or are believed to be Indians, the foreign ministry said in a statement. According to the ministry, the exchange was conducted in accordance with provisions of a bilateral agreement on consular access under which such lists are exchanged every year on Jan. 1 and July 1. Residents of a border town in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang, have held a carnival-like celebration to welcome the year 2025. #GLOBALink Explainer: What drives rapid rise of Global South in 2024? Xinhua) 09:15, January 01, 2025 This photo taken on Dec. 10, 2024 shows a view of the international container terminal at Yantai Port in east China's Shandong Province. (Photo by Tang Ke/Xinhua) "In the next five years, world GDP will grow by 55 trillion U.S. dollars, 70 percent of which will come from the Global South," said UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan at the G20 Summit, noting that this equals the size of the global economy two decades ago when the G20 was founded. BEIJING, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- In 2024, the global landscape has undergone profound transformations, marked by a series of challenges and conflicts. Amid these shifts, the Global South has risen with remarkable momentum, exerting a growing influence on human progress. With expanding economic power and growing political clout, the Global South has transitioned from being a long-discussed concept to a strong driving force actively shaping international politics. So what are the key factors behind its rapid surge? 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) EXPANDING GLOBAL IMPACT The term "Global South" was first coined in 1969 by American political activist Carl Oglesby in his article about the Vietnam War. Today, it has become a prominent buzzword, representing a diverse group of developing nations advancing toward modernization and advocating for a more equitable global financial and political framework. Over the past year, several key moments have underscored this trend. In July, Belarus was officially welcomed as the 10th member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), enhancing SCO's capacity for regional cooperation and influence on the global stage. In September, the UN adopted the Pact for the Future at the Summit of the Future in New York. The pact responded to two key concerns of the Global South countries: the implementation of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the demand for better representation in global governance institutions. In the same month, the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, a high-level security and defense forum in Asia-Pacific, also laid importance on the Global South by offering smaller developing countries a platform to address their security and development concerns. In October, the first in-person BRICS summit since the bloc's historic expansion was held in Kazan, Russia, following last year's pivotal meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. At the Kazan summit, a consensus was reached to invite a new group of countries to become BRICS partner nations, which further promoted the group's development. In November, the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and the 19th G20 Summit were held consecutively in Peru and Brazil. South Africa is poised to assume the G20 presidency in 2025, marking an unprecedented four consecutive terms of G20 presidency by Global South countries. Meanwhile, China is set to host the APEC summit in 2026. All of these show that the once marginalized Global South has emerged as one of the key drivers of the international agenda. A woman walks past a G20 logo near the main venue of the 19th G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Nov. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong) GROWING ECONOMIC STRENGTH The rise of the Global South can be attributed to several factors, with its growing economic influence standing at the forefront. Despite a sluggish global economic recovery, the Global South nations have secured a steady economic growth and shown remarkable resilience. A report from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace revealed that since 2000, the G7's share of global GDP, as measured by purchasing power parity, has declined from 43 to 30 percent, while that of the five original BRICS countries has increased from just over 21 percent to nearly 35. According to the African Economic Outlook from the African Development Bank Group, the continent will retain its 2023 ranking as the second fastest-growing region in 2024 and 2025. The rebound in Africa's average growth includes a rise to 3.7 percent in 2024 and 4.3 percent in 2025, exceeding the projected global average of 3.2 percent. "In the next five years, world GDP will grow by 55 trillion U.S. dollars, 70 percent of which will come from the Global South," said UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan at the G20 Summit, noting that this equals the size of the global economy two decades ago when the G20 was founded. This economic shift has gone hand in hand with an increasing demand from the Global South to reform global economic governance to better reflect their developmental aspirations. In a declaration issued at this year's summit, BRICS leaders agreed to jointly develop the New Development Bank (NDB) into a new type of multilateral development bank in the 21st century. They also pledged to support the further expansion of NDB membership and expedited consideration of applications of BRICS countries in line with the NDB General Strategy and related policies. Moreover, in addition to welcoming "the use of local currencies in financial transactions between BRICS countries and their trading partners," BRICS leaders encouraged the advancement of a BRICS Cross-Border Payments Initiative, designed to strengthen banking networks within BRICS to facilitate trade settlements among member countries. The Global South Local Currency Cooperation Forum is held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Nov. 12, 2024. (Photo by Lucio Tavora/Xinhua) SHARED POLITICAL GOALS Western media and think tanks have long argued that the diverse challenges and distinct circumstances faced by countries in the Global South make it difficult for them to unite and form a cohesive front. However, the emergence of Global South nations as significant political players in the past year underscores how common political goals have empowered them to collaborate and assert greater influence. Many Global South countries were once colonies of Western nations. The shared experience of exploitation, cultural imposition, and economic extraction has fueled their determination to resist foreign interference. In 2024, several African nations like Niger, Chad, and Senegal, have called for the withdrawal of Western troops from their territories, highlighting their efforts to assert sovereignty and pursue self-determined development paths. In addition, instead of following the lead of Western countries in addressing global challenges through sanctions and military interventions, the Global South has proposed its own solutions, advocating for peace, dialogue, and multilateralism. For instance, the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Third South Summit resulted in joint positions on critical issues, including the question of Palestine and the Ukraine crisis, underscoring the Global South's rejection of bloc politics and its commitment to fairness and justice. Another notable example of this collective political action is the "Friends of Peace" platform, which was launched by China, Brazil, and other like-minded Global South countries on the Ukraine crisis. Established at the United Nations, it seeks to accumulate conditions and create an atmosphere for a ceasefire, an end to hostilities and the resumption of peace talks. As Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stated in his letter of congratulations to the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum, the Global South is ready to lead on the world stage to build a more inclusive and prosperous planet. "We are central players in the new global geopolitics, and we are ready to play a role commensurate with our political, economic and demographic weight," he said. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu) Executive Director of The National Institute of Christian Leadership Mark Rutland Delivers a Timeless, Comedic Commentary on Aging NEWS PROVIDED BY Charisma Media Dec. 31, 2024 Lake Mary, Fla., Dec. 31, 2024 /Standard Newswire/ -- Mark Rutland presents his twentieth and funniest book: A witty narrative poised to people who have chosen to step out from behind the veil of comforting delusion into a new reality. In his book, Keep On Keeping On, Mark Rutland provides a laugh-out-loud handbook on how to embrace perpetual youth (ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-422-5). Old age, with all its ravages is our inevitable calamity, the tree in the yard, yet we do not obsess over it, Rutland said. Keep On Keeping On is for those who see that the good night is just around the bend. It is a literary companion for those who understand that the dying of the light is not a poignant literary device but a day-to-day reality. The loss of the beloved delusion is presented with jovial flair, offering a severe dose of reality that is not only relatable but, with Rutlands hilarious touch, surprisingly uplifting. The split second of reality rolls off them like spilt spaghetti off a plastic seat cover and their exemption clicks back in place, Rutland stated about a couple in their late twenties. This book is not for the young. Do not let them read it. They cannot bear it. The truth is that age is always ignored until its presence can no longer be denied. From aches and pains to appointments and medications, the youth simply do not have the bodily reminders that awaken their senses to the ticking time bomb that is demise. This book is not about sounding retreat, Rutland argued. It is about finding the joy in life as it is and not grieving about life as it was or, at least as I remember it. Mark Rutland is the executive director of The National Institute of Christian Leadership and the owner of The Rutland Consultancy. Previously, he served as the pastor of a mega-church and the president of two universities. Rutland and his wife, Alison, are also the co-founders of Global Servants, an international ministry with girls homes (House of Grace) in Thailand and Ghana as well as churches and ministries in five West African countries. Part of Rutlands time is dedicated to his podcast, The Leaders Notebook, which is available on the Dr. Mark Rutland App. Keep in touch with Rutland Facebook: @globalservants Instagram: @drmarkrutland Twitter (X): @DrMarkRutland Title: Keep On Keeping On: How to Die Youngas Old as Possible | Release Date: January 7, 2025 | Retail: $24.99 | ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-422-5 | E-Book ISBN: 978-1-63641-423-2 | Binding: Trade Paper | Size: 5.5 x 8.25 x 0.52 | Page Count: 208 | Hometown: Buford, GA | BISAC Category: RELIGION / Christian Living / Inspiration, HUMOR / Topic / Health & Aging, & RELIGION / Christian Living / Personal Growth To interview Rutland or for a review copy, please contact media@charismamedia.com. SOURCE Charisma Media CONTACT: media@charismamedia.com CANBERRA, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Australia's new laws taking effect on Wednesday made intentional wage theft a criminal offense that would see dishonest heads of businesses being imprisoned for up to 10 years and facing hefty fines. Some large companies in Australia have been involved in cases of underpayment scandals, such as Woolworths, Qantas, and 7-Eleven. However, the company directors currently can only be investigated according to civil laws, without the threat of imprisonment, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Under the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act 2023, the government agency Fair Work Ombudsman can use the new tool to go after dishonest employers, with up to 10 years of jail terms and a fine up to nearly 7.83 million Australian dollars (4.87 million U.S. dollars) for companies. The new offense will apply to employers who intentionally engage in conduct that results in the underpayment of their employees. However, honest mistakes or miscalculations will not be caught by the wage theft offense, according to the Act. Therefore, the employers' intention has to be proved in wage theft cases to exclude honest mistakes, which might be difficult in practice as "Fair Work has never had to prove intent under its existing civil powers," the ABC cited employment lawyer Daniel Victory as saying. The new laws will add more complexity to business, especially small business, criticized David Alexander, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's chief of policy and advocacy. Meanwhile, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations said last month that the newly registered Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code provides employers with a clear pathway to avoid criminal prosecution for the new wage theft offense. The Fair Work Ombudsman has also prepared guidance material on the steps employers can take to ensure they are paying staff correctly, the department said. Controversial social media critic Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan (VDM), has admitted that his claim that 180 million was stolen from his NGOs account by hackers was a deliberate prank. PREMIUM TIMES reported that over two months after launching his self-titled NGO, Martins Vincent Otse Initiative, VeryDarkMan disclosed that hackers stole N180 million from the official account. In a video posted on his Instagram page on Tuesday, the social media critic revealed that the stunt was intended to expose what he perceives as the gullibility of social media users. The shock value of the prank was evident in the reactions it garnered. VDM further explained that the fabricated story was not just a prank but a meticulously planned social experiment highlighting how quickly unverified information spreads online. This aspect of the prank is what intrigued many. When I claimed that 180 million was stolen, people quickly believed it without demanding evidence. Some even celebrated my supposed downfall, he said. I told my website guy to shut down the site just to catch cruise with the audience. Its sad how excited people get over bad news. I orchestrated the 180 million missing stunt to show how dumb eighty per cent of people on social media are. Nobody asked the right questions; you all flew with the narrative that Im a thief. If my money were missing, I would hold Zenith Bank responsible, the activist noted. Addressing backlash Reflecting on the backlash, VeryDarkMan lamented the unexpected personal attacks, criticisms and misinformation that followed his initial revelation. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He said, Since this happened, Ive seen comments I never expected to be thrown at me. Some people even insulted my mother, calling her a thief. All I do on social media is advocate for peoples needs, help them recover money, and raise awareness to prevent scams. Most of the time, I even put my own money into these efforts. Yet, some people turned this around to attack me. We live in a country where anything said in the media is immediately believed without investigation. Nobody stopped to analyse the situation. If 180 million truly went missing, do you think Id be travelling to Jos instead of going to the police or EFCC in Abuja? Zenith Bank would be held accountable if the money were missing, not me. Eighty per cent of people on social media are dumb. Nobody questioned the claim; they ran with it, making stupid analyses and spreading misinformation. I deliberately did this to expose how shallow people can be, the 30-year-old activist stated. The initial missing claim, made on Friday, sparked widespread reactions on social media. While some sympathised with VDM, others criticised him for mismanagement. In the video, VDM addressed the publics lack of critical thinking. People didnt even ask for proof of the alleged theft. They just ran with the narrative. This is a serious problem, and Im glad I exposed it, he stated. Bank statement In a follow-up video on Tuesday, VDM shared a bank statement from his NGOs account, showing a closing balance of 240 million as of 31 December. He also displayed a hamper he received from the bank during his visit to obtain the document. Here is the statement of account, he said. No kobo has ever gone missing from my NGO. I challenge any other NGO to match the transparency I just showed. Nobody in this country has the integrity I have. VDM has faced mixed reactions following his confession. Critics accused him of using misleading tactics to make a point, while others praised him for shedding light on the dangers of unchecked social media narratives. Some expressed disappointment in VDMs methods, while others appreciated the lesson he was trying to teach. Background On 14 October, PREMIUM TIMES reported that VeryDarkMans NGO, the Martins Vincent Otse Initiative, raised over 33 million within 24 hours to tackle Nigerias educational challenges. The initiative addressed issues such as outdated teaching methods, inadequate resources, and the lack of motivated educators, especially in rural and underserved areas. Days later, music mogul Don Jazzy contributed 100 million, bringing the total raised to over 200 million. At the launch, VDM criticised some NGOs for misusing funds and enriching themselves rather than serving the public. He promised full transparency with his initiative, outlining plans to address issues such as outdated teaching methods, inadequate resources, and the lack of motivated educators, especially in rural and underserved areas. He also proposed hiring National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as teachers in public schools, noting that many resort to menial jobs due to a lack of opportunities. Despite mixed reactions to his initiative, VDM re-emphasised his commitment to transforming Nigerias education system by combining older educators experience with younger ones energy. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print TEHRAN, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- A new round of talks between Tehran and the E3 group of France, Britain and Germany will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, on Jan. 13, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Wednesday, citing a senior Iranian diplomat. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi made the remarks in an address to reporters in Tehran on the sidelines of a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the assassination of top Iranian commander General Qassem Soleimani by the United States in January 2020, the report said. The talks, "which are not considered negotiations," would focus on clarifying different issues of common concern and holding further consultations, so as to decide on the method and framework for any possible negotiations in the future, said Gharibabadi. In the previous round of the talks, senior diplomats from Iran and the three European powers convened in Geneva in late November last year, exchanging views on a range of issues including Tehran's nuclear program. Following the November talks, Gharibabadi said "candid discussions" had been held, noting, "We discussed and took stock of recent bilateral, regional and international developments, particularly issues concerning the nuclear program and lifting of sanctions." Iran signed a nuclear deal with world powers in July 2015, agreeing to some curbs on its nuclear program in return for the removal of sanctions on it. The United States, however, pulled out of the deal in May 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to scale back its commitments under the deal. The talks to revive the deal began in April 2021 in Austria's capital Vienna. Despite several rounds of talks, no significant breakthrough has been achieved. The Katsina State Government has expended N13.4 billion to upgrade 146 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to boost the delivery of healthcare services in the state. The State Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal-Jobe, made the disclosure at a monthly press briefing in Katsina on Tuesday Mr Lawal-Jobe said at least four PHCs were upgraded in each of the 34 local government areas of the state. The government, he said, also approved the renovation and upgrading of comprehensive health centres in Rimi, Faskari, Dandume and Zango LGAs at a cost of about N3.7 billion. According to him, the government also renovated and upgraded the General Hospital Kafur and structures at the General Hospital, Kankia, at about N739.5 million. Mr Lawal-Jobe said that the State Primary Healthcare Agency spent N1.9 billion to provide effective healthcare delivery services to the people. These activities included, among others, the construction of a dry store, purchased and distributed laptop computers to LGA monitoring and evaluation officers, he said. This was to bolster data management to enhance evidence-based decision making in healthcare delivery. He noted that the government also procured and distributed drugs to contain the diphtheria outbreak as part of non-polio supplementary immunisation activities, where 2,216,573 eligible children were vaccinated. The deputy governor added that the government distributed 360 motorcycles to ward focal persons for routine immunisation and other related exercises during the period under review. 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 So far, a total of 438 personnel were engaged for the success of the exercise, he said. He said the government had converted the COVID-19 isolation centre into a psychiatric hospital at a total cost of N65.8 million. Similarly, Mr Lawal-Jobe revealed that the former psychiatric hospital building was upgraded and converted to the permanent site of the College of Nursing and Midwifery at the cost of N104.4 million. He said the government also sustained the free Medicare Policy for free delivery, antenatal, dialysis, cesarean section, and other services. In this regard, the sum of N397,000,000 was expended during the period under review, he said. This exercise is meant to assist the teeming population of Katsina State, especially the less-privileged, to have access to basic healthcare services with relative ease. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Governing Council of the University of Abuja, under the chairmanship of Saddiq Kaita, a retired air vice-marshal, has approved the appointment of Aisha Maikudi as the seventh substantive vice-chancellor of the university. Habib Yakoob, the universitys acting director of information, said in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES that the appointment was announced during the 77th Extraordinary Meeting of the governing council on Tuesday, 31st December 2024. The appointment takes effect from 1st January 2025, and it is for a non-renewable tenure of five years, Mr Yakoob said. Aisha Maikudi, a professor of law, emerged as the best among 10 shortlisted candidates interviewed by the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board of the university, in line with the extant regulations governing the process. Profile of Aisha Maikudi Prior to her appointment as the substantive vice-chancellor, Ms Maikudi, a professor, served in an acting capacity from 5th July 2024. During this period, she worked closely with the Governing Council to stabilise the university through a challenging crisis, demonstrating leadership and commitment. Born on 31st January 1983 in Katsina State, Ms Maikudi is a distinguished scholar and professor of International Law at the University of Abuja. Her educational journey began at Sacred Heart School, Kaduna, where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) in 1993. She proceeded to Queens College, Yaba, Lagos, earning her West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 1999. Ms Maikudis academic excellence took her to the University of Reading, where she earned an LLB in 2004. She further specialised in Public International Law, obtaining an LLM from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2005. After completing her legal education at the Nigerian Law School (20062007), she pursued and had a PhD in International Law from the University of Abuja in 2015. She joined the University of Abuja as a Lecturer II on 4th September 2008, and rose through the ranks to become a professor in 2021. Ms Maikudi broke barriers as the first female Head of Department in 2013, the first female Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law in 2018, and the pioneer Director of the University of Abuja International Centre in 2019. She also served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), where she was instrumental in enhancing academic standards and promoting a culture of excellence at the University. An innovator in her field, she introduced the United Nations Law course at the University of Abuja in 2019, backed by extensive research and numerous publications in academic journals and book chapters. She is also highly experienced in supervising theses and dissertations, contributing to the growth of legal scholarship. Ms Maikudi has represented her university and country at numerous national and international conferences, workshops, and training sessions across the UK, US, South Africa, Germany, Italy, China, Ghana, and Egypt. She has presented papers at many of these events, further solidifying her global reputation as an academic leader. The new vice-chancellor is an active member of several professional organisations, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigerian Law Teachers Association (NLTA), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and Nigerian Society of International Law. Controversial process The selection process was thrown into controversy last week after some members of the council alleged a clandestine plan by the chairperson of the governing council, Mr Kaita, to impose Ms Maikudi as the vice chancellor. The controversy heightened when two representatives of the university senate, who are also members of the selection committee, walked out of a council meeting last Monday in protest against the selection process. They claimed that the council did not hand them the guidelines and criteria for the screening of the 40 candidates shortlisted at the time. READ ALSO: UNIABUJA speaks on controversies trailing vice chancellor selection process However, the university, in a statement, denied the allegations. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later It stated that The University remains confident in the councils commitment to conducting a transparent, fair, and merit-based selection process in strict adherence to the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and other relevant statutes). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigeria has won a prolonged legal battle to recover over $6 million in arms funds that had been seized by the United States government since 2014. The funds were seized about a decade ago from an arms broker, who was trying to supply military equipment from the US to Nigeria without having the necessary licence. The US government said the arms brokers active involvement in the sale, export, and supply of military products to Nigeria without authorisation was a violation of the Arms Export Control Act, leading to the seizure of the funds. However, in a ruling on 23 December, the US District Court for Eastern California ordered the release of the funds totalling about $6.02 million after confirming Nigerias interest in it. A copy of the ruling seen by PREMIUM TIMES shows that Judge Jenniffer Thurston issued a permanent order of forfeiture of the money in favour of Nigeria, modifying the earlier January 2020 preliminary order forfeiting the assets to the US government. The judge ordered the US government to release the money with the accrued interests to the Nigerian government within 60 days. Within sixty (60) days from entry of this Stipulation for Final Order of Forfeiture and Order Thereon, the US Customs and Border Protection shall return the above-listed assets to Petitioner, along with any interest earned by the United States while on deposit in an interest-bearing account, a copy of the court order seen by PREMIUM TIMES 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 Seizure Until the judgment, Nigeria faced a double whammy, having paid agents for the purchase of military equipment during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency in 2014, but receiving neither the funds nor the equipment it intended to purchase. Nigeria paid the $6.02 million trapped in the US to an American arms broking firm, Dolarian Capital Inc (DCI). Some of the funds passed through an arms broker from Niger Republic, Hima Aboubakar, who secured dubious defence contracts from the Nigerian government, highlighting the widespread irregularities, secrecy and misuse that often characterise arms procurement funds in Nigeria. The deal ran into a roadblock in August 2014 when the US government denied Mr Dolarians application for approval to purchase and export the arms to Nigeria. As of that time, Mr Dolarian had received the money for the purchase of arms for Nigeria. The US government seized the money, describing it as the proceeds of a violation of its Arms Export Control Act, on the grounds that Mr Dolarian and his DCI did not have the licence to engage in the sale, export, import and brokering of military products at the time. At the instance of the US government, the US District Court in Eastern California issued on 2 February 2015 warrants for the seizure of the money held in five different bank accounts. In June 2015, the US government applied to the US district court in Eastern California for an order forfeiting the funds. The US government secured the courts preliminary order of forfeiture of the assets in 2019. It also charged Mr Dolarian, who subsequently pleaded guilty to the charge of brokering the sale of military equipment without a licence. On 29 January 2020, the court issued a modified preliminary order for forfeiture of the money after Mr Dolarian pleaded guilty to the charge against him. Meanwhile, the US government publicised the preliminary forfeiture order inviting anyone with an interest in the funds to come forward to claim it in court. Only the Nigerian government heeded the call to claim the money. But its lawyers faced subtle resistance from the US government, which prolonged the legal process before formally acknowledging Nigerias interest and conceding to release the funds late this year. Nigerias recovery efforts After the criminal proceedings concerning the funds in the US ended, Nigeria began to take steps to recover the money in 2021 when it hired a US-based lawyer, Jovi Usude, to handle the legal process. From 2021 through to early 2023, Mr Usude exchanged correspondences with the US governments lawyers over the matter, but could not get a clear coast to file for the recovery of the seized assets. Finally, on 2 June 2023, the Nigerian government started the court process for the recovery by filing a petition for an ancillary proceeding asserting it had a superior interest in the forfeited funds. Its petition also explained that it did not know that Mr Dolarian lacked the requisite US governments State Department approval necessary to broker the sale of military equipment. Accordingly, Nigerias petition urged the court to enter a final order of forfeiture that reflected its superior interest in the funds forfeited by Mr Dolarian in the preliminary order of forfeiture. US governments concession After a long-drawn back-and-forth, the US government finally signed on 19 December, a stipulation for a final forfeiture order of the assets in favour of the Nigerian government. Nigerias lawyer had signed the document on 29 August. The document signed by Kevin Khasigian, an Assistant United States Attorney, was filed in court on 22 December, confirming Nigerias interest in the money. After reviewing Nigerias petition and records from the criminal investigation, the US government acknowledged that Nigeria had a legal right, title, or interest in the assets. As a result of this, the document added, such right, title, or interest requires the court to enter a Final Order of Forfeiture, to reflect Nigerias superior interest. Court order for permanent forfeiture in Nigerias favour The filing paved the way for Judge Thurston to issue an order of permanent forfeiture of the funds in favour of Nigeria on 23 December. The court ordered the US Customs and Border Protection to release the money to the Nigerian government through Mr Usudes law offices Client Trust Account. It ordered the US government to release the money within 60 days. Nigeria and arms purchase controversies Nigeria made the $6.02 million payments at a period characterised by widespread irregularities in the award of defence contracts and diversion of funds allocated for the purchase of arms to fight Boko Haram. Under similar circumstances fuelled by irregularities in the use of arms funds in Nigeria during the period, the South African government seized Nigerias $5.7 million paid to Cerberus Risk Solutions, a South African brokerage firm. The seizure was attributed to the companys lack of a valid arms licence, mirroring controversies regarding Nigerias funds seized in the United States around the same period. An audit committee set up in 2015 by the then-President Muhammadu Buhari administration to review arms contracts awarded since 2007 provided greater details of the misuse of arms funds. It found that the then-National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, could not account for about $2 billion in arms funds entrusted to his care in 2014. Further investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) discovered how the NSAs office, overseen by Mr Dasuki, allegedly doled out arms funds entrusted in its care to officials of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the 2015 general elections approached. Some friends and cronies of Mr Dasuki also received funds from the NSA under questionable circumstances during the period. Mr Dasuki and others are still facing trial over their use of the arms funds. Confirming the widespread diversion of the arms funds, the government of Jersey Island announced the recovery of Nigerias $8.9 million looted through phoney defence contracts between 2014 and 2015. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Ekiti State Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye has assured Ekiti citizens to expect more dividends of democracy from Governor Biodun Oyebanjis administration in 2025. Mrs Afuye spoke on Tuesday while distributing palliatives to groups and members of the community in Ikere-Ekiti, including the women at the Akayeijo royal compound She said efforts would be made to extend the economic frontiers to all. Mrs Afuye distributed cash gifts to members of the Monisade Christianah Afuye Ladies and Boys associations, the drivers unions, motorcycle associations, and other strata of the society to mark the new year celebration. The deputy governor appreciated Ikere citizens for standing by the governor to deliver on his six-point agenda, which includes job creation and youth development, agriculture and rural development, arts and culture, and other thematic areas of development. Mrs Afuye stated that Governor Oyebanji views the citizens of Ekiti as his employers and is committed to showing them unwavering respect through inclusive governance and the prudent management of public funds. You can see that this government has been fair to Ikere-Ekiti in road infrastructure and political appointments. 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 Ikere-Ekiti people must reciprocate this gesture with massive votes in the 2026 governorship election. On behalf of the governor, I appreciate all Ikere women and other good citizens for displaying love towards this government. READ ALSO: Ondo resident doctors begin strike over unpaid entitlement We really value your support, love, and prayers always. This is a little we can do to support you, she said. Applauding the deputy governor on behalf of the beneficiaries, Florence Adegboye commended the working relationship between the governor and the deputy governor According to her, such stability has profited the state. Governor Oyebanji has been a source of inspiration and benefit to us in Ikere-Ekiti. Apart from making one of our daughters a deputy governor, he has done so many projects to benefit us economically and socially. We have no choice but to vote massively for him in 2026 to reciprocate his good gestures, Mrs Adegboye said. NAN Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has signed the states 2025 appropriation bill into law. The N698.3 billion budget is the largest ever in the history of the state. The governor signed the bill on Tuesday at the Council Chambers of the Government House at a ceremony attended by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Haruna Aliyu, and some of his colleagues. The lawmakers passed the budget into law on Monday. Speaking at the event, Mr Namadi explained the purpose behind this record-breaking budget. This years budget of N698.3 billion naira is the highest in the history of Jigawa State. It is designed to restructure the state into a greater one, he said. He said 76 per cent of the anticipated funds were allocated to capital projects, highlighting the administrations focus on infrastructure and development. 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 explained that the investments are aimed at building a foundation for lasting economic growth and progress. He thanked the lawmakers for their swift passage of the budget, applauding their dedication to the states progress. He also urged the relevant state organs to ensure full implementation of the budget so that the benefits reach every part of the state. READ ALSO: Eno signs N955 billion 2025 budget into law He described the 2025 budget as a vision for the future, while reiterating his administrations commitment to creating opportunities and improving the lives of the people in the state. Earlier, the speaker, Mr Aliyu, commended the governor for the performance of the 2024 budget, which he said reached 80 per cent due to the governor ensuring timely release of funds for the implementation of projects. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu says his government will unveil the National Values Charter, already approved by the Federal Executive Council, in the first quarter of 2025. The president said this in his New Year message to Nigerians on Wednesday. I will launch an ambitious national orientation campaign that fosters patriotism and love for our country and inspires citizens to rally together, Mr Tinubu said. According to him, the charter will promote mutual commitments between the government and citizens and foster trust and cooperation among a diverse population and between the government and the citizens. As far-reaching and foundational as our reforms are, they can produce the desired outcomes only through shared common values and identities and unconditional love for our country. The Youth Confab will begin in the first quarter of 2025, a testament to our commitment to youth inclusiveness and investment as nation-builders. The Ministry of Youth will soon announce the modalities for selecting the conferences representatives from our diverse, youthful population, the president 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 He also urged governors and local council chairpersons to work closely with the central government to seize emerging opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms and move the nation forward. I commend governors who have embraced our Compressed Natural Gas initiative by launching CNG-propelled public transport. I also congratulate those who have adopted electric vehicles as part of our national energy mix and transition. The Federal Government will always offer necessary assistance to the states, he said. Mr Tinubu urged Nigerians to become better citizens and uncompromising in their devotion and allegiance to the country to achieve national goals and objectives. He said citizens moral rectitude and faith in the country were fundamental to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda. In 2025, we will commit to promoting adherence to ethical principles, shared values and beliefs under the National Identity Project, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has renewed his commitment towards re-engineering the states infrastructural development and prioritising the peoples welfare. This was made known on Wednesday during the governors New Year message. The governor said the new year will bring dividends of good governance that will restore faith in the government. I congratulate the people of Ondo State on witnessing the end of 2024 because 2025 offers a new vista of development across the 18 local government areas of the state. I also thank the various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour leaders, security agencies, and the media, for their support, and our workforce for their hard work and sacrifice in the past year. The 2025 Budget of Recovery will be faithfully executed to drive rapid development and also aim to complete ongoing projects across the state. I commend the peaceful conduct of stakeholders during the electioneering processes last year, and I am grateful for the overwhelming mandate given to me to lead beyond 2025, he 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 Mr Aiyedatiwa highlighted several achievements recorded by his administration in 2024, which include infrastructure improvements, workers welfare, job creation, and enhanced security. He also promised to do more in 2025. He called on the people to support his administration as it aimed to deliver on the components of the OUR EASE mandate for the development of the state. As we celebrate the opportunities before us in the New Year, I wish to also use this occasion to affirm my commitment to the people of Ondo State. I, therefore, call on you all to intensify prayers for the peace and prosperity of our dear state. It is my prayer that the first dawn of the new year will bring with it unsparing blessings for us as individuals, communities, and a state, he said. The governor concluded by wishing the good people of Ondo State a peaceful and prosperous New Year. NAN Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print On Wednesday, the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, welcomed Abujas first baby of the year at the Asokoro District Hospital. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Favour Stephen-Odion, a baby girl, was born to the family of Odion Oyinbo and Chioma Odion at exactly 12.27 a.m. on Wednesday, 1 January, weighing 3.6kg. Mrs Oluremi also received other babies born at the hospital, including the first baby boy of the year, Zimchikachim Ejiofor, born to the family of Mr Ejiofor Nworie and Mrs Delight Nworie at about 7.14 a.m., weighing 3kg. She welcomed Favour and all other babies born on New Years Day in the FCT with baby gifts, including post-natal care products, other nutritional supplies, and cash gifts. Represented by the wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, the first lady prayed to God to protect the children, wishing them good health and prosperity. So, Im presenting this token and a beautiful package to our dear daughter. I want to wish her well, long life, prosperity and good health, she said. Insha Allah, they (first baby and other babies) are the next generation to take over from us. I wish you all the best. Please take good care of her. 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 First Lady counselled mothers of newborn babies on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, immunisation and timely post-natal care. She also presented birth certificates to the first baby of the year and the first baby boy. NAN reports that the First Lady was conducted around the hospitals maternity ward, where she congratulated the parents of other newborn babies. Welcoming the first lady, the acting Chief Medical Director of Asokoro District Hospital, Rosemary Nwokorie, commended President Bola Tinubus administration for its commitment to transforming the nations health sector. Ms Nwokorie also applauded the First Lady and the wife of the Vice-President for initiating various intervention programmes, especially the Renewed Hope Initiative, to assist vulnerable Nigerians, especially women and children. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The friendship between Carter and Obasanjo became so warm that they corresponded almost on a monthly basis, with the American leader regularly sounding out his Nigerian counterpart on almost every matter important to his administration in relation to African countries. Obasanjo, a fiery pan-Africanist, pulled no punches as he tackled Carter on American policies on the explosive political situations in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Namibia and South Africa. It appeared that Obasanjo and Carter hit it off immediately. How a military head of state and a democrat struck that level of cordiality with such near unbelievable speed remains unclear. On 26 January, 1977, six days after he was sworn in as president, Carter wrote Obasanjo signalling his commitment to repair the damaged relations between his country and Nigeria: As I begin my duties as president of the United States, I want you to know that my administration will join all friends of Africa to help achieve real independence and further economic and social progress for all peoples of that continent. I recognisethat Nigeria has a special role to play, justified not only by her size and economic importance, but also through the special dedication of her leaders to the ideals of freedom, self-determination, equal rights, and development. Nigerias efforts to achieve these ends at home and abroad are widely known and respected. As a matter of immediate attention,I want to assure you that the United States remains deeply concerned about the situation in southern Africa. We are fullycommitted to continue the search for peaceful solutions to the problems of Rhodesia and Namibia. My administration will carry on the efforts already begun to bring about peace and justice in the region. In the future, we will use our influence and good offices wherever they may be best applied to accomplish this goal. The United States does not assume that the search for peace in southern Africa will be an easy one. Despite these difficulties,we believe that it is important to give diplomacy every chance to work. I have asked Secretary of State, Cyrus Vance, to be in touch with you separately to consult on future steps we might take, and ways in which we can work together to achieve solutions for southern Africas difficult problems. Obasanjo had earlier on 24 January that year written the American president as follows: On behalf of myself, the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I should like to convey to you and to Mrs Carter sincere congratulations and good wishes on the occasion of your inauguration as the 39th president of the United States of America. 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 people of Nigeria and the people of your great country share a common belief in the freedom, equality and dignity of man, in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and of a just society. It is our hope and conviction that the bonds of goodwill which have always existed between our two countries will be further strengthened under your able and enlightened presidency, and that the United States and Nigeria will continue to work together more closely than ever before for the mutual benefit of our peoples and the enhancement of the quality of human life, peace and international understanding. Please accept, Mr President, the expression of my highest consideration and esteem. Sixteen days later, on 9 February, 1977, Carter corresponded with Obasanjo again, thanking him for his thoughtful and heartening message of good wishes as he assumed his new responsibilities as president of the United States. You have my assurance that the United States will continue its commitment to world peace and the strengthening of international cooperation, the American President wrote to his Nigerian counterpart. I want to strengthen the ties of friendship between the people of your country and ours. From that point on, Obasanjo and Carter interacted frequently like brothers or equals, while Nigeria-US relations took on a more significantly positive direction, going forward. To strongly underline his commitment to constructively engaging with Nigeria and the rest of Africa during his tenure, Carter immediately dispatched Andrew Young, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, to meet with Obasanjo and a few other leaders on the continent, in the effort to hear their views about Africas problems and possible US-African cooperation at the United Nations. As Young arrived Lagos on 7 February, 1977, after a visit to Tanzania and a brief stop-over in Kenya, he delivered a letter from President Carter, dated 31 January, to Obasanjo detailing possible ways of easing the strained relations between Nigeria and the United States. The letter introduced Ambassador Young and reiterated the promises Carter made in his 26 January letter to Obasanjo to work for solutions to the problems of southern Africa. As a congressman, Young had also written to Obasanjo in early December and received a personal reply from the Nigerian leader. The friendship between Carter and Obasanjo became so warm that they corresponded almost on a monthly basis, with the American leader regularly sounding out his Nigerian counterpart on almost every matter important to his administration in relation to African countries. Obasanjo, a fiery pan-Africanist, pulled no punches as he tackled Carter on American policies on the explosive political situations in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Namibia and South Africa. Even though he was quick to become quite friendly with President Carter, the Nigerian head of state was equally quick to caution that the new diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the US would depend on Americas attitude to the political impasse in southern Africa. We in Nigeria expect that a new chapter will be opened in the relations between our two countries and Ambassador Young will confirm to you our determination to maintain the momentum generated by African confidence in the present American administration based on a careful analysis of the past record and pronouncements of its leadership, Obasanjo wrote in his 22 March, 1977 reply to the 31 January letter to him by President Carter, which was hand delivered by Ambassador Young: It is my hope therefore that the confidence will be justified by the actions of your government in southern Africa in the weeks immediately ahead. He then called on the American President to partner him in taking immediate steps to resolve the protracted crises in Zimbabwe and Namibia. The two leaders continued to engage on these matters and things went so smoothly between them that Obasanjo became, arguably, one of Carters closest confidants, especially on African-related matters. The American leader apparently found the frequent interactions with his Nigerian counterpart interesting, insightful and enlightening. And soon, he became desirous of a face-to-face meeting with Obasanjo. At 6 p.m. Nigerian time on 12 May, 1977, one of Carters top appointees, Richard Cooper, arrived Lagos from Washington. He ate dinner that night at the residence of the then US ambassador to Nigeria, Donald Easum. The following morning, Cooper, an under-secretary of state for economic affairs, executed his principal mission for visiting the worlds most populous black nation. At a breakfast meeting with Joseph Garba, Nigerias commissioner for external affairs, Cooper delivered President Carters message inviting Obasanjo on a state visit to the US in October that year. A formal letter conveying that invitation was later delivered to the Nigerian head of state on 6 June, 1977. Under Secretary Cooper has informed me of the good talks that he had with members of your government during his recent visit to Nigeria, Mr Carter wrote in the four-paragraph letter. He continued: I appreciate their receiving him to discuss matters that are of such great importance to both our countries. I am sorry that you were not able to meet with Andy Young at this time, but we fully understand the scheduling difficulties that made this impossible. At my request, Mr Cooper extended an invitation to you through Commissioner Garba to visit the United States this coming October. I would like now to confirm that invitation formally and add my sincere personal hope that you will be able to accept it. The range of issues that involve Nigeria and the United States goes far beyond economic matters. We are both deeply concerned with the prospects for peace, justice and stability in Africa and about world peace generally. I am sure that personal contacts will enable both of us to discharge our responsibilities more effectively. In the meantime, I want to express my great regard and appreciation for the dynamic and constructive role that Nigeria is playing. We, too, have accepted heavy responsibilities, especially regarding the affairs of southern Africa, where our two countries share common goals. I have instructed Easum to keep you well informed on our activities and to relay to me any advice that you might have to offer. My wife and I look forward to seeing you this autumn. The letters between Obasanjo and Carter indicate how hugely influential Nigeria was in world affairs at the time. Obasanjo was firm and friendly. Carter made sure to court him consistently and to regularly reassure him of Americas support for matters dear to Nigeria, in particular, and Africa, in general. In one letter of 1 June, 1978, Obasanjo was acerbic as he accused the West, including the United States, of seeking to destabilise Africa. That missive was triggered by developments around the Zairian (Congo) crisis of 1978 After Obasanjo wrote to Carter accepting the invitation, the White House announced the proposed visit to the American public on 12 September, 1977. While preparations for the visit continued in Washington DC and Lagos, Obasanjo and Carter continued to strengthen their bond through regular correspondences. On Monday, 10 October, 1977, Obasanjo and his party flew into Washington, landing at the Andrews Air Force Base at 5 p.m. American time. The Nigerian leader was accompanied by the Commissioner for External Affairs, Joseph Garba; a member of the Supreme Military Council and Commander of the Armys Second Division, Major General Martin Adamu; Principal Secretary to the Head of State, Mohammed Arzika; and Ambassadors Olujimi Jolaoso (the Nigerian Ambassador to the US), Haruna ibn Musa and Joseph Abe Oladele Aladiri (director of the Africa Department at the Ministry of External Affairs). After a brief arrival ceremony at the airport, a waiting motorcade transported the Nigerian delegation to Blair House, the Guest House of the President of the United States, primarily used to host visiting dignitaries and other guests of the American leader. At 10:30 a.m. the following day, Obasanjo was hosted to the full honours arrival ceremony of the White House, followed by a meeting with President Carter thirty minutes later. The two leaders discussed matters concerning the political crises in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Angola, Namibia and South Africa, which had earlier on soured relations between the two countries. At the meeting, Carter confessed his admiration of Obasanjo and praised the Nigerian leader for the improvement in relations between our two countries, and for our friendship. In the past, the United Statesperception of Africa was not well informed, nor was it accurate. We value the visit of Nigeria because we value its advice and counsel, and because we feel that we can go forward on this basis for the benefit of the peace and prosperity of Africa. We have looked forward to your visit, not only to strengthen the strong bonds which tie us at present, but to work towards an improved relationship for the future. He described Obasanjo as a courageous fighter for liberty and independence and a distinguished military man in war, who had also proven to be a distinguished military leader in peace. In his remarks, Obasanjo said, My delegation and I are grateful for this opportunity to exchange views on international and bilateral issues. We must note that this opportunity would not have been possible without your will and determination, and the policies of your government that enabled it to occur. In the past, the policies of US administrations have left Africa disappointed. I wish you to understand, with respect to any reaction you may get from Africans which is less than enthusiastic, that the taste of disappointment needs time to disappear under the influence of the sweet taste of action. Therefore, if you are met with doubts in spite of your good intentions, you should understand this residue of distrust. We have concluded that, unlike past American administrations, your Administration has a distinct feature: it has had a definite African policy from its conception. We appreciate this change, although sometimes distortions appear in the press which hide the truth. He described his visit to the United States as marking a new and favourable tone in the efforts to foster cooperation and amity between Nigeria and Mr Carters country. As Obasanjo flew back to Nigeria on 15 October, 1977, Carter began preparations to embark on a reciprocal visit to Nigeria at the invitation of his Nigerian counterpart. From 31 March to 3 April, 1978, Mr Carter and his wife were guests of the Nigerian government, the first State Visit by an American President to sub-Saharan Africa. The US president said that visit provided him an opportunity to witness, first-hand, the aspirations, achievements and problems of contemporary Africa. In the course of the visit, the two Heads of State, in private and in the open, discussed bilateral and international issues especially the fratricidal conflicts raging at the time in the Horn of Africa and the horrendous state of affairs in southern Africa Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Namibia and South Africa. In-between the visits and until Obasanjo left office on 1 October, 1979, the Nigerian head of state and his American counterpart continued to exchange interesting correspondences, with Carter continually lavishing Obasanjo with praises. In one letter dated 12 November, 1977, he described Obasanjos leadership of Nigeria as inspirational. In another written on 4 April, 1978, the American leader, after appreciating the beautiful leather hassocks and fabric Obasanjo gave him in Lagos, pronounced the Nigerian leaders efforts at developing Nigeria as most impressive. Under your leadership, Nigeria is showing the way to solving African problems, Carter wrote. I hope that you sense the great importance which I attach to our continuing close relationship and to expanding the ties between our two countries. The bilateral economic working groups which we discussed should help us carry this work forward. Then I will count on you to contact me personally should you see any problem arising in expanding our cooperation. I value greatly our personal friendship and look forward to receiving your thoughts and advice. The letters between Obasanjo and Carter indicate how hugely influential Nigeria was in world affairs at the time. Obasanjo was firm and friendly. Carter made sure to court him consistently and to regularly reassure him of Americas support for matters dear to Nigeria, in particular, and Africa, in general. In one letter of 1 June, 1978, Obasanjo was acerbic as he accused the West, including the United States, of seeking to destabilise Africa. That missive was triggered by developments around the Zairian (Congo) crisis of 1978, in which France, Belgium, United States and Morocco teamed up with the Zairian Army to resist the invasion of the key Zairian cities of Shaba and Kolwezi by Cuban/Soviet-backed Katanga rebels. The Nigerian leaders letter to his American counterpart reads as follows: Dear President Carter, Further to my letter of the 20th of April of this year, and your reply of the 18th of May (1978) which I have greatly appreciated, I am delighted that the momentum thus far established in our bilateral relations has been maintained through the useful meeting of officials from our two countries that took place recently in the United States. The primary purpose of the present letter, however, is to express to you our grave concern about the extremely ominous and disquieting developments on the African continent as a whole since your last visit, about which, from all indications, you are equally concerned. First, we seem nowhere nearer a solution to the longstanding problems of independence in Zimbabwe and Namibia and, in my view, time is not on our side if the continuing tragedies in the loss of human lives and the massive destruction of property must be halted. It seems to us imperative, therefore, that Americas positive role in the two areas mentioned above should be kept up if a dangerous impasse must be avoided, with all the generalised disillusionment that would then occur. But what is perhaps even more disturbing, however, is that the security situation in Africa has suddenly taken a turn for the worse in the last few months, and we in Africa have now begun to ask ourselves whether interests alien to the continent have now decided once again to re-colonise Africa. Armed with your very comprehensive sources of information and when you reflect dispassionately over the current events in Africa: whether in Western Sahara, Tchad, Djibouti, or Zaire, where the French legion are now actively engaged in combat activities; or whether in Angola or in Ethiopia where Cuban/Russian intervention is equally clearly in evidence, the overall picture is certainly more than enough cause for anxiety. But the most recent case of Zaire is perhaps the most disturbing, considering the impetuous haste with which the western powers rushed to intervene militarily and to underscore Africas helplessness, in a situation that called for utmost caution and restraint. Consequently, the result as we now know it was an enormous loss of lives that could have been avoided if only good sense prevailed and negotiations were employed. But more ominous still, your excellency, are the recent moves in Paris and elsewhere, of which you are of course fully aware, to forge new instruments and devise new methods for naked aggression, and to re-colonise Africa, under the guise of a collective security arrangement embracing a few hand- picked collaborators on the African continent. We are most disturbed by these developments, and by all other attempts to destabilise Africa, be they from the east or from the west, because Africas greatest ambition is to be left alone to settle her own internal disputes her own way, and to develop her natural resources for the well-being of her peoples, of course with the cooperation of all well-meaning and genuine partners the world over. These are continental ambitions that will never be achieved in the present circumstances, if forces beyond the continent should make the realisation of our dreams a futility. We will resist such moves by all means. It is important to remark here that most of the teething problems of Africa that have been so seriously aggravated by foreign intervention are primarily of a socio-economic character, which are bound to disappear with the passage of time. It is in these areas that assistance should be given to Africa to ensure stability and lastingpeace. I have written at such length and in such detail, in order that you may be left in no doubt at all about our deep concernwith the current state of affairs in Africa, with particular reference to peace and stability, in the hope that you will do all that lies in your power to stem the menacing tide of African recolonisation under the guise of collective defence for Africa. For the rest, Mr. President, please permit me to express to you our very best wishes for your good health, and for the peace, happiness and continued prosperity of the good people of the United States of America. It was not only on the Zairian crisis that Obasanjo disagreed sharply with Carter. In one case, the American president had written Obasanjo on 16 August, 1978, informing him of his plan to hold a meeting in Camp David with President Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel, whose countries were then locked in a fierce battle after the Israel Defence Forces captured the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt in a six-day war a development that sparked intense tension in the Middle East. Carter responded 20 days later explaining the circumstances that motivated the United States and its allies to intervene in Zaire, while allaying Obasanjos fears that a possible recolonisation of Africa was in the making. The 20 June, 1978 letter goes: I appreciate the opportunity afforded by your letter of June 1 to exchange views with you on recent events in Zaire and the initiatives which the United States has supported to deal with both the immediate and longer-term problems of that troubled nation. I would also like to share with you my thoughts on the broader problem of outside influence in Africa. The frankness of your letter was most welcome and I will reply in the same spirit. First of all, I want to reassure you on the nature and intent of our participation in the Shaba operation and in future efforts to restore the stability of Zaire. Our initial decision to provide support to the air rescue mission at Kolwezi was based on humanitarian concerns. Subsequent events proved this concern to be tragically warranted. This support was provided at the express request of the government of Zaire. The situation now existing in Shaba could trigger economic collapse, regional fragmentation and widespread suffering throughout Zaire. If the economic life of Shaba is to be restored and a further breakdown in order avoided, there must be a more effective military presence there than the Zairian army is able to provide. It is clearly undesirable that French and Belgian forces remain there indefinitely. Some African states have offered to take theirplace. At the request of all involved, we facilitated this exchange of units by providing a limited U.S. airlift. In view of theurgency of Zaires economic and security problems, we attended a meeting in Paris on June 5 to discuss them with the French and other concerned European governments. I assure you that our focus is strictly on the present situation in Shaba. I have never considered supporting or participating in a pan-African force and I would look on any moves to re-colonise Africaas both foolish and dangerous. We attended the June 13-14 meeting in Brussels to consider, with the government of Zaire, longer range plans for internal reform and economic recovery. It is impossible to imagine any benefit that might follow to Zaire or to Africa from a repetition of the internal chaos which plagued Zaire in the early and mid-1960s and with which you are so personally familiar. We share however with your government concerns about the practices and policies of the Zaire government. Our purpose is not simply to support the status quo. Fundamental reform must be an integral part of any lasting solution to Zaires difficulties, and we intend to link firmly to reforms the assistance we may be able to lend. There is a pressing need for reconciliation between Zaire and Angola and for a negotiated agreement between them that each will respect their common border and will not contribute to the others internal unrest. The United States strongly supported your efforts to mediate such an agreement after the first invasion of Shaba. We quietly encouraged the January Angola-Zaire talks in Brazzaville. Some progress was made and I believe a resumption of mediation efforts would be constructive at this time. I would appreciate your views on how the two parties might best be brought together for substantive negotiations. As we have discussed before, the United States fully supports Africas desire to be free from outside influence and is committed to support African states working through the OAU in seeking solutions to major issues. Recent developments in Zaire have not altered this commitment. We cannot, however, ignore the activities of the Soviet Union and Cuba. Though these activities may sometimes coincide with the legitimate aspirations of Africans, they are, in our view, directed primarily toward enhancement of Moscows and Havanas own special interests. They seem to prefer military solutions, which pit African against African, take human lives and prolong suffering, rather than peaceful settlements which can bring lasting stability. Soviet overarming of Somalia directly contributed to the conflict in the Ogaden. This, I have had to conclude, was the case also in Shaba. We are persuaded by the evidence that Cuban personnel worked closely with the Katagans in the weeks and months preceding the attack on Kolwezi. Soviet and Cuban aggravation of local disputes should be of real concern to the international community and to all African nations, since it interjects an unnecessary and dangerous east-west competitive element into the continent. Our reaction to the Shaba problem was not, however, one of reflexive anti-communism or cold war politics. It was based on humanitarian concern and respect for the principle of economic and political integrity of a legitimate African government. The efforts of the OAU to deal with the Shaba conflict, as well as those in Eritrea, the Ogaden, Chad and the Spanish Sahara, have thus far been of little avail, despite constructive efforts by many African governments. Left to fester they are an open invitation to outside involvement. I hope the Khartoum meeting will produce effective African solutions and I would welcome your advice and views on how the serious political and economic problems which confront Africa can be solved within the OAU and African community. Recent events in Zaire have in no way diminished our commitment to our common efforts to bring about a peaceful transition to majority rule in the countries of southern Africa. These efforts have been and remain the paramount concern of U.S. policy in Africa. Here again, however, I would point out that despite direct requests, the Soviet Union has never supported our efforts to find negotiated solutions for Zimbabwe and Namibia. Ambassador Low and John Graham are currently in Rhodesia, seeking to convince the Salisbury group that the interests of their people are best served by entering into direct negotiations with the Patriotic Front. Ambassador Low and Mr. Graham will also travel to other southern African capitals for discussion with front line and Patriotic Front officials. We continue to believe that the inherent weaknesses of the Salisbury agreement will become even more apparent in the coming weeks and that the participants in the so-called interim government will recognise the need to enter into negotiations through our proposal for an all-parties meeting, which you and I discussed in Lagos. I have been encouraged by the outcome of the recent Luanda meeting of frontline leaders and SWAPO. It should be possible forthe contact group to resume shortly its discussions with SWAPO and other interested parties. South Africas unjustified and unfortunate May 4 attack on Cassinga has caused a serious interruption to the fives efforts, but we hope that we can soon solve the remaining problems and reach our objective of concluding an agreement on Namibia. In my speech at the U.S. Naval Academy last week, I publicly reconfirmed the basic commitment of the United States to affirmative policies in Africa that recognise African realities and aspirations. I called on all powers to join in emphasisingworks of peace rather than weapons of war in their assistance to Africa. Your counsel continues to be of immense value in thepursuit of this commitment. I look forward to hearing from you further. It was not only on the Zairian crisis that Obasanjo disagreed sharply with Carter. In one case, the American president had written Obasanjo on 16 August, 1978, informing him of his plan to hold a meeting in Camp David with President Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel, whose countries were then locked in a fierce battle after the Israel Defence Forces captured the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt in a six-day war a development that sparked intense tension in the Middle East. The Six-Day War, also known as the Third ArabIsraeli War, raged from 5-10 June, 1967 between Israel and a coalition of Arab states, primarily comprising Egypt, Jordan and Syria. Carters invitations to Begin and Sadat was sequel to initial historic reconciliation meetings in Jerusalem and Ismailia nine months earlier. This is excerpted from Chapter 25 of The Letterman: Inside the Secret Letters of former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo by Musikilu Mojeed with the title, Camaraderie and Clashes With President Jimmy Carter. The book, which is available in bookstores across the country, and at Premium Times offices, can also be ordered from Amazon. Musikilu Mojeed is the Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times newspapers and Chief Operating Officer of the Premium Times Group. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The only way for this marriage to stay on the happily-ever-after lane is mutual respect and understanding of what each party brings to the table. I can still see the D-G, SSS in his impeccable suit as he told us to stop shaking the table. Well try, sir, but shaking the table is what we do. Well just try to do it within the ambits of the law, respect the space of the sacred grove and the New Sherrifs masquerade. One bright afternoon, some years ago, I decided to make a quick stop at my favourite shoes-and-bags shop on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos. As I approached the shop, I noticed an armed guard at the entrance. He was carrying a familiar gun the intimidating but innocent-looking big thing only a certain agency in Nigeria bears. Oh, a SSS (State Security Service) personnel was on the premises. A DSS guy shopping for his lady or a SSS lady taking time off to buy high heels and a nice clutch? I stepped in and lo and behold, testing a nice blue pair of eye-popper heels, was a SSS lady of note and record. Go on, guess all you want. I aint helping or telling. Is this a story about high-heeled shoes? Nah. Its a story about SSS, SSS guns, SSS and the Nigerian media and their tough marriage. So at this years conference of the International Press Institute (IPI), Nigerias chapter, I was looking forward to seeing dozens of the SSS designer guns on display. Maybe Id even get to touch one, I thought. And why not? The SSS chief, yeah, the Director-General of the SSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi was going to deliver a paper and I was on the panel that would discuss that paper. So I got to the venue early. Didnt want those hard poker-faced dudes getting there before me. But there was no gun in sight. What the heck? Was he standing us up, sending a representative? He came himself and when he did, the guns were still missing. Nobody was wearing a black shirt or an overall with bold DSS inscribed on it. Whats going on here? When Mr Ajayi finally got on the podium (he, himself, looking like a bank CEO), he explained why the guns were out of sight. It was a long counselling session, the kind a wife gets even when shes the one who woke the husband up with, Honey, we need to talk. His topic was Dissecting the frosty relationship between the Nigerian Media and Security Agencies. He read from no notes, speaking directly from the heart. His message was clear, delivered in stern terms and tone. Theres no frosty relationship (I added Honey in my head). The SSS is the SSS. Its a security agency. Its a secret police. SSS protects its information. The media looks for information. Breaking news can break security. 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 choice of words the media uses can damage things. The media throw it out there. The SSS keeps it from getting out. So, how do these two people who are brought up differently, trained differently, live lovingly in their federally and nationally arranged marriage? Even the Bible says two cannot work together except they agree. Wait, maybe thats the key to the resolution. Agreement. For this marriage to work, the Media and DSS will have to agree on their differences and how to live with them. Even if the SSS Chief insisted that there is no such thing as a frosty relationship between the newsroom and security, this couple still need to sit down and agree on the knotty issues. If a wife says it is not well and the husband says it is well, then we need to find out whats in the well. If a husband says it is full and the wife says it is empty, we need to check the cup and look at why the two are seeing different things. First, can the SSS be more open, and .em em perhaps unscrap the scrapped office of the DSS spokesperson? Wha-a-t? Tosin Ajayi almost blew something. A secret police with a spokesperson? How does that add up? The SSS is like a sacred masquerade or Oro. It does not talk anyhow everywhere. The SSS is like a circumspect Yoruba Oba, who must not eat in public. Ok, those are my words, my understanding of the seriousness of the situation. The media want answers, voices in their stories, operating within deadlines that must be met. How do we deliver our stories when the SSS doesnt want to be seen? Tosin Ajayi said all of that can be arranged without the office of the spokesman of SSS. Seriously? What has changed? Well, I learnt that this new Sherrif is a thoroughbred secret cop who rose through the ranks, and not a politician or political appointee who got lucky. No, Ajayi started as a rookie, and after three decades-plus of labour, hes here determined to restore the dignity of the service. The mask must stay on and the masquerade must stay in the grove, unless there is reason for it to visit the people. Do you see why this relationship is rocky, if not frosty? Journalists are excited by masks. They want to know who is behind the mask. Whats the mask made of and indeed what goes on in the grove? Why does the masquerade speak in a guttural voice? Does it have a cold or it just wants to confuse the populace? Secrets and secret hunters can hardly ever be on the same page. That is why the innocent-looking SSS guns are out of sight and the bold SSS labels are now covered by long cloaks. Tosin Ajayi doesnt want his men in our faces, even when they are all over us. A masquerade that goes to the village market every day will soon lose his mask to little boys who would think hes one of them and not a spirit. That was why they were all dressed like bankers at the IPI Conference. But we, yes editors, knew they were not one of us. I know they also knew we were not one of them. They did their thing and we did ours. Come to think of it, wasnt that what the new SSS Chiefs presentation was about? Seriously, the media and the SSS both want the same thing a safe environment, safe nation. The two just use different routes to the market. Different trainings, different ways of life for two different professionals expected to work together. Tough but doable. The boss at the Yellow House comes across as a man who came into this job prepared. He knows the service he joined more than 30 years ago and he didnt like the turn it took somewhere along the way. Hes a man on a mission, determined to keep the Secret in the State Service, while maintaining a smart and smooth relationship with the newsroom. The only way for this marriage to stay on the happily-ever-after lane is mutual respect and understanding of what each party brings to the table. I can still see the D-G, SSS in his impeccable suit as he told us to stop shaking the table. Well try, sir, but shaking the table is what we do. Well just try to do it within the ambits of the law, respect the space of the sacred grove and the New Sherrifs masquerade. Funke Egbemode is a former president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print by Xinhua writer Deng Xianlai WASHINGTON, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Jan. 1, 2025, marks the 46th anniversary of the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic relations. Against the backdrop of profound changes unseen in a century and clamorous anti-China rhetoric among some U.S. politicians, it is time to remember late U.S. President Jimmy Carter's legacy and navigate this pivotal relationship forward. Carter's determination to normalize China-U.S. relations in 1979, which he referred to as the "crowning achievement of his life," testified to his vision and courage. Amid Cold War tensions, Carter acted decisively to sever official ties with Taiwan, setting the stage for steady and sound growth of bilateral ties. Today, as the bilateral relationship is encountering heavy headwinds, Carter's legacy serves as a reminder to Washington of the importance of strategic sobriety and vision. If history is any guide, at the core of a sound China-U.S. relationship stands the common understanding that, despite widely differing political systems, historical experiences, and cultural backgrounds, the two countries share a profound stake in the stability and prosperity of the world. Over the past 46 years, this commitment to cooperation has been instrumental in addressing global challenges and bringing about tremendous benefits to both sides and the world at large. China-U.S. relations are, in essence, defined by mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. Over the years, both nations have leveraged their complementary strengths to make bigger the "pie" of cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples. Economic and trade cooperation has laid the cornerstone of their relationship, with trade having shot up more than 200-fold. Two-way investments have topped 260 billion U.S. dollars, with over 70,000 American companies operating in China and generating annual profits of 50 billion dollars. On top of these, exports to China support 930,000 jobs back in the United States. Despite clamorous "decoupling" and "de-risking" rhetoric among some U.S. politicians, China-U.S. cooperation has by no means been a zero-sum game. Over decades of development, the interests of the two countries have become deeply intertwined. The path of mutual benefit remains the only viable choice for both. As Apple CEO Tim Cook quipped, "There's no supply chain in the world that's more critical to us than China." Rather than define the relationship in a zero-sum rivalry mentality, the United States needs to work with China to focus on expanding the areas of converging interests and finding the maximum common ground. Whether in trade, scientific innovation, people-to-people exchanges, or pursuit of world peace, opportunities for win-win outcomes abound. The China-U.S. relationship has long gone beyond a bilateral scope and become a crucial factor in shaping the future of humanity. In a rapidly evolving international landscape, Carter's legacy serves as an earnest exhortation that China and the United States must explore the right way to get along with each other, not least by engaging in dialogue, managing differences, enhancing mutual trust, removing misunderstandings and expanding cooperation, so as to deliver benefits to the two countries and the world at large. The year 2024 marked 25 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria. The 2024 electoral calendar, featuring four types of national and state elections tested public confidence in the electoral process and the commitment of democratic institutions and political actors to electoral integrity. At the federal level, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted two off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo, bye-elections in two senatorial districts in Yobe and Ebonyi states, as well as four federal constituencies, and three state constituencies. Additionally, court ordered rerun elections arising from the decisions of election tribunals on the 2023 general elections held in thirty-six federal constituencies. At the sub-national level, state electoral commissions conducted local government elections in 28 states. Disappointingly, these elections dampened citizens trust as they were signposted by poor management, electoral malpractices, vote buying, electoral violence and unbridled political interference. As Yiaga Africa noted, local government elections were a travesty of democratic elections. The 2024 electoral cycle exposed the fragility of Nigerias electoral process and affirmed that political actors were succeeding in rolling back most reforms previously introduced to enhance the quality of Nigerian elections. In the bye-elections and re-run elections, seven parties won constituencies as follows: the All Progressives Congress (APC) won 20 constituencies, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured 15, Young Progressive Party (YPP) won four, New Nigerias Peoples Party (NNPP) won three while African Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Labour Party (LP) each won one constituency. APC won the two off-cycle governorship elections. For the local government elections, the party of the incumbent state governor overwhelmingly secured all the local government chairman positions and councillor seats except in very few instances where some seats were allocated to other parties. 2024 Electoral Headwinds and Critical Takeaways Election logistics challenges, a persistent but surmountable issue For over two decades, every election (national and local) has been plagued with delays or shortages in materials and personnel. While some of these operational challenges are deliberately created to influence electoral outcomes, others reflect a poor planning culture. However, the elections held in 2024 affirm that intentional planning, foresight and attention to detail can reverse the trend of logistics challenges. Most elections conducted by INEC in 2024 recorded early arrival of election materials except in the Edo governorship election, the Plateau bye-election and Enugu rerun election. Even in the face of election logistics sabotage by external actors, INEC demonstrated resilience by activating other options to ensure election materials and personnel were deployed in good time. 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 Increasing mockery of tech-enabled innovations for protecting election integrity In 2020, INEC introduced the BVAS and IReV to strengthen the integrity, transparency and credibility of election results management. While the BVAS ensures only eligible registered voters cast their ballot and prevents multiple voting, the IReV ensures voters can access polling unit level results, enhancing transparency of elections results and disincentivising manipulation of election results during collation. However, cases of multiple results from a polling unit, discrepancies in hardcopy results sheets and results uploaded on the IReV revealed the extent to which political actors, enabled by compromised election officials, undermined the same technology aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. Concerns about cost, technology penetration, and cybersecurity did not drive the initial opposition to the BVAS and IReV. Instead, it was largely driven by the fear that technology could potentially expose and limit electoral fraud. For instance, the IReV and BVAS exposed human interference with election results or accreditation data. Without these tools, the public would remain unaware of the depth of electoral manipulation experienced in recent elections. No more red lines A dark side of the 2024 electoral cycle was the tactics employed by the political class toward electoral politics. In an attempt to secure electoral victories at all costs, political actors brazenly utilised election manipulation tactics including results tampering, intimidation of election officials and violent disruption of elections to undermine all efforts to strengthen electoral integrity. For instance, INEC had to suspend bye-elections in Kano, Akwa Ibom and Enugu due to disruption, irregularities and abduction of election officials. In the Kunchi/Tsanyawa state constituency, political actors mobilised thugs to hijack election materials and conduct the election. Similarly, in the recent Edo governorship election, collation officers allegedly altered results from four LGAs during collation. Local government elections were not exempt, as SIECs disregarded actual votes cast and allocated votes to candidates of ruling parties in the states. These patterns of election manipulation are consistent with those from previous elections, further undermining the legitimacy of the outcomes. INEC and SIECs capture Is real Political interference and assault on the operational and financial independence of election management bodies is a potent tool employed by political actors, especially incumbents to tilt the electoral scale in their favour. Many electoral commissions were starved of funds to conduct elections. INEC is believed to have received its funding late to conduct the off-cycle elections. During a recent roundtable on local government elections hosted by Yiaga Africa, most Chairpersons lamented how state governors deprive SIECs of funds. In some cases, election procurements were even determined by state governors. The appointment of partisan individuals into electoral commissions to serve vested political interest deepens the distrust in the electoral process. Many civil society groups who opposed the appointment of some Resident Electoral Commissioners based on concerns over competence, experience and neutrality felt vindicated by their conduct during the 2024 elections. For instance, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo state whose familial ties to federal minister was a subject of controversy due to his familial links with a federal minister, raising concerns about neutrality. However, calls for his redeployment in the build-up to the Edo governorship elections were rejected by INEC. The logistics challenges and poor stakeholder engagement underscored his lack of experience. In contrast, the REC for Ondo, a former INEC Director exhibited exemplary competence and capacity which led to the successful conduct of the 2024 Ondo governorship election. In Ondo, by 7:30am, polling officials had arrived in 71 per cent of polling units, unlike 43 per cent recorded in Edo. This marked difference underscores the imperative of experience and competence in nominating individuals into INEC. At the state level, governors appointed their former aides and card-carrying members of political parties into SIECs. These strategic appointments are intentional political strategy to strip electoral commissions are stripped of the independence and capacity to deliver credible elections. On a positive note, 2024 saw an increasing trend of appointing former and current INEC staff as Resident Electoral Commissioners and National Commissioners. While this practice may potentially enhance the quality of nominations into INEC given their expertise, it must be based on competence, integrity and proven records of high performance. Introducing a mandatory timeframe during which former INEC staff must be out of the commission before becoming eligible for such appointments is necessary to necessary to avoid perceptions of bias. A definite timeframe would prevent the approach from being misconstrued as a reward for delivering favorable outcomes, particularly since the appointing authority benefits directly from elections conducted by INEC. Vote buying remain a growing blight The conversion of polling units into market place for buying and selling of votes delegitimises electoral outcomes. This menace has become entrenched in Nigerias electoral process with all elections held in 2024 recording widespread vote buying. As reported by most election observers, votes traded between N5000 N20,000 in off-cycle governorship elections. The higher the competitiveness an election, the higher the cost of a vote. The challenging economic situation of the country has further exacerbated the cases of vote buying in 2024. On a positive note, while enforcement agencies have made arrests, prosecution of electoral offenders are still pending. Among law enforcement agencies, the Economic and Finance Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) stood out for arresting vote buyers in Edo and Ondo. Other security agencies and law enforcement agencies need to demonstrate greater commitment to combating the menace of vote buying. These 2024 headwinds explain the apparent lack of public confidence in the electoral process. It also reaffirms the weaknesses of democratic institution like INEC, SIECs, and political parties. The reliance of old election rigging tactics further attests to these weaknesses. As the culture of impunity deepens so does the legitimacy of electoral outcomes. The urgency of electoral reform preceded by character reform is the only path to reclaiming electoral integrity and rebuilding trust in the electoral system. Charting the Path to Electoral Integrity in 2025 and Beyond 2025 is a crucial year for laying the groundwork for Nigerias 2027 general election. In December 2025, there will a leadership transition at the helm of INEC as the current Chairman of the commission completes his second and final term. This leadership transition will significantly impact the management of the 2027 elections. The National Assembly must also conclude all electoral amendments to provide certainty in the legal framework for the next elections. Impressively, both chambers have committed to concluding the reforms by mid 2025. As we look forward to 2025, the following four hurdles must be scaled to guarantee clean and safe elections for the coming year and beyond: First, rebuilding citizens trust in the capacity of proposed electoral reforms to address the excesses of political actors and systemic challenges in the electoral process and secondly, concluding all election-related administrative, legal and constitutional reforms in 2025 to ensure certainty in the legal framework ahead of the February 2026 release of the 2027 election timetable. Thirdly, building national consensus on the composition of INEC and SIECS, especially the qualification, mode of appointment and mechanisms for safeguarding the operational and financial independence of election management bodies and lastly, securing the commitment of key stakeholders like INEC, security agencies, political parties and transport unions like the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to credible, inclusive and peaceful elections. Surmounting these hurdles requires leadership and statesmanship from the president and the National assembly, active citizenship, and, finally, a resilient, cohesive, and unbiased civil society and media. Samson Itodo is an election, democracy, and public policy enthusiast. Itodo serves as the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa and Principal Partner of the Election Law Center. He is also a member of the Kofi Annan Foundation board and the Board of Advisers of International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). Comments and feedback to sitodo@yiaga.org Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Hope Uzodimma has assented to the N807 billion Imo Appropriation Bill for the 2025 fiscal year. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the House of Assembly reviewed the amount from an initial N756 billion. Speaking shortly after signing the bill into law on Tuesday in Owerri, the governor pledged full and faithful implementation of the budget. He said that the increase was based on an alignment between the Executive and the Legislature in providing essential services to the people. Mr Uzodimma, who expressed his satisfaction over the expeditious passage of the bill, pledged to immediately commence the budget implementation. The 2025 appropriation law showed that 86.09 per cent of the total budget outlay, amounting to about N694 billion, was approved for capital expenditures, while 13.91 per cent, about N112 billion, was allocated for recurrent expenditures. The Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development got more than N297 billion (42.8 per cent) and the Ministry of Transport, N101 billion (14.5 per cent). 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 Ministry of Power and Electrification received N74 billion (10.8 per cent), while the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was allocated N50 billion (7.2 per cent) of the budget. The Ministry of Education got N49 billion (7.1 per cent), while the Ministry of Health received N31 billion (4.65 per cent). I have just signed into law the 2025 Imo State Appropriation Bill, which now has the force of law and serves as the financial operational manual for the state. The total 2025 budget, as amended by the Assembly and signed into law, is N807,088,041,220, he stated. He commended the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly for expediting the bills passage and increasing the budget estimate. This Budget of Expanded Economic Opportunities is designed to drive the economic transformation of our state through improved infrastructure and industrialisation. Beyond focusing on making our economy one of the fastest-growing in the region, we aim to position the state as a prime destination for genuine investors. We will create expanded economic opportunities through investment and job creation, he said. He called on the stakeholders to support his administration in its endeavour to set Imo on a path of sustainable development. Earlier, the Speaker, Chike Olemgbe, explained that the bill was carefully crafted, a situation that made their job easy and seamless. Mr Olemgbe also said that the proposal showed that the governor was determined to give Imo people Expanded Economic Opportunities as contained in the budget. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print NEW YORK, Jan. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the New Year was ushered in last night before millions at Times Square, New York and globally, also taking center stage was The Chinese 'Spring Festival,' which is now on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List. The celebration was featured on seven massive screens in Times Square and showcased stunning Chinese performances, presented by the Sino-American Friendship Association. Visuals of famous Chinese landmarks, such as Huangshan's ancient "Welcoming Pine," the Canton Tower, and other vibrant cultural and tourism sites, as well as immersive experiences, highlighted Southern Airlines' services, while artworks by renowned Chinese artists such as the ink painting, "Swift Success," by Xikun Yuan; and the colorful oil painting, "Melody of Heaven," by Xiang Shi, were also featured. These scenes captured the natural beauty and cultural splendor of contemporary China, alongside the festive atmosphere of the Chinese Spring Festival. The event opened with an artistic performance titled the "Taste of Intangible Cultural Heritage: Spring Festival Celebration." The performance featured a lively Chinese opera and a mix of traditional Chinese modern dance, reflecting the dynamic development of Chinese culture while conveying values of peace, harmony and co-existence between all people and nature. Many revelers at the Times Square event excitedly shared: "This is my first time learning about the Chinese Spring Festival. We may fly with China Southern Airlines to China for the Spring Festival." In 2024, the Spring Festival was officially inscribed in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. China has 59 UNESCO World Heritage sites and one of the most iconic is the "Welcoming Pine Tree" in Mount Huangshan. The tree grows from the edge of a cliff and has been alive for over 800 years, symbolizing the resilience of the Chinese people. Mount Huangshan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its distinctive granite peaks, ancient pine trees and mist-covered landscapes. It is often described as "Heaven on Earth," and is celebrated as one of China's most outstanding natural and cultural landmarks. As the world rang in 2025, the inclusion of Chinese cultural heritage at the heart of the Times Square celebration underscored the growing global appreciation of Chinese rich traditions and its contributions to world culture. Media Contact: Cimagine International Group [email protected] SOURCE Sino-American Friendship Association (SAFA) Company Continues Providing Top-Quality Services Throughout Central Georgia ATLANTA, Jan. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Allgood Plumbing brand, known since 2005 for delivering top-quality plumbing services throughout Central Georgia, has announced a rebrand. The company will be called Allgood Home Services to reflect the expanded services. Allgood Home Services will offer comprehensive plumbing and HVAC services to residential and commercial customers in Atlanta, Athens, and beyond. Trust the Allgood Team for your home services needs. "Allgood Plumbing has been amongst the top plumbing service providers in the Atlanta area, with highly trained technicians providing exceptional service at a competitive price," said Vice President Kenny Matula. "While our name has changed, our commitment to you has not. We are proud to now offer our customers a greater variety of home services. Trust the Allgood Home Services team to meet your needs as your all-in-one home service provider." To celebrate the rebranding and enhanced services, Allgood is offering limited-time discounts. Learn more and schedule your home services appointment today by visiting https://www.callallgood.com or calling (770) 908-8488. SOURCE Allgood Home Services Pierre Cremieux Becomes CEO; Martha Samuelson to Continue as Chairman BOSTON, Jan. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Analysis Group, one of the largest international economics consulting firms, announced that Pierre Cremieux is now its CEO, effective January 1, 2025. Dr. Cremieux had been the President of Analysis Group since 2016, working closely with Martha Samuelson, the former CEO and Chairman, and others as part of the firm's leadership team. Ms. Samuelson will continue as Analysis Group's Chairman and maintain her active consulting practice. Analysis Group Chairman Martha Samuelson Analysis Group CEO Pierre Cremieux "Having Pierre become our CEO is a major milestone for our firm," said Ms. Samuelson. "Pierre is a gifted and empathetic leader. We are excited by our future with him at the helm." "It is an honor to take on this role, and I look forward to continuing the work that Martha has done over the previous decades, including providing outstanding service to our clients and building and reinforcing our very special culture," said Dr. Cremieux. "Our partnership and our firm are thriving. I am delighted that Martha will continue as Chairman of the Analysis Group board and, as well, that she will remain an active partner." To learn more about Analysis Group's capabilities, visit AnalysisGroup.com About Analysis Group: Analysis Group is one of the largest international economics consulting firms, with 1,500 professionals across 14 offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Since 1981, we have provided expertise in economics, finance, health care analytics, and strategy to top law firms, Fortune Global 500 companies, and government agencies worldwide. Our internal experts, together with our network of affiliated experts from academia, industry, and government, offer our clients exceptional breadth and depth of expertise. Contact: Analysis Group Jennifer Cathell [email protected] SOURCE Analysis Group On World Introvert Day, HushLoudly recognizes companies demonstrating a commitment to introvert inclusion CHICAGO, Jan. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HushLoudly, a podcast and brand dedicated to advocating for introversion, celebrates companies that have established employee resource groups (ERGs), education, programming, special events, and content that honor individuals' preferences for introversion. These organizations are leading the way in bringing positive attention and understanding to the differences in personality styles through advocacy, education, resources, and support. On World Introvert Day, HushLoudly recognizes companies demonstrating a commitment to introvert inclusion. Post this Best Companies for Introverts 2025 "Half the world is introverted, and these corporations and publishers recognize that creating environments where employees and audiences feel seen and heard, can positively impact the overall work culture, communities and/or readership," said Dr. Jeri Bingham, Founder of HushLoudly and Black Introvert Week. "Their commitment is demonstrated through the development of tailored initiatives addressing the unique needs of introverted employees, communities, and audiences, prioritizing psychological safety, as well as professional and personal well-being." Best Companies for Introverts 2025: 84.51, for developing an employee resource group, ITOPiA that provides awareness around introversion, celebrates how introverts lean into their strengths, and honors their needs in the workplace. The Kroger Company, for developing an employee resource group, ITOPiA that provides awareness around introversion, celebrates how introverts lean into their strengths, and honors their needs in the workplace. The Myers-Briggs Company, creator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI ), for helping organizations improve teams, develop leaders, and solve challenges by empowering individuals to be the best versions of themselves by enriching their understanding of themselves and others. Rolling Out for developing introvert-focused content and panel discussions for its premier annual events, Peace and Purpose and Sisters with Superpowers, that promote and include introversion by highlighting the innovative leadership styles of introverts. The Standard (UK) for developing impactful content and programming such as The Bigger Life Festival that features activities and experts on various topics (including introversion) for the purpose of inspiring individuals to take meaningful steps toward their goals. Ryan Showalter, ITOPiA's co-founder, emphasized its mission to create an inclusive environment where introverts can thrive. "At 84.51, we recognize the importance of creating spaces that empower every employee to bring their whole selves to work. ITOPiA plays a key role in ensuring introverts feel valued and understood." Showalter noted that being named a 'Best Company for Introverts' reflects their commitment to this vision and the passion of employee-led groups like ITOPiA. Ten organizations were nominated and reviewed by a committee that assessed each company's introvert-focused programming. Four companies headquartered in the U.S. and one in the UK were selected for the inaugural list which is published at hushloudly.com/bestcompaniesforintroverts. HushLoudly is an award-winning podcast that amplifies the voice of introverts and is the brand behind global recognition lists, Gamechangers: Introverts to Watch 2023, 2024, 2025, Best Companies for Introverts 2025 and Black Introvert Week, 2/18-2/15. HushLoudly Founder Dr. Jeri Bingham is an introvert advocate, podcaster, presenter, and instructor whose research and coursework focus on how introverts inform, influence, and lead. Contact: Jeri Bingham, [email protected] SOURCE HushLoudly: Introverts Redefined SANTA FE, New Mexico, Dec. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the globally renowned retail chain offering affordable and unique products, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its first store in New Mexico. The new store will open on January 11th, 2025, at Plaza Santa Fe, located at 3553 Zafarano Drive in Santa Fe. This marks an exciting milestone as Daiso expands its footprint into New Mexico for the first time. "We are beyond excited to open our first New Mexico location in Santa Fe," said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA. "Santa Fe is a fantastic community, and we've seen growing demand for Daiso's unique and affordable products. We look forward to offering local customers a wide variety of items at unbeatable prices." The Santa Fe store spans 9,438 square feet and features an extensive selection of products across multiple categories, including Japanese-inspired home decor, kitchenware, beauty products, stationery, and snacks. Known for its fun, treasure-hunt shopping experience, Daiso delivers unique products at affordable prices, making it a favorite for savvy shoppers. "We're excited to bring the Daiso experience to New Mexico," said John Clarke, Chief Development Officer for Daiso USA. "We've received strong interest from customers in this region, and we're eager to finally offer them a range of affordable and innovative products. This opening is part of our broader expansion, with more locations planned across the U.S. in 2025. We invite everyone to come and Discover Daiso." To celebrate the grand opening, Daiso will offer special promotions. On January 11th and 12th, the first 100 customers who make a minimum purchase of $30 will receive a special Daiso goodie bag as a thank-you for their support and a warm welcome to the Daiso family. The Santa Fe store will be located at: Plaza Santa Fe , 3553 Zafarano Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87507 Store hours will be Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daiso invites customers to visit the new location and explore the wide range of products. About Daiso: Daiso is a global retail chain founded in Japan, known for its wide selection of affordable, high-quality products. Daiso entered the U.S. market in 2005 and has since expanded into multiple states. The company's U.S. headquarters is in Anaheim, CA. SOURCE Daiso USA CALEXICO, Calif. and CORONA, Calif. and LEMON GROVE, Calif., Dec. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the globally recognized retail chain known for its affordable, unique products, is excited to announce the grand opening of three additional stores in California on January 11th, 2025. These new locations will be in Calexico, Corona, and Lemon Grove, marking an important milestone in Daiso's continued expansion across the United States. "We are thrilled to further expand our presence in California with these three new store openings," said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA. "The response from California customers has been overwhelmingly positive and we're grateful for the support of our customers. These new stores reflect the demand for Daiso's wide range of affordable and innovative products." The new stores will carry a wide variety of items, including home essentials, kitchenware, beauty products, stationery, and Japanese snackscatering to the diverse needs of California shoppers. Daiso's commitment to offering affordable and unique items has earned it a loyal customer base in the region. "California shoppers have embraced Daiso's concept, and we're excited to make our products more accessible with these new locations," said John Clarke, Chief Development Officer for Daiso USA. "We currently operate 167 stores across eight states, and these openings will allow us to serve our loyal customers while reaching new communities." To celebrate the grand openings, Daiso will offer exclusive promotions at all three locations. The first 100 customers who make a minimum purchase of $30 on January 11th and 12th will receive a special Daiso goodie bag. This is Daiso's way of thanking both new and loyal customers for their continued support. The three new stores will be located at: 2300 Imperial Avenue, Suite K, Calexico, CA 92231 3347 Grand Oaks, Corona, CA 92881 92881 7116 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945 Each store will operate Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daiso invites customers to visit and explore their latest selection of affordable and unique products. About Daiso: Founded in Japan, Daiso is a global retail chain offering an expansive selection of affordable products. Daiso entered the U.S. market in 2005 and has since expanded across multiple states. The company's U.S. headquarters is in Anaheim, CA. SOURCE Daiso USA HONG KONG, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Three men were killed and four other people injured in a fatal traffic accident early Wednesday in Hong Kong, police said. The accident involving six vehicles happened in Mong Kok at around 1:44 a.m. local time, the Hong Kong Police Force said in a statement, adding that it is still investigating the case. KATY, Texas, Dec. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the globally recognized retail chain known for offering affordable and unique products, is excited to announce the grand opening of its latest store in Katy, Texas, on January 11th, 2025. Located at Cinco Ranch at Market Center, this store marks a significant milestone in Daiso's U.S. expansion. "We are thrilled to open our new store in Katy," said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA. "This milestone reflects the continued support of our customers, and we're excited to introduce Daiso's budget-friendly offerings to the Katy community. We invite everyone to Discover Daiso and explore the variety of products we offer." The new Daiso store, located at Cinco Ranch at Market Center, spans 6,000 square feet and features a wide selection of products across multiple categories. Customers can find everything from Japanese-inspired home decor and kitchenware to beauty products, stationery, and snacks. Daiso's commitment to providing affordable and unique merchandise has made it a go-to destination for shoppers seeking unique items at great prices. "Thanks to the enthusiasm of our loyal customers, we're excited to expand in Texas," said John Clarke, Chief Development Officer for Daiso USA. "We continue to see growing demand in the region, and we're proud to be opening more stores in 2025. With 167 stores now operating across the U.S., we're excited to serve new communities and bring the Daiso experience to even more customers." To celebrate the grand opening, Daiso will offer exclusive promotions at the Katy location. On January 11th and 12th, the first 100 customers who make a minimum purchase of $30 will receive a special Daiso goodie bag as a thank-you for their support. The new store will be located at: Cinco Ranch at Market Center, 23720 Westheimer Parkway, Katy, TX 77494 Store hours will be Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daiso invites customers to visit, explore the latest offerings, and find new favorites. About Daiso: Daiso is a global retail chain founded in Japan, known for its wide selection of unique, high-quality, and affordable products across categories such as household goods, stationery, beauty, and more. Daiso entered the U.S. market in 2005 and has expanded into multiple states. The company's U.S. headquarters is in Anaheim, CA. SOURCE Daiso USA OLYMPIA, Wash., Dec. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the globally recognized retail chain known for offering affordable and unique products, is excited to announce the grand opening of its latest store in Olympia, Washington, on January 11th, 2025. Located at Cooper Point Marketplace, this store marks a significant milestone in Daiso's U.S. expansion. "We are thrilled to open our new store in Olympia," said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA. "This milestone reflects the continued support of our customers, and we're excited to introduce Daiso's budget-friendly offerings to the Olympia community. We invite everyone to Discover Daiso and explore the variety of products we offer." The new Daiso store, located at Cooper Point Marketplace, spans 8,753 square feet and features a wide selection of products across multiple categories. Customers can find everything from Japanese-inspired home decor and kitchenware to beauty products, stationery, and snacks. Daiso's commitment to providing affordable and unique merchandise has made it a go-to destination for shoppers seeking unique items at great prices. "Thanks to the enthusiasm of our loyal customers, we're excited to expand in Washington," said John Clarke, Chief Development Officer for Daiso USA. "We continue to see growing demand in the region, and we're proud to be opening more stores in 2025. With 167 stores now operating across the U.S., we're excited to serve new communities and bring the Daiso experience to even more customers." To celebrate the grand opening, Daiso will offer exclusive promotions at the Olympia location. On January 11th and 12th, the first 100 customers who make a minimum purchase of $30 will receive a special Daiso goodie bag as a thank-you for their support. The new store will be located at: Cooper Point Marketplace, 1108 Cooper Point Road SW, Suite 180, Olympia, WA 98502 Store hours will be Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daiso invites customers to visit, explore the latest offerings, and find new favorites. About Daiso: Daiso is a global retail chain founded in Japan, known for its wide selection of unique and affordable products across categories such as household goods, stationery, beauty, and more. Daiso entered the U.S. market in 2005 and has expanded into multiple states. The company's U.S. headquarters is in Anaheim, CA. SOURCE Daiso USA VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Numinus Wellness Inc. (TSX: NUMI) (OTCQX: NUMIF) ("Numinus" or the "Company"), a leader in mental health care specializing in innovative and evidence-based treatments, today provided an update with respect to its previously announced management cease trade order ("MCTO") in connection with the Company's filing of its audited annual financial statements (the "Audited Financial Statements"), management discussion and analysis (the "MD&A"), and annual information form (the "AIF") for the financial year ended August 31, 2024 and the applicable CEO and CFO certifications (together with the Audited Financial Statements, the MD&A, and the AIF, the "Annual Filings"). Further to the Company's news release dated December 3, 2024 (the "Announcement"), the Company's principal regulator, the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "Commission"), granted the MCTO on December 2, 2024, under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trader Orders ("NP 12-203"). Pursuant to the MCTO, the Chief Executive Officers and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company may not trade in securities of the Company until such time as the Company files the Annual Filings and the Commission revokes the MCTO. During this period, the Company will cease any share buy-back activities under its normal course issuer bid, and has undertaken not to, directly or indirectly, issue or acquire securities from an insider or employee of the Company. The MCTO does not affect the ability of shareholders to trade their securities. The Company's Board of Directors and management are continuing to work with its accounting team to prepare the Annual Filings as soon as practicable. The delay in filing the Annual Filings is a result of unexpected delays experienced by the Company. It is the Company's reasonable expectation that the Annual Filings will be finalized by January 28, 2025. The Company will issue a news release announcing completion of filing of the Annual Filings at such time as they are completed and filed. Until the Company files the Annual Filings, it will comply with the alternative information guidelines set out in under NP 12-203 including issuing bi-weekly default status reports by way of news releases, which will be filed on SEDAR+. In addition, the Company confirms that since the date of the Announcement: (i) there has been no failure by the Company in fulfilling its stated intentions with respect to satisfying the provisions of the alternative information guidelines set out in NP 12-203; (ii) there has not been any other specified default by the Company under NP 12-203; (iii) the Company is not subject to any insolvency proceedings; and (iv) there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed. About Numinus Numinus Wellness Inc. (TSX: NUMI) helps people to heal and be well through the development and delivery of innovative mental health care and access to safe, evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapies. The Numinus model including psychedelic research and clinic care is at the forefront of a transformation aimed at healing rather than managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, pain and substance use. At Numinus, we are leading the integration of psychedelic-assisted therapies into mainstream clinical practice and building the foundation for a healthier society. Learn more at www.numinus.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Forward Looking Statements Statements and other information contained in this press release about anticipated future events constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend" and statements that an event "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or other similar expressions. In particular, and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements respecting the Company's reasonable expectation that the Annual Filings will be finalized by January 28, 2025 and the Company's compliance with the MCTO and NP 12-203. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including the results of further research into MDMA, if any, the FDA and other regulators' decisions in respect of MDMA and other psychedelic medications, restrictions that may be placed on the use of psychedelic compounds by regulatory authorities; safety and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy; acceptance, uptake and commercialization of psychedelic assisted therapy, if any; dependence on obtaining regulatory approvals, and other risks that are set forth in our annual information form dated November 29, 2023, and available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. Numinus does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements even if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. SOURCE Numinus Wellness Inc. MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Pinchin Ltd. ("Pinchin") is pleased to announce that Ransom Consulting, LLC ("Ransom") has officially been renamed Pinchin, LLC in the United States (U.S.). This rebrand marks an exciting new chapter for the company, as it allows us to make a greater impact, leveraging our enhanced capabilities while meeting our clients' evolving needs. Since Pinchin acquired Ransom in 2023, the company has worked diligently towards fulfilling its vision of becoming the premier environmental and engineering solutions provider across North America. As part of this vision, Pinchin has expanded its geographic footprint across every region in the U.S., including key markets in the Midwest, Northeast, Midsouth, and West. Pinchin has also increased its U.S. presence in new sectors, such as expanding its due diligence services to include Property Condition Assessments and adding multiple levels of Building Enclosure services. In addition, Pinchin has introduced new technical fields, including building performance, sustainability, and resiliency, further solidifying its leadership and commitment in the industry. "The renaming of Ransom is not just a new name; it's a symbol of the bright future we are building together, one rooted in collaboration, strength, and shared success." noted Jeff Grossi, CEO Pinchin "Ransom Consulting is proud of our legacy of providing exceptional service to our clients. We are excited that as we unite with Pinchin, we will broaden our technical capabilities and geographic reach. We are looking forward to contributing to the success of the Pinchin family in the next chapter!" stated Elizabeth Ransom, Vice President/Technical Director Planning and Permitting. As Ransom renews its efforts under Pinchin, LLC, it will continue to lead the way in providing innovative solutions for the built environment, all while Working Together, Making Things Better. Follow Pinchin in the US on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for updates on new developments, latest projects, industry insights, and more. For more information, please visit: Pinchin.com SOURCE Pinchin Ltd. AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- re:3D, Inc. is pleased to announce the winner of the 2024 Gigaprize competition. For every hundred printers sold, re:3D donates a Gigabot large-format, industrial 3D printer to an individual or organization committed to doing good in their community. This year, the award is a Gigabot 4 filament 3D printer. An expert panel of judges has awarded the 2024 Gigaprize to OrthoAdditive Africa in Cape Town, South Africa. OrthoAdditive Africa's mission is to overcome barriers to healthcare access for people living with disabilities through CAD and additive manufacturing technology. They propose to use their Gigabot 3D printer to prototype a range of seating, positioning, and mobility devices currently in development with their collaborators Shonaquip SE, using a variety of materials printed by the Gigabot. re:3D wishes to recognize the outstanding applicants for this year's prize who are doing incredible work in their communities: these include Asmbly Makerspace (Austin, TX), Black Sheep Food Initiative (Saybrook, IL), the Citizens Archive of Pakistan (Karachi, Pakistan), EveryShelter (Houston, TX and Kampala, Uganda), SOC Films (Karachi, Pakistan), and the Welman Project (Fort Worth, TX). We also extend our thanks to our expert panel of judges for taking time out of their busy schedules to evaluate the application videos and determine the winner of this year's Gigaprize. ABOUT re:3D re:3D Inc. consists of a group of explorers committed to eliminating the cost and scale barriers to industrial 3D printing. Having pioneered the world's first affordable, human-scale industrial 3D printer, re:3D now offers a range of large-scale, affordable 3D printers capable of printing from virgin and reclaimed filament, pellets, and/or flake. Beyond supplying 3D printers to customers in over 50 countries, re:3D offers contract printing, consulting, design, materials testing, and education services. For more information on re:3D, visit www.re3d.org. SOURCE re:3D STEVENS POINT, Wis. and NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sentry Insurance, one of the nation's top mutual insurance companies, today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of The General, a leading provider of non-standard auto (NSA) insurance, from American Family Insurance. The $1.7 billion transaction, first announced in September, represents the largest acquisition in Sentry's 120-year history. NSA insurance is for drivers who face challenges obtaining standard auto coverage. The acquisition strengthens Sentry's position in the NSA market by combining the expertise and reputations of its Dairyland brand and The General. Moving forward, the company will adopt The General as its primary brand for the NSA market, creating a single, stronger presence in the industry. "This marks an exciting new chapter for Sentry and The General," said Pete McPartland, Chairman and CEO of Sentry. "By bringing together Dairyland's independent agent network and The General's direct-to-consumer expertise, we're uniquely positioned to offer greater flexibility and accessibility to drivers across the U.S. I'm thrilled to welcome The General's 1,300 associates to the Sentry team and look forward to what we'll achieve together." The General's associates officially joined Sentry's 5,000-strong workforce today, January 1, 2025. The General will maintain its office in Nashville, Tennessee, ensuring continuity for employees and customers during the transition. Sentry was advised on legal matters by Sidley Austin LLP, with J.P. Morgan acting as financial advisor. About Sentry Insurance Sentry Insurance is part of a financially secure mutual insurance group in the United States, holding a Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) from AM Best, as of June 2024. Sentry and its subsidiaries offer property and casualty insurance, life insurance, annuities, and retirement programs for businesses and individuals nationwide. Headquartered in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Sentry employs 5,000 associates across the country. For a complete list of underwriting companies, visit sentry.com. SOURCE Sentry Insurance Sentry Malama Na Keiki Initiative Addresses Emotional Impact of the Wildfires MAUI, Hawaii, Dec. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sentry Insurance is donating an additional $1 million to Maui United Way to continue its support of youth mental health services in response to the devastating 2023 wildfires. Announced ahead of The Sentry PGA TOUR tournament at Kapalua, January 2-5, 2025, the contribution builds on the Sentry Malama Na Keiki initiative, which sends trusted teams of mental health counselors to meet with youth in schools, parks, and community centers, providing care in environments where they feel most comfortable. Maui United Way logo With this donation, Sentry's total wildfire relief and recovery contributions now exceed $3 million, including $2 million dedicated to youth mental health. Launched in November 2023 with an initial $1 million donation, the Sentry Malama Na Keiki initiative has reached over 5,000 children and families across Maui. The program's trauma-informed services have helped address the emotional impact of the wildfires, referring 80 children for more intensive counseling. The new funding will expand the program's reach and ensure this critical focus on children continues. "Helping the Maui community recover and heal is deeply personal for us," said Pete McPartland, Sentry's Chairman and CEO. "Our commitment to Maui extends beyond our role as the title sponsor of The Sentry. We're focused on supporting the people of this island as they rebuild, helping to ensure children and families have the resources they need to move forward with hope and stability." The August 2023 wildfires were among the deadliest in U.S. history, leaving a profound impact on Maui's youth. Many children face trauma, loss, and emotional challenges, creating a critical need for accessible mental health services to support their recovery. "We're incredibly grateful for Sentry's continued support and generosity," said Jason Economou, President and CEO of Maui United Way. "The Sentry Malama Na Keiki initiative is already making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families across Maui. This additional funding ensures we can keep this important work going and continue providing the mental health resources our community urgently needs." Since becoming the title sponsor of The Sentry in 2017, Sentry has worked to be active, year-round participants in the island's well-being. Together, Sentry and The Sentry have contributed more than $7.5 million to local charities and initiatives, with $4.4 million in donations coming from the Sentry Foundation. To learn more about Sentry's ongoing support for the Maui community, visit sentry.com/about-us/company-news-and-events. About Sentry Insurance Sentry Insurance is part of a financially secure mutual insurance group in the United States, holding a Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) from AM Best, as of June 2024. Sentry and its subsidiaries offer property and casualty insurance, life insurance, annuities, and retirement programs for businesses and individuals nationwide. Headquartered in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Sentry employs 5,000 associates across the country. For a complete list of underwriting companies, visit sentry.com. About the Sentry Insurance Foundation The Sentry Insurance Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Sentry. Giving priorities include education, workforce development, United Way, and local organizations that work to improve the quality of life and build equitable communities where we live and work, including the Maui community. SOURCE Sentry Insurance Viewers were wowed from San Diego to Seattle as the Pacific Time Zone rang in the new year with North America's largest structurally launched pyrotechnic display Photos and Videos: Media Kit - Alaska Airlines New Year's at the Needle Watch the Full Show SEATTLE, Jan. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A chorus of "Happy New Year!" was heard around Seattleand the West Coastas the Space Needle ushered in 2025 with a dazzling display of lights, drones, and fireworks. Alaska Airlines New Year's at the Needle made history celebrating the West Coast's largest live New Year's celebration, as viewers from San Diego, Portland, Spokane, and Seattle all tuned to watch the broadcast and thousands gathered to watch in-person at Seattle Center. Viewers were wowed from San Diego to Seattle as the Pacific Time Zone rang in the new year. Post this Space Needle welcomes 2025 with Alaska Airlines New Year's at the Needle. At 11:52 PM, 500 drones took to the skies next to the Space Needle and showcased the wonders of the West Coast. Formations included the iconic Alaska Airlines tailfin, a San Diego surfer, and a giant octopus wrapped around the Space Needle. At the stroke of midnight an incredible light and firework finale erupted creating the largest structurally launched pyrotechnic display in North America. Other show highlights included: The most powerful light show yet, with 160 unique light fixtures placed on the tower making the Space Needle brighter than ever before; Live musical performance by Seattle -based band Sugar Bones for viewers at home, including the premiere of their song "Leave the Light On"; -based band Sugar Bones for viewers at home, including the premiere of their song "Leave the Light On"; Musical soundtrack full of 2024's biggest stars like Beyonce, Chappell Roan , Sabrina Carpenter , and Washington State's Benson Boone . Plus, a feature from Seattle band Cytrus. Alaska Airlines joined the party this year as the presenting sponsor. Viewers at Seattle Center were treated to giveaways at Alaska Airlines' pop-up booths, including a special giveaway for Alaska Airlines credit card holders. "It's such an honor to ring in the New Year with the entire West Coast," said Randy Cote, Chief Marketing Officer for the Space Needle. "This show is an annual tradition for so many in Seattle, and we're thrilled to share the love across the Pacific Time Zone. Thank you to all our partners, from Alaska Airlines to the incredible technical specialists, that made this New Year's event a huge success." The show was broadcast live on KING (Seattle), KREM (Spokane), KGW (Portland), and CW 8.2 (San Diego) with the show's audio simulcast by iHeart Radio on HITS 106.1 in Seattle. To watch the full show, visit spaceneedle.com/newyears. About Space Needle Built as the centerpiece and inspiration for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, the Space Needle has since become a part of the Seattle experience and the globally-recognized icon for the city. The Space Needle's recent $100 million renovation added more than 176 tons of glass to the structure offering unparalleled views of Seattle and features The Loupethe world's first revolving glass floor. Oen year round, the Space Needle hosts more than a million visitors per year. For more information visit: spaceneedle.com/press About Alaska Air Group Alaska Air Group, Inc. is based in Seattle and comprised of subsidiaries Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., Horizon Air and McGee Air Services. With our recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, we now serve more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Central America, Asia and the Pacific. We are committed to safety, remarkable customer care, operational excellence, financial performance and sustainability. Alaska Airlines is a member of the oneworld Alliance. With oneworld and our additional global partners, our guests have more choices than ever to purchase, earn or redeem on alaskaair.com across 30 airlines and more than 1,000 worldwide destinations. Book travel throughout the Pacific on Hawaiian Airlines at hawaiianairlines.com. Learn more about Alaska Airlines at news.alaskaair.com and Hawaiian Airlines at newsroom.hawaiianairlines.com/blog. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). About Pyro Spectaculars by Souza The Pyro Spectaculars Group of Companies is a third-generation family-owned and operated full-service firework and drone multimedia production company. Pyro is one of the largest and oldest pyrotechnic companies in the western United States. Pyro helped initiate the tradition of New Year's fireworks on the Space Needle in the mid1990s and has been the Space Needle's partner for New Year's at the Needle ever since. For more information visit: pyrospec.com About Illuminate Production Services Inc. With a mission to design, connect and enhance experience, Illuminate Production Services works to provide production quality audio, video lighting, staging and more to clients nationwide. For more information visit: lightingips.com For more information, contact: Amy Cunningham, Space Needle Public Relations Director Genny Boots, Public Relations Manager [email protected] SOURCE Space Needle PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Viper Partners, a leader in healthcare mergers and acquisitions, is proud to announce an enhanced suite of services tailored exclusively to physicians who own medical facilities ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 square feet. By offering specialized real estate solutions, Viper aims to help doctors unlock the full value of their property assets while maintaining operational independence. "As we continue to work with physicians across the country, we see that real estate is often the key to achieving financial security in practice transitions," said David C. Branch, Founder and CEO of Viper Partners. "By focusing on strategies that cater specifically to mid-size and large medical properties, we're helping doctors gain optimal financial results without compromising their ability to serve patients." Specialized Services for Physician-Owned Properties Viper Partners' offerings include a range of services designed to simplify and maximize real estate transactions for doctors. These services include Sale-Leaseback Agreements, Lease Optimization, and Comprehensive Property Evaluations. Each is tailored to meet the needs of medical facilities such as surgical centers, multi-specialty practices, and larger healthcare campuses. The firm's sale-leaseback solution is particularly popular among physicians looking to monetize their buildings without sacrificing operational autonomy. This strategic approach allows owners to sell their property while seamlessly leasing it back, providing a significant injection of capital that can be used for retirement, business growth, or personal investments. "Many doctors don't realize how much untapped value is in their buildings," shared Evan Morales, Director of Go-To-Market Strategy at Viper. "Our goal is to guide them through the process with clarity and ease, ensuring they achieve the best outcome for their specific situation." Benefits That Go Beyond the Transaction Viper's services are designed not only to provide financial security but also to streamline operations and reduce the complexities often associated with practice transitions. By collaborating with national real estate investment trusts (REITs) and healthcare-focused investors, Viper ensures doctors have access to the most competitive opportunities. "For us, it's about creating win-win solutions," said Branch. "Physicians can focus on delivering excellent patient care, while our team focuses on extracting the maximum value from their real estate assets. It's this partnership approach that sets us apart." A Vision for Empowering Physicians Nationwide Viper Partners is steadfast in its commitment to serving doctors across the United States. The firm's refined focus on medical buildings between 10,000 and 100,000 square feet allows it to cater to a specialized market segment that requires expertise and precision. "This isn't about generic solutions," noted Morales. "It's about understanding the unique challenges and opportunities that physicians face. By zeroing in on this specific group and offering tailored services, we're creating a direct path to success for our clients." Your Partner in Unlocking Real Estate Potential Through its client-first approach and deep industry experience, Viper Partners has become an invaluable resource for physicians looking to maximize the value of their medical real estate. Whether planning a practice transition or seeking long-term financial growth, Viper Partners delivers results that empower doctors to move forward with confidence. To learn more about Viper Partners' specialized real estate solutions for physician-owned medical buildings, visit https://www.viperequitypartners.com/ or contact them directly. Contact Information David C. Branch, Founder and CEO Phone: (305) 988-5945 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Viper Equity Partners of Palm Beach LLC Chennai, Jan 1 : A total of 20 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were imprisoned in Sri Lanka for more than a year, have been finally released and arrived in Chennai via a flight. The fishermen, who hailed from the districts of Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, and Tuticorin, were detained in Sri Lankan custody. After negotiations between the Indian and Sri Lankan governments, the Sri Lankan government released the 20 fishermen. They were handed over to Indian Embassy officials, who provided them with temporary citizenship certificates. The fishermen were then flown from Colombo to the Chennai airport. Upon arrival at the Chennai airport, the fishermen underwent citizenship verification, customs checks, and other formalities before being released. They were then greeted by Fisheries Department officials, who arranged for them to be taken to their hometowns in separate vehicles. Earlier on December 24, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, wrote to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urging him to take immediate diplomatic efforts for the release of all 20 Indian fishermen from the custody of the Sri Lankan Navy along with their mechanised boats. Stalin in a letter to the Union Minister on Tuesday (December 24) sought his immediate intervention in the release of 17 fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. The Chief Minister pointed out that the mechanised boats bearing numbers -- IND-TN-10-MM-206 and IND-TN-10-MM-543 of the fishermen were also in the custody of the Sri Lankan Navy and requested the Union Minister to immediately help secure the release. In the letter, he pointed out that frequent arrests and attacks make the lives of aoura fishermen, who depend solely on fishing in their traditional waters, highly uncertain and dangerous. CM Stalin in the letter pointed out that 530 fishermen were arrested and 71 boats have been confiscated to date in 2024 alone and that the recent apprehensions and attacks have created a sense of fear among the fishing community. The Chief Minister in the letter also said that he was requesting the External Affairs Minister to take concerted steps through appropriate diplomatic channels to secure the immediate release of all the arrested fishermen and their fishing boats. Stalin said, "I also request that diplomatic steps may be taken to ensure that such attacks do not occur in future," adding that two separate incidents of attack on fishermen from Kodiyakkarai village in Nagapattinam by six unidentified Sri Lankan nationals took place on December 20. He said, "In this outrageous incident, three out of six fishermen who sailed in two country crafts were injured and their belongings such as GPS equipment, VHF equipment, fishing net, mobile phone, and their fish catch were robbed from their fishing boats by the attackers." Fishermen's associations across Tamil Nadu are organising protests in coastal districts and have also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to intervene and end the mid-sea arrests and seizures of mechanised boats, which form the backbone of their livelihood. S. Jaishankar had recently discussed this issue with visiting Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, highlighting the frequent arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) President and former Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss also called for strong intervention by the Indian government to prevent further arrests of Indian fishermen. BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's Shenzhou-19 crew aboard the orbiting Tiangong space station sent their New Year greetings in a video on Tuesday, anticipating more breakthroughs in the country's manned space program in 2025. "Today is the last day of 2024, and I hope everyone joins me in being full of energy, forging ahead and sprinting into 2025," said Cai Xuzhe, commander of the Shenzhou-19 mission, while he was on a treadmill. After introducing a recent experiment related to the effects of force on bones and muscles during exercise, astronaut Song Lingdong expressed optimism about the space laboratory's many potential achievements in the coming year. He wished everyone a bountiful harvest and endless good fortune in 2025. Astronaut Wang Haoze demonstrated a small in-module intelligent spacecraft that could move and capture images in response to voice commands. Wang explained that, with future upgrades, it would be able to perform tasks such as in-module inspections, inventory management and product status monitoring. The Shenzhou-19 crew has been in orbit for two months and is set to carry out a series of space-science experiments and technical tests, as well as extravehicular activities in 2025. Jerusalem, Jan 1 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left the hospital to attend a parliamentary vote on a government tax bill at risk of failing to pass. Medical staff at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem recommended Netanyahu remain hospitalised to fully recover from his prostate removal surgery conducted Sunday night, but Netanyahu made the decision to leave the hospital earlier. A live broadcast on the Knesset TV channel showed that Netanyahu, appearing pale and tired, arrived at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, accompanied by his personal physician Tzvika Berkowitz, Xinhua news agency reported. The vote, which Netanyahu's coalition was struggling to secure a majority for just hours before the year-end deadline, was expected to take place later on Tuesday. The "Trapped Profits Law" is aimed at increasing national revenue from corporate taxes. Two key coalition partners -- Otzma Yehudit, an ultranationalist party, and Agudat Yisrael, an ultra-Orthodox party -- announced they would vote against the bill, citing unmet coalition demands. A senior coalition official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua that Netanyahu is likely to return to the hospital after the vote. Earlier this year, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery in March under general anaesthesia, during which Israel's Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister, Yariv Levin, temporarily assumed the role of Prime Minister. In July 2023, Netanyahu was hospitalised for a pacemaker implant after suffering from arrhythmia, just one week after experiencing dehydration. The incident led to considerable speculation among many in Israel as to the health of the Prime Minister and to what degree details had been hidden from the public. A medical report released in January said Netanyahu was in a "completely normal state of health," that his pacemaker was working correctly and that there was no evidence of heart arrhythmia or any other problematic conditions. Despite protocols requiring Prime Ministers to release an annual health report, Netanyahu did not release one between 2016 and late 2023. He could not be legally forced to share his health information as these protocols, developed by the PMO, were not enshrined in law. New Delhi, Jan 1 : Mallikarjun Kharge, on Wednesday, extended his New Year greetings to the country along with a message urging people to reaffirm their commitment to inclusive progress, unity in diversity, social justice, equality, and the protection of the Constitution. "My dear fellow citizens, as we enter 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment to inclusive progress, unity in diversity, social justice, equality, and the protection of our Constitution with unwavering resolve. Wishing everyone a #HappyNewYear filled with hope, joy, and prosperity. Let there be peace and amity all around. Jai Hind," Kharge said in a post on X. Earlier, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, wished everyone a Happy New Year, hoping it would bring new enthusiasm, joy, and happiness as the nation welcomed 2025. "Happy New Year to all of you. I hope this year brings new enthusiasm, joy, and happiness to your life. Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!" Rahul Gandhi said on Wednesday in a post on X. President Droupadi Murmu also extended her greetings to the nation on the eve of the New Year. In her message, she said, "On the joyous occasion of the New Year, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all Indians, both in India and abroad. The coming of the New Year marks the beginning of new hopes, dreams, and aspirations in our lives. Let us welcome the New Year with joy and enthusiasm and take our society and nation further on the path of unity and excellence." Meanwhile, India welcomed the year 2025 with celebrations across the country, as people in various cities marked the occasion with joy and enthusiasm. New Year celebrations began in many cities with parties, cultural events, live music performances, and themed decorations. In Delhi, famous spots like Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, and Lajpat Nagar were filled with large crowds celebrating the New Year. To ensure a safe celebration, Delhi Police made prior security arrangements. As the New Year arrived, many cities witnessed spectacular fireworks displays. In Mumbai, beaches like Juhu Beach, Chowpatty Beach, and Versova Beach were packed with revellers. People also gathered at Marine Drive to watch the fireworks. New York, Jan 1 : US investigators have learned the name of a woman who was burned alive and beyond recognisability aboard a Brooklyn train last week in New York City. The police identified the woman as Debrina Kawam, 61, of Toms River, New Jersey, Xinhua news agency reported quoting The New York Times. She was the victim of an apparently random attack captured in videos that showed her bracing herself against the doorway of an F train in Coney Island, her body engulfed by flames. Hours later, Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, the 33-year-old man accused of attacking Kawam, was charged with first-degree murder and arson. Investigators were using every means possible to identify the woman, Eric Gonzalez, the Brooklyn district attorney, said at a news conference last week. They took her fingerprints and collected DNA evidence. They gathered surveillance footage from the subways, hoping to find a clear image of the woman's face before the fire. "It's a priority for me, for my office, for the Police Department to identify this woman, so we can notify her family of what had happened to her," Gonzalez said. The horrifying incident occurred on December 22, as the train approached the Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn. During a press briefing, New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the attack as "one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being," adding that it claimed the life of an "innocent New Yorker." "As the train pulled into the station, the suspect calmly walked up to the victim, who was seated at the end of a subway car. Using what we believe to be a lighter, the suspect ignited the victim's clothing, which became fully engulfed in flames within seconds," Tisch said. Officers on patrol at the station's upper level noticed smoke and went to investigate. They discovered the woman standing inside the train car, fully engulfed in flames. Surat, Jan 1 : At least four contractual workers were killed while another was left after a fire broke out at the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India's (AM/NS India) plant on Tuesday evening at Hazira industrial area in Gujrat's Surat, according to officials. Surat Commissioner of Police Anupam Singh Gehlot reported that the fire broke out after burning coal spilled unexpectedly, igniting a blaze in one section of the plant. The blaze claimed the lives of four contractual workers who were on a lift at the time. Authorities, including the police and the factory Inspector, have initiated a detailed investigation into the incident. No accidental death report has been filed yet, according to an official from the Hazira police station. Three of the victims' bodies have been transported to a civil hospital for post-mortem examinations, while the fourth is yet to be confirmed. In a statement, a spokesperson for AM/NS India expressed regret over the accident, attributing it to equipment failure at the plant's Corex unit. The spokesperson said that the incident occurred at around 6 p.m. during the restart of the unit following a shutdown. "The accident involved four contractual workers of a private company who were performing maintenance on a lift nearby. Tragically, they could not survive the impact," the company said. One additional worker sustained minor injuries and was promptly treated at the plant's on-site hospital. The individual is reportedly in recovery. AM/NS India assured that all emergency protocols were immediately activated, and the affected area was cordoned off to ensure safety. The company has initiated an internal investigation to determine the root cause of the accident and is collaborating closely with relevant authorities. The spokesperson also emphasised the company's commitment to supporting the affected families. "We are extending all possible assistance to the families of the deceased and injured workers," the statement added. This tragic incident highlights the importance of stringent safety measures in industrial operations, especially in high-risk environments like steel plants. Authorities and the company are working together to prevent similar occurrences in the future. New York, Jan 1 : A blackout hit nearly all of Puerto Rico as the US territory prepared to celebrate New Year's Eve, leaving more than 1.3 million people without power, according to an official source. "The outage hit at dawn, plunging the island into an eerie silence as electrical appliances and air conditioners shut down before those who could afford generators turned them on," said The Associated Press about the accident. Nearly 90 per cent of 1.47 million clients across Puerto Rico were left in the dark, according to Luma Energy, a private company that oversees electricity transmission and distribution, Xinhua news agency reported. The company said it was activating emergency operations to restore power and described the blackout as "systemwide," while restoring power could take up to two days. "Puerto Rico has faced a series of blackouts since 2017, when Hurricane Maria severely damaged the island, including its power grid," reported The New York Times. The blackout appeared to be significantly bigger than the outages this summer. A blackout in June left about 350,000 customers without power. In August, 700,000 lost power in the wake of Hurricane Ernesto. By Tuesday night, more than 336,000 people, including 16 hospitals and Puerto Rico's water and sewer company, had power back, according to Luma. However, the company's webpage detailing who remained without power was down. "We understand the deep frustration this outage has caused, especially on a day like today," Luma said in a statement. "We apologise for the disruption to your plans." Governor-elect Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon, who is set to be sworn in on January 2, has called for the creation of an "energy czar" to review potential Luma contractual breaches while another operator is found. "We can't keep relying on an energy system that fails our people," she wrote on the social media platform X, adding that stabilizing Puerto Rico's energy grid would be her top priority in office. Meanwhile, Governor Pedro Pierluisi said he was in touch with Luma and Genera PR, adding on X that "we are demanding answers and solutions". US President Joe Biden spoke with Pierluisi on Tuesday evening about the outage and offered federal assistance. Biden also spoke with US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and directed her to offer any help needed to speed power restoration on the island. The outage forced businesses, parks and several malls to close, and the government announced limited schedules for some of its agencies. Workers checked on hundreds of bedridden patients and distributed ice for diabetics to keep their insulin cold. New York, Jan 1 : US states have taken steps to pass their own gun regulations to effect on January 1, as related violence kept on ravaging the nation with nearly 500 mass shootings occurring in 2024, media reported. In September 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of laws aimed at strengthening gun safety regulations. Those include requiring schools to implement safety programs and plans and establishing an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which has deadlines in the coming years. Some of those laws go into effect on January 1, Xinhua news agency reported. As of January 1, any handgun stored inside an unoccupied vehicle in Colorado must be in a locked, hard-sided container that is out of plain view, and the vehicle also must be locked, with some exceptions. Later in 2025, Coloradans who want to apply for a concealed carry permit will be required to complete an eight-hour training class, which includes a written exam and a live-fire exercise. The only gun-related bills signed into law in 2024 in New Hampshire expanded gun rights. Going into effect on January 1. HB 1186 strengthens privacy protections around gun laws by prohibiting the use of specific merchant category codes, and HB 1336 bars employers from forbidding employees from storing guns in locked vehicles. Kentucky is one of 10 states that passed an MCC ban in 2024, according to the National Rifle Association (NRA), and at least five other states have previously passed those laws while a handful of other states, including California, have passed legislation requiring it. The NRA touted that several states have passed laws to prohibit assigning a code for gun retailers, known as a "merchant category code (MCC)". Minnesota passed a binary trigger ban, which goes into effect on January 1. A binary trigger allows a gun to be fired once when the trigger is pulled, and then again when the trigger is released. Starting January 1, Delaware will extend its Safe School Zone to include university campuses, making it a felony to carry a firearm on these premises. Chennai, Jan 1 : The 20 Indian fishermen, who were released from jails in Sri Lanka, reached Chennai by flight, said officials here on Wednesday. The fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy a year ago. They are residents of the Tamil Nadu districts of Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, and Tuticorin, and were in Sri Lankan judicial custody. After negotiations between the Indian and Sri Lankan governments, the latter released the 20 fishermen. They were handed over to Indian embassy officials, who provided them with temporary citizenship certificates. The fishermen were then flown from Colombo to Chennai airport. Upon arrival at Chennai airport, the fishermen underwent citizenship verification, customs checks, and other formalities before being released. They were then greeted by fisheries department officials, who arranged for them to be taken to their hometowns in separate vehicles. It may be recalled that fishermen associations across Tamil Nadu have been organising large-scale protests in coastal districts following the regular arrests of fishermen from the state. They have written to the Prime Minister, urging him to intervene and end the mid-sea arrests and seizures of mechanised boats, which form the backbone of the livelihoods of the fishermen. Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had recently discussed this issue with visiting Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake, highlighting the frequent arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the country's Navy. PMK President and former Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss also called for strong intervention by the Centre to prevent further arrests of Indian fishermen. It may be noted that 504 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu are in the custody of Sri Lankan authorities. Around 48 mechanised fishing boats are also in the custody of the Sri Lankan authorities. A. Thajudhin, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, emphasized the growing hardships faced by fishermen and their families. "The livelihood of our fishermen is under threat. Thousands of families who rely on fishing and related activities are facing severe hardship. A sense of fear has already gripped fishermen and their families about venturing out to sea," he said. Thajudhin also raised concerns about the Sri Lankan government's decision to nationalize seized mechanised fishing boats. "This action will devastate the industry, as many fishermen have taken loans to purchase these expensive boats, expecting to repay them through their earnings," he explained. Fishermen's associations across Tamil Nadu are organising large-scale protests across coastal districts. Srinagar, Jan 1 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hoped that 2025 would be kinder and easier for him than the year that went by. Taking to X, the CM said, "2024 has been one hell of a year, when it was good it was amazing & when it was bad it really sucked. 2025 please go easier on my poor heart". He was recalling the trying times he personally underwent in 2024. He had a double victory in the Legislative Assembly elections. He won both from Ganderbal and Budgam constituencies shocking his opponents. Omar Abdullah had suffered a humiliating defeat before his double victory when the incarcerated leader, Engineer Rashid defeated him by over two lakh votes in the Lok Sabha elections from Baramulla constituency. It was in 2024 that Omar said he would not stand for the Assembly elections as long as J&K remained a union territory. He had to change his stand and finally chose to stand for the Assembly polls. Despite remaining steadfast in his political commitment to fight for regaining J&K, what his party, the National Conference (NC) calls its 'unconstitutionally usurped rights', neither Omar Abdullah nor any of his party leaders expected to win 42 seats out of the 90 seats which went to polls for the Legislative Assembly. The NC's decision to form a pre-poll alliance with the Congress party stemmed from the fact that the NC was not sure about winning a simple majority on its own. The decision completely backfired. As the Congress won five seats conceded to it in the Valley by the NC, it could not go beyond one seat in the Jammu division. The NC had left even those seats for the Congress to fight against the BJP in the Jammu division, where it had a strong political presence. The result was that the BJP won 29 seats out of the 43 seats in the Jammu division. Some grace to the INDIA bloc alliance was given by the NC by winning some seats in the Poonch, Ramban and Rajouri districts of the Jammu division. With hindsight, the NC believes it could have won at least four more seats had it not left the seats uncontested in favour of the Congress. Omar Abdullah has said in the past that it has been his experience that during electoral alliances, party vote banks do not get converted to favour the alliance partners. This is what precisely happened to the NC-Congress pre-poll alliance in J&K. The seats left for the Congress by the NC in Jammu division resulted in a BJP-Congress direct contest. The fact is that Omar Abdullah's belief about vote banks not getting converted to favour alliances proved right in the Jammu division. While tasting the victory of winning 42 Assembly seats, the NC was left with a bitter aftertaste of having conceded seats to the Congress it could have safely won itself. There were other worrisome developments for Omar Abdullah in 2024 after coming to power. His fight for restoration of statehood remained on. Omar Abdullah hopes 2025 will be softer, smoother and kinder to him politically and administratively. He is the chief minister of J&K for the second time, but times have changed as Article 370 has been abrogated and J&K is a union territory. Lucknow, Jan 1 : In a shocking incident, Lucknow Police on Wednesday arrested a 24-year-old man, identified as Arshad, for allegedly murdering his mother and four sisters over a family dispute. The gruesome killings took place at Hotel Sharanjeet in the Thana Naka area of Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow on Wednesday, the first day of the new year. The bodies of the victims, identified as Alia (9), Alshia (19), Aksa (16), Rahmeen (18), and their mother, Asma, were discovered by hotel authorities, who immediately alerted the local police. Informing about the incident, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Central Raveena Tyagi said, "We received information from the Thana Naka area stating that five dead bodies were found in a room at Hotel Sharanjeet. The local police immediately arrived at the scene to investigate." "Arshad, aged around 25 years and a resident of Agra, has been detained. In the initial investigation, it was found that due to family problems, he killed his four sisters and his mother. Further investigations are underway, and the bodies of the victims have been sent for post-mortem," she added. Arshad, a resident of Islam Nagar, Tedi Bagiya, Kuberpur, Agra, reportedly confessed to the crime during questioning. He claimed to have acted out of frustration stemming from ongoing family issues. Arshad first killed his mother and then his four sisters by blade, probably while they were asleep. Other hotel occupants were shocked to hear about the incident as they claimed they did not hear anything. The police, along with forensic teams, have sealed the crime scene and collected evidence. Senior officers also visited the site, and the victims' bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination. Further investigations are underway to uncover the full details behind the motive and circumstances of the incident. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 1 : Kerala Minister for Culture and Cinema Saji Cherian has said the state government will come out with a befitting tribute for legendary literary figure M.T. Vasudevan Nair. Popularly known as MT, Vasudevan Nair was a celebrated writer, screenwriter, and filmmaker, whose contributions to Malayalam literature and cinema are unmatched. The 91-year-old Jnanpith awardee, Nair passed away last week and was given a state funeral. He died of age-related illness at a hospital in Kozhikode, where he had been a resident for the past several decades. Speaking to IANS, Cherian said the state government will come out with a befitting tribute so that MT will always be remembered for his outstanding contributions to Malayalam and no one should have any doubt about that. "We have a few plans and it will be something much beyond a brick-and-mortar memorial. His contributions to our language in various fields will be showcased ... so it will be an everlasting one," said Cherian. "The first step for our plan will figure in the upcoming state budget for the fiscal 2025-26 to be presented by the Finance Minister in the Assembly. From there we plan to take things forward and we will be speaking to many on how best we can honour MT." added the 59-year-old first-time state Minister. Cherian recalls his nearly hour-long meeting with MT soon after he became a State Minister in 2021 with a lot of awe. "We had wide-ranging talks and most of it centred around films as that was my portfolio too. Later also, I had a few meetings, especially after the state government decided to honour him on his 90th birthday. We last year did a docu-drama of the legend starting from his childhood," added Cherian. MT, a Padma Bhushan awardee, had an illustrious career in Malayalam cinema, directing seven films and penning the screenplays for around 54 films. His screenplays, now available as books, are a treasure trove for aspiring filmmakers. In the literary realm, MT won every prestigious award a Malayalam writer could aspire to. He authored nine novels, 19 collections of short stories, and numerous essays and memoirs. His iconic works remain a treasure house of Malayalam literature. Born in 1933 in Kudallur, Palakkad district, MT's journey began as a teacher and a 'gramasevakan' at a block development office in Taliparamba, Kannur. He later turned to journalism, joining Mathrubhumi Weekly as a sub-editor in 1957, eventually serving as its editor for a brief period. The literary genius was also a pivotal figure in Malayalam cinema, forming a legendary trio with director Hariharan and actor Mammootty. Despite his public stature, MT stayed true to his principles, having expressed a wish that his body not be kept for public display. MT was married twice, first to Prameela, with whom he had a daughter. Later, he married Kalamandalam Saraswathy, a renowned danseuse, and the couple had a daughter. An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 1, 2025 shows a rally in support of Palestinian people in Istanbul, Turkiye. Tens of thousands of people gathered Wednesday in Istanbul, Turkiye's largest city, to denounce the ongoing oppression in Gaza and express their solidarity with the Palestinian people. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 1, 2025 shows a rally in support of Palestinian people in Istanbul, Turkiye. Tens of thousands of people gathered Wednesday in Istanbul, Turkiye's largest city, to denounce the ongoing oppression in Gaza and express their solidarity with the Palestinian people. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 1, 2025 shows a rally in support of Palestinian people in Istanbul, Turkiye. Tens of thousands of people gathered Wednesday in Istanbul, Turkiye's largest city, to denounce the ongoing oppression in Gaza and express their solidarity with the Palestinian people. (Xinhua/Liu Lei) Chennai, Jan 1 : The Tamil Nadu BJP is accelerating its protest against the DMK and its government over the Anna University rape case. It may be recalled that a second-year engineering student of Anna University was allegedly raped by a person on Christmas Eve. The victim in her complaint to the police said the offender beat up her male friend who was with her, dragged her to a secluded place nearby and raped her. Tamil Nadu BJP women's wing will be taking out a protest march from Madurai to Chennai on January 3. Party women's wing state president, Umarathi Rajan will lead the march. Office-bearers of the organisation will meet Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi and submit a memorandum on the issue. Meanwhile, BJP leader and former Governor of Telangana and Puducherry, Tamilisai Soundararajan has arrived in New Delhi and will submit a report on the Anna University rape case to Union Home Minister, Amit Shah. She will also meet BJP national president, J.P. Nadda and apprise him of the concerns raised by the people of Tamil Nadu on the rape of the second-year engineering student within the Anna University campus. It may be noted that the Tam Nadu BJP president, K.Annamalai conducted a dramatic protest outside his residence in Coimbatore, flogging himself six times to symbolize the deteriorating law and order situation of Tamil Nadu and to highlight the sexual assault against the Anna University female student. Annamalai also announced that he would undertake a 48-day fast and visit all six holy abodes of Lord Murugan as part of his protest. The Tamil Nadu BJP president lashed out at the Tamil Nadu Police for leaking the FIR in the sexual assault case, stating that the leak intentionally revealed the identity of the 19-year-old victim, an engineering student of Anna University. He charged that the accused Gnanashekaran was not on the rowdy list of the Tamil Nadu Police despite being involved in several cases. Annamalai said this was due to the accused Gnanashekaran's proximity to the DMK leaders. Annamalai also said the DMK was trying to divert attention from the failing law and order situation of Tamil Nadu by creating a false narrative of the North-South divide. The National Commission for Women (NCW) will present a report to the Centre on the sexual assault case. NCW member Mamta Kumari and her team returned to Delhi after conducting a two-day investigation into the sexual assault that took place on the Anna University campus. Speaking to media persons at Chennai airport, Mamta Kumari said, "We visited every corner of Anna University and conducted a thorough investigation. We met the affected girl and her family and gathered all the necessary information. We also met with the Governor of Tamil Nadu to discuss the matter." She added, "A detailed report on the investigation will be submitted to the Central government by the National Commission for Women. Whoever is found guilty will face strict punishment. It is shocking that despite having over 20 cases against him, the accused was allowed to roam free." Mamta Kumari further questioned, "Why didn't the government take action earlier? The Central government will ensure strict action against anyone who commits crimes against women." She expressed confidence that justice would be served and the guilty parties would be punished. Seoul :President Yoon Suk-yeol holds a news conference at the presidential office in Seoul on Aug. 17, 2022.. Image Source: Yonhap/IANS Seoul, Jan 1 : Senior aides of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, including his chief of staff, offered to resign Wednesday, a day after acting President Choi Sang-mok appointed two justices to the Constitutional Court. Those who expressed their intents to resign include Chung Jin-suk, the presidential chief of staff; National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik; Sung Tae-yoon, chief of staff for policy; and Chang Ho-jin, foreign policy adviser to Yoon, according to the presidential office. Choi on Tuesday appointed two justices to the Constitutional Court, partially meeting the opposition's demand to fill three vacancies on the nine-member bench before a ruling on President Yoon's impeachment, Yonhap news agency reported. The presidential office voiced regret over Choi's appointments, saying that he has gone beyond his authority as an interim leader. By law, at least six votes are required to uphold an impeachment motion, which means the appointment of three additional justices could improve chances of Yoon's impeachment being upheld. The court has up to six months to decide whether to remove Yoon from office or reinstate him. Yoon, impeached by the National Assembly last month, is also facing a criminal investigation over his failed martial law declaration on December 3. The resignation offers by Yoon's top aides also come after a Seoul court issued a warrant to detain Yoon on Tuesday, making him the first sitting South Korean president to face arrest. Yoon is suspected of masterminding the martial law declaration, orchestrating an insurrection and abusing power. Earlier on Tuesday, Yoon's legal defence team plans to seek an injunction to suspend a detention warrant issued against the impeached president over his failed martial law bid, one of his lawyers said on Tuesday, while criticising the warrant as 'illegal.' The Seoul Western District Court approved a request from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) to issue the warrant for Yoon on charges of masterminding the botched December 3 martial law declaration, orchestrating the insurrection and abusing power, according to the CIO. The court also approved a warrant to search Yoon's presidential residence in Seoul's Yongsan in connection with the investigation. New Delhi, Jan 1 : AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has written a letter to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat seeking answers to some questions on the BJP's politics. In the letter, Kejriwal has posed questions like -- Does RSS support whatever wrong BJP has done in the past few days? BJP leaders are openly distributing money, does RSS support vote buying? Dalit and Purvanchali votes (from the voter list) are being cut on a large scale. Does RSS think this is good for democracy? Doesn't RSS feel that the BJP is weakening democracy?" The former Delhi Chief Minister had on December 29 launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing the party of attempting to manipulate the voter lists, and also claimed that 'Operation Lotus' has been going on since December 15 in his Assembly constituency. He highlighted voter deletion issues in the Shahdara constituency, where the BJP allegedly submitted applications to remove 11,008 voters. Kejriwal also alleged that "Operation Lotus" began in his own New Delhi constituency on December 15. "In 15 days, they submitted applications to delete 5,000 voters and add 7,500. My constituency has 1,06,000 voters, so they are trying to delete 5 per cent and add 7.5 per cent. If 12 per cent of the votes are manipulated, what's the point of elections? This is blatant tampering in the name of democracy." This was refuted by the BJP, which claimed that the AAP had included illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas in the voter list. "We openly state that you have added 8,000 to 10,000 illegal votes per constituency. In houses where five people live, youave registered up to 50 fake votes. We will remove every single one of these illegal votes," BJP spokesperson Manjinder Singh Sirsa had said in response. The BJP leader further accused AAP of harbouring and supporting infiltrators for political gain. "Youave settled infiltrators here, given them Rs 10,000 per month, free ration, and even shelter in tents...Now, when their votes are being removed, you are in distress. Let me make it clear, no Rohingya or Bangladeshi infiltrator will be allowed to vote in Delhi," Sirsa said. This is not the first time that Kejriwal has written to the RSS chief. He wrote a similar letter in September 2024 asking five questions related to the BJP and its leadership. Expressing concern, Kejriwal said the direction in which the BJP-led Centre was taking the country as well as its politics were harmful to India. His letter also raised questions about the actions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the role of the BJP. Among the five key questions posed, Kejriwal asked whether the BJP's age limit for retirement, which has been applied to veteran leaders like L.K. Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, also applies to PM Modi. He questioned whether PM Modi would step down when he reached the age of 75. Another question raised by the AAP chief was the alleged misuse of central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to "destabilise opposition-led governments". Kejriwal questioned whether this practice aligns with the values of the RSS. He also drew attention to BJP President J.P. Nadda's statement during the Lok Sabha elections, where he reportedly said that the BJP does not need the RSS. Kejriwal asked Bhagwat what his reaction was to this. In the 2024 letter, Kejriwal said the RSS is the mother organisation of the BJP and it is the responsibility of RSS to bring the party on the right path. New Delhi, Jan 1 : The Delhi BJP took a swipe at AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday and advised him to take a pledge on New Year "not to lie and fool people". Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva shot off a letter to Kejriwal asking him to "shun all bad habits, stop deceiving people and bring about positive changes in himself." "Claiming that all the people of Delhi hope that you will also give up your bad habits, you must take at least five resolutions this year," he said. Sachdeva asked the former Delhi Chief Minister to make five resolutions -- "not to make false pledges on his children, stop playing with the sentiments of women, elders and religious people of Delhi by making fake promises, apologising for promoting liquor in Delhi and corruption committed in the name of false assurances and cleanliness of Yamuna." The fifth resolution was pledging not to meet anti-national forces and not accept donations for political gains. On Tuesday, Sachdeva unveiled a video revealing Kejriwal's "changing stances" at his convenience. Slamming Kejriwal, the Delhi BJP President accused him of hypocrisy and highlighted his "fake" attempts to glorify Hinduism during elections. The video clip featured Kejriwal insulting Lord Ram, desecrating the Swastika, mocking deities, and disrespecting Lord Krishna's Sudarshan. As soon as the elections approach, Kejriwal suddenly remembers temple priests but Delhi residents understand that Kejriwal represents "lies", he said, Kejriwal is a "Chunavi Hindu" and remembers the Hindu Dharma only during elections to garner majority community votes, he said. "The AAP convenor has repeatedly dishonoured the Hindu community, glorified anti-national elements, and is not only an enemy of Sanatan Dharma but also of the nationas security. Expecting Delhi's prosperity under him is futile," he said. San Francisco, Jan 1 : The parents of Indian-American techie Suchir Balaji, who was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on December 14, 2024, have rejected the official suicide ruling, alleging that their son was murdered. Suchir, a former OpenAI employee, had made headlines for his whistleblowing revelations about the ethical concerns surrounding generative AI. In an interview with NDTV, his parents claim that the second autopsy report indicates "signs of struggle," including a head injury and trauma, which contradict the suicide verdict by the medical examiner's office. Suchir's mother, Poornima Ramarao, expressed disbelief at the suicide ruling, citing the absence of a suicide note and the findings of the second autopsy. "We have facts with the second autopsy -- head trauma and signs of struggle. This is not a suicide; it's a murder," she stated. His father, Balaji Ramamurthi, recounted their last conversation on December 22, when Suchir returned from a trip to Los Angeles in good spirits. "He seemed happy," he said. When asked if Suchir picked up another job, his mother said, "No, he didn't. They (OpenAI) probably threatened him. They didn't allow him to work somewhere else. He also consulted a copyright attorney and figured out that he was not doing anything wrong and they were just suppressing him. That made him give the New York Times interview and resulted in his death." "He was working in the core group of the ChatGPT; he was kind of an architect of the whole thing. He knows a lot of information about ChatGPT. There were some restrictions on him to not work in other AI companies," the father added. His mother mentioned that Suchir was working on personal research which he wanted to get published, in which he explains that "modulated answer is not exactly as the information pegged to ChatGPT, giving an example of a black and white cat coming out as a coloured cat." "Additionally, the work of artists and journalists were all stolen, which is unethical. This is what we talked about the last time I met him," she mentioned. The parents are demanding an FBI investigation to uncover the truth. "There was a struggle; he did not take his life. Now, who and why need to be explored," Poornima said, urging the Indian government to support their cause. They also welcomed Elon Musk's support but said they had not reached out to him. Describing Suchir as a caring and brilliant individual, his parents said his death is a "loss to humanity and the tech industry." Suchir had worked at OpenAI for nearly four years before resigning over ethical concerns. In an October post on X, he criticised the misuse of copyrighted materials in generative AI, stating, "Fair use seems like a pretty implausible defence for a lot of generative AI products." An OpenAI spokesperson expressed condolences, "We are devastated to learn of this incredibly sad news today. Our hearts go out to Suchir's loved ones during this difficult time." Suchir, a University of California, Berkeley graduate, was a prominent figure in the tech industry, with his whistleblowing revelations sparking global discussions on AI ethics. Kolkata, Jan 1 : The West Bengal Police have tracked Dubai links of Sajidul Islam, a most-wanted member of Bangladesh-based terror group Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) who was arrested last month. The ABT member was arrested on December 30 last year from Naoda in Murshidabad district following a joint operation by the Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police and Assam Police. The West Bengal Police have shared this information with Assam Police who took him on transit remand. Sources said that Islam was residing as a carpenter in Naoda. However, as confirmed by his neighbours, he frequently remained absent from his place of residence and used to tell his neighbours that the reason for his absence was some profession-related assignments. However, the sources added, that information has been gathered that he used to frequent different states having international borders with neighbouring Bangladesh, and in October last year, he made trips to Dubai not once but twice. The West Bengal Police and Assam Police were investigating whether his Dubai trip was related to any ABT-related assignment. 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 Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) issued in his name from two Assembly constituencies in Murshidabad district -- one from Kandi and another from Hariharpara. 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. There are also inputs that ABT members were 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 keeping on rent. New Delhi, Jan 1 : As India ushers in New Year, it rounded off 2024 with 214 GW installed green energy capacity, according to figures compiled by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, while the country is firmly on track to meet its ambitious target of achieving 500 GW energy capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030. Between April and November last year, India added nearly 15 GW of renewable energy capacity, almost double the 7.57 GW added during the same period last year. "As we step into 2025, India stands tall as a global lighthouse of sustainable development. Our achievements aren't merely about meeting targets; they're about reimagining what's possible in the worldwide energy transition," said Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi. India crossed the 200 GW milestone of total installed renewable energy capacity in September 2024. The total installed non-fossil fuel capacity further increased to 214 GW in November which is an increase of over 14 per cent as compared to the 187.05 GW in the same period last year. "Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's transformative leadership, 2024 has marked a great moment in India's renewable energy journey. Our achievement of more than 214 GW from non-fossil sources isn't just a number it represents our nation's unwavering commitment to reaching our ambitious 500 GW goal by 2030," Joshi said. The country's solar energy capacity reached 94.17 GW in 2024 while the wind energy capacity was at 47.96 GW. The country's total installed and pipeline solar projects combined stand (as on Nov 2024) at 261.15 GW, reflecting a strong pipeline for future growth and expansion in the solar sector. Within just 10 months of its launch, 'PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana' (PMSGMBY) has achieved 7 lakh installations an average of 70,000 per month. This marks a 10-fold increase in monthly installations compared to the average of 7,000 per month prior to the launch of the scheme in February 2024. States such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh have demonstrated exceptional progress, reflecting robust infrastructure and stakeholder collaboration. Launched with an outlay of Rs 75,021 crore, the scheme targets installation of rooftop solar in one crore households, provides up to 300 units free electricity monthly and offers subsidies ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 78,000 per household. The government has also issued guidelines for 'Incentives to DISCOMs' with a financial outlay of Rs 4,950 crore, covering net meter availability and installation facilitation. Considerable progress has been made under the PM KUSUM scheme with over 2.95 lakh standalone off-grid solar water pumps being installed to help farmers with the setting up of 10,000 MW decentralized solar plants on their land. As many as 35 lakh grid-connected agriculture pumps have been solarized under the scheme and about 11.34 GW of solar energy capacity has been installed during January to November 2024. On the wind energy front, as of November 2024, India's cumulative wind power capacity stands at 47.96 GW. The country's total installed and pipeline wind energy projects (as on Nov 2024) add up to 74.44 GW, driving continued progress in renewable energy. Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have emerged as the leading states in wind capacity addition during FY 2023-24. The ministry also continues with the implementation of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, approved with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore. The mission aims to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. Kolkata, Jan 1 : The Kolkata Police, on Wednesday, arrested a student of a reputed engineering college in the city on charges of raping his classmate at an empty residential flat in the city. Insiders from the city police said the alleged rape took place on December 21, 2024, at the flat in the Garfa area in South Kolkata owned by another friend of the accused engineering student. As per the complaint lodged by the victim and her parents, she was first taken to the empty residential flat by the accused. There she was intoxicated by mixing alcohol with the soft beverage and after she went into an inebriated state she was raped by the accused. Insiders said the victim during the initial stage of shock did not reveal anything to her parents. However, later finally she narrated the entire incident following which a complaint was lodged at Garfa Police Station on Tuesday night. The accused was summoned to the police station on Tuesday night only and after a nightlong interrogation was arrested. The accused will be presented at a lower court in Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon and the public prosecutor will seek his police custody. The friend of the accused, who owns the flat, has also been summoned by the cops of Garfa Police station for questioning. It is learnt that a couple of months back the accused and the victim had a tiff between them and for some time they were not on talking terms. However, in December only they patched up and started normal conversations. West Bengal had been in the negative headlines for the last few months following several complaints of rape and rape & murder and in many cases the victims were minors. The most talked about incident of rape and murder was that of a woman junior doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata within the hospital premises in August last year. Kochi, Jan 1 : The medical board attending Congress legislator Uma Thomas on Wednesday stated that her condition was improving and she had greeted her son with a happy New Year message. Dr Krishnanunni Polakulathhe, the head of the medical team at the private hospital, where she is on a ventilator, stated that seeing her son, she wished him 'Happy New Year'. "Wednesday is her third day of admission in the hospital. Overall she is improving and the X-ray of her lungs shows good progress. Now the challenge is when she can be weaned from the ventilator but it cannot be done aggressively. She says she has pain and we are doing our best to keep it to the minimum," said Dr Polakulathhe. "The situation is the question of how many days she has to be on the ventilator. At the moment the ventilator at times stops to allow her to breathe on her own and she breathes on her own. We will have to decide on weaning her from the ventilator. There was a combined medical board meeting and the state government-constituted medical board is also happy with our administration of the patient. Good progress is being made, she has started moving her arms and legs, but she doesn't remember the fall when I asked her," added the doctor treating her. The incident occurred on Sunday evening at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, owned by the CPI(M)-controlled Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA). Uma Thomas tripped over a barricade near the VIP pavilion after greeting State Culture Minister Saji Cherian. The mishap happened during a Guinness World Record attempt for a mass dance performance featuring around 12,500 participants. The accident has sparked a blame game, with authorities launching an investigation into the event's organisation. Speaking to IANS, Minister Cherian said he saw with his own eyes when she fell down. "We were all seated together and she was going back to her seat after exchanging pleasantries with me. Everything happened in a flash and seeing her fall, I expressed shock. Since the dance event was on with mikes blaring all around, the cries for help from those who saw her fall failed to attract attention, but the moment she fell, she was attended to and taken to the hospital. On either side of the place where she fell, there was grass, but her head hit the concrete floor. I also reached the hospital and I could hardly sleep that night after being a witness to the gory accident," said Cherian. Uma Thomas, the widow of Congress veteran P.T. Thomas, represents the Thrikkakara Assembly constituency. She entered politics after her husband died in December 2021. She won the bypoll with a margin of over 25,000 votes, defying expectations of a Left victory. A former student leader during college, Uma is known for her polite demeanour and well-researched speeches in the Assembly. As the only woman Congress legislator in the current Assembly, she holds a significant and symbolic position in her party. New Delhi, Jan 1 : Congress leader Rashid Alvi on Wednesday accused the BJP of being responsible for the influx of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis into India, amid a fresh political row triggered by the AAP's accusations against Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. The AAP's National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal recently demanded the arrest of Hardeep Singh Puri, alleging that the Union Minister facilitated the settlement of Rohingyas in India. "He has all the data on where he settled Rohingyas and how. He posted it on 'X' and gave the information. Hardeep Singh Puri and Amit Shah have all the data on how and where they have settled Rohingyas," Kejriwal had claimed. Reacting to the controversy, Rashid Alvi told IANS, "In Delhi, the police is under the control of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. I remember very well the statement of Hardeep Singh Puri when he said that we will give a place to live to Rohingyas. So, who is responsible for this?" Alvi further accused the BJP of hypocrisy, pointing to its friendly ties with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. "You have given refuge to Sheikh Hasina, under whose government most Bangladeshis came to our country illegally. You are feeding her korma and biryani. What kind of patriotism is this?" he remarked. In 2022, Hardeep Singh Puri had posted on his social media handle on 'X' (then Twitter), "India has always welcomed those who have sought refuge in the country. In a landmark decision, all Rohingya refugees will be shifted to EWS flats in Bakkarwala area of Delhi. They will be provided basic amenities, UNHCR IDs, and round-the-clock Delhi Police protection." The statement, however, was later dismissed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which denied any such policy. Alvi also commented on a letter written by Arvind Kejriwal to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, questioning whether the Sangh supported the BJP's alleged "open distribution" of money to voters in Delhi. "The RSS chief says one thing, and the BJP does another. They are distributing money in Delhi and cutting Muslim votes. This is not just happening in Delhi; it's a pattern seen across India before elections. Meanwhile, the RSS head remains completely silent," Alvi said. He criticised the contradictory statements from BJP leaders and RSS cadres. "It's impossible for the BJP to do anything without the RSS. The Prime Minister and RSS chief say one thing, while their cadre and leaders speak an entirely opposite language," Alvi added. A staff member displays a plane ticket of the C919 Flight MU721 in front of the plane in Shanghai, east China on Jan. 1, 2025. China Eastern Airlines on Wednesday started using China's domestically-produced C919 jetliner for regular flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Flight MU721 carrying 157 passengers took off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 8:21 a.m., marking the inauguration of the route operating the aircraft type. (China Eastern Airlines/Handout via Xinhua) SHANGHAI, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- China Eastern Airlines on Wednesday started using China's domestically-produced C919 jetliner for regular flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Flight MU721 carrying 157 passengers took off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 8:21 a.m., marking the inauguration of the route operating the aircraft type. It makes China Eastern Airlines the first airline to use the C919 for scheduled commercial flights to Hong Kong. The company plans to conduct daily round-trip flights. Passengers and crew members of the C919 Flight MU721 pose for a group photo inside the plane on Jan. 1, 2025. China Eastern Airlines on Wednesday started using China's domestically-produced C919 jetliner for regular flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Flight MU721 carrying 157 passengers took off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 8:21 a.m., marking the inauguration of the route operating the aircraft type. (China Eastern Airlines/Handout via Xinhua) The C919 Flight MU721 takes off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport in east China's Shanghai, Jan. 1, 2025. China Eastern Airlines on Wednesday started using China's domestically-produced C919 jetliner for regular flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Flight MU721 carrying 157 passengers took off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 8:21 a.m., marking the inauguration of the route operating the aircraft type. (China Eastern Airlines/Handout via Xinhua) Passengers of the C919 Flight MU721 arrive in Hong Kong, south China, Jan. 1, 2025. China Eastern Airlines on Wednesday started using China's domestically-produced C919 jetliner for regular flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Flight MU721 carrying 157 passengers took off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 8:21 a.m., marking the inauguration of the route operating the aircraft type. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) The C919 Flight MU721 takes off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport in east China's Shanghai, Jan. 1, 2025. China Eastern Airlines on Wednesday started using China's domestically-produced C919 jetliner for regular flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Flight MU721 carrying 157 passengers took off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 8:21 a.m., marking the inauguration of the route operating the aircraft type. (China Eastern Airlines/Handout via Xinhua) A staff member displays a placard with the C919 Flight MU721 in the background in Shanghai, east China on Jan. 1, 2025. China Eastern Airlines on Wednesday started using China's domestically-produced C919 jetliner for regular flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Flight MU721 carrying 157 passengers took off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 8:21 a.m., marking the inauguration of the route operating the aircraft type. (China Eastern Airlines/Handout via Xinhua) The C919 Flight MU721 is pictured after its arrival in Hong Kong, south China, Jan. 1, 2025. China Eastern Airlines on Wednesday started using China's domestically-produced C919 jetliner for regular flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Flight MU721 carrying 157 passengers took off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 8:21 a.m., marking the inauguration of the route operating the aircraft type. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) A celebration ceremony is held after the arrival of the C919 Flight MU721 in Hong Kong, south China, Jan. 1, 2025. China Eastern Airlines on Wednesday started using China's domestically-produced C919 jetliner for regular flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Flight MU721 carrying 157 passengers took off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 8:21 a.m., marking the inauguration of the route operating the aircraft type. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) Crew members of the C919 Flight MU721 pose for photos after their arrival in Hong Kong, south China, Jan. 1, 2025. China Eastern Airlines on Wednesday started using China's domestically-produced C919 jetliner for regular flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Flight MU721 carrying 157 passengers took off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 8:21 a.m., marking the inauguration of the route operating the aircraft type. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) Bengaluru, Jan 1 : Karnataka MLC and former national general secretary of BJP C.T. Ravi on Wednesday said the Belagavi police were not registering an FIR on his complaint submitted on December 19, 2024, in connection with police highhandedness linked to the derogatory remark row involving Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru at the BJP party headquarters, Ravi stated, "On December 19 night, I filed a complaint and it has not been registered till this moment and FIR has not been filed. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers investigating the derogatory remark row are claiming that there are two cases against me and they want to send notice. Interestingly, they do not know about the complaint lodged by me. There is one law for the Congress leaders and another set of laws for others," he chided. "When I met the DGP and IGP regarding the case, I asked them about my complaint lodged on December 19, and they said they do not have information," Ravi stated. "Home Minister G. Parameshwara has expressed his helplessness in public and not to trouble him more, I did not lodge a complaint with him. The police officers have not acted as per the rule book and the Constitution in my case, and action should be taken against them," Ravi demanded. Talking about the derogatory remark row, Ravi stated, "I have mentioned this many times. The whole case should be viewed in three dimensions. The Speaker and Chairman are the supreme authority inside the State Legislature as per the Constitution. Article 194 gives special authority to the Speaker of the Assembly, Chairman of the Council and members." "The incidents took place outside the session in Belagavi Suvarna Vidhana Soudha...Anti-social elements are trying to attack me and the police are working as 'supari killers'. In my letter to the Governor, I have clearly mentioned the threats to me and also named persons. It is left to the government on how they make arrangements in this regard," Ravi maintained. Targeting the Congress government, Ravi stated, "From electricity to milk to alcohol, the prices are raised. The corruption has reached such levels that people need to pay Rs 100 per square foot to get the plan sanctioned. This is the Congress tax one needs to pay," he underlined. "After Muda, Valmiki, Excise scams, the health department has turned unhealthy. The deaths of a series of new mothers have continued in the state. More than 400 lifesaving drugs supplied to the government hospitals not having quality is surprising and shocking," Ravi expressed his concerns. He further said, 'The honest officers are getting suicide guarantees from the Congress-led government. PSI Parashurama Nayak in Yadgir committed suicide, the government officer Chandrasekaran ended his life in Shivamogga, and government staffer Rudresh Yadavannanavar committed suicide in Belagavi. Sanchin Panchal, a contractor, ended his life. Two days ago, Amruth Shilyour, another government employee, ended life. The honest officers are sure to get the reward of suicide in the Congress government's regime, and, this is how the governance is carried out in the state," he pointed out. "Including the Chief Minister, many ministers are facing allegations. Minister Priyank Kharge thinks he is there to criticize others and any criticism against him won't apply to him. Minister Kharge vehemently demanded the resignation of former Minister K.S. Eshwarappa. Many republics exist in Karnataka state under the Congress government. Separate republics exist in Kalaburagi, Belagavi and Kanakapura districts. At least in 2025, let the law and the Constitution apply the same to all," Ravi demanded. The statement indirectly targeted Minister Priyank Kharge (Kalaburagi), Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar (Belagavi) and Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar (Kanakapura). "I want to convey wishes for the new year. The Congress has completed one and half years after coming to power. The achievements of this government are price rise and corruption," he stated. The row erupted in December 2024 when Ravi allegedly referred to Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, as a "drug addict". This provoked strong reactions, with Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar calling Ravi a "murderer". Ravi reportedly responded with an obscene remark directed at Hebbalkar. The alleged comment led to Ravi's arrest on charges of using derogatory language against Hebbalkar. However, following a High Court directive, Ravi was released, creating further political drama. The Congress government has handed over the case to the special wing Criminal Investigation Department (CID) even as the Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti said the case was a closed chapter and the police interference was unacceptable. Meanwhile, Minister Hebbalkar challenged Ravi to swear before Lord Manjunatheshwara at the famous Hindu pilgrimage centre in Dharmasthala in Karnataka, regarding his alleged use of derogatory words against her in the Legislative Council. Chennai, Jan 1 : Chennai police registered cases against Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief coordinator Seeman and 231 others for defying a ban and conducting a protest march on Tuesday against the recent sexual assault case in Anna University. Actor and Tamil movie director Seeman is the founder of NTK. According to Chennai police sources on Wednesday, two cases have been filed under two Sections against those involved in the protest led by Seeman. Earlier, the NTK announced plans to stage a protest condemning the sexual assault on an engineering student at Anna University. Despite being denied permission, party members gathered at Valluvar Kottam in Chennai on Tuesday. More than 200 people, including 40 women, were detained and removed in buses and vans during the protest. Later, they were released and Seeman questioned, "Why are protesters being prevented from expressing their outrage? What is the government trying to hide?" The sexual assault of a second year engineering student took place in the wee hours of December 25, when the victim and her male friend, who is a senior at Anna University, were returning to the campus after attending Christmas mass at a nearby church. The girl raised a complaint with the police who took into custody a local biriyani vendor, Gnanasekaran (37). He confessed to the crime and Tamil Nadu BJP raised allegations that he was closely associated with the ruling DMK and that he was an office-bearer of the partyas student wing. However, this was denied by the DMK, with Tamil Nadu Law Minister S. Regupathy telling the media that Gnanasekaran was not a member of the party. The sexual assault that happened in the heart of Chennai sent shockwaves across the state, and triggered protests by students and stinging criticism by Opposition parties and even allies of the ruling DMK. According to police sources, the two college students were returning to the campus after attending prayers at a nearby church when the incident happened. When they were on a secluded stretch, the accused intercepted them, taking them by surprise. After attacking the boy brutally, the accused sexually assaulted the girl. As a mark of protest, Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai lashed himself six times with a whip on December 27 morning in front of his residence in Coimbatore. The act was part of a personal protest against the sexual assault on the Anna University student, Annamalai had announced earlier. He also vowed not to wear slippers until the DMK government was removed from power in Tamil Nadu. The BJP leader stated that he would pray at all six temples of Lord Muruga, who is considered a war deity in South India. The former IPS officer-turned-politician has been leading the Tamil Nadu BJP with an aggressive approach and has been vocal in his criticism of the ruling DMK government. Annamalai condemned the police for leaking the FIR related to the sexual assault case, which resulted in the identification of the 19-year-old victim, resulting in massive trauma to her and her family. He accused the authorities of intentionally leaking the details and failing to ensure the safety and anonymity of the rape survivor. Annamalai also accused the DMK of attempting to divert attention from the deteriorating law and order situation in Tamil Nadu by promoting a false narrative of a North-South divide. New Delhi, Jan 1 : Former Australia white-ball captain Aaron Finch believes the hosts' will not go in with Mitchell Marsh in their playing eleven for the upcoming final Test against India at Sydney, and wishes to see uncapped Beau Webster in his place. Marsh has bowled just 33 overs in the series and picked only three wickets. With the bat, Marsh has endured a lean time, scoring just 73 runs at an average of 10.42, with the highest score being 47 in the second innings in Perth Test. "Well, I think probably with the amount of overs that he's bowling at the moment, you'd have to make a case that he wouldn't be. Just a pure output of runs, averaging 10, I think, for the series - it's not up to the mark. I heard Andrew McDonald the other day said it's not what they were wanting from Mitch, especially in that number six role where you can have such an impact on a game." "But I mean, the team's winning, and what winning does is it allows you to stick longer with players that might be slightly out of form because you've seen them at their absolute best. So for me, I think it'd be a really hard decision, but I don't think that they'll go with him and I think that Beau Webster will come in," said Finch on ESPN's 'Around the Wicket' show. Similar views were expressed by former Australia player Callum Ferguson. "I think that's my gut call as well. You've got to look at the workload that the bowlers have shared throughout the series, and there was a Test match there where we lost Josh Hazlewood early in the Test. So the guys had to pick up a huge workload there. So I think for the fast bowling brigade, I think they need that extra support going into this Test match." Asked if left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc would be fine after clutching his side in the fag end of Australia's thrilling 184-run victory in the fourth Test in Melbourne, which gave them a 2-1 series lead, Finch stated, "I don't think that he'll miss. He said that once it warmed up and Pat agreed that when you do have a little niggle and particularly if it's not a muscle injury, once it warms up, it's fine." "But it's just that first couple of balls that you bowl - he looked in excruciating pain there for a while. I mean, he would have got through on adrenaline in that last session in particular when he was up in the mid 140s at the back end of the fourth Test match with a high workload. So I think he'll definitely play." To this, Ferguson replied, "I mean, you've really got to be managing this very carefully. We've got a Sri Lanka series coming up and that'll come around quick too. I don't think you can look forward to that though." In response to Ferguson, Finch commented, "No, I agree with that. Because this series is so important, and this Test match is so important. So I think that yes, whilst the Sri Lankan series is important, I think that's a selection for next week." Quizzed on if Marsh can play after Starc is picked, Finch said, "I don't think so, purely for the workload. Nathan Lyon will have a bigger workload obviously with the turn in Sydney. Travis Head might be able to pick up some slack." "But I think if you're going in with somebody under a slight injury cloud and Mitch just hasn't bowled the amount of overs that you would expect from the fourth seamer, that'd be a tough. If someone went down, I mean, you can't bowl in a couple of overs." Ferguson signed off by saying, You're right, Finch. I think if we're going into this one with Starc, I think we need to find someone who's got more overs up their sleeve." Kolkata, Jan 1 : Ripples have surfaced in the political circles of West Bengal as Trinamool Congress General Secretary and Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee in his New Year message on Wednesday chose to skip the reference of his party, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the state government. For quite some time there has been gossip in the corridors of power in the state about a rift within the ruling party on the issue of "fresh blood" versus "old guards". The phrasing of the New Year message by Banerjee is significant as he gave a call for looking ahead with hope and determination but without any direct reference to state and national politics. "As we welcome 2025, let us look ahead with hope and determination. Each new year brings an opportunity to start afresh, to chart a path guided by courage, compassion and purpose," his statement read. In his message, he also sought inspiration to rise above challenges, foster harmony and work hard towards a bright future for all. "Let this year inspire us to rise above challenges, foster harmony and work hand in hand towards a brighter future for all. May we find strength in unity, kindness in our hearts and resilience in the face of every trial," he said. "Here's to a year filled with meaningful progress, shared joy and abundant opportunities. Wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2025!" the message added. On the contrary, the statement issued by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the first day of the New Year, which is also the foundation day of the Trinamool Congress, has a direct political reference to her party. "Roshni chand se hoti hai, sitaron se nahi, Mohabbat Trinamool Congress se hoti hai, aur kisi se nahi! On Trinamool Congress Foundation Day, I wholeheartedly thank every single member of our extended family. Over the course of two decades, every protest, every victory, and even every challenge has reaffirmed our core belief: politics is not about power but about SERVICE. As we celebrate this milestone, I urge every Trinamool soldier to renew their pledge to fight for the people, and remember that the soul of our party is rooted in the ethos of 'Maa, Mati, Manush," the Chief Minister's statement read. New Delhi, Jan 1 : Reacting to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal's letter to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, BJP General Secretary Dushyant Gautam said that the former Delhi CM was attempting to divert attention from real issues. "Those who haven't done any work for 10-12 years are now resorting to such tactics," he told IANS adding that AAP came to loot and destroy Delhiites. Tarun Chugh also accused Kejriwal of indulging in vote-bank politics. "For 11 years, Kejriwal only supported clerics and appeased a particular community. He ignored Sanatan traditions, temples, and gurudwaras. Now, as elections approach, he suddenly remembers priests and granthis. The public sees through his lies and will respond accordingly," he said. Chugh added, "Your deceit will no longer work. The people are ready to rise and say, 'Vacate the throne!' " Earlier in the day, Kejriwal wrote a letter to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat seeking answers to some questions on BJP's politics. In the letter, Kejriwal posed questions like -- Does RSS support whatever wrong BJP has done in the past few days? BJP leaders are openly distributing money, does RSS support vote buying? Dalit and Purvanchali votes (from the voter list) are being cut on a large scale. Does RSS think this is good for democracy? Doesn't RSS feel that the BJP is weakening democracy?" On the ongoing exchange of letters between Delhi CM Atishi and Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, Gautam criticised AAP's governance, stating, "AAP has betrayed the trust of the people. Their schemes (Pujari-Granthi Samman Yojana and other such schemes) are mere theatrics with no results on the ground. They claim to have built schools, but where are these schools? In Delhi, tanker mafias are flourishing, and water remains scarce. Whatever AAP says, assume the opposite to be true." He further added, "This band-baaja politics of letters is just an attempt to save themselves as public trust in them has eroded." Highlighting the BJP's achievements, Dushyant Gautam remarked, "We have provided homes to four crore people in the city, and in the next five years, we will provide homes to three crore more people, starting with Delhi." Referring to the Prime Minister's pledge from the Red Fort to eliminate kuccha houses, Gautam said, "The PM promised that in five years, no one in India would live in a kuccha house. This initiative is starting in Delhi, with homes that will include kitchens, gas connections, and more. The BJP fulfills its promises." Amaravati, Jan 1 : In a bizarre incident in Andhra Pradesh's Parvathipuram Manyam district, a drunk youth climbed on an electric pole and lied-down on the wires. However, a disaster was averted as alert villagers turned off the transformer in time. The incident occurred in M. Singipuram village in Palakonda Mandal on Tuesday. The video of the youth went viral on social media. The youth resorted to the act after his mother refused to give him her social security pension money. His action sent the residents into a tizzy. After switching off the power, they appealed to him to get down. The locals spent some anxious moments as the youth was on the wires for some time. He later got down, much to the relief of everyone. On receiving information, police rushed to the village and registered a case against the youth. Meanwhile, a court in Telangana directed eight persons caught driving under the influence of alcohol to do sanitation work at a government-run hospital. A Mancherial court delivered an unusual judgment in a drunken driving case registered by Naspur Police. The police had arrested eight men for driving under the influence of alcohol during a drive to check drunk driving. District First Class Judicial Magistrate, D. Upanishadwani did not send the accused to jail or impose a fine. The court asked the offenders to turn into sanitation workers. They were directed to lift garbage and tidy up the Primary Health Centre. Meanwhile, tipplers entered into an argument with police officers conducting drunken driving tests at various places on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1. Such incidents were reported from Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda commissionerates. The police conducted a special drive to curb traffic violations during New Year celebrations. The drive was conducted to check drunken driving, rash and dangerous driving, overspeeding, wrong-side driving, helmet-less and triple riding on two-wheelers. Bengaluru, Jan 1 : Karnataka BJP Women's Wing President C Manjula has demanded the resignation of Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar, alleging their failure to prevent maternal deaths in the state. Speaking to the media at the BJP state office in Bengaluru on Wednesday, she accused Minister Rao of being completely ineffective in addressing maternal mortality and demanded that he step down. Similarly, she criticised Minister Hebbalkar for not visiting or consoling the families of the deceased and urged her to resign as well. She said that in protest against the government's inaction in preventing maternal deaths, the BJP Women's Wing would organise district-level demonstrations across the state, starting from Thursday (January 2) with protests in five districts per day. Manjula demanded that the government provide Rs 25 lakh as compensation to the family of each deceased mother and take responsibility for supporting the children of the victims financially, socially and provide them with a good education. Referring to the recent death of a pregnant woman, Renuka Hiremani, in Koppal, she recounted how the 23-year-old, who had traveled to her maternal home in Kushtagi for her first delivery, was referred from Kushtagi hospital to the district hospital, where she passed away. Questioning whether this was the "death guarantee" promised by the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah government, she termed the incident tragic and deeply distressing. Karnataka BJP had earlier launched an attack on the state government during the Winter Session of the Assembly over maternal deaths reported across the state. Leader of Opposition, R. Ashoka, raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly, stating that the situation in the state had become so dire that women fear setting foot in government-run hospitals. Talking about maternal deaths in the Legislative Council, Health Minister Rao had appealed for stronger regulation of the powerful pharmaceutical lobby in the country. "I want to convey that drug-related laws are not strong. There is no history of action being taken against pharmaceutical companies," Health Minister Rao had said. The case of maternal deaths has been handed over for judicial investigation by the state government. The incidents of maternal deaths have been reported from some government hospitals in Ballary, Raichur and other districts in north and central Karnataka. New Delhi/Mumbai/New York, Jan 1 : Pakistani-Canadian Tahawwur Rana could soon be extradited to India for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that killed around 175 people, sources in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Mumbai Police's crime branch confirmed on Wednesday. The extradition process had intensified after a federal appeals court in the US had quashed Rana's appeal in August, last year. The California-based Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals had upheld a lower federal court verdict permitting his extradition and ruled that the 1997 extradition treaty between India and the US covered his alleged offences. A three-panel appeals court bench had heard the habeas corpus petition against the Central California District Court judgement allowing Rana's extradition. Judge Milan Smith, who wrote the opinion for the bench, said "India provided sufficient competent evidence" to support the initial order of a magistrate judge's "finding of probable cause that Rana committed the charged crimes" to allow the extradition. Rana, a Canadian citizen living in Chicago, was arrested in the US in 2009 for plotting to bomb a Danish newspaper, 'Jyllands-Posten', that published a controversial image of Prophet Mohammed. He faced three main charges in a Chicago federal court relating to his involvement in the Danish case, providing support to Lashkar, and conspiring for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. He was acquitted of the Mumbai attack charge, but convicted in the other two and sentenced to 14 years. The appeals court ruled that his acquittal in the Mumbai attack charge did not affect his extradition because in India he faces several different charges. The charges include conspiracy, waging war, murder, terrorism, and forgery, the judgement noted. Rana was released after seven years on compassionate grounds during the Covid pandemic, following which India requested his extradition to face trial there, which the magistrate judge approved. Rana is a former Pakistan Army doctor who set up an immigration service after immigrating to Canada. Ranaas extradition would be a partial fulfillment of Indiaas attempts to get the US-based Lashkar-e-Taiba accomplices face trial in India as Washington had refused to extradite Rana's Pakistani-American accomplice Daood Gilani, who uses the name David Headley. Headley had worked as an informant for the US governmentas Drug Enforcement Agency and after admitting to 12 terrorism-related charges, made a deal to cooperate with the US government on the condition that he will not be extradited. The judgement mentioned Rana helping Headley get a five-year visa for India under the pretext of setting up a branch of his business there. Headley used the visa to help plot the Lashkar terror rampage by surveilling the Taj Hotel and other targets. Headley had informed Rana about the surveillance activities, the judgement said. Judge Smith also noted in the judgement that "Rana commended the terrorists who carried out the attacks and stated that the people of India 'deserved it'." New Delhi, Jan 1 : Just days after a Bengaluru techie took his own life over alleged harassment by his wife amid divorce and child custody proceedings, another tragic case has emerged from the Model Town area of Delhi. Puneet Khurana, a 39-year-old cafe owner, was found dead at his residence in Kalyan Vihar on Tuesday afternoon. Puneet, who was fighting an acrimonious divorce case with his wife Manika, reportedly faced continuous threats and pressure, according to his family and friends. The couple had been married for eight years and were partners in their cafe business. However, they had been living apart for the last two years following frequent disputes. Detailing the events leading to the incident, one of Puneet's friends said, "He called us on Monday evening, saying he was under immense stress and needed to talk. He expressed concern that Manika's family might harm his father and other relatives. We stayed with him till 2 a.m., trying to reassure him that justice and the law were on his side. He seemed very scared despite our efforts to console him." Another friend added, "Puneet was a strong person, but the threats targeting his parents placed him under immense pressure." Puneet's sister echoed similar sentiments, revealing that despite the settlement of financial and business disputes between the couple, he continued to receive threats from his wife's family. Before taking the extreme step, Puneet reportedly recorded a video and an audio clip. While police have not officially confirmed the existence of the video, a 20-minute audio recording has surfaced, capturing a conversation between Puneet and his wife late at night. In the audio, Puneet is heard discussing disputes over their shared business and financial matters. Towards the end of the conversation, he threatens to expose the truth on YouTube the following morning. On Tuesday afternoon, Puneet was found hanging in his home. Family members rushed him to a hospital, but doctors declared him brought dead. The police have taken Puneet's body for postmortem and seized his mobile phone for further investigation. Officials are examining the evidence, including the audio clip, to ascertain the events leading to his death. The couple, who had no children, were in the process of divorcing with mutual consent. The ongoing investigation will focus on the claims of harassment and threats, as well as the content of Puneet's recordings. Puneet's tragic demise has once again highlighted the severe emotional toll of marital disputes and the need for timely intervention and support. BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Patients in China will access cheaper and more diverse medications in 2025 as 91 new drugs have been added to the national medical insurance scheme. The price of the newly included drugs, which include medications for tumors, diabetes, rare diseases, and anti-infective and psychiatric drugs, will drop by 63 percent on average, according to a statement from China's National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) in November 2024. This will result in an estimated 50 billion yuan (about 7 billion U.S. dollars) reduction in patient expenditures, the NHSA said. Since its establishment, the NHSA has adjusted the national medical insurance catalog for seven consecutive years, increasing the total number of medications to 3,159 and significantly expanding the medical insurance coverage for chronic diseases, rare diseases, and pediatric medications. In addition to expanding the drug catalog, the government has worked to lower prices through bulk procurement and price negotiation programs. The latest government-led bulk procurement of medicines was just finalized in December. This marked the 10th batch of procurement jointly launched by the NHSA and relevant departments, bringing the total number of drugs purchased to 435. Lu Yun, a scholar at China Pharmaceutical University, noted that the latest batch sets a new record for the quantity of drugs purchased. "The new batch features both commonly-used drugs and high-end medications, including a variety of medicines for underlying health conditions related to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, digestive and metabolic issues. It covers a wide range of demographics and will improve the quality of medication for patients and boost their chance to regain health," said Lu. December also saw the completion of the latest round of bulk procurement of medical consumables. Approximately 11,000 cochlear implants from five suppliers and 258,000 peripheral vascular stents from 18 suppliers were purchased through the program, making them more affordable for patients with hearing or peripheral vascular diseases. The NHSA estimated that the average price of a cochlear implant composed of an implant and a speech processor would drop from over 200,000 yuan to approximately 50,000 yuan. The latest bulk procurement will significantly increase the accessibility of cochlear implants, making them a more attractive option for people with impaired hearing across all age groups, said Wang Wei, director of the Department of Otolaryngology at the Tianjin First Central Hospital. Peripheral vascular stents are used primarily to treat peripheral vascular diseases such as vascular stenosis, thrombosis and aneurysms. Annually, 200,000 to 300,000 people undergo peripheral vascular stent implantation in China. Dai Xiangchen, deputy chief of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, hailed the significant reduction in surgical costs after peripheral vascular stents were included in the bulk procurement catalog. While advancing bulk procurement, China has continued to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for lower prices. As of October, the negotiation program had benefited over 830 million recipients, saving more than 880 billion yuan in patient expenditure, according to NHSA statistics. The price negotiation program is a major avenue for innovative drugs to be included in China's medical insurance. Newly-developed drugs remain a focus of this year's price negotiations, said Huang Xinyu, adding that the effort is to ensure that "the money is spent on the most important things." Bengaluru, Jan 1 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that there was no question of state Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge resigning over the contractor suicide case, saying the allegations against him were "politically motivated". Speaking to the media at Vidhana Soudha, the Chief Minister said Kharge's name does not appear in the contractor's death note. He emphasised that there is no evidence or role linking Kharge to the case and therefore, there is no need for him to step down. Kharge has also expressed his willingness to cooperate in the investigation, Siddaramaiah said. Sachin, a 26-year-old contractor in Kalaburagi, allegedly committed suicide after facing threats and extortion from Raju Kapanuru, an aide of Priyank Kharge. Sachin's seven-page suicide note blamed Kapanuru for atrocities. Opposition leaders, including BJP's Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, accused Kharge and demanded his resignation. The BJP plans to intensify its protests, calling for a CBI probe into the matter. Responding to the BJP's demand for a CBI investigation into the case, Siddaramaiah questioned whether the BJP lacked trust in the state police. "The previous BJP government did not transfer any cases to the CBI. Therefore, the BJP lacks the moral authority to demand a CBI inquiry now," he said. Siddaramaiah further claimed that in a similar case in the past, former BJP leader K.S. Eshwarappa's name was mentioned in a death note. The case has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for investigation, and appropriate action will be taken based on the report, he said. Responding to complaints filed by BJP MLC C.T. Ravi with the Governor over "police highhandedness" over the derogatory remark row involving Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the case has also been handed over to the CID. Moscow, Jan 1 : Russian energy giant Gazprom said Wednesday that it has stopped gas supply for transit through Ukraine due to expiration of key agreements and the lack of renewal by the Ukrainian side. The agreements, signed on December 30, 2019, included a contract between Gazprom and Ukraine's national oil and gas company Naftogaz on the transportation of Russian gas through the Ukrainian territory, and a cooperation agreement between the operators of the two countries' gas transmission systems. These agreements officially expired at 8 am Moscow time (0500 GMT) Wednesday, Gazprom said on Telegram. Gazprom said Ukraine had repeatedly and unequivocally refused to extend these agreements, leaving the Russian company without the technical and legal means to continue gas transit through Ukraine. Consequently, the supply of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory stopped at 8 am Moscow time Wednesday, it added, Xinhua news agency reported. Last month, the Russian government had warned that the transit of Russian gas to European countries is currently "very difficult" and requires attention. "You have heard the statement from the Ukrainian side, and you know about the position of those European countries that continue to buy Russian gas and that consider it necessary for the normal operation of their economies," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on December 23 after a meeting between Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow where the parties discussed the transit of Russian gas as Ukraine declined to renew a gas transit deal with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had said at a European Union Summit that he will not extend Ukraine's five-year gas transportation deal with Russia, which expires at the end of 2024. The move had raised concern for Slovakia, which has a long-term contract with Russian energy giant Gazprom. Although Putin confirmed Russia's readiness to continue supplying gas to the West and to Slovakia, Fico said this was "practically impossible" once the gas transit agreement expires at the end of the year. The resumption of gas transit would be only possible at the request of the European Commission and if Ukraine transports non-Russian gas, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency had reported in December, citing Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Chennai, Jan 1 : In a move that brought relief to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and his party the DMK, its alliance partner, the MDMK, announced that it is not in favour of sharing power and pledged unstinting support to the M.K. Stalin government. It is worth noting that since the Dravidian parties came to power in Tamil Nadu, there has never been a tradition of sharing power within the state. However, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), a Dalit political party and an ally in the DMK-led INDIA bloc, has been vocal about its desire for power-sharing. VCK Deputy General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna, who has since exited the party, had publicly advocated for the VCK's inclusion in governance. This statement was strongly opposed by VCK chief and Member of Parliament Thol Thirumavalavan. However, there were reports of Thirumavalavan expressing his desire of being part of the Tamil Nadu government. Addressing the media, MDMK leader Vaiko clarified his party's stance on the issue, stating, "We are not agreeing to sharing power and governance." Responding to Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai's pledge not to wear footwear until the DMK is ousted from power, Vaiko remarked, "As long as I live, I will not let anyone remove the DMK government." He added, "Moreover, the people support this government and the welfare measures implemented by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin." On a different note, Vaiko condemned the sexual assault incident at Anna University, demanding that the accused be given the maximum punishment under the law. Highlighting the MDMK's achievements, Vaiko listed several successful protests led by his party, including halting the neutrino project, ensuring the closure of Sterlite, and safeguarding the Mullaperiyar Dam. He lamented, however, that the common public remains unaware of these efforts due to the party's lack of media presence. "We are not doing these things for votes," he emphasised. In a strong critique of the BJP-led central government, Vaiko accused it of attempting to undermine secularism and federalism. Vaiko said, "The BJP has renamed Allahabad as Prayagraj. A conference held by Hindutva groups in 2022 proposed shifting the national Capital to Varanasi and removing all official languages except Hindi and Sanskrit. They even suggested taking away voting rights from minorities." He praised Stalin and the DMK government for implementing welfare schemes benefiting students, women, and other sections of society. "Chief Ministers of other states want to replicate the schemes introduced by the DMK government in their respective states," he concluded. New Delhi, Jan 1 : India's coffee exports have surged during April-November of the current financial year, shooting past a record $1 billion during the 8-month period, according to figures compiled by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). The jump in the value of exports is due to the sharp increase in prices of Robusta coffee and stocking ahead of the European Unionas new deforestation regulation that is expected to increase the cost of coffee as well as several other agricultural exports to the EU. India's coffee exports rose by 12.22 per cent to $1.28 billion for the full year in 2023-24 on higher demand for Robusta coffee in the global markets, according to the Commerce Ministry data. The country exported coffee worth $1.14 billion in 2022-23. Italy, Russia, the UAE, Germany, and Turkey are the major markets for Indiaas coffee exports. India became the worldas eighth-largest coffee grower during 2022-2023. Indian coffee is one of the best coffees in the world owing to its high quality and commands a premium in the international markets. India produces two types of coffee: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica has a higher market value than Robusta coffee due to its mild aromatic flavour. Robusta coffee is used in making various blends due to its strong flavour. Robusta is a majorly manufactured coffee with a share of 72 per cent of the total production of Indian coffee. India is considered the fifth largest producer of Robusta coffee globally. The industry provides direct employment to more than 2 million people in India. Since coffee is an export commodity for India, domestic demand and consumption do not drastically impact the prices of coffee. Coffee is produced mainly in Indiaas southern states with Karnataka being the largest producer accounting for as much as 71 per cent of the total production of the crop. Kerala is the second-largest producer of coffee but accounts only for about 20 per cent of the total production. Tamil Nadu is the third-largest producer with 5 per cent of Indiaas total coffee production. Half of Tamil Naduas coffee is made in the Nilgiri district, a major Arabica growing region. Orissa and the north-eastern areas have a smaller proportion of production. India's combined Arabica and Robusta harvest was estimated at around 3.74 lakh tonnes for the 2023-24 crop year. While Arabica's production is a little over 1 lakh tonnes, Robusta's output is around 2.6 lakh tonnes. Hyderabad, Jan 1 : The Indian Army will host the 'Know Your Army Mela 2025' at the historic Golconda Fort here from January 3 to 5. Organised under the aegis of Telangana and Andhra Sub Area (TASA) headquarters and coordinated by the Artillery Centre, Hyderabad, this event serves as a prelude to the Army Day Parade 2025. This one-of-a-kind event offers all citizens a unique opportunity to engage with the Indian Army, witness its technological prowess, and gain insights into its operational capabilities. The mela aims to inspire and motivate young aspirants to join the Armed Forces while projecting a positive image of the Indian Army, a Defence release said. The Army has selected a historic venue for a grand event. The Golconda Fort, renowned for its historical and cultural significance, provides a majestic backdrop for this event. Its accessibility and iconic stature promise to captivate visitors and enhance their experience. The mela has been meticulously planned to ensure smooth conduct, engaging activities, and maximum visibility for all attendees. The event will showcase artillery guns, small arms, and advanced operational tools. There will be detailed display boards explaining their specifications and operational significance. Exhibits featuring communication systems, engineering tools, and Nuclear Biological and Chemical (NBC) warfare suits will be on display. The visitors will have interactive experiences. They will be allowed to take photos with military equipment. There will be dedicated recruitment booths with detailed information about career opportunities in the Armed Forces. The event will also feature live performances by military bands and exhibitions of gallantry medals, stories of valour, and other historical memorabilia. Army personnel will be available at each stall to engage with visitors, share insights, and answer queries. "The Know Your Army Mela 2025 is more than just an exhibition. It is a celebration of the Indian Army's strength, discipline, and dedication to the nation. All citizens will have a chance to interact with Army personnel, see cutting-edge military equipment, and learn about the inspiring legacy of the Armed Forces. This event is a perfect blend of education, inspiration, and patriotism, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the Army's role in safeguarding the nation," the release added. Vijayawada, Jan 1 : Senior YSR Congress Party leader and former Andhra Pradesh minister Perni Venkataramaiah alias Perni Nani's wife Jayasudha on Wednesday appeared before police in connection with a case related to rice meant for the public distribution system (PDS) going missing from a warehouse in Machilipatnam. Vijayawada, Jan 1 (IANS) Senior YSR Congress Party leader and former Andhra Pradesh minister Perni Venkataramaiah alias Perni Nanias wife Jayasudha on Wednesday appeared before police in connection with a case related to rice meant for the public distribution system (PDS) going missing from a warehouse in Machilipatnam. In response to the notice issued by police, Jayasudha, who is the prime accused in the case, appeared before police at Bandar Taluka Police Station in Krishna district for questioning. The police did not allow Jayasudhaas lawyer during the questioning. Circle Inspector Yesubabu was questioning her. Jayasudha reached the police station in the car of Machilipatnam Mayor Venkateswaramma, who belongs to the YSR Congress Party. Jayasudha was granted anticipatory bail by a Machilipatnam court on Monday. However, the judge had directed her to cooperate in the investigation. The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday directed police not to arrest Perni Nani until the next hearing on January 6. The Machilipatnam police listed Nani as the sixth accused (A-6) in the case, which relates to 378 metric tonnes of PDS rice going missing from a warehouse owned by Jayasudha at Potlapalem in Bandar mandal (block). The warehouse was leased to the state Civil Supplies department, whose officials during a recent inspection found 7,577 bags of PDS rice stored in the warehouse missing. The police had booked the case under Sections 316 (3) (criminal breach of trust by a warehouse keeper), 316 (5) (criminal breach of trust by a public servant), 61 (2) r/w 3 (5) (criminal conspiracy) of Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS), 2023. Four accused in the case were arrested and sent to judicial custody for 12 days. They are warehouse manager Bethapudi Manasa Teja, Civil Supplies Department assistant manager Ch Kotireddy, rice mill owner Borra Anjaneyulu, and lorry driver Botla Naga Manga Rao. New Delhi, Jan 1 : The Delhi High Court has refused to interfere with a decision of the CISF declaring a candidate 'unfit' for appointment to the post of ASI due to the presence of tattoos on his body. A bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur was hearing a plea filed by a candidate who was declared unfit on the grounds of the presence of a tattoo on his left forearm and on the left side of his chest. The petitioner, Gedela Chandra Sekhara Rao, was declared "unfit" for being considered for appointment to the post of Assistant Sub-Inspector (Executive) through Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) in Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The plea contended that the employer should have given time to the petitioner to have the tattoo removed before conducting his Review Medical Examination (RME) as the same can easily be removed. In response, the CISF contended that in the 2021 "Revised Uniform Guidelines for Review Medical Examination in Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles for GOs and NGOs: Amendment thereof", it has been clearly stated that the presence of a tattoo on the left forearm is permitted but on the inner aspect of the forearm. The petitioner, who was already part of the armed forces, was aware of this prohibition and despite knowing this condition, he still had a tattoo on the outer surface of the left forearm and, therefore, was not entitled to any relief, it added. After considering all the submissions, the Delhi High Court, referring to a decision of the Supreme Court, said that appointments to higher posts of an incumbent working at a lower post through LDCE are a form of accelerated promotion, but they cannot be equated with the normal mode of promotion and the applicant has to comply with all conditions of the advertisement seeking candidature for the post advertised. "The petitioner, already being a member of the Armed Forces, should have known that the presence of a tattoo on the outer surface of the left forearm is prohibited. In spite of this, he has one. Though for some purposes he is to be treated as a direct recruit, at the same time, he cannot claim the same standard of equity as may be applicable in case of a direct/fresh recruit, who may not be well aware of such stringent medical standards followed in the Armed Forces," it added. Observing that there is no merit in the present petition, the Delhi HC dismissed the plea filed under Article 226 of the Constitution. Guwahati, Jan 1 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday refuted the claims of influx of Hindus from Bangladesh due to unrest in the neighbouring country, saying that the security forces in the state could not detect any Hindu Bangladeshi infiltrator in the last five months. Sarma said, "We have put the security forces on high alert at the International Border following the unrest in Bangladesh to check infiltration. The police have detected a good number of illegal immigrants on a daily basis along the International Border. However, no Hindu infiltrator from Bangladesh was arrested in the last five months." The Chief Minister argued that the Hindu community people immigrated from Bangladesh 30 to 40 years ago and the rest of the people have been living in the neighbouring country for different reasons. "Most of the Hindu community people who had the desire to cross the border and come to India had come here 30 or 40 years ago. The rest of the minority people have been living in Bangladesh despite facing large-scale atrocities in the neighbouring country. I guess they have their own reasons for staying there, maybe a love for the soil or patriotism towards Bangladesh," he said. Sarma also stated that Bangladeshi infiltration spiked up in the last few months due to the collapse of the textile industry in the neighbouring country, leaving many jobless there. He stated that the economy of Bangladesh has collapsed due to unrest and the majority community people were more affected than the minority section. "So far, we have arrested around 1,000 Bangladeshi people in the last few months. They were pushed back immediately after their arrest," the CM mentioned. He also attributed the illegal infiltration to incentives offered by a few textile industry owners in India. Sarma also said that he took up the issue of Bangladeshi infiltration with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC). "I have discussed these things with other Chief Ministers of northeastern states," he added. Hyderabad, Jan 1 : As many as 2,642 motorists were caught driving under the influence of alcohol in Hyderabad during the New Year celebrations. The motorists were apprehended during the special drunken driving drive conducted on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1 in the limits of three police commissionerates - Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda. A total of 1,184 drunk driving cases were registered in Hyderabad Commissionerate while 839 persons were caught while driving under the influence of alcohol in Cyberabad Commissionerate limits. Rachakonda Commissionerate saw 619 cases. During the special drive against drunk driving on December 31 night, 839 persons were booked in Cyberabad. According to Cyberabad Traffic Police, the New Year celebrations were incident and accident-free. To prevent road accidents and other untoward incidents, 49 teams of Cyberabad Police conducted drunk driving tests across Cyberabad on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1. The persons caught included 685 two-wheeler riders and 18 three-wheeler drivers. Police said individuals driving 131 four-wheelers and five heavy vehicles were also booked. These individuals faced legal action. The driving licenses of the offenders will be seized and sent to the concerned Road Transport Authorities for suspension as per section 19 of the MV Act, 1988. Around 366 persons had alcohol readings over 100 mg/100 ml of blood, 24 had more than 300 mg/100 ml and four persons more than 500 mg/100 ml reading, the police said Most of the cases were reported in RC Puram, Madhapur, Kukatpally, Miyapur, Narsingi, Alwal, Jeedimetla and Medchal. With the extensive planning and enforcement by Cyberabad Traffic Police, there were no major road accidents anywhere in Cyberabad. Cyberabad Police thank the citizens for their cooperation with the Police in ensuring safety on roads. In view of the New Year, the special focus on drunk driving will continue in Cyberabad Limits throughout the year in view of ensuring road safety as part of our "Zero Tolerance" policy towards drunk driving, the police said. In Hyderabad Commissionerate limits, a breath analyser reading of a biker caught during the drive against drunk driving left the police officials astonished. The man had an unprecedented reading of 550 mg/100ml, far exceeding the permissible limit. Tipplers caught during the drive at a few points entered into heated arguments with the police. Some questioned the police action on New Year's eve. Mumbai, Jan 1 : For Tusshar Kapoor this New Year is all about health and tradition. Sharing a glimpse of his new year celebration, the 'Golmaal' actor dropped a video on his official Instagram account. He flew to 'God's Own Country' , Kerala to ring in 2025 and posted a clip of his lavish South Indian meal, called the Sadhya Thali including red rice, channa, and other local delicacies. Tusshar can be seen dressed in a white shirt, paired with a mundu and an angavastram for the occasion. The actor also shared snippets of the place he stayed in during his getaway. Along with the video Tussar wrote, "Happy New Year everyone! Starting the new year with a sumptuous and, if I may say so, a healthy #sadhyathali abest part is that it includes red rice, channa(protein) and numerous veggies but in the right quantity! Exactly what I want and eat daily! Once again, it pays to be in godas own home!." The comment section for the Insta post saw a few welcoming remarks like, "Jealous, of the meal. Happy New Year", "Happy new year to one of the most humble and flawless star .hope the little kids gets all the good qualities of their Dad.", and "Going traditional is a nostalgic feeling", among others. Talking about his upcoming projects, Tusshar will next be a part of Sanjay Gupta's action thriller Shootout at Byculla. The film will be inspired by the JJ Hospital Shootout in 1992 when the Arun Gawli Gang murdered Haseena Parkar's husband. Later on Dawood Ibrahim took revenge from Gawli Gang for the same. The movie is likely to enjoy an ensemble cast with Sanjay Dutt, John Abraham, Saif Ali Khan Sunny Deol, Emraan Hashmi, Abhishek Bachchan, Suniel Shetty, Prateik Patil Babbar, and Fardeen Khan, along with others. NEW DELHI, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Five members of a family, including four children and their mother, were found dead inside a hotel in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, local police confirmed. The incident occurred in the state's capital city Lucknow. The dead children included two minors aged 9 and 16. According to the police, a brother of the dead children had been arrested. He allegedly cut the deceased's wrists for killing them following a family dispute. The family belonged to Agra city, around 350 km away from Lucknow, and checked into the hotel on Monday. Kyiv, Jan 1 : Ukraine on Wednesday stopped the transit of Russian natural gas to Europe following the expiration of a five-year transportation agreement, the Ukrainian Energy Ministry said. "At 07:00 am (0500 GMT), in the interests of national security, the transportation of Russian natural gas through the territory of Ukraine was stopped," the ministry said in a statement. Ukraine has notified its international partners of the termination of the gas transit in line with the established procedures, the statement said. The Ukrainian gas transportation system has been prepared in advance to operate in a zero transit mode, ensuring reliable gas supply to Ukrainian consumers, it said. Earlier in the day, Russian energy giant Gazprom said that it has stopped gas supply for transit through Ukraine due to expiration of key agreements and the lack of renewal by the Ukrainian side. The agreements, signed on December 30, 2019, included a contract between Gazprom and Ukraine's national oil and gas company Naftogaz on the transportation of Russian gas through the Ukrainian territory, and a cooperation agreement between the operators of the two countries' gas transmission systems. These agreements officially expired at 8 am Moscow time (0500 GMT) Wednesday, Gazprom said on Telegram. Gazprom said Ukraine had repeatedly and unequivocally refused to extend these agreements, leaving the Russian company without the technical and legal means to continue gas transit through Ukraine. Consequently, the supply of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory stopped at 8 am Moscow time Wednesday, it added, Xinhua news agency reported. Last year, Ukraine transported 15.43 billion cubic meters of Russian gas to Europe, up 5.7 per cent from 2023, according to media reports. Last month, the Russian government had warned that the transit of Russian gas to European countries is currently "very difficult" and requires attention. "You have heard the statement from the Ukrainian side, and you know about the position of those European countries that continue to buy Russian gas and that consider it necessary for the normal operation of their economies," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on December 23 after a meeting between Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow where the parties discussed the transit of Russian gas as Ukraine declined to renew a gas transit deal with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had said at a European Union Summit that he will not extend Ukraine's five-year gas transportation deal with Russia, which expires at the end of 2024. The move had raised concern for Slovakia, which has a long-term contract with Russian energy giant Gazprom. Although Putin confirmed Russia's readiness to continue supplying gas to the West and to Slovakia, Fico said this was "practically impossible" once the gas transit agreement expires at the end of the year. The resumption of gas transit would be only possible at the request of the European Commission and if Ukraine transports non-Russian gas, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency had reported in December, citing Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Shimla, Jan 1 : Residents on Wednesday staged a sit-in protest in the Dalhousie region of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh after the death of a general manager of a private hotel on New Year's Eve after a scuffle with some policemen. Shimla, Jan 1 (IANS) Residents on Wednesday staged a sit-in protest in the Dalhousie region of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh after the death of a general manager of a private hotel on New Yearas Eve after a scuffle with some policemen. The hotelas general manager, Rajendra Malhotra, died after falling from a hill during an alleged scuffle near the hotel's parking area in the tourist resort Banikhet over some issue with two police Constables, who were later taken into custody. Both have been booked for assault that led to his death. Angry over the death, local residents blocked the road at the Banikhet bus stand and staged a sit-in for more than two hours, demanding strict action against the accused police personnel. Superintendent of Police, Abhishek Yadav reached the spot and after he assured them of action, the pacified villagers calmed down and lifted the protest. According to the police, Constable Anup had an argument with hotel employee Sachin over some issue. The hotelas general manager Malhotra and a waiter were trying to pacify them. After some time when they came out of the hotel and Malhotra was also requesting the police personnel to go back, they got into a scuffle again and in the melee Malhotra fell from the hill. Hotel employee Sachin also suffered injuries. The manager's brother said another person has been injured in the incident and has been referred to a hospital in Punjabas Pathankot. Eyewitnesses alleged that three police personnel had come to the hotel. The police personnel are Amit and Anup and the name of the third person is not being disclosed. Some CCTV footage related to the case has also surfaced. The hotel owner told the police that he was not present during the crime but he was informed that three police personnel arrived at the hotel in an Alto car. New Delhi, Jan 1 : India on Wednesday called for an early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, including fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel from Pakistan's custody. As both countries exchanged - through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad - the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Pakistan has been asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 183 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentence, "In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the 18 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan's custody, who are believed-to-be-Indian and have not been provided consular access so far. Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India," read a statement issued by the MEA . Under the provisions of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008, such lists are exchanged every year on January 1 and on July 1. India has shared names of 381 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistani or are believed-to-be-Pakistani. Similarly, Pakistan has shared names of 49 civilian prisoners and 217 fishermen in its custody, who are Indian or are believed-to-be-Indian. New Delhi asserted that it remains committed to addressing, on priority, all humanitarian matters, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each other's country. "In this context, India has urged Pakistan to expedite the nationality verification process of 76 believed-to-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen in Indiaas custody, whose repatriation is pending for want of nationality confirmation from Pakistan," the MEA stated. It mentioned that, as a result of sustained efforts by the Indian government, 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. This includes 478 Indian fishermen and 13 Indian civilian prisoners who have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2023 till date. The two countries also exchanged on Wednesday the list of nuclear installations and facilities, covered under the agreement on the prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installation and Facilities between India and Pakistan. The Agreement, which was signed on 31st December 1988 and entered into force on 27th January 1991 provides, inter alia, that India and Pakistan inform each other of the nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the Agreement on the first of January of every calendar year. This is the 34th consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries, the first one having taken place on January 1, 1992. Srinagar, Jan 1 : Four terrorist associates were arrested on Wednesday from the Tral area in J&K's Pulwama district. Police said that four Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist outfit associates were arrested by the security forces in the jurisdiction of Awantipora police district which is part of Pulwama revenue district. "They have been identified as Mudasir Ahmad Naik, son of Farooq Ahmad Naik of Tral Payeen, Umar Nazir Sheikh, son of Nazir Ahmad Sheikh of Kuchmulla, Inayat Firdoos Rather, son of Firdoos Ahmad Rather of Tral Payeen and Salman Nazir Lone son of Nazir Ahmad Lone of Kounserbal Tral," police said. "Incriminating materials of proscribed terror outfit JeM was recovered from their possession. It is pertinent to mention here that all the arrested terrorist associates were involved in providing logistics support and transportation of arms & ammunition to the active terrorists of the proscribed JeM terror outfit in the Tral and Awantipora areas of Police District Awantipora," the police added. "A case vide FIR No.134/2024 under relevant sections of law stands registered at Police Station Tral and further investigation is going on," said a police statement. Security forces have been aggressively carrying out operations against terrorists, their Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and sympathisers to dismantle the terror ecosystem in J&K. These operations followed some dastardly attacks carried out by the terrorists after the peaceful Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections in J&K which recorded huge voter participation. Intelligence agencies say that the peaceful conduct of elections in J&K witnessed by diplomats of many countries has frustrated the handlers of terror sitting across the border in Pakistan. Intelligence agencies say the terror handlers have directed terrorists in J&K to give the dying terrorism its last push in the Union territory. New Delhi, Jan 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded the first cabinet decision of 2025 and said that his government is committed to enhancing the well-being and prosperity of the farming community. PM Modi's admiration follows the Union Cabinet's go-ahead for the extension of a one-time package for DAP procurement. Taking to his social media handle on X, PM Modi wrote, "Ours is a government fully committed to furthering the welfare of farmers. We are proud of all our farmer sisters and brothers who work hard to feed our nation." "The first cabinet of 2025 is dedicated to enhancing prosperity for our farmers. I am glad that key decisions have been taken in this regard," he added. The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi, this morning, approved the extension of a one-time special package on procurement of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) beyond the NBS subsidy, to ensure sustainable availability at affordable prices for farmers. Under the special package, farmers will continue to get DAP at Rs 1,350/- per bag for 50 kg and the extra burden will be borne by the government. "The decision will ensure greater availability of DAP to farmers at subsidised, affordable and reasonable prices," said the government in a statement. The cabinet okayed the one-time special package of Rs 3,850 crore for DAP procurement. The additional subsidy will offset a hike in international prices which will benefit eventually farmers. Many farmers from Haryana welcomed the move, soon after the announcement. A couple of them said that this move was highly beneficial for the farming community and it would buffer them from soaring prices. Notably, the global market prices of DAP remain volatile because of fluctuations in geo-political dynamics and this one-time special package is likely to cushion that impact. Guwahati, Jan 1 : Assam Police is closely working with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) to bust terror modules in the state, said Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday. Sarma told reporters here, "Assam Police has collaborated with central agencies like NIA and IB to bust terror modules in the state with significant success. In the last few months, 23 operatives of different terror outfits were arrested from different corners of the state." Some of the operatives of extremist organisations were nabbed from other states also. "We have arrested people with terror links from West Bengal and Kerala also during joint operations of the Assam Police and NIA," he said. Meanwhile, the CM also refuted the claims of influx of Hindus from Bangladesh due to unrest in the neighbouring country saying that the security forces in the state could not detect any Hindu Bangladeshi infiltrator in the last five months. Sarma said, "We have put the security forces on high alert at the International Border following the unrest in Bangladesh to check infiltration. The police have detected a good number of illegal immigrants on a daily basis along the International Border. However, no Hindu infiltrator from Bangladesh was arrested in the last five months." The Chief Minister argued that the Hindu community people immigrated from Bangladesh 30 to 40 years ago and the rest of the people have been living in the neighbouring country for different reasons. "Most of the Hindu community people who had the desire to cross the border and come to India had come here 30 or 40 years ago. The rest of the minority people have been living in Bangladesh despite facing large-scale atrocities in the neighbouring country. I guess they have their own reasons for staying there, maybe a love for the soil or patriotism towards Bangladesh," he said. Sarma also stated that Bangladeshi infiltration spiked up in the last few months due to the collapse of the textile industry in the neighbouring country, leaving many jobless there. He stated that the economy of Bangladesh has collapsed due to unrest and the majority community people were more affected than the minority section. "So far, we have arrested around 1,000 Bangladeshi people in the last few months. They were pushed back immediately after their arrest," the CM mentioned. He also attributed the illegal infiltration to incentives offered by a few textile industry owners in India. Sarma also said that he took up the issue of Bangladeshi infiltration with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC). "I have discussed these things with other Chief Ministers of northeastern states," he added. New Delhi, Jan 1 : The Supreme Court is set to hear on Thursday a plea filed by AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi seeking implementation of the Places of Worship Act, which prohibits the filing of a lawsuit to reclaim a place of worship or seek a change in its character from what prevailed on August 15, 1947. As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and comprising Justice Sanjay Kumar will hear the matter on January 2. In an interim order passed on December 12, 2024, the CJI Khanna-led Special Bench imposed restrictions on registering new suits, delivering effective or final judgments, or ordering surveys in ongoing cases concerning mosques and shrines. The Special Bench, also comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan, asked the Union government to file within four weeks its reply to the clutch of petitions challenging the validity of the Places of Worship Act, 1991. On the other hand, several intervention/impleadment applications were filed before the Supreme Court seeking the dismissal of the petitions against the Places of Worship Act. In its application, the Managing Committee of Varanasi's Gyanvapi Mosque said the "consequences of declaring the 1991 Act unconstitutional are bound to be drastic and will obliterate the rule of law and communal harmony." It said that an Article 32 petition challenging a legislative enactment must indicate the unconstitutionality of the provisions based on constitutional principles and the rhetorical arguments seeking a sort of retribution against the perceived acts of previous rulers cannot be made the basis for a constitutional challenge. "As many as 20 suits are pending before different Varanasi courts seeking to nullify the protection accorded by the 1991 Act and to convert the character of the Gyanvapi Mosque and prevent access of Muslims to the mosque," it said. In a similar application, the Committee of Management of Mathura's Shahi Masjid Eidgah said that the law was enacted by Parliament in the interest of the country's progress, which has stood the test of time for more than 33 years. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) had said that local courts were undermining the spirit of the 1991 Act by entertaining petitions and issuing orders concerning mosques. "The manner in which local courts declared appeals admissible and issued orders on mosques and dargahs had made this Act ineffective. The Supreme Court has now stopped any effective or final decisions and prohibited survey orders until the next hearing," added the AIMPLB. Seoul, Jan 1 : North Korea held a large-scale performance celebrating New Year in Pyongyang, with leader Kim Jong-un in attendance, state media reported Wednesday. The art performance was given with "splendour" on Tuesday night at the May Day Stadium to usher "in the hopeful new year 2025, which will be a watershed for steady success and progress," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. Figure skaters and schoolchildren danced on the ice to the tune of "Dear Father," a song praising Kim, to kick off the performance, which was attended by the leader, top government and party cadres and military commanders, according to the KCNA. When Kim appeared in the auditorium, the audience broke into "stormy cheers," paying "the highest glory and tribute," while the leader extended his "greeting of best wishes" to all people across the country, the report said. "When the performance ended, loud cheers of 'Hurrah!' for Kim Jong-un rocked the venue and fireworks were let off to gorgeously decorate the nocturnal sky," the KCNA noted. Photos of the performance, released by North Korea, showed Kim's daughter, believed to be named Ju-ae, and Premier Pak Thae-song sitting next to Kim. However, Kim's wife was not seen, nor was she listed among those in attendance. In separate dispatches, the KCNA reported that students in Pyongyang gathered at Kim Il Sung Square on Tuesday night to hoist the national flag and launch fireworks in celebration of New Year, indicating that North Korea ushered in the New Year with events similar to those in the past. A video of the New Year performance, aired by Korean Central Television, showed Kim Yo-jong -- the North Korean leader's sister who serves as vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea -- walking outside the event venue, holding the hand of a boy, with a girl next to her, Yonhap news agency reported. In April 2015, South Korea's spy agency reported that Kim was presumed to be giving birth the following month. Later in 2018, a government source said Kim was pregnant during her visit to South Korea in February of that year for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. However, no official information has confirmed her marital status, pregnancies or childbirths. An official at South Korea's unification ministry noted that it is difficult to draw presumptions based on the video. Mumbai, Jan 1 : Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who is known for 'Aligarh', 'Shahid', 'Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story', has shared his best moments of 2024 as he welcomed the New Year. On Wednesday took to his Instagram, and shared a series of pictures featuring Pratik Gandhi, Kareena Kapoor Khan, some on set moments from his upcoming directorial 'Gandhi' and the critical acclaim to his recent projects. He wrote in the caption, "Random snapshots from the year gone by. Gratitude to all those who helped make this such a fulfilling year with all its contradictions, ups and downs. Much to absorb, much to learn, much to forgive, much to forget, much to hope, much to regret, much to fight for, much to love for, not much to complain about. Here's to life in 2025. To newer frontiers, newer goals, newer milestones, newer contradictions, newer achievements, newer mistakes". Earlier, the filmmaker engaged in a war of words with veteran actor Anupam Kher after the latter made a scathing attack on him. Hansal seconded an opinion of a journalist when the latter said that the biopic 'The Accidental Prime Minister' starring Anupam Kher is one of the worst movies in Hindi cinema. This left Anupam angry as he revealed that Hansal's agreement to the journalist's opinion reeks of hypocrisy as he was the one who served as the creative director on the biopic. He wrote, "The HYPOCRITE in this thread is NOT @virsanghvi . He has the freedom to not like a film. But @mehtahansal was the #CreativeDirector of #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister. Who was present at the entire shoot of the film in England! Giving his creative inputs and must have taken the fee also for it. So for him to say 100% to #VirSanghvi's comment is so messed up and full of double standards". "Not that I agree with Mr. Sanghvi but we are all capable of doing bad or indifferent work. But we should OWN it. Not like #HansalMehta trying to earn some brownies from certain section of people. Common Hansal. Grow up! I still have all our videos and pics of the shoot together", he added. Hansal responded to the same, as he wrote, "Of course I own my mistakes Mr Kher. And I can admit that I made a mistake. Can't I sir? I did my job as professionally as I was allowed to. Can you deny that? But it doesn't mean I have to keep defending the film or that it makes me lose objectivity about my error of judgement. About brownie points and hypocrisy I respectfully submit that you seem to be evaluating people by the same yardstick you evaluate yourself". Hassan : , Jan 1 (IANS) Close on the heels of the sensational Atul Subhash suicide case in Bengaluru on December 9 over alleged harassment by his wife, followed by the suicide of a policeman on December 13 and that of a cafe owner in New Delhi on December 31, an incident of a software professional committing suicide over alleged torture by his wife was reported from Hassan district of Karnataka on Wednesday. Police sources stated on Wednesday that the victim has been identified as 35-year-old Pramod, a staffer attached to the Benz company in Bengaluru. According to police, Pramod, residing at Indiranagar locality in Bengaluru had left home leaving behind his phone on December 29 and never returned. The worried parents and family after enquiring with friends and searching everywhere had lodged a police complaint with K.R. Puram police station in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, locals had observed an abandoned vehicle near the Hemavathi River in Hassan district. After finding the phone numbers from the bank passbooks and records kept in the vehicle, they had informed Pramodas parents. The local police were also contacted and a search operation was launched by the fire department and emergency services in the Hemavathi River. Finally, the body of the young man was found on Wednesday morning. According to the police, Pramod had jumped into the Hemavathi River near Gorurushettihalli in the limits of Aluru police station and ended his life. Sources further stated that the wife had arrived with their baby and her family to identify the body of Pramod. The family of Pramod strongly objected to the wife and her family members' presence and reportedly chased them away from the spot. The police immediately rushed and rescued Pramodas wife, her mother and took them to a safe place. The matter is under investigation and the police are recording the statements of both sides of the family. An official statement is yet to be made in this case by the police and more details are yet to emerge. Earlier, Atul 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 compelled 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-daysa judicial custody. On December 13, a cop took the extreme step, allegedly due to torture by his wife and in-laws. The deceased has been identified as 34-year-old H.C. Thippanna, a Head Constable attached to the Hulimavu Traffic Police Station in Bengaluru. Thippanna died by suicide on the railway tracks. In the suicide note, he blamed his wife and father-in-law for driving him to take this extreme step. These suicides have raised a national debate over the harassment of husbands by their wives. * China's domestically-produced C919 passenger jet made its debut on scheduled services between Shanghai and Hong Kong. * This route marks the first commercial C919 flight outside the Chinese mainland, a key step in expanding the global reach of China's domestically-produced aircraft. * As domestic airlines swiftly deploy the new aircraft type, the C919 will serve more cities across the country. HONG KONG/SHANGHAI, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's domestically-produced C919 passenger jet made its debut on scheduled services between Shanghai and Hong Kong on Wednesday, representing a significant milestone in the country's aviation manufacturing sector. Decorated in a special design symbolizing "Chinese red," the narrow-body airliner operated by China Eastern Airlines took off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 8:21 a.m., carrying 157 passengers, and landed in Hong Kong at 10:44 a.m., followed by a ceremonial water salute. A daily round-trip flight between Shanghai and Hong Kong will be operated under flight numbers MU721 and MU722, the airline announced. The launch of regular commercial flights not only enhances travel experiences for Hong Kong residents but also allows international travelers to appreciate the advancements in China's civil aviation technology, said Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government. "Leveraging Hong Kong's advantages as a gateway, this service will also showcase China's breakthroughs and achievements in the aviation manufacturing sector to the world," she added. A staff member displays a placard with the C919 Flight MU721 in the background in Shanghai, east China on Jan. 1, 2025. (China Eastern Airlines/Handout via Xinhua) MORE ROUTES With the launch of this new service, China Eastern Airlines is the first airline to utilize the C919 for scheduled commercial flights to Hong Kong. "I am very honored that Hong Kong has become the first region outside the mainland to have regular C919 flights, opening a new chapter for Hong Kong as an international aviation hub," Chan said. The C919 is a narrow-body passenger aircraft with a maximum capacity of 192 seats. It is China's first self-developed trunk jetliner, built in accordance with international airworthiness standards and featuring independently registered intellectual property rights. China initiated the C919 project in 2007, and it was developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC). The first C919 aircraft rolled off the production line in Shanghai in November 2015. The aircraft conducted its first commercial flight from Shanghai to Beijing in May 2023, marking its official entry into the civil aviation market. The Shanghai-Beijing route became a regular service in January 2024. Hong Kong's inclusion into the C919 routes network did not happen overnight. As early as December 2023, the C919 aircraft made its inaugural visit outside the Chinese mainland, landing in Hong Kong. During its stay, the aircraft was showcased at Hong Kong International Airport and conducted a flight demonstration over Victoria Harbor, sparking a wave of excitement for the domestically produced large aircraft. The C919 Flight MU721 takes off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport in east China's Shanghai, Jan. 1, 2025. (China Eastern Airlines/Handout via Xinhua) In June 2024, a commercial charter flight operated by China Eastern Airlines' C919 aircraft transported over 100 Hong Kong students to Shanghai for an internship program. As the first customer and operator of the C919, the Shanghai-based China Eastern Airline owns the largest C919 fleet in the world. Following the delivery of a new C919 jet on Tuesday, it now operates 10 C919 jets, with a total of 105 orders. INCREASED CONNECTIVITY Hong Kong resident Ryan Fung occasionally travels to mainland cities for business. On Wednesday, he chose to board the C919 to Shanghai. "I'm both excited and proud to travel on domestically-produced jets, and I really hope the C919 will take us to broader skies," he said. The new service is expected to strengthen connectivity between Shanghai and Hong Kong, both financial hubs and popular tourist destinations. For travelers, this means more options for efficient and reliable air travel. "Given the comfortable cabin environment and my son's love for domestically-produced aircraft, I would definitely choose the C919 as a travel option," said Wan Jie, a mainland citizen on a business trip to Hong Kong. A celebration ceremony is held after the arrival of the C919 Flight MU721 in Hong Kong, south China, Jan. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) As domestic airlines swiftly deploy the new aircraft type, the C919 will serve more cities across the country. "The new service is a timely addition that meets the booming travel demand in major cities like Hong Kong and Shanghai," said Gary Zhang, a member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR, adding that new services are both practical and demonstrative. According to data compiled by aviation analytics firm Cirium, international flights into Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong are set to increase in 2025, showcasing the recovery of air demand and capacity in these cities. EXPANDED REACH This route marks the first commercial C919 flight outside the Chinese mainland, a key step in expanding the global reach of China's domestically-produced aircraft. Over the past year, the C919 has accelerated its commercialization process, with the model already being used by three domestic carriers: Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines. Together, they have transported about 1 million passengers since the model entered commercial operations in May 2023. Passengers prepare to board China Eastern Airlines flight MU722, operated by a C919 jetliner, at the Hong Kong International Airport in south China's Hong Kong, Jan. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) So far, the C919 has garnered over 1,000 orders from both domestic and international clients. For 2025, COMAC plans to intensify efforts to promote commercialization and scale up production, the company stated. As a global aviation hub, Hong Kong plays a crucial role in the jetliners' expanded reach. In October 2024, the Airport Authority Hong Kong signed a Memorandum of Understanding with COMAC, pledging to support C919 aircraft operations at Hong Kong International Airport and promote them in global markets. With the three-runway system of Hong Kong International Airport going operational last November, the airport is now equipped to expand support facilities for C919 maintenance and facilitate relevant talent training, providing robust support for the aircraft's international expansion, Zhang noted. "As a global aviation hub, Hong Kong is within a five-hour flight from half the world's population," Chan noted. "We will continue to leverage the unique advantages of 'one country, two systems' to help the country shine on the international aviation stage," she said. (Reporting by Lu Yun, Lyu Qiuping, Guo Xin, Wang Xinyi, Jia Yuankun and Di Chun; Video reporter: Di Chun; Video editors: Hong Yan and Zhang Yuhong.) Ahmedabad, Jan 1 : The storms of 2024 further augmented our spirit and today, we stand taller because of your unwavering dedication and relentless passion, The Adani Group Chairman, Gautam Adani, told employees in a New Year message on Wednesday. Stressing that true resilience is not about surviving the chaos but transforming it into a wind that drives us forward, Gautam Adani said it is clear that 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary. "We shattered financial records, faced extraordinary challenges and emerged stronger, more united and more resilient than ever before," the Adani Group Chairman mentioned. "The journey to success is rarely linear. Our transformation is an outcome of navigating challenges that define us. At our core, we are fearless fighters, and it is through these battles that we continue to evolve and excel," the top industrialist noted. He further stated that while the Group's financial position has never been more robust, "my focus today is not on numbers but on the foundation we are laying for the future" and this year, "we are doubling down on our commitment to building a powerhouse of potential". "Our goal is to unlock the full potential of every individual. The greatest investment we can make is not just in systems or strategies, but in unlocking the limitless potential of our people who dare to lead and innovate," Gautam Adani emphasised. "What I expect is that you will engage with us actively and share candid feedback. Together, we will refine and elevate our talent initiatives, ensuring they serve not just the organisation but each one of you in your pursuit of excellence," he noted. As we step into 2025, "I extend my warm wishes to each of you and your families for a year filled with prosperity, health and remarkable achievements," Gautam Adani said. IANS na/vd Jaipur, Jan 1 : After a gruelling 10-day rescue operation, Chetna, a three-year-old girl, who had fallen into a 700-foot-deep borewell in Kotputli on December 23, was finally pulled out from a depth of 170 feet on Wednesday evening. However, her chances of survival remain critically low, said officials. The rescue operation, led by the district administration, involved digging a parallel tunnel to reach the child. At 6:25 p.m. on Wednesday, NDRF jawan Mahavir Jat brought Chetna out wrapped in a white cloth. She was immediately transported to Kotputli's BDM Hospital via ambulance. This challenging operation faced multiple setbacks, with more than five failed attempts to rescue the child. The lack of movement from Chetna for the past eight days has raised concerns about her condition. Collector Kalpana Agarwal explained that the borewell was tilted after a certain depth, complicating the rescue. Experts from Delhi and Jaipur Metro were called in to assist in locating and accessing the borewell. Initially, the tunnel was estimated to require an 8-foot width but was later expanded to 12 feet to facilitate the operation. Earlier, MLA Hansraj Patel expressed optimism throughout the operation, stating that the rescue was nearing completion. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma monitored the situation closely, ensuring that all necessary resources were provided. Dayaram, Chetnaas grandfather, praised the relentless efforts of the administration and rescue teams, who worked tirelessly in the harsh winter conditions. He urged authorities to cover open borewells to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The road to BDM Hospital was cleared to ensure swift medical care, and ambulances were kept on standby throughout the operation. The medical team at BDM Hospital remained on high alert, prepared to provide comprehensive care to the young girl. However, the locals questioned the planning and execution of the rescue operation raising concerns for the delay in bringing out the girl. On the contrary, authorities assured that there was no negligence, and every effort was made to save the child. New Delhi, Jan 1 : Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been in power in the national capital for the past 10 years and often brags about its developmental record, also projecting the 'Delhi model' of growth as one of the best in the country. However, many residents in the Karol Bagh constituency are disappointed and unimpressed with its boast. Rather, many residents complain about the poor civic amenities, including roads, sewers, poor hygiene and garbage dumps, and they hold the incumbent AAP dispensation accountable for all this. An IANS team inspected the Karol Bagh constituency recently, ahead of the impending Assembly elections, and also took views of locals on the development of the area. Many Karol Bagh residents, speaking to IANS, said that AAP made tall claims about the city's development and promised to build roads, fix the sewage system and also maintain a high-level of cleanliness and hygiene, but it has failed on all fronts. Vishesh Ravi is the elected AAP legislator from Karol Bagh Assembly constituency, while Mahesh Khinchi is the AAP Councilor from Dev Nagar Ward 84. During the inspection of the area, roads were seen with potholes while many sewers were open with gutter water spilling on the streets while many locations were littered with garbage. Locals told IANS that the elected representatives are seen only during election season and vanish from the locality otherwise. A local woman said that the AAP government promised free electricity but our power bills are still coming, the roads are broken. She said that Delhi government keeps trumpeting about itself but on the ground, there is hardly any work. There are many streets in the Karol Bagh area which have been in bad condition for last many years, sewage water is flowing on roads and people are also getting sick because of this but the city government has chosen to turn deaf all these years. Another woman said that there is no cleanliness near the office of the local councilor also, who is the mayor of Delhi. "The place is full of garbage, there is heavy mud, the drains are not cleaned," she complained. Many of them said that AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal had promised that the situation will change drastically if AAP wins the Municipal Corporation elections. Sadly, nothing changed even after two years of taking charge. Colombo, Jan 1 : Fresh off his last month's India visit, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Wednesday launched the 'Clean Sri Lanka' national programme, which aims to create a morally and environmentally sustainable nation. As he inaugurated the 'Clean Sri Lanka' programme at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, Dissanayake stated that 2025 marks the start of a new "political culture" in the island nation. "Our primary developmental goals include eradicating rural poverty, implementing the 'Clean Sri Lanka' initiative, and building a digital economy. The 'Clean Sri Lanka' initiative, launched alongside the New Year, aims to uplift society to greater heights through social, environmental, and ethical revival," he said. Disanayake stated at the event - attended by members of the Maha Sangha, religious leaders, ministers, ambassadors, athletes, representatives from various sectors, and government officials - that the success of the 'Clean Sri Lanka' initiative depends solely on the active participation of the public. Sri Lanka, he highlighted, faces "grave challenges" in spite of having been endowed with an exceptionally beautiful and vital environment and strategic geographic location. "Restoring our environmental system must become a core focus of the 'Clean Sri Lanka' programme. Our nation and its people need a new value system. We have mistakenly elevated incorrect values to positions of importance, embedding them as the fundamental ethos of our society. It is crucial to establish a new framework of values. The 'Clean Sri Lanka' project, said the Lankan President, goes beyond merely cleaning up the environment. "It is essential to heal our society and introduce a new system of values and principles. Under the 'Clean Sri Lanka' Initiative, we aim to establish these new values and systems... It aspires to restore the deeply eroded and deteriorated social and environmental fabric of our motherland. We aim to create cleanliness and rejuvenation across all sectors of society," Disanayake stated. The other two top priorities of the Lankan President include initiating economic reforms and embracing digital transformation. "The first priority is to rescue our country and its people. Economic reforms are being formulated to ensure that economic benefits reach rural communities, as an economy concentrated in the hands of a small group can never bring stability to society. Such an imbalanced economy fosters instability for the nation and its people. Therefore, achieving economic stability requires extending economic benefits to rural populations," he said. The second goal, he said, is to embrace digital transformation. "By establishing a foundation for digitalization, we seek to minimize inefficiency and corruption while enabling citizens to interact seamlessly and effectively with state mechanisms," remarked Dissanayake. Hyderabad, Jan 1 : In a New Year gift to people of Hyderabad, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to expand Hyderabad Metro Rail connectivity to Medchal and Shameerpet in the northern part of the city. The Chief Minister on Wednesday gave green signal for two Metro corridors - Paradise-Medchal (23 km) and JBS-Shameerpet (22 km). He directed Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML) Managing Director N.V.S. Reddy to prepare Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the two corridors and send it to Centre for approval under Phase-II aBa of Hyderabad Metro. The Chief Minister took the key decision during a meeting with Municipal Administration and Urban Development Secretary Dana Kishor and HAML MD N.V.S. Reddy. The Metro corridor from Paradise will be 23 km long. It will connect to Medchal via Tadbun, Bowenpally, Suchitra Circle, Kompally, Gundlapochampally, Kandlakoya and ORR Exit. Similarly JBS-Shameerpet corridor of 22 km length will connect areas like Vikrampuri, Karkhana, Trimulgherry, Lothakunta, Alwal, Bollaram, Hakimpet, Thomukunta and ORR Exit. The Chief Minister told the officials that as the former MP from Malkajgiri, he was well aware of the problem of traffic congestion and route map. He directed HAML MD to speak to present MP Eatala Rajender and take his suggestions. The MD said the Chief Minister asked him to prepare the DPR in three months and take the approval of the state government. The proposed corridors will be taken up as a joint venture between the Central and the State government under Phase-II aBa like the Phase-II aAa. N.V.S. Reddy said they would immediately prepare DPR and the relevant documents. The state government is waiting for the Centreas nod for Phase-II aAa which comprises five corridors of 76.4 km. This is estimated to cost Rs.24,269 crore. All five proposed corridors under Part-A of the Phase-II will be the extension of three corridors of the first phase. The daily ridership under the second phase is expected to be 7.96 lakh by 2028. The first phase of Hyderabad Metro, covering three dense traffic corridors and spanning over 69 km, was built with a cost of Rs. 22,148 crores. It is the worldas largest Metro Rail project in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. About five lakh passengers are using it for their daily commute. Seoul, Jan 1 : The South Korean government said Wednesday it will send the flight data recorder from the crashed Jeju Air plane to the United States for analysis. The exact timeline for the transferring of the flight recorder will be decided in consultation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a briefing. The flight recorder, retrieved earlier from the wreckage of the Jeju Air B737-800 aircraft at Muan International Airport, reportedly sustained some external damage, missing a connector that links its data storage unit to the power supply. "We have determined that extracting data from the damaged flight data recorder here is not possible," said Joo Jong-wan, director of the aviation policy division at the ministry. "And so we have agreed with the NTSB to send it to the US and analyze it there." South Korean experts will participate in the analysis process in the US, he added. However, the authorities have completed extracting data from the cockpit voice data recorder, found in a relatively better condition, and started converting it into voice files, the ministry said earlier. Meanwhile, two additional investigators from aviation manufacturer Boeing Co. have joined the on-site probe into the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport, government sources said. With these additions, the number of the US team members increased to 10, including six from Boeing and three from the US National Transportation Safety Board. According to the sources, the US team expanded its presence to ensure a thorough examination of the accident. The US team arrived in South Korea on Monday and traveled directly to Muan, where it commenced its joint investigation with the Korean team led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport the following day. During their initial joint on-site investigation, investigators focused on a navigation system that assists in aircraft landings, known as a localizer. The localizer, installed on a concrete structure, at Muan International Airport has been blamed for exacerbating the severity of casualties in the Jeju Air crash. On the second day of their investigation of the accident site on Wednesday, the US officials were seen examining airplane debris scattered around the runway, including engine parts, Yonhap news agency reported. Some were observed picking up debris, inspecting the undersides and taking photos, while others made a call with a stern expression or pointed to damaged areas, calling others over to inspect. The Jeju Air B737-800 aircraft belly-landed at the airport and exploded Sunday as it crashed into the structure, claiming 179 lives out of 181 passengers on board. Chandigarh, Jan 1 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday welcomed the farmer-friendly decisions made in the first Union Cabinet meeting of 2025, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Expressing his gratitude to the Prime Minister, he said that the thoughtful manner in which these decisions have been made for the welfare of farmers will directly benefit lakhs of farmers in Haryana. Referring to the Union Cabinet's decisions as a New Year gift to the farmers from Prime Minister Modi, the Chief Minister said that these decisions will ensure the availability of DAP to farmers at affordable and subsidised rates. In addition, a budget allocation has been made to promote the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and enhance technology, which will have a direct positive impact on farmers. It may be mentioned here that during the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on Wednesday, the proposal from the Department of Fertilizers to increase the one-time special package on DAP beyond the NBS subsidy by Rs 3,500 per metric ton was approved. This package, effective from January 1, 2025, until further orders, aims to ensure the continued availability of DAP to farmers at affordable rates. This decision will guarantee that farmers receive DAP at a subsidised, reasonable, and affordable price. Besides, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme were approved to continue till 2025-26, with a total outlay of Rs 69,515.71 crore from 2021-22 to 2025-26. This step will provide farmers across the country with coverage for crop risks caused by unavoidable natural disasters until 2025-26. Along with these measures, several other decisions aimed at the welfare of farmers were also taken by the Union Cabinet. Mumbai, Jan 1 : The Maharashtra government on Wednesday formed a special investigation team (SIT) headed by IPS officer Basavraj Teli to investigate a brutal killing of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh from Beed district which took place in December last year. Teli is the head of the Economic Offences Wing of the CID. All the officers in the SIT are from Beed district. The current investigating officer DSP Anil Gujar will also be in the investigation team. Apart from Gujar, the other members of the SIT include Vijay Singh Shivlal Jonwal, assistant police inspector, Local Crime Branch, Beed, Mahesh Vighne, sub inspector, Local Crime Branch, Beed, Anand Shankar Shinde, sub inspector Kej, Tulshiram Jagtap, assistant sub inspector, Manoj Rajendra Wagh,police constable, Chandrakant S Kalkute, police naik, Balasaheb Devidas Akhabare, police naik and Santosh Bhagwanrao Gitte, police constable. The Santosh Deshmukh murder case is currently being investigated by the CID and so far more than 150 people have been questioned in this case. The investigation is being conducted in connection with the links between the extortion of Rs 2 crore and the murder. The CID team is checking all the call records, CDRs on a war footing. The CID has summoned three more people for questioning in this case. Some of the accused in this murder case are still absconding, they are also being searched by the CID. The government's announcement on the formation of an SIT came a day after Walmik Karad, a close associate of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde from Beed, who was wanted in extortion case linked to the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, surrendered before CID on Pune on Tuesday. An extortion case has been registered against Karad who has been remanded in police custody for 14 days by Kej court in Beed district. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the government will not spare anyone who is guilty in this case. "I have been saying since the first days that strict action will be taken against every accused in the Santosh Deshmukh murder case. No one has the right to commit such violence. The police will take necessary action until all the culprits are hanged," he said. "We will not allow the rule of goons to continue. No one can commit such violence, no one can demand ransom. Accordingly, we have accelerated the investigation and that is why Walmik Karad had to surrender. Now different teams have started working to nab the absconding accused in the murder. We will not spare any accused. All of them will be found," said the chief minister. Gadchiroli, Jan 1 : Eleven Maoists including a hardcore leader, on Wednesday surrendered in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who spent the first day of the New Year in Gadchiroli district on Wednesday. Out of these, eight are women and three are men. Of them, two are also couples. These 11 people were carrying rewards of more than Rs 1 crore in Maharashtra. The Chhattisgarh government had also announced a reward for them. According to the Chief Minister's Office, among 11 Maoists was Tarakka, the head of the Dandakaranya Zonal Committee and Bhupati's wife. She has been in the Naxalite movement for 34 years. There are three division committee members, one deputy commander, and two area committee members. All of them were given financial assistance of Rs 86 lakh to live their lives in the future. Five Maoists were killed during the election code of conduct period. In the year 2024, 24 Maoists were killed and 18 Maoists were arrested. In the last 6 months, 27 hardcore Maoists have come into the mainstream. "North Gadchiroli has been freed from Maoism, and soon South Gadchiroli will also be free. In the last 4 years, not a single youth or girl has joined Maoism, this is a great achievement. 11 villages have banned Naxalites. The soldiers of C-60 have earned the trust of the people. Now no one is ready to join the anti-constitutional movement, this is a matter of joy. The people have now understood that if justice is to be achieved, it can only be achieved through the Indian Constitution, it cannot be achieved through Maoist ideology," said Fadnavis who further added that Gadchiroli will get the status of Steel City in the coming period. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are providing invaluable support in this campaign. Now, the fight against Maoism has no state borders. Maharashtra has also taken action beyond its borders," said Fadnavis who assured that the surrendered Maoists will be fully rehabilitated. Further, the chief minister inaugurated a bus service from Aheri to Gardewada and also travelled in that bus. He inaugurated various initiatives by Lloyds Metals at Konsari. These include the DII plant at Konsari (investment of Rs 400 crore, 700 jobs), pellet plant and slurry pipeline (investment of Rs 3000 crore, 1000 jobs), iron ore grinding plant at Hedri, Etapalli (investment of Rs 2700 crore, 1500 jobs), Vanya Garment Unit (investment of Rs 20 crore, 600 jobs). CM Fadnavis also inaugurated Lloyds Kali Ammal Hospital and Lloyds Raj Vidyaniketan CBSE School. Around 1200 students will get education here. Residences for police, gymkhana, and kindergarten were also inaugurated. Lloyds also took the initiative of providing shares worth Rs 1000 crore to workers and former Maoists thereby giving them ownership in a way. These shares were presented by the Chief Minister. These initiatives will generate an investment of Rs 6200 crore with the creation of over 4000 jobs. Fadnavis also launched a green mining project in Gadchiroli. "This will protect the mines and the slurry pipeline for iron ore will save fuel, reduce carbon emissions, and reduce road accidents. The experiment of green mining is being implemented for the first time in Gadchiroli. Gondwana University will sign an agreement with an Australian university, through which all courses related to mining will be started. This will provide employment to the youth of Gadchiroli, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also informed on this occasion," said the chief minister's office. Fadnavis inaugurated the Gatta-Gardewada-Wangeturi road as well as the Tadguda Bridge. He interacted with the jawans and villagers at Pengunda. This area is considered extremely remote. Vienna, Jan 1 : The Vienna Philharmonic held its traditional New Year's concert on Wednesday, ushering in 2025 with a message of peace, beauty, and harmony. For the first time in the event's history, the prestigious concert showcased a female composer's work. The "Ferdinandus Waltz" by Austrian female composer Constanze Geiger premiered at the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna, highlighting inclusivity and the enduring spirit of cultural unity. Italian conductor Riccardo Muti, leading the concert for the seventh and final time, emphasised the concert's role in promoting peace. Ahead of the concert, Muti and Vienna Philharmonic Chairman Daniel Froschauer addressed the world press. "We musicians are only a small part of the world, unfortunately. What we can contribute to peace, beauty and harmony is little, but very important. We need music more than ever because it is medicine for the soul," Muti was quoted by Austrian broadcaster ORF as saying. Muti criticized governments for cutting cultural budgets during economic downturns, calling it a mistake. This year's concert also paid tribute to Austrian composer Johann Strauss II, celebrating the 200th anniversary of his birth, Xinhua news agency reported. A cherished cultural tradition, the Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert continues to captivate audiences around the world. This year's performance was broadcast in over 90 countries and regions, according to ORF, reinforcing the universal message of peace through music. Host of Discovering the Jewish Jesus Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider Connects Ancient Prophecies to Current Realities NEWS PROVIDED BY Charisma Media Dec. 31, 2024 Lake Mary, Fla., Dec. 31, 2024 /Standard Newswire/ -- Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider emphasizes the connection between the Old Testament and End Times, revealing tell-tale signs that we are in the last days. In his book, The Book of Revelation Decoded Revised Edition, Rabbi Schneider shows how ancient prophecies are being revealed before our very eyes (ISBN-13: 9781636414188). Now more than ever, the church needs to recognize what is happening and prepare for what is yet to come, Rabbi Schneider said. The Book of Revelation Decoded Revised Edition is a wake-up call to a lethargic church. Within these pages, Rabbi Schneider ties together the events prophesied in the New Testament book with the teachings of the Torah and the Hebrew prophets. The time to prepare for the battle is not when youre in the battle. Its before the fight. While reading The Book of Revelation Decoded Revised Edition, readers will discover what to expect during the last days and how to stand firm in Christ even in the face of opposition. With updated facts, statistics, and insights, this edition will further illuminate the signs of the times. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls (Joel 2:28-32). Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider is the host of the popular TV, radio, YouTube, and podcast broadcast Discovering the Jewish Jesus. His teaching is straightforward, authentic, and revelational. The anointing on his ministry carries an eternal weight of glory that the Father uses to transform the souls of His elect. Rabbi Schneider is the author of several books, including To Know Him by Name, A Journey Into Divine Love, Messianic Prophecy Revealed, and Called to Breakthrough. Stay in touch with Rabbi Schneider Facebook: @rabbischneider YouTube: @RabbiSchneider Instagram: @discoveringthejewishjesus Title: The Book of Revelation Decoded Revised Edition: Your Guide to Understanding the End Times Through the Eyes of the Hebrew Prophets | Release Date: January 7, 2025 | Retail: $19.99 | ISBN-13: 9781636414188 | E-Book ISBN: 9781636414195 | Binding: Trade Paper | Size: 5.5x 8.25 x 0.68 | Page Count: 272 | Hometown: Columbus, Ohio | BISAC Category: RELIGION / Biblical Studies / Prophecy & RELIGION / Christian Living / Social Issues To interview Rabbi Schneider or for a review copy, please contact media@charismamedia.com. SOURCE Charisma Media CONTACT: media@charismamedia.com BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's decision to gradually raise statutory retirement age took effect Wednesday, the first adjustment in over 70 years as the country proactively addresses population aging. Chinese lawmakers voted to adopt the decision in September. The statutory retirement age for men will be gradually raised from 60 to 63 in the course of 15 years starting Jan. 1, 2025, while that for women cadres and women blue-collar workers will be raised from 55 to 58 and from 50 to 55, respectively. Starting 2030, the minimum year of basic pension contributions required to receive monthly benefits will be gradually raised from 15 years to 20 years at the pace of an increase of six months annually. Meanwhile, people will be allowed to voluntarily retire by no more than three years in advance after reaching the minimum year of pension contributions. The new policies will also allow individuals to postpone retirement to an even later date if they reach an agreement with employers, but such a delay should be no more than three years. Behind the reform are four major changes in China's population structure: increased life expectancy, more years of schooling, deepening aging and a decline in working-age population. The average life expectancy in China has reached 78.6 years, the latest data showed. Official data also showed that China has entered a moderately aging society. There were 297 million people aged 60 or above in the country at the end of 2023, accounting for 21.1 percent of the total population. According to projections, the number of people aged 60 or above in China will surpass 400 million around 2035, accounting for over 30 percent of the total. In line with the retirement reform and the overall demographic trend, China has been making a series of policy adjustments in multiple fields. According to revised regulations that took effect Wednesday, the maximum age limit for applying for a medium or heavy bus or truck driver's license has been raised from 60 to 63. China is also stepping up elderly care initiatives. At a national conference on civil affairs on Monday, officials outlined progress in boosting home-based care, nursing facilities and protection for seniors in 2024 as well as new measures for 2025. In 2024, the central government allocated 300 million yuan (about 41 million U.S. dollars) to support elderly meal assistance programs nationwide while additional initiatives helped set up 358,000 in-home care beds. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 1 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday ended his press briefing quickly, saying he has to rush to receive incoming Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the airport here. This comes at a time when on December 29 as Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who was transferred to Bihar after more than five years here, left, neither Vijayan nor any of his cabinet colleagues came to bid goodbye. 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. With neither Vijayan nor his cabinet colleagues turning up, Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan and a junior colleague visited Khan's official residence to extend their wishes. The differences between Khan and Vijayan 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. The strained relationship between Vijayan and outgoing Khan took a new low as neither Vijayan nor any of his cabinet colleagues turned up for Khan's farewell and BJP leader V. Muraleedharan termed "unbecoming" how Vijayan and his cabinet colleagues behaved with the head of the state. Khan also had confrontations with student activists from the ruling CPI-M-affiliated SFI, once stepping out of his car to directly confront protesting students. Earlier in the day, Arlekar, before leaving for Kerala paid a quick visit to the residence of Goa Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, who hails from Kerala. "My job is to assist the Kerala government and I am not going for any confrontation. I have always adopted such a position. My visit to the Goa Governor is just to understand things," he said. On Thursday, Arlekar will be sworn in by the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court Nitin Madhukar Jamdar at the official residence of the Governor here. All eyes are on Arlekar, a seasoned politician from Goa and the Governor of Bihar and though he has made his position clear, time will tell how things pan out between him and the Vijayan government. Hyderabad, Jan 1 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president and former Telangana minister K. T. Rama Rao on Wednesday vowed to legally fight the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) case and the notice issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with alleged irregularities in Formula-E race. He dismissed the allegations of corruption and termed them as baseless and part of a political vendetta. In an informal chat with the media, he reiterated that he has full faith in the judiciary and vowed to fight any unjust legal actions against him. The Telangana High Court on Tuesday reserved its orders on a petition filed by Rama Rao, seeking orders to quash the FIR registered by the ACB. The ACB on December 29 filed a case against KTR, senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar and Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority's (HMDA) former chief engineer B.L.N. Reddy for alleged irregularities in organising the Formula E-car race in 2023 when BRS was in power. The ED, which registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, summoned KTR for questioning on January 7. The BRS leader termed the ACB case as the first case registered by the agency in a matter where there was no corruption. "Leave alone Rs 600 crore, there is not even a single paisa of corruption," he said while alleging that the Congress government was trying to send him to jail without evidence. The former minister said Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy should also be booked for cancelling the agreement to host the Formula-E race without approval from the Cabinet. "If taking decision by me as minister for municipal administration without Cabinet approval was wrong, why have they not booked Revant Reddy for cancelling it without discussing it in the Cabinet," he asked. KTR called on BRS workers to intensify their fight against the Congress government's failures and misdeeds. He urged them to work tirelessly to bring back a BRS-led government in the next elections. The BRS leader alleged that the Congress government is working solely for the wealthy elite while neglecting the needs of the poor and marginalised communities. KTR questioned the need for imposing self-declaration forms on farmers under the Congress' proposed 'Rythu Bharosa' scheme. He accused the government of using these tactics to cut benefits and betray farmers, stating that the programme is being diluted to fit a limited budget. KTR criticised the Congress' year-long governance, calling it a failure marked by inefficiency and corruption. He cited examples of forced evictions, land-grabbing incidents, and policy mismanagement as evidence of the government's anti-poor stance. KTR announced that BRS will launch extensive outreach programmes, including a massive public meeting around the party's foundation day on April 27 and a membership drive. He also revealed plans to conduct leadership training sessions and elect a party president later this year, affirming that BRS cadres unanimously support KCR's leadership. Yaounde, Jan 1 : Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has announced the definitive withdrawal of French troops from the Central African country on January 31. "I welcome the withdrawal of the first wave of French forces stationed in Chad. Other waves ... will follow until the complete withdrawal on January 31, 2025," Deby said in a televised address to the nation. He said he was convinced that the decision was a response to a "common and legitimate aspiration" of the Chadian people. "Any fight for independence or sovereignty has its sacrifices and we owe them for future generations, just as our elders made sacrifices, to bequeath us a standing country," the Chadian president said. France had last month started the withdrawal of its troops from Chad, with some fighter jets taking off from a French base in the Chadian capital of N'Djamena, according to the Chadian army. Chadian army had said that the public would be informed of each stage of the withdrawal until the final departure of all French forces. In November, Chad announced the end of the security and defense cooperation agreement with France before part of the French troops began to leave the Central African country on December 10, Xinhua news agency reported. Despite this change, Chad intends to maintain constructive relations with France in other areas of mutual interest. France had deployed some 1,000 soldiers in Chad before the withdrawal, according to the French authorities. In addition, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Senegal have also requested the departure of French soldiers. On November 29, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said that the presence of French military bases on Senegalese territory is "not compatible" with the sovereignty his administration upholds, calling on France to shut down these bases. Chennai, Jan 1 : The Tamil Nadu unit of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Wednesday met Governor R.N. Ravi and submitted a memorandum demanding justice for the Anna University student who was allegedly sexually assaulted. ABVP, in the memorandum to Governor R.N. Ravi, sought measures to ensure safe and secure campuses for women. The memorandum, submitted by ABVP's national secretary, Shravan P. Raj, highlighted the incident of sexual harassment at Anna University and the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu. It also condemned the arrest of ABVP students who were protesting peacefully and democratically. The memorandum demanded that the investigation into the sexual harassment case be completed quickly and that the victim be provided with complete justice. It also called for measures to ensure safety and security in university and college campuses, including the appointment of vice-chancellors to universities immediately. Other demands include taking strong action against drug abuse in educational institutions, preventing political interference in educational campuses, and ensuring that all educational institutions have a safe and secure environment for students. It may be recalled that a second-year engineering student of Anna University was sexually assaulted on Christmas eve. The girl and her male friend, who was a senior student of the University were sitting in a secluded area of the campus after attending a midnight Christmas mass at a nearby church. According to the complaint filed by the girl, the accused attacked the male friend, brutally thrashed him before dragging the girl to a nearby shrub and raped her. Police immediately swung into action and arrested a 37-year-old wayside biriyani vendor, Gnanshekharan for raping the student. It may be noted that the Tamil Nadu BJP president, K.Annamalai conducted a dramatic protest outside his residence in Coimbatore, flogging himself six times to symbolise the deteriorating law and order situation of Tamil Nadu and to highlight the sexual assault against the Anna University girl student. Annamalai also announced that he would undertake a 48-day fast and visit all six holy abodes of Lord Murugan as part of his protest. The Tamil Nadu BJP president lashed out at the Tamil Nadu police for leaking the FIR in the sexual assault case, stating that the leak intentionally revealed the identity of the 19-year-old victim, an engineering student of Anna University. He charged that the accused, Gnanashekaran, was not on the rowdy list of the Tamil Nadu police despite being involved in several cases. Annamalai said that this was due to the accused Gnanashekaran's proximity to the DMK leaders. The Tamil Nadu BJP chief, who is also a former IPS officer said that the accused, Gnanashekaran, was a functionary of the DMK and provided proof of the same. He also said that the DMK was trying to divert attention on the failing law and order situation of Tamil Nadu by creating a false narrative of the North -South divide. The National Commission for Women (NCW) will present a report to the government of India on the sexual assault case at Anna University. NCW member Mamta Kumari and her team returned to Delhi after conducting a two-day investigation into the sexual assault that took place on the Anna University campus. Speaking to mediapersons at Chennai airport, Mamta Kumari said: "We visited every corner of Anna University and conducted a thorough investigation. We met the affected girl and her family and gathered all necessary information. We also met with the Governor of Tamil Nadu to discuss the matter." "A detailed report on the investigation will be submitted to the central government through the National Commission for Women. Whoever is found guilty will face strict punishment. It is shocking that despite having over 20 cases against him, the accused was allowed to roam free." Mamta Kumari further questioned, "Why didn't the government take action earlier? The central government will ensure strict action against anyone who commits crimes against women." She expressed confidence that justice would be served and that the guilty parties would be punished. Agartala, Jan 1 : Amidst the unrest followed by the political changes in Bangladesh, no booksellers or publishers from the neighbouring country will participate in the Agartala Book Fair, beginning from Thursday, officials said. The 13-day-long 43rd Agartala Book Fair will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Manik Saha on January 2 and will continue till January 14. "After the Agartala Book Fair started in 1981, almost every year either publishers or booksellers from Bangladesh participate in the annual semi-trade book festival. In some Agartala Book Fairs earlier, publishers or booksellers from Kolkata and other cities sold Bangladeshi books. But this year, no Bangladeshi book would be available in the Agartala Book Fair," a senior official, associated with the Book Fair, told IANS. Leading publisher Debananda Dam said that in view of the prevailing situation in Bangladesh after the fall of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, no booksellers or publishers from that country seem to be ready to attend the book fair in Agartala. "Considering the situation in Bangladesh, even no Indian publishers or booksellers are willing to sell Bangladesh-related books in the Agartala Book Fair," Dam told IANS. According to the official, like in previous years, publishers and publishers from Kolkata, Guwahati, and Delhi would participate in this year's book fair apart from local publishing houses. He said that more than 150 stalls, a little less than last year, would be set up in this year's fair. The official said that recently protests were organised in some Book Fairs held in the districts of West Bengal after the Bangladeshi books were displayed there. No Bangladeshi booksellers or publishers would also participate in the upcoming 13-day long 48th International Kolkata Book Fair, which would commence from January 28. In November, a Bangladeshi trader had to close his stall at the trade fair in southern Assam's Silchar after some Hindu activists demanded it in protest against the atrocities on Hindus and other minorities in the neighbouring country. Jaipur, Jan 1 : Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju will present the Chadar sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer on January 4 (Saturday). This tradition is observed annually during the Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, where the Prime Minister's chadar is offered at the Dargah Sharif. The Union Minister for Minority Affairs customarily represents the Prime Minister during this significant occasion. Rijiju is scheduled to arrive at Jaipur airport at 7:15 a.m. on Saturday and will travel to Ajmer by road. The chadar offering ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the Ajmer Dargah Sharif. During this visit, Union Minister Rijiju will also launch the web portal of Dargah Sharif and the 'Garib Nawaz' mobile app, aimed at enhancing convenience for devotees. Additionally, the Urs Manual, detailing the operation and arrangements for the Urs, will be released. The new web portal provides comprehensive information about the life and teachings of Khwaja Saheb. It also offers details about facilities provided by the Dargah Committee, such as alangara and adega services, and includes an option for online guesthouse bookings. A key feature of the portal is the live darshan facility, enabling devotees worldwide to experience live telecasts of events at Dargah Sharif. The 'Garib Nawaz' app, designed for devotees, will complement the portal in delivering accessible and user-friendly services. The Urs Manual to be released by Rijiju will contain the historical background, traditions, and detailed logistical arrangements for the Urs. The manual aims to streamline coordination among the Union Minority Affairs Ministry, Dargah Committee, and district administration, ensuring a seamless experience for visitors. Kolkata, Jan 1 : Kolkata Police on Wednesday arrested another person in connection with the fake passport racket from Madanpur in West Bengal's Nadia district. With the arrest of Dhiren Ghosh, the total number of arrests in this connection has reached eight since December 15 last year. Ghosh has been brought to Kolkata and presented before a court in the city. Sources in the city police said that Ghosh had been arrested from his rented accommodation at Madanpur. Several incriminating documents have also been seized from his possession. A source said that Ghosh was a close associate of Manoj Gupta, the kingpin of such a racket operating under the garb of a fake travel agency running from Behala in the southern outskirts of Kolkata, and the seventh person arrested on December 29 last year. "Our investigation officials received information about Ghosh's involvement in the matter and his whereabouts by interrogating Gupta. Finally, we arrested Ghosh on Wednesday afternoon," the source said. Since December 15, West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police have arrested seven persons in connection with the fake passport racket. The investigating officials have identified a pattern in the operations of such rackets engaged in arranging fake Indian passports for the illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. Any infiltrator illegally crossing over to the Indian territory, contacting the local agents and showing willingness to pay out hefty amounts for getting fake Indian identity documents are first provided with safe shelters at the different villages adjacent to the borders with Bangladesh in the state, both land and coastal. Thereafter, the agents arrange for fake ration cards for them which are the first step for making other identity documents. By virtue of the fake ration cards, other identification documents like EPIC, PAN, and AADHAAR cards are acquired. The last step is getting the fake passports on the basis of these other fake identity documents. Bengaluru, Jan 1 : Kannada star Dr Shivarajkumar, son of Kannada film legend Dr Rajkumar, shared a video from the US on the first day of 2025, detailing his journey of overcoming cancer and assuring fans of his return. In the video, Shivarajkumar conveyed his New Year wishes to everyone and said, "I am hesitant to speak as I might get emotional at this moment. Leaving Karnataka was a very emotional experience for me. Under these circumstances, fear is inevitable, but the support of my fans has significantly reduced it." He continued, "The way the doctors took care of me gave me immense courage. While shooting for the movie '45', I underwent chemotherapy and even filmed the climax fight scene. As the date to leave for the US for treatment approached, I became anxious. However, my wife Geetha and daughter Nivedita stood by me throughout." "Dr Manohar, who treated me, cared for me like a child. My urinary bladder has been replaced, but there is no need for anyone to panic. I am doing well and will be back with double the energy. I thank all my fans for their unwavering support," Shivarajkumar assured. Geetha Shivarajkumar, his wife, who appeared in the video alongside him, stated that all the medical reports had come back negative, and it was officially declared that Shivarajkumar is cancer-free. "He recovered because of the blessings of his fans, and I will never forget this," she emphasised. The actor underwent surgery at a hospital in Miami, US, where his cancerous bladder was removed. According to the surgeon, Dr Murugesh Manoharan, an artificial bladder was created using Shivarajkumar's intestine. In November, Shivarajkumar had spoken publicly about his illness, acknowledging that he was human like everyone else. While he didn't disclose it was cancer at the time, he said, "At the end of the day, I am a human being. I have a health issue and am currently undergoing treatment for it. I have completed a couple of treatment sessions, and a few more are pending. After that, I will undergo surgery, either in India or the US." Amaravati, Jan 1 : A delegation of Andhra Pradesh led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will visit Switzerland's Davos for four days from January 20 to attend the World Economic Forum 2025. The delegation will participate in the annual meeting of the WEF to showcase the strengths and opportunities of the state to attract investment. The Chief Minister will be accompanied by Information Technology Minister Nara Lokesh, Industry Minister T.G. Bharath and some officials. The state government on Wednesday issued an order, approving the proposals of the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB). The delegation will include officials of the Industry Department and APEDB. The Government Order mentioned that the Chief Minister has been invited to participate in the WEF annual meeting, which will be held under the theme 'Shaping the intelligent age'. Meanwhile, in an informal chat with the media at the TDP office in Mangalagiri, Chief Minister Naidu, who is also the Telugu Desam Party, said people gave a historic verdict to the TDP-led NDA in 2024. He also remarked that the blunders committed by the Jagan Mohan Reddy government had become a curse for the state. Naidu claimed that people are feeling safe and comfortable after the NDA came to power. All the systems were totally destroyed with the anarchic policies adopted by then Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and he pushed Amaravati, Polavaram and other irrigation projects into total mess, he remarked. After the coalition government was formed, he visited New Delhi four times to get Central funds and resolve the technical problems, he said, adding that the state government is slowly but steadily moving forward to bring the state back on track. Stating that the Polavaram Project Technical Committee has submitted its feasibility report, the Chief Minister said that the project will be completed on time by getting funds from the Centre. Asserting that he will never resort to vindictive politics, Chandrababu Naidu, however, made it clear that he will not leave those who commit blunders. "People will once again experience the 1995 Chief Minister in me. If anyone resorts to posting objectionable comments on social media, stringent action will be taken against such persons," he said. He stated that the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) agreement is certainly an advantage for the state. "We will move ahead as per the provisions of law after examining the records," he clarified. Thousands of crores of investments have come to the state in these six months, he said and added that during the previous regime, there were no investments in the state. The promises made to the people by the YSRCP like total prohibition and revocation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) were not fulfilled in five years, Naidu said, while asserting that the TDP-led NDA government will certainly implement all the 'Super Six' promises made to the people. New Delhi, Jan 1 : In 2015, preceding Chinese President Xi Jinping's maiden visit to Pakistan, the two nations indulged in grandiose rhetoric to celebrate their friendship. The relationship was described as being "higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the ocean, sweeter than honey, and stronger than steel". This flowery depiction underscored the strategic significance of their bilateral engagement as part of President Xi's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The partnership was hailed as transformative for regional geopolitics, with the potential to reshape South Asia's strategic dynamics. However, by 2024, nearly a decade later, this partnership has encountered serious challenges, overshadowed by Islamabad's inability to provide security for Chinese investments and nationals. As tensions mount and Beijing appears to recalibrate its approach towards Pakistan, this decline reflects the systemic failures of Pakistan's military-dominated establishment to ensure internal stability and meet its strategic commitments. Often referred to as "all-weather friends" and "iron brothers", Pakistan and China have historically enjoyed close relations. Despite Pakistan's alignment with the US-led Western bloc during much of the Cold War, Islamabad and Beijing managed to cultivate a robust partnership. Over the years, economic cooperation emerged as a cornerstone of their relationship, witnessing a qualitative leap following Xi Jinping's ascension to the Chinese presidency in 2012. Under President Xi's leadership, Pakistan became a key node in China's Asian policy framework, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) emerging as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative. By 2024, CPEC investments were estimated to exceed $62 billion, underscoring their critical importance in the economic and geopolitical calculations of both nations. Despite this promising start, the bilateral relationship has experienced significant turbulence in recent years. Pakistan's chronic economic mismanagement, coupled with a spate of insurgent attacks targeting Chinese interests and nationals, has strained ties between the two countries. A particularly notable incident occurred on October 6, 2024, when operatives from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) attacked a convoy of Chinese workers near Karachi's Jinnah International Airport. The assault, which resulted in the deaths of two Chinese engineers, highlighted glaring security lapses. Beijing's frustration with Islamabad's inability to protect its citizens and projects was evident, with the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, issuing a rare public rebuke. Ambassador Jiang demanded immediate action to "hunt down" the perpetrators and implement measures to safeguard CPEC projects and Chinese personnel. This attack was not an isolated incident. Earlier in March 2024, Pakistan witnessed a series of violent attacks targeting Chinese nationals and CPEC-linked projects. On March 20, insurgents from the BLA's Majeed Brigade attacked the heavily fortified Gwadar Port Authority Complex in Balochistan. As the flagship initiative of CPEC, Gwadar Port's vulnerability raised serious concerns about Pakistan's ability to protect critical infrastructure. This was followed by a second attack on March 25, targeting Pakistan Naval Station (PNS) Siddique, a high-security naval airbase tasked with safeguarding CPEC assets. The breach of this military installation not only underscored Pakistan's security weaknesses but also eroded Chinese confidence in Islamabad's capacity to fulfil its commitments. The most devastating attack during this period occurred on March 26, when a suicide bomber affiliated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a convoy of Chinese workers near Besham in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attack, which killed five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver, further exacerbated tensions between the two countries. Beijing's response was unequivocal, framing the growing threats to its nationals and projects as a critical "red line". Chinese authorities demanded robust guarantees from Islamabad, including a thorough investigation, accountability for the perpetrators, and immediate action to address security lapses. These recurring attacks have severely tested Sino-Pakistani relations, prompting Beijing to mount pressure on Islamabad to launch a comprehensive nationwide military campaign against insurgent groups. China's growing impatience was evident in its decision to delay Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's planned visit to Beijing in May 2024. Beijing conditioned the visit on Islamabad's explicit commitment to initiate a counterterrorism operation, to which Pakistan ultimately acquiesced. Although Prime Minister Sharif eventually visited Beijing in June, the trip yielded little in terms of substantive economic commitments or new projects. This lukewarm reception signalled a qualitative cooling in the bilateral relationship. In response to Chinese demands, Pakistan launched "Operation Azm-i-Istehkam" on June 22, a nationwide military campaign aimed at dismantling insurgent networks. However, the operation's effectiveness has been called into question, as attacks targeting Chinese interests have persisted. The trust deficit between the two nations has deepened, with Beijing reportedly pressing Islamabad to allow the deployment of Chinese security personnel within Pakistan. A November 12, 2024, report by Reuters revealed that Beijing had proposed a clause permitting Chinese security agencies and military forces to conduct joint counterterrorism operations on Pakistani soil. While Islamabad has resisted this demand, it has counter-proposed the establishment of a specialised security firm, developed with Chinese assistance, to safeguard Chinese nationals and projects. Despite these overtures, Beijing's dissatisfaction remains evident. The deteriorating relations between China and Pakistan underscore the disconnect between Islamabad's rhetoric and its ability to address Beijing's concerns. The Pakistani military, which remains preoccupied with internal political manoeuvring and safeguarding the privileges of its elite, has failed to prioritise the security of Chinese investments and personnel. Unless Islamabad undertakes decisive action to dismantle militant networks and address its internal security challenges, the prospects for improving Sino-Pakistani relations appear bleak This decline in bilateral ties carries broader implications for Pakistan's strategic standing in the region. China, which has historically been one of Pakistan's most reliable allies, appears increasingly disillusioned with Islamabad's inability to deliver on its commitments. This disillusionment risks further isolating Pakistan, which is already grappling with economic instability and strained relations with other regional players. The persistent neglect of security imperatives not only jeopardises Pakistan's relationship with China but also undermines its credibility as a partner in regional development initiatives. Moreover, the growing tension between China and Pakistan has ramifications for the broader Belt and Road Initiative. CPEC, once heralded as the "game-changer" for Pakistan's economy, now faces significant challenges due to security concerns and waning Chinese enthusiasm. For Beijing, Pakistan's inability to secure CPEC projects raises questions about the viability of similar investments in other politically unstable regions. For Islamabad, the deterioration of its relationship with China could have far-reaching consequences, limiting its access to critical financial and infrastructural support at a time when its economy is teetering on the brink of collapse. In conclusion, the once-celebrated Sino-Pakistani partnership now finds itself at a crossroads. The repeated attacks on Chinese nationals and interests have exposed Pakistan's systemic weaknesses and undermined its strategic credibility. Unless Islamabad takes decisive action to address these challenges, it risks not only losing a key ally but also further destabilising its already fragile internal security landscape. For China, the situation serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with investing in politically volatile regions. Moving forward, both nations must recalibrate their approaches to ensure the sustainability of their partnership and address the root causes of their current tensions. Without meaningful reforms and sustained efforts to improve security, the prospects for the Sino-Pakistani relationship will remain uncertain, with significant implications for the broader geopolitical landscape of South Asia. An area is sealed off outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States, on Jan. 1, 2025. One person was killed and seven others were injured on Wednesday after a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, local media reported, citing the police. (Xinhua/Tan Jingjing) LOS ANGELES, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed and seven others were injured on Wednesday after a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, local media reported, citing the police. One person is dead after a Tesla Cybertruck burst into flames outside the Trump International Hotel near the north end of the Las Vegas Strip Wednesday morning, reported local KSNV television station. A vehicle fire was first reported around 8:40 a.m. local time in the valet area of the hotel. The Cybertruck pulled up to the front to the entrance when smoke started showing and there was an explosion, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill was quoted as saying, adding that one person inside the vehicle was killed. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said in a post on X that "We are investigating a vehicle fire at the entrance to Trump Towers. The fire is out. Please avoid the area." Officials confirmed to media that seven people suffered minor injuries as a result of the explosion, with two of them taken to a hospital for treatment. Most people staying at Trump International have been moved to a nearby hotel, Resorts World Las Vega, said the report of KSNV television station, citing McMahill. Videos posted on social media showed a Tesla Cybertruck engulfed in flames outside the hotel's lobby entrance. Authorities said they are investigating the explosion. An official who briefed on the probe told ABC News that the Tesla Cybertruck had a load of fireworks-style mortars onboard. Investigators are urgently working to determine a motive and whether the driver intended to set off an explosion and why, said the report, noting that "Until a motive is determined and other possibilities are ruled out, police are treating the explosion like a possible criminal act and a possible act of terror." Elon Musk, the co-founder and CEO of Tesla, said in a post on X that "The whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now." The staunch ally of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump noted that "We've never seen anything like this." He wrote later that "We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself." "Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochere of Trump Las Vegas," Eric Trump, the president-elect's son and a leader of the Trump Organization, said in a post on X. "The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority." "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism," he added. First responders are seen in an area sealed off outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States, on Jan. 1, 2025. One person was killed and seven others were injured on Wednesday after a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, local media reported, citing the police. (Xinhua/Tan Jingjing) Police officers stand guard in an area sealed off outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States, on Jan. 1, 2025. One person was killed and seven others were injured on Wednesday after a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, local media reported, citing the police. (Xinhua/Tan Jingjing) Police officers stand guard in an area sealed off outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States, on Jan. 1, 2025. One person was killed and seven others were injured on Wednesday after a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, local media reported, citing the police. (Xinhua/Tan Jingjing) Police officers stand guard in an area sealed off outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States, on Jan. 1, 2025. One person was killed and seven others were injured on Wednesday after a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, local media reported, citing the police. (Xinhua/Tan Jingjing) Mumbai, Jan 1 : Of the 39 ministers who were inducted into Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis-led Cabinet on December 15, about six ministers have yet to take charge of their departments. The government insiders claimed the delay is due to displeasure over non-allocation of lucrative departments while some of them have gone on vacation with their families. On Wednesday, the relief and rehabilitation minister Makrand Patil, Food and Drug Administration minister Narahari Zirwal and minister of state for public health and energy Meghana Sakore-Bordikar took charge of their departments at their assigned chambers in Mantralaya. Sources said that six ministers will take their charge during this week or next week. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has convened a cabinet meeting on Thursday. These ministers may not attend tomorrowas meeting. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who is also on vacation abroad, is expected to skip Thursdayas cabinet meeting. NCP minister Dattamama Bharne, who was elected from Indapur constituency, has openly expressed his displeasure over the allocation of ministries of sports, minority affairs and Aukaf. On Wednesday, Bharne came to Mantralaya to see the cabin which was allotted to him but did not take charge. He is expected to take charge on Thursday or later. Further, the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP ministers are now engaged in a race for district guardian minister posts. Fadnavis last week had said that it would be decided soon after the consultation among three parties. Ajit Pawar is keen to continue to become the Pune district guardian minister while BJP minister Chandrakant Patil is also a strong claimant for the same post. There are four ministers from Satara, including Makrand Patil, Shambhuraj Desai, Makarand Patil and Jaykumar Gore and they are also keen to be the district guardian minister. The BJP has evinced interest to get the post of Thane district guardian minister, but the Shiv Sena has indicated that it will be held by none other than Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Fadnavis has already said that he would like to be the Gadchiroli district guardian minister. Meanwhile, the NCP-SP and Shiv Sena UBT have said that the MahaYuti lacks planning in the functioning of the government and, in its absence, the ministers are taking their own sweet time to take charge of their respective ministries. NCP-SP chief spokesman Mahesh Tapase claimed that the state's financial condition is deteriorating as the government has yet to get on to work. Shiv Sena-UBT spokesman Anand Dube criticised the present state of affairs, saying that despite a roaring majority, the differences among three ruling partners seem to be responsible for the delays in taking over charge by the ministers and non-allocation of districts among three parties for the post of district guardian minister. Jaipur, Jan 1 : Union Minister for Minority and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju will present the Chadar sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer on January 4 (Saturday). Jaipur, Jan 1 (IANS) Union Minister for Minority and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju will present the Chadar sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer on January 4 (Saturday). Speaking in the context, Haji Syed Salman Chishty, Chairman Sufi Foundation and Gaddi Nashin of Ajmer Dargah said that PM Narendra Modi has been sending chadar to Ajmer Dargah for the last 10 years. "The 813th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti commenced in Ajmer, Rajasthan, on Wednesday, marking the occasion with the sighting of the moon. On January 4, a ceremonial chadar (sacred offering) will be presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the annual Urs of Gareeb Nawaz. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will deliver the chadar to Ajmer on the Prime Ministeras behalf," he told IANS. Haji Syed Salman Chishty, announcing the beginning of the Urs, extended his congratulations to all attendees. He noted that Prime Minister Modi has been sending a chadar to the Dargah annually for the past decade, continuing a tradition that began in 1947. Along with the chadar, the Prime Minister also conveys a message of peace and brotherhood for the nation, with prayers offered for unity and harmony, he added. Dargah cleric Syed Munnawar Chishti said, "In Ajmer, Rajasthan, the annual Urs of Khwaja Garib Nawaz commenced today with the sighting of the moon. Alongside this, the Jannati Darwaza, which is opened only four times a year, has also been unlocked. It will remain open for the next six days. According to belief, entering the Dargah through the Jannati Darwaza grants one a place in heaven. As a result, a large number of pilgrims are visiting the Dargah and are passing through this sacred gateway." The tradition of the Prime Minister's chadar being offered at the Dargah Sharif is observed annually during the Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The Union Minister for Minority Affairs customarily represents the Prime Minister during this significant occasion. Rijiju is scheduled to arrive at Jaipur airport at 7:15 a.m. on Saturday and will travel to Ajmer by road. The chadar offering ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. Hyderabad, Jan 1 : A businessman, who was allegedly abducted four days ago, was found murdered in Hyderabad on Wednesday, police said. The body of Vishnu Rupani, who went missing from Panjagutta on December 28, was recovered in SR Nagar. Locals in Buddhanagar colony in SR Nagar alerted the police about a foul smell emanating from a locked room. Police broke open the room and found a body suspected to be of Vishnu Rupani. The police sent the body for autopsy to confirm the identity and cause of death. The room was locked from the outside. Police suspect that the businessman was murdered by his kidnappers. Police registered a case and launched an investigation. In another incident, a police constable died by suicide in Hyderabad on Wednesday. J. Kiran (36), who was working in Film Nagar Police station, hanged himself at his house in Malakpet. He belonged to the 2014 batch. The reason for the constable's extreme step was not known. Police registered a case and took up the investigation. This is the latest in a series of suicides by police personnel in Telangana. Two policemen died by suicide in two separate incidents on December 29. A head constable hanged himself in the Medak district while a constable died by consuming pesticides in the Siddipet district. A Sub-Inspector of Police and a woman police constable along with a computer operator working in a cooperative society were found dead in a lake in Kamareddy district on December 26. Police were investigating the cause of the death of Sai Kumar, a Sub-Inspector working in Bhiknur police station, Shruti, who was attached to Bibiet Police Station and computer operator Nikhil. Director General of Police (DGP) Dr Jitender had said two days ago that most of the suicides of police personnel are due to personal reasons. He did not agree that work pressure was the reason for the suicide. "There may be several issues like financial issues, family issues, emotional issues and personal issues. I cannot say this is happening because of one issue. We can't generalise that it is because of work pressure. There may be some cases of work pressure also. I am not saying no," Jitender said. New Delhi, Jan 1 : Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, known for enamoring the audience with his stellar singing and acting skills, on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which he was seen sharing some candid moments with the PM, who praised his journey from being a countryside lad to a widely-acclaimed icon. In a video shared by Diljit on X, the energetic entertainer is seen greeting PM Modi with a bouquet of flowers, with the Prime Minister welcoming him, saying "Sat Shri Akal Ji". The music of Diljit's superhit musical number "Born to Shine" in the background brings an added essence to the moment in the video. Taking to X, PM Modi also shared pictures of his meeting with the Punjabi superstar. He wrote: "A great interaction with Diljit Dosanjh! He's truly multifaceted, blending talent and tradition. We connected over music, culture and morea" On his part, Diljit wrote: "A fantastic start to 2025! A very memorable meeting with PM @narendramodi Ji. We talked about a lot of things including music of course!" In the video, the Prime Minister, praising Diljit, says: "When an Indian youth from the countryside gets fame in the world, it feels nice." Diljit acknowledges the words of appreciation by PM Modi with folded hands. PM Modi further said: "Your family has named you Diljit... and you just go on to win over the people." To this, Diljit said: "I used to read that India is Great... and only when I travelled across the country, I realised why this country is great." His words made the Prime Minister smile, and he said: "The vastness of India is indeed a strength. We are a vibrant society." Diljit, in the video, can also be heard describing Yoga as a magic to which PM Modi says: "The one who has experienced Yoga is actually aware of its power." The Punjabi superstar also recalled the moments when PM Modi paid an emotional tribute to river Ganga and drew a reference to the mother-son relationship, saying he felt overwhelmed by that. He also sang a few lines in Punjabi, making a soulful mention of Guru Nanak, to which the Prime Minister tapped the table as Diljit was singing. Diljit Dosanjh, with a millions' fan following, also appears as a polarising figure to certain sections due to his support for the farmers' protests. Many times, he faced trolling due to his personal views, with some even questioning his integrity and loyalty towards India. Diljit's meeting with Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday against these backdrops assume significance from a socio-political perspective, as those critical of him might be left wondering how someone being vocal about debatable topics could be appreciative of the PM. Patna, Jan 2 : Newly appointed Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Wednesday marked his first New Year's day in office by engaging in a series of high-profile meetings, showcasing a spirit of goodwill and fostering cordial relationships across the political spectrum. On the evening of January 1, 2025, Governor Khan visited the residence RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav -- a former Union minister and ex-Bihar Chief Minister. He met the RJD chief, his wife Rabri Devi and other family members including former Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav. The Governor extended New Year greetings and conveyed his birthday wishes to Rabri Devi, who shares her special day with the New Year celebrations. The gathering highlighted a rare moment of camaraderie and warmth amid Biharas often politically charged environment. Security arrangements outside the residence were notably tight, reflecting the significance of the Governoras visit. Earlier in the day, Tejashwi Yadav visited the Raj Bhavan to personally wish the Governor a 'Happy New Year'. The two leaders engaged in a 15-minute conversation, emphasising a collaborative tone as Bihar moves forward under the newly appointed Governoras tenure. At Rabri Devi's residence in Patna, a continuous stream of RJD workers visited to extend New Year greetings to Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi. The residence transformed into a hub of activity as party workers arrived with gifts and best wishes for Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi. Political observers submitted that the vibrant atmosphere highlighted the party's ongoing engagement with its base as it set the tone for the year ahead. Earlier, Lalu Prasad took to social media to convey his New Year greetings to the people of Bihar. His message emphasised hope, equity, and unity, wishing for the eradication of poverty, unemployment, and socio-economic inequalities. "I wish for increased communal harmony and a prosperous future for the people of the state to bring social justice and inclusive development," Lalu Prasad said in his post. Earlier in the day, Governor Khan also visited Kalyan Bigha, the native village of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, to pay homage by offering flowers at the statue of Nitish Kumaras late mother. Bhubaneswar, Jan 2 : The Commissionerate Police witnessed a significant rise in the reporting of cybercrime-related incidents in 2024. The information was revealed by the Commissionerate police in the annual crime statistics-2024 shared with media persons here on Wednesday. As per the statistics shared by the Commissionerate police, 7263 cases related to cybercrime were reported in Bhubaneswar last year, as compared to 4832 cases in 2023. The capital city Bhubaneswar recorded a rise of more than 50 per cent in cybercrime-related incidents in 2024. It is pertinent here to mention that as many as 3614 cases regarding various cyber frauds were reported in Bhubaneswar in 2022. This indicates an over two-fold increase in cybercrime cases in the city in the last two years. Out of the 7263 cases reported in 2024, as many as 2653, 1872, 781 and 1076 complaints were related to financial fraud, UPI transactions fraud, credit card/debit card fraud and social media fraud respectively. The Commissionerate police registered 322 FIRs in this regard last year. The cops also arrested a total of 38 cyber criminals including 20 from outside the state during the above period. The fraudsters duped the gullible victims in Bhubaneswar of Rs 82,53,56,251 last year. Out of the total amount defrauded by the cyber criminals, the cops managed to freeze Rs 23,60,14,447 while Rs 2,50,00,000 have been refunded to the victims. The Commissionerate police further mentioned in its report that numerous high-profile cases were solved by the cops in Bhubaneswar last year that include digital arrest scams, social media harassment and blackmail cases, financial investment frauds and call centre cases. On the other hand, the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack witnessed over 11 per cent increase in the registration of various criminal cases during 2024. As many as 21613 criminal cases have been registered at various police stations in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack during 2024 as against the filing of 19410 cases in 2023. The Commissionerate Police in its report revealed that 89 murder cases were registered in the twin city area last year as against 78 murder cases in 2023. The twin city also recorded a rise in cheating cases in 2024 as compared to the cases reported in 2023. As many as 1729 swindling cases were registered last year as against 1471 cases in 2023. However, the registration of criminal cases related to rape, robbery, dacoity, burglary, theft and rioting has witnessed a decline in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack during 2024. Bhopal, Jan 2 : Toxic waste lying at Bhopal's Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) premises for the last 40 years was finally shifted on Wednesday to Pathampur dumping site in Dhar district, around 30 km, from Indore. The convoy of 12 container trucks carrying around 337 metric tonnes of chemical waste moved from Bhopal to Pithampur amid tight security arrangements by the administration and police, late on Wednesday. A green corridor was set up to cover around 250 km between the UCIL and Pithampur. Highly toxic methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from the Union Carbide pesticide factory in Bhopal on the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984, killing at least 5,479 people and leaving thousands with serious and long-lasting health issues. It is considered to be among the worst industrial disasters in the world. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had on December 3 set a four-week deadline to shift the toxic waste, observing that even 40 years after the gas tragedy, the authorities were in a "state of inertia", and warned the government of contempt proceedings if its directive was not followed. More than one hundred people in 30-minute shifts have packed the waste since Sunday. They underwent health check-ups and were given rest every 30 minutes. All 12 specialised containers that carried toxic waste have been designed according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards. Each container is leak-proof, fire-resistant, and equipped with GPS tracking for real-time monitoring. "Pithampur's plant is specifically designed for the safe incineration of waste generated by industrial units across the state. In 2015, a trial run for disposing of 10 metric tonnes of waste of UCIL as conducted under CPCB supervision, adhering to all prescribed safety parameters," Director of Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department, Swatantra Kumar Singh said. He stated that the state-of-the-art treatment, storage and disposal facility (TSDF) at Pithampur has been safely incinerating waste from various organisations since 2006, similar to the storage and operational processes at UCIL. Singh highlighted that after the 2015 trial run of UCIL waste disposal, emission levels were found to comply with the prescribed national standards. He said the finding also revealed that over the past 10 years in the Pithampur circle village, the cultivation area for soybean and wheat crops has increased. "The results indicated that no harmful elements were detected in the air or water following the disposal process. The remaining residues from incineration were securely disposed of using a double composite liner system to ensure environmental safety," he added. Kolkata, Jan 2 : A loaded statement by a senior Trinamool Congress leader, West Bengal municipal affairs & urban development minister, Firhad Hakim, on the occasion of the party's 28th foundation day programme, on Wednesday, sparked fresh speculation in the state's political corridors about the internal row in the party over the "fresh blood" versus "old guards" issue. Kolkata, Jan 2 (IANS) A loaded statement by a senior Trinamool Congress leader, West Bengal municipal affairs & urban development minister, Firhad Hakim, on the occasion of the party's 28th foundation day programme, on Wednesday, sparked fresh speculation in the state's political corridors about the internal row in the party over the "fresh blood" versus "old guards" issue. Speaking at the main function on the occasion of the special day, Hakim, who is also the Kolkata Mayor, said that being a part of the Trinamool Congress should not carry the feeling of being in power. "There is a history of sacrifices by thousands of people behind it. Real Trinamool Congress is not just leaders and ministers moving around in cars, receiving salutes of people and 1,900 followers accompanying them," said Hakim on Wednesday. However, he did not specify whom he actually meant by "leaders moving around in cars and receiving salutes". Incidentally, earlier in the day, the party's general secretary and Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee had issued New Year wish message where he refrained from naming either Trinamool Congress or the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee even once, which again sparked the gossips of the reported internal row. Political observers feel that first Banerjee's post and then the loaded statement by Hakim on the foundation day of the party as well as the first day of the new year drop indications of possible interesting turns within Trinamool Congress in the coming days before the crucial state assembly elections in 2026. Last year too, differences within the party cropped up on the foundation day following some statements and counter-statements by Trinamool Congress' state president in West Bengal, Subrata Bakshi and state general secretary Kunal Ghosh. Jaipur, Jan 2 : Rajasthan BJP in-charge Radha Mohan Das Agarwal on Wednesday criticised former CM Ashok Gehlot, and said that he should reflect on his performance. "The next election is four years away, and we are confident of winning more seats than before. This time, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, we aim to secure 160 to 170 seats. Ashok Gehlot appears to be in a state of defeat -- it's akin to a disgruntled cat," Agarwal remarked. He also extended best wishes for the calendar year 2025 and called Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's government the most successful government. Agarwal said that the revolutionary work done by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma in the last one year has not been done by any government till date. "The BJP government established new dimensions of development in Rajasthan, while the historic work of curbing crime in Rajasthan, providing corruption-free governance and implementing schemes to take all sections of the society along was done in 2024. In such a situation, it is also certain that the Chief Minister Sharma government will repeat with a huge majority in the next Assembly elections as well," he added. In response to a question, the BJP state in charge said that the people of the state have already given their reply to Ashok Gehlot, they have shown him how much hard work he did in the state. In such a situation, Gehlot should think about why his government failed. "Don't talk about this and that, tell me where the caravan was looted" (Tu Idhar Udhar ki baat na kar, tu bata ki karwan kahan loota)," he quipped. Earlier, Agarwal held a meeting of state officials in the BJP state office. The meeting was chaired by state president Madan Rathore and veteran worker Narayan Panchariya. In the meeting, Agarwal directed all officials to run the sangathan parva smoothly and in a timely manner. At the same time, state president Madan Rathore reviewed the preparations for sangathan parva and discussed the upcoming municipal by-election. Fork artists perform in the old city of Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 1, 2025. People across China enjoy themselves in various activities, celebrating the first day of 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Fei) People visit an art gallery in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 1, 2025. People across China enjoy themselves in various activities, celebrating the first day of 2025. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) People interact with a lion dancer at an ancient cultural street in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Jan. 1, 2025. People across China enjoy themselves in various activities, celebrating the first day of 2025. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) Folk artists perform on stilts at an ancient cultural street in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Jan. 1, 2025. People across China enjoy themselves in various activities, celebrating the first day of 2025. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 1, 2025 shows a winter swimming enthusiast swimming in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. People across China enjoy themselves in various activities, celebrating the first day of 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 1, 2025 shows a winter swimming enthusiast swimming in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. People across China enjoy themselves in various activities, celebrating the first day of 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) People watch a New Year parade in east China's Shanghai, Jan. 1, 2025. People across China enjoy themselves in various activities, celebrating the first day of 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang) Children read at a library in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Jan. 1, 2025. People across China enjoy themselves in various activities, celebrating the first day of 2025. (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Tourists in traditional costumes visit Taohuatan Township, Jingxian County, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 1, 2025. People across China enjoy themselves in various activities, celebrating the first day of 2025. (Xinhua/Cao Li) Folk artists perform on stilts at an ancient cultural street in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Jan. 1, 2025. People across China enjoy themselves in various activities, celebrating the first day of 2025. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) People visit an art gallery in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 1, 2025. People across China enjoy themselves in various activities, celebrating the first day of 2025. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) Instagram / Katie Thurston By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/01/2025 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. HOUSTON, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said they were hunting for possible connections of the truck attack in New Orleans of the southern U.S. state of Louisiana early Wednesday morning with terrorist organizations. The FBI is investigating the accident as an act of terrorism, the agency said in a statement, expressing the belief that the suspect, who was shot dead by responding police, might not be "solely responsible" for the ramming. U.S. House representative Troy Carter, a lawmaker from Louisiana, told ABC News that the death toll of the incident had risen to 15 with another 25 people still hospitalized with injuries. However, New Orleans Police chief Anne Kirkpatrick said on Wednesday afternoon she could only confirm 10 had died and among the injured, several people had suffered life-threatening injuries. The suspect has been identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen living in Texas, according to the FBI. "We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible," Alethea Duncan, an agent with the FBI's New Orleans field office, said at a news conference. "We don't want to rule anything out," said Duncan. Guns, two improvised explosive devices and corresponding remote control, as well as an Islamic State group flag, were found from the vehicle, according to local media reports. The devices were wired for remote detonation, The Associated Press (AP) reported, adding that other potential explosive devices were also located in the French Quarter. The AP, citing an intelligence bulletin it obtained, said surveillance footage captured three men and a woman placing one of multiple improvised explosive devices. Jabbar, who had served in the U.S. Army, was shot dead by the police after ramming the truck into New Year revelers, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) said. "After the vehicle came to a stop, the suspect reportedly opened fire on responding officers, who returned fire," NOPD said. Two police officers were shot and are in stable condition. The truck, reportedly a Ford F-150 Lightning, was with a Texas plate and rent by the suspect through the Turo app, a car sharing company, Rodrigo Diaz, the owner of the truck, told ABC News. The incident happened around 3:15 a.m. (0915 GMT) at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Iberville, the French Quarter, which is one of the most crowded areas of New Orleans and the heart of the city's tourism industry. "Last night we had over 300 officers out here. And because of the intentional mindset of this perpetrator who went around our barricades in order to conduct this, he was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did," Kirkpatrick said at a press conference. "It was very intentional behavior," she said. "This man was trying to run over as many people as he could." The governments capital expenditure in the April-November period of financial year 2024-25 (FY25) continued to contract with a 12.3 per cent decline year-on-year (Y-o-Y), according to data released by the Controller General of Accounts on Tuesday. The government has utilised 46.2 per cent of the Budget Estimates compared to 58.5 per cent last year, data showed. Economists said the Centres capex needs to expand by 65 per cent Y-o-Y in December 2024-March 2025 or record a monthly run rate of Rs 1.5 trillion, to meet the FY25 target of Rs 11.1 trillion. CGA data showed the central government exhausted Rs 8.5 trillion, or 52.5 per cent of the fiscal deficit target, in April-November FY25, which was 6.6 per cent lower than the Rs 9.1 trillion recorded in April-November FY24. The anticipated miss in the capex target is expected to offset any shortfall on account of disinvestment and taxes, as well as the impact of the recent supplementary demand for grants. "Accordingly, ICRA expects the fiscal deficit to mildly trail the FY2025 revised budget estimate of Rs 16.1 trillion or 4.9 per cent of GDP, said Aditi Nayar, chief economist, ICRA India. Nayar said that FY25 capex target is likely to be missed by a margin of at least Rs 1.0-1.5 trillion. Gross tax collections rose by 10 per cent Y-o-Y in November 2024, while net tax revenues grew by a marginal 0.5 per cent. CGA data revealed that the government reached 56 per cent of the net tax revenue Budget Estimate for April-November FY25 against 62 per cent in the year-ago period. The income-tax collections expanded by 24 per cent Y-o-Y and corporate tax collections fell by 1 per cent. ICRA believes that income tax collections may surpass the FY2025 RBE of Rs 11.5 trillion, unless large refunds are released in the latter part of the fiscal, while corporation tax inflows may print in line or slightly lower than the target, Nayar said. Centres revenue expenditure rose by just 1 per cent Y-o-Y in November, reaching 60 per cent of the Budget Estimate in the first eight months of FY25 at similar levels of 59 per cent in the year-ago period. There was more to him than he let on, asserts Aditi Phadnis. IMAGE: Then prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh at an event in New Delhi, September 22, 2012. Photograph: B Mathur/Reuters After he ceased being finance minister in 1996, friends advised Manmohan Singh to not get lost in the value-free world of Congress politics, and to nurse his support base among those who admired him for spearheading economic reforms. Singh's response, stated with his shy smile, was: 'But I am in politics.' That was usually met with sceptical silence, as though his listeners didn't see him that way at all. The fact is, baldly stated, Manmohan Singh was a politician, though he avoided admitting this. What is more, he was a skilled negotiator. Few remember that it was Manmohan Singh who was sent to work out an alliance between the Congress and the People's Democratic Party in Jammu and Kashmir after the state elections there in 2002. Mindful of how important it was to provide stability to this sensitive border state, and making sure the government was a truly representative one, Singh managed the impossible: A rotating chief ministership between the Congress led by Ghulam Nabi Azad and the PDP led by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. The relationship unravelled six months ahead of the assembly elections in 2008. But by acting as an honest broker, he managed to put in place an arrangement that won the confidence of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It was the first and, mostly successful, experiment with a rotating chief ministership. This quality came in handy when Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati called him to congratulate him after the 2009 Lok Sabha victory. He won her over by referring to her as 'my younger sister'. From anyone else, it might have sounded cheesy. From Singh, it was the equivalent of a garland: An open-minded embrace of the socially deprived. Similarly, it was healthy pragmatism on the part of the Samajwadi Party, but also Singh's reaching out to the SP leaders, which saved his government from falling in the late summer of 2008. The two parties were bitter enemies: They came together for Manmohan Singh. Singh was a politician with apparently impossible tasks: He had to run a coalition; he had a gaggle of Congressmen who considered themselves senior to him in the party and better politicians; and he knew -- as did everyone else -- that the final veto on any decision lay, not with him, but with the lady who lived 2 km down the road. So he made compromises, however unattractive, having to defend, at one stage, retaining a minister who had been charged with murder. In a reshuffle, he replaced the petroleum minister with someone who had proven connections with a company in the petroleum business. His communications minister's brother ran a media business that was regulated, in part, by the communications ministry. But there were things he refused to countenance: When a minister convicted of graft had to bow out of office and there was coalition pressure on him to take him back, Singh stood firm. And yet, the Congress party always treated Sonia Gandhi, not the prime minister, as the boss. Various people would tell the prime minister's Office to do this or the other, and add, importantly: "Madam se baat ho gayi hai (we've talked to madam)". The states paid little attention to the Centre. Home Minister Shivraj Patil confessed in Parliament in both cases -- of the Act passed by the Punjab assembly annulling previous water-sharing promises with Haryana, and the Manipur government lifting the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in some areas -- that the state governments had acted contrary to the advice given by the Centre. As prime minister, Singh had to put up with this. His home minister declared repeatedly that he held office so long as he enjoyed the confidence of the Congress president -- forgetting, for a moment, the Constitution of India, where it says ministers are appointed at the pleasure of the President of India, and on the advice of the prime minister. 'You see, you must understand one thing. I have come to terms with this. There cannot be two centres of power. That creates confusion. I have to accept that the party president is the centre of power. The government is answerable to the party,' the former media advisor to Manmohan Singh, Sanjaya Baru, quotes the prime minister as telling him in his book, The Accidental Prime Minister: The Making and Unmaking of Manmohan Singh. But for all that, it wasn't wise to underestimate Manmohan Singh. There was more to him than he let on. There was the case of a junior minister who, during the illness of a senior colleague, was asked to handle the portfolio. When newspapers reported that the said minister was so elated at his 'elevation' that he had been holding parties to celebrate, forgetting he was just a stand-in for his comrade lying in a coma in the hospital, the prime minister quietly informed the President that he would handle the portfolio himself. It was the shortest secondment ever. And during the crucial debate on his government's confidence motion in July 2008, he gave as good as he got: Advising the leader of the Opposition in the House to change his astrologer who had so often forecast the fall of the government, and asking what the Vajpayee government thought it had been doing when it sent its minister to escort terrorists to freedom in Kandahar. Then, on March 23, 2011, when the issue of cash for votes was being discussed in the Lok Sabha and Manmohan Singh was answering the questions of the Opposition, the leader of the Opposition, Sushma Swaraj, had said sarcastically to him: 'Tu idhar udhar kee na baat kar, ye bata ki kaaravaan kyon luta, mujhe rahajanon se gila nahin, teri rahabaree ka savaal hai.' To which Manmohan Singh replied: 'Maana ke teri deed ke kaabil nahin hoon main, tu mera shauk to dekh, mera intazaar to dekh.' After this, Sushma Swaraj and the entire Opposition was seen smiling. The man challenged every notion you might have held of a successful prime minister. He was not known for oratory. He never exuded a sense of power or authority. He avoided opportunities to fill the airwaves with soundbites. And his pictures at summit meetings show others smiling at the cameras or making conversation, while he looks preoccupied with some distant thought. And yet, he is the prime minister who will be mourned deeply for his wisdom, his intellect and his simplicity. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com The year 2024 was the warmest on record in India since 1901, with the average minimum temperature settling 0.90 degrees Celsius above the long-period average, the IMD said on Wednesday. IMAGE: Girls cover their faces to protect themselves from scorching heat on a hot summer day in Lucknow. Photograph: ANI Photo The annual mean temperature in 2024 was 25.75 degrees Celsius, 0.65 degrees above the long-period average. The average maximum temperature stood at 31.25 degrees Celsius, 0.20 degrees above normal. The average minimum temperature was 20.24 degrees Celsius, 0.90 degrees above normal, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. The year 2024 surpassed 2016, which had recorded a mean land surface air temperature 0.54 degrees Celsius above normal, making it the warmest year since 1901. The average minimum temperature was the highest on record for July, August, September and October, and the second highest for February, the IMD chief said. According to the European climate agency Copernicus, 2024 likely ended as the warmest year globally and the first with average temperatures 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial (1850-1900) levels. According to a yearly review by two independent groups of climate scientists -- World Weather Attribution and Climate Central -- the world experienced 41 additional days of dangerous heat in 2024. Mohapatra said the rise in minimum temperatures in 2024 was "quite high". "Long-term data shows most parts of the country are witnessing a rising trend in minimum temperatures, particularly in post-monsoon and winter seasons," he said. The IMD said La Nina conditions, characterised by cooler ocean surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean and usually associated with colder winters in north India, were expected to develop in January but would be short-lived. "It is unlikely to significantly impact the warming trend," an IMD scientist told PTI. June 2023 marked the first instance of a monthly global temperature crossing the 1.5-degree threshold, a trend that persisted throughout the year, except for July 2024. Under the Paris Agreement, a permanent breach of the 1.5-degree limit refers to sustained warming over 20-30 years. Experts warn that the world is now entering a phase during which temperatures will consistently exceed this threshold. The global average temperature has already risen by 1.3 degrees Celsius compared to the 1850-1900 baseline, driven by the rapid accumulation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere. The principal opposition party though appeared content securing 99 of the 543 seats in the 2024 national elections as against its all-time low of 44 in 2014 and then 52 in 2019. IMAGE: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary-Organisation KC Venugopal during the Congress Working Committee meeting convened to pay tribute to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo For Congress, 2024 was mostly about lost chances at the hustings. The principal opposition party though appeared content securing 99 of the 543 seats in the 2024 national elections as against its all-time low of 44 in 2014 and then 52 in 2019. In assembly polls too, the Congress performed poorly in Haryana and Maharashtra and managed to share the victory podium in Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir only due to formidable performance of its respective regional ally. At the fag end of 2024, the Congress suffered a massive psychological blow when it lost its pillar -- former prime minister Manmohan Singh -- to age-related complications on December 26, a day when the top brass had assembled at Karnataka's Belagavi to discuss the future course of revival and mark the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's presidency of the party. Singh, who led the UPA government from 2004 to 2014 and earlier ushered India on the path to economic reforms, died at the age of 92 at AIIMS in Delhi. The year also saw Priyanka Gandhi Vadra finally making her electoral debut and entering Parliament following her massive win in the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll. She became the third member of the Gandhi family in Parliament. Mother Sonia Gandhi is now a member of Rajya Sabha and brother Rahul Gandhi represents Rae Bareli in Lok Sabha. The Congress did seem in control of the poll narratives for most part of the 2024 Lok Sabha election cycle as its leadership projected Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "400 paar" call as a saffron ploy to change the Constitution and abolish SC, ST and OBC quotas. Though many believed the Congress, with its aggressive approach on the issue, pushed the BJP on the back foot, this did not translate into votes as expected. Also, Rahul Gandhi undertaking the over 62-day Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra covering a distance of 6,200 km from January 14 to March 16, did not yield desired results. Starting the Yatra from trouble-torn Manipur did not create much impact in the Northeast too. The Congress also brought out "Paanch Nyay" tagline of "Yuva", "Bhagidari", "Naari", "Kisaan" and "Shramik" Nyay, aimed at ensuring justice for the poor, labourers, farmers, women, youth, backward classes, Dalits, tribals, and minorities, which did not click well with the electorate. The party was further plagued by utterances made by its leaders including Rahul Gandhi on reservation and Sam Pitroda on diversity of India that worked to its disadvantage during the Lok Sabha poll campaign. If in 2019, it was Pitroda's Hua to hua remark on 1984 anti-Sikh riots, this time his inheritance tax and redistributing assets remarks, besides his 'racist' comments while talking of India's diversity, proved damaging to the party. The ruling BJP's failure to win a simple majority on its own for which it had to rely on NDA allies for power was billed by the Congress as a triumph for the opposition camp with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi repeatedly describing the 2024 verdict as a moral victory for the broad non-BJP bloc. In BJP's own assessment, Congress's message on the Constitution had gone home in key battleground states including Uttar Pradesh where INDIA partners SP and Congress came out on top and the saffron brotherhood suffered a drubbing. Still the BJP managed its historic hattrick -- a first for an incumbent government in over 60 years. The Congress, however, quickly squandered whatever gains it had made in perception battles around parliamentary elections, as it failed to dislodge BJP despite a two-term incumbency in Haryana. The BJP retained power in Haryana, defying all poll predictions and prompting the Congress to blame EVMs and voter lists and go back to the Election Commission with complaints that the EVM fraud was a reality. The EC rejected the insinuations as in the past. After Haryana, the Congress, NCP-SP and Shiv Sena-UBT faced a rout in Maharashtra where the grand old party posted its worst ever score. Out of eight states and Union territories including Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim that went to polls in 2024, the Congress individually did not win any. The BJP and allies bagged six -- Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, Maharashtra and Haryana. In both Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir, non-Congress parties powered the poll victories with the Congress lagging as a distant junior partner to dominant regional allies -- JMM in Jharkhand and National Conference in J&K. This led Modi and the BJP to dub the grand old party as a parjeevi (parasitic) organisation that was feeding off allies while failing to pull its own weight as evident in Haryana. Even in 59 state assembly bypolls, the Congress performance remained below par though it bagged two parliamentary byelections held in 2024. On the front of narratives, Congress espoused several issues at the same time, signalling confusion in what its core political message was. It started in Lok Sabha polls by attacking the BJP for seeking 400 seats in LS polls to alter the Constitution, went on to push the caste census to count India's dominant OBCs, came down to attacking EVMs and electoral rolls in states where it lost (Haryana and Maharashtra), relaunched its offensive against billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani and wrapped up the year with a scathing offensive against the BJP for allegedly insulting BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution. This also led to an FIR against Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for alleged assault on two BJP lawmakers who were injured in an unprecedented scuffle outside the new Parliament building where the Opposition and ruling side MPs were engaged in competitive protests on Ambedkar during the winter session. Earlier in the year, the Congress and several INDIA allies skipped the January consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya -- a move that did not seem to impact them negatively in the national polls where the BJP lost Faizabad (the LS seat housing Ayodhya) to opposition Samajwadi Party. A controversy erupted over the cremation of Manmohan Singh after the government announced he will be given a state funeral at Nigambodh Ghat, a ground open to all. The Congress asked why Singh was not accorded a state funeral at Smriti Sthal, which has been earmarked for the last rites and memorials of departed national leaders. The BJP, in turn, accused the Congress of doing politics during a moment of grief. The Maharashtra government on Wednesday formed a 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, officials said. IMAGE: Walmik Karad, a close aide of minister and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde, was on Tuesday sent in 14-day custody of the CID after he surrendered in Pune in the extortion case registered at the Kej police station. Photograph: Walmik Karad on Instagram The SIT will be headed by Crime Investigation Department's (CID) Deputy Inspector General Basavraj Teli, said an order issued by the state Home department. Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village in Kej tehsil of Beed district, was abducted and brutally killed on December 9, allegedly for opposing an extortion bid by some persons who had demanded money from a windmill company. The village residents on Wednesday morning staged 'jal samadhi' agitation seeking the arrest of the three absconding accused in the murder case. The protest, during which some 40 men and women stood waist-deep in a lake, was called off after two hours, as district Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat visited the village and assured them that police will leave no stone unturned to nab the accused. Earlier, the government had handed over the probe of the murder and the related cases of extortion and an assault on a security guard to the CID. Out of the six accused in the murder case, the police have so far arrested Pratik Ghule, Jayram Chate and Mahesh Kedar, while Sudarshan Ghule, Sudhir Sangle and Krushna Andhale are at large. Walmik Karad, a close aide of minister and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde, was on Tuesday sent in 14-day custody of the CID after he surrendered in Pune in the extortion case registered at the Kej police station. During the recently-held winter session of the Maharashtra legislature, the opposition had alleged that Karad was the "mastermind" of the murder, though he claimed that he was being accused falsely for political vendetta. India on Wednesday declared 2025 as the year of defence reforms and that the focus will be to roll out integrated theatre commands to boost tri-services synergy and ensure simpler and time-sensitive military procurement with a broader aim to transform the military into a technologically-advanced force. IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tries his hand at shooting during his visit to the Vijay Shooting Range, at Mhow in Indore. Photograph: ANI Photo The overall aim of the nine-point reforms planned by the defence ministry would be to ensure deeper collaboration among key stakeholders, break silos, eliminate inefficiencies and optimise utilisation of resources. The reforms would lay the foundation for "unprecedented" advancements in defence preparedness and ensure India's security and sovereignty amidst challenges of 21st century, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said. The defence ministry's aim on theatre commands assumes significance as it virtually indicated a resolve to unveil the ambitious reform measure in 2025. Under the theaterisation model, the government seeks to integrate the capabilities of the Army, the Air Force and the Navy and optimally utilise their resources for wars and operations. As per the theaterisation plan, each of the theatre commands will have units of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force and all of them will work as a single entity looking after security challenges in a specified geographical territory. At present, the Army, Navy and the Air Force have separate commands. The decision on observing 2025 as year of reforms and the broad objectives under it were finalised at a high-level meeting chaired by Singh. It was attended by all the secretaries of the defence ministry. One of the nine points listed by the ministry following the deliberations was to take initiative to instil a "sense of pride" in Indian culture and ideas, fostering confidence in achieving global standards through indigenous capabilities, while imbibing best practices from modern militaries that suit the nation's conditions. "(The) 'year of reforms' will be a momentous step in modernisation journey of the armed forces," Singh said. The defence ministry said the focus in 2025 will also be on new domains such as cyber and space, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, hypersonic and robotics. In order to give impetus to the ongoing and future reforms, it was unanimously decided to observe 2025 as the 'year of reforms', it said in a statement. The reforms would aim at transforming the armed forces into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations, the ministry added. The Singh-led meeting held that the reforms should aim to further bolster jointness and integration initiatives and facilitate establishment of the integrated theatre commands, it said. During the deliberations, it was decided that the reforms should focus on new domains such as cyber and space, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, hypersonic and robotics. It was agreed that associated tactics, techniques and procedures required to win future wars should also be developed. The meeting also called for developing a shared understanding of operational requirements and joint operational capabilities through inter-service cooperation and training. It also emphasised on the need to make acquisition procedures simpler and time-sensitive to facilitate swifter and robust capability development. The aim of the defence reforms also includes rolling out steps to facilitate technology transfer and knowledge sharing between the defence sector and civil industries and promoting public-private partnerships by improving ease of doing business. The meeting also underlined the need for focusing on collaboration across various stakeholders in the defence ecosystem and breaking silos. It said the ministry should work towards positioning India as a credible exporter of defence products, fostering R&D and partnerships between Indian industries and foreign original equipment manufacturers. The meeting also pitched for ensuring welfare of the veterans while leveraging their expertise. Efforts will be made towards optimisation of welfare measures for veterans, the ministry said. The mother of Suchir Balaji, a 26-year-old former OpenAI researcher who was found dead after accusing the company of violating copyright laws, alleged that her son was 'murdered' and demanded an Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) probe into the matter. IMAGE: Suchir Balaji. Photograph: @suchirbalaji/X Poornima Rao, the mother of Suchir Balaji, claimed that her son's death was a 'cold-blooded murder declared by authorities as suicide'. She also mentioned that a private autopsy report differed from the initial police report. Additionally, she stated that her son's apartment had been 'ransacked', and there were signs of a struggle in the bathroom that suggested he had been hit. 'We hired private investigator and did second autopsy to throw light on cause of death. Private autopsy doesn't confirm the cause of death stated by police. Suchir's apartment was ransacked, sign of struggle in the bathroom and looks like some one hit him in bathroom based on blood spots. It's a cold blooded mu*d*r declared by authorities as suicide. Lobbying in San Francisco city doesn't stop us from getting justices. We demand FBi investigation.' Poornima Rao wrote on X. Elon Musk responded to the post of Suchir Balaji's mother, saying 'This doesn't seem like a suicide.' Balaji was found dead in his apartment in San Francisco, months after accusing OpenAI of violating laws while developing ChatGPT, Fox News reported. His death was ruled a suicide after the San Francisco Police Department found no evidence of 'foul play'. On October 24, before his death, Balaji expressed his skepticism about the 'fair use' of generative artificial intelligence products. 'I recently participated in a NYT story about fair use and generative AI, and why I'm skeptical 'fair use' would be a plausible defense for a lot of generative AI products,' he wrote on X. 'To give some context: I was at OpenAI for nearly 4 years and worked on ChatGPT for the last 1.5 of them. I initially didn't know much about copyright, fair use, etc. but became curious after seeing all the lawsuits filed against GenAI companies. When I tried to understand the issue better, I eventually came to the conclusion that fair use seems like a pretty implausible defense for a lot of generative AI products, for the basic reason that they can create substitutes that compete with the data they're trained on. I've written up the more detailed reasons for why I believe this in my post. Obviously, I'm not a lawyer, but I still feel like it's important for even non-lawyers to understand the law -- both the letter of it, and also why it's actually there in the first place,' he added. Balaji also raised concerns about the company breaking copyright laws in an interview with The New York Times. He was named in a copyright lawsuit filed against the company by The New York Times, which alleged that Microsoft and OpenAI used millions of published articles to inform their technology and began competing with the outlet as a result, Fox News reported. JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces have foiled an attempt to smuggle 136 pieces of ancient coins to Pakistan in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, a local official said Wednesday. The coins, which date back to Greco-Bactrian and Kushan eras, were seized at Torkham border crossing point between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Provincial Director for Information and Culture Qurishi Badlon told Xinhua. In November last year, police foiled an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of relics, including 126 pieces of bronze, copper and silver coins representing different civilizations of the history in the southern Kandahar province. With all the evasions, one assertion made by the Pune (Rural) police stood out: They had found no connection of the Elgar Parishad with the violent incidents of January 1, 2018. Yet, the case against the 'Bhima Koregaon 16', which is based on exactly this alleged connection, continues, and seven of the accused continue to be behind bars under the UAPA, explains Jyoti Punwani. IMAGE: Thousands of people gather at the Bhima Koregaon Victory Pillar near Pune. Photograph: PTI Photo from the Rediff Archives January 1 marks 7 years of the Bhima Koregaon violence that shook Maharashtra. On that day, Dalits on their way to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the historic battle of Bhima Koregaon were targeted, and a Maratha youth died in the clashes that ensued. Today, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis finds himself in a similar situation. Amid mounting protests against the alleged custodial death of a Nomadic Tribal youth in Parbhani on December 15, the CM has promised a judicial inquiry. While two leaders of Hindutva organisations were initially named as accused for the Bhima Koregaon violence, later, 16 intellectuals, labeled as 'Urban Naxals' by the police, were arrested for having instigated the Bhima Koregaon violence by holding an Elgar Parishad in Pune, where alleged inflammatory speeches were made. Today, Fadnavis has again raised the 'Urban Naxal' bogey, linking Rahul Gandhi with these groups, and alleging that they had worked against the BJP in the recent Assembly elections. However, the evidence before the judicial commission appointed by Fadnavis' government into the Bhima Koregaon violence, indicates that the violence was the handiwork of groups opposed to the Dalits converging at Bhima Koregaon. The Commission, having finished its hearings, is soon to give its report. *** Three questions are crucial in the Elgar Parishad-Bhima Koregaon case: Was there any intelligence input about tension during the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima Koregaon in which lakhs of Dalits were supposed to participate? Could the violence that broke out at Bhima Koregaon on January 1, 2018 have been prevented? Was there a link between the Elgar Parishad held on December 31, 2017 in Pune and the violence that broke out the next day 40 km away near Bhima Koregaon? What answers did the police involved in the investigation give to these questions? *** The judicial commission headed by retired Justice J N Patel cross-examined two sets of policemen: Those posted at the areas that witnessed the violence -- the Pune Rural Police -- and those posted in Pune city, where the Elgar Parishad was held -- the Pune City Police. Their replies were mostly a string of denials and contradictions, but among these, emerged some significant revelations. Two of them are most important: 1. The majority of the policemen testified that there was no connection between the Bhima Koregaon violence and the Elgar Parishad. 2. The police had enough warnings about the Bhima Koregaon violence but did little to prevent it. *** December 31, 2017 the Elgar Parishad -- what Pune (City) Police said 'Peaceful Elgar Parishad' Testifying about the Elgar Parishad, Pune City police uniformly said that permission to hold it had been given without hesitation, and the event passed off peacefully, with nobody being arrested after it was over. So uneventful was the event that neither had the then Pune police commissioner Rashmi Shukla gone to Shaniwarwada, where the Parishad was held, to oversee the proceedings, nor had she looked at the video of its proceedings. (Rashmi Shukla is now the DGP of Maharashtra. The three cases against her of phone tapping of Opposition leaders Sanjay Raut, Eknath Khadse and Nana Patole, were quashed or closed after the Shiv Sena-BJP government took over in June 2022.) Even the then state home minister, Devendra Fadnavis, had not called for the video of the Elgar Parishad proceedings. The officer in charge of the bandobast for the Parishad, Ravindra Sengaonkar, additional commissioner of police, south region, Pune City, didn't even think it necessary to file a report on the Parishad, nor was he asked for such a report. IMAGE: Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla. Photograph: ANI Photo *** Tenuous link between Elgar Parishad and Bhima Koregaon violence Of the many policemen who testified before the Commission, only two linked the Elgar Parishad with the Bhima Koregaon violence, both from the Pune City Police. Ravindra Sengaonkar was the first policeman to state in front of the Commission that the Elgar Parishad was the reason for the violence at Bhima Koregaon. But he could offer no evidence to back this claim. All he could say was that the speeches made at the Parishad were "very provocative" and could have left "long term psychological scars". Asked for evidence of those 'long term scars", Sengaonkar pointed to the violence on January 1 and then on January 3, during a bandh by Dalit groups protesting against the Bhima Koregaon violence. These violent incidents took place less than 72 hours after the speeches. Hardly enough of a time span to describe them as "long-term scars". Shivaji Pawar was the second policeman to link the Elgar Parishad with the Bhima Koregaon violence. But Pawar, who was the investigating officer in the Elgar Parishad case, refused to elaborate on this alleged link, saying only that the charge sheet contained everything. The Elgar Parishad case was based on an FIR filed a week after the Parishad was held, by Tushar Damgude, a businessman and a supporter of Hindutvavadi leader Sambhaji Bhide, head of the Shiv Pratisthan Hindustan. Signficantly, Bhide was among the two men named as accused immediately after the violence, in an FIR filed by eyewitness Anita Sawale. The other was Milind Ekbote, ex-BJP corporarator. Questioned about his investigation, Pawar could not name a single person whose statement he had recorded, who had been an eyewitness to both events: The Elgar Parishad held in Pune, and the violence at Bhima Koregaon the next day. Indeed, he could not even name a single witness to the Bhima Koregaon violence whose statement he had recorded. In fact, he even said it was not necessary for him to look at the 36 FIRs filed by the Pune (Rural) police against those responsible for the violence that took place on January 1. IMAGE: A protest in Mumbai, March 26, 2018, to demand action against those who instigated the violence following the Elgar Parishad in Pune on January 1, 2018. Photograph: PTI Photo from the Rediff Archives *** Police claim ignorance The Pune City police were reluctant to admit any knowledge about the activities of Hindutva organisations. Though newspapers had reported that some of these organisations had opposed the Elgar Parishad, the Pune police said they were unaware of this. Even Shivaji Pawar, the investigating officer of the Elgar Parishad case, had not thought it necessary to investigate which organisations were opposing the Parishad. Surprisingly, the Pune City police stuck to this stand despite admitting that they had received an input from the State Intelligence Department on December 25, which said that there was a possibility of opposition to the Elgar Parishad by 'Sangh, BJP and their casteist organisations, Fascists, RSS, Vishva Hindu Parishad, ABVP, Sanatan, Samast Aghadi Shri Milind Ekbote.' Not only did Shivaji Pawar claim ignorance about the report, he even expressed doubts that it was an intelligence report. Even more surprising was the claim by Assistant Commisisoner Ravindra Sengaonkar, overall in charge of the investigation into the Elgar Parishad case, that he knew nothing about the Romila Thapar petition. In August 2018, the renowned historian and a few others had approached the Supreme Court for an SIT to investigate the Elgar Parishad case. This petition, that alleged that the arrests by the Pune Police were aimed at curbing dissent, had made headlines. *** No basis for 'Frontal organisation' charge Among those involved in organizing the Elgar Parishad was the cultural organisation Kabir Kala Manch. Three of its members are in jail, as accused in the Elgar Parishad case. Police describe the Manch as a 'frontal organisation' of the Maoists. Both Sengaonkar and Pawar were asked how they classified an organisation as a 'frontal organisation' of the Maoists. Both could cite no notification which empowered them to do so. They both quoted only one source: A 2014 reply in the Lok Sabha by the then minister of state for Home, R B N Singh, to a question asked by BJP MP A K Nana Patil, which mentioned Kabir Kala Manch as a 'frontal organisation of the CPI(Maoist)'. *** Bhima Koregaon violence, what Pune (Rural) police said Testimonies of the Pune Rural police were rife with denials and evasive answers. These were the men who had witnessed the violence on January 1, and investigated cases related to it. While the first FIR filed after the violence blamed Sambhaji Bhide and ex-BJP corporator Milind Ekbote, for it, police skirted around the role of these two leaders. *** What bandh, say police Dalits go every year to Bhima Koregaon on January 1, to observe the anniversary of the battle of Bhima Koregaon, in which the British, aided by Mahar soldiers, defeated the Peshwas, whose reign was notorious for its harsh practice of untouchability. 2018 marked the 200th anniversary of this battle, and lakhs of Dalits were expected to reach there. But Dalits testified that for the first time on January 1, 2018, they found shops en route shut as part of a bandh. This greatly inconvenienced them as they used to buy water and food from these shops. However, the police posted all along the route to Bhima Koregaon denied that there was any bandh. They only admitted that some shops were closed. This was also the first time, eyewitnesses told the Commission, that they faced attacks on their way to Bhima Koregaon. Those who threw stones at them were carrying saffron flags, they deposed. The police admitted that a 1,200-strong mob carrying saffron flags had gathered en route to Bhima Koregaon from 9 am to 11 am. They evaded a direct reply when asked whether this had ever happened before. When asked whether they had immediately dispersed the mob, the police gave contradictory answers. First they replied that when told to disperse, the mob obediently went off towards their villages. Then they said that just a few hours later, they had to use tear gas and a lathi charge to disperse a stone-throwing mob holding saffron flags. The police admitted that they had heard that there was a call for Marathas to gather in large numbers on January 1 at village Vadhu Budruk, en route to Bhima Koregaon. Hence, they'd called up the leader of the Maratha Kranti Morcha. His reply, that he had no such plan, had satisfied them. IMAGE: Advocate Ashish Satpute, counsel for the commission, Sumit Mullick, member, Commission, Shishir Hiray, Maharashtra government counsel, Justice J N Patel, chairman of the Bhima Koregaon commission. Photograph: Jyoti Punwani *** Police inaction despite build up These unprecedented events that took place on January 1: The bandh, the mobs carrying saffron flags, and finally, the stone throwing on the Dalits did so against a certain backdrop. On December 29, a clash had broken out at village Vadhu Budruk between Dalits and Marathas over rival claims as to who had performed the last rites of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Shivaji Maharaj's son. Sambhaji Maharaj's samadhi lies in the village, as does the samadhi of Govind Gopal Mahar, a Dalit who is said to have performed the former's last rites in defiance of the orders of Aurangzeb, who had had the Chhatrapati killed. This clash between the Dalits and Marathas, and the animosity that followed it, were enough indication that trouble was likely to erupt on January 1. The police were aware of this backdrop, yet, they seem to have done little to prevent the events of January 1. * Three gram panchayats had handed over letters to the police, declaring that they were going to observe a bandh on January 1. However, the police claimed the constable who received these letters had not brought them to the notice of his seniors, so they had no idea of the bandh being planned. * Except for one officer, Sandeep Pakhale, all policemen claimed ignorance of the many social media messages calling for a bandh and observance of January 1 as a 'Black Day' in protest against the 'false history' being propagated by Dalits. (The 'false history' referred to the claims about Chhatrapati Sambhaji's last rites, and also about the significance of the battle of Bhima Koregaon.) These messages urged the followers of Hindutvavadi leaders Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote to gather on the morning of January 1. But even the officer in charge of the cyber cell claimed he had no clue about these messages. * The sarpanch of village Vadhu Budruk, where lay the samadhi of Chhatrapati Sambhaji, revealed to the Commission that in the last few years, Milind Ekbote's organisation had been looking after the samadhi, even though only the gram panchayat was authorised to look after it. Police said they had no idea of this. (Ekbote has propagated the view that a Maratha family had performed the last rites of Chhatrapati Sambhaji.) * Though Ekbote's lawyer had admitted in the Bombay high court that the former BJP corporator had visited village Vadhu Budruk between December 26 and 30, 2017, the police insisted that their investigations had revealed no such thing. IMAGE: Dalit groups stage a protest in Mumbai against the violence at Bhima Koregaon. Photograph: PTI Photo from the Rediff Archives *** No connection between Parishad and violence With all these evasions, one assertion made by the Pune (Rural) police stood out: They had found no connection of the Elgar Parishad with the violent incidents of January 1, 2018. Even Shivaji Pawar, the investigating officer of the Elgar Parishad case, was forced to concede that there was no connection between the accused arrested for the violence at Bhima Koregaon and those arrested for the Elgar Parishad. Yet, the case against the 'Bhima Koregaon 16', which is based on exactly this alleged connection, continues, and seven of the accused continue to be behind bars under the UAPA. *** To sum up, police testimonies about what they witnessed at the Elgar Parishad on December 31, 2017, and the next day at Bhima Koregaon, fly in the face of the official narrative that the Bhima Koregaon violence was instigated by those who organised the Elgar Parishad. Indian English is the only language that uses the expression 'non-veg' for meat, fish, and those who consume them. A fascinating extract from Shashi Tharoor's A Wonderland of Words: Around the Word in 101 Essays. Indian English is a living, practical language, used by millions every day for practical purposes. I am not referring to expressions like satyagraha, namaste, or yogi, that have passed into the English language and are used exactly as they are in India. I am referring to the usage of English words differently in India from the Anglophone West. Many phrases we take for granted in ordinary conversation are actually quite unusual abroad -- calling elders 'auntie' or 'uncle', for instance, or using the expression 'non-veg' to convey a willingness to eat meat. That doesn't make them wrong, or even quaint. It just makes them Indian. Some Indian English was created by our media and passed into regular usage --'airdash' ('the chief minister airdashed to Delhi') and 'history sheeter' ('the police explained that habitual criminal X was a history sheeter', i.e. that he had a long criminal record). Some, like my 'prepone', came from school and college campuses: 'mugging' (cramming hard for an exam, with much rote learning and memorisation involved) uses a word that means two very different things to Americans or Brits abroad (a criminal assault by a robber, as in 'She was the victim of a mugging in a dark alley' or an elaborate and often comically exaggerated expression, as in 'he was mugging for the camera'). When an Indian student tells a foreigner he was 'mugging for an exam', bewilderment is guaranteed. Yet it's a vivid word that conveys exactly what is intended for every user of Indian English. So the way Indians speak the English language is often distinctive but not necessarily incorrect. Some Indian Englishisms are merely translated from an Indian language: 'What is your good name?' is the classic, since all Bengalis, for instance, have a 'daak naam' that they are called by, and a 'bhalo naam' (or 'good name') for the record. But 'what is your good name?' is still the most polite form, in any Indian version of the English language, for finding out the identity of your interlocutor. 'Is he your real brother?' someone asks, not to accuse you of having imaginary siblings, but to differentiate this brother from a cousin, who is also referred to as a 'brother' by affectionate Indians. Such cultural assumptions inevitably influence language. The widespread preference for -- or at least acceptability of -- vegetarianism in India makes Indian English the only language that uses the expression 'non-veg' for meat, fish, and those who consume them. The Indian arranged-marriage culture has also had its impact on our local English. Our matrimonial ads have created their own cultural tropes with expressions that only mean something in Indian English -- 'wheatish complexion', of course, and better still, 'traditional with modern outlook'. Many ads require a prospective bride in India to be 'homely' (that is, home-loving and a good housekeeper) and to have 'passed out' -- not fainted or lost consciousness, as a Brit or American might assume, but graduated -- from a 'convent school', in other words a school established by a missionary order, where the medium of instruction is English. Some Indianisms are creative uses of an ordinary English word or phrase to reflect a particularly Indian sensibility -- such as 'kindly adjust', said apologetically by the seventh person slipping into a bench meant for four. We have nothing to apologise about: We should defiantly celebrate their use as integral parts of our Indian English vocabulary. After all, 'we are like that only'. And if you don't like it, kindly adjust.... Indians are excessively fond of euphemisms: We would rather use a roundabout way of conveying an interest in a delicate topic rather than the direct word that foreign English speakers might. Thus we use 'reduced' as a synonym for losing weight ('you've reduced?'). Your 'intended' spouse is your 'would-be' in India. A 'loose character' has dubious morals. Women speak of 'chums' for menstrual periods -- 'chum' is old English slang for 'pal' and must have been applied since these 'chums' are monthly visitors! Asking about 'good news' is a polite way of enquiring about pregnancy, and we speak of 'issues' when we mean 'children' ('you've been married for ten years? Any issues?' doesn't mean 'do you have problems in your marriage?' but 'do you have any children?') Cultural practices and assumptions are inevitably reflected in Indian English. You 'belong to' your 'native place' rather than simply being 'from' there, and your native place might be a 'mofussil town', that is in a rural or provincial area. If you're not in town, you're 'out of station'. If you meet a lady who is elder to you, she is usually 'auntie' even if there is no blood relationship. Relationships matter in India and so terms are invented for which there is no English equivalent: Thus your 'co-brother' is your wife's sister's spouse. There is even a term, going back to the days when travel beyond our shores was a rare and inordinately expensive privilege, for someone who'd come back after sojourning abroad: they were 'foreign-returned'. And a unique Indian cultural practice gave us the expression 'give me a missed call', meaning 'ring me briefly and hang up so your number shows up on my device and I will call you back at my expense when I am free'. The caller might be an impecunious relative who can't afford to pay for the call, or merely a junior who would be seen as presumptuous otherwise: the 'missed call' addresses both these handicaps. Then there are Indian formulations that have nothing to do with cultural sensitivities but simply reflect the way we apply certain words: You are sometimes required to 'do the needful'; if you do it perfectly, you've achieved 'cent per cent', and your friend's 'thanks' is met with 'mention not', rather than 'don't mention it'. We have a noun, 'timepass', for activities to while away one's idle moments; we 'take lunch' rather than 'have lunch', see a 'picture' rather than a 'movie', and 'put up' somewhere rather than 'stay' there. What foreigners call sunglasses are 'cooling-glasses', 'goggles', or 'glares' in India. We ask for a 'cold drink' when we want what Americans call 'soda' (and the pompous refer to as an 'aerated beverage'), though the drink may not in fact be cold. Some Indian English expressions emerge from translating phrases in local languages, like 'eating my head' for 'bothering me', 'sit on her head' for 'pressure her', 'I took his class', or 'I scolded him'. Others are more modern: An unfamiliar problem is 'out of syllabus', a good experience is 'first-class'. Then there's 'rubber' as a synonym for 'eraser'. In the US a 'rubber' is what you use (in bed) to prevent a mistake; in India, you use it (in the classroom) after you make one. Of course, some Indianisms are just awkward and arguably wrong, like 'God promise' and 'mother promise', to swear upon the divine or your mother, or saying 'years back' rather than 'years ago'. The telephone has brought about other solecisms: 'Hello, Ramu this side' when you mean 'Ramu here', or the stranger on the line who says 'Myself Salman, yourself?' I'm tempted to reply 'myself gone', and 'cut the call'-- that is, hang up! Excerpted from A Wonderland of Words: Around the Word in 101 Essays by Shashi Tharoor, with the kind permission from the publishers Aleph Book Company. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com BAKU, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev delivered his New Year address to the nation on Tuesday, celebrating the country's achievements in 2024 and reaffirming the government's commitment to peace and progress. "We are successfully concluding the year 2024. All the goals we set at the beginning of the year have been met. Our country has developed confidently, and we have strengthened our position in the South Caucasus," Aliyev stated, emphasizing Azerbaijan's significant progress in economic growth and national security. Aliyev focused on the country's strong economic performance, with GDP growth exceeding 4 percent, the non-oil sector expanding by more than 6 percent, and foreign exchange reserves going over 72 billion U.S. dollars. "These achievements provide us with the resources to implement ambitious social programs and to continue rebuilding the liberated territories," he said. The president also highlighted Azerbaijan's successful hosting of COP29, calling it one of the largest and most prestigious international events in the history of the country. "The conference brought together 197 countries, 80 heads of state, and over 76,000 participants, showcasing Azerbaijan's growing influence on the global stage," Aliyev said, adding that the success of COP29 solidified Azerbaijan's role as a leader in global climate action. He concluded his address by underscoring the importance of social stability, announcing that minimum wages and pensions would increase starting in 2025. "The Azerbaijani people's well-being remains at the heart of our government's efforts," Aliyev stated. Russian forces have carried out more than 2,100 aerial strikes on Ukraine over the past week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on March 9, as Russia has stepped up attacks on its neighbor and reported battlefield gains ahead of Kyiv's high-stakes talks with US representatives in Saudi Arabia. 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. It comes as US President Donald Trump questioned the long-term viability of Ukraine itself. When asked in a Fox Business TV interview whether he was worried that decreased US support for Ukraine could endanger that country's survival, he responded: "Well, it may not survive anyway." "But, you know, we have some weaknesses with Russia -- you know, it takes two," Trump added. Zelenskyy said in a social media post that Russian forces this week deployed 1,200 guided aerial bombs, nearly 870 attack drones, and more than 80 missiles of various types. The Russian Defense Ministry, meanwhile, announced the recapture of several villages and towns on March 9 in its Kursk region -- as well as new settlements in eastern Ukraine -- with unconfirmed reports that thousands of Ukrainian troops risk being encircled by Russian forces. It comes a day after Russian air strikes killed at least 50 people in the eastern Donetsk region, according to local officials, with at least 11 deaths reported in the city of Dobropillya. "Such strikes show that Russia's goals are unchanged," Zelenskyy wrote on social media late on March 8. "Therefore, it is very important to continue to do everything to protect life, strengthen our air defense, and increase sanctions against Russia. The series of strikes and battlefield pressure represent another setback for Kyiv ahead of crucial talks with the United States next week in Saudi Arabia, where Ukrainian officials will meet with their US counterparts for negotiations around how to end the three-year war. The Institute For The Study of War, a Washington-based think tank that tracks battlefield developments, said Russian forces have "intensified their multidirectional campaign to eliminate the remaining Ukrainian salient in Kursk" in the last two days. According to DeepState, an open-source military tracker linked to the Ukrainian Army, the Russian moves followed a "breach" in Ukrainian defense lines near the town of Sudzha, which remains under Kyiv's control but is facing growing pressure from Russian units. Pro-Russian war bloggers who closely track frontline developments in the war also reported that Russian special forces walked inside a gas pipeline to strike Ukrainian units from the rear in Kursk late on March 8 to gain a foothold outside of Sudzha. According to the reports, the pipeline was used to surprise Ukrainian units and cut off their supply lines as the Kremlin pours more manpower into kicking Kyiv out of Russian territory. RFE/RL was not able to independently verify the accounts, but Ukrainian officials confirmed that Russian "sabotage and assault groups" used the pipeline to get access to Sudzha. "At present, Russian special forces are being detected, blocked, and destroyed. The enemy's losses in Sudzha are very high," Ukraine's General Staff said in a Telegram post on March 8. Ukraine aimed to hit back by launching a drone overnight at an industrial facility in the Russian region of Chuvashia, some 1,300 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The strike is one of the deepest yet into Russian territory by a Ukrainian drone, and it hit its target but caused no casualties, according to Russian authorities. Ousting Ukrainian forces from Kursk with the talks in Saudi Arabia approaching looks to be part of Moscow's strategy. In August 2024, thousands of Ukrainian soldiers seized roughly 1,300 square kilometers of Russia's western Kursk region, a move which Kyiv later characterized as an attempt to gain a bargaining chip for future negotiations and draw Russian troops away from the front line in eastern Ukraine. Russian forces have managed to claw back large chunks of territory in Kursk, but Ukraine has retained a foothold that now risks being shrunk down further leading into the key talks. Ukraine 'Fully Committed' To US Talks With his attention fixed on the upcoming talks, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is "fully committed" to having a constructive dialogue with US representatives in Saudi Arabia next week over a potential peace settlement. "Ukraine has been seeking peace from the very first second of this war. Realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively," he posted on X. The Ukrainian president said he will travel to Saudi Arabia and meet with Saudi Prince Muhammad bin Salman on March 10. Afterward, a delegation of Ukrainian diplomatic and military representatives will stay for a March 11 meeting with a US negotiating team. "On our side, we are fully committed to constructive dialogue, and we hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps," Zelenskyy said. Zelenskyy will not be part of the US-Ukraine talks, which will instead be done by a delegation including Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. They will meet with a US delegation that will reportedly include Trump's envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and national-security adviser Mike Waltz. Rubio departed for Saudi Arabia late on March 9, the State Department said. In remarks late on March 9, Trump told reporters he expects results from the Saudi talks. "We're going to make a lot of progress, I believe, this week," Trump said. The upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia are the culmination of weeks of tough diplomacy and negotiations spearheaded by Washington since it met with a Russian delegation in Riyadh in February. US-Ukraine ties have since frayed, with tensions culminating in an Oval Office argument in late February between Zelenskyy, Trump, and US Vice President JD Vance that saw the Ukrainian president leave the White House without signing a crucial minerals deal with Washington. Since then, the Trump administration has paused military shipments and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The full extent of the intelligence cutoff is unclear, but it has sparked fears that it could lead to Ukrainian setbacks on the front lines as Russia looks to press for the advantage. In his March 9 remarks to reporters, Trump said he believed Ukraine would eventually sign a minerals deal with the United States. But -- amid reports he would want even more actions out of Kyiv -- Trump added that "I want them to want peace. They haven't shown it to the extent they should." European countries like Britain and France have stepped up to provide more intelligence sharing with Ukraine but are reportedly still not able to replace the full scope of US capabilities. Waltz suggested on March 5 that Trump may lift the pause on military aid once peace negotiations are arranged and confidence-building measures take place. When asked on March 9 whether he would end the suspension of intelligence-sharing with Kyiv, Trump said, without elaborating, that "we just about have. We just about have." In the days leading up to the talks, Trump offered criticism of Moscow's increased attacks on Ukraine in the lead up to talks and mentioned potential sanctions against the Kremlin. But he also said Russian President Vladimir Putin was doing what anybody would do" and he told reporters in the Oval Office on March 7 that he finds it "easier" to work with Russia than Ukraine and that Putin "wants to end the war." When Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to his Azerbaijani counterpart over the crash of a passenger jet that was damaged in the sky above Chechnya, it was an extremely rare if not unprecedented occurrence in his 25 years in power. It was also incomplete: Putin apologized for "the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace, the Kremlin said in a readout of a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on December 28 -- three days after the Embraer-190 crashed in Kazakhstan, across the Caspian Sea from Chechnya, killing 38 of the 67 people on board. Putin did not accept Russias responsibility for the crash and stopped short of stating what multiple pieces of evidence suggest: that a Russian missile fired amid what Moscow said was a Ukrainian drone attack on Grozny may have led to the disaster. The rare apology and its limited nature point to a struggle by the Kremlin to avoid major damage to relations with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and other countries in the region while at the same time refusing to say Russia was responsible. On one hand, this is perhaps the first time Putin has apologized to a foreign state for Russias actions in real time, not for some historical guilt of previous authorities -- a watershed moment in Russian foreign policy, Alexander Baunov, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin, wrote in a thread on X, formerly Twitter. On the other hand, the wording avoids direct acknowledgment of responsibility. What we see is recognition of the incident without admission of guilt, which seems to have left Baku and its allies dissatisfied, Baunov wrote. For Azerbaijan, the lack of accountability in the Kremlins statement remains a sticking point. Whatever he and Putin said in private, Aliyevs public comments were pointed. In an interview aired on December 29, he said the planes tail section was severely damaged by fire from the ground, accused Russia of trying to cover up the cause, and suggested the apology should have come sooner. He made no mention of the conversation with Putin. Aliyev said that attributing the crash to a bird strike or the explosion of a gas canister on board, versions put forward by Russian media and officials, was both stupid and dishonest. He alluded to speculation that Russian authorities may have redirected the damaged jet to Aqtau, Kazakhstan, in the hope that it would crash into the Caspian, hiding evidence of an external blast. Declining Regional Clout He also said Azerbaijan had categorically rejected Russias proposal that the Moscow-based Interstate Aviation Committee investigate the crash. The reason is clear: because it is no secret that this organization consists mostly of Russian officials and is headed by Russian citizens. The factors of objectivity could not be fully ensured here. From Putins partial, belated, apology to the tone and content of Aliyevs remarks, the back-and-forth seems to underscore Russias declining regional clout. Inside Russias near abroad -- the states on territory formerly part of/occupied by the U.S.S.R., which Russia has thought of as its sphere of interest since 1992 -- things are not looking good for Moscow, Ruth Deyermond, senior lecturer in the Department of War Studies at King's College London, wrote in an end-of-year thread on the social media site Bluesky. A telling-off from the president of Azerbaijan would be bad enough in itself, but the tragedy has also drawn international attention to the embarrassing reason for the incident -- Russia having to defend itself from Ukrainian drones over Chechnya, Deyermond wrote. Putins focus on the war against Ukraine -- his effort to subjugate the country by force -- is one of the factors that has dented Moscows influence in the South Caucasus and in Central Asia. Russias neighbors are not enthusiastic about the war, but it has handed some of them levers over Moscow. Azerbaijan is a crucial partner in laundering Russian gas -- buying north of 30 million ($38 million) worth a month to re-export it to Europe as its own. It is also allied to Turkey, whom Putin hopes will help him keep his bases in Syria, London-based analyst Mark Galeotti wrote in The Times on December 28. Kazakhstan, likewise, is one of the countries most heavily engaged in importing goods covered by sanctions then quietly re-exporting them to Russia. The air disaster came weeks after the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which has diminished Russias reputation as a powerful player abroad and threatens to shrink its footprint in the Middle East. In addition to harming Russias image in the region and beyond, the plane crash and its aftermath have exposed a vulnerability that the Kremlin works hard to hide, Galeotti suggested. Vladimir Putin notoriously never apologizes. Yet following the accidental shooting down of an Azerbaijani Airlines passenger plane on Christmas Day, he has come as close as he ever could. He stopped short of admitting that it was a Russian missile that was to blame, but recognizedthat the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace, he wrote. His unusual candor reflects the way Putins position, while strong, is brittle, and can be threatened by unexpected crises. A group of Tajik nationals claim they are being forced to "work as slaves" on a remote cattle farm in Russia's Far Eastern Magadan region for an employer who has taken away their passports to prevent them from leaving. Two of the migrants who contacted RFE/RL said they don't know the exact name of the location where they work, describing it only as a "farm in a forest, far from the city." Their situation brings to light the wider vulnerabilities of Central Asian migrants in Russia, many of whom rely on unofficial agreements and are exploited and abused. "We are forced to work here during the nights. We come to the farm at 7 p.m., when darkness falls, and [then] work here until the morning," said one of the men, speaking on condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisals. "We have been working here for three months but we don't get paid, and when we ask for money, the employer scolds us." Basic Facilities The two men shared a video of what they described as their workplace -- an old cow barn in an area covered by snow. More footage they provided to RFE/RL shows what seems to be a dilapidated kitchen-dining room, sparsely furnished with a few benches and a table covered with a plastic tablecloth. Speaking to RFE/RL by phone on December 12, one of the migrants said the group of 10 men from the southern Tajik district of Hamadoni traveled to Magadan after an "acquaintance" from their home village promised them well-paid work there. "He brought us here and introduced us to the employer, telling us we will get free food and free accommodation and that we will be paid 20,000 rubles (around $190) each in the first month and 30,000 rubles (around $290) starting the second month," the migrant said. "But, so far, during these three months, we have only been paid once -- 20,000 rubles each." According to the migrants, the owner of the farm took their passports on the day they arrived, saying he would apply for work and residency permits on their behalf. They said he has not returned their documents. Only two of the men had valid work permits before coming to the farm, the men said, adding their right to a 90-day visa-free stay in Russia was about to expire. Exact numbers are hard to ascertain, but at least 1 million Tajik migrants work in Russia, many of them engaged in physically demanding jobs in factories, construction sites, and the agriculture sector. 'No Food' RFE/RL contacted the farm owner, whose name and phone number the migrants provided, for comment but did not receive any response. Authorities in Magadan Province did not answer phone calls from RFE/RL. It is not clear whether the men signed work contracts with their employer. It is not uncommon for Tajik migrants, especially those who come to Russia for the first time, to find work through acquaintances and relatives who have already been living and working in the country. Some Central Asian migrants in Russia, particularly those who work for private individuals, often reach a verbal agreement with employers instead of signing a legal contract, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Some migrants prefer informal agreements so they can avoid taxes and paperwork; others end up without legal contracts because they don't understand the Russian language, the country's laws, or their own rights. The two men who spoke to RFE/RL said they had had no food for the past three days and are "stuck in this small, cold place," where the temperatures, at this time of year, hover around minus 20 degrees Celsius (minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit). "We are working like slaves here. We want [the Tajik authorities] to help free us," the migrants said. "We haven't eaten any food for the past three days. We survive on tea and sugar only." The men said they have no money to buy food and cannot get their passports back from the owner to leave the farm. Contacted by RFE/RL, Valentina Chupik, a prominent advocate for migrant rights in Russia, said the migrants' only real chance to get help quickly lies with the Tajik authorities. "It is the duty of Russia's Investigative Committee to probe forced labor and slavery, but, in reality, it is very difficult to get the committee to deal with such cases unless somebody puts pressure on them. We know it from our experience with similar cases," Chupik told RFE/RL. The Investigative Committee is Russia's main federal investigating authority. "The only thing we can do is to appeal to the Tajik Embassy in Moscow...to ask the embassy to send its representatives to Magadan to get the Investigative Committee to do its job," Chupik said. In the meantime, the migrants in Magadan said their acquittance who brought them to the farm has gone back to Tajikistan to bring more workers to Russia. Written by Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by RFE/RL's Central Asian Migrants' Unit correspondent Gulbahor Murodi Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking China's resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia. I'm RFE/RL correspondent Reid Standish and here's what I'm following right now. Beijing's Headwinds And Tailwinds Its another new year and that means its time to look ahead into the coming year for the big stories that will shape Chinas growing role across Eurasia. Heres whats at stake for 2025. Finding Perspective: While each new year brings its own set of questions, 2025 will inject an added layer with the return of Donald Trump as U.S. president in January. Trump has promised to pick up where he left office and raise tariffs on Chinese imports up to 60 percent and keep adding export controls on advanced technology. A tougher relationship with the United States could have wider ripple effects for Beijing. Unlike back in 2018, when Trump first unleashed tariffs on China, the countrys economy is in a two year slump as it grapples with high debt, deflation, and a real estate crisis. Further economic pain brought by Washington could potentially push many of Beijings global ambitions off course, leading to setbacks in tech, lending, and broader influence. But Chinese leader Xi Jinping isnt only facing headwinds as he prepares for Trump 2.0. Xi now has a strengthened partnership with Russian President Vladimir Putin as both leaders chase revisions to international borders and the global and regional security order. And while Trump could ramp up pressure on Beijing in areas like the South China Sea, Xi is also sensing opportunity from the incoming U.S. president. Trump has promised to bring changes of his own to the international trading system and Washingtons relationship with its allies and partners. Xi is banking that Trumps policies will alienate other countries from the United States, leading typically U.S.-friendly nations to hedge more toward China and a greater acceptance from others of Beijings vision for the world order. Geopolitical Twins: The biggest test could come early as the incoming Trump administration looks to the ongoing war in Ukraine. On the campaign trail, Trump promised to end the war, and while doing so will be no simple feat, a push to end the conflict is expected and the future of Ukraine will have wider effects across Eurasia and beyond. A perceived Russian victory in Ukraine would resonate particularly in China. One clear possibility is that it would embolden Xi to pursue his own ambitions in Asia. China under Xi has become more nationalistic and more menacing in its behavior toward Taiwan, and Taiwanese officials have warned that a Russian victory would be a signal for Beijing to ramp up pressure on the self-governing island. Why It Matters: Xi has vowed to unify with Taiwan, and to do so by force, if necessary. Some prominent U.S. officials have speculated that Xi has told the military to be ready to conquer the island by 2027. Xi himself has mentioned 2050 in public as a potential date, but many analysts also believe that the Chinese leader would aim to take the island and secure his legacy during his tenure. Already 71 years old, that leaves a short window. President Joe Biden has said several times that Washington is prepared to go to war to defend Taiwan from a Chinese invasion, though Trump has made no such commitment. What to expect from Trump was the topic of most of my conversations during a recent reporting trip to Taiwan in December. Many Taiwanese officials have taken some solace in the China hawks that the incoming president appears to be surrounding himself with, but Trump has also inserted a new level of uncertainty and his campaign rhetoric calling for Taiwan to pay for the United States to come to its aid in a crisis appears to have rattled some in Taipei. Current and former senior Taiwanese officials said that both Taipei and Beijing are already drawing important lessons from the war in Ukraine, but the biggest one could come in 2025 as both countries watch how Kyivs own experience with Western support plays out over time. Three More Stories From Eurasia To Watch In 2025 1. Chinese Firms Take Hold In Central Asia Chinese companies have been ascendant in Central Asia for many years and that trend looks set to continue in 2025 amid a push from Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers and tech giants. The Details: While mega-projects and investments often get the spotlight when looking at Chinas economic profile in the region, its companies are becoming mainstays of everyday life for many Central Asians. EVs are a large part of this push, especially as Chinese companies eye emerging markets and look to export their overcapacity at home. A factory from BYD, Chinas industry leader, opened this year in Uzbekistan and is looking to ramp up production and expand with a local workforce of employees trained in China. EVs sales continue to climb globally and within Central Asia, with Chinese brands taking up a growing percentage of the market thanks to their combination of affordability and increasing quality. On the tech front, Huawei is also rising in the region despite the company coming under pressure from Washington and other Western nations. Despite some global setbacks, the company remains formidable and has turned its focus outside the West with increasing returns and a renewed focus on emerging tech like AI and semiconductors. 2. The EU's Tightrope 2.0 Brussels is preparing to once again navigate potential tariffs and trade disputes with a Trump-led United States while balancing pressure and opportunities from China. What You Need To Know: In many ways, its deja vu all over again for the EU. During Trumps last term, trade tensions with Washington led the bloc to more strongly balance its ties with the United States with China. By the time that Trump left office, Brussels was preparing to push through a historic EU-China investment deal and had lingering questions about its reliance on America. That trade deal was eventually put on ice and a series of scandals and incidents, starting with the COVID-19 pandemic and culminating with Beijings support for Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, have severely damaged Chinas relationship with Brussels. But while there is a new line toward Beijing from the EU, its a familiar balancing act that could leave Brussels in an even worse spot than before as it looks to balance security concerns with economic necessity. 3. Is This The Year For China In Afghanistan? It's been a year of major announcements for Chinas footprint in Afghanistan, but will 2025 be the year when Beijings projects in the country move forward? What It Means: 2024 saw a series of notable developments. In July, Chinese engineers and the Taliban government officially started work at Mes Aynak, a massive project in Afghanistan to mine the world's second-largest deposit of copper. The first train carrying goods from China to Afghanistan arrived in November after crossing through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and Beijing granted tariff free access to Afghan companies in October. That momentum looks set to carry over into the new year. But beyond headlines and flashy groundbreaking ceremonies, will newfound Chinese investment be coming into Afghanistan? That seems uncertain given that Beijing still has lingering security questions about Afghanistan, something that is set to only grow as tensions rise between Kabul and Beijings main regional partner in Islamabad. Across The Supercontinent Russias Car Market: Since Vladimir Putins full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, Chinese carmakers have come to dominate the Russian auto market. According to a new study by the Rhodium Group, Russia has also emerged as Chinas most significant automotive export market. Between January and October 2023, China shipped 735,000 vehicles to Russia, accounting for 19 percent of its total passenger vehicle exports. New Lines In Central Asia: At a December 27 ceremony, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov broke ground on a long-planned railway link between China and Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. BRICS Balancing: Kazakhstan officially joins BRICS as a partner state, starting on January 1, 2025. But Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayevs office said that the country does not plan to seek full membership in the organization that comprises economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. One Thing To Watch Xi made his annual New Years speech where he said that no one can stop Beijings desire to take control of Taiwan. "The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. No one can sever our family bonds, and no one can stop the historical trend of national reunification," Xi said in a televised speech. The Chinese leader also said that the countrys economy is his top priority and was on course to expand, as he looked to rebut concerns that Trumps incoming administration will harm Beijings prospects in the new year. Thats all from me for now. Dont forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have. Until next time, Reid Standish If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every other Wednesday. VIENNA, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Vienna Philharmonic held its traditional New Year's concert on Wednesday, ushering in 2025 with a message of peace, beauty, and harmony. For the first time in the event's history, the prestigious concert showcased a female composer's work. The "Ferdinandus Waltz" by Austrian female composer Constanze Geiger premiered at the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna, highlighting inclusivity and the enduring spirit of cultural unity. Italian conductor Riccardo Muti, leading the concert for the seventh and final time, emphasized the concert's role in promoting peace. Ahead of the concert, Muti and Vienna Philharmonic Chairman Daniel Froschauer addressed the world press. "We musicians are only a small part of the world, unfortunately. What we can contribute to peace, beauty and harmony is little, but very important. We need music more than ever because it is medicine for the soul," Muti was quoted by Austrian broadcaster ORF as saying. Muti criticized governments for cutting cultural budgets during economic downturns, calling it a mistake. This year's concert also paid tribute to Austrian composer Johann Strauss II, celebrating the 200th anniversary of his birth. A cherished cultural tradition, the Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert continues to captivate audiences around the world. This year's performance was broadcast in over 90 countries and regions, according to ORF, reinforcing the universal message of peace through music. Air India Becomes First Indian Airline to Launch In-Flight Wi-Fi on Domestic Flights These include services to destinations such as New York, London, Paris, and Singapore. Air India In-Flight Wi-Fi on Domestic Flights Latest News Today: Air India has made history by becoming the first Indian airline to offer in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity on domestic flights. The service, which launched on Wednesday, is available on Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select Airbus A321 neo aircraft, enabling passengers to stay connected while flying within India or abroad. Travelers can now browse the internet, access social media, catch up on work, or communicate with loved ones during their flight. Air India stated that the Wi-Fi service would be complimentary during its introductory phase. Advertisement "Connectivity is now an integral part of modern travel. For some, its about convenience and comfort, while for others, its about productivity and efficiency. Whatever the purpose, we are confident our guests will enjoy the new Air India experience," said Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Air India. The service supports multiple devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones, running iOS or Android. Passengers can connect to the internet once the aircraft reaches an altitude of 10,000 feet. The launch follows a successful pilot program conducted on international routes operated by the same aircraft models. These include services to destinations such as New York, London, Paris, and Singapore. Advertisement Additionally, Air India plans to expand the in-flight Wi-Fi service to more aircraft in its fleet over time, enhancing connectivity across its network. In December 2024, Air India placed a significant order for 100 Airbus aircraft, including 10 widebody A350 and 90 narrowbody A320 Family planes. This order adds to the 470 aircraft the airline had already committed to purchasing in 2023, bringing its total orders with Airbus to 350 planes. Air India also announced a partnership with Airbus' Flight Hour Services-Component (FHS-C) to support the maintenance of its growing A350 fleet, signaling its commitment to modernizing its operations and providing exceptional service. Advertisement (For more news apart from Air India In-Flight Wi-Fi on Domestic Flights Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) "Happy 2025": PM Modi and President Murmu Extend New Year Greetings President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her warm New Year greetings. New Delhi, January 1, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt New Year wishes to the nation, welcoming 2025 with optimism and hope. Taking to X, PM Modi underscored the importance of embracing new opportunities, personal growth, and collective prosperity in the coming year. "Happy 2025! May this year bring everyone new opportunities, success, and endless joy. May everybody be blessed with wonderful health and prosperity," PM Modi posted. Advertisement President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her warm New Year greetings. In her message on X, she wished for joy, harmony, and prosperity for all, while urging everyone to work towards a brighter, more inclusive, and sustainable future for both India and the world. "Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! May the year 2025 bring joy, harmony, and prosperity to all! On this occasion, let us renew our commitment to work together for creating a brighter, more inclusive, and sustainable future for India and the world," President Murmu stated. Across India, vibrant celebrations marked the arrival of 2025. Cities came alive with parties, cultural events, and dazzling firework displays, reflecting the nations enthusiasm for the New Year. Advertisement In Delhi, iconic spots like Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, and Lajpat Nagar were bustling with revellers. The Delhi Police ensured safety with pre-arranged security measures. In Amritsar, thousands gathered at the Golden Temple to seek blessings for the year ahead, while hotels across Punjab hosted special events. Cities like Bhopal and Lucknow celebrated with music and dancing in the streets, while Mumbai's beaches, including Juhu and Marine Drive, saw large crowds enjoying fireworks. Advertisement In the serene hills of Himachal Pradesh, Manali turned into a hub of celebrations with tourists and locals cheering and dancing to welcome 2025. IRCTC Website Experiences Another Outage, Users Express Frustration Despite repeated occurrences, the Indian Railways has yet to provide an explanation or address the recurring issues. IRCTC Website Down, Technical Outage Latest News Today: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website faced another outage today, marking its third failure in December. The incident occurred during the peak time of Tatkal ticket booking, leaving thousands of users stranded and unable to secure train reservations. Users attempting to access the platform were met with a message indicating that "maintenance work is underway," and booking services would be unavailable for at least an hour. This technical glitch comes at a time when many travelers are making New Year plans, amplifying their frustration. Advertisement Earlier this month, on December 9, a similar crash left the website inoperative for over two hours, causing widespread inconvenience. Despite repeated occurrences, the Indian Railways has yet to provide an explanation or address the recurring issues. The outage has sparked anger among passengers, with many taking to social media to express their dissatisfaction. A traveler from Delhi tweeted, "Its peak travel season, and IRCTC crashes again. Why cant these issues be resolved permanently?" With todays disruption, passengers are left wondering if the IRCTC will take steps to improve its platform's stability and ensure smoother operations during high-traffic periods. Until then, many are left grappling with unreliable services during crucial booking times. Punjab Government Extends Anganwadi Center Holidays Until January 7 Dr. Kaur has also instructed Anganwadi workers to distribute ration supplies to the children Punjab Government Extends Anganwadi Center Holidays: In light of the ongoing cold wave, the Punjab government has announced an extension of winter vacations for children aged 3 to 6 years at all Anganwadi centers across the state. The holidays, initially set to end on December 31, will now continue until January 7, 2025. Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized the decision was made keeping in mind the challenges young children face during the extreme cold. Advertisement Dr. Kaur has also instructed Anganwadi workers to distribute ration supplies to the children, ensuring their nutritional needs are met during the extended holidays. (For more news apart from Punjab Government Extends Anganwadi Center Holidays, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) NEW YORK, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of thousands of revelers poured into Times Square on Tuesday night to participate in century-old celebrations of New Year's Eve despite rains, inconvenience from tightened security measures and hours of waiting. Polarization, which was chosen as the word of 2024 by the U.S. dictionary Merriam-Webster, easily found resonance among people in celebration of the New Year in Times Square. As people bid farewell to the year of 2024, they also wished the same for polarization. Polarization means a very specific kind of division, according to Peter Sokolowski, Merriam-Webster's editor at large. "Polarization means that we are tending toward the extremes rather than toward the center," said Sokolowski. In particular, the fierce attacks and division along partisan and ideological lines in the presidential election left voters deeply divided. The chasm between two major U.S. political parties is most evident in the discourse surrounding economy, women's health and immigration, according to Yndira Marin, chief operating officer with U.S. operations of LLYC, a global marketing and corporate affairs consulting firm. "Today's current political divide has escalated into a divisive force that threatens to erode the (U.S.) social fabric," said Marin in a recent piece. These differences regarding governance and national identity are changing how Americans see their neighbors, their institutions, and the legitimacy of the democratic process, Marin added. Sellay Sadeq, a visitor from Los Angeles, said she didn't like politics so much and didn't get affected by polarization so much. "I do hope people could be more peaceful next year, especially like in Los Angeles," when they get a result of election they don't like so much, Sadeq said. The media played a role in polarization of society, according to Ken Wu, a Chinese American who studies at a university in New York City. "I do agree that people have conflicting thoughts, and that a lot of people are on opposite sides. But honestly, I feel that the media is sort of exaggerating this," said Wu. A lot of people aren't really polarized, but the media makes it, Wu said, adding that when the media categorizes people into two different sides leaving no room for people in the middle, it's really dangerous. However, Wu said he was not really impacted by politics as he saw himself as neutral. Alieen Breadley, a designer from Brooklyn of New York City, expressed her disappointment in the presidential election in 2024 and pessimism about the outlook for the year ahead. The election results will make the polarization worse, according to Breadley, a democrat. "Imagine how polarized the country will be when our president talks about extremes? This of course affects each of us individually. Our democracy is being harmed. So I think the next four years would be worse," Breadley said. Traditional holidays and celebrations like the New Year celebrations in Times Square could provide an opportunity for healing and reflection. Wu told Xinhua his wish for the New Year is to stay healthy, hopefully keeping a habit of going to the gym. Wu said he was not sure if polarization would ease in 2025, but he hoped that "people understand that division arises when ideologies are forced upon them and they are labeled as belonging to one side or the other." January 1, 2025 A roundup of local and international news. Newsflash Newsroom, 01.01.2025, 14:03 A roundup of local and international news. CELEBRATION On the first day of the year, Orthodox Christians (the majority in Romania) and Greek Catholics, celebrate the day on which the baby born in Bethlehem received His name. Also, according to Jewish tradition, eight days after his birth, Jesus was circumcised. The name that the Son of God, received, Jesus, means the Savior, while Christ means the Anointed One. Also today, Saint Basil the Great is celebrated. He lived in the 4th century and was bishop in Caesarea, a city in Asia Minor, on the territory of todays Turkey. In just nine years as bishop, Saint Basil proved to be a great theologian, defender of the Orthodox faith. He is the first bishop to establish hospitals and asylums for the poor. Almost 500,000 Romanians celebrate his name day today. SCHENGEN Romania and Bulgaria entered the Schengen area with land borders at midnight, 18 years after joining the EU. The enlargement of the border-free area to 29 members takes place after the two countries had been partially included in the free movement area in March 2024, eliminating border checks at ports and airports. The moment of full Schengen accession was marked at the Giurgiu-Ruse border crossing by the Romanian and Bulgarian interior ministers, Catalin Predoiu and Atanas Ilkovv, who symbolically lifted the barrier at the Danube Bridge checkpoint. Minister Predoiu said that it is a historic moment, which marks the full and irrevocable integration of Romania into the EU, a moment with special practical consequences for every Romanian citizen and for Romanian companies. For a safe transition, a risk analysis method will be applied over the next six months, when some vehicles will be randomly selected for additional checks, something that will not affect the main flow of passengers and vehicles. PRESIDENTS NEW YEAR MESSAGE Romania is a stable, democratic, secure and pro-European country, a reliable partner for our foreign allies, acting President Klaus Iohannis said in his New Year message. He recalls that, in 2024, Romania made significant economic progress, reduced the gaps in relation to the other European Union member states and achieved important objectives, such as full accession to the Schengen free movement area, and the elimination of visas for the United States. The living standards and incomes continued to increase in 2024, although the external context was not at all simple, the acting president also said. He acknowledged that, amid justified dissatisfaction at society level, the country is in a watershed moment. To overcome it successfully, we need to strengthen solidarity and regain trust in the political class, Iohannis said. Only if we preserve our democracy and the values that have defined us as an authentic part of the European family will we get through this difficult stage, he said, adding that the political class must show that they learned the lesson of 2024 and respond with concrete and rapid measures to the needs of society. Together, we can keep Romania on its pro-Western path, guided by the fundamental principles and values that define us justice, freedom and democracy the Romanian President concluded. On December 21, 2024, Klaus Iohanniss second and last five-year presidential term, which the Constitution entitles him to, was due to expire. However, his mandate was extended until the election of a new head of state, to be validated by the Constitutional Court. ORDER An emergency order has taken effect as of today, aiming to reduce public spending in 2025. The government wishes to diminish budget spending by 19 billion lei, while raising budget revenues by implementing the reforms laid down in Romanias National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The document also stipulates that the subsidy allocated to political parties will be reduced by 25% compared to the level granted last year. The order will form the basis for the adoption of the state budget law for 2025. In Romania, the budget deficit rose to 7.12% of Gross Domestic Product at the end of November, according to data from the Ministry of Finance. Last year, at the end of the same month, the deficit was 4.58%. WARSAW Poland has taken over from Hungary the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. The priorities announced by Warsaw in this capacity aim to strengthen European security under all its aspects, namely internal, external, information, economic, energy, food and health. The government in Warsaw will continue to pressure Moscow to end its large-scale invasion of Ukraine and will also push the EU to maximize military and financial aid to Kyiv, as Donald Trump is expected to reduce American support. Poland also intends to increase economic pressure on Russia, by adding new sanctions and trying to stop Moscow from circumventing existing ones. January 1, 2025 UPDATE A roundup of local and international news. Newsflash Newsroom, 01.01.2025, 20:00 A roundup of local and international news. ATTACK The perpetrator of the attack that killed and injured many people on Wednesday with a vehicle, in the American city of New Orleans is dead, American television stations reported, citing police sources, France Presse reports. The FBI announced that investigators found a possible improvised explosive device at the scene of the attack in the French Quarter of New Orleans, an extremely popular tourist area for celebrating the New Year. Federal police also announced that they are investigating the incident that killed and injured people in New Orleans as an act of terrorism, Reuters reports. GAS SUPPLY The separatist region of Transnistria in eastern Moldova halted, on the first day of the year, the supply of centralized heat and hot water to households, following the cessation of Russian gas transport through Ukraine. The gas flow cut was immediately felt in the predominantly Russian-speaking territory of approximately 450,000 inhabitants, where Russia has approximately 1,500 military personnel stationed. The Republic of Moldova, which received gas from Transnistria, will cover 38% of its needs from domestic production, and the remaining 62% will be imported from Romania. The authorities in Chisinau have established a state of emergency and have taken energy-saving measures. SCHENGEN Romania and Bulgaria entered the Schengen area with land borders at midnight, 18 years after joining the EU. The enlargement of the border-free area to 29 members takes place after the two countries had been partially included in the free movement area in March 2024, eliminating border checks at ports and airports. The moment of full Schengen accession was marked at the Giurgiu-Ruse border crossing by the Romanian and Bulgarian interior ministers, Catalin Predoiu and Atanas Ilkovv, who symbolically lifted the barrier at the Danube Bridge checkpoint. Minister Predoiu said that it is a historic moment, which marks the full and irrevocable integration of Romania into the EU, a moment with special practical consequences for every Romanian citizen and for Romanian companies. For a safe transition, a risk analysis method will be applied over the next six months, when some vehicles will be randomly selected for additional checks, something that will not affect the main flow of passengers and vehicles. DEBT In Romania, public debt rose to 931.186 billion lei (186 billion euros) in October 2024, from 916.758 billion lei in the previous month, according to data published by the Ministry of Finance (MF). As a percentage of GDP, government debt increased to 54%, from 53.1% in September. On January 1, the Governments emergency order came into force, which provides for the reduction of some public sector spending in 2025, the freezing of pensions and salaries in the public sector and of state allowances for children. The document also stipulates that the subsidy allocated to political parties will be reduced by 25% compared to the level granted last year. In Romania, the budget deficit rose to 7.12% of Gross Domestic Product at the end of November. EU Poland has taken over from Hungary the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. The priorities announced by Warsaw in this capacity aim to strengthen European security under all its aspects, namely internal, external, information, economic, energy, food and health. The government in Warsaw will continue to pressure Moscow to end its large-scale invasion of Ukraine and will also push the EU to maximize military and financial aid to Kyiv, as Donald Trump is expected to reduce American support. Poland also intends to increase economic pressure on Russia, by adding new sanctions and trying to stop Moscow from circumventing existing ones. There was an 8% YoY growth across the charts where Bajaj Auto Dec 2024 YTD aspect is concerned (April 2024 to December 2024) One of Indias leading 2W and 3W vehicle manufacturers, Bajaj Auto, has closed the sales accounts for the month of December 2024 with a slight drop in domestic sales and a sizeable growth in updates. The month marked a significant importance for the brand as we saw the launch of the best-ever version of Chetak 35 Series electric scooter. Bajaj Auto Dec 2024 Sales In the month of December 2024, Bajaj Auto sold a total of 2,72,173 two-wheelers and 50,952 CVs for a grand total of 3,23,125 units. The company stayed vastly consistent in this aspect, but witnessed a minor 1% de-growth YoY when compared to 3,26,806 grand total units sold in December 2023. Breaking up the numbers, Bajaj sold 1,28,335 two-wheelers in the domestic market, registering a 19% YoY decline when compared to 1,58,370 units sold a year ago. Bajajs two-wheeler exports clocked 1,43,838 units, which is more than what Bajaj sold in India. Also, companys exports are thriving with 15% YoY growth when opposed to Dec 2023s 1,24,631 units. In total, Bajaj pushed out 2,72,173 units of motorcycles and scooters from the assembly lines and registered a 4% decline YoY in total two-wheeler sales when compared to 2,83,001 units sold last year. Companys total CV sales leaned more towards the domestic market at 34,085 units sold last month. When compared to the 32,549 units sold last year. Companys growth in CV exports was 10X more than domestic market at 50% YoY growth with 16,867 units shipped, as opposed to last years 11,256 units. In total, Bajaj Auto shipped 50,952 units to export markets and registered 16% YoY growth. Bajajs total sales (2W + CV) stood at 1,62,420 units in domestic market with a 15% YoY decline and 160,705 units in export markets with an 18% YoY growth. That sums up to 3,23,125 in total, with a 1% decline in sale YoY. Bajaj YTD Sales If we look at Bajaj Autos sales prospect in YTD aspect (April 2024 to December 2024), we can see that the company has outdone itself when compared to the same period a year ago (April 2023 to December 2023). There was YoY growth in YTD aspect across two-wheelers and CVs along with both domestic and exports. The company clocked a total of 30,38,746 units of two-wheelers (Domestic + Exports) with 8% YoY growth, 5,09,286 units of CVs (Domestic + Exports) also with an 8% YoY growth. 8% YoY growth was also observed with Bajajs total YTD sales (2W + CV), which stood at 35,48,032 units as opposed to 32,82,357 units from last year. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has once again demonstrated its market dominance by achieving its highest-ever yearly domestic sales, registering 6,05,433 units in CY 2024, a 0.55% increase over 6,02,111 units in CY 2023. This marks the third consecutive year of record domestic sales for Hyundai, underscoring its growing foothold in the Indian automotive market. Key Highlights of CY 2024 Total Sales (Domestic + Export): HMIL recorded 7,64,119 units in CY 2024, a slight decline of 0.22% compared to 7,65,786 units in CY 2023. Export Performance: The company exported 1,58,686 units, down by 3.05% from 1,63,675 units in the previous year. SUV Contribution: SUVs contributed a record 67.6% to Hyundais domestic sales in CY 2024. CNG Contribution: CNG models made up 13.1% of Hyundais domestic sales, reflecting growing customer preference for fuel-efficient alternatives. The Hyundai Creta SUV continued to lead the charge, achieving its highest-ever domestic sales of 1,86,919 units, reaffirming its position as a customer favourite. December 2024 Sales Overview In December 2024, Hyundai recorded total sales of 55,078 units, comprising 42,208 domestic units and 12,870 export units. While domestic sales saw a marginal decline of 1.27% compared to 42,750 units in December 2023, export sales dropped by 6.06%, down from 13,700 units last year. Q4 2024 Sales Performance For Q4 2024, Hyundais total sales stood at 1,86,408 units, reflecting a 2.39% decline compared to 1,90,979 units in Q4 2023. This included: Domestic Sales: 1,46,022 units (down 0.89% from 1,47,329 units in Q4 2023). Export Sales: 40,386 units (down 7.48% from 43,650 units in Q4 2023). Performance Analysis Despite minor declines in export sales, Hyundais domestic market success continues to drive the companys growth. Key factors contributing to this success include: Hyundai Cretas Dominance: Creta maintained its leadership position, achieving the highest-ever domestic sales for a single year at 1,86,919 units. Focus on SUVs: The growing demand for Hyundais SUV lineup significantly contributed to its overall sales performance. CNG Adoption: With CNG contributing over 13% to domestic sales, Hyundai capitalized on shifting consumer preferences. Commenting on HMIL sales, Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India Limited said, HMIL has managed to sustain sales momentum in 2024, despite strong headwinds faced by the industry at large. Achieving highest ever domestic sales three years in a row, reflects customers preference for brand Hyundai as their trusted smart mobility solutions provider. Introduction of the innovative Hy-CNG Duo technology in 2024 resonated well with buyers, translating to the highest ever CNG contribution of 13.1% to HMILs domestic sales in CY 2024, against 10.4% in CY 2023. By achieving highest ever yearly domestic sales of 1,86,919 units, Hyundai CRETA continued to strengthen HMILs position as an SUV leader, helping HMIL accomplish highest ever domestic SUV contribution of 67.6% in CY 2024. We are confident that the upcoming CRETA Electric, will further expand the appeal of this Undisputed, Ultimate SUV. Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) closed the year 2024 on a high note with significant growth in domestic, export, and overall sales across December and Q4. The company has reinforced its market dominance with strong contributions from its passenger cars, utility vehicles, and light commercial vehicles. December 2024 Sales Highlights Domestic Sales: MSIL achieved domestic passenger vehicle (PV) sales of 1,30,117 units, marking a robust 24.18% increase compared to 1,04,778 units in December 2023. Exports: The company exported 37,419 units, a remarkable 39.19% increase from 26,884 units in December 2023. LCV Sales: Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales, primarily driven by the Super Carry, surged by 40.37%, with sales reaching 2,406 units compared to 1,714 units last year. Total Sales: Maruti Suzukis total sales in December 2024 stood at 1,78,248 units, a substantial growth of 29.59% over 1,37,551 units in December 2023. Q4 2024 Performance For Q4 2024, Maruti Suzuki delivered stellar results across all segments: Domestic Sales: Maruti sold 4,31,020 units, reflecting a 5.91% increase compared to 4,06,983 units in Q4 2023. Exports: Exports grew significantly, with 99,220 units, registering a 38.22% growth over 71,785 units in the same quarter last year. Sales to Toyota: Sales to Toyota surged by 89.23%, with 27,102 units compared to 14,322 units in Q4 2023. LCV Sales: LCV sales rose by 9.29%, reaching 8,871 units compared to 8,117 units in Q4 2023. Total Sales: Marutis overall sales for Q4 2024 stood at 5,66,213 units, an impressive 12.97% growth over 5,01,207 units in Q4 2023. Segment-Wise Performance in December 2024 Mini & Compact Cars: Sales in this segment, which includes models like Alto, S-Presso, Baleno, Swift, and Dzire, stood at 62,324 units, a significant increase from 48,298 units in December 2023. Utility Vehicles: UV sales, including Brezza, Ertiga, Grand Vitara, and Jimny, reached 55,651 units, compared to 45,957 units last year. Vans: The Eeco van continued its strong performance, with sales of 11,678 units, up from 10,034 units in December 2023. Strong Export Growth Exports have been a key contributor to Maruti Suzukis success, with the company shipping 37,419 units in December 2024 and 99,220 units in Q4 2024, registering 39.19% and 38.22% growth, respectively. The rising demand for Marutis products in international markets solidifies its position as a global player. Key Takeaways Maruti Suzukis consistent growth across domestic and export markets highlights its ability to adapt to evolving customer preferences while maintaining its leadership in the Indian automotive market. With significant contributions from compact cars, utility vehicles, and the expanding LCV segment, the company is poised for continued success in 2025. Maruti is getting ready to showcase the eVitara at the Bharat Expo this month. With the launch of Honda Elevate Black Edition, the company will bring more excitement and style appeal Looking back at the past years, Honda Elevate SUV has been among the companys most important launches. This aligns with the industrys growth trends that favour SUVs. Honda Elevate falls in Indias most over-crowded and cut-throat 4.3 meter SUV segment with up to 11 contenders. Honda Elevate Black Edition Spied Honda is trying to compete at the highest level with Elevate SUV in this segment. To boost sales and increase the appeal of Elevate SUV, Honda will launch a Black Edition of this SUV this month. Recent spy shots show a rather stunning Honda Elevate Black Edition in a lovely black shade with stealthy appeal. If youre thinking about what could look better than the standard Honda Elevate, the answer is simple a Honda Elevate in Black. While India largely prefers safer colours like White, which dominates the market, theres something undeniably striking about a Black car. Recognizing this unmatched appeal, Honda Cars India Limited is set to introduce the Elevate Black Edition, adding a bold and sophisticated touch to their popular SUV. Currently, Honda Elevate is offered in seven monotone shades Lunar Silver metallic, Phoenix Orange Pearl, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Radiant Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Golden Brown Metallic and Meteoroid Grey Metallic. Also, Honda offers three dual-tone colours paired with a Crystal Black Pearl roof mated to Orange, White and Red shades. The new Honda Elevate Black Edition will get an all-black theme. The bodywork is painted with what looks like Crystal Black Pearl shade. As seen in the spy shots, even the alloy wheels of standard SUV are painted Black with Black Edition. Body cladding all-around seems to be un-painted and adds a contrast to the rest of Gloss Black. Honda seems to be adding a smoked effect to the lighting elements including front headlights and rear tail lights. Thus adding a lot of personality to this Compact SUV. We can see a Black Edition specific badge on the tailgate. Also, these spy shots suggest that Honda might be offering tinted privacy glass for the rear windows, rear windshield and sunroof. All-Black Interiors! Honda Elevate Black Edition gets an all-black interior theme too. As standard, Honda Elevate offers a dual-tone Black and Brown interior theme. With an all-Black themed interior, Honda Elevate Black Edition will look very sporty and stealthy, which is a trend currently catching on with Indian buyers. We can expect a few Black Edition badges on the inside to make it feel special. Under the bonnet, we dont expect any changes and the same tried and tested 1.5L NA Petrol i-VTEC engine will be carried over. This engine will generate 119 bhp of peak power and 145 Nm of peak torque, mated to either a 6-speed MT or 6-speed AMT. Honda Elevate Black Edition might be offered only with top-spec trims with a small price premium for extra attention to detail. While the major stock indexes have surged over the past few years, some stocks have been left far behind. Video game engine developer Unity (NYSE: U) has underperformed the market by a mile over the past few years. Investors weren't wrong in punishing the stock. Unity spent big on acquisitions that didn't pay off, and a bone-headed attempt to nickel-and-dime developers was a disaster. These mistakes ultimately led to a company reset, major layoffs, and new leadership, and the company's stock is down about 88% from its all-time high. While a turnaround will take time, Unity is a comeback stock worth betting on for investors willing to stomach some risk. A unique position in the video game industry Unity is an example of a company with an incredible asset that has utterly failed to build a viable business around it. The Unity game engine is one of two commercial game engines, along with Unreal Engine from Epic Games, that have emerged as go-to options for video game developers. There are plenty of alternatives, including commercial and open-source projects, but the path of least resistance is choosing one of the big two. Despite this position in the industry, Unity has been struggling. The expensive acquisition of ironSource, meant to bolster the mobile advertising business, hasn't produced results. Worse, the bungled rollout of additional fees for developers, based on the number of installs, infuriated Unity's developer base and severely tarnished the brand. That second error ultimately led the company to replace its CEO and embark on a vast cost-cutting effort that involved major layoffs. New CEO Matthew Bromberg took the step of killing off the hated additional fees entirely, instead raising subscription pricing for Unity's largest customers. The company is also rebuilding the tech stack behind its advertising business in an effort to deliver better results for advertisers and ultimately put the business on the right track. Long-term potential Revenue is still in decline, even after excluding the lines of business Unity has exited as part of its reset, and the bottom line is deep in the red. The company is valued at roughly $9 billion, which is tough to justify based on the current results. Unity should generate around $1.8 billion in revenue this year, putting the price-to-sales ratio at around 5. That rich valuation makes the stock risky, and it could sink much further if the situation at the company doesn't improve. However, with the Unity engine as popular as it is, it's not hard to imagine a future where Unity is worth far more than its current market capitalization. As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his inauguration, his administration is gearing up to roll out significant policy shifts. Among these moves is the selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services -- a decision that's already putting pressure on vaccine stocks. For cautious investors, this could be a signal to steer clear of Pfizer Inc (NYSE:PFE), a stock with a history of underperforming in January. According to data from Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White, PFE averaged a January loss of 4.6% over the past 10 years, and finished the month in the red eight of those times. In fact, the last time Pfizer stock was higher for the month of January was in 2018. A comparable move from the security's current perch of $26.39 would place it near the $25 level. Worst of 2024 December 302024 The equity is pulling back slightly today, though it remains well above its Nov. 15 dip to $24.48 -- its lowest mark since January 2013. Shares are down 8.2% in 2024, though they're pacing for a small December gain to snap a four-month losing streak. PFE Chart December 302024 Should this historical trend play out once again, it could force options traders to change their optimistic tune -- a move that could weigh on PFE. This is per the security's Schaeffer's put/call open interest ratio (SOIR) of 0.55 that sits in the 1st percentile of annual readings, pointing towards a penchant for calls amongst short-term premium players. Options look to be an attractive route to go when weighing in on the Pfizer stock, according to its Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) of 20% that ranks in the 11th percentile of the last 12 months. What's more, the security's Schaeffer's Volatility Scorecard (SVS) sits at a relatively low 30 out of 100, making it a prime selling candidate for these short-term bulls. Syria's 'Leader' Meets Senior Christian Clerics, Kurds Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa meets with senior Christian clergymen in Damascus on December 31, 2024. Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa met with high-level Christian clergymen on Tuesday, amid calls to guarantee minority rights after seizing power earlier this month. "The leader of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa, meets a delegation from the Christian community in Damascus," Syria's General Command said in a statement on Telegram, which included pictures of the meeting with Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican clerics. Al-Sharaa also held talks with delegates of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Monday, an official told AFP on Tuesday, adding that they had been "positive." The talks were al-Sharaa's first with Kurdish commanders since an opposition alliance spearheaded by al-Sharaa's "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham" (HTS) group overthrew longtime strongman Bashar al-Assad in early December and come as the SDF is locked in fighting with Turkish-backed factions in northern Syria. "A meeting took place on Monday between senior officials of the Syrian Democratic Forces and al-Jolani in Damascus," the official said, using al-Sharaa's nom de guerre. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said it was a "preliminary meeting to lay the foundations for future dialogue," adding that both sides had agreed "to continue these meetings to reach future understandings." He described the meeting as "positive" and said there would be "intensifying dialogue and meetings in the future." The US-backed SDF spearheaded the military campaign that ousted ISIS from its last territory in Syria in 2019. But Turkey, which has long had ties with al-Sharaa's HTS, accuses the main component of the SDF, the People's Protection Units (YPG), of being affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged a four-decade insurgency against the Turkish state. In the past month, deadly clashes have erupted in northern Syria between Turkish-backed factions and the SDF. Earlier Tuesday, Turkish-backed fighters killed three pro-Kurdish security personnel in Syria's second city Aleppo, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. On Sunday, al-Sharaa told Al Arabiya that the Kurdish-led forces should be integrated into the new national army. "Weapons must be in the hands of the state alone. Whoever is armed and qualified to join the defense ministry, we will welcome them," he said. "Under these terms and conditions, we will open a negotiations dialogue with the SDF... to perhaps find an appropriate solution." Saudi Arabia-based ACWA Power has secured senior debt facilities, worth SAR2.638bn ($701.9m), to finance a 1.1GW wind power plant in the Gulf of Suez region, Egypt. A consortium of Development Financial Institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, African Development Bank, British International Investment, DEG - Deutsche Investitions, OPEC Fund for International Development, and Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation, has provided the senior debt financing facilities for the project. Standard Chartered Bank and Arab Bank also contributed to the senior debt via the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development B loan structure. The fund will be provided over a 20-year period. This financing follows a 25-year power purchase agreement signed between ACWA Power Consortium and Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), with a total investment value of $1.5bn to develop the 1.1 GW wind power plant. The project, under the Build, Own, Operate model, will supply power to Egypts unified national grid, with EETC as the sole off-taker. ACWA Power will lead development, financing, engineering, construction, operation, and maintenance of the plant. ACWA Power holds a 70% effective shareholding in the project company Suez Wind Energy. Earlier this week, ACWA Power also entered the Chinese market, securing over 1GW of renewable energy projects in collaboration with Chinese renewable partners. The portfolio in China includes multiple solar PV and wind projects and will be partially or fully owned by ACWA Power, alongside other partners across various provinces. The company is in the advanced stages of completing these investments, marking a step in ACWA Power's expansion into the Chinese energy market and establishing a foundation for future growth. Last month, the company secured senior debt facilities worth $238m to finance the Absheron-Khizi 240MW wind farm in the Republic of Azerbaijan during COP 29. "ACWA Power gets financing for 1.1GW wind farm in Egypt" was originally created and published by Energy Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. When it comes to chain stores, one Staten Island ZIP code has the distinction of landing at the top of a citywide list: in the 10314 ZIP code there are 180 chain store locations, second only to the 224 found in Manhattans Garment District. That is according to new data from a report issued this month by the Center for an Urban Future titled State of the Chains 2024. The organization has published the report annually for 17 years. Perhaps for Staten Islanders it comes as no surprise, since the Staten Island Mall in New Springville sits inside the 10314 ZIP code. Chains in the Mall are many, and run the gamut from clothiers like A/X Armani Exchange, to beauty shops like Bath & Body Works, to the many food offerings like Auntie Annes and Chick-fil-a. The placement at the top of the citywide chains list also reflects the Malls expansion over the last decade and relative strength in keeping stores open, and while other malls continue to struggle with closures, development at the site continues. But the Mall isnt the only story in the 10314 ZIP code, which includes Bulls Head, Castleton Corners, Graniteville, Meiers Corners, New Springville, Travis, Westerleigh and Willowbrook. The area is also home to a whopping 11 Dunkin stores, more than 25% of the 39 total Dunkins on Staten Island. Dunkin is also the chain with the most locations across the borough. There are also three Subway stores with 10314 addresses; Subway comes in behind Dunkin with 15 stores borough-wide. The next Staten Island ZIP code to appear on the list is 10306, ranked 39th citywide. With a total of 64 chain store locations, the area includes Egbertville, Grant City, Midland Beach, New Dorp, New Dorp Beach, Oakwood, Richmond and part of Dongan Hills, and is home to The Boulevard shopping center. The additional Staten Island ZIP codes break down this way: 10309: 48 chain store locations 10302: 35 chain store locations 10303: 29 chain store locations 10305: 25 chain store locations 10312: 24 chain store locations 10310: 18 chain store locations 10304: 10 chain store locations 10307: 9 chain store locations 10308: 8 chain store locations The state of chains on Staten Island Despite the hundreds of chain store locations on Staten Island including food, pharmacies and merchandise the total number declined by a tick this year, continuing a citywide trend that has seen a slow and steady diminishment of chain retailers since before the pandemic. It is clear that the boroughs 1% loss of chain stores (from 489 to 484) is part of a larger pattern. The largest nationwide chains have been most effected, with the 13 largest having 797 fewer store locations in New York City now than in 2019. This is the fifth time in the past seven years that there has been a net decline in the overall number of chain stores, suggesting that the environment for many national retailers remains challenging even as many of the citys commercial districts have seen a strong recovery in storefronts, the report reads, describing the citywide trend. Across all five boroughs, 130 different chains closed store locations this year, while only 94 opened new sites, with pharmacies and merchandise retailers most impacted. The report suggests that competition from e-commerce is one of the key factors influencing this trend. But still showing signs of promise are food chains; while there were some closures, food chains showed growth overall, up 1.6%. This year, for the first time, food chains make up more than half of all the chain stores in our report: 4,036 out of 8,039, the report says. Staten Islands share of retail chains in the city stands at 6%. Any hopes that Kingda Ka, once the worlds tallest and fastest roller coaster, might be repurposed into a newer coaster are gone after Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey filed permits this month to demolish the ride. According to application filed with Jackson Township on Dec. 18, Six Flags Great Adventure is seeking to demolish Kingda Ka and Zumanjaro, the orange drop ride that is attached to the tallest section of Kingda Kas track. Its unclear exactly when demolition at the Ocean County theme park will begin. The permit application remained under review by local officials as of Dec. 23, records show. Roller coaster insider websites are reporting demolition is set to begin in early February, and will take several weeks. Jackson officials and a Six Flags Great Adventure spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests to comment. The permit request does not specify if the rides will be imploded or demolished using other methods. Kingda Ka, the world's tallest roller coaster, has closed. Six Flags Great Adventure made the announcement at the end of the 2024 season.TT Martin Griff Six Flags previously filed permits to demolish the Green Lantern, The Twister, Parachutes, and the Sky Way. Those permits were filed ahead of the official announcement about Kingda Kas future. Its unclear what will be built to replace Kingda Ka, but park officials have promised a multi-world-record-breaking launch roller coaster will open in its footprint in 2026. Kingda Ka opened at Six Flags Great Adventure in 2005. At the time it was the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, maxing out at speeds of 128 miles per hour. The ride was dethroned as the fastest coaster in 2010, and was expected to be replaced as the tallest coaster by another planned ride in a new Six Flags park in Saudi Arabia in the coming years. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Usually, people know that parking in a crosswalk is frowned upon, but the new layout of Seaview Avenue seems to be causing some confusion. Recently, a concerned reader reached out to the Advance/SILive.com asking about some of the new designated street parking along Seaview Avenue, next to Staten Island University Hospitals (SIUH) North Campus. The tipster was concerned that cars are parking in what seem to be parking spaces that encroach upon crosswalks and impede pedestrians from making it across the street safely. The tip then pointed to a post on social media in which some Staten Islanders seemed to think this was an intentional design by the city Department of Transportation (DOT). A car is parked in what might look like a parking spot in the crosswalk near Olympia Boulevard and Seaview Avenue. Nov. 7, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Somma-Hammel)Jan Somma-Hammel While I have no opinion about them changing Seaview Ave to 1 lane, stated the post that kicked off this discussion, does anyone else find it odd that they painted a parking spot in a crosswalk? The post also included a picture of a white pickup truck parked almost entirely in the crosswalk near Seaview and Mason avenues. More comments followed, including one saying that the street is a ticking time bomb! By the time the driver figures whats going on, it may be too late. Others, however, insisted that the offending truck was parked somewhere it shouldnt be. First of all, there is a bike pictured there, obviously making it a bike lane. So no parking, read another comment. Second, who would park in what is obviously a crosswalk? In the photo left, a car is parked in what appears to be a parking spot in the crosswalk at the intersection of Mason Avenue and Seaview Avenue. In the photo right, the car and another vehicle behind it are parked in what the city Department of Transportation says is a pedestrian safety feature, not a parking zone. Tuesday Dec. 31, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Mike Matteo)Mike Matteo When asked to clear up the confusion regarding some of the recently painted lines, a DOT spokesperson said that there are no legal parking spaces in any of the crosswalks on Seaview Avenue. The telltale signs, according to the spokesperson, are the double white lines around the space in question. These designate a painted pedestrian island something used to shorten the distance on long crosswalks. A car parked illegally Seaview Avenue in what the Department of Transportation says is a painted pedestrian island, indicated by the double white line around the space. Tuesday Dec. 31, 2024 (Staten Island Advance/Mike Matteo) Mike Matteo The full implementation of the Seaview redesign is still ongoing, and these pedestrian islands will eventually be filled in with paint to mark them separate from the parking, according to the spokesperson. Until then, the DOT spokesperson said that the agency will install temporary no parking signs until the process is complete. A car parked on Seaview Avenue in a designated parking area, as indicated by the single white line around the space, according to the Department of Transportation. Tuesday Dec. 31, 2024 (Staten Island Advance/Mike Matteo) Mike Matteo Implementation on the Seaview Avenue protected bike lane is ongoing. This is a painted pedestrian island, a common design element for protected bike lanes across the city, used to improve visibility and shorten crossing times for people walking across the avenue, said the DOT spokesperson in a statement. When the DOT first announced it was designing a new layout for Seaview Avenue, the agency said it would prioritize bike and pedestrian safety, especially for anyone trying to reach the SIUH campus. The biggest change from the old layout is removing one travel lane on Seaview Avenue in each direction. Previously, each side of Seaview had two, 11-foot-wide travel lanes, a 9-foot-wide lane for parking, and a 5-foot bike lane in between The new layout now features one 12-foot travel lane, a 10-foot-wide parking lane, a new 5-foot buffer zone, and a protected bike lane bordering the curb. The plan also includes a new traffic signal and crosswalk that will be added at the intersection of Seaview and Nugent Avenue, near the main entrance of Staten Island University Hospital. The design aims to address safety concerns raised by the SIUH administration for anyone crossing between the hospital and medical offices on Seaview. Watertown, N.Y. A court filing has revealed new details about the gruesome injuries suffered by an inmate who was brutally beaten by several corrections officers at a Central New York state prison and later died. The autopsy conducted Dec. 11 by the Onondaga County Medical Examiners Office showed the inmate, Robert L. Brooks, suffered extensive bruising, a broken nose bone and bleeding in his genitals and neck. Brooks, 43, had multiple bruises to his face and extremities, troopers wrote in the court papers, citing the autopsy as the source of the information. Brooks also suffered soft tissue hemorrhages of his genitals as well as of the muscles of the anterior, or front, left and right sides of his neck, they said. The autopsy showed concerns for asphyxia due to compression of the neck as cause of death, as well as the death being due to the actions of another, troopers wrote. 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 passively recorded without audio. The state Attorney Generals Office released several video clips Friday. In one video, a prison guard stuffed what appears to be a white cloth in Brooks mouth. Two guards can be seen pushing Brooks back on an exam table in the prison infirmary and punching him. Another guard can be seen putting his left hand and his whole right arm around Brooks neck, then using his hands to repeatedly yank Brooks off the table. Another guard can be seen stomping Brooks in the groin, then rolling him over and punching him in the butt. After the beating, the camera footage shows Brooks lying on the exam table, stripped to his underwear. A final cause and manner of death is expected to be released by the AGs office. The details were included in an application filed last Tuesday by troopers in Jefferson County for an extreme risk protection order for one of the guards under scrutiny for the beating. Law enforcement can ask a judge to order firearms and other weapons be taken away for a time from a person who is deemed a possible threat to themselves or others. State Supreme Court Justice William Ramseier approved a temporary extreme risk protection order the same day against the guard, David J. Kingsley II. A hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday. Troopers went to court last week in Oneida County seeking similar orders for three other corrections officers implicated in the assault Nicholas J. Anzalone, Mathew J. Galliher and Robert T. Kessler. In those cases, state Supreme Court Justice Peter Rayhill declined to issue the proposed orders. He wrote that he did not think the three officers were likely to engage in conduct that would result in harm to themselves or others. Rayhill ordered troopers to conduct background investigations into the three men. Hearings for each are scheduled Jan. 7. Multiple corrections officers repeatedly punched and kicked Brooks, who was handcuffed, in the groin, abdomen, face and back in the infirmary at Marcy Correctional Facility. He was left bloodied and died Dec. 10 at a Utica hospital. Several federal and state agencies are investigating Brooks death. Gov. Kathy Hochul visited the Marcy prison on Monday. She announced a new superintendent for the facility and a variety of initiatives to improve the state prison system. Thirteen guards and a nurse have been suspended without pay due to the assault. Hochul has ordered all of them fired. One has already resigned. A Cape May County man was arrested after he allegedly interfered with the police investigation into the death of an unidentified woman found in a refrigerator left in a New Jersey forest. The 46-year-old man is charged with fourth degree obstruction and failure to be fingerprinted after police say he refused to provide his cell phone to investigators probing the womans death, according to two criminal complaints, one filed by New Jersey State Police and the other by the Cape May County Prosecutors Office. Cape May County prosecutors asked for the man to be detained Friday, court records show. That was one day after he was jailed after police alleged he declined to forfeit his cell phone despite being ordered to do so. The mans attorney, John Tumelty, couldnt immediately be reached by NJ Advance Media to comment Tuesday. Charges against the North Cape May man were filed days before New Jersey State Police turned to the public for help in their investigation. They released images of the tattoos found on the unidentified womans body when she was discovered in Belleplain State Forest last week. New Jersey State Police did not have any updates on the investigation when reached by NJ Advance Media for comment on Tuesday. Assistant Prosecutor Ed Shim said in court Monday that police sought the mans cell phone with a warrant because he was in the area of the forest, which spans 21,320 acres across parts of Cape May and Cumberland counties, where the body was found Dec. 22, the Press of Atlantic City reported. A judge agreed to release the man on Monday, the news report said. He was ordered to weekly check-ins with court staff and forbidden from returning to the forest during the investigation. A pre-indictment hearing is scheduled for February, according to judicial records. The man told police he was ventured into the woods Dec. 21, hiking to the fridge and taking property from inside, State Police wrote in a probable cause statement. The following day, he returned, finding the womans body inside. State Police troopers were called to the forest around 3 p.m. after the discovery. Police have not said how the woman may have died. The man was issued a judge-authorized search warrant for his phone records, ordering him to provide a passcode for police to search the device for evidence. He refused to provide the number to investigators, the probable cause statement reads. He then refused to be fingerprinted when he was brought to Cape May County jail. The man spent nine years in a Pennsylvania state prison for Ivoluntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, charges that were filed in Bucks County. He was given a five to 10-year sentence, serving it between August 2003 and October 2012, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections told NJ Advance Media. State Police on Sunday released mock-up images of two distinctive tattoos found on the womans body a koi fish on her right shoulder blade and a rose tattoo on her left ribs, from her chest to her hip. They believe she is either Caucasian or Hispanic and about 5 feet tall. Police also released images of a yoga mat and necklace recovered from the scene. The Russians have a saying: hope dies last. I think about that at the beginning of every year. Because you do hope that things will be better in the new year, that things that went wrong the previous year will be righted. So it is as we greet 2025. Heres a short list of some of the things I would like to see come out of the new year. An end to congestion pricing This could be the biggest driver rip-off in the history of driving. Paying $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street is nothing more than a tax on motorists. It will push traffic and pollution to other boroughs, including Staten Island, as truckers and others look to beat the fee. And get ready: congestion pricing will only get more expensive and could very well be instituted in other boroughs. Its reason enough to vote against Gov. Kathy Hochul when she runs for re-election. An explanation for the drone mystery Give it us straight, feds. We can take it. Whats with the flurry of drone sightings weve been dealing with over the past six weeks? Is it us? Is it them? Is it aliens? Mass hysteria? We just need answers. President Joe Biden still has time to give us the goods on this one. A fully built HOV lane to the Goethals Bridge Were going to keep mentioning this one until it gets done. Billions of dollars have been allocated for roads and bridges thanks to the infrastructure bill passed under Biden. Dont tell me the Staten Island Expressway HOV lane cant be built out all the way to the bridge. It might actually improve traffic. A Staten Island Walmart Weve got a Costco. Weve got a BJs Wholesale Club. Why not a Walmart? Why should Staten Islanders have to go to New Jersey in order to shop where they want to shop? A fast ferry to Brooklyn This is a no-brainer. The infrastructure is already in place at the St. George Ferry Terminal. Theres already a pier at 69th Street in Brooklyn, where a Staten Island ferry used to dock in a bygone era. Its just a matter of assigning the boats. Why is this so hard? A crackdown on errant e-bikes, scooters and cyclists They go the wrong way down the street. They blow through red lights. They make their own right-on-reds. They ride on the sidewalk. The lithium-ion batteries that power their bikes can go on fire. But any instance of road mayhem is blamed on car drivers. Lets be fair and target everyone whos causing dangerous situations out there. An end to the medias anti-Trump hysteria Donald Trump is going to be president again. He won the Electoral College vote. He won the popular vote. Cover him fairly. Be tough. But, please, no longer make it your mission take him down by any means necessary. Hes not Hitler. Fixes at Great Kills Park The grounds are deteriorating. Creeping erosion continues. Vast areas are closed to the public. Theres trash. Sen. Kirstin Gillibrand has taken an interest. Lets get something done in 2025. Prohibiting gas-powered leaf blowers This is truly a quality-of-life issue. The leaf blowers now roar pretty much year-round because of snowless winters. They shatter the calm of weekend mornings and nap-time afternoons. Use electric leaf blowers instead. Or get a rake. A Staten Island traffic fix I know, good luck with this one. But maybe we can focus on the problems of one road, be it Hylan Boulevard, Richmond Road or the dreaded Staten Island Expressway. Lets find some real solutions. No more BESS sites Staten Island is set to get inundated with battery energy storage system sites, including in business areas and residential neighborhoods. The safety of the sites has not been tested over time and BESS site fires are notoriously hard to extinguish. At the very least the city needs to put them only in industrial areas. And place more of them in other boroughs. NEW YORK -- Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation to help combat the opioid and overdose epidemic across the state, which is particularly prevalent on Staten Island. The new legislation will require the state Department of Health to distribute fentanyl test strips along with opioid antagonists, which are medications that block the effects of opioids, to registered opioid overdose prevention programs. The legislation will also require that an informational card or sheet distributed along with the opioid antagonist contain information about fentanyl test strips and their uses. Im committed to keeping New Yorkers safe and fighting the opioid crisis and overdose epidemic that has taken far too many neighbors, friends and family members in New York and across the nation, Hochul said. This legislation ensures New Yorkers have access to live-saving information during the most critical moments. A second piece of legislation will require the state to equip public institutions and buildings with opioid antagonists. And a third law will authorize health care professionals, including pharmacists, to dispense drug adulterant testing supplies used to test for xylazine, a non-opioid used as a sedative, anesthetic, muscle relaxant and analgesic for animals. Xylazine is not FDA-approved for use in humans due to severe central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects. While we are making progress addressing the opioid and overdose epidemic across New York state and have seen a significant drop in overdose deaths, too many New Yorkers are still affected by this crisis, said Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham. With these new laws, Governor Hochul is taking further steps to keep New Yorkers safe and cement our state as a national leader in providing help and support for individuals, families and communities impacted by these substances. Fatal overdoses on Staten Island Staten Island has long been plagued by the opioid and overdose crisis. In January 2024 the Staten Island Fentanyl and Overdose Task Force demanded that Hochul and legislators in Albany declare a state of emergency in response to the alarming numbers of fatal overdoses on Staten Island and throughout New York state. 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. At least 52 people ranging from teens to seniors living in many different neighborhoods have died of drug overdoses on Staten Island in 2024, according to statistics compiled by the Richmond County District Attorneys Office as part of its Overdose Response Initiative. Addressing the opioid crisis The latest batch of legislation builds on Hochuls efforts to address the opioid crisis impacting New Yorkers and the nation. Last year, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) developed the first in the nation online ordering portal where naloxone kits and test strips can be ordered by any New York state resident who requests them. New York has now distributed more than 20 million fentanyl and xylazine test strips, as well as nearly 700,000 naloxone kits through both OASAS and the States Department of Health. Governor Hochul is once again demonstrating her commitment to addressing the deadly opioid epidemic in New York state, said Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. While we are making progress in the fight against the overdose epidemic, its important that we continue to expand the availability of medications like naloxone, as well as testing strips for fentanyl and xylazine in our communities to continue to turn the tide of the opioid epidemic across the state. This package of legislation will bring lifesaving support to communities hardest hit by the opioid overdose crisis. New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the States toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). If you, or a loved one, have experienced insurance obstacles related to treatment or need help filing an appeal for a denied claim, contact the CHAMP helpline by phone at 888-614-5400 or email at ombuds@oasas.ny.gov. Follow Tracey Porpora on Facebook and Bluesky STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. In the early morning hours of Jan. 1, Richmond University Medical Center celebrated the arrival of its first baby of 2025. At 3:32 a.m. on Jan. 1, Destiny Hiraldo and Jayson Pereida of Port Richmond welcomed their firstborn, Lucas, who weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and measured 20 inches in length. Pop superstar Robbie Williams will perform a free public gig in Melbourne on Thursday afternoon. Fresh from a 40-minute set at the Sydney Opera House for the ABCs New Years Eve countdown, Williams heads to Victoria to continue the promotional tour for his recently released biopic, Better Man. Robbie Williams entertained the crowds in the run-up to midnight on New Years Eve in Sydney. Credit: ABC On Thursday at 5pm, Williams is due to take to the stage at Federation Square. He is expected to perform a short set and take part in a Q&A-style interview. Promoters are keen to stress it is an intimate pop-up event, not a full concert. When Jade Wendt learnt she had breast cancer, a nurse named Nancy phoned her almost immediately to offer support for what was going to be a long and arduous battle. The pair got along instantly, and Nancys expertise proved invaluable once again when Jades husband, David, was diagnosed with renal cancer just a few months later while Jade was midway through her own chemotherapy. Jade Wendt was midway through chemotherapy for breast cancer when her husband, David, was diagnosed with renal cancer. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Nancy was always there for a chat, David said. I didnt overstep the mark and talk about my kidney too much, but she made me feel heard and supported. Its just knowing you have people in your corner. David would not have had that support if his wife had not been receiving cancer treatment herself. Connor Renfrey couldnt see himself graduating from high school while skipping class and ending up in detention at his mainstream secondary college. I was never a big fan of the teachers. I was missing school and getting into trouble, the 16-year-old said. Cassandra Renfreys son Connor is enrolled at a school for disengaged kids which is having to turn students away. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Connors mother, Cassandra Renfrey, intervened and enrolled him at the Pavilion School in Epping, a Charles La Trobe College school for disengaged students. Connor found his attitude towards school changing completely. Its a different sort of school. Youve actually got someone that cares, he said. Thankfully, hes not on shift on this pleasant mid-week summer afternoon, and were sitting in the comfort of the seafood restaurant Fishos Torquay one of Scotlands favourite haunts. Tasmanian scallops at Fishos restaurant in Torquay. Credit: Penny Stephens I love this place. I love the idea theres no freezer out the back. Its all fresh. He also relishes coming to Fishos with a group of friends where they all throw down $20 or $30 for food, cast aside the menus and ask the staff to bring out whatever they recommend. So, thats what we have decided to do. We tell Fishos owner Luke Edwards to serve up a few of his freshest suggestions, and he starts us out with some scallops. Really simple on the barbecue, Edwards says. Loading This dish sets the tone for the meal its easy-going and unpretentious with fresh seafood as the centrepiece while a soundtrack of classic rock plays in the background. It is the first of enough dishes to feed three people. That is just as well because it means our photographer can join in too. The relaxed vibe all seems to suit Scotlands laid-back demeanour on this afternoon when he can think back over what has been a busy year. In August, Scotland was named Lifesaver of the Year at Lifesaving Victorias 2024 Awards of Excellence. Last summer he put in 44 hours of volunteer patrols at the Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club in addition to almost 150 hours of paid patrolling throughout the region, which included operating the jet-skis known as the rescue watercraft service. Life Saving Victoria credits him with overseeing crews that conducted 300 rescues in the 2023-24 season in his capacity as patrol captain and team leader. Scotland says winning the award was an honour, but insists everybody who was nominated was equally deserving. Above all, he hopes it will inspire younger generations of lifesavers to spend their time volunteering and working to protect others on the beach. We dont seek out these awards, Scotland says. But I hope a young lifesaver is looking up at what Im doing helping contribute to the communities that Im involved in and wants to continue doing that as well. The gentle twang of Neil Youngs Heart of Gold drifts from the speakers, while Scotland explains how his work with the emergency service is as much about training young people as performing rescues himself. But he would rather rely on preventing the need for rescues in the first place by educating beachgoers about staying safe in the water. Its an ethic that defines his career too. Scotland, who now lives by the ocean in Jan Juc, teaches outdoor education and environmental studies at St Josephs College in Geelong. He loves the job and the school year routine suits him too. Coffin Bay oysters with a pomegranate mignonette at Fishos. Credit: Penny Stephens It works well for me because when Ive got time off from teaching thats when were the busiest, down here on the coast. There are parallels aplenty between his teaching and his work with Life Saving Victoria. The topic of investing in young people and helping them enhance their knowledge of rescues and the ocean seems to get him animated. Scotland has also tried to continue developing his skills too despite his already substantial experience. A plate of Coffin Bay Pacific oysters topped with pomegranate arrives as Scotland describes the camaraderie that comes with working in a team of people committed to the common good. The sweet garnish adds sophistication to the salty flavour of the oysters. The work of Life Saving Victoria is becoming increasingly complex too. When he started working at the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club in his early 20s, Scotland remembers there was tension between the volunteers and paid lifesavers, even though the latter put in plenty of unpaid hours. Loading Scotland believes that strain has since dissipated, which is fortunate because the work of keeping beachgoers safe is getting trickier as more people seek out isolated beaches away from crowds and the red and yellow lifesaving flags. That trend became painfully apparent on New Years Day in 2024 when Scotland was powering between busy beaches on a jet-ski, assisting crews from Anglesea to Lorne. Scotland was parking the jetski back at Fairhaven when he was alerted to a distressed swimmer at a nearby unpatrolled beach. By the time he got there, paramedics and Anglesea lifesavers had arrived and Scotland assumed the role of incident commander while lifesavers performed compressions on the unresponsive patient. After 45 minutes the patient was declared dead. Scotland managed to maintain his composure until he returned the jet-ski. As I got back to Fairhaven and packed up the jet-skis, thats when it really hit me, and I was quite upset. In that awful moment of realisation, Scotland was grateful to be back at his home club and wrapped in his communitys embrace. But he admits to some frustration too. Im never overly critical of myself because I think everything we did gave that person the best possible chance, he says. Had that person been swimming in between the red and yellow flags, or close to the red and yellow flags, maybe there might have been a different outcome. Fried gummy shark at Fishos. Credit: Penny Stephens While Scotland tries to spend as much time as he can in the ocean, he is still intrigued by its varying moods. He is a keen surfer who likes to push the limits of his physical ability in big and ugly surf or just going for a quick dip after work. As we explore the topic of surf the food keeps coming, too, like a set of waves. Fresh gummy shark in thick crunchy batter that evokes childhood summer memories of fish and chips. Grilled John Dory with crispy skin. Hand cut chips, made from potatoes grown in Ballarat. While we plough through the food Scotland admits to sometimes still feeling scared when the surf gets dangerous. But it is the critical rescues, when he must reach a patient quickly, that he finds particularly stressful. Thats the time when Im the most panicked and fearful because I feel like Ive let that person down, letting it get to that stage. Grilled john dory at Fishos. Credit: Penny Stephens He recalls one rescue a few years ago at Fairhaven on a summer day with solid waves. Lifesavers had already pulled a few people out of the water when Scotland spotted a boy who was standing only in waist deep water but had terror in his face. Then this surging wave came through, and I paddled out to him pretty quickly. He kept saying I thought I was going to die. Some older members of the club later said they could see the situation unfolding and were critical of Scotlands decision to wait so long before paddling out to the child. He concedes he left it too long, but considers it a learning opportunity. That was a very bad, close rescue that could have gone badly wrong, he says. I dont want to be in that position again. Loading This season will probably be Scotlands last summer as a paid lifeguard. But he intends to continue volunteering at his club well into old age. My hope is that once Im 60 or 70, I can be one of those older guys on the beach in saggy Speedos and leathery tan. Scotland imagines watching a rescue unfolding as the new generation of young lifesavers who have come after him take to the water. And he will relax knowing theyve got this and he wont need to get involved. Then his work might finally be done. A suspect has been questioned over the alleged sexual assault of a Virgin Australia crew member celebrating the new year in Fiji as police investigate two incidents involving airline staff. Fijis Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation said there were two separate alleged incidents, one being alleged theft and the other being alleged sexual assault which affected two different crew members in the early hours of January 1 in a nightclub area in Nadi. Members of a Virgin Australia crew have allegedly been assaulted at Nadi, Fiji. Credit: The Fiji Times. Assistant Police Commissioner Mesake Waqa told the ABC a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted and a man was allegedly robbed, sustaining facial injuries, outside the Bar One nightclub in Martintar. Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka, also the minister for tourism and civil aviation, said the alleged incidents were regrettable and the governments thoughts and concerns were with the health and wellbeing of the airlines crew members. Former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison and his wife have spent New Years Eve at US President-elect Donald Trumps exclusive members-only club Mar-a-Lago. Morrison posted a photo of himself and Jenny, dressed in formal evening wear, alongside Trump and his wife, Melania, on social media with the message HNY 2025 from Mar-a-Lago. Trump bought the resort in Palm Beach, Florida, for about $US7 million in 1985 and has since renovated the beachfront property extensively. Membership of the club reportedly costs $US1 million ($1.6 million) a year. Australian billionaire Anthony Pratt, chairman of paper and packaging company Visy Industries, is said to be a member, while mining magnate Gina Rinehart was at the club on the night Trump secured election to a second term as president. Hospital director Ju Woong said Lee was fully able to communicate and there was no indication yet of memory loss or such. Another crew member known only by her surname, Koo, 25, was reportedly taken to the Asan Medical Centre in Seoul with a scalp laceration, a fractured ankle and abdominal pain. Investigators from the US National Transportation Safety Board and representatives from Boeing at the crash scene this week. Credit: AP She reportedly said in her initial statements: Smoke came out of one of the planes engines and then it exploded. Officials said that the crash came after the plane was struck by birds about 7am AEDT on Sunday. Jay Robert, a former senior cabin crew member for Emirates, said that crew at the rear of a Boeing 737-800 conventionally sit in backward-facing seats and wear a harness. The 737-800s I have been on all have seats facing backwards at the rear, he told The Telegraph. It is a better position for impact and you wear a four-point harness. The airplane usually breaks apart on impact and passengers in the rear tend to have a better chance of survival. Shem Malmquist, an air safety and accident investigator, pilot and professor of aeronautics at Florida Institute of Technology, said both the harness and backward-facing seats would have improved the chance of survival. Loading They definitely would have been wearing harnesses, that would possibly have helped, and if they were sitting backwards that would keep them somewhat safer, he told The Telegraph. Malmquist, who has flown Boeing 777s for the best part of 35 years, said that harnesses would not necessarily improve safety in most accidents and so their rollout would depend on return on investment. It would be safer, but people dont like to wear the harnesses, and of course it is the cost, he said, adding that airlines would be cautious about accepting changes to seats and seat belts because of the added weight, which would increase fuel consumption. A report by Naval Aviation News in 1952 suggested passengers in transport planes were 10 times more likely to survive a crash in a backward-facing seat, while Richard Snyder, a scientist at the University of Michigan, concluded in a 1983 paper that data appears to overwhelmingly substantiate that the seated occupant can tolerate much higher crash forces when oriented in the rearward-facing position. Malmquist said: It should be looked at. Nobody is talking about this. There is a lot we can do and it is virtually untapped. On Christmas Day, two crew members also survived after an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 went down in Kazakhstan after it was allegedly hit by a Russian ground-to-air missile, killing 38 people. A part of Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 lies on the ground near the airport of Aktau, Kazakhstan. Credit: AP Zulfugar Asadov and Aidan Rahimli had been stationed at the back of the plane when the aircraft split, with the tail remaining intact, while the front caught fire. In these two crashes, the impact was from the front, said Robert, adding: In South Korea, the crew at the back would possibly have been shielded from the explosion. Loading I would assume it would have been a bit more protected than everyone else. The rear of a commercial aircraft is statistically the safest place in a crash, according to an analysis of 35 years of data by Time magazine in 2015. The study found those at the rear of a plane had a fatality rate of 32 per cent, which rose to 38 per cent at the front and 39 per cent in the middle. The wings of a plane store fuel, which carries a risk of explosion. Middle seats, which have the benefit of fellow passengers acting as buffers, in the rear had the best outcomes at 28 per cent, compared with the worst-faring aisle seats in the middle of the plane at 44 per cent. Steven Green, a retired Boeing 737-800 pilot from Vermont, said it was no surprise that people in the tail had a better chance of surviving because the area is structurally very strong. Green, who flew commercial airlines for more than 40 years, said there was a safety argument to be had for rolling out harnesses and backward-facing seats to passengers. From a safety standpoint, it makes sense, he said. The British tried rear-facing seats on Trident [jets] but nobody liked them it doesnt feel right. The Biden administration directed new airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on Tuesday, as the United States and its ally Israel struggle to halt a campaign of regional assaults by the Iranian-backed militant group. US Central Command (Centcom), which oversees military operations in the Middle East, said the attacks struck targets in coastal Yemen and the capital, Sanaa, including a command node and facilities used for manufacturing and storing weapons. The operations, which also included strikes on Monday, destroyed radar positions and one-way aerial drones, Centcom said in a statement. Smoke rises from the area around the international airport in Sanaa after the strikes. Credit: AP Video provided by Centcom showed aircraft taking off from the USS Harry S. Truman, an aircraft carrier positioned in the Red Sea. The strikes mark the latest salvo in a year-long US-led campaign aimed at halting ongoing attacks by the Houthis, a militant group that functions as the de facto government in much of Yemen, on commercial ships and military vessels in nearby waters. The Houthis campaign has impaired global shipping and taken a major toll on US allies reliant on related revenue. (Life insurance policies often have an exclusion for suicide, but it generally lasts only two years after the policy is purchased, according to industry experts, assuming that the policyholder did not lie or commit fraud in securing the policy.) Candice Miller, who declined requests for comment, is making a new life with her daughters in Miami Beach, Florida. She is living in a $US10 million, 2800-square-foot condominium that overlooks the ocean. It is owned by a company connected to Alexander von Furstenberg, son of fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, and is on loan to Miller, according to three people aware of the arrangement. Brandon and Candice Miller at a benefit event in June 2010. Credit: Getty Images But the past is close behind. Although Miller told friends after her husbands death that she had not asked him about his business affairs and had kept a distance from details of their personal finances, she has since been enmeshed in such matters. Legal filings show she is working with lawyers to wrangle the debts of her husbands estate those which she personally may be on the hook for and those which, so far, creditors have not made legal claims to tie her to. In late August, court documents show, she agreed to pay about $US4 million to settle a lawsuit over an unpaid loan. She has also been sued for $US194,881.89 in unpaid rent by the company that owns the Park Avenue apartment that she and Brandon Miller had lived in since 2021, which rented for about $US47,000 a month. In a response to the lawsuit, she denied that she owed the rent because, she said, she had not personally signed the lease agreement. Brandon Millers estate is carrying numerous other unresolved debts, according to court records. Miller had more than $US20 million in unsecured loans, according to his widows legal filings from institutional lenders, including UBS Bank ($US2.1 million) and BMO Bank ($US11.25 million), as well as from family friends and American Express, to which he owed more than $US300,000. The former home in the Hamptons of Brandon and Candice Miller. Credit: New York Times His main asset was the Hamptons house which was loaded with five mortgages totalling nearly $US12 million. It was placed on the market in August, with an asking sale price of $US15.5 million. Court records show that Candice Miller considered at least two offers for the house and its furnishings: one for $US12.8 million and the other for $US13 million. It sold this month, according to two people familiar with the transaction. As Brandon Millers need for cash intensified at the end of his life, he turned to friends and high-risk lenders. One lender, who agreed to be interviewed if his name was not included in this article, said that he lent Miller $US208,000 in early June, after Miller came to him nearly in tears. Miller said he would repay the loan in a week, according to the lender, offering a piece of the Hamptons house as collateral. The lender had previously provided an unsecured loan of $US1 million to Miller, who had paid back all but $US60,000. So the lender said he was happy to help again. The Millers former home in Tribeca, New York. Credit: New York Times By mid-June, Miller had stopped responding to his repeated calls and texts, he said, so he began to reach out to Millers lawyer to urge that Miller make a good-faith partial payment. Miller never did so. The lender now says that he wishes he had not exerted so much pressure on Miller. When the Hamptons house was sold last week, the estate repaid the $US208,000 plus interest, he said. The $US60,000 remains outstanding. Loading Earlier this month, many of Millers loved ones had sad occasion to reconnect: his mother, Barbara Miller, died at 81. About 50 friends of Brandon and his sister, Maurley Miller, gathered in the bitter December cold to pay their respects as their mother was laid to rest beside the graves of her husband and her son. Our beautiful Barbara passed away with a broken heart, and we are desperately trying to find comfort and peace in knowing that she has been reunited with her beloved husband, Michael, and precious son, Brandon, Maurley Miller said in a statement. By P.J. Huffstutter CHICAGO (Reuters) -A shareholder of agribusiness Archer-Daniels-Midland is pressing the company's CEO to resign for failing to clearly tell investors about problems with its internal accounting practices that have sparked a criminal investigation first reported by Reuters. In a LinkedIn post entitled "Investor-misery has a name: ADM," Hartwig Fuchs said ADM was the worst stock in his portfolio this year and blamed ADM CEO Juan Luciano. Fuchs was the board chairman of German trading firm Alfred C. Toepfer International when ADM owned a majority stake in the firm. Fuchs left Toepfer in 2009 and Chicago-based ADM acquired it in 2014. "A German proverb says: The fish always stinks from the head," Fuchs wrote in his post, dated Sunday. ADM declined to comment on Fuchs' post on Monday. It was not immediately clear how many ADM shares Fuchs owns. ADM was forced to amend years of financial reporting in March and November after discovering sales between its nutrition business and other core units were not recorded properly. The company cut its 2024 profit outlook last month, citing policy uncertainty, slow demand and "internal operational challenges." Federal prosecutors in recent months have expanded their inquiries into whether ADM or its employees committed crimes including securities fraud and conspiracy, according to subpoenas reviewed by Reuters and people familiar with the probe. Government investigations are not evidence of wrongdoing and do not necessarily result in charges. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan on Monday declined to comment on the investigation. ADM's stock price is down nearly 30% from a year ago, and ADM's shareholders, including Fuchs, are asking questions and pointing fingers as to who is to blame. "If a highly paid CEO of such an important company cannot manage to provide clarity within a few months - i.e. fully clear up the scandal, comunicate (sic) with full Transparency about what went wrong and what will be done in the future, regain investors trust and, above all, protect the company from long-term damage - then he has to go," Fuchs wrote in his post. ADM is facing other headwinds including low crop prices, uncertainty around biofuels regulations and a possible tariff battle between the United States and China that could upend global trade flows as soon as January, after President-elect Donald Trump takes office. (Reporting By P.J. Huffstutter in Chicago; Additional reporting by Chris Prentice in New York and Karl Plume in Chicago; Editing by Chris Reese and Rod Nickel) Guinea junta leader says 2025 a 'crucial electoral year' Conakry, Jan 1 (AFP) Jan 01, 2025 Guinea's junta chief said Tuesday in a New Year's speech that 2025 will be "a crucial electoral year to complete the return to constitutional order", but gave no details. General Mamady Doumbouya leads a junta that overthrew civilian president Alpha Conde in September 2021. Under international pressure, the junta initially pledged to hold a constitutional referendum and hand power to elected civilians by the end of 2024 -- but neither has happened. The general said in his New Year's speech that "in the first quarter of 2025, I will sign a decree setting the date" of the constitutional referendum. "After the electoral code has been drawn up, during 2025, we will all work together to continue to lay the foundations for the general elections," he said. Guinea's main opposition parties and civil society organisations have called for demonstrations in Conakry on January 6 to "demand the departure of the junta and the establishment of a civilian transition". Since the junta took power, many opposition figures have been detained, brought before the courts or forced into exile. Two former high-ranking officers and a doctor have died in unclear circumstances in recent months after their arrests. A journalist from the Lerevelateur224 website was also arrested earlier this month by men in uniform in the suburbs of the capital, Conakry, and his whereabouts are unknown, his lawyers and a press union said. The latest crackdown came last week when Aliou Bah, the leader of an opposition party, was arrested as he travelled to Sierra Leone with two colleagues for allegedly "insulting" the junta head. His trial, which began Tuesday, is due to resume on January 2. Iran to hold nuclear talks with 3 European powers January 13: local media Tehran, Jan 1 (AFP) Jan 01, 2025 Iran will hold nuclear talks with France, Britain, and Germany on January 13 in Switzerland, local media reported on Wednesday, quoting a foreign ministry official. "The new round of talks between Iran and three European countries will be held in Geneva on January 13," said Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, according to ISNA news agency. He added the talks were only "consultations, not negotiations." The three European countries had on December 17 accused Iran of growing its stockpile of high-enriched uranium to "unprecedented levels" without "any credible civilian justification." They have also raised the possibility of restoring sanctions against Iran to keep it from developing its nuclear programme. Iran has in recent years increased its manufacturing of enriched uranium such that it is the only non-nuclear weapons state to possess uranium enriched to 60 percent, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear watchdog said. That level is well on the way to the 90 percent required for an atomic bomb. On November 29, Iran held a discreet meeting with the three European powers in Geneva which Gharibabadi at the time described as "candid." Iran insists on its right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and has consistently denied any ambition of developing nuclear weapons capability. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say in all state matters, has long issued a religious decree, or fatwa, prohibiting atomic weapons. Late Monday, Iran's security chief Ali Akbar Ahmadian maintained that Iran has "not changed" its nuclear doctrine against pursuing atomic weapons. The January 13 talks will take place one week before Donald Trump's return to the White House. In 2015, Iran and world powers -- including France, Britain and Germany -- reached an agreement that saw the easing of international sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme. But the United States, during Trump's first term in office, unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018 and reimposed biting economic sanctions. Tehran adhered to the deal until Washington's withdrawal, and then began rolling back on its commitments. Gaza rescuers say 15 killed in Israeli strike in Jabalia Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories, Jan 1 (AFP) Jan 01, 2025 Gaza's civil defence agency said on Wednesday that an overnight Israeli air strike targeting a house in Jabalia, in the territory's north, killed at least 15 people. Since October 6, the Israeli military has been conducting a major land and air offensive in northern Gaza, particularly targeting the city of Jabalia and its adjacent refugee camp. The military says it is an effort to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping there, while rescuers say that the offensive has already killed thousands of civilians. "Fifteen people were martyred and more than 20 were injured in this massacre after midnight in a house where displaced people were living in the town of Jabalia," civil defence agency's spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP. The Israeli military, when contacted, said it was looking into the reported strike. Bassal said those living in the house were members of the Badra, Abu Warda, and Taroush families who had sought refuge there. Most of Gaza's 2.4 million people have been displaced at least once since the start of the war on October 7 last year. The dead and injured from the strike in Jabalia were moved to Al-Mamadani hospital, said rescuer Mohammed, who provided only his first name. "They were pulled out from beneath the rubble of the targeted house," he said. A relative of some of the victims said that rescuers were still searching for any survivors under the debris. "The house has turned into a pile of debris," said Jibri Abu Warda, adding that the strike occurred at around 1:00 am (23:00 GMT Tuesday). - 'They were all civilians' - He said the explosions shook the area, and the rescuers were able to reach the targeted house only in the morning. "It was a massacre, with body parts of children and women scattered everywhere. They were sleeping when the house was bombed," Warda said. "No one knows why they targeted the house, they were all civilians." The military assault, which began on October 6, has since expanded across the northern areas of the Palestinian territory and last week targeted a major hospital which is now empty of its staff and patients. On Friday, the Israeli military raided the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, describing it as "one of the largest" operations targeting militants since the start of the war. The military said it killed more than 20 militants and detained over 240 others, including the director of the hospital, who it claims, is a suspected Hamas militant. Rights groups and the World Health Organisation have called for the immediate release of Hossam Abu Safiyeh, whose detention is seen as a blow to the territory's devastated healthcare system. In a separate Israeli strike on Wednesday that targeted a group of people in the Al-Manara neighbourhood of Khan Yunis in the territory's south, at least four people were killed, the civil defence agency said. The war in Gaza broke out after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 last year, which resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Israel's retaliatory response has so far killed at least 45,553 people in Gaza, the majority civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, figures which the United Nations considers reliable. Ivory Coast president says French forces to withdraw in January Abidjan, Jan 1 (AFP) Jan 01, 2025 Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara said in an end-of-year speech that French forces will withdraw from the West African nation in January, making it the latest country to weaken military ties with the former colonial power. Ouattara said late on Tuesday that Ivory Coast could be proud of its army "whose modernisation is now effective. "It is in this context that we have decided on the concerted and organised withdrawal of French forces" from the country, he announced. France has been preparing for years what it calls a "reorganisation" of military relations after the forced departure of its troops from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, where military-led governments hostile to the ex-colonial ruler have seized power in recent years. In November, within hours of each other, Senegal and Chad also announced the departure of French soldiers from their soil. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said on Tuesday that all foreign military presence in the country would end from 2025. The announcement, also made during a speech to mark the new year, was the first indication of a timeframe for the closure of foreign military bases in Senegal. "I have instructed the minister for the armed forces to propose a new doctrine for cooperation in defence and security, involving, among other consequences, the end of all foreign military presences in Senegal from 2025," Faye said. "All of Senegal's friends will be treated like strategic partners, within the framework of open, diversified and uninhibited cooperation," he said. Faye, who was elected in March on a promise to deliver sovereignty and end dependence on foreign countries, told AFP in November that the presence of French military bases in Senegal was incompatible with his country's sovereignty. But he maintained that the act did not constitute a break with France, like those seen elsewhere in the region. - Hand-overs - Ouattara, who has not yet said whether he will seek a fourth term in elections slated for October, said in his speech that the 43rd BIMA marine infantry battalion at Port-Bouet in Abidjan -- where French troops are currently stationed -- "will be handed over" to Ivory Coast's armed forces as of this month. Ivory Coast, the world's biggest cocoa producer which also has huge deposits of natural resources including oil, gas and gold, remains an important ally of France. About 1,000 French soldiers were deployed to the 43rd BIMA to assist in particular with the fight against jihadists who regularly strike the Sahel region, as well as the north of some countries along the Gulf of Guinea. Ouattara, who turned 83 on Wednesday, has been in office since 2010, also said in his year-end speech that the presidential election would be "peaceful" as well as "transparent and democratic". On December 26, France handed over its first military base as part of the withdrawal of its military forces from Chad. Chad had been a key link in France's military presence in Africa and its last foothold in the wider Sahel region after being forced to pull out of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger which have pivoted towards Russia in recent years. Iran to hold nuclear talks with 3 European powers January 13: local media Tehran, Jan 1 (AFP) Jan 01, 2025 Iran will hold nuclear talks with France, Britain and Germany on January 13 in Switzerland, local media reported on Wednesday, quoting a foreign ministry official. "The new round of talks between Iran and three European countries will be held in Geneva on January 13," said Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, according to ISNA news agency. He added the talks were only "consultations, not negotiations." The three European countries had on December 17 accused Iran of growing its stockpile of high-enriched uranium to "unprecedented levels" without "any credible civilian justification." They also raised the possibility of restoring sanctions against Iran to keep it from developing its nuclear programme. Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi said his country was "ready for fair and honorable negotiations" with the West. "In exchange (for the lifting of sanctions), we create more confidence in the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program," he was quoted as saying on Wednesday by Tasnim news agency. "If the other party does not like this path, it is natural that we follow our own path, as we have done in recent years," added the foreign minister. Iran has in recent years increased its manufacturing of enriched uranium such that it is the only non-nuclear weapons state to possess uranium enriched to 60 percent, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear watchdog said. That level is well on the way to the 90 percent required for an atomic bomb. On November 29, Iran held a discreet meeting with the three European powers in Geneva which Gharibabadi at the time described as "candid." Iran insists on its right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and has consistently denied any ambition of developing nuclear weapons capability. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say in all state matters, has long issued a religious decree, or fatwa, prohibiting atomic weapons. Late on Monday, Iran's security chief Ali Akbar Ahmadian maintained that Iran has "not changed" its nuclear doctrine against pursuing atomic weapons. The January 13 talks will take place one week before Donald Trump's return to the White House. In 2015, Iran and world powers -- including France, Britain and Germany -- reached an agreement that eased international sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme. But the United States, during Trump's first term in office, unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018 and reimposed biting economic sanctions. Tehran adhered to the deal until Washington's withdrawal, and then began rolling back on its commitments. Gaza rescuers say 15 killed in Israeli New Year strike Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories, Jan 1 (AFP) Jan 01, 2025 Gaza's civil defence agency said an Israeli air strike killed at least 15 people in the territory's north on Wednesday, in what it called the first deadly attack of the New Year. "The world welcomed the New Year with celebrations and festivities, while we witnessed 2025 begin with the first Israeli massacre in the town of Jabalia just after midnight," agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP. "Fifteen people were martyred and more than 20 were injured" in the strike on a house where displaced people were living, he said. The Israeli military said it was looking into the reported strike. Since October 6, the military has been conducting a major land and air offensive in northern Gaza, particularly targeting Jabalia and its adjacent refugee camp. The military says it is an effort to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping there and it has killed hundreds of fighters, while rescuers in the area say thousands of civilians have died. On Monday, UN human rights experts said the "siege" appears to be part of an effort "to permanently displace the local population as a precursor to Gaza's annexation". Bassal said those living in the house were members of the Badra, Abu Warda and Taroush families who had sought refuge there. Nearly all of Gaza's 2.4 million people have been displaced at least once since the war began on October 7 last year. The dead and wounded from the strike in Jabalia were taken to Al-Mamadani Hospital, a rescuer said. A relative said rescuers were still searching for any survivors. "The house has turned into a pile of debris," said Jibri Abu Warda, adding that the strike hit at around 1:00 am (2300 GMT Tuesday). He said the explosions shook the area, and rescuers reached the targeted house only in the morning. "It was a massacre, with body parts of children and women scattered everywhere. They were sleeping when the house was bombed," Abu Warda said. "No one knows why they targeted the house. They were all civilians." - Fear of cold - At Al-Mamadani Hospital, women wept over shrouded bodies in the morgue, some of them those of children. "We don't want aid, we want the war to stop. Enough with the bloodshed! Enough!" said Khalil Abu Warda, a relative of the deceased. The assault, which began on October 6 in Jabalia, has since expanded across the north of the territory. On Friday, the military raided Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, emptying it of its last staff and patients. The army said it had killed more than 20 suspected militants and detained more than 240 in "one of the largest" such operations it has conducted since the start of the war. Those detained included the hospital's director, Hossam Abu Safiyeh, a 51-year-old paediatrician it described as a suspected Hamas militant. The World Health Organization, Amnesty International and others have called for his immediate release. "Around me there's nothing but rubble and destruction. People don't know what to do, don't know where to go. And they don't know how to survive," said Jonathan Whittall, a UN aid official in a video released after he visited the Indonesian Hospital in north Gaza. The Israeli military has repeatedly accused Hamas of using hospitals as command centres, an allegation the militant group denies. A report published Tuesday by the UN Human Rights Office said "insufficient information" has been made available to substantiate "vague" Israeli accusations of military use of hospitals. Two further Israeli strikes in Gaza on Wednesday killed another 10 people, including children, the civil defence agency said. Several displaced Gazans said they were facing not just Israeli bombardments but also falling temperatures and heavy rains, which have flooded thousands of tents across the territory. "For three days, we haven't slept out of fear that our children would fall sick because of the winter, as well as fear of missiles falling on us," said Samah Darabieh, a displaced woman now living in Beit Lahia. "Two days ago, they bombed Al-Wafaa hospital, which is behind us, and the shrapnel dropped here." The Hamas-run territory's health ministry said seven children have died from the cold over the past week. The war in Gaza began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 last year, resulting in the deaths of 1,208 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 45,553 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Gaza health ministry which the United Nations considers reliable. Israel's sacked defence minister Gallant quits parliament Jerusalem, Jan 1 (AFP) Jan 01, 2025 Israel's former defence minister Yoav Gallant, who was dismissed in November after spearheading the military campaign in Gaza for more than a year, announced Wednesday that he would resign from parliament. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had sacked Gallant, saying there was a "breakdown in trust" amid disagreements between the two on several issues. "I will submit my resignation to the speaker of the Knesset," Gallant said in a televised statement on Wednesday. Minutes later his office released a photograph showing him submitting his resignation to the speaker of parliament. "I have served the state for 35 years in the IDF (military) and a decade in the government and the Knesset.... There are moments when one must pause and reassess the direction," Gallant said. But he vowed to "continue working with all my strength to bring our kidnapped sons and daughters back home". Netanyahu and Gallant disagreed on several issues, notably the exemption of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from military service. Gallant had been a key advocate for ultra-Orthodox Jews to be called up, but Netanyahu wanted their exemption to continue, fearing their conscription could break up his governing coalition which relies on the support of religious parties. "I understood that the issue of drafting Haredim is not merely a social issue. It is, first and foremost, a necessary security and military need," he said in his statement on Wednesday. "Therefore, I acted for the equal conscription of all those obligated to serve. Due to my insistence on prioritising the good of the state of Israel and the needs of the IDF, I was removed from my position as minister of defence." Gallant and Netanyahu also clashed over the conduct of Israel's war in Gaza after the deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. "I charted the course and set the direction that enabled the state of Israel to achieve a military victory of its enemies in the war," he said. "As the former minister of defence, I take responsibility for everything that happened from the beginning of my term in the months leading up to the war and until the end of my term, over a year after the war began." In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant as well as Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, who the Israeli military says it killed in Gaza. The court said it had found "reasonable grounds" to believe Netanyahu and Gallant bore "criminal responsibility" for the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare, as well as the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts. The Prime Minister said his thoughts with were with the victims, their loved ones and the wider US after a vehicle drove into a crowd in the citys popular Bourbon Street in the early hours of New Years Day. Grant departed in 1999 after Phil fired a gun at a car he was driving causing it to slide into the River Thames when Phil found out that Grant vengefully had sex with his then-wife Kathy Mitchell, but the character was not killed and instead left the Square with his daughter Courtney for a new life in Brazil. By Suzanne McGee (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has told asset manager BlackRock it has until Jan. 10 to accept an agreement that would allow the agency to step up scrutiny of its investments in FDIC-regulated banking institutions, according to a person familiar with the matter. On Friday, the FDIC said it reached a similar deal with Vanguard strengthening the rules the asset manager must observe as a passive investor in FDIC-supervised banks, the latest step in a months-long tug-of-war between the banking regulator and the two biggest managers of index-based mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. The FDIC is pushing both firms to adopt "passivity agreements," which provide the regulator with more tools to monitor compliance on the part of the asset managers with pledges not to influence the business decisions of the FDIC-regulated banks in which they invest. The individual familiar with the state of the negotiations between BlackRock and the FDIC said the firm received the regulator's latest proposal on Friday, less than an hour after the announcement of the Vanguard agreement. That source said the wording of the proposed agreement is "substantively the same" as that of the Vanguard pact. The FDIC declined to comment on the Vanguard agreement or the negotiations with BlackRock. "We know that chief executive officers and board members of large companies carefully watch the policy pronouncements of these mega-owners," said Rohit Chopra, director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and a member of the FDIC board, in a statement released on Monday. "If a large asset manager is truly passive as it claims, it should have no problem complying" with the kind of passivity agreement the FDIC is seeking, Chopra said. In a public comment letter submitted to the FDIC in October, BlackRock said it already makes legally binding commitments to the Federal Reserve Board to remain a passive investor in U.S. banks. "BlackRock does not exercise control over FDIC-supervised institutions, nor does it seek to," Benjamin Tecmire, head of regulatory affairs, said in the letter. The FDIC has not stated what consequences might follow if BlackRock does not meet the Jan. 10 deadline. (Reporting by Suzanne McGee; Editing by Chris Reese) 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 ST. CHARLES COUNTY School board elections arent until April, but efforts to wrest control of some of the states most embattled boards have already kicked off. School board candidate filing ended at 5 p.m. Tuesday, bringing about the official start of contentious races for the Francis Howell and Wentzville boards. In the Wentzville School District, the seven-member board could add two outspoken conservatives who seek two open seats on the board. Candidates Danielle Looney and Christina Macormic, both founding members of the conservative St. Charles County Parents Association, seek to fill a seat left by outgoing Board President Katie Lyczak and Julie Scott, who is running for reelection. The parents association, or SCCPA, began during the pandemic as debates over masks and quarantine procedures embroiled school districts nationwide. The group sued the St. Charles County Health Department in 2021 over allegations the departments COVID-19 quarantine policies and recommendations for public schools violated state laws. In summer 2023, the parents association launched a campaign to exclude their children from leadership training, social-emotional learning, health care and more in public schools to combat ideological subversion. But Looney and Macormic had cut ties with SCCPA by then, resigning from the groups board of directors in April 2023 after the nonprofit accused the two of working against it. Looney and Macormic could not be reached for comment. IRS filings show the agency revoked SCCPAs federal tax exempt status on May 15 for either failing to file 990 tax forms or notices that receipts were under a certain threshold for three consecutive years. Wentzville has seen its fair share of culture war issues over the last few years, but tensions have, for the most part, died down in recent months. Former Superintendent Danielle Tormala left in April with a more than $1 million buyout after a two-year tenure marred by debates of race and gender in curriculum and accusations of hostile behavior. In 2022, Wentzville made headlines for banning and later unbanning Toni Morrisons The Bluest Eye from high school libraries amid a wave of book challenges across the United States. The board more recently passed a policy requiring transgender students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their reproductive biology at birth. And a lawsuit filed against the district by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey over alleged Sunshine Law violations in September 2023 is still making its way through court. Other Wentzville candidates include Jeremy Way, a former parent of two in the district and assistant superintendent of human resources, facilities and transportation for the Wright City R-III School District. Both Way and current board member Scott have received endorsements from the St. Charles County Families for Public Schools, whose candidates won in a clean sweep last April. I feel like our district needs a reset with all the drama and everything thats happened with the superintendent and the school board the last few years, Wentzville parent Amanda Knittel said on Tuesday. I think our district really just needs to see a board thats focused on getting work done thats not a culture war. Francis Howell The Francis Howell School Board will also see some leadership change come spring. Board President Adam Bertrand did not file to run for a second term, saying he accomplished his goals on the board and wanted to focus the time he has left on finding a replacement for the districts departing superintendent. This decision also allows me to focus all my dedicated time working for the board and district towards our superintendent search, he said in text message. Bertrand, along with Vice President Randy Cook, were the first board members elected with the backing of the conservative Francis Howell Families PAC. The PAC seeks to keep Francis Howells five-member conservative majority. Its endorsing Cook and marketing executive Ashley Sturm, who both have children in the district. Both bring a passion for education and a commitment to transparency, accountability, and results, the group wrote in its announcement. They understand that keeping FHSD exceptional means focusing on the basics: smart spending, strong academics, and community trust. Two other candidates Amy Gryder and Sarah Oelke have the backing of the Francis Howell Forward PAC, which calls itself nonpartisan. Gryder is an alumna of the district and works in product management; Oelke teaches English in the Parkway School District. Former Democratic state Sen. Ted House, whose group St. Charles County Families for Public Schools won elections last year, said supporters want to take back our schools. Our objective is to get back to having school boards that want to do whats best for the kids, and who support teachers and who support the idea of public education, House said. Simon Beresford-Wylie is to step down as chief executive of Imagination Technologies in 2025 The chief executive of one of Britains biggest semiconductor companies is stepping down amid claims the business transferred key technology to China. Simon Beresford-Wylie has told Imagination Technologies he will retire next year, prompting the Chinese-owned company to kickstart its search for a new boss. His departure comes after claims Chinese engineers developing advanced artificial intelligence for use in military systems gained access to Imaginations designs. Earlier this month, it was reported that the company sold extensive access to its designs to Chinas Biren Technology and Moore Threads, both of which are on a US blacklist. A report from the UK-China transparency centre said the Hertfordshire-company had transferred core assets to the two firms, which develop cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies. Mr Beresford-Wylies departure is understood to be unrelated to the controversy. Imagination has said it has always complied with export laws and never sold its technology for military use. It has also denied that core assets were transferred to China. However, Mr Beresford-Wylies departure comes at a critical time for the British company, which is coming to the end of a lucrative five-year deal with Apple and is attempting to navigate an escalating trade war between the US and China. Imagination, which specialises in graphics processor units for smartphones and connected cars, is owned by a Beijing-backed private equity firm after it was taken off the London Stock Exchange in 2017. The Telegraph understands that Imaginations chairman, Ray Bingham, has employed City headhunters Egon Zehnder to find a replacement for Mr Beresford-Wylie. The former Nokia and Arqiva executive was brought in to Imagination in 2020 after a Chinese boardroom coup led to the departure of his predecessor Ron Black. Ron Black was ousted from the top job at Imagination Technologies in 2020 - David Rose Mr Blacks exit came after Imaginations key investor, Beijing-backed China Reform, sought to effectively take control of the company by installing four directors on the board. It was only prevented from doing so after the Government intervened. An Imagination Technologies spokesman said: We can confirm Simon Beresford-Wylie, who turns 67 next year, has been considering his retirement plans for some months. He is committed to staying with the company for a managed transition. At this stage there is no planned exit date. Imagination has begun the process to find his successor. The Telegraph previously revealed that the company has been considering a possible listing in the US, although in July it raised $100m (80m) from US investor Fortress. Harry Chandler talks about his experiences during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor in this screenshot from a video interview conducted in Hawaii on Dec. 8, 2023. (Pacific Historic Parks) Harry Chandler, a Navy corpsman who witnessed the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941 from a hillside hospital before rushing to take part in a watery rescue mission, died Monday in Palm Beach County, Fla. He was 103. Chandlers death leaves only 14 veterans of the attack known to be alive, according to a tally maintained by Kathleen Farley, president of the California chapter of Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors. His death comes less than a week after that of Warren Red Upton, who died on Christmas in California at age 105. It is with profound sadness that we announce Harry Chandler, after a swift downturn over the past several days, passed peacefully at 5:08 pm ET, Chandlers family said in a statement published Monday by WPTV-5 in West Palm Beach. We are gutted by this loss of our Pappy but comforted by the fact few have lived on Earth as fully and long as he did and now he is with many who passed before him. From the time Chandler was a child, raised in Massachusetts in part during the hardscrabble years of the Great Depression, he wanted to be a sailor. Harry Chandler, who died Dec. 30, 2024, poses for an undated photo taken during World War II. (Pacific Historic Parks) For years, he begged his parents for a sailor suit, and they eventually gave in. It was a bit too small, but it felt so good, so good, Chandler said during a video interview in Hawaii with Pacific Historic Parks on Dec. 8, 2023, a day after he attended the 82nd commemoration of the Japanese surprise attack at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. I dont know why, but I was always sort of interested in the Navy, he said. There was just something about the Navy. I didnt know too much about it, but I wanted to be a sailor in the Navy. Chandler skipped graduating from high school and instead joined the Navy during his senior year. On Dec. 7, 1941, he learned more than any book could teach. I grew up very quickly, very quickly, that one day, Chandler said. I thought I was a big shot being in the Navy, but I wasnt a man. I was still a kid. That day turned me into a man. Chandler arrived in Hawaii in September 1941 and was assigned to Mobile Hospital No. 2, a complex of metal huts perched on the hillside of Aiea Heights overlooking Pearl Harbor. On the morning of Dec. 7, he was preparing to raise the hospitals flag when he heard the roar of airplanes, he recalled in the interview. He assumed they were American planes arriving from the mainland. I saw them swooping, he said. I thought they must be practicing. Then I saw the bombs dropping. Within minutes, Chandler said he saw the fiery explosion of the USS Arizona as it was hit by bomber torpedoes. It was scary, but they put us in trucks to take us down to the harbor to do what we could do to help those poor guys, he said. They pulled the wounded from the water and transferred them to hospital beds. The sight of so many corpses and so many men in agony profoundly affected the young hospital corpsman, and thoughts of it 82 years later brought Chandler to tears numerous times during the interview. The funny part of it was, you got so busy you werent scared at all. It was after that it got scary: Holy smokes only it wasnt holy smokes we said I could have been killed. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, middle, chants slogans as he poses while inspecting military personnel at the air force base in Hualien on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (Sam Yeh/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te vowed to keep increasing the islands defense spending and display its resolve to fight, as Beijing intensifies drills showcasing its ability to use military force against Taipei. Taiwan needs to be prepared for danger in times of peace and must continue increasing its defense budget and strengthen military capabilities, demonstrating our determination to protect the country, Lai said during his new years address in Taipei on Wednesday. Since Lais inauguration in May, Beijing has ramped up pressure on Taiwan with two large-scale military exercises encircling the island. Following his first overseas trip as president in December, which included stopovers in the U.S. territories of Hawaii and Guam, China launched what Taipei called the largest naval deployment in years along the first island chain. Lais vows come as President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House this month posing fresh uncertainty for Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy that produces the majority of the worlds advanced chips. The Republican has suggested the island should pay America for its defense and cast doubt over whether the U.S. would defend Taiwan from any Chinese invasion, as Joe Biden repeatedly pledged. While Taiwan has already committed to a record military spending in 2025, those plans risk being upended by political turmoil roiling Lais first year in office. Opposition camps in the legislature where his ruling party doesnt hold a majority are trying to push through a budget revamp that officials say could slash defense outlay by 28%. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his own annual new year address Tuesday, and reiterated the Communist Partys position on Taiwan. No one can ever stop Chinas reunification, he said, alluding to Beijings longtime vow to bring the island under its control, by force if necessary. Drone Development Lai mapped out his vision for uniting with fellow democratic nations on the development of drones that are now a cornerstone of modern warfare. Taiwans Defense Ministry has signed agreements with the U.S. allowing it to buy as many as 1,000 attack drones from AeroVironment Inc. and Anduril Industries Inc. to blunt a potential Chinese invasion. Chinas military has sent drones circling Taiwan in recent years, signaling a new surveillance tactic as cross-strait tensions remain high. The Taiwanese leader, who Beijing previously branded an instigator of war, also joined the chorus of world leaders complaining about Chinas glut of cheap exports. A global alliance of trading powers including the U.S. and the European Union have imposed tariffs on a range of Chinese goods over the past year to shield domestic companies. Low-price dumping in the red supply chain will have a huge impact on the global market in the future, Lai said. We need to jointly build a more resilient democratic supply chain. Taiwan isnt immune from the tariff fever sweeping the world. The islands significant trade surplus with the U.S. could make it a target for Trumps proposed tariffs, and the islands central bank has stated its growth momentum may be affected by supply chain restructuring. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A student uses a welding bay at Findon Technical College, a new high school in Adelaide where many teens are hoping to help build Australias AUKUS nuclear-propelled submarines. (Michael E. Miller/The Washington Post) ADELAIDE, Australia Ollie Filipponi always thought hed be an electrician. But then the 16-year-old started at Findon Technical College, a new high school where the curriculum is partly designed by a defense contractor and the welding bays are modeled on those at the local naval shipyard. Now the curly haired teen dreams of building nuclear-powered submarines. Thats way cooler than wiring houses, he said. Ollie is one of the early beneficiaries of AUKUS, the trilateral security pact in which the United States and the United Kingdom are helping Australia build nuclear-propelled submarines to counter Chinas growing military assertiveness in the region. Australia has committed to spend as much as $250 billion over three decades, first to acquire used submarines, then to build its own. Although submarine construction wont start for at least five years, Australia has already begun assembling an AUKUS workforce. It is concentrated here in South Australia, where a new submarine shipyard is underway. To build these advanced vessels, this state of fewer than 2 million people will need thousands of shipbuilders and hundreds of engineers, according to federal and state officials and representatives of the defense industry. The state government is boosting STEM science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in its elementary schools, including lessons designed by defense contractors. Findon is the first of five new technical colleges built by the state to train teens for AUKUS-related careers. A local university is teaching nuclear engineering with U.S. assistance. And the federal government will soon fund 800 new places for university students to study STEM in South Australia, plus 3,200 more nationwide. We are moving at warp speed, South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas said in an interview. The reelection of Donald Trump has injected some uncertainty into the future of AUKUS, however. While Canberra doesnt expect Trump to scrap the plan, some analysts think Trump could seek to amend or renegotiate it. Australian opponents of AUKUS are meanwhile seeking to capitalize on the uncertainty and upend the deal. But what that debate often overlooks partly because the first subs wont be completed until about 2040 is that AUKUS is already very much underway in Australia. This is the biggest industrial endeavor thats happened in Australian history, Defense Minister Richard Marles said in an interview. You can look at these time frames and say, Thats a long way in the future. But, in fact, its not. Every day matters. About 60 members of the Royal Australian Navy are training to work on nuclear-powered submarines in the United States or the United Kingdom, according to Australian defense officials, and nearly a dozen are already serving on U.S. or U.K. subs. One even piloted the USS Hawaii into Perth in 2024 for the first maintenance of its kind outside the United States or a U.S. base. Scores of Australian shipbuilders are in Pearl Harbor training on American subs ahead of rotations of U.S. and U.K. boats to Western Australia starting in 2027. Australia is spending $5 billion on upgrading a naval base in Perth ahead of the visits. Both efforts are to prepare Australia for when it buys the first of at least three U.S. Virginia-class submarines around 2032. Thats also around the time Australia will begin building the first of five nuclear-propelled submarines here in Adelaide. This is a huge horse that were getting on here, Marles said. We cant just magic this. Ollie Filipponi, left, Isla Taylor and Matt Goldsworthy collaborate on a metal-working project at Findon Technical College. (Michael E. Miller/The Washington Post) A construction and training boom at a cost Australias future nuclear submarine factory is currently little more than an empty field on the banks of the Port Adelaide River. But this barren patch of the Osborne shipyard is where BAE Systems, a British defense contractor, will build the AUKUS-class sub with a local company, ASC. The AUKUS sub is being designed by a U.K. team with Australians embedded in it, said Craig Lockhart, chief executive at BAE Systems Australia. The United States is also closely involved since the sub will use U.S. technology and weapons, and preliminary designs are more than 75 percent complete, he said. A joint venture between the two companies will hire roughly 5,000 people over the next decade. The state and federal governments will begin building a skills academy at Osborne this year to train young sub-builders. And as the shipyard goes up, so, too, will schools, day care centers, housing and transportation links. Something similar is happening in Western Australia, where Perths HMAS Stirling naval base is being prepared, to the tune of $5 billion in wharf upgrades and new facilities, for deployments of American nuclear-propelled submarines in 2027. AUKUS will create 20,000 jobs in Australia, officials say. But at a cost of up to $250 billion, that works out to roughly $12 million per job, and some critics argue that the program doesnt justify the price. Its an incredibly inefficient way of creating jobs for people who, for the most part, are already employed, said John Quiggin, a professor of economics at the University of Queensland. Marles, the defense minister, countered that Osborne will have some of the worlds most advanced production lines, saying that theres no doubt that will flow into the wider economy. He wants to speed up South Australias pilot program to bring local companies into the U.S. nuclear submarine supply chain. The effort is being run by HII, one of two U.S. shipbuilders who make Virginia-class subs. If Australian companies can make some parts, it will speed up U.S. production and prepare Australia to maintain its Virginia-class vessels and, eventually, to make the AUKUS sub. What were trying to do is help ourselves and in the process establish sovereign Australian capability, said Michael Lempke, who leads HIIs AUKUS efforts, adding that the company will soon launch a similar program in Western Australia. Justin Lai conducts a stress test on a ship cradle in a program at Findon Technical College partly designed by BAE Systems. (Michael E. Miller/The Washington Post) AUKUS education starts in elementary school Students as young as 9 recently gathered in a classroom in the small town of Moonta, two hours from Adelaide. Using tablets and a 3D modeling program supplied by BAE, they designed an underwater gadget. The company soon will sponsor similar projects in 80 elementary schools across South Australia. The program is one of several new state initiatives designed not only to promote STEM but also to make students comfortable with the defense industry. There are people who are just starting primary school who we would hope to have a career in AUKUS, said Lockhart, of BAE. We need to be influencing the academic curriculum today, not only to build up the social license for what were trying to achieve but also to try to attract the very best students. The initiatives have been met with little protest in an industrial state still searching to replace its auto plants, the last of which shut in 2017. At Findon, half the students in its advanced manufacturing and engineering pathway are hoping to work for BAE, said instructor Joel Phillips. The defense contractor helped design the curriculum and welding bays, he said. Findons workshop even has yellow safety lines on the floor just like at Osborne. Isla Taylor commutes four hours every day after her previous school stopped teaching engineering. The 15-year-old was blown away by a field trip to BAEs shipyard. AUKUS is one of the main things we talk about here, she said. Some Findon students will head to local universities, which are also transforming for AUKUS. Last year, Flinders University brought in professors from the University of Rhode Island to teach nuclear engineering to undergraduates. This year it will also offer graduate courses and paid apprenticeship degrees with BAE and ASC. Michael Ly, 16, plans to study software engineering in university before joining BAE. He never thought of working in defense until coming to Findon, he said as he pulled up a ship cradle design on his laptop. Now he was hoping to focus on cybersecurity. Were going to need that when were building submarines, he said. As a student sparked a welding torch with an air-splitting crackle, Filipponi practiced on a digital welding machine. In six years, the steel hull of an AUKUS sub would start to take shape nearby. The teen wants to be part of the effort. That, he said, would be awesome. Legal books line a bookshelf in a courtroom next to the American flag. (Daniel Blackwell/U.S. Air Force) Military commanders will lose their authority to overturn court-martial findings in the most serious sexual harassment cases as of Jan. 1, the Pentagon said Tuesday. Under a plan approved by Congress, certain sexual harassment cases under the Uniform Code of Military Justice the militarys set of laws will be investigated and prosecuted by the new Offices of Special Trial Counsel in each service branch. The Defense Department issued a statement Tuesday confirming the special trial counsels of the Army, Air Force, Navy and the Marine Corps will take over Article 134 sexual harassment cases. Article 134 is the militarys general article covering all disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces, all conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces, and crimes and offenses not capital, of which persons subject to this chapter may be guilty, shall be taken cognizance of by a general, special, or summary court-martial, according to the U.S. Manual of Courts-Martial. Article 134 has several subsections dealing with specific violations, including disloyal statements, fraternization, underage drinking, abusing animals, adultery and gambling with subordinates. Sexual harassment violations under Article 134 are defined as knowingly making sexual advances, demands or requests for sexual favors. The advances must also have been unwelcomed, and a reasonable person would believe submission or rejection to the advances would have an effect on the targeted persons job, pay, career, benefits or entitlements. It is also defined as severe, repetitive or pervasive, creating a hostile environment and being to the prejudice of good order and discipline, and a discredit on the armed forces. The maximum penalty for each count of sexual harassment is a dishonorable discharge for enlisted personnel or dismissal from service for officers, total forfeiture of pay and allowances, and confinement for up to two years. The Navys special trial counsel will handle cases involving Coast Guard members, while the Space Force will fall under the Air Force counsel. Congress has acted to remove commanders from exercising discretionary authority on prosecution and punishment for 14 covered offenses of the UCMJ, including nearly all sex crimes, kidnapping, manslaughter and murder. Some lawmakers said they pushed for reforms after receiving several reports of command influence in which charges were not brought against senior officers or findings were overturned following courts-martial. The special trial counsels were established in late December 2023 and began taking cases immediately. In past cases, officers were sometimes allowed to accept retirement, with a reduction in rank, with an honorable discharge in lieu of dismissal, the militarys equivalent of a dishonorable discharge for officers. Lawmakers who supported removing commanders from the decision-making process said they hoped it would create a more professional prosecution and punishment of offenders. Were trying to professionalize how these cases are handled, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said in May 2021. We are creating a state-of-the-art [District Attorneys] office within the military to handle all serious crimes. The addition of sexual harassment cases to the slate of crimes handled by special trial counsels was delayed until 2025 to allow the new offices more time to develop reporting methods and standards. Before Jan. 1, decisions to charge service members with sexual harassment under Article 134 were made by unit commanders. The commanders also reviewed the outcome of cases that went to court-martial and had the unilateral power to vacate sentences or overturn verdicts with which they disagreed. The new rules mean appeals of courts-martial handled by the special trial counsels can only be reviewed and altered by the secretaries of the service branches. Conviction for sexual harassment under Article 134 is considered a felony, which could limit the guilty persons ability to get a job, vote, and buy firearms, among other civilian penalties, once the person has left military service. However, not all sexual harassment charges will be filed as violations of Article 134, said Michelle McCaskill, spokeswoman for the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel. Both Article 93 (cruelty and maltreatment) and Article 92 (failure to obey order or regulation) will remain a separate option to prosecute sexual harassment allegations, she said. Allegations of misconduct which violate Articles 92 and 93 but not Article 134 are not covered offenses, therefore OSTC would not be able to exercise authority over those allegations unless the subject is also suspected of committing a separate covered offense. Theres nothing normal about an exhibit featuring the belongings of a cannibal but it left me with a bad taste in my mouth Murder memorabilia - or Murderabilia as its called - is not a new concept, but it has risen in popularity in tandem with the rise of public interest in true crime. I first discovered this bizarre phenomenon of people who buy, sell, and collect artefacts relating to famous crimes, killers, and victims when I came across the Instagram account of a store called Cult Collectables. In particular, they were selling Jeffery Dahmers glasses. Yep, the actual glasses worn by the cannibal and serial killer during his three-year stint behind bars before he was murdered in 1994. The glasses were obtained from the killers father Lionel Dahmer, who died himself in 2023. They went on sale for over 143,000 and with not much more than a fleeting thought about the strangeness of it all, I largely forgot about the specs until a new Netflix show about the killer brought them to the mainstream, as the media outlets splashed a story about the specs and the staggering sum the seller, a man named Taylor James. I soon forgot about the glasses again, but to my surprise, I unexpectedly came face to face with them last weekend. Down a dark, hidden and graffitied tunnel underneath Waterloo Station in London, a serial killer exhibition world tour has set-up shop in The Vaults. When I arrived at first I wasnt quite sure I was in the right place as it wasnt signposted. But I took my chances and decided to head down the alley and found it straight away. The walls around the tunnel were covered in bright graffiti. A tourist spot in itself, artists entertain visitors with stories of Banksy, giving kids a chance to do some spray painting of their own. After a quick bag search, I was on my way inside. The exhibition mixed education and fascination with the macabre in a way that can interest any true crime consumer. Broken into different sections, visitors go through the exhibit at their own pace. It begins with an explanation of the different types of serial killers; organised or disorganised, and their various motives before we meet our first killer: Jack The Ripper. With educational posters about the Ripper, his victims and the lore surrounding him, there is also a crime scene reconstruction which depicts the killing of Limerick-born sex worker Mary Jane Kelly in 1888. He, alongside Ted Bundy, Denis Radar, Dennis Nielsen and Ed Kemper all have their own sections about their infamous crimes, while other killers are categorized in sections like Profit Driven Killers, British Serial Killers and Female Killers. Other areas of the exhibit gave a close up view of execution tools, forensic tools and criminal artwork. There are also reconstructions of John Wayne Gacys crawl space, Ed Geins sewing room and Anatoly Moskvins sitting room. Dennis Rader's prison slippers and a painting by John Wayne Gacy What was most fascinating to me, and to most people, was the so-called Murderabilia, which included real artifacts as well as reconstructions. And this is of course when I came across those damn glasses again. Tucked away in the most stomach churning section of the exhibit among fellow cannibals is a reconstruction of Dahmers kitchen - a bloody freezer full of fake human limbs included - as well as the specs, which were safely tucked away in a glass case. Other artefacts belonging to him included his prison bible and letters sent to him from fans. British killer Dennis Nielsen also has a pair of his glasses in the exhibit. Other items I perused were Cannibal Armin Meiwes actual fridge and freezer, a pearl necklace owned by Doretha Puente, slippers worn by Dennis Rader in prison and crucifixes made by Russian serial killer Vasily Smirnov using bread crumbs. As well as these, I saw original art by John Wayne Gacy, clothes belonging to Peter Sutcliffe and a guitar signed by Charles Manson. A lock of hair from Charles Manson, as well as a guitar signed by him Replicas of The Zodiac Killers hood, Israel Keyes murder kits and Ted Bundys Beetle car were also part of the exhibition, and as strange as it might sound, the most bizarre part of the exhibit came in the form of a killer I had never heard of before; Nicolas Claux. Posters telling his story surrounded glass cases which featured his artwork - detailed paintings of killers Leonarda Ciancilucci and Alexander Bychov - which were dated 2024. Copies of the books he penned Cannibal Cookbook, Russian Cannibals: Addicted to Human Flesh and The Gospel of Blood also sat behind the glass. Claux, who is not actually a serial killer, spent seven years of a 12-year sentence behind bars for murdering a man in 1994. When he was arrested, police found bodies in his home, and he was also charged with grave robbing. In an interview, he told police he was a cannibal who had eaten dead bodies at the hospital where he worked in Paris. By the time I got to his section, I had only recognised his name because various items throughout the exhibit had his name attached. Lain beside a tie worn by The Night Stalker Richard Ramirez during his trial was a note handwritten by Claux. It read: I clarify I received this necktie from Doreen Ramirez, the ex-wife of Richard Ramirez, in 2017. This is the tie that he was wearing during his Los Angeles trial. Nico Claux. I thought maybe I had mixed up the name a little bit, because surely the cannibal killer I was reading about hadnt provided artefacts belonging to other killers to the exhibit? It was then I also noted there was a business card, with an Instagram handle. A cannibal killer on Instagram? Surely not? My eyes hadnt deceived me. Nico Claux, as it turns out, is another buyer and seller of murderabilia. It just so happens that he is also a killer. Out in the gift shop, alongside stickers, magnets and mugs depicting various serial killers, I found a bundle of photos signed by Claux for sale. How can a killer sell signed photos of themselves - and who is buying them? Quite like the many murderabilia sellers online, the Serial Killer Exhibition is not completely transparent about their sources either. Paintings by Nico Claux and photographs signed by him Are exhibits like this and murderabilia sellers glorifying killers? Or are they simply just a part of crime history, on display for those with an interest in it, the same way those with an interest in history can visit former concentration camps? Or see pieces of ancient history in a museum? As a student of criminology, and of course a crime reporter, I am completely fascinated by it - and I think its human nature to be intrigued by the macabre. Like everything, its nuanced, but I know for sure that I draw the line with murderabilia belonging to victims of crime. One museum in the United States proudly boasts ownership of toys belonging to a deceased child who was murdered by her mother in Florida in 2008. I have not been to said museum, but I met a curator at an event earlier this year who declined to comment about where and how the item was obtained. After my visit to the exhibit in London, which is set to close in January, I couldnt help but chew over just how uncomfortable Nicolas Claux and his link to the exhibit made me feel. Mackenzie Michalski was allegedly killed by an unnamed Irish citizen in November. Ireland and the Irish have featured twice in a list of six US tourist tragedies in 2024, as compiled by the New York Post. An American nurse from Oregon died in Hungary after she disappeared from a nightclub in Budapest. Mackenzie Michalski was allegedly killed by an unnamed Irish citizen in November. The womans friends contacted police after she failed to return back to their rented accommodation in Terezvaros. Using CCTV footage, police tracked down the suspect, a 37-year-old Irishman - who can only be legally identified by his initials MLT. He reportedly confessed to accidentally killing the nurse during sex, before later placing her body in a suitcase. Police told local media it appeared the man killed Mackenzie during an intimate relationship. After her death, the suspect allegedly cleaned his apartment and hid Mackenzies body in his closet while he went out to buy a suitcase. He then allegedly put her body in the suitcase and took her to a wooded area near Lake Balaton, about two hours from Budapest. Michalski's family have also said that despite his claims, they believe the man suspected of killing her did it deliberately. Chilling video footage released previously by Hungarian investigators shows the Irish murder suspect leading police to the body. In the video taken the suspect is seen being finger-printed as police officers watch and is then photographed with his face toward the camera and from the side. Wearing an adidas top, the suspect, whose face is blurred throughout, has his hands pressed onto documentation to leave an imprint. Police officers can be seen conversing in He then has a black belt tied around his waist which is secured by more handcuffs before police use it as a leash as they march him along a corridor. The next part of the footage shows him being taken out of a police car on the outskirts of Szigliget, two hours from the city, while still handcuffed to officers. He is then seen leading officers through a thickly wooded area consisting of bushes and knee-length grass. Police dogs wait by the side of the road as they prepare to follow the team while specialist officers in hazmat suits leave markers along the trail. The suspect is then seen being led to a police van as the final shot focuses on his handcuffed hands. Police have revealed how Michalskis killer made a series of disturbing online searches after her death, including: Do pigs really eat dead bodies?' and 'Texas woman killed by wild boar'. He also searched for 'appearance of wild boar in the settlements along the Lake Balaton' which is the area he would later dump her body. Other searches included asking 'what does a dead body smell like after it decomposes' and how to 'remove rotting meat smell.' Henry McGowan. (Photo Credit: ABC News) A second death included on the list was that of a 60-year-old man who was killed at Ballyfin Demesne hotel in Laois. John McGowan, an American tourist, had only flown into Ireland several hours before he was allegedly attacked in a bathroom of the hotel in November. He was found dead by hotel staff in the leisure area and was the victim of a sustained assault, gardai believe. Emergency services rushed to the scene and his son Henry was arrested and later charged with murder. The 30-year-old with an address in Brooklyn, New York, appeared via video link before Judge Susan Fay from Cloverhill Prison, where he is being held in custody. Youd get a little sachet of salt, so youd root into the bag and put the salt on yourself. He used to complain every day that they were stale, but hed still go back the next day If Carlsberg did jobs than John OConnor, the marketing manager of Tayto, might have to turn it down - because he already has the dream job. John who celebrated 20 years with one of Irelands biggest exports earlier this year admits cheerily: I have the best job in the world! I celebrated 20 years with Tayto earlier this year. I was in Cadbury and Glanbia for nine years each, but this is such a fun place to work, people stay here for longer than most places. We are in business to do business, but the brand is so infectious, and Mr Tayto puts a smile on my face every day. We have just released a new book, The Story of Tayto: The Original Irish Crisp, about the famous history of the 70-year bag of crisps and the old pictures and stories are a wonderful read. There is a real emotional connection to Tayto and people love reading and talking about its history. Its been a real journey, each person who has owned this business, it has been different ownership right through, but everyone is committed to the brand Mr Tayto comes to our sales conference and our Christmas party. He has to rock along to our parties and dance the night away. I often feel sorry for the fella who must be roasting hot in that suit. I still love a bag of Tayto, not every day but I love them. Crisp packets in the year 2000 The new book charts the humble beginnings of the famous Irish crisp back to 1954, when Joe Spud Murphy opened a small factory in Dublin city in a two-bed house. Until then, we imported out crisps from the UK, and Murphy embarked on the business when he saw the gap in the market. The Liberties man who grew up in the shadow of the Guinness factory started the company with a budget of 500. John says: Joe used to get to same shop in Swords every day to get a packet of English crisps. The shop still exists but its not in the same spot, its called Savages. Hed pop into the shop and get a bag of crisps, they were English and they were stale. Youd get a little sachet of salt, so youd root into the bag and put the salt on yourself. He used to complain every day that they were stale, but hed still go back the next day. Then one day the lady shop keeper, Mrs Savage, had enough of him saying the same thing every single time and told him to go and make your own blazes packet of crisps, and thats exactly what he did, and we are still here!! John adds: I remember back in 2009 when Mr Tayto went up for election, it was the most googled word on Ireland during that period, because Mr Tayto really connects with people, its brilliant. Our biggest export market is Australia, so many of us are down there, and the east coast of America with New York and Boston, but wherever there is an Irish pub anywhere in the world, there will be a packet of Tayto, by hook or by crook well get it there. Joe started off with four staff in a two-room building near Moore Street. He used to experiment with tastes and he had a fella called Seamus Burke who was a scientist, who is credited with the cheese and onion flavour, which kind of happened by chance because one day they hadnt enough cheese so they loaded in the onion and then thought, this tastes pretty good. Sligo's Seamus Burke Scientist Seamus Burke from Sligo was the man who created the flavouring and the way to keep the famous crisp fresh. The cooked crisps were flavoured by hand and then packed into a waxed greaseproof paper bag before being sealed by another one of the companys first employees, Bernie Kane. Cheese and onion remains the number one seller. A massive 60 to 65pc of all sales in Ireland are cheese and onion. Tayto has the balance just right. The UK go for a slightly sweeter taste so thats why people love cheese and onion, he says. The Story of Tayto, by Bobby Aherne and published by Sitric Books, is available in bookstores nationwide priced 19.95. Patrick Tiernan (65) Clonsilla, Dublin 15, was last seen at 3pm on Tuesday, December 31 GardaI and the family of a man reported missing from his Dublin home last night say they are concerned for his well-being. Patrick Tiernan (65) of Clonsilla, Dublin 15, was reported missing from his home on Tuesday, December 31. He was last seen in Clonsilla shortly after 3pm on Tuesday afternoon. Patrick is described as being approximately 6 foot 3 inches tall with a medium build, grey hair, grey facial hair and blue eyes. He has a tattoo on his left forearm. When last seen Patrick was wearing a khaki green puffer jacket and black jeans. Gardai and Patrick's family are concerned for his well-being. Anyone with information on Patricks whereabouts is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station. The couple, who were married with children, lived in the Whitestown area nearby. A cherished husband and wife, who died after a road traffic collision on St Stephens Day will be laid to rest on Friday. Anthony Hogg (40) and his wife Georgina Hogg Moore (39) were crossing a road near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Dublin, at around 5.45pm on December 26. The couple, who were married with children, lived in the Whitestown area nearby. Husband and wife Anthony Hogg and Georgina Hogg-Moore Their funeral will be held at Church of St. Philip the Apostle, Mountview in Dublin 15 on Friday morning (Jan 3) arriving for requiem mass at 11am followed by a celebration of their lives in Dardistown Crematorium at 1.30pm. In a funeral notice, the couple were described as the cherished mother and father of Ryan and Becky-Joy, beloved children of Valerie, Jackie and the late George and Paul and dear brother and sister of Peter, Caitriona, Julie, Emma, Damo, Yvonne, Jen, Katie, Paulie, Ross, Arron and Kirstie. It continued that the couple would be sadly missed by their loving families, relatives, friends and Ben and Kai. The family have asked that mourners wear bright colours to reflect both Anto and Georginas personalities. Floral tributes at the scene on Blanchardstown Road North, west Dublin, where two pedestrians were killed. The couple have been named locally as Anthony Hogg and his wife Georgina Hogg Moore.Photo credit should read: Evan Treacy/PA Wire Tributes have been flooding in for the couple, with one person writing: Beyond sad that this beautiful couple lost their lives condolences to their family especially their children who are left without their mammy and daddy. May they both rest in peace. Another wrote: I am so terribly sorry on the senseless loss of both Anto and Georgina, my heart is broken for you all. What a beautiful couple, a bond that will never be broken. Your children will remain a constant on my mind, may God grant them strength. A man has been remanded in custody in connection with the incident. John Halpin (45) of Whitestown Avenue, Blanchardstown, made no application for bail when he appeared before Judge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court yesterday. A fight in Wellington Zoo's capybara enclosure ultimately caused the death of its hugely popular capybara Luna. Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo recently shared the news of Luna's death in an email to customers, leaving Dia as its sole capybara. Acting wildlife director Nick Dunn said the rodent had been sick for several weeks with chronic gut problems and diarrhoea, but she had been getting treatment and was stable. But Luna required blood tests, which meant removing her from her enclosure and giving her anaesthetic. "Unfortuantely with this species, the are notoriously difficult - when you take one out of the group and have to put it back they can become quite aggressive towards each other," Dunn said. He said as a result, they only remove one from the herd if it ws absolutely necessary, which it was in Luna's case. "We got Luna the anaesthetic which she woke up from nicely, but unfortunately on the re-introduction - although it seemed like it was all going well - the girls had a bit of a fight," Dunn said. "Rodents have big old teeth and Dia caused a number of wounds on Luna that she was unable to survive." He said normally the robust, thick-skinned animals would be easily able to heal from such injuries, but because Luna had been unwell, it was too much for her to overcome. While the zoo was still awaiting the blood test results, Dunn said it had confirmed Luna's condition was not infectious. He said capybara have an extremely complicated gut microbiome. "Unfortuantely for Luna, there was something out of balance in her intestinal tract and we're trying to get to the bottom of what that was." The results are due back in the first few days of 2025. Outpouring of support Since the news of Luna's death, the zoo had received a huge outpouring of support from the public, which Dunn said showed just how loved she was. "The keepers get very close to the animals they work with, and every animal we lose is a big loss. But Luna was very special to them, as well as to our visitors," Dunn said. "Capybara are hugely popular; they're sort of a viral sensation and everyone who's met Luna in one of our close encounters feels particularly close to her - and our other capybara (Dia). "There's been a real show of support from our community, which we'd like to thank everyone for, very much." Dia was also receiving extra attention and support from the mammals team, because capybara were herd animals. "She's eating well, she's behaving quite normally, she's still engaging with the keepers for her trianing and everything else, so at the moment she's looking ok." New chapter for Dia But Dia will not have to remain alone for very long. Plans have been underway for a while for Wellington Zoo to introduce a male capybara to the enclosure as a mate. But those plans had to be put on hold when Luna got sick. "We were going to be breeding with our females here, but the loss of Luna means we've only got Dia now," Dunn said. "So the plan is we'll be bringing in a male in from Brooklands Zoo in New Plymouth, his name is Fernando. Fernando will come in and we'll introduce those two and they'll form their own little herd here." Dunn said he hoped Fernando and Dia can be introduced within the first few weeks of January. Warning: Distressing images Animal rights organisation Peta has alleged sheep are being mistreated on farms in New Zealand. The non-profit has released an expose into New Zealands shearing practices, accusing farmers of whipping, tackling, cutting and abusing their animals. However, Federated Farmers calls it a disgraceful hit job by Peta and says New Zealand farmers have incredibly high animal welfare standards. In a summary of the investigation published on its website, Peta alleged animals sustained injuries and wounds, claimed shearers hit sheep with various objects, including a ski pole and said that one worker slammed a sheeps head against a hard wooden board three times. Videos published on its website and Facebook page appear to show a shearer with his boot on a sheeps throat, and other animals bleeding from cuts sustained during shearing. Photos also show dead sheep on different properties, some infested with flies. Peta investigators reported how they saw many dead sheep on farms, including some dumped in trash pits. Photo / Peta Peta Asia-Pacific said in a statement it had turned over the evidence to New Zealand officials and is urging them to investigate and file appropriate cruelty charges for apparent violations of the law, which include abusing and wounding sheep and causing them unreasonable pain. Peta says it found evidence of animal abuse inside the sheep farms. Photo / Peta The Ministry for Primary Industries confirmed it had been contacted about the allegations. MPI has received a complaint and video clips alleging mistreatment of sheep by some shearers, Peter Hyde, MPI manager of animal welfare and national animal identification and tracing compliance (South), told the Herald. We note some of the allegations date back to 2023. MPI is investigating the complaints. Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams told the Herald the footage couldnt be further from what normal farming practices in New Zealand look like. In reality, what youre seeing in that video is a montage showing some isolated examples of poor practice that most Kiwi farmers simply wouldnt put up with in their shearing shed, he said. New Zealand farmers have incredibly high animal welfare standards and we take the responsibility of caring for our animals very seriously. Williams said sheep are shorn for the animals health and wellbeing. We want to prevent issues like fly strike and heat stress over the summer months, he said. If we didnt shear our sheep theyd be pretty uncomfortable, at risk of overheating, and be really susceptible to parasites and disease. He accused Peta of attempting to push an extreme anti-farming agenda. Peta should hang their heads in shame for this disgusting attack on New Zealand sheep farmers who are the best in the world at what we do. The Ministry for Primary Industries confirmed it is investigating allegations of mistreatment of sheep by some shearers. Photo / Liam Clayton The Peta expose also claimed a South Island property owned by former NBC host Matt Lauer was the site of some of the incidents in its investigation, alleging shearers at the farm stepped on a thrashing sheeps neck, dragged sheep across the floor, sewed up a sheeps bloody wound without any painkillers, and other atrocities. A representative for Lauers company Orange Lakes (NZ) told the Herald it had no involvement with the farming operation and the property is subleased to Hunter Valley Farming. The shearing is undertaken by independent shearing contractors engaged by Hunter Valley Farming, the spokesperson said. Lauers representative said they had alerted the Overseas Investment Office. Orange Lakes and Mr Lauer take the allegations extremely seriously and have commenced their own investigations, they said. Shearers kicked, beat, and stomped on sheep and threw them down chutes, Peta said. Photo / Peta Peta released its alleged findings on December 31, outlining what it said its investigators saw at 11 ZQ-wool-producing locations across New Zealand from 2023 to 2024. New Zealand had approximately 23.59 million sheep as of June 2024. Mulesing the removal of hind skin strips from sheep is banned from ZQ Merino suppliers. The practice was outlawed in New Zealand in 2018. New Zealand had approximately 23.59 million sheep as of June 2024 around three million of which are merino and the number has declined in recent years after peaking in the 1980s. Merino wool is high-value, fine and soft with moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties, and New Zealand merino is used by apparel companies such as Icebreaker and Untouched World. Barrister and award-winning shearer Jills Angus Burney is not surprised that Peta has targeted New Zealand sheep shearers because it earlier did a similar expose in Australia. She believes the industrys standards have improved drastically over recent decades and are higher than ever before. The merino industry is hugely watchful of ethical standards, she told the Herald. I can assure you, and you can assure your readers, that when we teach people to shear sheep, we teach people to shear so that they are handling the animals with care. Farmers were really, really trying to do the best thing and she thinks ZQ Merino is absolutely ethical. Because of the nature of the shearing process, nicks do happen she said. Angus Burney said merino sheep, which have three times as many capillaries as British breeds, bleed more as visible in Petas footage. She claimed the organisations approach was cherry-picking its findings. A minority of shearers could be rough or do a bad job, which was for shearing contractors to deal with. She said the people who shot the footage shared by Peta should have reported what they saw immediately. They were in those wool sheds, they have a fiduciary duty to raise their concerns in the first instance with the owners of the stock, she said. Raised the footage and the complaints with the contractors, with the employers, with the gangs, with the team leaders, the shearing contractors and the relative farmers. She said there was no place for deliberate violence in the New Zealand wool industry. If youre in the woolshed when thats happening, you have an absolute duty to report it. Four forensics officers have arrived at the scene of a homicide investigation after a death in Hamilton overnight. One child at the property was killed and three other people have been injured. Neighbours are congregating and watching police work, several brought to tears over the violence that occurred only metres from their homes. Jesse, a local resident who said he was one of the first on scene told the Herald I knew the baby was gone ... it was lifeless. He said he knew something was wrong when he saw a man dragging a woman across the street. Local resident Kasey said she looked after the surviving children at what is now the scene of a homicide investigation. Photo / Dean Purcell Jesse, a local resident who said he was one of the first on scene told the Herald I knew the baby was gone ... it was lifeless. He said he knew something was wrong when he saw a man dragging a woman across the street. She said a nana and auntie arrived at the scene and dropped to ground, screaming and bawling after learning what had happened. The childrens mother was injured and the alleged offender was also taken to hospital with injuries. The scene on Douglas Cres, Hamilton where a violent incident occurred overnight. Photo / Dean Purcell Police would not be drawn on specifics but other sources have spoken about what happened at the address. It is understood the alleged offenders injuries were self-inflicted. Emergency services were called shortly after midnight to Douglas Cres, Fairfield, after a report of an assault, a police spokesperson said. When police arrived at the property, they found one person deceased and two others seriously injured, who were transported to hospital. A 34-year-old man was found a short distance from the address with serious injuries and was also transported to hospital, where he remains under police guard. A scene examination will take place at the property today. Police, fire and ambulance have all attended and a homicide investigation is underway. Photo / Dean Purcell Police would like to reassure the community that this is an isolated incident and there is no ongoing risk to the wider public. The spokesperson confirmed the 34-year-old man will face charges in due course in relation to the incident. Police, fire and ambulance have all attended the address and the cordon encompasses at least 10 houses. Two paramedic bags, gloves and other tools are strewn across the front lawn of one property, which has police tape across it inside the cordon. Bags and gloves used by paramedics are left on the lawn at the Douglas Cres property. Photo / Dean Purcell FAMILY VIOLENCE Pharmacs achievements as historic funding enable access to new, life-saving medicines for New Zealanders, Associate Health Minister David Seymour said. Pharmac, New Zealand's medicine procurement agency, continues to make strides in increasing access to life-saving medicines with the governments largest-ever investment in its budget. Seymour expressed his satisfaction, noting that Pharmac has been allocated $6.294 billion over four years to enhance medicine availability. Pharmac operates independently but within the governments budget constraints, Seymour said. When this government assumed office, there was a $1.8 billion funding shortfall, leaving New Zealanders uncertain about medicine access. Fixing this was a top priority. The increased funding has already shown results, particularly for cancer patients. A $604 million uplift has facilitated access to new treatments. Seymour highlighted the importance of Pharmacs role in negotiating deals with pharmaceutical companies, ensuring the best outcomes for New Zealanders. From today, patients will benefit from four new funded medicines negotiated in a multi-product deal with AstraZeneca. Among them is Osimertinib (Tagrisso), a treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, now available as a first-line option and for those who have previously undergone treatment. HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients will gain access to Trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu), providing new hope for those battling the disease. For families with high-risk babies and young children, the funding of Palivizumab (Synagis) offers relief by preventing RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Meanwhile, individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can now access the budesonide, glycopyrronium, and formoterol triple inhaler (Breztri Aerosphere). Seymour emphasized the significance of Pharmacs recent patient-focused approach, as outlined in his letter of expectations and Patient Voice Aotearoas white paper, which he accepted earlier this year. Feedback received during public consultation led to patient-centric adjustments to the final decision. These steps show what Pharmac is capable of with the right support, Seymour stated. Its responsiveness to patients and families reflects a shift toward a more adaptable, patient-centered approach. The Associate Health Minister reiterated the governments commitment to building a world-class health system. Access to world-class medicines is essential for achieving this goal, he concluded. Chinas Central Bank Highlights Cryptocurrency Regulation in Financial Stability Report In its recently released 2024 Financial Stability report, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) underscored the importance of regulating crypto activities amidst ongoing global efforts. The report, published on Friday, included a section specifically addressing the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies and detailed Hong Kong's burgeoning crypto licensing regime. The PBOC noted that 51 jurisdictions worldwide have imposed bans or restrictions on cryptocurrency assets. This includes mainland China, where a blanket ban on all crypto trading and mining was implemented in September 2021. In contrast, Hong Kong has adopted a different approach, actively welcoming crypto firms. As of June 2023, the region has officially launched a licensing regime for crypto trading platforms, permitting licensed exchanges to provide retail trading services. The report also highlighted that major financial institutions, including HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank, are now required to monitor crypto transactions as part of their standard customer supervision protocols. This move signifies a shift in regulatory practices within Hong Kong, which aims to integrate cryptocurrencies into the existing financial framework. Additionally, the PBOC is committed to enhancing an international regulatory framework for crypto assets, as suggested by the Financial Stability Board. While the central bank acknowledged that the connections between crypto activities and systemically important financial institutions may be limited, it warned that crypto could pose risks in certain economies, particularly as their use in payment systems and retail investments expands. Utica, N.Y. A Central New York man who is a registered sex offender because he once raped a girl was arrested on sex charges this weekend in Utica. Saang Sim, 53, of Utica, was arrested on Saturday after Oneida County Sheriffs Office deputies say he had sexual contact with a girl under the age of 17. In 1997, Sim was sentenced to seven to 10 years in prison after he raped a 16-year-old girl in Massachusetts, according to the New York state sex offender registry . This weekend in Utica, Sim subjected the girl to several acts of lewd and inappropriate sexual behavior over the course of two days, according to a news release from the sheriffs office. Sim was charged Saturday with two counts of first-degree sexual abuse. He is being held at the Oneida County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail. An order of protection was issued on behalf of the child and services have been offered to the victim by the Oneida County Advocacy Center. Syracuse, NY -- Central New Yorks largest health insurer reached a deal with St. Josephs Health late New Years Eve, bringing to a close the regions last major insurance negotiation in a contentious year. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and St. Joes announced a deal around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday that will preserve in-network coverage for more than 35,000 patients. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (Excellus BCBS) and St. Josephs Health have reached a multi-year contract agreement effective Jan. 1, 2025, that will keep St. Josephs Health in the Excellus BCBS provider network, both sides announced in a joint news release. Their announcement came on the heels of a deal between St. Joes parent, Trinity Health, and insurance giant Aetna, which announced their agreement shortly before 5 p.m. Both insurers had contracts that were due to expire at midnight. Had no agreements been reached, patients with each insurance would have lost in-network benefits at St. Josephs Hospital Health Center, its physicians' network and related facilities. The flurry of activity will mean that patients with Excellus or Aetna will see no changes to in-network coverage at St. Joes going into the New Year. The news also brings to a close a year in which disputes between insurers and providers seemed to make news like never before. First, there was the nearly yearlong impasse between Excellus and urgent care provider WellNow that began Jan. 1, 2024 and ended in mid-November with a new contract. Over the summer, the regions largest primary care provider, FamilyCare Medical Group, warned 30,000 patients that it was at serious odds with Excellus. After much publicity, the two sides settled their differences Nov. 21 before any impact was felt by patients. St. Josephs CEO Dr. Steven Hanks had warned that the health network was demanding steep rate hikes from Excellus during their negotiations. The two sides had appeared ready for a lengthy battle, extending their old contract, if needed, until the end of February. St. Joes faced a similar standoff with Aetna, who also warned roughly 15,000 members of its difficulty in reaching a new contract. Both of those disputes ended within hours Tuesday, sending the majority of Central New Yorkers into the New Year with no dramatic changes to in-network coverage among major insurers and providers. Albany, N.Y. A former Central New York judge who was suspended, and later resigned, after making racially charged remarks at a private party has secured a new government job. The judge, Erin P. Gall, has been hired as an assistant county attorney in Herkimer County, according to court papers filed Monday by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct. Gall resigned Dec. 15 from her position as a judge based in Oneida County for the states Fifth Judicial District. Those spots on the bench are elected by all voters in the district, which covers a large swath of Central New York. She had been suspended with pay since the commission ruled this summer that she should be removed from the bench after making inappropriate comments at a graduation party in 2022. At the party, the former judge repeatedly invoked her office, threatened to shoot a group of Black teens and insulted their intelligence during a racially offensive, profane, prolonged public diatribe outside a high school graduation party in July 2022 in New Hartford in Oneida County, the commission has said. Read more: Watch videos that break down a Central NY judges racially offensive rants: Ill shoot them Gall requested in August that the state Court of Appeals review the commissions decision. She had hoped for a lesser sanction than removal. She has attempted to push back on the commission finding that her actions were racially offensive. Galls attorney moved Dec. 17 to withdraw the appeal, saying she had resigned her spot on the bench. In an affidavit attached to the motion, Gall wrote that her decision to abandon hope of remaining on the bench was one of the hardest decisions she has made. Gall was elected to the bench as a Republican in 2011. Her 14-year term was set to expire next December. Her salary was $232,600. Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7. Syracuse, N.Y. The chair of the state Senate committee that oversees New York States sprawling prison system has called for the closure of the Utica-area facility where guards brutally assaulted an inmate earlier this month. State Sen. Julia Salazar, D-Brooklyn, said in a statement that Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County cannot remain open after several corrections officers repeatedly punched and kicked the inmate, Robert L. Brooks, 43. His death is now under investigation by federal and state authorities. The fact that this violence at the hands of state employees is happening in any New York state prison is a profound policy failure that deserves immediate attention, said Salazar, who chairs the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction. The Marcy prison is a medium-security facility located about seven miles west of Utica. It had 846 inmates as of Dec. 1, records show. Gov. Kathy Hochul was given special powers as part of this years state budget to close as many as five prisons on an expedited basis. She has already shuttered two facilities, both at the maximum-security classification Great Meadows near Albany, and Sullivan in the Catskill Mountains. Hochul has until the end of March to close up to three more prisons. She would need to give only 90 days notice under the fast-track policy, down from at least a year as normally required by the state Correction Law. The governor visited the Marcy prison on Monday. She announced a new superintendent for the facility and a variety of initiatives to improve the larger state prison system. An independent monitoring group, the Correctional Association of New York, has identified issues in the past at the Marcy prison. The group interviewed more than 100 inmates in fall 2022 and said inmates reported rampant abuse by employees. A pervasive culture of fear and retaliation was observed, the group wrote in its report. Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7. Syracuse, N.Y. Rain beginning late New Years Eve is expected to give way to a multi-day storm bringing as much as 3 feet of lake effect snow to parts of Central New York, weather forecasters said. The rain is expected to start at about 10 p.m. Tuesday in Syracuse, according to the National Weather Service, potentially putting a damper on festivities to celebrate the New Year. Next up is the snow. A lake effect snow warning will begin at 1 p.m. on New Years Day and last through Sunday afternoon. Total snow accumulations of more than 2 feet are possible in Cayuga, Madison, Oneida and Onondaga counties, the weather service said. As much as three feet is possible in Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis counties. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph, leading to blowing or drifting snow. Travel could be difficult to impossible during the storm. The snow is expected to start Wednesday night, forecasters said, with a well-defined lake effect storm developed by Thursday. The snow is expected initially to be most intense near Syracuse and along portions of the Thruway. The lake effect snow bands are expected to shift northward Thursday night, becoming more focused on Oswego, Lewis and Oneida counties. Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7. Consolidation in China's 12 trillion yuan (US$1.6 trillion) brokerage sector is expected to accelerate next year, as more industry players answer Beijing's call to create world-class investment banks that can rival global giants like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. More high-profile, government-led deals are likely to emerge in 2025 following the megamerger of Guotai Junan Securities and Haitong Securities, which is expected to create the industry's largest firm by assets, according to analysts. Brokerages that have state-backed shareholders in common are more likely to be paired up, they say. Shanghai, home to China's largest stock market, has signalled it will do more to help cultivate two to three investment banks that can compete on the global stage by 2035. In a three-year plan, unveiled earlier this month to support asset revamps of the city's listed companies, Shanghai highlighted the need to expedite brokerage mergers to construct top-tier investment banks. 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. "The consolidation in the brokerage industry is accelerating," said Xu Yingying, an analyst at Caitong Securities. "The policy direction is crystal clear: boosting competitiveness by mergers and acquisitions as well as an optimisation of the allocations of state-owned financial assets." The initiative to nurture home-grown, world-class investment banks was first mooted by China Securities Regulatory Commission chairman Wu Qing as part of the package to arrest a decline in the stock market. The objective was subsequently endorsed in a high-level guideline document issued by the State Council this year, which called for a restructuring of the industry to sharpen competitiveness. At least six merger plans have been rolled out since then. Aside from the Guotai Junan-Haitong tie-up - valued at about 100 billion yuan - Zheshang Securities bid for a 15 per cent stake in Guodu Securities and Guolian Securities unveiled a plan to buy out Minsheng Securities. People passed a sign for Haitong Securities in Wuhan, China. Photo: Imaginechina via AFP alt=People passed a sign for Haitong Securities in Wuhan, China. Photo: Imaginechina via AFP> Brokerages with common ownership are likely candidates for consolidation. Speculation has been swirling that China International Capital Corp would merge with China Galaxy Securities; Central Huijin Investment has a controlling stake in both firms. abhisheksahas BHPian Join Date: Dec 2024 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 47 Thanked: 190 Times My experience of renting two premium bikes from twistthrottle.in Hello all, I would like to share my experience renting two premium bikes from twistthrottle.in (TT) who provide a wide range of premium bikes (including superbikes) on rent, in Bangalore. Disclaimer: The below post only describes my experience, and its not a review. Summary: My two experiences with TT could not be further apart from each other - they were polar opposites. Part-I: Renting an Aprilia RS 457 in November 2024 Experience: 5/5 Vehicle quality: 4.5/5 Pricing: 5/5 Staff support and friendliness: 4.5/5 I was skeptical about TT, but I was pleasantly surprised at how simple the documentation, pricing and renting experience was. The bike that was delivered, was the one that was promised on the website. Though, in my excitement to book, I didn't optimize the time and the money that I paid for. Overall, there was nothing to complain about and I enjoyed renting the Aprilia RS 457 for approx Rs 4000. The bike had done about 4000 Kms, and felt almost as good as new. The RS 457 performed well above my expectations. The vehicle came with a speed limit of 110 Kmph, and TT enforces fines for every instance the rider breaches the speed limit. There is an optional add-on to allow a higher-speed limit by paying an additional amount, which I did not opt for. I had to show my driving license, but did not have to deposit it, I chose to deposit my Aadhar Card instead. The experience with the Aprilia RS 457 delivered on every count. The ratings below are not a review of the bike, but rather a review of the condition of the bike. Engine: 5/5 Gearbox: 5/5 Brakes: 5/5 Suspension: 5/5 Cleanliness: 5/5 On time delivery: 5/5 Minimal documentation: 5/5 Like I mentioned earlier, I did not realize the timing of my booking, and ended significantly under utilizing the bike. I picked up the bike in the evening, and returned the following day in the morning following a ride to the Nandi Hills. I really enjoyed the ride and the overall experience, but when I returned the bike, I found out that I had in fact paid for 24 hours, but used only about 12, to add insult to injury, I ended up using about 100 Kms lesser, but since I had planned other engagements for the rest of the day, I couldnt keep the bike with me any longer. This was largely because I did not realize the minimum hours for the Aprilia RS 457 was 24 hours, and some of the other bikes that I had been considering were for 12 hours. The staff expects the bike to be returned with the same amount of fuel as it was handed to the rider with, but since I did not, I paid the staff 1000 and they refunded 300 back, based on the fuel that had to be topped I did not dispute, but I did not have any doubts either Part-II: Renting a Kawasaki Ninja 650 in December 2024 Experience: 3.5/5 Vehicle quality: 2.5/5 Pricing: 5/5 Staff support and friendliness: 4.5/5 Armed with the confidence in TT and learnings from my first bookings, I went ahead with booking the Ninja 650. The website of TT is minimalistic and it does not mention the model or the kilometers done. But because I had a great first experience, I presumed that it would be the same the second time too. I should have probably taken a hint from the fact that the Ninja 650-which is a significantly more expensive bike to purchase, was actually costing me about 30% lesser to rent than I paid for the Aprilia RS457. I was just too excited to get the bike and so I conveniently ignore this fact. When I reached the garage, the first thing that surprise me was that I had to pay a deposit of 10,000, especially since I did not have to pay that for the RS457 (which costs more to rent). The staff at the Centre, told me that for bikes that are greater than 500 cc, the rider has to keep the passport in the Service Centre OR pay a deposit of 10,000. While I did not have my passport, I still would not have agreed to it. I was happy to pay the deposit of 10,000. This was unexpected, especially when most of the banners and ads (even at the Centre) highlighted that no deposit is required. I do understand that the company would like to try and protect themselves with a marginal deposit, but it would help if there is made clear message at the time of booking. I wouldn't have mind at all if this amount was collected at the time of booking. The next thing that I was shocked was, seeing the bike itself. I wasnt expecting the Ninja 650 from 2018-2019. The fact that I was going to spend the next 12 hours riding a 2018/2019 Ninja 650 that had done about 40,000 kms didnt enamor me. Based on the images from the website, I was made to believe that I was going to ride a bike that from MY 2022/2023. Nevertheless, once I got onto the bike, I was not happy with its condition, this bike was clearly not very good and to add to my growing list of concers, the check engine light was ON. The staff told me that the bikes are serviced by them and not at the Kawasaki Service Center, which is why the check engine light was ON and that I need not be concerned. They did a few test rides in my presence, but I guess I am somebody who is driven by emotions + logic, rather than logic alone and the appeal to ride an old battered bike for 12 hours and experience enjoyment did not add together. I was told an exchange was not possible since the staff had started the booking on their internal platform. Then, I probably did the most unexpected thing at this point and returned the bike to the Centre and willfully accepted that a refund would not be possible. This staff was very transparent with the entire process and I would not put the blame on them, but I would definitely expect the company to be very clear on the website: 1. Detailing information pertaining to the specific model year of the bike. 2. Include the feature list as well inform the number of Kms done. 3. Pictures of the actual vehicle would also be supremely beneficial. The deposit amount was refunded promptly within 24 hours. I did fuel up the bike and they fully refunded the money after I deposited the bill with them. Engine: 3/5 Gearbox: 3/5 Brakes: 3/5 Suspension: 3/5 Cleanliness: 1/5 On time delivery: 5/5 Minimal documentation: 2/5 My pointers for those interested in renting bikes from TT: - Highly recommend TT for anybody looking to rent a premium bike for the weekend. - They have a vast collection of bikes to cater from beginners to pros, including many of the newer models. - The cancellation and rescheduling policy is clearly explained at the time of booking. - TT do not have a mobile app, only a website. Once the booking is done, you cannot cancel or reschedule from the website. You have to chat with a person on WhatsApp and reschedule or cancel. Nothing concerning, just something to know. - I had to reschedule my Ninja 650 booking, and that cost me approximately Rs 320 - The bikes that are slightly expensive / newer models are probably the best to rent, rather than possibly older ones. Best to visit in advance to try and gauge the condition of the bike (if possible), especially if you are renting the more expensive ones. For e.g, even though the RS 457 is a cheaper bike to buy than the Ninja 650, the rent for the Ninja 650 was lesser. This is a red flag. -Bookings done on weekends are typically more expensive than weekdays, but if the weekday is a public holiday, you don't end up paying the premium - which is what I would recommend. - They had some really good bikes that I could recommend- A brand new RE Bear 650, RE Himalayan, ZX-10R, (New model) Suzuki Hayabusa, Triumph 400s, Triumph Street Triple RS, Z900. - Bikes with engines less than 500cc have a top speed of 110 Kmph and those with engines greater than 500cc have a top speed of 120 Kmph. - Be wary of breaching the speed limits, especially tricky while riding these extremely fast bikes. While I never breached the speed limit, I did find it extremely distracting to keep one eye on the speedo. - As mentioned earlier, you can pay a little extra to unlock higher top speeds, details of which are visible at the time of booking. - Every bike has a different minimum booking period, e.g some of the premium bikes need to be rented for 24 hours, the lowest that I came across was 12 hours. Attached below are some images of the center and some of the bikes available there. Happy to answer any other questions that interested folks might have. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Axe77 : 2nd January 2025 at 07:01 . Reason: Title edited. Also, minor clean up edits to main text. Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust The big picture: For decades, robotic spacecraft have traversed the solar system, enduring extreme environments that are utterly inhospitable to humans. The Parker Solar Probe, for instance, braved scorching temperatures exceeding 1,800F during its 10-day flyby of the Sun. These extraordinary achievements, coupled with rapid advancements in AI, prompt a compelling question: do we even need human astronauts for future space exploration? Some leading scientists who spoke to the BBC believe the role of humans in space exploration will diminish over time. The UK's Astronomer Royal, Lord Martin Rees, told the publication that rapid advancements in robotics are reducing the need to send humans into space using "taxpayer's money." Indeed, human spaceflight is significantly more expensive than robotic missions. For example, the 2021 Perseverance Rover mission cost approximately $2.7 billion, covering development, launch, and operations. In contrast, sending humans to Mars is estimated to cost $100 billion or more. Rees even argues that the only justification for human space travel in the future would be as a privately funded adventure for wealthy elites. Andrew Coates, a physicist at University College London, also champions robotic missions over human ones. He noted that robotic probes can travel farther and achieve more than human missions, with their potential only set to grow as AI technology advances. Nvidia recently predicted that the robotics market is on the brink of explosive growth, akin to the rise of AI chatbots. Like many tech giants, the company is heavily investing in advanced humanoid robot development, which could accelerate their deployment in space exploration. Dr. Kelly Weinersmith, a biologist at Rice University, appears to side with human-led missions. She argued in the report that maintaining a human presence in space carries significant national prestige, demonstrating that "your political system is effective and your people are brilliant." The scientific research angle also supports human involvement. Astronauts conduct invaluable experiments aboard orbital laboratories like the International Space Station. However, robots excel in environments that are hostile to human life, such as the surfaces and atmospheres of other planets. As a result, many scientists advocate for a balanced approach. Humanoid robots equipped with dexterous limbs and AI assistants could handle repetitive maintenance tasks. Dr. Shaun Azimi of NASA's Johnson Space Center suggested these robots could be especially useful for jobs like replacing components or cleaning solar panels. So, where does generative AI fit into this vision? While powerful language models could play a role, current robotic rovers lack the computational power to run them effectively. One scientist noted that the processors in Mars rovers are roughly one-tenth as powerful as those in a smartphone. However, technological breakthroughs like "BitNet" might eventually make such applications feasible. China's surging electric vehicle (EV) output has ignited demand for automotive chips, but domestic firms remain reliant on foreign suppliers for more than 90 per cent of their needs, according to analysts and industry insiders. Officials from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the Development Research Centre of the State Council have repeatedly underscored China's low self-sufficiency in automotive semiconductors. "Currently, the self-sufficiency rate of automotive chips in China is less than 10 per cent," according to Luo Daojun, deputy director of the Institute of Components and Materials at MIIT, who was a keynote speaker at several industry conferences this year. Wang Qing, deputy director at the Development Research Centre, told another conference last year that China's dependency on foreign auto chip suppliers was as high as 95 per cent. "For computing and control chips, the self-sufficiency rate is less than 1 per cent, while for power and memory chips, it is only 8 per cent," he said. 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. China's dependence on imported auto chips has become a more pressing issue as Beijing seeks to assert leadership in the global EV market amid heightened geopolitical tensions with the US. In May, Nikkei Asia reported that the Chinese government had urged the country's carmakers to source up to 25 per cent of their chips domestically by 2025. An employee inspects a silicon wafer at a facility in Binzhou, in eastern China's Shandong province. Photo: AFP alt=An employee inspects a silicon wafer at a facility in Binzhou, in eastern China's Shandong province. Photo: AFP> The pressure comes amid explosive growth in EV production. As of November, China had produced 11.49 million EVs for the year, an increase of 37.5 per cent year on year, National Bureau of Statistics data showed. Further, EVs accounted for 40.8 per cent of all cars manufactured in the country. The EV boom has led to soaring demand for semiconductors, as electric and smart vehicles require significantly more chips than traditional internal combustion engine cars. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) said that traditional cars typically require 600 to 700 chips per vehicle, while EVs need about 1,600. Smart vehicles, equipped with more advanced features, demand as many as 3,000 chips. Coffee Badging Is The New Workplace Trend Where Employees Go In To Grab A Coffee, Say Hi and Avoid A Full Day At The Office A relatively new buzzword is making the rounds in workplaces: coffee badging. This trend is reshaping how people engage with office culture and if you're a hybrid worker, you might be part of this movement without even realizing it. So, what exactly is coffee badging? It occurs when employees visit the office just long enough to prove their presence. After saying hello to some coworkers, getting a coffee and swiping their badge, they return home to finish work. Coffee badging gives workers the freedom to work remotely while adhering to the rules. Don't Miss: Why is Coffee Badging a Thing? Since the pandemics peak, many businesses have enforced return-to-office regulations, which, in turn, gave way to coffee badging. These policies dont necessarily outline how long employees must be in the office, but they frequently mandate that they be there a specific number of days per week. Due to this ambiguity, coffee badging has emerged as the ideal middle ground for employees who like flexibility but still wish to adhere to the rules at least in theory. For employees, coffee badging is about finding balance. The daily commute, office distractions and rigid schedules can feel unnecessary when remote work has already proven to be highly productive for many. Coffee badging allows workers to meet their employers' requirements while preserving their preferred work environment. It's a subtle negotiation between employees and employers in the ongoing battle over workplace flexibility. See Also: The global games market is projected to generate $272B by the end of the year for $0.55/share, this VC-backed startup with a 7M+ userbase gives investors easy access to this asset market. Who's Coffee Badging? A report from Owl Labs found that 58% of hybrid workers have coffee badged at least once. The report also showed that men are more likely to coffee badge than women, with 62% of coffee badgers being men. This could be because men might feel more comfortable bending workplace rules. Millennials are the biggest group of coffee badgers. They're used to hybrid work and want more flexible options. Gen Z workers, who are just starting their careers, might not feel as confident doing the same. Older generations are also less likely to coffee badge, as they are more familiar with traditional office routines. Woolworths will celebrate Australia Day in store by selling Australian-made flags and a selection of items perfect for the public holiday in a reversal of its controversial decision last year that prompted calls from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to boycott the supermarket giant. Woolworths said it had listened to community feedback and recognised its customers and employees wanted the supermarket chain to celebrate January 26, which is seen as Invasion Day by many Australians because it marks the day the British began to colonise the lands inhabited by Australias Indigenous people. Australia Day and whether it is appropriate to celebrate it on January 26, the day the First Fleet landed and planted the British flag in present-day Sydney in 1788, has become an increasingly divisive issue in recent years. Many Indigenous Australians view that day as a time of mourning, while supporters of the date say it is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the countrys history. Woolworths will celebrate Australia Day in store this year. Credit: Getty Images While we did make changes to our merchandise range last Australia Day due to decline in demand in our stores, we listened and recognised that many customers and teams wanted us to do more to help them celebrate the day, a Woolworths spokeswoman said. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size It is mid-afternoon in London, but Florence Pugh looks ready for bed. The English actor has ditched her socks and shoes and is curled up on a sofa wearing a pair of sleek black pyjamas decorated at the cuffs and hems with white silk poppies. Her bare feet are covered by a small rug which, she informs me, belongs to Billie, the rescue dog she adopted during lockdown with her former partner, the American actor and filmmaker Zach Braff. It is unclear whether Billie is waiting patiently for his mistress in another part of the smart hotel, or if the rug is her way of feeling connected to her absent pet. There are, in any case, more important things to discuss. Hollywood has no shortage of prodigious female talent, but 28-year-old Pugh stands out regardless. Ten years since she was plucked from the sixth form of her Oxford school to star in The Falling, a mystery-thriller about an all-girls school plagued by a fainting epidemic, she has built a storied reputation for playing complicated women whose outward confidence masks deeper fears. The fact shes done so in films ranging from indie hits like 2016s Lady Macbeth a lusty, jaw-droppingly amoral bodice-ripper as one critic called it to blockbusters such as Marvel Studios 2021 caper Black Widow, is the reason shes now breathing the same air as chameleonic A-listers like Emma Stone and Anya Taylor-Joy. We Live in Time stars Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield as a young couple for whom time is running out. Credit: Peter Mountain Today, shes promoting We Live in Time, a film in which she and Andrew Garfield (another actor whose work runs the gamut from cineplex superheroes to intense indie roles) play a pair of young Londoners navigating life, love, parenthood and serious illness. Pugh is Almut, a Michelin-starred chef. Garfield plays Tobias, a strait-laced IT executive at a cereal company. The film, one part Richard Curtis rom-com, two parts heart-wrenching drama, employs a time-hopping narrative to create a patchwork quilt of memories and experiences. The producers call it an exhilarating new take on a classic romance. Everyone else is calling it a weapons-grade weepie that leaves you in bits by the time the credits roll. Pugh has clearly grown accustomed to people telling her the film had them reaching for a hankie. Everyones been wanting to share about the bits of the film that made them feel something and reminded them of their own life, she purrs. Thats been a beautiful thing to hear and its such an honour to know that what we did is working. Advertisement Besides We Live in Time, Pughs recent slate of movies includes the sci-fi epic Dune: Part Two, in which she plays Princess Irulan. A few months back, she finished work on Thunderbolts, a $US150 million ($240 million) Marvel Studios movie in which she reprises her Black Widow role as sardonic Russian superspy Yelena Belova. The difference this time: she wont be playing second fiddle to Scarlett Johansson. Pugh as Princess Irulan in Dune: Part II. Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures via AP Well-known actors are often disingenuous about success, but Pugh is disarmingly straightforward. Everything Ive achieved was something I wanted to achieve, she says matter-of-factly. If youd asked me what I wanted 10 years ago, Id have said, I want to get nominated for a BAFTA, I want to get nominated for an Oscar, I want to be working all the time and I want to meet amazing directors. Sometimes you just have to pinch yourself and say, Yeah, youve done that. Youve climbed that mountain. Her international reputation was established in 2019 with a trio of films. In the bonkers-but-brilliant horror flick Midsommar she was drawn into a violent cult in rural Sweden; in Fighting with My Family she played an English wrestler grappling her way to the big time in America. BAFTA and Oscar nominations came courtesy of Greta Gerwigs acclaimed adaptation of Louisa May Alcotts touchstone novel Little Women. In Pughs hands Amy March, the youngest and least likeable of the sisters, became a vulnerable, ultimately loveable soul. Theres already talk that We Live in Time could earn Pugh a second Oscar nod, although in movie circles it can be hard to distinguish real buzz from hype and wishful thinking. Pugh at this years Academy Awards (centre) and (clockwise from top left) in Oppenheimer, Little Women, Midsommar and Black Widow. So, who is she, this 162-centimetre powerhouse? Florence Rose Christobel Mackin Pugh, or Flossie Rose as she sometimes refers to herself on social media, is one of four children born to Clinton Pugh, a restaurateur, and his wife, Deborah, a former ballet dancer. She caught the acting bug at the age of six, when she portrayed Mary in a nativity play and gave Jesus mum a Yorkshire accent to raise a few laughs. Teachers at her private schools, she has said, discouraged her ambition to become an actor. As a child Pugh suffered from a condition called tracheomalacia, which causes the walls of the windpipe to collapse. It was so serious her family moved to Spain for several years in the hope the warmer climate would alleviate her condition. The legacy of her illness is a deep voice and the kind of throaty laugh that used to be the hallmark of a committed smoker. Advertisement In person, shes confident, cool, a bit intimidating; the kind of girl you met at uni who designed her own clothes, rolled her own cigarettes and discovered the Cocteau Twins (insert your own cultural reference here) before everyone else. She wears a gold ring in her septum and theres a bee tattoo on her wrist. Her eyes are the colour of treacle and her heart-shaped face is framed by strands of slicked-back blonde hair that dont quite reach her shoulders. She has a reputation for making bold fashion choices and its easy to imagine her staring down the nipple-shamers who dared to criticise the sheer gown she wore to a Valentino fashion show. Loading She is not impregnable, of course. Trolled over the age gap between her and Braff the Scrubs actor is 21 years her senior - she hit back with a video on Instagram defending her right to make her own choices. Shes also admitted to an insecurity about her lack of formal drama training. When she arrived at a read-through for Richard Eyres 2018 production of King Lear, for example, she was mortified to see the other actors scripts were covered in handwritten notes while hers was pristine. In some ways I dont worry about that kind of thing any more, she says when I mention it. But I do know that when I go and do theatre at some point, Ill have to spend time preparing myself because I never did training for voice and body. Her drama school is the film sets that are her second home. Her tutors are directors including Dune: Part Twos Denis Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan, who cast her as J. Robert Oppenheimers mistress, Jean Tatlock, in his 2023 Oscars-sweeping juggernaut. When we shot Oppenheimer it was so fascinating hearing Chris talking about cameras, she says. He knows everything about cameras and producing and making movies. All of this information is there, and if you ask people theyll happily give it to you. Pugh at the New York premiere of We Live in Time, in September. Credit: Getty Images Fear of failure drives her to take difficult roles. Theres invariably a scene in a script that frightens her, makes her wonder if she can pull it off (anyone whos seen Oppenheimer can probably guess which one did the trick in that movie). Its a very risky game because one day I might not be able to do it, she says. And then it will have been recorded and everyone can watch it! She emits a throaty cackle. Advertisement The scene in We Live in Time that got her interest takes place in the toilet of a petrol station. Almut is forced to give birth on its grimy floor when gridlocked traffic prevents her and Tobias getting to a hospital. Its visceral stuff. Pugh crouches half naked while Tobias takes instructions from a midwife on his phone. Id never read anything like that or seen a scene like that on camera, she says. It was one of those scenes that read perfectly, like a transcript of a real-life incident. Knowing all the birthing stories Id heard from my sister, my mum and my gran, I knew it was important to get it right. Pugh wore a prosthetic belly to play the heavily pregnant Almut. It took three hours to go on and two hours to come off. It went all the way round to the back of my body and they painted the seams so they didnt show. It was heavy too which changed the way I moved and obviously helped with the acting. If youre hoping it will resonate with people who live with cancer, I dont think it would be appropriate to wear a bald cap. When she signs up for a film, shes all in. I love giving parts of my body and my soul to roles. In the case of We Live in Time, it was her hair that was sacrificed on the altar of veracity. When Almut is diagnosed with ovarian cancer and requires chemotherapy, she asks Tobias to shave her head as a pre-emptive measure. The films director, John Crowley (best known for the 2015 romantic drama Brooklyn), offered Pugh the option of wearing a bald cap. She cut him off mid-sentence, insisting Garfield run clippers through her real hair. I truly believe I wouldnt have done the movie if I hadnt been allowed to do that, she says. I dont think it would have been appropriate. If youre lending yourself to a story like this and hoping it will resonate with people who live with cancer or have someone they know whos been through chemo, I dont think it would be appropriate to wear a bald cap. One imagines she jumped at the chance to play a successful chef. After all, shes the daughter of a restaurateur and she has a YouTube channel called Cooking with Flo. Her face lights up. Yeah, I understand restaurants because I grew up in that world, she says. I have a passion for food because my family were food lovers and hosts. There was respect for the ingredients and respect for animals all of that. Advertisement 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 Though the headlines might suggest otherwise pandemics and strikes and delays, oh my! the movie-making machinery of Hollywood has apparently not drawn breath in the last few years. Though very little of the IP is original theres a lot of remakes, reboots and sequels to be found 2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year at the flicks. WOLF MAN Julia Garner and Matilda Firth star in Wolf Man. Credit: Universal Studios Attempts to rekindle Universals iconic horror catalogue from the 1930s have proven challenging, especially when led by the slightly overcooked top liners, such as Dracula or The Mummy. In 2020, director Leigh Whannell started from a very off-piste entry point The Invisible Man and it paid off. Whannell returns with Wolf Man, a reboot of 1941s The Wolf Man, about a werewolf, minus some of the gimmicks of both the original film and the legend on which it is based. BRIDGET JONES: MAD ABOUT THE BOY Renee Zellweger returns as Bridget Jones. Credit: A new chapter in the Bridget Jones story, which runs a little bit like the Sex and the City sequel And Just Like That... Youre not quite sure whether theyre making the right choices, but its just lovely to be back. Much fuss will be made of sexy Roxster (Leo Woodall), who is wooing Bridget, but in truth were just relieved to see Bridgets mum Pam (Gemma Jones), Una (Celia Imrie) and her three pals Miranda (Sarah Solemani), Shazzer (Sally Phillips) and Tom (James Callis). Advertisement SNOW WHITE Rachel Zegler in Snow White. Credit: Disney Is it all about timing? On the heels of a tedious culture war over the films casting, Snow White might benefit from a splash of green, delivering a fantastical adventure film into the space vacated by the mega-hit Wicked. Rachel Zegler is Snow White, the prettier-than-pretty young girl who lives with seven short men dont ask and former Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot plays the Evil Queen, whose jealousy of Snow White is ignited when her mirror tells her the younger woman is prettier. Sounds weird when you write it out like that. MICKEY 17 Robert Pattinson in Mickey 17. Credit: Edward Ashtons novel Mickey7 gets a cinematic treatment from Oscar-winning Parasite director Bong Joon-ho. Robert Pattinson, lately The Batman, sheds his cowl here to play Mickey Barnes, who escapes a future Earth by signing up as an expendable, a kind of disposable worker who gets a new body each time the old one breaks. The snag? Mickey 18 is created without anyone realising that Mickey 17 survived. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE THE FINAL RECKONING Advertisement Tom Cruise returns for the eighth Mission Impossible instalment. Credit: Christian Black Here perhaps out of sentiment rather than actual right, the eighth and surely final? Mission: Impossible film lands at a time when it feels cinema storytelling has actually shifted away from the kind of pure action and brain-bending stunts that the Mission: Impossible franchise is best known for. Christopher McQuarrie directs what is essentially a direct sequel to the last film, Dead Reckoning Part One, which finished with Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) searching for the stealth submarine, the Sevastopol, and destroying the cyber-weapon, the Entity. SUPERMAN David Corenswet in the new Superman. Credit: Rebooting the reboot-weary and tonally damaged DC Comics movie library was a massive ask, but if the trailer of Superman complete with his four-legged co-star, the super-dog Krypto is any indicator, then James Gunn knows what hes doing. David Corenswet plays Superman (alias mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent), Rachel Brosnahan plays reporter (and love interest) Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult plays supervillain-in-the-making Lex Luthor. THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Pedro Pascal (seen here at the 2023 Met Gala) will star in the new Fantastic Four film. Credit: Getty Advertisement Its interesting that in a year when there are still some last gasps from what feels like the earlier iteration of the Marvel Cinematic Universe notably, a Captain America movie the 1960s-vibe retro-future Fantastic Four feels wholly future-focused. The F4 are not Marvel top liners, but thats Marvels cinematic knack, turning B-tier comic book franchises such as Guardians of the Galaxy into something to rival Star Wars. Its also packing star power: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. MICHAEL Late pop star Michael Jackson, seen here in 1988, is the subject of a new biopic. Credit: WireImage One of the most anticipated films of the year. Antoine Fuqua directs the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, with Jacksons nephew Jaafar Jackson in the title role, and Oscar-winning Australian cinematographer Dion Beebe handling the camera. The film promises to span his life from child performer with the Jackson Five to his death in 2009 and the films producer Graham King says the film will not skirt around the sexual abuse allegations that dogged the pop star in the final years of his life. WICKED: FOR GOOD Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo will be back for Wicked: For Good before you know it. Credit: I mean, come on, weve only just got our breath back and the sequel is coming? Well, less sequel, and more rest of the film. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will be back on the promo trail, clutching each others fingernails and holding space, whatever that means, as the second half of the biggest half-a-movie in history (or at least, of 2024) lands in an explosion of green and song. Advertisement Advertisement Tips & adviceAsk Alice Stress less in the kitchen with these five totally doable cooking resolutions Keep it real in the kitchen this year with these stress-free cooking wins from food writer Alice Zaslavsky. Alice Zaslavsky January 2, 2025 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 January brings with it the promise of a new year, a new you, and a heck of a lot of insurmountable expectations. So before you overload yourself with too many commitments and throw in the tea-towel, hows about keeping it simple and committing to one of these easy wins for a whole year (nay, life!) of better cooking. Alice recommends a flick of the wrist with some extra virgin olive oil to make your dishes glisten. Jason South Pick one cookbook or food blog and cook something new from it every week The great thing about sticking to one cook or chef to crib from is that youll get to learn their language and start to pick up on patterns that have been hard-won that you can hack into your own cooking. The advantage of a food blog (even picking a cook from the Good Food stable!) is that its online, and there might be bonus functionality such as video tutorials and toggles for calculating measurements up or down depending on the size of your household. Advertisement Collection Here are recipes from 30+ of the best cookbooks of 2024 On the flipside, a cookbook will provide you something physical to stick tabs in, make notes on (welcome and encouraged!) and has usually been through many more tests and edits before it reaches you, so the recipes are more reliable. Get some great gadgets Sometimes a change is as good as a holiday, and if youre done with the drudgery of dodgy tools, then its time to treat yourself to a few new nifty things to relight your fire. A salad spinner living in your mixing bowl will prompt you to turn over a new leaf. Id recommend you buy one that can fit in your cupboard and your fridge so you can soak, chill, then spin as you need (Zyliss is my choice). Advertisement The snackmaker smackdown: The kitchen gadgets you need in your life (and the ones you can skip) A good quality stainless-steel garlic crusher will keep fingers funk-free (Dreamfarm Garject is my fave). Some silicon-tips tongs to toss things about in pans without scratching them, or some sharp kitchen shears. Nows the time to pop into your favourite kitchenware shop and get playful or check online marketplaces and op shops for kitchen bargains too. But! Before you rush out the door to buy a new chefs knife (let alone a knife-block, nooo!), check whether yours might not benefit from some sharpening instead. Youll find your nearest knife sharpener by popping your suburb and knife sharpening into the search engine theyll always do a better job than any gadgetry, and its something youll only need to do once a year or so. Make a habit of setting the timer whenever you take a break from the cooktop or oven. iStock Make friends with your timer (or use your phone) Advertisement If youve resolved to spend more time in the kitchen but time-management gets you in a tizz, make like a MasterChef contestant and get around the kitchen timer. Now, youve probably already got one in the back of the cutlery drawer, but if thats not forthcoming, Im here to tell you that youre probably already staring at one without even realising it your smartphone! Make a habit of setting the timer before you step away from the cooktop or oven, whether its manually tapping into the clock app and scrolling across, or asking Siri to do it for you. Try it now: Hey Siri, set a timer for 4 minutes (about the time itll take to finish reading this!). Magic! From farm gate to plate: How farmers are harnessing technology to bring food to your door Join a CSA Advertisement If this is the year youve resolved to expand your fruit and veg horizons, you need look no further than the farm next door. Joining a Community Supported Agriculture scheme is a total win-win, because you get seasonal, nutrient-dense produce thats come straight from the grower, while they get the certainty of demand that means they can invest more in their supply. Youll be able to find your local by entering your suburb and CSA produce box into a search engine. Browse to find the one that fits the bill. If you think of this as a supplement to your grocery shop rather than the entirety of it, it means youll be prompted to get creative with celeriac or funky with fennel, and because its farm-fresh, itll be at its tastiest too. Just add salt flakes! Eddie Jim Glitter and gloss (always finish with salt flakes, freshly cracked pepper and olive oil) We eat with our eyes, and making a habit of finishing every savoury with twinkly salt flakes from a height, a crack of freshly ground pepper for instant texture and aroma, and the flick of the wrist with some extra virgin olive oil for glossy glisten over the top, is a surefire way to elevate your tomatoes on toast from nice to NICE! Advertisement The best recipes from Australia's leading chefs straight to your inbox. Sign up 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. Share License this article More: Ask Alice Alice Zaslavsky is the author of In Praise of Veg, Alices A to Z, The Joy of Better Cooking, and Salad for Days. She is the culinary correspondent for ABC News Breakfast and ABC Radio, and host of A Bite to Eat with Alice on ABC TV. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is gearing up to make major boosts to bulk-billing, urgent care clinics and the GP workforce as he seeks to turn Medicare into a key plank of his cost-of-living pitch at the upcoming federal election. As Labor fights to increase its record low primary vote, the government is working on policies to make it cheaper to see the doctor and emphasise its focus on Medicare. It will play up a contrast with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, whose record as health minister in the Abbott government was contentious due to an attempt to cut rebates and introduce a mandatory fee for GP visits. Health Minister Mark Butler at an urgent-care clinic in September. Credit: Eddie Jim Government sources, speaking confidentially because the policy was unfinalised, said they expected to lift the bulk-billing incentive paid to GPs and pledge more urgent care clinics to broaden their national coverage. Labor is also mulling a second-term overhaul of the way GPs are paid under Medicare, moving away from fees for appointments towards a yearly lump sum for clinics that would disincentivise quick, low-value visits. Land earmarked for major apartment developments under one of NSW Labors signature housing policies is instead being used to build garages, single-storey homes and studios, raising further doubts about whether it will help fix the states supply shortage. The Sydney Morning Herald this week revealed that one of the governments key plans to boost housing density around train stations netted only a single development application for an extra 16 apartments in 2024. The seven-storey apartment block in Lindfield was the first and so far only application lodged under the state governments TOD reforms. The so-called tier two transport-oriented development (TOD) zones allow for greater housing density within 400 metres of 37 heavy rail and metro stations across Greater Sydney, the Hunter and the Illawarra and were an integral pillar of the governments push to ease the housing crisis. But in the context of soaring construction costs and prohibitively expensive land, developers largely ignored the policy; the lone development application, in Ku-ring-gai, came despite 18 of the tier two zones having been implemented eight months earlier. A photograph of the youngest victim of the plane crash in South Korea has emerged showing him staring out of an aircrafts window. Ko Yoonwoo was pictured travelling to Bangkok with his parents on what was his first holiday abroad. He was killed when his return flight, a Jeju Air plane with a total of 181 people on board, crashed on Sunday. Ko Yoonwoo, three, was pictured on board a plane as he travelled to Thailand with his parents (pictured left) Jin Lee Seon and Kang Ko. The three-year-old died alongside his parents Kang Ko, 43, and Jin Lee Seon, 37. The picture of Yoonwoo had been posted by his father on Instagram alongside other holiday snaps of the family. An earlier post showed the toddler at the airport next to his passport. That brings us to Costco Wholesale. Almost uniquely among major public companies, Costco's board has explicitly rejected the anti-DEI backlash. Ford, Harley-Davidson, Lowe's and other companies said they would no longer provide workplace data to the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights group, in part because the campaign's widely published index of corporate progress enabled anti-LGBTQ+ activists to mount a backlash against participating companies. Weve been on a journey and know we arent perfect, but every decision comes from a place of wanting to foster a sense of belonging, to open doors to opportunities for all our associates, customers and suppliers and to be a Walmart for everyone, the company said. Throughout this year, big corporations have retreated from the DEI landscape. The largest to do so is Walmart. In November, the company said it wouldn't renew the five-year, $100-million commitment it made in establishing its Center for Racial Equity in the wake of the George Floyd killing, would cease using the term DEI and would end other diversity initiatives . Anti-DEI activism on the right gathered steam after the Supreme Court struck down college affirmative action admission policies in June 2023. When push comes to shove, however, most of these companies folded like a poker player with a bad hand. That's been especially evident on DEI, which became a target in the "anti-woke campaign" waged by right-wing culture warriors such as Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis during the late presidential campaign. Some made similar promises about state laws restricting abortion or voting rights, or talked openly about reducing their activities in states enacting such measures. They promoted their commitment to programs fostering diversity, equity and inclusion, known as DEI. Our efforts at diversity, equity and inclusion remind and reinforce with everyone at our Company the importance of creating opportunities for all. Leading corporations said they would cease making campaign contributions to lawmakers who voted against certifying Joe Bidens election or played a role in the insurrection in Washington. Big business talks the talk, of course. As I've written before , after the insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021, many corporate leaders pledged publicly to oppose the assaults from the political right wing on democracy. It has long been clear that relying on corporate leaders to stand fast for social and economic progress is a mug's game. Story Continues The response from Issaquah, Wash.-based Costco came in the Dec. 11 proxy statement for its annual shareholder meeting, scheduled for Jan. 23. The meeting agenda includes a shareholder resolution proposed by the right-wing National Center for Public Policy Research, insinuating that Costco's DEI program "holds litigation, reputational and financial risks to the Company, and therefore financial risks to shareholders." The resolution calls on the board to report on "the risks of the Company maintaining its current DEI ... roles, policies and goals." The Costco board unanimously advised shareholders to vote against the resolution. "Our commitment to an enterprise rooted in respect and inclusion is appropriate and necessary," it said in its response. "Our efforts at diversity, equity and inclusion remind and reinforce with everyone at our Company the importance of creating opportunities for all. We believe that these efforts enhance our capacity to attract and retain employees who will help our business succeed." The board took direct aim at the center, the resolution proponent, which it accused of hiding its true goal. Although the center "professes concern about legal and financial risks to the Company and its shareholders associated with the diversity initiatives," the board stated, "it is the proponent and others that are responsible for inflicting burdens on companies with their challenges to long-standing diversity programs. The proponent's broader agenda is not reducing risk for the Company but abolition of diversity initiatives." That swipe seems to have hit home. "The recent wave of companies walking back their DEI in response to no greater threat than merely having the truth about their DEI programs exposed," center staff member Stefan Padfield told me by email, "makes clear that any related burden[s] these companies are experiencing are of their own making as they seek to misuse shareholders' money to advance neo-Marxist and neo-racist 'equity' agendas." Costco says it doesn't have any comment about the shareholder resolution beyond the board statement. Although the Costco board didn't go into detail, the center has assembled quite a record as a culture warrior. It's a "partner" of the Stop Corporate Tyranny coalition, which describes itself as "a one-stop shop for educational resources exposing the Lefts nearly completed takeover of corporate America." It has opposed initiatives to combat global warming, asserting that global warming isn't happening, and it promotes cryptocurrency. Read more: Column: Right-wing hatemongers count on the cowardice of companies such as Target Costco's straightforward response to the center's proposed resolution may not be that much of a surprise. The company is generally known as employee-friendly, with favorable ratings from workers posting on Glassdoor. Among its benefits, health coverage with low co-pays is available to workers employed for at least 23 hours a week for 180 days. Its approach to union organizing activity may not be entirely welcoming, but seems to lack the truculence and hostility shown by retailers such as Starbucks and Amazon. Of Costco's roughly 219,000 employees, about 18,000 are represented by the Teamsters. Remarkably, when 238 Costco workers in Norfolk, Va., voted to affiliate with the Teamsters a year ago, Chief Executive Ron Vachris and his immediate predecessor, W. Craig Jelinek, issued a joint statement blaming themselves. They said they were not disappointed in our employees; were disappointed in ourselves as managers and leaders. ...The fact that a majority of Norfolk employees felt that they wanted or needed a union constitutes a failure on our part, they wrote in a memo dated Dec. 29 and sent to all U.S. employees. CNN obtained a copy of the memo. That doesn't mean that labor relations are free of conflict: Early in December, the Teamsters union filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board against Costco for what it called the company's "calculated effort to undermine workers rights and disrupt the collective bargaining process." Asserting that the company's worker-friendly reputation is undeserved, the Teamsters said Costco had "expelled union representatives from stores, harassed and intimidated workers for wearing Teamsters buttons and attire, sent employees home, and even changed locks on union bulletin boards" to prevent the union from disseminating information to workers. Costco said it has no comment on the charges. Read more: Column: How Big Business lied about opposing rightwing attacks on democracy, abortion rights and voting rights A few words about shareholder resolutions are appropriate here. After the Supreme Court's decision on college affirmative action, the number of resolutions about DEI programs receiving a vote at corporate annual meetings rose appreciably, to 25 through May this year from 13 in 2023, according to the Conference Board. To be fair, that's still a small number among the roughly 3,000 public companies in the Russell 300 index. More notable, however, is that anti-DEI proposals remained deeply unpopular. Resolutions opposing workplace diversity programs garnered support from less than 2% of shareholders, on average; those favoring such programs received support from an average of 21% of shareholders (Shareholder resolutions proposed by almost anyone other than corporate managements seldom get anywhere near majority support.) The Conference Board, a nonprofit corporate research consultancy, has found that diversity programs aimed at managers and the rank and file enhance corporate fortunes. Companies with diverse management teams "demonstrate 19% higher revenues due to innovation," the board says. Those with "higher racial and ethnic diversity [are] 35% more likely to have financial returns above their industry medians." Commitments to diversity appeal to job applicants and tend to improve productivity. On the other side of the coin is what the center's Padfield claimed is "the wave of customer backlash weve seen against DEI." He added, "rather than doing the right thing and evaluating the relevant risks ... Costco is apparently doubling down on divisive and value-destroying DEI." The center told me by email that "one day, Costco will no longer have a DEI program. We hope for the sake of shareholders that its sooner rather than later." Shareholders, workers and customers may hope for their own sake that the opposite is true and that other businesses follow Costco's example. Get the latest from Michael Hiltzik Commentary on economics and more from a Pulitzer Prize winner. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. It may seem crass for Donald Trump to be using the New Orleans terrorist attack to score political points but he knows, like every successful politician, that you should never let a good crisis go to waste. No sooner had Fox News claimed that Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect, had entered the country through the Texas border two days ago than the president-elects son, Donald Trump Jr, posted on X: Bidens parting gift to America migrant terrorists. Donald Trump knows he should never let a good crisis go to waste. Credit: AP Over on Truth Social, the platform favoured by the president-elect, Donald Trump Sr repeated his previous claim that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, which he said had been denied by the fake news media but had turned out to be true. Democrats will, of course, condemn Trump for shameless opportunism, but they will also know that his comments will cut through with the voting public in America. The Rise & Fall of General Motors and the Subjugation of the Industrialized World How the perfect storm of commercial forces created the worlds largest corporation, enslaved us to gasoline, and ultimately brought the car maker to its knees By Marc J. Rauch Exec. Vice President/Co-Publisher THE AUTO CHANNEL It was once said "What's good for General Motors, is good for the U.S.A." Have you ever wondered why and how General Motors, the world's largest corporation, could fail and go bankrupt? Have you ever wondered why gasoline is the primary fuel for passenger cars and trucks for most of the world? Have you ever wondered exactly how and why the United States could owe 50% or more of its national debt to oil producing countries? Read this story and youll learn how and why. Originally published April 6, 2012 You can also listen to the podcast of this story Listen to "Rise & Fall of GM" on Spreaker. Background The need for speed and power In the early years of the automobile industry there was uncertainty as to which fuel, and what type of engine would power the new vehicles. There was steam, electric and internal combustion. Although steam power had proven its viability in the first stationary engines and in the first round of land and sea vehicles or vessels, by the late 1800s diesel was already replacing steam because of its ability to produce higher torque (needed to move heavy vehicles/vessels) and because it simplified the process of locomotion by not requiring a team of men to start the coal or wood fires and keep the water boiling. By comparison, diesel allowed faster starting and required less continuous attention to keep the engine running. Electric motors could also provide high torque, but the motors required a constant flow of electricity, which could only be guaranteed if the vehicle was tethered to an electrical source. This was okay for light and heavy trains that operated along a fixed roadway, but battery technology and affordability was impractical for personal transportation devices that had the ability to travel in all directions and to non-electrified locations. The internal combustion engine (ICE) was the solution. There were two types available: spark ignited and compressed hot air ignited. Compressed hot air ignited ICE uses diesel fuel. Spark ignited internal combustion engines are today most commonly associated with gasoline, but ethanol, methanol, natural gas and propane can also work. Diesel engines were heavier, bulkier and more costly to produce. While they could move heavier loads (torque), they couldnt quickly provide higher speeds. Additionally, diesels required a fuel injector technology which at the time was also more costly and less reliable than fuel-air mix carburetors. Consequently spark ignited internal combustion engines became the dominant engine for passenger cars and light trucks. At this point the two most available fuels for spark ignited ICE were liquid; either alcohol (ethanol or methanol) or gasoline. Alcohol enjoyed wide support from automobile pioneers, such as Henry Ford and General Motors top scientists, because it could be produced almost anywhere by almost anyone (alcohol distillation technology has been in the public domain for hundreds of years). Alcohol fuels also produced superior performance compared to gasoline. Alcohol-powered engines allowed for higher piston compression, which deliver more speed and power. Gasoline caused a knock in high compression engines that would literally knock the engine to destruction. Only low compression, lower speed engines could safely use gasoline. Early on, as speeds were measured against human walking or horse riding, this was acceptable. But as roads were leveled and paved and consumers wanted bigger faster vehicles this was a huge limitation. One of the solutions to gasoline knock was to blend ethanol into every gallon of gasoline. The alcohol quieted the knock, thereby allowing the gasoline-ethanol blend to be used in better performing engines. Unfortunately alcohol suffered from two major impediments to universal acceptance as a pure engine fuel. The first was cost. Alcohol production has been heavily taxed since the founding of the United States, initially to raise revenues to pay for the War of Independence. As usually happens with taxes imposed to pay for one specific thing, it is nearly impossible to retire the tax even after the initial purpose has been fulfilled. The extra dollars are just too attractive to politicians who need to fund pork-barrel projects to insure re-election, and there was always another war that had to be paid for. (Prior to Congress passing a national individual income tax 100 years ago, tax on alcohol routinely accounted for as much as 40% of the Federal revenue.) The Federal tax on alcohol reached new heights during the American Civil War, rising to over $2 per gallon. Needless to say this was a devastatingly high tax. Average weekly wages in the 1860s were about $12 considered in respect to todays average wages that would be like a tax of $129 per gallon (in actuality, the current Federal tax on spirits drinkable alcohol - is $13.50 per gallon). Kerosene was also taxed to help pay war costs: A paltry 10 cents per gallon! The alcohol tax was not retired until Theodore Roosevelts presidency about 40 years later, when the Free Alcohol Act brought the price of corn ethanol down to 14 cents per gallon and molasses ethanol to 9.5 cents per gallon (versus gasoline at 22 cents per gallon). Now youll recall that I said that there were two impediments to universal acceptance of alcohol as a universal engine fuel. The second problem was, ironically, alcohols easy production and ubiquitous availability; it is too simple and easy to make. By the middle of the 1800s, as the worlds whale population was drastically declining due to over-hunting, and the price of whale oil was sky rocketing, an alcohol-turpentine blend was used as a less expensive replacement for indoor lighting and heating. But with the development of kerosene in the 1850s, followed by the imposition of the much higher alcohol tax in 1862, a new use was found for the sticky, smelly black goo that freely seeped up from the ground in Pennsylvania (areas of Poland and Azerbaijan experienced the same phenomena). This was the start of the petroleum oil boom. Although kerosene has an obnoxious smell and black smoke, at least it was cheap. As the worlds interest in the new fangled automobiles soared throughout the world it was found that the kerosene could be used as the basis for engine fuel, and after additional refining the oil pioneers developed gasoline. By this time one man and his company rose to world wide prominence John D. Rockefeller and Standard Oil. His enormous wealth was contingent upon oil and its by-products, and in the time-honored tradition of achieving wealth, he used it to secure political and commercial support of his products. The political bribes paid by Rockefeller catapulted support for the 18th Amendment to the Constitution (the Volstead Act) over the top, insuring its passage. This Amendment, commonly referred to as Prohibition, outlawed the production of alcohol with almost no exceptions. Consequently, in the crucial period just after World War I, as Americans were adopting a whole new mobile lifestyle, the one fuel that could challenge Rockefellers gasoline on both a cost and performance basis alcohol was declared illegal. Ethanol was rendered dead as a competitor on the commercial battlefield. Before and during Prohibition, Henry Ford expressed his belief that alcohol (ethanol) was the fuel of the future. His Model T, the product that is said to have given birth to moving assembly line production, was designed and built to use ethanol or gasoline by giving the driver adjustable carburetor and spark advance controls that optimized the performance of the fuel used. Even after Prohibition commenced, General Motorss top scientists, Charles F. Kettering, Thomas A. Midgley and T.A. Boyd, continued their belief that ethanol was the fuel of the future. Considering that it was illegal to even produce the small amounts to conduct tests, alcohol was still being experimented with as the best alternative solution to gasolines knock problem. However, in 1921, GMs scientists discovered that by adding tetraethyl lead to gasoline that the knock was subdued and the new lead-gasoline fuel could be used in advanced higher compression engines. This was the early days of the Roaring Twenties and in order to really roar, the public needed a fuel to set them free. The leaded gasoline didnt just give GM the ability to build vehicles with higher performing engines it gave them a unique process that they could patent. GM combined their process with similar processes being tested by DuPont Chemicals and Standard Oil, which gave GM three cents on every gallon of leaded gasoline sold anywhere in the world. They quickly determined that their share of profits in the sale of leaded gasoline would be worth many billions of dollars over the next couple of decades. The significance to understanding what this meant to General Motors is not just calculated by profits earned, more importantly it explains why General Motors the worlds largest company and automaker - would come to have no interest in developing vehicles that could get better mileage per gallon of gasoline. It is essentially the same reason why tobacco companies had no desire to lessen the addictive qualities of cigarette smoking. The more gallons of fuel that a vehicle used translated to more profits to GM. In essence, the vehicles could be used as a loss-leader to stimulate gasoline sales. This new stream of nearly incalculable profits meant that they didnt have to really compete on an even playing field with other auto manufacturers: They could undercut competitions products because they didnt need to make profits from their vehicles, thereby driving the competition into bankruptcy. They could accept worker demands that they knew the other car companies would not be able to live with on a long term basis. Moreover, even if they didnt undercut the price of their competition or permit unrealistic employee compensation packages, the added revenue gave them a marketing war-chest that could not be overcome also ultimately helping to drive a long list of car makers into obscurity. Any of the above could have given GM a huge edge over the competition, but together it was impossible for most competitors to withstand. The Worm Turns Ironically, however, I believe that it was this exalted position that led to their inconceivable plummet. The gasoline profits allowed General Motors to become a bloated, inflexible entity, incapable of - and disinterested in - meeting the challenges of new design, technologies, demographic shifts, societal attitudes about the environment, and the up-start band of oil-dictators called OPEC. As the years passed, and as new faces came onboard, the knowledge of this gasoline-profit advantage was lost. They thought they were invinciblethey thought they were successful solely because they built a better car. Normally a strong market competitor will strive to set a pace via product improvement that catches the competition off guard. Typical marketing thrusts would be to announce new and improved formulations that deliver more for the consumers money, or a longer-lasting ingredient, or better for your health. Up until the mid 1970s, when it was too late, General Motors only promoted bigger or more powerful vehicles. And, of course, bigger and more powerful translated to more gasoline used. American brand competitors followed the lead, tripping over the low bar set by GM. Where GM survived and prospered because of the billions in gasoline profits the other car makers had to try and survive only on product features and benefits, but it wasnt enough for even the most creative auto makers and most innovative efforts. (The GM team of Kettering and Midgley also invented Freon for refrigeration. Kettering patented a refrigerating apparatus to use the gas; this was issued to Frigidaire, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors. In 1930, General Motors and DuPont formed Kinetic Chemicals to produce Freon. This invention and accompanying profits added to GM's financial stability.) Now, I will agree that most Americans probably wanted bigger and more powerful vehicles in the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s much as we still do today during the gasoline-price crisis. However, GM did little or nothing to deliver the bigger, more powerful vehicles while at the same time consuming less fuel. Again, up until the mid 1970s GM mostly scoffed at the smaller more fuel efficient vehicles that were coming from Europe and Japan. If they designed a small sporty car to compete with a foreign import it was still more powerful and it used more gasoline. At the same time GM filled its executive offices with inept or redundant managers, they allowed the best and brightest new technology or design people to go to foreign manufacturers, they retained for decades the services of advertising and marketing consultants whose only talent was in knowing how to waste more money each new model year, and they built up the walls around themselves until they couldnt see the figurative and literal tsunami that was coming from Japan. Perhaps, if the 70s gasoline crisis didnt happen, and if the environmental movement failed to take hold, or if the gasoline companies could have continued to lie about the negative effects of leaded-gasoline and get away with it then General Motors might have been able to exist without their share of profits from the patents. But the combination of these factors created the perfect storm that set the stage for GMs tumble. I readily acknowledge that others before me have cited GMs lack of effective action as the cause of their near demise and current shaky existence, but I believe that no one has ever put together and articulated the reason why GM would have permitted itself to fall into this position. Many analysts have opined that GM would be okay if it wasnt for the heavy pension packages that they committed to. Some analysts suggest that as the foreign car makers open factories in the U.S. that they will succumb to the same pension problems and end up struggling like GM. I think that GM might never have survived the competition after WWII if they didnt have those billions of extra dollars. I also believe that Mercedes, BMW, Honda, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Nissan and every other foreign brand that establishes a factory here will not go through the same debilitating pension mistakes because they just dont have the extra financial wherewithal to get themselves into the same hot water. They may fail, but its more likely that they would fail from their own original stupid mistakes. When General Motors rushed to Washington in 2008 to beg for financial assistance Presidents Bush and then Obama, and all of Congress, should have said no; they should have told GM to get the money from their buddies in the oil industry, which had just experienced a record-breaking profit year. In case theres anyone out there who is uncertain of how the oil industry makes most of their money, it is from the sale of gasoline for automobiles. Instead of the American public being threatened with GM is too big for us to lose, the oil industry should have rightly been assigned that responsibility, particularly since we were already paying for the second and third Middle-East oil wars and providing security for the entire worlds ocean-going oil tankers. Then, as if Washington didnt already mishandle the GM financial collapse by giving away our money, the car maker was allowed to escape any responsibility to common stock shareholders, a know-nothing maybe bond swindler* was appointed Car Czar, and a member of Exxons Board of Directors was named as CEO of the restructured General Motors. The company continues to be deluded into thinking that their tired brand names have any real market value, they have bet their future on becoming a significant player in a giant communist country, theyre chasing an electric technology fantasy that is still decades away from being meaningful, and they have pretty much abandoned the flex-fuel position that they spent several years and untold dollars trying to establish by finally building more powerful cars that used less gasoline. I was present at numerous GM presentations when they pushed and pushed and pushed E85 and flex-fuel vehicles. If it was a wrong direction and perhaps it was since GM has made so many wrong decisions then why are many of the executives that were involved still with the company? Why did they bring Bob Lutz back into the fold, again? Just Good Capitalism As a devoted capitalist and marketing guy I have to say that the GM action in seeking an inexpensive, exclusive fuel to power the growth of the automobile age was at first blush a great example of what capitalism is about. The problem is that capitalism allowed to run amuck is nearly as bad as unchecked socialism. It may be a convenient inexpensive capitalist idea to dump waste materials from a chemical plant into the river that flows behind the factory, but if the water is also used for drinking by the community down-river who you hope will buy your products, the free-market idea becomes a dead-market reality. In effect, this was the result of General Motors patented process as the legacy of the leaded gasoline process continues to plague us. Chained to Oil We in America and in all industrial nations of the world, no longer drink from an unpolluted spring; we havent for more than half a century. We are addicted to using fuel that robs each and every one of us of our hard earned money. Whats more, over-hyped worrisome economic or political news about oil, and the greedy cycle of oil commodity speculation keeps all segments of the financial markets teetering on the brink of disaster. The richest and most wonderful country in the world has become just another debtor-nation. 50% or more of our national debt is owed to other countries to pay for the oil that we helped discover, subsidize, and then protect through two world wars and several regional conflicts. And we are forced to fund terrorist regimes who would like to see us dead. We willingly support an industry that has given us mass murder billionaires. Every gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel that we buy props up people like Hugo Chavez, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi, Bashar Assad, Osama bin Laden, the so-called Saudi royal family, and even Vladimir Putin. It doesnt matter that three of these men are now dead; the system will continue to churn out new monsters like a well-oiled machine. Their wealth and power is directly derived from our use of gasoline, whether we buy their respective oil or not. The oil and gasoline market is not an open, supply and demand marketplace. It is a tightly closed, tightly controlled fixed enterprise that doesnt permit rogue competitors or independent action. Boycotts or restrictions on the purchase of oil from an especially insidious dictatorship are an irrelevant weapon; to the point that even threatening such action is a joke. If we refuse to buy oil from Iran, for instance, we still have to buy it from someplace. As we pull oil from the new source, a void gets opened that must be filled. So the Iranian oil fills that void, and another country (customer) who doesnt share our sense of moral outrage rushes in to buy the Iranian oil at the same global market price. The other trick that the oil producers use is to sell and/or ship their oil to a middlemen country, such as Canada or India, where it is re-labeled and invoiced and sent to us. So we, the public, are the only ones negatively affected. When General Motors lost their way ninety years ago the United States lost its economic and energy independence. Notes on the story: *My reason for calling Steven Rattner a no-nothing is best exemplified by the criticism that he recently leveled at Mitt Romney, after Romney criticized the GM bailout. Rattner said, If Mr. Romney disagrees, he should come forward with specific names of willing investors in place of empty rhetoric," Rattner wrote. "I predict that he won't be able to, because there aren't any." While I agree that there were probably no willing investors to bailout GM they would have had to be insane to do so Rattner (Obama) should have forced the oil industry to come to GM and Chryslers rescue. How would he have forced them to do it? Simple, he would have said the following: Either you provide the funds or we withdraw our military and you have to provide your own protection for your oil fields and tanker shipments around the world. In addition, I will give immediate emergency orders to jumpstart a serious alternative fuel program in the U.S. and we will phase gasoline out of use forever. If this option was ever explored, we should have been told. If the option was explored and the oil industry refused, we should have been told. If Obama appointed someone as Car Czar and he didnt have the imagination to make a suggestion like this, then he never should have been appointed to this position. But then what should we have expected from a president who is without any experience or imagination of his own. Costco. - Image: Thomas De Wever (Getty Images) Costcos (COST) Board of Trustees is standing firm as many of the biggest companies in the U.S. scale back or scrap their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The company has urged shareholders to reject a proposal from the National Center for Public Policy Research, which calls for an end to Costcos DEI programs. The proposal argues that these initiatives are discriminatory and financially risky. Its clear that DEI holds litigation, reputational and financial risks to the Company, and therefore financial risks to shareholders, the conservative think tank said in its statement of support. The think tank argues that Costco is sticking to a discriminatory DEI program, despite the broader trend of companies cutting back on such initiatives. They note that Costco recently rebranded its DEI program to People and Communities, but they believe this just a new label for the same practices including hiring and promoting based on race and sex, and selecting suppliers for similar reasons. Meanwhile, Costcos Board of Directors is firmly against the proposal. They argue that their DEI efforts are not only good for business, but also reflect the companys core values of inclusion and respect. Costco insists that its DEI program helps attract and retain talented employees, fosters innovation, and strengthens relationships with customers and suppliers. Additionally, the company says that its DEI policies fully comply with the law, including recent Supreme Court rulings. In a unanimous vote, the Board urges shareholders to reject the proposal. Shareholders will vote on it at the Annual Meeting on Jan. 23. We welcome members from all walks of life, Costcos Board of Directors said. As our membership diversifies, we believe that having a diverse team improves satisfaction. A diverse workforce brings creativity to our products, better understands customer preferences, and reflects the diverse backgrounds of the members we serve. The National Center for Public Policy Researchs proposal cites the recent SFFA v. Harvard Supreme Court ruling, which struck down race-based admissions policies, suggesting it could jeopardize the legality of corporate DEI programs that factor in race and gender for hiring, promotions, and supplier selections. Since the ruling, several companies have faced lawsuits over their DEI practices, including Starbucks (SBUX), which was hit with a $25 million lawsuit for discriminating against a white employee. Proponents of the Costco proposal warn that the company could be vulnerable to similar legal challenges, especially since its DEI program emphasizes equity and includes a Chief Diversity Officer. Allen Career Institute celebratessuccess of its 156 students Business Reporter : ALLEN Career Institute Nagpur organised a victory celebration to honour success of its 156 students on Sunday. Toppers who cleared engineering and medical entrance exams in the year 2024 and those who performed well in the International Olympiad exam were awarded medals and cash prizes. Prizes worth more than Rs 34 lakhweredistributed along with silver medals. The chief guest of the programme was Vice President Jeevan Jyoti Agarwal from Allen Kota, and Vice President and Zonal Head of Maharashtra-ChhattisgarhZone Ashutosh Hisaria. On this occasion, Jeevan Jyoti Agarwal said that Allens aimis to make every possible effort to fulfillthedreamsofthestudents.Our priorityis toprovidebetter teachers,good facilitiesandgoodcompetition to the students. This improves the student and prompts him to work hard forhis goal, he said. Ashutosh Hisaria also addressed the students. Bhopal Metro: MD inspects construction at Subhash Nagar Depot S Krishna Chaitanya, Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation, inspecting the ongoing works. Staff Reporter : S Krishna Chaitanya, Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation, conducted a comprehensive site inspection of the ongoing construction work for the Bhopal Metro Priority Corridor. The inspection covered both the Subhash Nagar Metro Station and the AIIMS Station, along with the Subhash Nagar Depot. Starting at the depot, Chaitanya reviewed the progress of the construction activities and then proceeded to inspect various stations along the route, including Subhash Nagar, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Board Office Square, MP Nagar, Rani Kamalapati, DRM Office, Alkapuri, and AIIMS. At Subhash Nagar Station, special attention was given to the entry-exit arrangements through the Foot Over Bridge (FoB), with instructions issued for completing the work as soon as possible. During the inspection, the Managing Director discussed key aspects of the project, including facilities like escalators, lifts, ticketing rooms, and washrooms, and assessed their readiness. He urged the contractors and officials to expedite work on remaining tasks and ensure timely completion of all civil and system works, to ensure the metro can begin operations safely and on schedule. Senior officials from various departments and representatives from contractors were also part of the inspection, where Chaitanya stressed the importance of timely completion to maintain the projects schedule. CM Dr Mohan Yadav emphasises on unity, welfare at Maharshi Balenathji Jayanti Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav addressing Maharshi Shri Balenath Ji Bairwa Jayanti celebrations in Ujjain. Staff Reporter : Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav addressed Maharshi Shri Balenath Ji Bairwa Jayanti celebrations in Ujjain, emphasising Indias rich cultural diversity and the importance of unity. He noted that India is a nation of various religions, societies, languages, and cultures, all coexisting harmoniously. He stated that cultural diversity is the foundation of Indias identity, and it plays a crucial role in the countrys development. Dr Yadav emphasised that Indian culture teaches the holistic development of life through practices like yoga, austerity, meditation, and companionship. Dr Yadav praised Maharshi Balenath Ji for his efforts in eliminating social evils and guiding people towards a righteous path. He stated that Maharshi Balenath Jis contributions were essential in shaping the society and fostering positive change. He also expressed happiness at welcoming members of the Bairwa community from across the country to this significant event. During the event, Dr Yadav released the book Bhima Vandana , written by Akhil Junwal. He also flagged off the Bairwa communitys bike rally, which was an important highlight of the event. The ceremony was attended by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Employment and Ujjain District In-charge Minister Gautam Tetwal, National President of All India Bairwa Society Rajesh Jharwal, along with several community leaders and members. Dr Yadav announced that a state-level panchayat for the Bairwa community would be organized next year. The event will invite members of the Bairwa community from across the country. He assured that the state government would involve Bairwa entrepreneurs and businesses in Madhya Pradeshs industrial growth, ensuring the communitys overall development. He further encouraged Bairwa children to pursue education and promised the governments full support in ensuring their success. Dr Yadav highlighted the governments commitment to improving the lives of the poor and addressing their issues. He shared that the government had already resolved the challenges faced by workers at Vinod Mill in Ujjain and Hukumchand Mill in Indore. He added that efforts are underway to ensure workers at JC Mills in Gwalior receive their rightful dues. The Chief Minister assured that the government would ensure that workers from all closed mills, who have yet to receive their compensation, will be provided with their dues, along with the full interest. Dr Yadav also discussed the state governments mission mode campaign for the welfare of the poor, youth, farmers, women, and all needy sections of society, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He reassured that the government is focused on increasing employment opportunities and ensuring inclusive development, leaving no one behind. Discerning people up in arms against shifting of Union Carbide waste to Pithampur By Bhavana Aparajita Shukla : Petition filed by Alumni Association of Government Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College not heard on Tuesday Although, group of civil society members have sought an urgent hearing of the petition in the High Court regarding disposal and incineration of the toxic waste in Pithampur, but the petition was not heard on Tuesday. The members, on December 30, had filed a plea in the High Court to halt transfer of Union Carbide waste to Pithampur near Indore, seeking immediate stay as petitioners claim that the disposal and incineration of the toxic waste in Pithampur is harmful for the residents of Pithampur as well as those in Indore, which is about 35 km from the industrial town. On the other side, around a dozen containers, carrying around 337 tonnes of toxic waste, from the premises of Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) will drive to Indores Pithampur area from Bhopal, for which a green corridor has been created. All the containers will move together through a green corridor of around 250 km between the UCIL and the dumping point in Pithampur. A petition was filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday (December 30, 2024) demanding a stay on the Governments plans to move the toxic Union Carbide waste near commercial capital of State. Notably, State Government has begun packing and loading of 337 tonnes of toxic waste lying in the Union Carbide factory premises for 40 years. The waste is expected to be moved to Pithampur in Dhar district any day now as the Government plans to submit an affidavit in the High Courts Jabalpur Bench on January 3. The petition has been filed by the Alumni Association of Government Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College through its President Dr Sanjay Londhe. The two other petitioners are Dr S S Nayyar and Dr Vinita Kothari. The petition has claimed that various doctors, experts and researchers have pointed out that the disposal of the waste in Pithampur might increase the cancer as well as breathing related issues for the people of Indore and Pithampur. Claiming that the incineration plant is located near Gambhir river, a source of water for the Yashwant Sagar Dam which supplies drinking water to atleast 40 per cent of Indore, the petition feared the possibilities of the dam getting polluted due to the waste disposal. Further, it is essential to mention here that due to the ongoing disposal activities in the plant of the Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited (parent company of Pithampur Industrial Waste Management Private Limited, as claimed in the petition) situated in the Pithampur, in village Tarapur, not only the soil and water of the Tarapur village would be polluted but also of the adjacent villages, which are causing huge health issues in those villages, the petitioners stated. Talking to The Hitavada, a team of experts say that there should be a judicial committee headed by a sitting HC judge to assess the health and environmental impacts of the waste disposal in Pithampur. Notably, this year, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the State Government to dispose of the toxic waste lying at the now-defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal, and said even 40 years after the gas disaster, the authorities are in a state of inertia that may cause another tragedy. Describing it as a sorry state of affairs, the High Court asked the Government to remove and transport the hazardous waste from the site within four weeks, failing which it will have to face contempt proceedings. Govt forfeits medal awarded to CBI inspector who was arrested in bribery case NEW DELHI : THE Government has forfeited the Union Home Ministers medal for Excellence in Investigation awarded to CBI Inspector Rahul Raj in 2023 who was later caught by the agency red-handed, allegedly receiving Rs 10 lakh bribe and dismissed from the service, officials said. The action comes on the recommendation of CBI Director Praveen Sood who has cracked down on corrupt elements detected in the agencys internal vigilance process. Raj, a recipient of a prestigious medal in 2023, was caught red-handed on May 19 while allegedly accepting an illegal gratification of Rs 10 lakh from Malay College of Nursing chairman Anil Bhaskaran and his wife Suma Anil, an official alleged. The couple were also arrested. The CBI swung into action after inputs and surveillance by its internal vigilance unit indicated that one of the support teams constituted on the orders of the Madhya Pradesh High Court to examine the infrastructure in nursing colleges in the state was indulging in corruption. Officials in the know of developments said that CBI Director Sood had made it clear in no uncertain terms that internal vigilance is prerequisite to external action. They said that, following its policy of zero tolerance to corruption and misdemeanours, the CBI dismissed its officer under Article 311 of the Constitution within days of his arrest. The CBI also recommended cancelling his medal, which the Home Ministry has accepted. Union Home Ministers Medal for Excellence in Investigation-2023 awarded to Rahul Raj, Inspector of the CBI is hereby cancelled. and the medal forfeited under Rule-9 of the Rules governing the award of Union Home Ministers Medal for Excellence in Investigation, the notification issued by the Ministry on Monday said. Following its zero-tolerance policy towards internal corruption, three CBI officers were dismissed without enquiry under Article 311 of the Constitution while five were compulsorily retired under 56J rule in 2023-24, officials said. Manipur CM apologises for ethnic conflict, urges all communities to forget, forgive past mistakes Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh addresses a press conference on Tuesday. (PTI) IMPHAL : MANIPUR Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday apologised for the ethnic conflict in the State which claimed over 250 lives and rendered thousands homeless, and appealed to all communities to forget and forgive past mistakes and live together in a peaceful and prosperous State. Addressing reporters here, Singh said that there has been relative peace in the State in the last three-four months, which gives him hope that normalcy will be restored in the New Year. I want to say sorry for what happened in the State. Many people lost their loved ones and many had to leave their homes. I regret and want to apologise. But after seeing relative peace in the last three-four months, I hope that normalcy will be restored in the coming year. Whatever happened has happened... I want to appeal to all communities to forgive and forget our past mistakes and start life afresh by living together in a peaceful and prosperous Manipur, he said. Singh said firing incidents have declined in the state over the last 20 months since the ethnic conflict began in May 2023. From May to October, 2023, 408 firing incidents were reported. From November 2023 to April 2024, there were 345 firing incidents, whereas from May this year till now, 112 firing incidents were reported, he said. He said that of all the looted weapons, 3,112 have been recovered and 2,511 explosives have been seized during the period. The Chief Minister further said that 625 people have been arrested and 12,047 FIRs registered so far. More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May last year. Naxals trying to expand to new areas without much success: MHA report NEW DELHI : FACING tough action from the security forces, the Naxals are making efforts to seep into new areas along inter-State borders but without any notable success, the latest report from the Union Home Ministry has said. The Governments multipronged approach -- anti-Naxal operations by paramilitary and State police and simultaneous development initiatives in Maoist-affected areas -- has resulted in a 48 per cent reduction in violent incidents, from 1,136 in 2013 to 594 in 2023, the report said. A 65 per cent reduction was also noticed in the deaths of civilians and security forces, which came down from 397 to 138 in 2023 as compared to 2013, it said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the country would be free of Naxalism by March 31, 2026. The geographical spread of Left-Wing Extremist (LWE) violence has shrunk considerably. In 2023, 171 police stations in 42 districts reported such incidents, compared to 328 police stations in 76 districts in 2013, the MHA report said. The arc of violence has been considerably restricted with just 25 districts accounting 91 per cent of the LWE violence, it said. According to the Ministrys annual report 2023-24, the CPI (Maoist) continues to be the most potent among the various LWE outfits in the country, accounting for more than 90 per cent of total violent incidents and 95 per cent of resultant deaths. Amidst increasing reverses, the CPI (Maoist) has been making efforts to expand to new areas along inter-state borders, albeit without any significant success, the report said. They wish to keep the population in their areas of influence marginalised to perpetuate their outdated ideology, it said. Consequently, the process of development has been set back by decades in many parts of the country under LWE influence, it said. Various measures adopted by (State) Governments and the developmental outreach by the Union government have seen an increasingly large number of LWE cadres shunning the path of violence and returning to the mainstream. Quad vows to work vigorously towards free, stable Indo-Pacific NEW DELHI : The Foreign Ministers of the member nations, consisiting of India, the US, Australia and Japan made the pledge in a joint statement commemorating the 20th anniversary of Quad cooperation INDIA and other Quad member nations on Tuesday reaffirmed the groupings steadfast commitment to work towards a free, open and peaceful Indo-Pacific amid Chinas increasing military muscle-flexing in the region. The Foreign Ministers of the member nations of the grouping made the pledge in a joint statement commemorating the 20th anniversary of Quad cooperation. India, the US, Australia and Japan came together 20 years ago to extend assistance in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, and that coalition subsequently took form of the Quad. In the last few years, the Quad has rolled out a number of initiatives addressing some of the most pressing needs and challenges of the Indo-Pacific region, including in areas of maritime security, infrastructure and connectivity. India is scheduled to host the next Quad Summit that is likely to take place in the second half of 2025. The Foreign Ministers of the four nations said the Quad will work together in responding to the future needs of the Indo-Pacific. As four partners, we share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable and prosperous, underpinned by effective regional institutions, the joint statement said. The Quad foreign ministers also talked about the centrality of 10-nation grouping Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the Indo-Pacific. We reaffirm our unwavering support for ASEANs centrality and unity as well as mainstreaming and implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, the ministers said. We respect Pacific-led regional architecture, foremost the Pacific Islands Forum. We are also steadfast in our support for the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the regions premier organisation, they said. The Quad foreign ministers also referred to the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and how the four countries came together to respond to the challenges. The tsunami was one of the worst disasters in history, claiming the lives of nearly a quarter million people and displacing 1.7 million across 14 countries, they said. Together our four countries contributed over 40,000 emergency responders, working with other partners across the Indo-Pacific region to support millions of people affected by the catastrophe. In the statement, the ministers further noted that the foundational commitment of the four nations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief remained strong. We continue to work side-by-side to prepare for and respond quickly and effectively to disasters across the region, they said. In 2024, our four countries collectively supported disaster preparedness and life-saving relief efforts across the Indo-Pacific and we continue to build on those efforts to identify new ways to respond rapidly to humanitarian crises and disasters, they added. The ministers also briefly highlighted the Quads focus on addressing complex challenges in the Indo-Pacific. What began as an emergency response to a catastrophe has grown into a full-fledged partnership delivering positive outcomes for the people of our region, the statement noted. It said the Quad countries now work together and with partners across the Indo-Pacific to address complex challenges -- from fighting climate change, cancer and pandemics, to bolstering quality infrastructure, counter-terrorism efforts, critical and emerging technologies, and cyber security. Since 2021, the leaders of our four nations have met annually to drive the Quads positive contributions across South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, the Ministers said. In the last Quad summit held in Wilmington in the US, top leaders of the grouping unveiled major steps to expand maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. They also called for rules-based global order that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. So much for fire safety JMC receives zero applications for obtaining Fire Safety Certificate on last date By Dhanendra Chaurasia : Despite an extended deadline set by the State Government, residents and institutions in Jabalpur showed little interest in obtaining fire safety certificates from the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation (JMC). On the final day of the extension, i.e. December 31, 2024, not a single application was submitted. Kushagra Thakur, Superintendent Fire Department of JMC confirmed that no certificates were issued on the last day of the deadline. He informed that in December, around 25 certificates were made. The JMC has now written to the relevant State government department, seeking guidance on further action, including whether fines should be imposed on non-compliant property owners. It may be mentioned that the State government had granted temporary relaxation on fire safety certification requirements till December 31. The government had given additional time to the hotels, hospitals, multi-story buildings and apartment owners to meet fire safety standards. The JMC had urged building owners, developers and institutions to take advantage of the extension to comply with fire safety regulations. The civic body emphasised the importance of adhering to fire safety standards to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. With the relaxation period now over, the JMC is preparing to impose penalties on those who failed to secure their fire safety certificates. According to a departmental circular dated December 16, 2022, Clause 5.2 states that a fine of Rs 500 per day will be levied for delays in submitting fire plans. This amount increases to Rs 1,000 per day after one year of non-compliance. If You Invested $10,000 In Omega Healthcare Investors Stock 10 Years Ago, How Much Would You Have Now? Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (NYSE:OHI) is a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) that provides financing and capital to the long-term health care industry, with a particular focus on skilled nursing facilities in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is set to report its Q4 2024 earnings on Feb. 5, 2025. Wall Street analysts expect the company to post an EPS of $0.71, up from $0.68 in the year-ago period. According to Benzinga Pro, quarterly revenue is expected to reach $219.50 million, down from $239.32 million in the previous year. Don't Miss: If You Bought Omega Healthcare Investors Stock 10 Years Ago The company's stock traded at approximately $38.78 per share 10 years ago. If you had invested $10,000, you could have bought roughly 258 shares. Currently, shares trade at $37.81, meaning your investment's value could have declined to $9,750 from stock price appreciation alone. However, Omega Healthcare Investors also paid dividends during these 10 years. Omega Healthcare Investors' dividend yield is currently 7.09%. Over the last 10 years, it has paid about $25.10 in dividends per share, which means you could have made $6,472 from dividends alone. See Also: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today. Summing up $9,750 and $6,472, we end up with the final value of your investment, which is $16,222. This is how much you could have made if you had invested $10,000 in Omega Healthcare Investors stock 10 years ago. This means a total return of 62.22%. However, this figure is significantly less than the S&P 500 total return for the same period, which was 220.53%. What Could The Next 10 Years Bring? Omega Healthcare Investors has a consensus rating of "Buy" and a price target of $35.42 based on the ratings of 21 analysts. The price target implies more than 6% potential downside from the current stock price. Check out this article by Benzinga for five analysts' insights on Omega Healthcare. Following his death at age 100, former President Jimmy Carter's decades-old advice for success in business still applies today. Former President Jimmy Carter's advice for success in business comes down to respect. After Carter's death at age 100, he is remembered for his ability to mediate conflicts and get people to find common ground. This skill served him while growing his family's peanut-farming business in his younger years, and while brokering the Camp David accords between Egypt and Israel later on. Carter would go on to win a Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work through his foundation. In a 1998 interview in The Harvard Business Review recently resurfaced by Business Insider, Carter expressed the importance of navigating negotiations with respect and empathy. "All negotiations, whether in government or business, require certain things. One is a proper respect for the people across from you whose opinions differ from yours. You cant be arrogant," Carter said. "Youve got to give the people with whom youre contending your understandingnot your agreement but your understanding. It requires some humility to recognize that youre not inherently better than they are." Having empathy and respect for others can help work out compromises for the greater good, according to Carter. That means being humble, and genuinely hearing what professional colleagues and business partners have to say. The importance of soft skills Carter's advice from decades ago is increasingly relevant for success in business today. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, replacing the need for many traditional hard skills like computing or calculations, experts have stressed the importance of having soft skills that can't be replaced by a machine. Researchers have said we are currently in a soft skills crisis, with 1 in 4 hiring managers saying they wouldn't hire entry-level Gen Z graduates for a job. The biggest factor driving this lack of confidence is a perceived lack of soft skills like strong communication and the ability to adapt to changes. These skills are essential for thriving at work, Fortune's Jane Thier wrote in a recent report. Employers should consider investing in soft skills instruction in the same way they provide instruction for technical skills, according to a recent Deloitte study featured in Fortune's CHRO Daily newsletter. Other successful leaders have echoed Carter's advice to tap into empathy. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stressed the importance of relating to others in a 2023 interview with Axel Springer. Huawei Technologies' chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, on Tuesday extolled the US-sanctioned company's resilience on multiple fronts - from artificial intelligence (AI) chip development to growing adoption of its own mobile operating system, HarmonyOS - in a morale-boosting New Year's Eve message. Over the past six years, Huawei "experienced countless moments of darkness, uncertainty and defeat", but has also seen "one miracle after another, making the impossible possible", Meng, daughter of Huawei founder and chief executive Ren Zhengfei, wrote in a message published by the Shenzhen-based firm. Meng, 52, thanked Huawei's customers, supply chain partners and employees for a groundbreaking year. In October, she assumed for the second time the position of rotating and acting chairwoman at Huawei for a six-month tenure that ends on March 31. 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. She pointed out that hybrid engineering teams achieved breakthroughs - in areas of heat dissipation, power supply, high-speed transmission and chip reliability - as Huawei operated a dozen laboratories, where it worked with partners to design semiconductors, including high-bandwidth memory chips, used for training AI models. The past 12 months also represented a "crucial" year to foster adoption of HarmonyOS Next, which no longer supports Android-based apps. Huawei completed in just a year what took other firms 10 years in terms of developing an operating system, according to Meng. Richard Yu Chengdong, chairman of Huawei Technologies' consumer business group, speaks at the launch event of HarmonyOS Next in Shenzhen on October 22, 2024. Photo: Xinhua alt=Richard Yu Chengdong, chairman of Huawei Technologies' consumer business group, speaks at the launch event of HarmonyOS Next in Shenzhen on October 22, 2024. Photo: Xinhua> As rotating chairwoman, Meng's end-of-the-year message reflects how she continues to help steward US-blacklisted Huawei's comeback in the 5G smartphone market, while overseeing advanced chip development efforts in spite of rigid US sanctions. In a recent message to new employees, Huawei board member Vincent Peng Bo said the company's consumer business "managed to survive, thanks in part to domestic consumers' enthusiasm". He added, however, that "there's still a long way to go" for Huawei amid various tech restrictions. US-based NB Advisors, a fourth-generation family-owned accounting firm, has expanded its operations to Hammonton, New Jersey. Headquartered in Philadelphia, the firm provides a suite of customised accounting services. It aims to cater to the needs of the local business community with offerings that include tax planning, bookkeeping, and strategic chief financial officer (CFO) advisory. The company has identified Hammonton as a growing economic hub, citing a 3.16% increase in employment from 2021 to 2022, with a workforce now numbering 7,530. The town's economic vitality is attributed to its largest industries: health care and social assistance, educational services, and retail trade. New Jersey experienced a 16.5% employment decline in April 2020, the state and Hammonton are noted to have bounced back, with a 2.27% increase in employment year-over-year as of February 2023. NB Advisors intends to offer financial solutions that support both the immediate and long-term objectives of Hammonton's businesses. Additionally, Hammonton provides access to sectors that are claimed to be high-paying such as utilities, professional services, and real estate. NB Advisors managing partner Ryan Niedoba said: Hammonton is a vibrant community with a growing workforce and a diverse range of industries. We are excited to bring our expertise to Hammonton and partner with small business owners to help them achieve financial success in this thriving environment. This expansion follows NB Advisors' recent announcement of another new office in Cherry Hill. The Golden Triangle/Cherry Hill Mall area is reported to represent 25.8% of local jobs, mostly in retail trade. "NB Advisors launches new office in Hammonton, New Jersey " was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand. (Bloomberg) -- Pan-European stock exchange Euronext NV is upbeat about initial public offerings next year as private equity funds are increasingly looking to equity markets to exit the businesses they own. Most Read from Bloomberg Theres a real need for them to return capital to their investors, Mathieu Caron, head of primary markets at Euronext, said in an interview on Monday. Euronext, which operates exchanges in Paris, Amsterdam, Milan, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon and Oslo, said it became home to 53 new companies in 2024, which jointly raised 3.9 billion ($4.1 billion) of capital, a 55% increase over last year. For 2025, Caron said he expects sectors including the defense industry, tech and green energy to remain active in IPO markets. Meanwhile, spinoffs like those implemented by Vivendi SE and Sodexo could continue as conglomerates seek to rationalize their assets. We think we will have a year in 2025 which will be better both in terms of the number of deals and of the amount of capital, Caron said. Caron said that the average time of ownership of businesses acquired by private equity funds was putting pressure on managers to cash out, and the stock market had proved an efficient way to do this in 2024. IPOs and selldowns in companies backed by private equity funds and similar investors raised more than $25 billion of gross proceeds this year across Europe, a 80% jump from all of 2023, according to Bloomberg calculations made mid-December. French software firm Planisware SA and Swiss skincare giant Galderma Group AG were among the major deals in 2024 by companies with PE-backers. --With assistance from Pablo Mayo Cerqueiro. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro filed a complaint with a federal energy regulator against PJM Interconnection on Monday, arguing that the largest U.S. power grid operator must change its market rules or risk soaring electricity costs. PJM Interconnection, which runs the electrical grid covering more than 65 million Americans across parts of 13 states from Illinois to New Jersey, has faced increased public scrutiny since July, when it said its annual capacity auction would result in record-high payments to power plants in its system. "It is difficult to escape the conclusion that PJM's capacity market is currently failing," Shapiro, a Democrat, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania said in the complaint filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The complaint argues, in part, that PJM's capacity market price cap is unreasonably high and threatens to add billions of dollars to power bills while failing to substantially increase grid reliability. If certain market rules remain in place, ratepayers across the PJM region could see as much as a $20.4 billion increase in costs, the complaint said. In the last annual auction, PJM agreed to pay power generators roughly 900% more than it paid the previous year, attributing the surging prices to tightening power supplies and rising electricity demand. At least some of those costs will be paid by homes and businesses in PJM's territory. "Fundamentally this is a supply/demand problem that is leading to high consumer pricing, driven primarily by policy choices that are pushing resources off the system, along with data center and electrification demand growth, PJM spokesperson Susan Buehler said. (Reporting by Laila Kearney; Editing by Rod Nickel) Under the leadership of Sankar Ghosh, chief whip of the state Assembly, BJP councillors and other prominent leaders, including Shikha Chatterjee, MLA from Dabgram-Fulbari, staged a protest in front of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation. The protestors demanded the resignation of mayor Goutam Deb, accusing him of failing to deliver essential services to the residents of Siliguri. Raising slogans and holding placards, the BJP leaders alleged that the civic administration under the mayors leadership has been ineffective in addressing issues such as water supply, sanitation, and waste management. Shikha Chatterjee stated, The people of Siliguri have been let down by the mayors inability to meet basic civic needs. It is time for him to step down. Advertisement The protest drew attention to long-standing grievances of the citizens, with BJP leaders vowing to escalate their agitation if immediate action is not taken to address these issues. Advertisement The ISKCON temple in the city on Tuesday held prayers for Hindu minorities facing violence in Bangladesh. During the prayer, devotees displayed placards with messages such as Bangladeshi Hindus, you are in our prayers and Hindu Lives Matter. Advertisement ISKCON Kolkata vice-president Radha Raman Das expressed hope for a new chapter of peace for Bangladeshi Hindus in the New Year. Advertisement We hope that a new chapter of peace begins in the lives of Bangladeshi Hindus in the New Year, that they get justice for the atrocities they have faced in 2024, and that they will be able to live in peace and harmony in Bangladesh. We pray regularly for Bangladeshi Hindus and hope that peace returns to the country, Radha Raman Das said. Earlier, spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya called for strong action from the Indian government regarding the turmoil in Bangladesh. Criticizing the current Bangladeshi government as anti-Hindu, he emphasised that dialogue alone would not resolve the crisis. He expressed concern over the failure of diplomatic talks to halt the violence and stressed the need for stringent measures to stop the atrocities. He said, The atrocities being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh and the way temples are being destroyed require the government to take firm action now. The government has been in constant talks with Bangladesh for many days, urging them to stop the atrocities against Hindus, but the persecution continues. In such a situation, stringent measures should be taken because they will not stop without such action. Rambhadracharya also urged India to take strong action, as dialogue with Bangladesh will not resolve the issues. He added, The current Bangladesh government is anti-Hindu. The ministry of external affairs here received a letter demanding the return of Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh. But India will not do that. Differences between the two (India and Bangladesh) will only increase. India will have to take strong action. It is heartening to note that the Government of West Bengal has adopted a new kind of economic model since the last couple of years that is showing excellent, all-inclusive and sustainable results. Encouragement to cohesive working, between MSMEs, artisans, start-ups, and retailers; results in consumers getting what they need and not what is conspicuous, show-off, consumption. The fruits of rising GDP reaching to all sections of society has raised the spending power of the common man. Large population in and around the state needed working from ground level. Advertisement Time has come in West Bengal for industrial growth. Number of MSMEs and industrial estates coming up all over the state outnumber almost all other states in India. Advertisement Hon. Mamta Banerjee, chief minister has very rightly assessed the importance of the vital role of traders and retailers; when she recently appreciated the vital role of traders and small shopkeepers in the state to serve MSMEs and consumers both in speeding up economic activity in the state. Her calling traders as the Pillars of Bengals economy, speaks of focused and meaningful policy of the state government. This unique and all-inclusive model of economic growth is sustainable as well as helping all sections of society. Responding to the CMs statement, the president of Confederation of West Bengal trade Associations, an apex body of leading associations of the state, Mr Sushil Poddar expressed heartfelt gratitude in inspiring the common man and the shop-keepers all over in the districts and towns. Leader of Opposition in Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari today addressed a public meeting in Sandeshkhali without police permission, a day after chief minister Mamata Banerjees visit. He walked to the stage from the ferry ghat and stated that he was being warmly welcomed as a relative of the area, unlike Trinamul leaders, whom he called beneficiaries. On Monday, chief minister Mamata Banerjee visited Sandeshkhali and issued a warning to women, saying, Dont fall into the trap of wrongdoers. Advertisement The very next day, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in his counter-rally at Sandeshkhali took a dig at Mamata Banerjee over her bad people remark. During her speech on Monday, Mamata Banerjee had accused the BJP, saying, I know there has been a money game here. But later, you saw it was all bluff. Lies dont last long. In response, Suvendu said, If anyone should be called a bad person in this state, it is none other than Mamata Banerjee. Advertisement Suvendu also predicted that BJP would win 27,000 votes in the Sandeshkhali Assembly constituency. He criticised Mamata Banerjees government, saying it increased per capita debt from Rs 20,000 during the Left regime to Rs 59,000. He accused her of distributing Rs 60,000 per house from loans taken by the central government. Suvendu mocked Mamatas promise to provide widow pensions for women above 60, calling it an election gimmick. He alleged that Mamatas government suppressed central welfare schemes like Ayushman Bharat and failed to improve healthcare infrastructure. Suvendu highlighted BJPs victories in Nandigram, Kanthi, and Tamluk as signs of growing support. He promised legal action and a judicial commission against the atrocities allegedly committed in Sandeshkhali if BJP came to power. Suvendu emphasized that BJP would build houses worth Rs 3 lakhs with solar lights and toilets, contrasting Mamatas Rs 1 lakh houses. Referring to alleged religious conversions for job security, Suvendu vowed to protect Hindu traditions and warned against threats similar to those in Bangladesh, where Hindus face restrictions on wearing bangles, vermilion, and keeping Tulsi altars. The LoP urged people to remain united for 15 more months until elections, promising a BJP government that would oust extremists and end oppression in Bengal. An accident in Telengabagan due to reckless driving by two buses led to protests by the locals. Reports said one person was seriously injured and admitted to R G Kar Hospital. The incident sparked tension in the area, leading to vandalism of buses by local residents. One lane in Ultadanga was completely blocked due to this incident, leading to significant traffic congestion in the area. Advertisement Locals alleged that despite repeated complaints, reckless driving in the area continues, resulting in frequent accidents. The latest incident of buses racing is one more example. Locals also accused policemen from Maniktala police station, who were present at the scene, of inaction. The accident involved a Bagbazar-Garia station route and the popular L238 plying on the Howrah-Barasat route. While the buses were trying to overtake each other, one person was injured, leaving her critically injured. She was rushed to R G Kar Hospital for treatment. Residents complained that buses are often driven recklessly in this area, leading to multiple accidents in the past. Despite this, no strict measures were taken by the authorities, they alleged. Advertisement Angry residents confronted police and local council representatives as soon as they arrived. A local said, The Howrah-Barasat L238 bus was speeding dangerously. The signal was red, and a woman was crossing the road. Ignoring the signal, the bus ran over her leg. Another resident added, Police just sit in depots doing nothing, leading to such accidents. Or how else, how can a bus jump signal and speed through like that? Upon hearing about the incident, TMC MLA Supti Pandey rushed to the spot. She stated, The bus was speeding recklessly. We will thoroughly investigate how this incident occurred and also look into whether the police were negligent. The transformative multi-tracking project between Son Nagar and Andal has moved into the next phase at Mugma for the 70 km Andal-Pradhankhunta section under Asansol division, thanks to the significant support from local government authorities. This crucial project, sanctioned by the Railway Board with an allocation exceeding Rs 12,000 cr, is a part of a larger initiative to lay new tracks stretching over 374.53 route km and 814.38 track km. In collaboration with the Jharkhand and West Bengal governments, nearly all necessary land acquisitions have been completed, enabling the commencement of extensive civil, electrical, and S&T works. The work of the next phase has already commenced at Mugma in the section, marking a significant milestone in the projects progress. The project aims to alleviate congestion on the mainline, potentially facilitating additional mail/express train services and achieving a target speed of 160 kmph between Pradhankhunta and Andal. Advertisement The projects comprehensive scope includes the construction of one important bridge, 13 major bridges, and 138 minor bridges, along with multiple ROBs and RUBs to ensure seamless rail operations. Advertisement Additionally, the introduction of three new stations and the elimination of level crossings through flyover construction will significantly streamline rail traffic. With an expected completion period of five years, this project promises substantial benefits for Dhanbad and West Burdwan districts, enhancing safety and improving rail operations across the region. The active involvement and cooperation of local authorities have been instrumental in advancing this project, underscoring a strong collaborative effort towards regional development. The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor will be from Ludhiana in Punjab to Dankuni in Hooghly district. All seven MPs from Delhi called on Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday and presented a memorandum proposing four new projects aimed at reducing pollution, congestion, and traffic jams in the national capital. Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra, who is the MP from East Delhi, later addressed a press conference to share the details of the memorandum and its proposals. He said the measures proposed would not only ease commuting for the residents in the city but also help regulate the number of vehicles entering Delhi from neighbouring state. Advertisement Malhotra highlighted the adverse impact of rising pollution with the residents of Delhi forced to breathe in toxic air, and the loss of time and fuel due to traffic congestion. He informed that the BJP MPs from Delhi collectively devised and proposed the four major reform projects to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Advertisement Sharing details of the proposed projects, the minister said they include a proposed tunnel from Shiv Murti to Nelson Mandela, which would reduce travel time to just 7-8 minutes. The second project he mentioned is to connect the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway to KMP Expressway, which would allow travelers heading to Katra or Amritsar to bypass Delhi and directly access the airport or Gurgaon. The minister mentioned connecting Urban Extension Road-2 (UER) with Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, which is expected to provide a direct route for vehicles traveling from Delhi to Uttar Pradesh and Noida without entering the city. Lastly, he mentioned the proposal on extension of UER-2 near Alipur, connecting it with Delhi-Dehradun Expressway near Tronica City, which would offer an alternative route for vehicles heading to Uttar Pradesh, avoiding entry into Delhi. Malhotra said the Union minister assured them of considering the proposals and an appropriate action to be taken soon. He added that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Gadkaris leadership, 55,000 km of national highways have been constructed in the past decade. All the MPs, including Manoj Tiwari, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Yogendra Chandolia, Praveen Khandelwal, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, and Bansuri Swaraj, along with Vice Chairman of New Delhi Municipal Council Kuljit Chahal were present during the press conference. Year-ahead outlooks are always tricky, and housing market experts are not immune from making reasonable forecasts in December that fall apart by the first quarter of the following year. Still, it's worth listening to what people in the industry are expecting particularly when there's some consensus for what's likely to happen in 2025. To that end, we've rounded up some industry perspectives on several of the issues Americans care most about in the housing market, from rates to sales volumes. In short, don't look for boom times next year, but do expect some small improvements in the real estate landscape. Where will mortgage rates go in 2025? "Mortgage rates are likely to remain in the high-6% range throughout 2025, with the weekly average rate fluctuating throughout the year but averaging around 6.8%," say the strategists at Redfin, the national brokerage. The panel of experts at Fannie Mae and Pulsenomics LLC says consumers should expect "mortgage rates to remain elevated but modestly decline over the course of the year to 6.3%." Is 2025 the year of the pet in the housing market? Ontheporch032 Realtor.com forecasts a full-year average of 6.3% Rates will average 6.4%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Will home prices rise in 2025? Redfin expects a 4% rise in the median home sale price. The Fannie Mae/Pulsenomics forecast calls for a 3.8% gain. Zillow forecasts 2.6% home value growth in 2025. The Mortgage Bankers Association expects a gain of just 1.5%. Read next: Most older Americans want to age in place, new report finds. What are the barriers? Will home sales rise in 2025? The Mortgage Bankers Association expects a 5.1% increase next year. Zillow forecasts a 7% increase. The economics team at Fannie Mae sees a 4.2% bump. The National Association of Realtors predicts sales will jump 9%. More: The housing crisis threatens the American dream. What's next? Bonus (random) forecasts "Mayors in Blue Cities will help reverse the flight from urban centers," Redfin's experts say. The group cites newly elected mayors in San Francisco, Portland, Oregon, and others who are enacting pro-business, tough-on-crime policies. "Those political factors, along with many big companies including tech firms bringing their workers back into the office, may start a reversal of the flight from big coastal cities." Separately, pet-friendly policies will become "nonnegotiable" for managers of rental properties, Zillow's forecast argues. "Renters are getting older and they are not putting off 'adulting' milestones such as moving in together or getting a pet before they buy a home," they write. About 58% of renters have a pet, which is up from 46% before the pandemic, and in surveys many say they have passed on a rental property because it did not allow pets. And "2025 is expected to be the most buyer-friendly market since 2016," according to the Realtor.com team. Inventory of homes for sale will be at the highest since just before the pandemic, they note. There will be 4.1 months' worth of homes for sale on the market in 2025, they reckon, explaining that "anything under 4 months is typically considered a sellers market, while a supply of 4 to 6 months is typically considered a balanced market." (Anything above 6 months' worth is a buyer's market, which isn't in the cards anytime soon.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Housing market forecast: What to expect for home prices, sales in 2025 Chennai came alive on New Year 2025, first day as fans of superstar Rajinikanth gathered outside his residence, eager for a glimpse of their beloved icon. Rajinikanth actor stepped out to greet the crowd, creating a heartwarming moment for his admirers as they welcomed 2025 with cheers and excitement. Advertisement Rajinikanths fans are known for their unwavering devotion, and this New Years gathering was no exception. The megastars brief appearance was enough to light up the day for those who had come from near and far to see him. Advertisement This festive spirit follows the actors grand 74th birthday celebrations on December 12. Fans and fellow celebrities alike showered Rajinikanth with love and admiration. Among them was Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who paid a touching tribute to the Tamil cinema legend. In a heartfelt social media post, Shah Rukh Khan shared a nostalgic photo with Rajinikanth and described him as the coolest of the cool and the bossest of all the bosses. He expressed his gratitude, calling Rajinikanth an inspiration and wishing him continued health and happiness. The birthday celebrations also included the unveiling of a statue of Rajinikanth at the Arulmigu Sri Rajini Temple in Thirumangalam, Madurai, on December 11. The statue, a tribute to his iconic role in the 1989 film Mappillai, stands as a testament to the actors enduring legacy. Rajinikanths career, spanning over four decades, has cemented his status as one of Indias most revered actors. His work transcends linguistic and regional boundaries, with memorable performances in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and even English films. Known for his distinctive style and unmatched charisma, Rajinikanth remains a cultural phenomenon whose influence extends far beyond the silver screen. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested Dr Amit Bansal, son of Subhash Bansal, a resident of Chandigarh, for illegal activities at his 22 de-addiction centers being run/owned by him in different parts of the state. In this case, Rooppreet Kaur, a drug inspector from Ludhiana, has also been booked and will be arrested soon. Disclosing this here on Wednesday, an official spokesperson of the state VB said in this regard, a case based on a FIR dated December 31, 2024 has been registered against the accused under Section 7, 7-A of Prevention of Corruption Act and 120-B of IPC, at Vigilance Bureau, Flying Squad -1, Punjab at Mohali. Advertisement Giving details of the case, he revealed that as per the information Dr Amit Bansal is running 22 de-addiction centers in Punjab where tablets Addnok-N 0.4 and Addnok-N 2.0 (Buprenorphine & Naloxone) are used for the treatment of addict patients. During interrogation, it has come to the fore that these tablets were misused in the drug de-addiction centers run and owned by the accused and were sold in the market to other addicts, which were not on the rolls of these rehabilitation centers. Advertisement He further said that an FIR was registered earlier at the STF police station in Mohali against the employees of Dr Amit Bansal, namely, Vidant and Kamaljit Singh of Simran Hospital/De-addiction center at Ludhiana. On the disclosure statement of these employees, a recovery of about 23000 tablets were confiscated from these employees and a drug money of Rs 90000 was also recovered from them. On the same day, the STF team inspected the Simran De-addiction Center in the presence of Drug Inspector Rooppreet Kaur and found a shortage of 4610 Tablets. The spokesperson added that after the inspection, a report was prepared under the signatures of the inspecting team but the above said Drug Inspector Rooppreet Kaur send a separate report to the Director, Health & Family Welfare Punjab in which she mentioned the shortage of only 4,000 tablets instead of 4,610 tablets in connivance with Dr Amit Bansal to save him from the legal criminal action of shortage of 610 tablets which clearly shows her official misconduct and corruption. It is pertinent to mention here that video of another de-addiction center namely Sehaj Hospital Nakodar was got viral by someone whose cognizance was taken by the then Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar and a case FIR No. 64 dated 08.06.2024 was got registered at police station city, Nakodar in Jalandhar. During the inspection of the said Sehaj de-addiction center around 14,4,000 tablets, Addnok-N were found by the inspection committee. The then Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar ordered to freeze the credential of the online portal till completion of inquiry and suspend the license of Sehaj Hospital/De-addiction Center Nakodar. Later, Dr Amit Bansal, in connivance with the officers/officials of Directorate of Health & Family Welfare Punjab hushed up the matter. Mentionably, it has also come to notice that a separate case has been registered at the police station, Grain Market, Patiala against the employees of Adarsh Hospital/De-addiction center Patiala run and owned by Dr Amit Bansal. The spokesperson informed that the VB, Flying Squad-1, Punjab is thoroughly investigating the case to find out the role of other officials/private persons involved in this whole nexsus to execute illegal activities at the de-addiction centers being run/owned by the accused Dr Amit Bansal. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has voiced serious concerns about Chinas proposed construction of a massive dam on the Brahmaputra River, highlighting its potential to devastate the rivers ecosystem and severely impact water availability in Northeast India. Talking to mediapersons on New Years Day, Sarma emphasised the consequences of upstream infrastructure projects on transboundary rivers like the Brahmaputra, which serves as a lifeline for millions in the region. Advertisement The Government of India is already aware of the matter and has communicated its concerns to China. I am confident this issue will be addressed in the ongoing India-China dialogue, Sarma stated. Advertisement He warned that the dam could destabilise the Brahmaputras fragile ecosystem, making it heavily reliant on rainfall in Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. If sufficient rainfall does not occur in these regions, the Brahmaputra could dry up completely. This poses a significant problem for us, and we have raised these concerns with the Government of India, he stressed. The Chief Ministers remarks come amidst heightened scrutiny of Chinas plans to construct what is anticipated to be the worlds largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (as the Brahmaputra is known in Tibet). This is not the first time concerns have been raised. Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi recently described Chinas dam as a potential water bomb, alleging that it could be used as an organic weapon of war against India. The Brahmaputra, originating in Tibet and flowing through India and Bangladesh, is a major transboundary river crucial to the ecological balance and livelihoods of millions in the region. Chinas dam-building spree on rivers that traverse into South Asia has raised alarms about potential water conflicts in the future. India has previously expressed concern about these projects, given the lack of a water-sharing agreement between the two countries. Alert troops of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Wednesday opened fire after noticing suspicious movement on the international border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmirs R.S. Pura sector. BSF spokesperson said that alert troops opened fire upon detecting suspicious movement at the IB in the R.S.Pura sector this morning. Advertisement The incident occurred when the BSF sentry observed movement originating from the Pakistani side prompting immediate action. Advertisement Over a dozen rounds were fired to deter any potential intrusion. Following the incident, a search operation was launched in the forward areas, the spokesman said. The Army and the BSF guarding the Line of Control (LoC) and the IB in J&K are maintaining high alert to ensure that no infiltration takes place from the Pakistani side to vitiate peace in the union territory. A heightened alert is also maintained by police and the security forces along the border and the hinterland after reports that terrorists are waiting to infiltrate the Indian side from the Pakistan side of the border. Intelligence agencies believe that after peaceful and people-participative Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections in J&K, the handlers of terrorism in Pakistan have got frustrated and have directed the terrorists to give the dying terrorism in the union territory its last push. It was against this backdrop that two terrorists, a foreign mercenary and a local terrorist fired indiscriminately inside the workers camp in the Gagangir area of Ganderbal district on October 20 last year. Seven civilians, including six non-local workers of an infrastructure development company and a local doctor, were killed in the Gagangir attack. On October 24, 2024, terrorists ambushed an army vehicle in the Botapathri area of Gulmarg. Three soldiers and two civilian porters were killed in that attack. On November 2, 2024, terrorists hurled a grenade at the busy Sunday Market near the tourist reception centre (TRC) in Srinagar. A 42-year-old woman, a mother of three children, was killed in that attack and nine other civilians were injured. Amid row over Maharashtra Minister Nitish Ranes Kerala is like mini Pakistan remarks, Communist Party of India (CPI) MP P Sandosh Kumar on Tuesday wrote a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding action against Rane and his immediate removal as minister. His comments directed against the people of Kerala have deeply hurt the sentiments of millions, and I am compelled to register my protest against such rhetoric, which not only maligns the state of Kerala but also undermines the spirit of national unity and secularism that the Constitution of India upholds, Kumar wrote in the letter. The CPI leader claimed that Ranes remarks exposed the BJPs agenda of fuelling hatred and intolerance towards Kerala. These remarks expose the Bharatiya Janata Partys consistent pattern of fuelling hatred and intolerance towards Kerala, a state known for its rich secular traditions, inclusive policies, and progressive values, he stated. Demanding Ranes removal as a minister in the Maharashtra Cabinet, the CPI MP asserted that the remarks will set a dangerous precedent if left unaddressed. I urge you to dismiss Nitish Rane from his ministerial position. If left unaddressed, his statements will only serve to perpetuate division and hatred among communities and states and will set a dangerous precedent. I trust that you will take the necessary steps to uphold the dignity of Kerala and the integrity of the nation, he said. Earlier on Monday, Rane, while addressing a rally in Pune, had said that Kerala is like mini Pakistan and that is why Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are elected from there. 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. Advertisement In a joint operation, security forces and police, on Tuesday arrested four terrorist associates of proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in South Kashmirs Tral area. The police identified the arrested terrorist associates as Mudasir Ahmad Naik, Umar Nazir Sheikh, Inayat Firdoos Rather, and Salman Nazir Lone. Incriminating materials have been recovered from their possession. Advertisement It is pertinent to mention that all the arrested terrorist associates were involved in providing logistic support and transportation of arms and ammunition to the active terrorists of JeM in the Tral and Awantipora areas. Advertisement In this regard, a case vide FIR No.134/2024 under relevant sections of law stands registered at Police Station Tral and further investigation has been initiated, police added. The Union cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for extension of one-time special package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) beyond the NBS subsidy @ Rs 3,500 per MT for the period from January 1, 2025 till further orders to ensure sustainable availability of DAP at affordable prices to farmers. The benefits of this decision is that availability of DAP to farmers at subsidised, affordable and reasonable prices will be ensured. Advertisement The Special package on DAP @ Rs 3,500 per MT will be provided for the period January 1, 2025 till further orders over and above the approved NBS subsidy to ensure smooth availability of DAP fertilizer to the farmers at affordable price. Advertisement Twenty eight grades of P&K fertilizers are made available to farmers at subsidized prices through fertilizer manufacturers/importers. The subsidy on P&K fertilizers is governed by NBS Scheme w.e.f April 1, 2010. Continuing top most priority in keeping farmers welfare in firm focus, the Union Government has extended a massive relief to farmers in keeping the price of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer unchanged. Inspite of geo-political constraints and volatility of global market conditions, Government kept its commitment towards farmer friendly approach by ensuring availability of DAP to farmers at affordable prices for Kharif and Rabi 2024-25. Cabinet in July, 2024 had approved one-time Special Package on DAP beyond the NBS subsidy @ Rs 3,500 per MT from April 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 with approximate financial implication of Rs 2,625 crore. As the world steps into 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended his heartfelt wishes for a prosperous year ahead. Taking to X, PM Modi emphasises the importance of new opportunities, personal growth, and collective well-being as the guiding principles for the year. Happy 2025! May this year bring everyone new opportunities, success, and endless joy. May everybody be blessed with wonderful health and prosperity, PM Modi said on X. Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu also extended her heartfelt greetings for the new year. Taking to X, the President wished for 2025 with joy, harmony, and prosperity for all and called for creating a brighter, more inclusive, and sustainable future for India as well as the world. Advertisement Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! May the year 2025 bring joy, harmony, and prosperity to all! On this occasion, let us renew our commitment to work together for creating a brighter, more inclusive, and sustainable future for India and the world, President Murmu said on X. Advertisement India welcomed the year 2025 with celebrations across the country, as people in various cities marked the occasion with joy and enthusiasm. New Year celebrations began in many cities with parties, cultural events, live music performances, and themed decorations. In Delhi, famous spots like Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, and Lajpat Nagar were filled with large crowds celebrating the New Year. To ensure a safe celebration, Delhi Police made prior security arrangements. In Punjabs Amritsar, people gathered at the Golden Temple to welcome the New Year. Hotels in many cities also hosted special celebrations for the occasion. In Madhya Pradeshs Bhopal, people were seen dancing in the streets as they welcomed 2025. Similarly, in Lucknow, people danced and celebrated as the clock struck midnight. As the New Year arrived, many cities witnessed spectacular fireworks displays. In Mumbai, beaches like Juhu Beach, Chowpatty Beach, and Versova Beach were packed with revellers. People also gathered at Marine Drive to watch the fireworks. Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradeshs Manali, a popular tourist destination, crowds danced and cheered in the streets. In West Bengal, people celebrated with lights flashing from their mobile phones. In Keralas Thiruvananthapuram, fireworks lit up the sky, marking the arrival of the New Year. In Andhra Pradeshs Visakhapatnam, people also celebrated by cutting cakes. In Tamil Nadus Coimbatore, percussion instruments were played in the streets, while Chennai witnessed a huge crowd celebrating the occasion. Amid frosty ties, India and Pakistan on Wednesday exchanged the lists of nuclear installations and facilities and civilian prisoners and fishermen in each others custody. The lists were exchanged simultaneously in Delhi and Islamabad. The exchange of lists of nuclear installations and facilities is covered under the Agreement on the prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installation and Facilities between India and Pakistan. Advertisement The agreement, which was signed on 31 December 1988 and entered into force on 27 January 1991, provides, inter alia, that India and Pakistan inform each other of the nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the Agreement on the first of January of every calendar year. This is the 34th consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries, the first one having taken place on January 1, 1992. Advertisement The lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each others custody are covered under the provisions of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008. Such lists are exchanged between the two nations every year on 1 January and on 1 July. India has shared names of 381 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistani or are believed-to-be-Pakistani. Similarly, Pakistan has shared names of 49 civilian prisoners and 217 fishermen in its custody, who are Indian or are believed-to-be-Indian. The Ministry of External Affairs said India has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel from Pakistans custody. Pakistan has been asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 183 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentence. In addition, Islamabad has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the 18 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistans custody, who are believed-to-be-Indian and have not been provided consular access so far. Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India. India remains committed to addressing, on priority, all humanitarian matters, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each others country. In this context, India has urged Pakistan to expedite the nationality verification process of 76 believed-to-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen in Indias custody, whose repatriation is pending for want of nationality confirmation from Pakistan, the MEA said. As a result of sustained efforts by the government, 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. This includes 478 Indian fishermen and 13 Indian civilian prisoners who have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2023 till date. Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has written a letter to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat, raising several questions related to BJP actions, and asked whether the Hindu body endorses the weakening of democracy. In the letter dated December 30, Kejriwal has claimed that BJP leaders were openly distributing money, and asked whether the RSS supported the BJP in buying votes. Advertisement He asked Bhagwat whether the RSS supports the alleged wrongdoings of the BJP in the past. Advertisement The former Delhi chief minister has raised concerns about the alleged largescale cutting of Dalit and Purvanchali votes, asking if RSS believes this is right for democracy. Whatever wrong the BJP has done in the past, does RSS support it? BJP leaders are openly distributing money. Does RSS support buying votes? Dalit and Purvanchali votes are being cut on a large scale. Does RSS think this is right for democracy? Does the RSS not think that BJP is weakening democracy? Kejriwal has asked. The AAP has alleged that BJP leader Parvesh Sharma has distributed money for votes in the New Delhi constituency and submitted conflicting applications to the Election Commission for voter deletions and additions. On Sunday, Kejriwal claimed that the BJP was manipulating voters lists while the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer has clarified that all objections and claims regarding the draft electoral roll were addressed by December 24. The final roll will be published on January 6, 2025. The battle of allegations and counter-allegations is heating up ahead of Delhi Assembly elections scheduled early this year. With elegant strokes of her violin, 18-year-old Twani Fredericks fills the classroom of the Youth Orchestras of Namibia (YONA) with captivating melodies. Her journey with the instrument embodies not only a deep passion but also the resilience required to chase her dream in a country where opportunities to study orchestral music are limited. "Learning orchestral music here has shifted my mindset. Playing the violin brings peace to my heart. I love it," said Fredericks, who began her musical journey at age 11. Fredericks is one of the many beneficiaries of YONA, which was founded in 2016 to nurture artistic talents in Windhoek, Namibia's capital. Since its inception, the program has empowered more than 600 children, addressing Namibia's gap in training orchestra musicians. "Our mission is to bridge gaps and inspire hope, empowering children to build a better future," said Gretel Coetzee, YONA's director and co-founder. She said that orchestras in Namibia previously relied on musicians from neighboring countries, a practice YONA is gradually changing by nurturing local talent. Namibia's Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Ester Anna Nghipondoka said programs like YONA are important in fostering young talent despite limited resources, stressing that such initiatives play a pivotal role in unlocking potential and shaping the futures of young people. What began with 25 children has blossomed into a thriving program, accommodating around 200 learners annually at its main location in Windhoek's central business district and two additional centers in Katutura township. "When we first introduced violin lessons in 2017, the 25 children had to share just four instruments, taking turns to learn," Coetzee recalled. YONA now offers lessons across three levels, from beginner string orchestras and choirs to advanced symphony ensembles. The range of instruments has also expanded to include the flute, piano, clarinet, and oboe, reflecting the increasing enthusiasm among the children. Inclusivity is central to YONA's philosophy. While the academy charges standard fees, about 80 percent of the learners receive full bursaries sponsored by organizations such as the National Arts Council of Namibia. These bursaries cover tuition, transportation, and meals, ensuring that orchestral music education remains accessible to children from diverse backgrounds. "This ensures that orchestral music education is accessible to as many children as possible, fostering inclusivity while harnessing music's power to positively shape young lives during their formative years," Coetzee said. YONA's impact is tangible. Learners like Fredericks credit the program with boosting their confidence and teamwork skills. "It has positively influenced other areas of my life, especially teamwork and social skills," she said. For 13-year-old violinist Edlin Hochobeb, YONA has been transformative, improving his focus and academic performance while also providing a sense of belonging. "It is good to be with peers who have similar interests, and it keeps me busy with good things like music," he said. Beyond the classroom, YONA creates opportunities for its students to showcase their talents on both local and international stages. It organizes orchestra events featuring collaborations with renowned artists, offering young musicians invaluable exposure to professional music environments. This year, eight students participated in the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival in South Africa, marking their first international performance. "It felt like a dream come true," Fredericks said. "We learned advanced techniques I would not have encountered elsewhere." YONA's reach extends beyond music. Amy Afrikaner, a music teacher at YONA, said "music provides the children with a safe, positive outlet and fosters trust within the community." "I am amazed at how shy children have grown in confidence, both in their musical abilities and in life. They communicate more effectively, express themselves openly, and actively participate with others. This is the social transformation we aim to foster," Coetzee said. The only four markets that experienced increases were: Grand Junction, Colorado; Fargo, North Dakota; Rapid City, South Dakota; and Bristol, New Hampshire. The increases varied from 1% higher to 330% higher w/w. In a positive sign for the freight market, volumes out of Los Angeles outperformed the national average, falling by 29%. Its the same story in Atlanta, where volumes fell by 29% over the past week. As expected when there is a significant decline in tender volumes at the national level, nearly all of the freight market experienced declines. Of the 135 freight markets, just four of the markets experienced volume growth, though the increases are solely in more rural freight markets. Contract Load Accepted Volume (CLAV) is an index that measures accepted load volumes moving under contracted agreements. In short, it is similar to OTVI but without the rejected tenders. Looking at accepted tender volumes, the decline is similar to OTVI, falling by over 31% in the past week. After the first week of January, the direction in which volumes are headed will be clearer. The challenge for the market is that the first two months of the year are traditionally the softest periods for freight, and there is nothing to suggest that there will be stronger volumes during this time. The Outbound Tender Volume Index (OTVI), a measure of national freight demand that tracks shippers requests for trucking capacity, is down over 31% in the past week, but the index is a seven-day moving average and holidays effectively create zero days in the moving average. The decline this year was more significant than it has been in recent years, but that is likely more a result of timing of the holidays than a fundamental shift in volumes. Identifying any significant changes in direction around holidays is a challenge and this year is no different. In fact, it may be more challenging to identify this year compared with any recent year as both the Christmas and New Years holidays fall on a Wednesday, which creates increased operational challenges for shippers. The FreightWaves Supply Chain Pricing Power Index uses the analytics and data in FreightWaves SONAR to analyze the market and estimate the negotiating power for rates between shippers and carriers. Story Continues SONAR: Van Outbound Tender Volume Index (white, right axis) and Reefer Outbound Tender Volume Index (green, left axis) To learn more about SONAR, click here. By mode: The dry van market experienced a more significant decline than the overall market. The Van Outbound Tender Volume Index fell by 34% over the past week. Van outbound volumes are down 10.65% over the past year. The reefer market remains the outperformer between the two equipment types. The Reefer Outbound Tender Volume Index fell by 21.2% over the past week. Compared to this time last year, reefer tender volumes are up 3.4%. Tender rejection rates break above 10%, briefly It finally happened! Tender rejection rates broke above 10% for the first time in more than two years, but it was just a brief stint above the double-digit threshold. Tender rejection rates have retreated from above 10%, though they are still higher than they were this time last week. Rejection rates will retreat after the holidays as capacity returns to the road, but the question that remains is how low they will fall in January and February. SONAR: Outbound Tender Reject Index Seasonality View: 2024 (white), 2023 (pink) and 2019 (orange) To learn more about SONAR, click here. Over the past week, the Outbound Tender Reject Index (OTRI), a measure of relative capacity, rose by 35 basis points to 9.69%. The OTRI is 418 basis points higher than it was this time last year, a sign that the market is tighter now than it was then. The spike, while not as extreme as 2019, does represent a more responsive market than the previous two holiday seasons. SONAR: Outbound Tender Reject Index Weekly change To learn more about SONAR, click here. The map above shows the Outbound Tender Reject Index Weekly Change for the 135 markets across the country. Markets shaded in blue and white are those where tender rejection rates have increased over the past week, whereas those in red have seen rejection rates decline. The bolder the color, the more significant the change. Of the 135 markets, 67 reported higher rejection rates over the past week, down from the 121 that saw tender rejection rates rise in last weeks report. Surprisingly enough, even with tender rejection rates increasing at the national level over the past week, the split between the number of markets that experienced higher rejection rates and the number that had lower rejection rates was dead even. Tender rejection rates in the largest market in the country, Ontario, California, continued to rise over the past week, up by 165 basis points to 9.34%, nearly three times higher than it was this time last year. The Chicago market saw tender rejection rates retreat this week after breaking above 10% last week, falling 123 bps to 9.44%. The largest increases in the country were primarily isolated to smaller freight markets, though the Memphis, Tennessee, market experienced a sizable increase: Tender rejection rates increased by 630 bps w/w to 17.95%. SONAR: Van Outbound Tender Reject Index (white), Reefer Outbound Tender Reject Index (green) and Flatbed Outbound Tender Reject Index (orange) To learn more about SONAR, click here. By mode: The dry van market continues to see tender rejection rates rise, approaching 10%. Over the past week, the Van Outbound Tender Reject Index increased by 41 basis points to 8.71%. Van tender rejection rates are 357 basis points higher than they were this time last year. The reefer market remains the tightest equipment type by far, though rejection rates have retreated from their recent highs. The Reefer Outbound Tender Reject Index fell by 265 basis points over the past week to 18.59%. Reefer rejection rates are more than double where they were this time last year, up 950 bps. Flatbed tender rejection rates experienced the largest increase of the equipment types over the past week. The Flatbed Outbound Tender Reject Index rose 360 basis points to 17.36%. Compared to this time last year, flatbed tender rejection rates are down 67 bps. Spot rates remain above Thanksgiving levels Spot rates havent touched the highs set a couple of weeks ago, but they havent declined significantly. The growth in spot rates over the past two months shows that carriers have been able to capture some pricing power back. The luxury for carriers is that if spot rates continue to rise into 2025, it creates a higher floor for rates heading into the new year. SONAR: SONAR National Truckload Index Linehaul Only (white, right axis) and Initially Reported Van Contract Rate (green, left axis) To learn more about SONAR, click here. The National Truckload Index which includes fuel surcharge and various accessorials rebounded, rising by 3 cents per mile to $2.46. The NTI is 10 cents per mile higher than it was this time last year, but given the move rejection rates made over the past week, it is likely the gap will widen during the next week. The linehaul variant of the NTI (NTIL) which excludes fuel surcharges and other accessorials experienced a slightly smaller increase than the overall NTI, rising 2 cents per mile to $1.91. The NTIL is 18 cents per mile higher than it was this time last year, showing how the underlying rate has moved over the past year. Initially reported dry van contract rates, which exclude fuel, fell off their recent Thanksgiving high, returning to the range they have been in for much of the year. The initially reported dry van contract rate, excluding fuel, was unchanged over the past week at $2.34. Contract rates are 5 cents per mile higher than they were this time last year. With the responsiveness in rejection rates and spot rates, contract rates will likely increase in 2025. SONAR: RATES.USA To learn more about SONAR, click here. The chart above shows the spread between the NTIL and dry van contract rates is trending back to pre-pandemic levels. The spread remains wide, but with the recent pullback by spot rates of the highs and contract rates remaining fairly stable, the spread narrowed by 14 cents over the past week to 37 cents, the narrowest it has been in multiple years. Compared to this time last year, the spread between spot and contract rates is 26 cents narrower. SONAR: SONAR TRAC rate from Los Angeles to Dallas. To learn more about SONAR, click here. The SONAR Trusted Rate Assessment Consortium spot rate from Los Angeles to Dallas continued its increase this week. The TRAC rate from Los Angeles to Dallas decreased by 2 cents per mile to $2.75. Spot rates along this lane are 25 cents per mile above the contract at present, which is why rejection rates out of Los Angeles are on the rise, now above 9%. SONAR: SONAR TRAC rate from Atlanta to Chicago. To learn more about SONAR, click here. From Chicago to Atlanta, spot rates have been volatile, but they really havent moved significantly since the beginning of November. The TRAC rate for this lane increased over the past week by 10 cents per mile to $2.77. Spot rates are 6 cents per mile below the contract rate, but that spread is at a level at which spot rates offer optionality for carriers and can make the market feel tighter for shippers than it was just a few months ago when the spread was in the 40-cent range. The post Tender rejection rates touch double digits briefly appeared first on FreightWaves. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other top leaders on Wednesday extended their new year greetings to the people and wished for everyones health and prosperity. In a post on X, Murmu said, Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! May the year 2025 bring joy, harmony and prosperity to all! On this occasion, let us renew our commitment to work together for creating a brighter, more inclusive and sustainable future for India and the world. Advertisement In his message, the vice-president said: Warm greetings to all citizens as we enter 2025 a momentous juncture in our republics journey. This year marks our entry into the final quarter of our Constitutions centenary. Time for us to rededicate ourselves towards realising the vision of our Constitution makers while advancing towards Viksit Bharat at 2047. Advertisement PM Modi, in his message on X, wrote: Happy 2025! May this year bring everyone new opportunities, success and endless joy. May everybody be blessed with wonderful health and prosperity. The Congress chief said: As we enter 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment for inclusive progress, unity in diversity, social justice, equality and the protection of our Constitution with unwavering resolve. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year filled with hope, joy, and prosperity. Let there be peace and amity all around. The Ministry of Defence has announced the year 2025 as the Year of Reforms for the Indian Armed Forces during a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This initiative aims to transform the military into a technologically advanced, combat-ready force capable of executing multi-domain integrated operations. The meeting outlined several broad areas where focused interventions would take place throughout the year. A key focus will be on strengthening jointness and integration within the Armed Forces, particularly with the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands. Emphasis will also be placed on emerging domains such as Cyber and Space, as well as next-generation technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Hypersonics, and Robotics. The need for associated tactics, techniques, and procedures to successfully engage in future warfare was also highlighted. Advertisement Furthermore, the meeting underscored the importance of inter-service cooperation and training to build a shared understanding of operational requirements and joint operational capabilities. Simplifying and streamlining acquisition procedures to enable faster and more effective capability development was also identified as a priority. Advertisement The reforms will also aim to facilitate technology transfer and foster collaboration between the defence sector and civil industries, promoting public-private partnerships to enhance the ease of doing business. Additionally, a collaborative approach across various stakeholders in the defence ecosystem will be encouraged, with a focus on breaking silos and optimising resources through effective civil-military coordination. Another significant aspect of the reforms will be to position India as a credible exporter of defence products and encourage R&D partnerships between Indian industries and foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to promote knowledge sharing and resource integration. Additionally, the welfare of veterans will be given greater focus, ensuring their expertise is leveraged and welfare measures are optimised for their well-being. The minister also emphasised the importance of instilling a sense of pride in Indian culture and ideas, reinforcing confidence in the nations indigenous capabilities while adopting best practices from modern militaries suited to Indias conditions. Dr KS Manilal, the eminent botanist who revived the 17th-century Latin botanical masterpiece Hortus Malabaricus by translating it into English and Malayalam, passed away on Wednesday morning at a private hospital in Thrissur. He was 86. A former head of the Botany Department at the University of Calicut, Dr Manilal devoted nearly 35 years of his life to researching, translating, and annotating Hortus Malabaricus, originally compiled by Dutch Governor Hendrik Adrian van Rheede. Advertisement This 12-volume work, a comprehensive documentation of Keralas medicinal plants, had faded into obscurity until Dr Manilals pioneering efforts brought it back to prominence. Advertisement His English translation was published in 2003, followed by the Malayalam version in 2008, making this significant work accessible to researchers and the public alike. Born in Paravur, Ernakulam district, to A Subrahmanian and KK Devaki, Dr. Manilal graduated from Maharajas College, Ernakulam, and completed his PhD at Sagar University, Madhya Pradesh, in 1964. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr Manilal authored over 200 research papers and discovered 19 new plant species. In recognition of his contributions to botany and taxonomy, he was honored with the Padma Shri in 2020, the EK Janaki Ammal Taxonomy Award in 2003, and the Netherlands highest civilian honor, the Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau, conferred by Queen Beatrix. Dr Manilals unparalleled dedication to the field of botany and his monumental work on Hortus Malabaricus leave an enduring legacy. On the first day of the New Year, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath convened a meeting of the UP State Road Safety Council, issuing crucial directives to all departments involved in road safety. He emphasised that District Road Safety Committees, chaired by District Magistrates, must hold their meetings by January 5 without fail. Additionally, awareness programmes on road safety rules should be conducted in schools and colleges across the state from January 6 to 10. The Chief Minister directed the deployment of additional PRD personnel and Home Guards to ensure an efficient traffic management system during the Mahakumbh. Highlighting the alarming statistic of 25,000-26,000 deaths in road accidents annually, he called it a severe loss to both the state and the nation, attributing such incidents largely to a lack of awareness. He said, Road Safety Month should be implemented effectively across all 75 districts, not limited to Lucknow. Monthly road safety meetings should also be held at the district level, chaired by the District Magistrate and attended by key officials such as the Superintendent of Police/Senior Superintendent of Police, Municipal Commissioner, RTO, PWD officers, District School Inspector, Basic Education Officer, and Chief Medical Officer. The state government will review the progress of these district-level initiatives every three months. The Chief Minister instructed officials to identify districts and locations prone to accidents, and also devise action plans to address the underlying causes and ensure their resolution. He underscored the need to prevent minors from operating e-rickshaws and other vehicles, streamline the registration process for e-rickshaws, and install mandatory signage on roads for the convenience of commuters. Chief Minister Adityanath also called for a zero-tolerance policy toward overloading, directing officials to address this issue at the source. He noted that parked loaded vehicles on expressways and highways are a significant hazard and must be promptly removed using cranes. He urged the promotion of safety standards such as the use of helmets and seat belts through targeted awareness campaigns. The Chief Minister emphasised that licenses or permits of vehicles with repeated challans should be revoked, and this process must be integrated with FASTag for effective enforcement. He directed that hoardings promoting road safety awareness, issued by the departments of information, transport, and road safety, should be prominently displayed. He said, These hoardings should be installed across all 75 districts, 350 tehsils, 1,500 police stations, and municipal bodies. He added, The public should be encouraged not to flee after witnessing an accident but to assist the injured by transporting them to the nearest hospital or trauma centre within the critical golden hour. Additionally, efforts should be made to minimise ambulance response times to save lives. The Chief Minister proposed the establishment of road safety parks in every district, similar to road safety clubs in schools and colleges. He said, Students should be actively involved in road safety awareness campaigns through activities such as dramas, music, poetry, essay writing, seminars, speeches, and general knowledge competitions focused on traffic rules. He also stressed the need for regular health check-ups for Transport Corporation bus drivers and ensuring the fitness of buses to maintain safety standards. He added, To support hawkers, vending zones should be designated in every locality, and illegal roadside stands should be eliminated by providing proper spaces for vendors. The Chief Minister called for a ban on modified silencers and horns in bikes to reduce noise pollution. He also highlighted the risks posed by illegally operated buses, instructing that non-contracted buses should be registered and allocated fixed routes. This measure would enhance connectivity and provide greater convenience to the public. Advertisement In December 1978, Jimmy Carter who has died aged 100 outlined his belief that American strategic decisions abroad should be shaped by an adherence to human rights. Human rights is the soul of our foreign policy because human rights is the soul of our sense of nationhood. In the sphere of foreign affairs, Jimmy Carters one term as US president (1977-1981) had some notable achievements. The most significant was the 1978 Camp David accords. Carter, Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin, and Egyptian president Anwar Sadat signed an agreement that saw Begin agree to relinquish the entire Sinai Peninsula, captured by Israel in the 1967 six-day war, in exchange for peace and full diplomatic relations with Egypt. This exemplified Carters belief in the power of American diplomacy and why US presidents should courageously assume the difficult task of peace-making. Twenty-five years later, and against the backdrop of the build-up to the second Gulf war, Carter was recognised for his role in the accords and awarded the 2002 Nobel peace prize. The Nobel committee said that while President George W. Bush was planning an invasion of Iraq: former President Jimmy Carter was awarded the Peace Prize for undertaking peace negotiations, campaigning for human rights, and working for social welfare. They added that the prize was in recognition of 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 On leaving office in January 1981, Carter sought to use his status as a former president to engage in the issues and causes that mattered to him most. He established the Carter Center to pursue his own course of personal diplomacy. Starting in 1982, the centre has monitored more than 110 elections in 39 countries. Ahead of the 2020 US presidential election and as then president Donald Trump refused to commit to a peaceful transition should he lose, the Carter Center took the extraordinary step of designating the US as a backsliding democracy. Carter, a devout Christian, maximised his personal relationships with former world leaders to promote democracy and human rights, support scientific work on eliminating diseases, and to mediate where possible to prevent conflict. His activism was not always appreciated by some of his White House successors, both Republican and Democrat. Randall Balmer, professor of religion at Dartmouth College, said that the former presidents personal brand of diplomacy could often complicate and even contradict contemporary US diplomatic initiatives. Advertisement Carter was a member of The Elders, an independent group of global leaders working on peace promotion, social justice, climate change and global human rights. During his years of active membership Carter dedicated significant energy to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, visiting the region on a number of occasions to support the Elders work. In the early 1990s the former president became involved in mediation work between the US State Department and several rogue states including North Korea and Libya. In 1994, Carter supported the US governments diplomatic efforts to resolve an increasingly tense nuclear weapons situation with North Korean leader Kim Il Sung. Carter met with Kim in June 1994, becoming the first former US president to visit the country. The trip laid the groundwork for an eventual bilateral deal between North Korea and the US. The agreement saw North Korea pledge to freeze its plutonium weapons programme, while the US agreed to offer aid. Carter continued to weigh-in on contemporary geopolitical events well into his 90s. He was openly critical when Trump announced in May 2018 that he was withdrawing the US from the Iran nuclear agreement, which had been negotiated by the Obama administration in 2015. He called Trumps move a serious mistake. Carter felt that an international agreement made by an American president needed to be binding on all their successors and that by walking away from the Iran deal the US was signaling a message to North Korea that if the United States signs an agreement, it may or may not be honored. One of Carters major accomplishments since leaving office was his centres work in health care, and specifically the eradication of Guineaworm disease. This is a parasitic infection caused by drinking contaminated water. The consequences of the illness, while not fatal, can incapacitate the sufferer and lead to permanent disability. The Carter Center committed to training over 100,000 villagebased health care workers, invested in education programmes and provided water filters to protect people from swallowing the parasite. The results have been highly successful. According to the centre: incidences of Guinea-worm disease have been reduced from an estimated 3.5 million in 1986 to 13 in 2023, with the disease being eliminated in 17 countries. Jimmy Carters commitment to human rights never went away and his concept of a human-rights focused foreign policy has become permanently encoded in the global conversation. The former presidents work brought him international acclaim, and illustrated why the nations leaders should reject short-sighted calculations that risk the US being complicit in human rights violations. (The writer is Visiting Research Fellow in International Studies, Queens University Belfast. This article was published on www.theconveration.com) A series of airstrikes hit Yemens capital Sanaa on Tuesday afternoon, targeting military sites under Houthi control, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported. Two of the airstrikes hit the Defence Ministry building and other areas in downtown Sanaa, while the rest struck the 1st Armor Division and an ammunition manufacturing complex in the city center, said al-Masirah TV without elaborating further. Advertisement Ambulances were seen rushing to the scenes, as Houthi forces cordoned off the targeted sites. Residents reported that the powerful airstrikes rocked the whole city, with some houses near the targeted sites being partially damaged. Advertisement Dozens of Houthi fighters are believed to have been present at these sites when the strikes took place, but the Houthi group rarely discloses its casualties or losses. The airstrikes came a few hours after the Houthi group claimed in the morning responsibility for overnight missile attacks targeting the Ben Gurion airport in Israels Tel Aviv and a power station south of Jerusalem, as well as rocket and drone attacks at US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman. Following the violent airstrikes, US Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a statement on social media platform X, saying its forces have conducted multiple precision strikes since Monday against Houthi targets in Sanaa and Houthi-controlled coastal regions in Yemen. On Dec. 30 and 31, U.S. Navy ships and aircraft targeted a Houthi command and control facility and advanced conventional weapon (ACW) production and storage facilities that included missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV), it said. CENTCOM claimed these facilities were used in Houthi operations, including attacks against U.S. Navy warships and merchant vessels in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, Xinhua news agency reported. It added US Navy and Air Force aircraft also destroyed a Houthi coastal radar site and seven cruise missiles and one-way attack UAVs over the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage to US personnel or equipment in either incident, CENTCOM noted, alleging these strikes are part of its efforts to degrade Houthi capacities to threaten regional partners and military and merchant vessels in the region. The Houthi group, which controls much of northern Yemen, has been launching regular rocket and drone attacks against Israel and disrupting Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea since November 2023, to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid their ongoing conflict with Israelis. In response, the US-led naval coalition stationed in the area has regularly conducted air raids and strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group, prompting the Houthis to expand attacks to include US warships. South Koreas aviation experts on Tuesday highlighted the need to revise regulations governing airport safety, including those on runway safety zones, amid growing views that a concrete structure near the runway may have exacerbated the severity of casualties in the Jeju Air crash this week. The concrete structure near the runway at Muan International Airport holds a navigation system that assists in aircraft landings, known as a localiser, and is located about 250 metres from the end of the runway. Advertisement The Jeju Air B737-800 aircraft belly-landed at the airport and exploded on Sunday as it crashed into the structure, killing 179 of the 181 people on board. Advertisement Many experts have suggested the casualty count could have been much lower had the concrete structure not existed. The transport ministry has defended the positioning of the localiser, stating that it was installed in compliance with existing regulations. The governments aviation obstacle management guideline requires all equipment or installations deemed obstacles on airport premises to be mounted on frangible structures, but this applies only within the designated runway end safety area (RESA). RESA refers to the zone beyond the end of the runway designed to prevent aircraft damage in the event of an overrun or landing short of the runway. The ministry said the localiser equipment at Muan was not subject to this requirement, as it had been set up outside the airports 199 metre-long RESA. The minimum required RESA distance under international standards is 90 meters, according to the ministry, though the recommended distance is 240 metres. The ministry acknowledged that some domestic airports, including those in Sacheon, Gyeongju and Muan, have RESAs shorter than the recommended 240 metres. A separate government guideline pertaining to the design of airport and airfield facilities, meanwhile, stipulates that localisers should be included within the extended RESA for precision approach runways. Experts, however, have emphasised the need to revise related regulations, with most agreeing that the presence of the localiser exacerbated the impact of the crash. While there may be no legal issues under current rules, these regulations date back to a time when accidents like this hadnt occurred, said Chung Yoon-shik, an aviation professor at Catholic Kwandong University. Now that an accident has happened, the regulations need to be improved, he added. Hwang Ho-won, a professor of aerospace law at Korea Aerospace University, echoed such a view, insisting that the issue is not solely about RESA distances. The improperly installed concrete mound should first be removed and an engineered materials arrestor system (EMAS) should be installed, Hwang said. EMAS allows aircraft to sink into a lightweight material, which helps planes to rapidly decelerate when overrunning a runway, Yonhap news agency reported. Hwang added, For airports with shorter RESA, an EMAS can significantly increase friction to reduce the speed of aircraft, enhancing safety during overruns or aborted takeoffs. The mother of Suchir Balaji, a 26-year-old former OpenAI researcher who was found dead after accusing the company of violating copyright laws, alleged that her son was murdered and demanded an FBI investigation into the matter. Poornima Rao, the mother of Suchir Balaji, claimed that her sons death was a cold-blooded murder declared by authorities as suicide. She also mentioned that a private autopsy report differed from the initial police report. Additionally, she stated that her sons apartment had been ransacked, and there were signs of a struggle in the bathroom that suggested he had been hit. Advertisement We hired private investigator and did second autopsy to throw light on cause of death. Private autopsy doesnt confirm the cause of death stated by police. 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 mu*d*r declared by authorities as suicide. Lobbying in San Francisco city doesnt stop us from getting justices. We demand FBi investigation. Poornima Rao wrote on X. Advertisement Elon Musk responded to the post of Suchir Balajis mother, saying This doesnt seem like a suicide. Suchir Balaji was found dead in his apartment in San Francisco, months after accusing OpenAI of violating laws while developing ChatGPT, Fox News reported. His death was ruled a suicide after the San Francisco Police Department found no evidence of foul play. On October 24, before his death, Suchir Balaji expressed his skepticism about the fair use of generative artificial intelligence products. I recently participated in a NYT story about fair use and generative AI, and why Im skeptical fair use would be a plausible defense for a lot of generative AI products, he wrote on X. To give some context: I was at OpenAI for nearly 4 years and worked on ChatGPT for the last 1.5 of them. I initially didnt know much about copyright, fair use, etc. but became curious after seeing all the lawsuits filed against GenAI companies. When I tried to understand the issue better, I eventually came to the conclusion that fair use seems like a pretty implausible defense for a lot of generative AI products, for the basic reason that they can create substitutes that compete with the data theyre trained on. Ive written up the more detailed reasons for why I believe this in my post. Obviously, Im not a lawyer, but I still feel like its important for even non-lawyers to understand the law both the letter of it, and also why its actually there in the first place, he added. Suchir Balaji also raised concerns about the company breaking copyright laws in an interview with The New York Times. He was named in a copyright lawsuit filed against the company by The New York Times, which alleged that Microsoft and OpenAI used millions of published articles to inform their technology and began competing with the outlet as a result, Fox News reported. South Koreas President Yoon Suk Yeols legal defence team plans to seek an injunction to suspend a detention warrant issued against the impeached president over his failed martial law bid, one of his lawyers said on Tuesday, while criticising the warrant as illegal. Earlier in the day, the Seoul Western District Court approved a request from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) to issue the warrant for Yoon on charges of masterminding the botched December 3 martial law declaration, orchestrating the insurrection and abusing power, according to the CIO. Advertisement The court also approved a warrant to search Yoons presidential residence in Seouls Yongsan in connection with the investigation. Advertisement Yun Gap-geun, one of Yoons legal representatives, said the arrest and search warrants issued upon request by the CIO are illegal and invalid because the CIO has no investigative rights on charges of insurrection. It is shocking and difficult to accept that a warrant requested by an agency that has no investigative rights was issued, Yun told reporters. It is clear that the current detention warrant is illegal. (We) regret the court decision. Yun said the defence team plans to file for an injunction to suspend the warrants effect, as well as request the Constitutional Court to review the constitutionality of the warrant. The CIO filed for the detention warrant after Yoon ignored all three summonses to appear for questioning over the short-lived martial law invocation. Yun defended Yoons rejection of the summonses, saying investigators did not consult with them to coordinate an appearance by the president. (He) is not receiving preferential treatment because he is a person of power, rather he is suffering disadvantages, the lawyer said. Yun also said there was no reason for Yoon to avoid an investigation, saying he plans to face any investigative authorities confidently and by law if they follow legal procedures, Yonhap news agency reported. Yoon will make his stance over his declaration of martial law at an appropriate time, the lawyer said, adding he will likely appear at his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court at least once. The average annual temperature in Taiwan reached a record high of 24.97 degrees Celsius in 2024, making it the warmest year on record, the local meteorological department said Tuesday. This figure is 1.66 degrees above the century-long average. All months except December recorded above-normal temperatures, the meteorological department told a press conference. Advertisement Cumulative rainfall for the year was near normal levels, although it varied widely across the island, according to the meteorological department. Advertisement The department forecast a high probability that average temperatures in Taiwan from January to March 2025 will be close to normal, with rainfall expected to be normal to below average, Xinhua news agency reported. Earlier this year, local environmentalists had expressed concern about a large-scale coral bleaching in the southern and eastern waters off the coast of Taiwan, which has been occurring due to a prolonged heat wave. Elaine Chen, Secretary-General of Taiwan Eco-Angel Environmental Conservation Association, told local media in July 2024 that divers have detected coral bleaching in waters off the coast of Kenting in southern Taiwan as well as around Little Liuqiu, Orchid, and Green islands. Taiwan Loo-Koo Yu Association, another environmental nongovernmental organisation, also reported instances of coral bleaching in June and July. When the seawater temperature exceeds 28 degrees Celsius for two weeks, symbiotic algae within coral polyps emit toxins that are harmful to coral polyps, causing them to expel from the coral and revealing transparent coral polyps with white coral skeletons. The phenomenon is commonly known as coral bleaching. According to Lee Kun-hsien, a volunteer with the Taiwan Loo-Koo Yu Association, the seawater temperature around Little Liuqiu Island typically ranges from 28 to 29 degrees Celsius during the summer, but it has consistently been between 30 to 32 degrees Celsius this summer. He had warned that if high temperatures persists after bleaching, corals are likely to die. The previous large-scale coral bleaching around Taiwan occurred in 2020. Bleaching will result in short-term harm to coral reefs but with time and a favorable environment, most healthy and stable coral reefs will gradually recover. Noting that bleached coral reefs are extremely vulnerable, environmentalists have called for reduced human activities near the reefs and greater measures to prevent and control seawater pollution. According to Lu Shiau-yun, chief of the islands ocean affairs department, a draft of a coral conservation action plan is being developed and is expected to be released soon. She had said that the department is collaborating with academic institutions to continue monitoring this issue. The U.S. consumer finance watchdog sued Walmart and workforce payments provider Branch Messenger, accusing the companies of costing the retail giants Spark delivery drivers more than $10 million in extra fees. The Dec. 23 lawsuit revolves around Walmarts requirement of its independently contracted Spark drivers to use Branchs deposit accounts to access payments. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), thousands of drivers had their wages deposited into a Branch account without being consented first. More from Sourcing Journal Walmart allegedly told the drivers that they would be terminated if they did not want to use the Branch accounts. When drivers did use the platform, they allegedly faced numerous delays or fees if they needed to transfer money from the Branch account into a different account, which resulted in more than $10 million in added junk fees. If drivers wanted an instant transfer to a different bank, these fees would add either 2 percent or $2.99 per transaction, whichever was higher, the complaint said. Drivers could use a second option that didnt include a fee, but that could take up to five days and was only available if the receiving account was at a bank that partnered with the same financial data transfer company Branch used. For both options, Branch also imposed daily and monthly limits on how much money Spark drivers could transfer out of their accounts. Spark delivery workers have complained about the lack of better payment options, as the Branch Messenger account requirements dont enable direct deposit to a preferred credit union or local bank. Since August 2021, Walmart and Branch opened Branch accounts for more than 1 million drivers in the Spark program, which is Walmarts platform for gig economy workers that fulfill last-mile deliveries from the retail giants stores. Walmart and Branch opened accounts for new drivers by using drivers information, including their social security numbers, without obtaining the drivers consent, the 60-page suit alleges. Drivers pay was then deposited into these accounts without their authorization. Drivers could not access their earnings without agreeing to Branchs terms and conditions. The suit also says the defendants misrepresented to drivers that they had instant access to earnings or same-day pay via the Branch account. Spark drivers have never received same-day pay through Branch, the suit said. The hotel industry continues to look healthy in India with November occupancy rates increasing by 8-10 percentage points year-on-year (YoY) and 10-12 percentage points compared to the previous month. In November, the strong growth in ARR (average room rent), saw a 11-13 per cent rise compared to the previous year, further bolstering RevPAR (revenue per available room), and driving overall performance upward. As per the latest HVS ANAROCK Hospitality Monitor, Mumbai led the market with an impressive occupancy rate of over 80 per cent, fueled by the MICE segment and high-profile events such as the Dua Lipas concert at the end of the month. As per the monitor, Pune recorded the highest occupancy growth, with an increase of 12-14 percentage points, driven primarily by the India International Travel Mart 2024 hosted in the city. Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Chandigarh also reported double-digit occupancy growth compared to the previous year. All key markets witnessed significant increases in occupancy rates compared to the same period last year. In November 2024, nearly all major markets, except Ahmedabad and Kolkata, recorded an increase in average rates compared to the previous year. The HVS ANAROCK Monitor also observes that ITC Ltd, which is demerging its hotels business from January 2025, announced that it has acquired shares of rival hospitality chains Oberoi and Leela from its wholly-owned arm, Russell Credit Ltd. The Adani Group plans to spend $2 billion to build Mumbai's largest international convention centre (ICC) near the international airport that it also operates. This may further boost the sector. In an earlier report, CRISIL noted that branded hotels are expected to log double-digit growth this fiscal and the next. CRISIL observed that branded hotels will witness double-digit revenue growth of 13-14 per cent this fiscal and 11-12 per cent in the next fiscal. This is fuelled by demand outpacing supply. The CRISIL report further noted that while domestic leisure and business travel will continue to be the primary demand drivers, growing traction in MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) segment and pickup in foreign tourist arrivals will provide an additional fillip. The CRISIL report said all this comes on the back of a strong 17 per cent growth recorded last fiscal. In order to meet increasing demand, the pace of room additions, which has increased since last fiscal, is expected to pick up further, majorly through the asset-light management contract route. As a result, supply will increase by a cumulative 20 per cent over this fiscal and the next. As per the report, operating margin is expected to improve by 100-150 basis points (bps) this fiscal and sustain at similar levels in the next, with benefits of operating leverage kicking in and other cost optimisation measures undertaken. Strong cash flows, asset-light expansion and sizeable equity raising will keep debt levels under check, thereby strengthening credit profiles. A CRISIL Ratings analysis of 52 branded hotel companies, accounting for 43 per cent of total rooms, indicates as much. The domestic leisure segment will continue to drive growth on the back of rising travel aspirations and better regional connectivity. Further, positive economic outlook and the governments Meet in India initiative to promote corporate events will support the business and MICE segments. Foreign tourist arrivals are also expected to surpass the pre-pandemic levels this fiscal. These factors will drive up the average room rates (ARRs) of branded hotels by 6-7 per cent this fiscal on an already high base. That said, growth in ARRs is expected to moderate to 3-4 per cent next fiscal as significant room capacities come up, remarked Mohit Makhija, senior director, CRISIL Ratings. The number of branded-hotel rooms is slated to rise 8-9 per cent this fiscal and 11-12 per cent in the next, with leisure and non-metro destinations accounting for 65 per cent of additions. The top seven metros, which offer scope for both leisure and business activities, will account for 25 per cent of additions. The balance additions are expected in up-and-coming spiritual tourism destinations. As per experts from CRISIL, the hotel industry in India is expanding more into non-metros and emerging leisure destinations as travellers seek more choices and infrastructure in these regions improve. Further, as 60-65 per cent of room additions over this fiscal and the next are being done through an asset-light route, it eliminates the need for large upfront investment and helps navigate business cyclicality better. Balance expansion will be through asset-heavy route and in destinations with established demand and attractive potential for growth. As per CRISIL experts, despite these significant room additions, occupancy levels are expected to remain strong at 74-75 per cent next fiscal, declining a modest 50 bps after increasing 100-150 bps this fiscal. This will allow hotels to benefit from operating leverage which coupled with effective cost management, including higher adoption of technology and manpower rationalisation to move to a leaner fixed cost structure, will lead to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) margin expand by 100-150 bps to 33-34 per cent this fiscal and the next. A decline in business travel due to an economic downturn and in leisure travel owing to a surge in airfares may be challenges for the sector. In what has been billed as a "historic milestone" by the Indian Navy, three combat platforms will be commissioned into the force on January 15. "15 January 2025 is set to become a landmark day in Indias history as the Indian Navy prepares to commission three state-of-the-art combatants in a grand ceremony at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, the Navy said in a tweet. Historic Milestone Ahead: Simultaneous Commissioning of Three Combatant Platforms 15 Jan 2025 is set to become a landmark day in Indias history as the #IndianNavy prepares to commission three state-of-the-art combatants in a grand ceremony at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. - pic.twitter.com/gkdnKYfsVZ SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 1, 2025 These frontline combatant are: Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class; Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class; and Vagsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project. According to the defence ministry, commissioning of these combatants will provide a significant boost to the Indian Navys combat potential while underscoring the countrys pre-eminent status in indigenous shipbuilding. ALSO READ: Defence ministry's vision for 2025: What does the 'Year of Reforms' mean for India's armed forces Nilgiri, the lead ship of Project 17A, is a major advancement over the Shivalik-class frigates, incorporating significant stealth features and reduced radar signatures. The Project 15B destroyer, Surat, is the culmination of the follow-on class to the Kolkata-class (Project 15A) destroyers, featuring substantial improvements in design and capabilities, the defence ministry said in a release. Both these ships, designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, are equipped with advanced sensors and weapon packages developed primarily in India or through strategic collaborations with leading global manufacturers. Nilgiri and Surat can operate a range of helicopters, including Chetak, ALH, Sea King, and the newly inducted MH-60R, during both day and night operations as they are equipped with modern aviation facilities. READ MORE: Cost of LCA Tejas Mk2 likely to shoot up? Features such as a Rail-Less Helicopter Traversing System and a Visual Aid and Landing System ensure seamless operations under all conditions. The two ships also include specific accommodations to support a number of officers and sailors, including women officers. What makes Vagsheer deadly? Vagsheer, the sixth Scorpene-class submarine under the Kalvari-class Project 75, is one of the most silent and versatile diesel-electric submarines in the world. Designed to undertake a wide range of missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, area surveillance, and special operations, the submarine is armed with armed with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar systems. It also features modular construction, allowing for future upgrades such as the integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. "The combined commissioning of Nilgiri, Surat, and Vagsheer demonstrates Indias unparalleled progress in defense self-reliance and indigenous shipbuilding," the defence ministry said in a release. The ministry said the commissioning of these three platforms is a proud moment for the Indian Navy and the nation as a whole. Ukraine's head of Defence Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov has revealed the intricacies of drone warfare and how one Russian weapon is giving Ukraine nightmares. According to Budanov, the weapon that Ukrainians have no way to stop is Russia's fibre-optic drones. "We were winning the drone war. But, the Russians have started using fibre-optic FPV drones on a large scale. This is a huge problem for us because it is impossible to stop them with electronic warfare. This is the know-how and trend of this year. Next year, we will all work together to find a technological solution to deal with the huge number of such devices," he told a Ukrainian television. Russian fiber optic FPV drones struck a Ukranian 2S1 SPG in Kursk. pic.twitter.com/3I9A3Nd5WG Heyman_101 (@SU_57R) December 4, 2024 Ukrop films a Russian fiber optic FPV drone searching their position looking for a target. pic.twitter.com/LKZgMBjBpl Blackrussian (@Blackrussiantv) December 11, 2024 It was in March that Ukrainian military got to know about a new type of Russian FPV Kamikaze drone. Ukrainian military blogger Serhii 'Flash' reported a strange new type of drone which carried a hollow plastic egg containing unidentifiable equipment. These drones are equipped with a unique control system powered by a fibre optic cable that connects the drone to its operator. The fact that it opted away from traditional wireless radio frequencies also made it immune to jammers. Traditional drones, which rely on GPS and RF signals, can easily be disabled by electronic warfare tactics such as jamming. Interestingly, the FPV drone is not a product of a military lab, but of one of the many small Russian outfits working on drone developments using commercial components. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has seen a new trend; of drone warfare. So much so that the feeds from these drones get intertwined, leaving the owners struggling to sort out which ones are their drones and which belong to the enemy. This helps operators on one side of the battlefield see the feed of the other side's drone. A drone operator in Ukraine told Business Inside that being able to see Russian drone feeds is "useful because you see where the enemy drone that wants to destroy you is flying." Russia is also ramping up domestic production capabilities of Iranian-designed Shahed drones, according to a new assessment by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Ukraine too is not far behind and is developing new drone technology. Recently, Ukraine's Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) claimed that it destroyed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter using the R-73 "Sea Dragon" missiles launched from a Magura V5 naval strike drone in the Black Sea. Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra assumed command of the Indian Air Forces Western Air Command on Wednesday. He succeeds Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha who superannuated on December 31. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Pune; Air Force Test Pilots School, Bengaluru; Air Command and Staff College, USA; and Royal College of Defence Studies, UK, he was commissioned into the IAF in 1986. He is a fighter combat leader and an experimental test pilot with over 3000 hours of flying experience. ALSO READ: Defence ministry's vision for 2025: What does the 'Year of Reforms' mean for India's armed forces Prior to his current appointment, he was the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations). The important positions the Air Marshal held in a career spanning over 38 years include Commanding Officer of a Fighter Squadron, Chief Test Pilot at Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment, Air Officer Commanding of two frontline air bases, Director (Operational Planning and Assessment Group), Principal Director (ASR) and Asst Chief of Air Staff (Projects) at Air HQ (VB), Commandant ASTE and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine, Organisation and Training). Air Marshal Mishra is a recipient of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal. Legendary investor Warren Buffett is best known for stocks he has bought over the years and his gains for Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE:BRK)(NYSE:BRK) investors. He's also known for quotes that can be applied to investing and life. Here's a look back at Buffett's take on the importance of reputation. What Happened: Buffett has many highlights during his lengthy career leading Berkshire Hathaway, but one of the lower moments almost occurred due to an investment in investment bank Salomon Brothers. Dont Miss: Berkshire bought a 12% stake in the company in the 1980s and a scandal at the firm over treasury bonds almost took the company under and led to Buffett stepping in as interim chairman and CEO of the company. In September 1991, Buffett testified before the House Commerce subcommittee in Washington D.C. and shared that he asked every Salomon Brothers employee to be their own compliance officer. He also asked for two key demands from employees with the first one being that they obey all rules and ask themselves if they're willing to appear on the front page of the newspaper and have their work accomplishments read by their spouses and kids. If they followed this rule, Buffett was pretty confident they could ignore his second demand. "Lose money for the firm and I will be understanding. Lose a shred of reputation for the firm, and I will be ruthless," Buffett said in the hearing. Trending: Inspired by Uber and Airbnb Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share! Salomon Brothers was later acquired by Travelers Group, netting a profit for Berkshire Hathaway and showing how Buffett helped saved the company. Why It's Important: Buffett has used the Salomon Brothers case as an important learning lesson over the years when discussing the newspaper test and the value of reputation. Salomon Brothers knew one of their employees was a bad actor and didn't report and kept trying to shove the story away, before coming within inches of destroying the company, Buffett once said. Buffett said all the company had to do was pick up the phone and report the trading activity but instead former Salomon CEO John Gutfreund, who was once called the "King of Wall Street," destroyed his career. Hansal Mehta has picked his next fight with a professional from the cinema industry. Less than a week after his online sparring session with Anupam Kher on his portrayal of the late ex-PM Dr Manmohan Singh in The Accidental Prime Minister, Mehta has now levelled allegations against Lucky Bashkar producer Naga Vamsi for borrowing the plot from the Scam series. The remark was triggered when Vamsi who was part of a producers roundtable by Galatta Plus boasted about Pushpa 2: The Rules success in India. I dont think the whole of Mumbai slept after Pushpa 2 grossed Rs 80 crore in one day, Vamsi said, to which Boney Kapoor added, that too only in the Hindi belt, highlighting the massive global success of the Sukumar directorial. ALSO READ | Id rather stay away: Hansal Mehta says he rejected the opportunity to be part of the FFI jury Vamsi also pointed out how South Indian films have contributed to the Indian film industry and its stark difference from Bollywood films. Talking directly to Kapoor, he said, "One thing sir, you have to accept this. It might sound really harsh. We, South Indians, have changed the way you look at the cinema. Because you guys are stuck in making films for Bandra and Juhu. You witnessed a change with Baahubali, RRR, Animal and Jawan." Mehta hit back at Vamsis comment, calling him arrogant and accusing him of liberally borrowing from his 2020 directorial, Scam 1992. Since this person Mr Naga Vamsi was being so arrogant and now that I know who he is : His latest hit as a producer Lucky Bhaskar has borrowed liberally from the Scam series. Reason I brought this up is that I feel happy that stories travel and a film in another language suceeds https://t.co/R4oC0kNHKc Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) December 31, 2024 Netizens were quick to defend the Dulquer Salmaan-starrer in the comments, on user writing claiming that the Scam series itself was borrowed from Martin Scorseses The Wolf of Wall Street. Borrowed from scam?? I am sorry but Scam itself is borrowed from Wolf of Wall Street liberally, it was just a series with good writing, it applies to Lucky Baskhar too, even though it was in the same world as Scam, but protagonists and perspectives are different. ALSO READ | Kiran Raos Laapataa Ladies out of Oscars 2025 race; internet reacts The Scam series itself is heavily borrowed from public information, some books and news reports. That's not proprietary in the strict sense, another user commented. Mehtas Scam 1992 was based on the true story of fraudster Harshad Mehta and the 1992 Indian stock market scam on the Bombay Stock Exchange initiated by him. The second instalment of the series, Scam 2003 (2023), was based on Indian counterfeiter Abdul Karim Telgi. A week after the Anna University sexual assault issue came up and the AIADMK began grabbing the headlines, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai jumped into the fray and made a resolution saying that he will not wear footwear until the DMK is removed from power. He said, I am going to whip myself six times in front of my house. In Tamil self flagellation or whipping is a surrender to a higher power. I have taken this decision after much consideration because I believe, after all the hard work of the party and the cadre, it is important to surrender yourself to a larger power and leave the larger power to take care of things. Apparently, on December 27 clad in a green dhothi, a shirtless Annamalai whipped himself eight times, in front of his BJP colleagues outside his house in Coimbatore. Talking to the reporters after self-flagellation, Annamalai said, Flogging ourselves, punishing ourselves, putting ourselves through very tough rituals etc. are all part of this culture. It is not against any person or not against anything. It is against the continuous injustice thats happening in the state. What has happened in Anna University is only a tipping point. Since his return from the UK, after the brief sojourn to study, Annamalai has been maintaining cool and silence with regard to any issues concerning the AIADMK. The man who once said that the AIADMK will be finished after the 2024 Lok Sabha election, on his return from the UK said that there is plenty of time to decide about alliances for the 2026 assembly polls. To everyones surprise, Annamalais aggression against the AIADMK had completely cooled down. Not just the AIADMK, Annamalais usual style of attacking the ruling DMK and his loud press conferences, his commands to the party office bearers were missing after his return. While it is believed that the UK study tour taught him and shaped him as a leader, the BJP insiders say the real reason for his silence is the recent IT raids at his relatives' place. Sources say that the recent raids in Coimbatore at his relatives' places have made Annamalai maintain silence in most of the issues. The Income Tax sleuths recently searched over 20 locations, linked to real estate businessman Senthil Kumar from Ottanchatiram near Palani in Dindigul district. The raids extended from Dindigul to several places at Saravanampatti near Coimbatore. At a press conference in Chennai, Annamalai even accepted that Senthil Kumar was related to him, but he never influenced the authorities to stop the raids. Yes. He is my distant relative. But I won't influence the Income Tax to stop the raids, Annamalai explained. However, sources in the BJP say that the documents seized from Senthil Kumars place reveal Annamalais links in real estate investments and the many businesses run by his family at Saravanampatti in Coimbatore. Delhi had plans to summon Annamalai and question him about his real estate investment links. But his self-whipping drama halted all the actions. Delhi has put on hold the enquiry episode. He had a meeting with Amit Shah recently. But they wont move him or take action against him now, says a senior leader. Annamalais self-flagellation had not just helped position himself firmly as the pertinent fighter against the Dravidian parties in the state, but also fight his own party's high command and retain his leadership position. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reaffirmed his stance on his remarks about Sanatana Dharma at Sivagiri, clarifying that he does not consider Sree Narayana Guru a proponent of Sanatana Dharma. Yesterday, while speaking at a conference organized by Sivagiri Mutt, a spiritual order of saints and sanyasis founded in 1928 by Sree Narayana Guru, the Kerala CM stated that there is a deliberate effort to portray Sree Narayana Guru as a spokesperson and advocate of Sanatana Dharma. He notably equated Sanatana Dharma with the caste-based Varnashrama Dharma system. The BJP has already turned the chief minister's statements into a political issue. BJP National Executive Committee member P.K. Krishnadas, speaking at the same venue today, cautioned against attempts to distort the philosophy of Sree Narayana Guru. He described portraying the Guru as an opponent of Sanatana Dharma as defamatory. Krishnadas emphasized that Gurudeva's teachings are deeply rooted in Indian cultural values, which align with Sanatana Dharma. He further stated that denying Sree Narayana Guru's belief in Sanatana Dharma distorts the Guru's legacy. Earlier, former Union Minister V. Muraleedharan described the comments as an insult to the Hindu faith and challenged Vijayan to make similar statements about other religions, including the Holy Quran. Muraleedharan further claimed that Vijayans speech at the conference included the assertion that Sanatana Dharma is something to be hated. He alleged that the CMs remarks were a continuation of Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalins earlier statement advocating the eradication of Sanatana Dharma. Notably, Vellappally Natesan, the general secretary of Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP), a social service organization representing the Ezhava community in Kerala, made a comment stating that Sree Narayana Guru is a worshipful deity like any other idol. This comment was interpreted as a response to the chief ministers remarks. The Ezhava community has traditionally been a strong vote bank for left-wing parties, especially the CPI(M). In the aftermath of their Lok Sabha debacle, the party identified the erosion of its Ezhava vote base as a major factor in its failure. At that time, CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan had strongly criticised the SNDP leadership under Natesan. Interestingly, Natesans son, Thushar Vellappally, now heads the BDJS, a BJP ally in Kerala. Govindan accused the BDJS of acting as a recruitment arm for the BJP, with the support of the SNDP leadership, alleging efforts to align the SNDP with the BJP. Govindan had also claimed that the SNDP was deviating from the philosophies of Sree Narayana Guru. In fact, as early as 2021when analyzing the results of the Kerala Assembly elections, in which Vijayan was re-elected as CMthe CPI(M) had already identified the BJPs interest in the Ezhava vote base. Observers say that the chief ministers comments on Sanatana Dharma at the event organized by the Sivagiri Mutt should be seen as a continuation of the CPI(M)s growing concerns about Hindutvas efforts to bring Ezhava sections into its folda move that could strike at the very roots of the CPI(M). Shortly after he apologised to the Manipur people, Chief Minister N Biren Singh hit out at the Congress on Tuesday, stating that it was the "past sins" committed by the party that caused the current turmoil in Manipur. Singh's tongue-lashing came after Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi wouldn't go to the state and do the same. Singh took to X to hit out at Jairam Ramesh, citing the past agreements signed by Chidambaram when he was the Home Minister of India as the reason for the conflict. Stating that the apology he extended was a sincere act of expressing my grief for the people who have been left displaced and become homeless, Singh said: "Everyone, including yourself, is aware that Manipur is in turmoil today because of the past sins committed by the Congress, such as the repeated settlement of Burmese refugees in Manipur and the signing of the SoO Agreement with Myanmar-based militants in the state, spearheaded by P Chidambaram during his tenure as the Home Minister of India." In a long post, Singh said the Naga-Kuki clashes in Manipur resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,300 people and the displacement of thousands more. "The violence persisted for several years, with periodic escalations occurring between 1992 and 1997, though the most intense period of conflict was in 19921993. The clashes began in 1992 and continued at varying intensities for around five years (19921997). This period marked one of the bloodiest ethnic conflicts in northeast India, deeply affecting relations between the Naga and Kuki communities in Manipur." Everyone, including yourself, is aware that Manipur is in turmoil today because of the past sins committed by the Congress, such as the repeated settlement of Burmese refugees in Manipur and the signing of the SoO Agreement with Myanmar-based militants in the state, spearheaded https://t.co/A0X9urZ7M6 N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) December 31, 2024 Singh questioned whether PV Narasimha Rao, who served as the Prime Minister of India from 1991 to 1996 and was the President of the Indian National Congress during this time, come to Manipur to extend an apology? "The Kuki-Paite clashes claimed 350 lives in the state. During most of the Kuki-Paite clashes (19971998), Shri IK Gujral was the Prime Minister of India. Did he visit Manipur and say sorry to the people?," Singh questioned. Singh's statement came after Jairam Ramesh took to X over Singh's apology to hit out at PM Modi. "Why can't the Prime Minister go to Manipur and say the same thing there? He has deliberately avoided visiting the state since May 4th, 2023, even as he jets around the country and the world. The people of Manipur simply cannot understand this neglect," said Ramesh. #WATCH | Imphal: Manipur CM N Biren Singh says "This entire year has been very unfortunate. I feel regret and I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what is happening till today, since last May 3. Many people lost their loved ones. Many people left their homes. I pic.twitter.com/tvAxInKPdg ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2024 The latest controversy broke out after Singh apologised for the ethnic conflict in the state which claimed over 250 lives and rendered thousands homeless. He said there has been relative peace in the state in the last three-four months, which gives him hope that normalcy will be restored in the new year. "I want to say sorry for what happened in the state. Many people lost their loved ones and many had to leave their homes. I regret and want to apologise. But after seeing relative peace in the last 3-4 months, I hope that normalcy will be restored in the coming year." "Whatever happened has happened... I want to appeal to all communities to forgive and forget our past mistakes and start life afresh by living together in a peaceful and prosperous Manipur," he said. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday ruled out a CBI probe into the Sachin Panchala suicide case and dismissed the BJP's demand for RDPR minister Priyank Kharge's resignation. "It is a politically motivated charge as the death note does not mention Kharge's name," said the CM. On December 26, civil contractor Sachin Panchala (26) threw himself on the railway tracks in Bhalki in Bidar district and ended his life. In his death note, Panchala named eight persons including three Congress leaders, accusing them of harassing and defrauding him. The incident triggered a political row as one of the three Congress leaders named in the note is Raju Kapanur, a close aide of RDPR minister Priyank Kharge, son of AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge. The note also mentioned that Kapanur had given supari (contract to kill) to get local BJP leaders killed. The BJP has demanded a CBI inquiry alleging that Priyank Kharge was directly responsible for the contractors suicide. The incident exposed rampant corruption in the government and gross misuse of power by close aides of ministers who demanded huge bribes from contractors to award government contracts, said the BJP. Kharge sought an independent inquiry, while the state government ordered a CID probe into the two FIRs -- abetment-to-suicide case filed by the Railway police in Bidar following Panchalas suicide and another filed by Station Bazar police station in Kalaburagi based on a police complaint by BJP leader Chandrakant B Patil alleging criminal intimidation by Kapanur and gang. The state BJP has launched a poster campaign demanding Kharges resignation and a CBI inquiry as the death note reportedly mentions that Kapanur had plotted to kill BJP leaders from across the border (Solapur in Maharashtra) too. Home Minister G Parameshwara maintained that the allegations against Kharge were baseless and that the authenticity of the death note was to be verified. Panchalas death note also reportedly mentioned that BJP MLA Basavaraj Mattimood, Andola Sri, Kalaburagi city unit president Chandrakant Patil and the defeated candidate from Chittapur Manikant Rathod were on Kapanurs hitlist. In the alleged suicide note, Panchala had held Congress leader and former corporator Raju Kapanoor, block Congress campaign committee president Nandakumar Nagabhujange, former vice-president of Kalaburagis zilla panchayat Goraknath S. Chinchansur, history-sheeter Pratap Patil, Solapurs Shiv Sena district president Manoj S, Vikas HM, MD, Unity Infra Build, Vinay, project manager and contractor Ramangouda Patil responsible for his decision to end his life. He stated that he had worked as a project engineer at Unity Infra Build for the last three years and had come in contact with Satish Rathnakar, who had introduced him to Kapanur. Vikas had submitted a tender (worth 12 crore) under RWSSD (Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department) as Kapanur had promised to secure him the contract for a 5% commission. He had made 5-6 trips to Bengaluru to meet the minister (Kharge), who had instructed the chief engineer (Izaz Hussain) to ensure the tender was awarded to them. But the tender was not awarded and Kapanur who had taken Rs 10 lakh advance promised to get them a contract for another project worth Rs 15 crore, which too did not come through. When Vikas sought Kapanurs help to clear pending bills worth Rs 3 crore, he again demanded Rs 10 lakh as a bribe and Panchala transferred Rs 5 lakh to Kapanurs wife Santoshis account. The MD defrauded Panchala by false claims of having submitted tenders, which led to him forfeiting the deposit amount. Kapanoor and gang defrauded him by paying only Rs 8 lakh for the Rs 50 lakh worth project Babladi Matha under KRIDL (Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Ltd) and threatened to file an atrocities case against him. The death note clearly states that Panchala was harassed by Kapanur who is an influential Congress leader. The CM should do justice and order a CBI inquiry and ask Priyank Kharge to resign, said BJP state chief B.Y. Vijayendra adding that BJP had formed an Andolana committee to fight against the maladministration of the ruling Congress which was leading to a series of suicides. BJP leaders pointed out that then RDPR minister and BJP leader had resigned (in April 2022) following a graft allegation made by a contractor Santosh Patil, who was found dead in a hotel room in Udupi. Recalling a similar incident of suicide reported from Belagavi last November, when the deceased Rudranna (35), a second division assistant - had accused one Somu Doddawad, personal assistant of women and child development minister Laxmi Hebbalkar of harassment before hanging himself at his (tahsildar) office. Before his death Rudranna had reportedly shared a message on the office Whatsapp group and also left behind a suicide note. A case of abetment to suicide was booked. BJP Belagavi Rural district president Sanjay Patil had claimed that Hebbalkars aides were controlling the government departments and collecting monthly hafta (bribe). However, Hebbalkar had claimed she did not know who Somu was. If RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat drew attention to the declining fertility rate in India and urged Indian families to have at least three children to avoid extinction, two chief ministers of southern states MK Stalin and Chandra Babu Naidu had appealed to families to have more children, citing lesser political representation (in Parliament) and the burden of an ageing population respectively. Even as the debate is hovering around population decline, the reasons cited are varied from demographic changes to the burden of an ageing population to fear of social, cultural and moral decay. In Karnataka, religious leaders have been advocating for bigger families to overcome the challenges of a dwindling Hindu population. Earlier this week, the third World Havyaka Convention held in Bengaluru saw the Havyaka Brahmin pontiffs appeal to the community to have at least three children per family and also offered to adopt the fourth child. Pontiff Gangadharendra Saraswathi Swamiji of Swarnavalli Mutt suggested that girls should marry at 18 and boys at 21 years and have at least three children. This will help overcome the population decline, and cultural and moral decay prevalent among the youth today. Marrying them young will resolve all three issues, he claimed. The seer also defended his statement saying marriage would not be a hindrance to pursuing ones education or career. If a couple has more than three children, they may send their kids to the Mutt as the Mutt will take their responsibility, he added. Anandabodhendra Saraswathi Swami, the junior pontiff of Swarnavalli Mutt, called upon the community to opt for simple weddings and to have at least three children. One child should be dedicated to preserving the Vedas, one should guard the country, and the third child should take care of the family and agriculture, he added. Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swami of Ramachandrapura Mutt stated that the Havyaka population had dwindled over the last three decades. Our community, which is making huge contributions globally, is following the two-child norm when communities which contribute little to the society are opting for bigger families. If Havyaka families give birth to more children, our mutt will take care of the childrens upbringing and educational needs, he said. Avadhoota Dattapeetha Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda Swamiji had expressed concern over the unwritten one-child norm being practised by Hindu families. Our religion and culture cannot be sustained or preserved for posterity if families choose to have a single child. It will erode Hinduism, said the seer. Recently, Hindu Jagarana Vedike leader Jagadish Karanth stressed the need to increase the majority Hindu population to counter threats from other religions. Hindus should be united as the Hindu religion is in danger. India is at the risk of Islamisation as Hindu families are opting for less number of children. We need people in crucial positions. If India has to be secure at the borders, we need young men to guard it. But we are letting other infiltrate into our government and the country and one day Hindus will have no say in the affairs of the country, said Karanth. The changing demographics and an ageing population are causes for worry for nations across the world. In India, religious and political leaders have been voicing their concern over the decline in Indias total fertility rate (TFR) the average number of children born to a woman in her lifetime. There would be zero population growth if the replacement level of fertility is 2.1. Anything less than this would mean a decline in population. In southern states, the fertility rate has dropped to 1.6 compared to the national average of 2.1 and though the states had a demographic advantage until 2047, signs of an ageing population were hard to miss. It is said that time is the best healer. People of Manipur have been waiting far too long for that moment when they can put their grief behind them and become part of the healing process that the Centre has been talking of. Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh issued an apology on New Years Eve, asking people of Manipur to participate in the healing process and forget their grievances. The apology coming nineteen months later has set off speculation on what went behind this decision. In the immediate context, it can be said that there is pressure from the Centre for the Manipur government to bridge the divide between the two communities in the Valley and the Hill districts. Former home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla. who has been appointed the new governor of Manipur, is arriving in Imphal tomorrow. Bhalla's appointment has given rise to hope that there will be peace and resolution soon. He is expected to take oath in the next few days. During Bhallas tenure as home secretary, the Union home ministry has closely been watching the Manipur situation and sending boots on the ground, trying to bridge the divide through peace talks between the two warring communities and also trying to impress upon the Biren Singh government that there is a need for a peaceful resolution immediately. In this context, Biren Singhs apology is important as it sends a clear message that the government is willing to move beyond a dominant security approach in handling the Manipur crisis to a governance model which is more inclusive and participatory. After the apology, it is going to be a litmus test for the Biren Singh government on several counts. There are people who are living in displaced camps on both sidesin the valley and the Hillsin Manipur. These people who left their homes several months ago need to return and lead normal lives. The second big challenge for the state government would be to disarm the civilian population. Almost 5,800 arms went missing since the violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023. It has been several months and only 3,000 plus arms have been recovered, said a senior security official. This means that almost 2,000 arms are still floating on both sides. Security officials are not very hopeful of recovering all the arms, however, they do hope that the civilian population will be disarmed and they will be able to bring the law and order situation under control. There is also the challenge of the insurgent groups who have been active in Manipur during the crisis. The former home secretary, who is now the governor of Manipur, is keenly aware that peace and law and order in the tiny northeastern state are crucial for the entire region. Plagued by the porous Indo-Myanmar border, the home ministry under Bhalla at that time had been taking several steps to control the free movement regime to stop the movement of insurgents on either side. It is now the responsibility of the governor who would also be spearheading efforts to help the state government control this problem. This is not all. The Centre is also keenly aware that any strife in the northeastern state would particularly have an impact on the developmental works. Roads, building of bridges and other infrastructure works have taken a hit ever since violence hit Manipur. In September last year, the state government declared the entire state of Manipur as a disturbed area except 19 districts. But by November, six more districts were included under the Disturbed Areas Act. The imposition of the Armed Force Special Powers Act by the Union home ministry by declaring these districts as disturbed has left the population wondering whether they will always witness clashes, and movement of armed forces and not be able to lead normal lives. It is now the responsibility of both the Central and state governments to live up to their promise of healing the population living under strife for the last 19 months. In the last nineteen months, the people of Manipur have been upset and angry. They have also blamed the chief minister for the violence and loss of lives witnessed in the state. Biren Singhs apology is the first step. It is now time for the Centre and the state government to work together to bridge not just the physical divide between the people of Manipur but also ensure that there is a true melting of hearts. The last round of talks to rescue Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, who has been sentenced to death in Yemen's Sanaa, is continuing in Yemen, according to human rights activist Samuel Jerome, a member of the 'Save Nimisha Priya International Council'. Jerome told Manorama Online that the talks with the victim Talal Abdo Mahdi's family had hit a wall after August. "For her release, the family has to accept the Blood Money (diyaa). We hope things will be clear in the next two days," he added. The efforts to source funds for the same have also gained pace. Jerome had earlier said there were little efforts to source the second instalment of money for the mediation talks with tribal leaders. "The talks got stalled after we failed to provide the second instalment for talks. Had the talks progressed, Nimisha Priya would have been released by now," Jerome added. However, council member Subhash Chandran alleged that Jerome did not inform the council members back home about the expense incurred in Yemen despite the council sending Rs 40 lakh. However, the council is doing everything it can to save Nimisha Priya. "If the family of the victim is ready to accept the blood money and pardon Nimisha Priya, so her life will be saved, we are still hopeful, but we need support from the GoI, MEA. We need their immediate intervention. We are ready to pay the amount. We don't need a single penny from the government, we are just requesting them to facilitate the negotiation as we are unable to travel to Yemen," Subhash Chandran told PTI. VIDEO | Subhash Chandran, the lawyer of Nimisha Priya who was sentenced to death in Yemen requests intervention of the GoI and MEA in the case, he says, "Nimisha is convicted for murder of Yemeni national. He was her sponsor and during the time of Yemen war, she was tortured by pic.twitter.com/sJ5iWH28yZ Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 1, 2025 Meanwhile, the mother and husband of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, who has been sentenced to death in Yemen's Sanaa, has pleaded with the government and people back home to save her life. In a video message posted from Yemen, Nimisha Priya's mother Prema Kumari requested the Centre and other authorities to intervene. "This is my final plea. She has only days left. Every single person in the action council helped a lot to source money. I plead with the Centre and the council to do their best to save her life," Prema Kumari added. Nimisha's husband Tomy Thomas too said that the family was ready to provide bloody money for the victim's family. He said the couple's child was just two years old when Nimisha returned to Yemen. She has seen her photographs and speaks over video calls, but she needs the support and love of a mother. We are hoping that we can connect to the family of Talal Abdo Mahdi and find a solution. We are ready to offer diya (blood money) in return for the life of my wife," Thomas told News 18. He added that the family had been in every possible legal way to seek pardon for Nimisha for the last seven years. The anti-ropeway project agitation in Katra has been suspended following an agreement between the government and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti. The breakthrough came after prolonged protests and negotiations. As part of the agreement, all 18 detained members of the Sangharsh Samiti, including Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand, were released unconditionally from Reasi and Udhampur jails. Their release was a key demand of the protesters, easing tensions in the region. Sangharsh Samiti spokesperson Karan Singh told THE WEEK that all detained members, including himself, have been released, and the work on the project has been suspended. He said the government will form a panel to discuss the issue further. We have suspended the agitation for now and will wait to see what comes out of the talks with the panel, Singh said. "After that, we will decide our next steps. Singh mentioned that the local BJP MLA had apologized for the difficulties faced by the residents due to the project. He also said that all political parties, including the BJP, had supported their demands. The Katra Ropeway Project will remain on hold until further discussions. The four-member panel includes Ashok Bhan and Suresh Sharma from the Shrine Board along with Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Shrine Board CEO Anshul Garg. Divisional Commissioner Kumar played a crucial role in the negotiations. In response, the Sangharsh Samiti agreed to reopen markets in Katra, bringing relief to traders and the local economy. The next phase of discussions will involve coordination between the L-G panel and Samiti representatives. Political intervention also contributed to resolving the agitation. Local BJP MLAs from Katra, Reasi, and Jammu districts raised the issue with Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh, prompting the Union government to direct the L-G administration to have a dialogue with the protesters. Despite protests and market shutdowns, pilgrim flow to the shrine remained unaffected. The Shrine Board's langars provided food and assistance to visitors, mitigating the impact of the agitation. However, daily life in Katra was severely disrupted, with commercial establishments, transportation, and public services paralyzed. Protesters held sit-ins at Shalimar Chowk and Shridhar Chowk. Health concerns arose as the agitation prolonged, with one youth hospitalized after a hunger strike. Medical teams conducted health check-ups on other demonstrators to prevent further issues. The controversy extended to the proposed extension of the Delhi-Katra expressway. BJP MP Jugal Kishore Sharma urged Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to reconsider plans bypassing Katra. He warned of economic losses for local businesses. He said that diverting traffic directly to Tarakote Marg could negatively impact the livelihoods of over one lakh residents. Ashish Patel, the minister for technical education in the Yogi Adityanath-led government, has said that if anything were to happen to him, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) should be blamed as he was being targeted for his work. Ashish has been in the eye of a storm ever since recruitments and promotions in institutes that fall under his department have been questioned. One of the top leader targeting him is his own sister-in-law, Pallavi Patel, who sat on a daylong dharna against him recently when the Vidhan Sabha was in session. ALSO READ: 'Focus on people's grievances': Yogi Adityanath tells officials in law and order review meeting Ashish is the husband of Anupriya Patel, the minister of state for health. Pallavi alleged that under Ashish, some 250 lecturers have been given undue promotions and made principals in various polytechnic colleges. She claimed that if such appointments were made directly, then backward castes and Dalits would have benefited from reservation. Ashish said the governments information department is running a media trial against him and that the promotions were made under the watch of the most honest IAS officer, referring to Principal Secretary (Technical Education) M Devraj. ALSO READ: UP Assembly bypolls: SP, BSP give a twist to Yogi Adityanath's 'Batenge toh Katenge' slogan after BJP adopts the rallying cry Meanwhile, Ashish's supporters said that he has upheld the principles of social justice, pointing out that nine of the 10 engineering colleges in the state, the post of director or acting director was occupied by those in the general category. After he took charge, four of these were occupied by Other Backward Castes. In the four new engineering colleges that have been opened since he took charge, two appointees on these posts are from OBC, one is from the Scheduled Caste and only one is from the general category. The Azad Adhikar Sena, headed by former IPS Amitabh Thakur, has lent its support to demands for a CBI investigation against Patel. After the first allegation of irregularities was made against Patel he had asked Yogi Adityanath to have an inquiry conducted into the whole matter. Patel has also said that if the Prime Minister would ask him to resign, he would do so in a second. Young woman analyzing financial documents while working on her laptop at home damircudic via Getty Images Whether youre drawing up a separation agreement or already have the divorce decree in hand, there can be a lot of challenging financial and tax implications to getting divorced. And if youll be paying or receiving alimony payments as part of your divorce agreement, you may already be wondering how that income gets reported on your tax return. The good news is thanks to the simplification of tax rules surrounding divorce courtesy of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) no longer requires certain types of spousal report, specifically alimony payments, to be reported as part of your taxable income. Lets take a closer look at what that might mean for your tax liability and that of your former spouse and why former couples with a divorce agreement or court order that predates 2019 have to follow different tax rules. Learn more: Everything you need to know to file your taxes in 2025 Is alimony taxable? The answer depends on when you got divorced. If your divorce or legal separation was finalized on Jan. 1, 2019 or later, alimony or maintenance payments are not taxable as gross income for the recipient spouse. For those who dont fall under the new rules, tax treatment of alimony can be a bit more complicated. If your divorce was finalized on or before Dec. 31, 2018, alimony is required to be reported on your income tax return. The receiving spouse should report any amount of alimony as income to the IRS. Are alimony payments tax-deductible? If youre the taxpayer responsible for paying alimony, that money is not deductible for divorces finalized in 2019 or after. If your divorce decree predates 2019, the alimony deduction is a bit more complicated. For the paying spouse, alimony payments are eligible for an above-the-line tax deduction, which may help you avoid landing in a higher tax bracket. Learn more: Standard deduction vs. itemized: How to decide which tax filing approach is right What types of spousal support count as alimony? Alimony is defined as financial support one ex-spouse, usually the higher earner, pays to another. This is different from separate maintenance, which is financial support that is part of a legal separation when couples are still married. To be considered alimony for tax purposes, the IRS says the spousal support needs to meet the following criteria: A joint tax return isnt filed for the current tax year. The payment is made through cash, check, or money orders. The payment goes to a spouse or a former spouse under a divorce or separation instrument. Spouses or ex-spouses arent sharing a household when the payments are made. Payments arent required to be made either in cash or property after the death of the receiving spouse. Payment isnt part of a property settlement or child support payments. To be considered alimony, the divorce or separation agreement also cant specify that the payment needs to be part of the gross income of the payee spouse or that it isnt allowable as a deduction to the payer spouse. Is the tax law for alimony different from child support? Child support is a form of spousal support designed to financially provide for adopted or biological children of the marriage. Typically, child support is paid directly to the parent with primary custody or the one considered by the court as the custodial parent until the child is 18. While child support is considered different from alimony for tax purposes, the rules are similar. Child support is not taxable as income, nor are the payments tax deductible. This tax approach for child support payments has been consistent in family law for many years. Frequently asked questions about taxes and alimony 1. When do I have to report alimony on my taxes? If your divorce decree was finalized before January 1, 2019, you are required to report alimony or alimony payments you receive on your federal tax return using Form 1040, Schedule 1. In the case of the alimony payer, pre-2019 payments have tax benefits and are an above-the-line deduction. You can enter the amount of alimony paid and the recipients Social Security number in your Form 1040. For divorces finalized after 2019, neither the paying or receiving spouse must report alimony to the IRS. 2. Is the treatment of alimony for tax purposes different in each state? Yes, alimony payments can be handled differently depending on your state. For example in California, payments on community property income are not considered alimony. You should consult your states revenue department website for more information about how to report spousal support for state tax purposes. 3. Who gets the tax deduction for claiming a dependent after a divorce? Generally, the custodial parent should claim the child as a dependent in order to receive the child tax credit, but this can also depend on whether the divorce decree specifies a different approach. For instance, some parents may agree to take turns claiming the dependent every other tax year. For the IRS, the custodial parent is the parent with whom the child or dependent lives for the majority of the tax year. The Houthis, an Iran-backed militant group in Yemen, has dramatically intensified its military actions against Israel, launching a series of missile and drone strikes. The group has been attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea for the past several months to enforce a naval blockade on Israel. On December 30, it sent hypersonic ballistic missiles targeting the Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv and a power station south of Jerusalem. The escalation reflects a troubling cycle of violence that impacts lives on all sides. The Houthis are operating in solidarity with Hamas, united by their shared animosity towards Israel. The shift showcases how the Houthis have evolved from a regional insurgent group to a significant player on the global stage, raising alarms not only for Israel, but also for global shipping and trade. Responding to the attacks, Israel has carried out airstrikes aimed at Houthi military infrastructure in Yemen, targeting crucial assets such as airports, power stations and ports. The attack on the Sanaa airport happened just as Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation, was about to board a flight. Meanwhile, the US, too, has stepped, in hitting various locations across Yemen. The US militarys Central Command said it carried out attacks against targets in the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa and coastal locations in Yemen on December 30 and 31. The US aggression on Yemen is a blatant violation of the sovereignty of an independent state, and blatant support for Israel to encourage it to continue its crimes of genocide against the people of Gaza, said Mohammed Abdulsalam, the Houthi spokesperson. He made it clear that the group would continue its campaign till Israel stopped the Gaza war and lifted the stifling blockade. The missile strikes from the Houthis have understandably caused fear and anxiety within Israeli communities, prompting many to seek shelter as warning sirens sound across the country. Although Israel's air defence systems have intercepted most missiles, the psychological impact of living under such threat is profound. Many lives are affected, as civilians grapple with the constant worry of incoming attacks, adding to an already fragile security situation. Israeli officials have conveyed strong warnings to the Houthis, indicating that they will face repercussions for their actions, drawing parallels between the Houthis and other groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. At the United Nations Security Council, Israeli representatives have made a fervent case for a stronger response to the Houthi threat, framing the group as a well-armed entity that could destabilise the region and affect global stability. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has requested that the Houthis be designated a foreign terrorist organisation, which could further isolate them but might also exacerbate tensions. Ambassador Danny Danon painted a picture of the Houthis as part of Irans broader strategy to incite chaos, emphasising the need for international awareness of the risk they pose to shipping in the Red Sea, a vital global trade route. While there is significant condemnation of the Houthi missile attacks from Security Council members, they are also concerned about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Yemen, worsened by retaliatory strikes. Human rights groups have voiced valid concerns about the impact of these military actions on Yemen's population, already suffering from dire humanitarian conditions. The targeting of essential infrastructure, such as power stations, has severe repercussions for civilians trying to survive in a challenging environment. The risks faced by humanitarian workers also cannot be overstated. Despite these valid concerns, Israeli officials have maintained that the Houthi threat transcends regional issues. They are calling for international efforts to curtail the flow of Iranian arms to the Houthis. The pledge of support from the US and the UK for stronger UN sanctions against Iran is a step in this direction, but it also raises questions about the potential effectiveness of such measures in addressing the root causes of violence. Meanwhile, the Houthis, having established themselves as a powerful force, are preparing for what seems to be a prolonged confrontation with Israel and its allies. Even if a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza, the Houthis have indicated their commitment to continuing their campaign against Israeli interests, rooted in their ideological ties with Hamas and Hezbollah. Houthi supremo Abdul-Malik al-Houthi has emphasised that they will persist in their actions until there is peace in Gaza, illustrating the interconnected nature of these conflicts. Moreover, the Houthis are mobilising domestically, actively recruiting new fighters and offering weapons training programmes for youths. These initiatives, integrated into schools and universities, seek to prepare a new generation for ongoing struggles. This focus on ideological indoctrination reflects a profound commitment to their cause but also underscores the impact of war on young lives, who are often caught in the crossfire of broader geopolitical tensions. A truck drove into a crowd on New Orleans' famed Canal and Bourbon Street in the first hours of New Year's Day, killing 10 people and injuring at least 30 others. The injured had been taken to five local hospitals and the authorities advised people to stay away from the area. The incident occurred at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets during New Year's Eve celebrations, the New York Times reported. As things stand, here are five latest updates that we know so far about the shocking development that rocked New Orleans amidst the frenzy and panache of the New Year. A member of the emergency services attends the scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street | AP 1. The incident came at 3.15 am toward the end of New Year's celebrations in New Orleans. Mayor LaToya Cantrell declared the incident to be a terrorist attack, the Associated Press said in a report. The FBI is leading the investigation, the report added. 2. However, during the time of compiling this report, the FBI maintained that it was "not a terrorist event." On the other hand, the New Orleans Police Department also confirmed that it was "not a DUI (Driving under the influence) situation." 3. CBS News, citing witnesses, reported that a truck had crashed into the crowd at high speed before he driver got out and started firing a weapon, forcing police personnel to shoot back. Breaking News In Bourbon Street in New Orleans at least 10 have been killed & 30 injured as an SUV ploughed into New Years revellers at 3.15 am local time. The suspect is thought to have had an assault rifle. **Disturbing images** pic.twitter.com/F55ugfaTJR David Atherton (@DaveAtherton20) January 1, 2025 4. According to the Washington Post, the suspect managed to shoot and injure two police officials, whose condition is now said to be stable. He reportedly went around barricades to crash into the crowd before firing at the officers on the spot. 5. According to the Associated Press, Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI's New Orleans field office, said officials were investigating the discovery of at least one suspected improvised explosive device at the scene. UPDATE: The FBI confirmed that the incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Very little information was available about the suspect behind the New Orleans Bourbon Street attack that killed 10 people and hurt at least 30 others during New Year's Eve celebrations. ALSO READ | New Orleans Bourbon Street attack an 'act of pure evil', says US President-elect Donald Trump Armed with a gun, the man who opened fire at first responders after crashing into revellers was killed in the exchange of fire, authorities confirmed. Two police officers were hit by the suspect before their colleagues could retaliate. Both the officers were stable after being shifted to a hospital, New Orleans Police Department said. New Orleans attack suspect: What we know so far Louisiana congressman Troy Carter, who sits on the House Homeland Security Committee, told the US media that the suspect is believed to have acted alone. However, he didn't comment on the motive of the attacker. There is very little information out in the public arena about the man whose identity is yet to be revealed by the authorities. According to a CNN report, the pickup truck used for the brutal attack had Texas license plates. WATCH VIRAL VIDEO | Good cops of New Orleans 'who went flying on foot' to Bourbon Street win internet's respect "He appears to be a lone actor at this point," The Guardian quoted Carter as telling a television channel. Meanwhile, another report claimed that the suspect was residing in New Orleans, temporarily at least. He was using a short-term rental home St Roch neighbourhood of New Orleans, The Guardian quoted a senior official in law enforcement as saying. After the neighbourhood was located, people in and around the building were evacuated to safety as the police suspected the man to have stored more explosives there. The owner of the house was also identified, the media report said, but he refused to comment. ALSO READ | New Orleans Bourbon Street shooter dead: FBI yet to explain 'improvised explosive device at the scene' New Orleans attack: As it happened After a driver crashed his pickup truck into a crowd celebrating New Year's Day in New Orleans' French Quarter and opened fire, killing 10 people and injuring more than 35, in an early morning attack the FBI said was a potential act of terrorism. The suspect, described by one city leader as being in "full military gear," died after a shootout with police, law enforcement officials said. "This man was trying to run over as many people as he could," Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said at a televised press conference on Wednesday. "He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did. "The incident occurred at 3:15 a.m. local time at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets, a historic tourist destination in the city's French Quarter known for attracting large crowds with its music and bars. Kirkpatrick said the driver, who swerved around barricades, fired at police and struck two police officers from the vehicle after it crashed. At least four senior United States law enforcement officials told the press that they believe one Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, was the suspect involved in the New Year's Eve truck attack and shooting that claimed 10 lives in New Orleans. Briefing the media on the ongoing investigation, the officers added that teams were working to determine more information about his background and potential travel history. However, during the time of compiling this report, there were no official explanations on an earlier report that quoted an anonymous law enforcement source as saying that the suspect was carrying an ISIS flag in the truck used for the attack. ALSO READ | New Orleans Bourbon Street attack an 'act of pure evil', says US President-elect Donald Trump Who was Shamsud Din Jabbar? Very little information was available about the suspect behind the New Orleans Bourbon Street attack. Armed with a gun, the man who opened fire at first responders after crashing into revellers was killed in the exchange of fire, authorities confirmed. Two police officers were hit by the suspect before their colleagues could retaliate. Louisiana congressman Troy Carter, who sits on the House Homeland Security Committee, told the US media that the suspect is believed to have acted alone. However, he didn't comment on the motive of the attacker. WATCH VIRAL VIDEO HERE | Good cops of New Orleans 'who went flying on foot' to Bourbon Street win internet's respect There is very little information out in the public arena about the man whose identity is yet to be revealed by the authorities. According to a CNN report, the pickup truck used for the brutal attack had Texas license plates. "He appears to be a lone actor at this point," The Guardian quoted Carter as telling the television. He was using a short-term rental home in St Roch neighbourhood of New Orleans, The Guardian quoted a senior official in law enforcement as saying. After the neighbourhood was located, people in and around the building were evacuated to safety as the police suspected the man to have stored more explosives there. Jamshedpur, Jan 1 (PTI) Tata Steel CEO and managing director TV Narendran on Wednesday said while the global steel sector is struggling to generate profits due to factors such as Chinas aggressive pricing, the demand for the metal and its consumption in India is growing. Addressing a gathering at a New Year cake-cutting event here, Narendran said 2023 and 2024 have been difficult for the sector globally because of compression in steel margin and a continued struggle to make profits, particularly due to the curbs imposed in China during COVID. On global conflicts, he said events happening in various parts of the world have direct or indirect impacts on India. However, the most significant challenge the country faces is the slowdown in China, where recovery is yet to materialise. Narendran expressed concern over China's unfair competition, urging the Indian government to take steps to safeguard domestic industries. Despite these challenges, he assured that Tata Steel is well-positioned and profitable in India due to its competitiveness and the growing demand for steel. Claiming that several countries, including the US, Canada, and European nations, have already taken measures to protect their industries, Narendran called for India to take similar actions against unfair steel imports from China, as the steel sector holds significant potential to create wealth and jobs. Although demand for steel in India is growing at 8 per cent, Narendran pointed out that margin compression remains a challenge and stressed the importance of value addition. He also spoke about the opportunity to leverage the mineral-rich states such as Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, urging that India should not miss the chance to convert these mineral resources into industries that will create jobs. Narendran advocated for more incentives to attract investment into the sector, noting that the steel industry has been investing between Rs 40,000 crore and Rs 50,000 crore annually. He further emphasised the importance of private sector investment for the countrys growth. Acknowledging that the past year was challenging for Tata Steel, Narendran pointed out the commissioning of the countrys largest blast furnace at Tata Steels Kalinganagar plant in Odisha as a major milestone. He commended the team for their efforts to ensure the safe and successful commissioning of this project. Tata Steel has also been working on other initiatives to benefit both employees and the local community, such as the construction of staff quarters and schools. In response to a query about the new government in Jharkhand, Narendran mentioned that discussions had taken place with the government, and Tata Group had assured cooperation for the state's development. He highlighted Jharkhands vast mineral resources, including iron ore, coal, and its potential in steel and automotive manufacturing, stressing the need to focus on value addition to create jobs. New Delhi, Jan 1 (PTI) The Finance Ministry on Wednesday urged public sector banks (PSBs) and insurance companies to expedite the resolution of public grievances. A meeting chaired by Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju was held in which complainants, PSBs, public sector insurance companies (PSICs) and regulators participated. The meeting, aimed to assess the quality of grievance redressal, reviewed 20 randomly selected public grievances resolved by PSBs and insurance companies to assess resolution quality, the finance ministry said in a statement. At the outset, the Secretary reiterated the Prime Ministers direction given in the Pragati meeting held on December 26, that all the Senior officers at the level of Chairman/ MD/ ED of PSBs/PSICs should review at least 20 cases to monitor quality of resolution of the resolved grievances every month. During the review meeting, he observed that the majority of customers raised complaints due to genuine grievances against an organisation, and stressed that customer satisfaction is at the heart of the grievance redressal mechanism. He also stressed that any laxity/negligence in grievance redressal is against the ethos of customer service and diminishes the reputation/brand value of the organisation and directed that public grievances be addressed sincerely and positively in a time-bound manner. Nagaraju also underlined the need for technical and IT solutions to minimise repetitive complaints and increase efficiency. New Delhi, Jan 1 (PTI) Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday directed National Cooperative Organic Ltd (NCOL) to strengthen quality control and establish fair pricing for its "Bharat Organics" brand as the government seeks to expand organic farming nationwide. Shah urged Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) to integrate with the organic mission and called for mandatory quality testing of all products under the Bharat Organics label. "Farmers should get a fair price for their organic produce so that they can be motivated towards promoting organic produce," Shah said during a review meeting with NCOL officials. The ministry, along with NCOL, plans to collaborate with dairy cooperative Amul to establish pricing mechanisms for organic flour and pulses that would incentivise farmers to transition to organic farming methods. Shah emphasised building a robust farm-to-consumer supply chain for authentic organic products, directing NCOL to implement batch-wise testing protocols to ensure product purity, an official statement said. He also called for leveraging existing dairy networks, with plans to encourage farmers associated with Amul and the National Dairy Development Board to adopt organic farming practices. The minister also pushed for increased promotion of organic products during upcoming festivals, anticipating heightened consumer demand with growing awareness. Minister of State for Cooperatives Muralidhar Mohol, Cooperation Secretary Ashish Kumar Bhutani, NCOL Chairman and Managing Director Minesh Shah and NABARD Chairman Shaji KV were present at the meeting. New Delhi, Jan 1 (PTI) The commerce ministry's arm Export Inspection Council (EIC) plans to expand food testing infrastructure in a holistic way to boost outbound shipments, a senior government official said. The EIC has initiated a detailed study on gap assessment on food testing infrastructure for exports, the official added. "Though we have taken a number of measures, we are doing a deeper analysis commodity and area-wise. We are trying to find out gaps in our food testing infrastructure. We hope that the study will be over in 2-3 months and after that we will come up with a full plan of how to expand our infrastructure in a more holistic way," Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce Nitin Kumar Yadav told reporters here. EIC is an advisory body to the central government. It notifies commodities which will be subjected to quality control or inspection prior to export; establish standards of quality for such notified commodities, and specify the type of quality control or inspection to be applied to such commodities. The EIC is also set to launch an integrated traceability module to streamline and manage processes involved in inspection, testing and certification for exports, he said, adding that they are adopting advanced technologies like IoT-based sampling techniques. New laboratories are coming up in Ahmedabad, Faridabad and Mangalore, he said. Further, the EIC is signing mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) and MoUs for different products with different countries so that the EIC's mechanisms and processes are recognised the world over. It helps exporters cut transaction costs. "We are aspiring that India do MRAs. We are also understanding requirements of other countries and we are developing capacities so that we can have MRAs with them," Yadav said. According to the commerce ministry, EIC has ramped up testing facilities in the country to 78 accredited labs. The number of export establishments approved through the EIC system has also increased to 1,446 from 794 during the last decade. Export certificates accepted by importing countries have nearly doubled in a decade, surging from 61,000 to over 120,000. The council has developed the trust of international regulatory authorities by demonstration of effective official control systems, which are evident in the number of export certificates accepted by importing countries, which grew from 61,000 in 2013-14 to over 120,000 during 2023-24, which has almost doubled in the last decade. The EIC's certification system is recognized by major international regulatory bodies, including that of the European Union, USA, Australia, Turkey, Korea, and Japan, reflecting its commitment to international quality benchmarks. New Delhi, Jan 1 (PTI) Bhuvnesh Kumar has assumed charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), an official release said on Wednesday. Kumar also continues to be an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). He takes over from Amit Agrawal who has been appointed as the new pharma secretary. "Bhuvnesh Kumar assumed charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Wednesday," an official release said. Kumar is an IAS officer of the 1995 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre. "A graduate and gold medalist from the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, he held several important positions both at the Centre and in his cadre state," the release said. Earlier, he also served as the Joint Secretary in MeitY. In Uttar Pradesh, he served as the Principal Secretary in the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries. Previously, he was the Secretary Finance, Secretary MSME, Secretary Technical Education and Divisional Commissioner Department of Land Revenue in the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Mumbai, Jan 1 (PTI) Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya, who has forayed into OTT platform with "Bada Naam Karenge", on Wednesday said he hopes the upcoming show will strike a chord with the audience. The show, which was officially announced last year, will release on Sony LIV in February. It is directed by Palash Vasvani, who helmed "Gullak", and stars Ritik Ghanshani of "Dil Dosti Dilemma", fame and Ayesha Kaduskar, known for "Agneepath" and "Candy". With a legacy rooted in heartfelt storytelling and family values, Barjatya's banner Rajshri Productions along with streaming platform Sony LIV unveiled the teaser of "Bada Naam Karenge", which is billed as a love story returning back to roots. Barjatya said the show is filled with love and family values. "This series holds a special place in my heart. With 'Bada Naam Karenge', we delve into the beauty of relationships, the depth of love, and the strength of family values. Its about finding balance amidst lifes changing dynamics, and I couldnt be more excited to share this heartfelt story with the audience. Collaborating with Sony LIV has been a wonderful experience, and I hope viewers will resonate with the love and dedication we've put into this series," the filmmaker, known for movies like "Uunchai", "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo", "Hum Aapke Hai Koun!", said in a statement. "Bada Naam Karenge" revolves around Rishabh and Surbhi, whose arranged marriage takes a beautiful and unexpected turn. Actors Kanwaljeet Singh, Alka Amin, Rajesh Jais, Chitrali Lokesh, Rajesh Tailang, and Anjana Sukhani among others round out the cast of the show. A flurry of new businesses will open along a section of historic Colorado Avenue in the coming weeks and months, occupying spaces recently vacated after several storefronts closed at year's end. With longtime Old Colorado City favorites like the year-round Holly Leaf Christmas store, Buffalo Ridge Trading Post, Out West T-shirt and souvenir shop and Jorge's Restaurant across the street now shuttered, a jeweler, two pizzerias and a new souvenir retailer are preparing to occupy their spaces in the 2400 and 2500 blocks of Colorado Avenue. "There will be no vacancies. I think that shows how robust the Old Colorado City market is," said Tim Leigh, founder of and broker with Colorado Springs-based commercial real estate agency Hoff & Leigh. The agency represented the listing and sale of each of the four business deals. "Everything that's going to happen here, I feel ... is going to bring tremendous new value to Old Colorado City and everyone will be delighted with who the new tenants are," he said. Jewelers Services Jewelers Services, which has operated out of its second-floor suite at 31 N. Tejon Street in downtown Colorado Springs since it opened in 1995, will move into 2522 W. Colorado Ave., in the space formerly occupied by The Holly Leaf. The longtime family-owned business has grown out of its current location and Old Colorado City has a strong small business community, making it an attractive area for the shop, said Matt Blum. He co-owns the store with his father, Ted Blum, and his wife, Crystal Blum, helps operate it. "We've been such a fixture here for so long and we've really built up a big clientele," Matt Blum said of downtown. "But it's time for us to move; we've just outgrown this space. "I will miss being downtown because I kind of grew up here," said Blum, who began working at the store in 2001. "We are just looking for more reach into the community." The Blums plan to open in the Old Colorado City location in early February. Over the decades, Jewelers Services has built its reputation as a creative custom jeweler and professional repair shop that caters to a variety of clientele, from collectors to designers, Blum said. The store does insurance appraisals, jewelry repairs and restorations, and jewelry design and production. Blum plans to feature the shop and his showroom on the same floor in the new location, so customers can peruse completed pieces and peek behind the curtain to see how they're made. "The charm of this place is we are showing what we do and the art we produce. ... The jewelry is the best part of this business," he said. "We're looking forward to being able to make jewelry and sell it, and we're really excited for the future." Sister's Gift House About a block down, Christina Lyons is opening the business she dreamed of starting one day with her sister Andrea. Lyons will open her T-shirt and souvenir shop in the location of the former Out West store at 2426 W. Colorado Ave. She will sell similar items as the former retailer, including novelty T-shirts, Native American jewelry, semi-precious stones, toys and other souvenirs. The shop is called Sister's Gift House in honor of her sister's memory, Lyons said. Andrea, who owned a similar gift shop business in Williams, Ariz., died in a motorcycle accident in April 2022. Lyons is working to open her business in Old Colorado City by March, ahead of the third anniversary of Andrea's death, she said. The sisters planned for Andrea to semi-retire from her Arizona operations and move to Colorado to open a store with Lyons. The obligations of daily life got in the way and they hadn't found the right store location, however, so plans for a joint business venture stalled. Lyons was working full time as a manager for Edelweiss German Restaurant in Colorado Springs for example. The family of Lyons' husband, Norman Ross, owns and operates the German eatery; Lyons started there as a waitress in 2001 and recently worked her last day at the restaurant. "Andrea, she always wanted to open up a store with me. But you know how life is I was working my other job, we didn't have the right location, but I always kept my eye out. Sure enough, when I saw that this location came up, I said I was going to open the business in memory of my sister," Lyons said. Sign up for free: Gazette Business Receive a weekly roundup of business news around El Paso County. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Featured Local Savings "It means the world to me to do this. I'm proud and happy I could do it, and have the opportunity to do it, to show all the good she has done for me in life. She's looking down on me. I hope it all goes well." Pizzeria Leopold Lyons will have her son and daughter-in-law near, too, because they're opening a pizzeria just a few doors away. For Chris and Lindsay Lyons, opening the second location of their Pizzeria Leopold (named after their first child, their son Leopold) in Old Colorado City is both a welcome return home, close to family, and an exciting new business opportunity. They plan to open Pizzeria Leopold at 2430 W. Colorado Ave. by late May, the weekend of Old Colorado City's annual Territory Days celebration that attracts thousands of visitors to Colorado Avenue every year, Lindsay said. Chris and Lindsay married, moved to Denver from the Colorado Springs area, and opened their pizza business in Lakewood in late 2018. Pizzeria Leopold serves up handcrafted pizza, Italian sandwiches and desserts from scratch, using sustainable, local and organic products, as well as those imported from Italy and business has taken off. Patrons will be able to enjoy the same high-quality service and ingredients at the new Old Colorado City location, Lindsay said. Their new store will also have a small imported grocery section and deli, just like in Lakewood, so people can conveniently pick up homemade Italian food like meatballs, cheese by the pound and homemade sauce. "We take a lot of pride in our product. We've taken a lot of time to get to where we are with our recipes and quality. If we wouldn't feed it to our kids, we wouldn't feed it to our customers," Lindsay said. Chris and Lindsay also plan to build a rooftop bar for their pizzeria, where they envision eventually including an outdoor oven to cook woodfire-style pizzas in the summer. They're not worried about stiff competition from Slice 420, a beloved New York-style pizzeria that opened across the street at 2501 W. Colorado Ave. in September 2017. The Lyonses want to be part of a community pizza collective, so to speak. "We aren't coming here to take anything away. We are just hoping to add to the area, which has been so good for small businesses," Chris said. Every pizzeria has its own style, too. Slice 420 offers New York-style pizza, while Pizzeria Leopold is a bit of a hybrid of East Coast pizza styles. "Like when we travel, we go to places where there's lots of coffee shops all in one area to try. We think it brings people more options," Lindsay said. "We're hoping to bring another true family spot to town. We used to live here before we moved up to Denver ... and we're happy to be back and give back to this community." Slice 420 There are big plans to expand the ever-popular Slice 420 pizzeria in Old Colorado City, too. Owner Christian Patriarca recently purchased the building formerly occupied by Jorge's Mexican Restaurant at 2427 Colorado Ave., a stone's throw from Slice 420's current location. He's currently remodeling the 3,800-square foot space, including several existing vacant apartment buildings above the restaurant. The bigger space will allow Patriarca to serve items at his Old Colorado City location that right now are only available at the Slice 420 location at 3725 Oro Blanco Drive in Colorado Springs, like pasta and wings. He also plans to build outdoor patio space for the new Old Colorado City eatery, and wants to feature a glass dough room so patrons can see how dough is made and fermented. And he is considering operating a late-night pickup counter on weekends. "We want to keep impacting the community and keep just being a light," he said. He and his wife, Stefany Patriarca, closed their successful pizzeria in Florida, called A Bronx Tale, and moved their family to Colorado after their daughter Sofia was diagnosed with a severe form of cerebral palsy when she was 2 years old. Sofia was experiencing as many as 100 seizures a day, so the family moved to Colorado to treat her with medical marijuana. The Patriarcas opened Slice 420 to help other "medical refugees" find support, raise awareness and donate to various causes, their website states. "We want (this place) to be a gathering, for people to know that it's a safe place for everybody. We operate off of love and integrity. That's what we stand by for our team, that's what we stand by for our community, and that's what we stand by for our families. And just having a good impact," Patriarca said. As for the current Slice 420 location on Colorado Avenue, Patriarca envisions turning it into a deli of sorts, selling desserts, New York-style sandwiches, gyros, fresh bread and wholesale items including imported flour, olive oil and truffle salt, for example. Patriarca hopes to open the expanded Slice 420 space in the early summer. Kathmandu, Jan 1 (PTI) More than 100 people, including child rights activists from Nepal and India, children and civil society members have joined hands to launch Child Marriage Free Nepal campaign amidst Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's pledge to end this crime. The event organised in Kathmandu on Tuesday was led by Nepal's Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens Kishor Sah Sudi alongside Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary, former chief minister of Lumni province and founder of BASE (Backward Society Education) Nepal, and Indias child right activist Bhuvan Bibhu. The campaign has been launched by the Ministry of Women and Children with support from Indian organisation Just Right for Children and Nepal's Backward Society Education, according to a press release issued on Wednesday. Between December 2 and 8, three dozen countries from three continents participated in the JRCs Child Marriage Free World pledge-taking ceremonies against child marriage. After Indias launch of the Child Marriage Free Bharat campaign in November 2024, Nepal has taken a significant step in the South Asian region by initiating a nationwide movement to end child marriage, the statement said. Nepal has pledged to end child marriage by 2030. Representatives from all seven provincial governments in Nepal joined the event. Prime Minister Oli has also expressed solidarity with the cause, while taking a pledge against child marriage and wished success to the campaign. Nepal has the second highest prevalence of child marriage in South Asia. The legal age for marriage in Nepal for both men and women is 20. Child marriage is the gravest human rights violation, and India has led the way in this fight, demonstrating unwavering commitment and leadership, Ribhu said. Lahore, Jan 1 (PTI) Thirty-five officers of Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have been dismissed from service for their involvement in human trafficking, an official statement said on Wednesday. According to the statement, criminal cases have been registered against 13 FIA officials. "On the directive of Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, FIA Director General Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir conducted departmental hearings of 49 officials implicated in boat incidents and human smuggling," it said. Four inspectors, 10 sub-inspectors, two ASIs, five head constables, and 14 constables involved in the boat incidents have been dismissed from service, it added. The DG said there is no place in the organisation for officials guilty of negligence and carelessness in boat incident cases. "The purpose of departmental accountability is to rid the organisation of corrupt elements," he said. Three boats carrying migrants capsized in mid-December near the island of Gavdos, which is further south of Crete, and another boat capsized near the Peloponnese peninsula. More than 80 Pakistanis drowned after boats carrying them capsized. Some 36 Pakistanis were rescued. The rest remain missing, which, as per a report from Pakistan's Embassy, should be presumed dead. Meanwhile, the bodies of four more Pakistanis who died in the boat tragedy have been recovered, taking the total number of recovered corpses to nine. The boats, which departed from Libya's Tobruk port, also carried Bangladeshi, Egyptian and Sudanese nationals. Since the boats' tragedy, the authorities launched a countrywide crackdown on human traffickers, arresting over 30 so far. London, Jan 1 (AP) Parts of the UK were flooded Wednesday as heavy rains and powerful winds continued to disrupt New Year's celebrations. Several communities in the Manchester area were flooded, with cars submerged up to their roofs on roads and in parking lots after nearly a month's worth of rain fell in two days. A major incident was declared and mountain rescue teams were called in to help firefighters respond to properties underwater and stranded vehicles, Greater Manchester Police said. "There's still probably likely to be further flooding across the course of the day," Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said. "We are potentially expecting the flood situation to get worse before it gets better." The deluge and gusts derailed New Year's Eve fireworks celebrations, leading to cancellations in Edinburgh and several other cities. Events planned for New Year's Day, including nippy outdoor swims and a bathtub boat race, were scrapped. London, which was able to launch its massive fireworks display on the River Thames in front of Big Ben, had to postpone the start of its New Year's Day parade and grounded inflatable floats due to the blustery conditions. Flooding warnings, which indicate flooding is expected, were issued in more than 150 communities across the UK, with most being in northern England. Several trains were cancelled because of high water around the tracks and some highways were closed. The storm brought snow to parts of the Scottish Highlands and a three-day snow warning was issued for most of England and Scotland this weekend. (AP) ZH ZH Colombo, Jan 1 (PTI) Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said on Wednesday that corruption has become a cancer spreading throughout the country and eliminating it requires a tremendous collective effort. He made the remarks at an event held at the Presidential Secretariat to inaugurate the Clean Sri Lanka program. "Our country has been plagued by widespread corruption, malpractice, and inefficiency within the state apparatus, political institutions, and society as a whole. Corruption has become a malignant cancer spreading throughout our nation, and eliminating it requires a tremendous collective effort," he said. Dissanayake also called on the law enforcement agencies to perform their duties with the necessary diligence and support." He said that institutions such as the Criminal Investigation Department and the judiciary bear the principal responsibility for transforming the country into one free from corruption and fraud. "We believe these institutions will act with the dedication required to achieve this transformation. As political leaders, we are committed to setting an example through both our words and actions," he said. Dissanayake said Sri Lanka faces grave challenges. "In 2023 alone, 181 people lost their lives in human-elephant conflicts, and 484 elephants were killed by human action. Although we possess an aesthetically and ecologically rich environment, we are a nation where 484 elephants die annually. Furthermore, floods and landslides displace significant populations; resulting in loss of life, and cause substantial economic damage," he said. "We have mistakenly elevated incorrect values to positions of importance, embedding them as the fundamental ethos of our society. It is crucial to establish a new framework of values. "Where do we begin? The first step must be cultivating an appreciation for ones own life. Sadly, many of our citizens lack a sense of self-worth or value for their lives," he said, noting that in the past year, 550 people drowned, whether in the sea, reservoirs, wells, or ponds. A total of 2,321 people died due to such incidents. These figures highlight the urgent need to foster respect for life in our society, he added. Outlining the objectives of the "Clean Sri Lanka" project, he said it goes beyond merely cleaning up the environment. "It aspires to restore the deeply eroded and deteriorated social and environmental fabric of our motherland. We aim to create cleanliness and rejuvenation across all sectors of society, he added. Peshawar, Jan 1 (PTI) A peace agreement was reached between two warring parties in northwest Pakistan's restive Kurram district after more than three weeks of efforts to broker a ceasefire amid sectarian violence, officials said on Wednesday. Representatives from the Alizai and Bagan tribes signed the 14-point agreement, agreeing to demolish all private bunkers and surrender heavy arms to the administration, said Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, spokesperson for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. Sectarian clashes between the two tribes resulted in the killing of 133 people between November 21 and December 2. Tribal council member Malik Sawab Khan confirmed that 45 representatives from both sides signed the agreement, which included a ceasefire, commitments to dismantle fortifications and surrender their weapons. One party signed the peace pact few days ago while the other party signed it on Wednesday, Saif said. "We congratulate the people of Kurram on the signing of the peace agreement," he said, noting that it would soon fully restore normalcy to daily life in the district. "The peace agreement will usher in a new era of peace and prosperity in Kurram," Saif said. He added that the grand jirga (tribal council) was working towards a peace accord that would lead to the reopening of roads in the restive district. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur welcomed the agreement's signing, stating that the provincial government's efforts for a peaceful resolution yielded fruitful results. He called it a significant step toward a sustainable solution in Kurram. "I welcome this important development and congratulate all stakeholders," Gandapur said in a special statement issued on Wednesday, expressing hope that the agreement would lay a strong foundation for lasting resolution. He added that it paved the way for reopening Kurrams land route, and said that by signing the agreement both parties have played a constructive role in establishing peace in the region. Gandapur urged both parties to reject elements spreading hatred and foster unity, and said that the agreement is a clear message that the region's people desire peace. He stressed that fighting and violence are not solutions, and disputes must be resolved through dialogue. "Our efforts and wish are for the speedy resolution of the issues faced by the people of Kurram and the restoration of normalcy in the region," he said. He assured the people of Kurram that their challenges are well understood and that all possible measures will be taken to alleviate them. Stemming from decades-old land disputes, the clashes led to weeks-long road blockades, during which food and medicine shortages were reported in the district. Tribal council member Khan said that planning was underway to reopen routes and establish lasting peace. He added that those violating the agreement would be handed over to the authorities and efforts to maintain law and order would be carried out in coordination with law enforcement agencies. The clashes between the two tribes started on November 22, after an attack on a convoy of passenger vans near Parachinar in which 47 people were killed. Several passengers who had sustained grave injuries succumbed later, raising the toll in the convoy killing to 57. Deir Al-Balah, Jan 1 (AP) Israeli strikes killed at least 12 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, mostly women and children, officials said Wednesday, as the nearly 15-month war ground on into the new year. One strike hit a home in the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza, the most isolated and heavily destroyed part of the coastal territory, where Israel has waged a major operation since early October. Gaza's Health Ministry said seven people were killed, including a woman and four children, and at least a dozen other people were wounded. Israel's military said it eliminated Hamas fighters. Another strike overnight in the built-up Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza killed a woman and a child, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, which received the bodies. Are you celebrating? Enjoy as we die. For a year and a half, we have been dying, said a man carrying the body of a child in the flashing lights of emergency vehicles. Israel's military said militants fired rockets at Israel from the Bureij area overnight and that its forces responded with a strike targeting a militant. The military also issued evacuation orders for the area. A third strike, in the southern city of Khan Younis, killed three people, according to Nasser Hospital and the European Hospital, which received the bodies. The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and abducting around 250. About 100 hostages are still held in Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead. Israel's air and ground offensive has killed over 45,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It says women and children make up more than half the dead but does not say how many of those killed were militants. The Israeli military says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because its fighters operate in dense residential areas. The army says it has killed 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The war has caused widespread destruction and displaced some 90 per cent of Gaza's population of 2.3 million, many of them multiple times. Hundreds of thousands live in tents on the coast as winter brings frequent rainstorms and temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. At least six infants and another person have died of hypothermia, according to the Health Ministry. Many displaced Palestinians in central Gaza rely on charity kitchens as their sole food provider amid restrictions on aid and skyrocketing prices. AP footage shows a long line of children waiting for rice, the only item served at the kitchen in Deir al-Balah on Wednesday. Some of those kitchens close because they don't receive aid, and others distribute little amounts of food and its not enough, said Umm Adham Shaheen, displaced from Gaza City. American and Arab mediators have spent nearly a year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release, but those efforts have repeatedly stalled. Hamas has demanded a lasting truce, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to keep fighting until total victory." Israel sees net departure of citizens for a second year More than 82,000 Israelis moved abroad in 2024 and 33,000 people immigrated to the country, Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics said. Another 23,000 Israelis returned after long periods abroad. It was the second straight year of net departures, a rare occurrence in the history of the country that actively encourages Jewish immigration. Many Israelis, looking for a break from the war, have moved abroad, leading to concern about whether it will drive a brain drain in sectors like medicine and technology. Last year, 15,000 fewer people immigrated to Israel than in 2023. Military blames weakening of discipline' in archaeologist's death In a separate development, Israel's military blamed operational burnout and a weakening of discipline and safety in the killing of a 70-year-old archaeologist in southern Lebanon in November along with a soldier while visiting a combat zone. According to Israeli media reports, Zeev Erlich was not on active duty but was wearing a military uniform and had a weapon. The army said he was a reservist and identified him as a fallen soldier when it announced his death. Erlich was a well-known West Bank settler and researcher of Jewish history. Media reports have said he entered Lebanon to explore an archaeological site. The military launched an investigation after the two were killed in a Hezbollah ambush. A separate probe is looking into who allowed Erlich to enter Lebanon. The family of the soldier who was killed with him has expressed anger over the circumstances. A senior Israeli officer resigned following the deaths. In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, Col. Yoav Yarom, the chief of staff of the army's Golani infantry brigade, said he was stepping down. The military said the entry of civilians who are not military contractors or journalists into combat zones is not widespread. Still, there have been multiple reports of Israeli civilians who support a permanent Israeli presence in Gaza or Lebanon entering those areas. (AP) GRS GRS Mumbai, Jan 1 (PTI) A 24-year-old man standing on the footboard of a moving local train died on Wednesday night after his head hit a pole along the railway track near Wadala station in Mumbai, police said. The deceased, Mohan Gholap, was returning to his home in Chembur. He boarded the train at Cotton Green station on the Harbour line. "Gholap, accompanied by his friend, was standing on the footboard of the train when his head hit a pole along the tracks after crossing the Wadala bridge, following which he fell on the side of tracks," a Government Railway Police official said. Passengers and his friend immediately pulled the emergency chain. GRP personnel who arrived at the spot found Gholap had sustained severe head injuries. He was declared dead on the spot. Gholap, employed at Indigo Press in Cotton Green, recently returned from Kolhapur after attending his brother's wedding, the official added. Guwahati, Jan 1 (PTI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said print and electronic media must reflect the aspirations of the state's youth to remain relevant in the present age. ''Assam is now an aspirational state and the media, too, should be aspirational. It should not remain imprisoned in the decades of '70s, '80s and '90s of the last century and reflect the hopes and thoughts of the new generation'', the CM said during an interaction with journalists here. Society has changed and the new generation are asking new questions and therefore, ''my appeal to the media in Assam is to come out of the prism of the last century, report the changes that are taking place and not dwell on the negatives of the past'', he said. The youth have embraced the social media which is taking over the print and electronic media as far as viewership is concerned, he added. ''There has been a drastic fall in the circulation of Assamese language newspapers and it is a matter of deep concern for me as it provides employment to a large number of people'', Sarma said. Advertisements are coming out of print and electronic media to social media and this is is a matter of concern, he added. Referring to his social media posts, the CM said three of his recent videos on issues related to decline in accidents, the forthcoming 'Advantage Assam' conclave and possible investments in the line of the semiconductor assembly unit at Jagiroad had garnered one crore viewership each. ''People, particularly the youth, are moving to social media as they don't get explanations or answers to their questions in the print or the electronic media'', he added. Asked about benefits for journalists, Sarma said if the media industry flourishes, the government will definitely provide them with the necessary benefits and incentives. ''The priority, however, is to collectively strive to ensure that the print and electronic media reorient and reinvent itself in a manner that reflects the hopes and aspirations of society and the youth in particular'', he said. If a collective effort is made then definitely the circulation of print and viewership of the electronic media will definitely improve, the CM asserted. New Delhi, Jan 1 (PTI) Only 57 per cent schools in the country have functional computers while 53 per cent have Internet access, according to the Union education ministry's UDISE data. The Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) Plus is a data aggregation platform maintained by the education ministry to collate school education data from around the country. While over 90 per cent of schools are equipped with basic amenities such as electricity and gender-specific toilets, advanced facilities like functional desktop, Internet access, and ramps with handrails remain limited. Only 57.2 per cent of schools have functional computers, 53.9 per cent have Internet, and 52.3 per cent are equipped with ramps, the report noted, underscoring significant gaps in accessibility and technological readiness. The enrolment landscape has also seen changes, with the total number of students declining 37 lakh to 24.8 crore in 2023-24. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) revealed disparities across educational levels. While the preparatory level boasts a GER of 96.5 per cent, the foundational level is at a mere 41.5 per cent. Middle and secondary levels fare worse at 89.5 per cent and 66.5 per cent, respectively. Dropout rates also rose sharply at higher education levels, from 5.2 per cent in middle school to 10.9 per cent at the secondary stage. "Despite efforts under National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, infrastructure gaps hinder our progress toward universal education. Optimising resources is key to meeting the ambitious targets for 2030," an education ministry official said. NEP, 2020, prioritises inclusion and equity, and the UDISE Plus data offers a snapshot of representation. Lucknow, Jan 1 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath convened a meeting of the UP State Road Safety Council on the first day of the new year and issued crucial directives to all departments involved in road safety, noting that mishaps claim 25,000-26,000 lives annually. The chief minister emphasised that district road safety committees, chaired by district magistrates, must hold their meetings by January 5. Additionally, awareness programmes on road safety rules should be conducted in schools and colleges across the state from January 6 to 10, according to an official statement. He directed the deployment of additional Prantiya Rakshak Dal (PRD) personnel and Home Guards to ensure an efficient traffic management system during the Maha Kumbh. Highlighting the alarming statistics of 25,000-26,000 deaths in road accidents annually, he called it a severe loss to both the state and the nation, attributing such incidents largely to a lack of awareness, the statement said. "Road Safety Month should be implemented effectively across all 75 districts, not just to Lucknow. Monthly road safety meetings should also be held at the district level, chaired by the district magistrate and attended by key officials such as the superintendent of police or senior superintendent of police, municipal commissioner, RTO, PWD officers, district school inspector, basic education officer and chief medical officer," Adityanath said. "The state government will review the progress of these district-level initiatives every three months," the chief minister said. He instructed the officials to identify districts and locations prone to accidents as well as devise action plans to address the underlying causes and ensure their resolution. He underscored the need to prevent minors from operating e-rickshaws and other vehicles, streamline the registration process for e-rickshaws and install mandatory signage on roads for the convenience of commuters. Adityanath also called for a "zero-tolerance policy toward overloading", directing officials to address this issue at the source. He noted that parked loaded vehicles on expressways and highways are a significant hazard and must be promptly removed using cranes. He urged the promotion of safety standards such as the use of helmets and seat belts through targeted awareness campaigns. The chief minister emphasised that licences or permits of vehicles with repeated challans should be revoked and this process must be integrated with FASTag for effective enforcement. He directed that hoardings promoting road safety awareness issued by the departments of information, transport and road safety should be prominently displayed. These hoardings should be installed across all 75 districts, 350 tehsils, 1,500 police stations and municipal bodies, he directed. "The public should be encouraged not to flee after witnessing an accident but to assist the injured by transporting them to the nearest hospital or trauma centre within the critical golden hour. Additionally, efforts should be made to minimise ambulance response times to save lives," he added. On the occasion, Adityanath proposed the establishment of road safety parks in every district, similar to road safety clubs in schools and colleges. "Students should be actively involved in road safety awareness campaigns through activities such as dramas, music, poetry, essay writing, seminars, speeches and general knowledge competitions focused on traffic rules," he said. The chief minister also stressed the need for regular health check-ups for Transport Corporation bus drivers and ensure the fitness of buses to maintain safety standards. "To support hawkers, vending zones should be designated in every locality and illegal roadside stands should be eliminated by providing proper spaces for vendors," he said. The chief minister called for a ban on modified silencers and horns in bikes to reduce noise pollution. He also highlighted the risks posed by illegally operated buses, instructing that non-contracted buses should be registered and allocated fixed routes. This measure would enhance connectivity and provide greater convenience to the public, he added. New faces, new initiatives and a new judicial discipline process were among the developments in the third branch of government this year. Although much of the public's focus was on the battle for the White House and Congress, several stories implicating the courts will have reverberations for years to come. Jammu, Jan 1 (PTI) Terming the Katra Ropeway project as "totally undemocratic", Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra on Wednesday criticised the administration for not allowing a high-level party delegation to visit Katra, the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi temple. He urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to investigate the circumstances leading to the taking of the decision to stop the delegation. He reiterated his criticism of the administration's approach and urged the Lieutenant Governor to initiate talks with all stakeholders regarding the Katra Ropeway project. He called for the formation of a high-level committee to ensure that no individual, including traders in the holy town, suffers losses due to the project. "While development must be appreciated, it should not harm anyone''s livelihood," Karra said. A high-level Congress delegation led by working president Raman Bhalla, former MP Choudhary Lal Singh, former Minister Yogesh Sawhney and others was stopped at Nawain check post near Katra by the local police and administration officials allegedly without any stated reason. The incident prompted a strong reaction from the Congress party, questioning the administration's role in handling the sensitive issue. The Congress delegation expressed surprise over the administration's decision to stop them, particularly since the agitation in Katra had been suspended. Party leaders had sought to meet with agitating leaders and those who were detained and released the previous night to express solidarity with them, a spokesperson said. The delegation alleged that such actions by the administration would only serve to further vitiate the atmosphere, making an amicable solution to the issue more difficult. Karra criticised the administration for not allowing the high-level party delegation to visit Katra. Lashing out at the administration for its alleged biased and partisan approach, he called on authorities to desist from such practices. He expressed strong disapproval of the administration's decision to prevent the Congress delegation from visiting Katra township to meet people and assess the situation, a party spokesperson said. "This is a totally undemocratic attitude on the part of the administration," Karra said, urging the Lieutenant Governor to investigate the matter. "Such actions send wrong message, create mistrust and vitiate the atmosphere for further dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the issue," he said. Bhalla, citing the example of Jammu city, said developmental projects lacking proper rehabilitation plans had already caused significant harm to affected residents. He warned that the proposed ropeway project between Tarakote and Sanjichhat could jeopardise the livelihoods of thousands who depend on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. "There is a growing and worrying trend of converting sacred pilgrimage sites into commercial tourist attractions," Bhalla said. Expressing solidarity with Katra residents, Bhalla warned that the entire town risked being isolated from the pilgrimage economy. "More than 50,000 people, including traders, pithus, pony operators, palki operators and shopkeepers, are directly or indirectly associated with the pilgrimage. The Shrine Board and Central Government must ensure that no livelihood is affected by this project," he demanded. Condemning the lathi charge on peaceful protesters in Katra, Bhalla described the incident as an undemocratic move to suppress public sentiment. "The Congress fully supports the demands of the people of Katra. We stand with them in their fight to protect their rights and livelihood," he affirmed. Kottayam (Kerala), Jan 1 (PTI) The Nair Service Society (NSS), a prominent outfit of the influential Nair community in Kerala, urged the Centre on Wednesday to constitute a National Commission to address the issues faced by economically weaker sections. The outfit adopted a resolution stating that such a Commission is necessary to address the problems of people belonging to economically backward sections in the forward communities. The proposed Commission should be on the model of SC/ST, backward and minority commissions at the national level, the resolution presented by NSS General Secretary G Sukumaran Nair said. The resolution was presented at a delegation meet organised at Perunna here in connection with the annual Mannam Jayanthi celebration which marks the birth anniversary of its founder leader Mannathu Padmanabhan. The resolution also proposed the establishment of a National EWS Development Corporation to oversee government-sponsored projects and provide low-interest loans, supporting the financial empowerment and social and educational advancement of economically weaker sections within forward communities. The outfit requested the union government to take urgent steps to address these issues. NSS had earlier taken a stand against caste reservation and caste census. The outfit's stand was that economic reservation should be implemented instead of caste reservation. Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday dismissed a peace plan reportedly being considered by U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps team to end the war in Ukraine. Lavrov said Russia was appalled by reports suggesting Trumps aides were exploring a plan that would temporarily halt fighting while leaving open the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO in the future. Judging from numerous leaks and Donald Trumps interview with Time magazine, their idea is to suspend hostilities along the line of contact and transfer responsibility for confrontation with Russia to the Europeans, Lavrov said at a press conference. We are not happy with proposals to delay Ukraines NATO membership by 20 years and to deploy European peacekeepers in Ukraine. Trump has not disclosed specific details of his Ukraine strategy, insisting in the Time interview that revealing his plan would render it ineffective. However, he said he is committed to supporting Ukraine, with reports indicating his team is weighing options such as deploying European forces while deferring Kyivs entry into NATO. Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trumps pick as special envoy to Ukraine, has floated the idea of halting U.S. aid to Ukraine while threatening Russia with increased arms shipments as leverage to broker peace. Lavrov, however, warned that any approach involving Ukraines eventual NATO accession would be a non-starter. He reiterated Moscows longstanding stance that Russia would oppose Ukraines NATO membership regardless of the territorial factor. Russia has justified its 2022 invasion by framing NATO expansion into Ukraine as an existential threat, with Lavrov describing it as aggressive absorption. Lavrov added that any outreach to Moscow must come from Trumps administration, cautioning that Trump would face significant obstacles even if he sought to relaunch bilateral ties. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington-based think tank, said Lavrovs comments reflect Russias refusal to compromise on President Vladimir Putins core demands. These include keeping Ukraine neutral, limiting its military capabilities, and reshaping its government. Russias lack of flexibility will pose a major challenge to Trumps goal of ending the war in Ukraine, the ISW wrote in an analysis. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The NY/NJ Port Authority Police held its Menorah lighting at the World Trade Center this past Friday, with Port Authority Police Superintendent Edward Cetnar, CSO Greg Erie, Insp. Pomerantz, and PAPD Chaplain Rabbi Mendy Carlebach in attendance to celebrate the occasion. A driver wrought carnage on New Orleans famed French Quarter early on New Years Day, ramming a pickup truck into a crowd and killing 10 people before being shot to death by police, authorities said. More than 30 people were injured in the attack, which the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism. The driver was killed in a firefight with police following the attack around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday along Bourbon Street near Canal Street in an area teeming with New Years revelers, the FBI said. Improvised explosive devices found in and around the scene on Bourbon Street were apparently found to be viable and investigators were looking for more in the citys French Quarter, multiple law enforcement sources tell ABC News. Investigators are working to determine whether the deceased suspect entered the country recently and whether he had a connection to ISIS, law enforcement sources told ABC News. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said the driver was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did. It was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to run over as many people as he could, Kirkpatrick said. After the vehicle stopped, the driver emerged and opened fire on responding officers, police said. Officers returned fire, killing the driver, police said. Two officers were wounded and are in stable condition, police said. They were in addition to 33 people injured in the vehicle attack. SOME SHOCKING PIECES OF INFO: Fox News reports that the vehicle used in the NYE New Orleans terror attack, crossed into the U.S. from Mexico via Eagle Pass TWO DAYS AGO. It is unknown who was inside at the time. Meanwhile, ABC News is reporting something entirely different. The Ford F-150 Lightning truck used in the attack was apparently rented through the Turo app a car sharing company, according to Rodrigo Diaz, the owner of the truck. Diaz told ABC News he rented the truck to an individual through the app and is currently talking to the FBI. He declined further comment. ADDITIONAL SHOCKER: An eyewitness claims the barricades were not in place in New Orleans last night, allowing the terrorist to cause more casualties. In 2017, a drunk driver rammed through a Mardi Gras crowd, injuring over 20 people. Since then, sturdy barricades are supposed to be in place to prevent such incidents. President Joe Biden said the FBI is investigating the horrific incident as an act of terrorism and that he has directed his team to ensure every resource is available as authorities work to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible. My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday, Biden said in a written statement. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nations communities. BIDEN ALSO GAVE SHORT REMARKS TO THE MEDIA: (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The United States has imposed sanctions on two groups linked to Iranian and Russian efforts to target American voters with disinformation ahead of this years election. Treasury officials announced the sanctions Tuesday, alleging that the two organizations sought to stoke divisions among Americans before Novembers vote. U.S. intelligence has accused both governments of spreading disinformation, including fake videos, news stories and social media posts, designed to manipulate voters and undermine trust in U.S. elections. The governments of Iran and Russia have targeted our election processes and institutions and sought to divide the American people through targeted disinformation campaigns, Bradley T. Smith, Treasurys acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement. Authorities said the Russian group, the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise, oversaw the creation, financing and dissemination of disinformation about American candidates, including deepfake videos created using artificial intelligence. In addition to the group itself, the new sanctions apply to its director, who authorities say worked closely with Russian military intelligence agents also overseeing cyberattacks and sabotage against the West. Authorities say the center used AI to quickly manufacture fake videos about American candidates created scores of fake news websites designed to look legitimate and even paid U.S. web companies to create pro-Russian content. The Iranian group, the Cognitive Design Production Center, is a subsidiary of Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, U.S. officials said, which the United States has designated a foreign terrorist organization. Officials say the center worked since at least 2023 to incite political tensions in the United States. U.S. intelligence agencies have blamed the Iranian government for seeking to encourage protests in the U.S. over Israels war against Hamas in Gaza. Iran also has been accused of hacking into the accounts of several top current and former U.S. officials, including senior members of Donald Trumps campaign. In the months ahead of the election, U.S. intelligence officials said Russia, Iran and China all sought to undermine confidence in U.S. democracy. They also concluded that Russia sought to prop up the ultimate victor Trump, who has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggested cutting funds to Ukraine and repeatedly criticized the NATO military alliance. Iran, meanwhile, sought to oppose Trumps candidacy, officials said. The president-elects first administration ended a nuclear deal with Iran, reimposed sanctions and ordered the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, an act prompting Irans leaders to vow revenge. Russian and Iranian officials have rejected claims that they sought to influence the outcome of the 2024 election. Russia has not and does not interfere with the internal affairs of other countries, a spokesperson for Russias embassy in Washington wrote in an email Tuesday. (AP) A Tesla Cybertruck caught fire outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday, igniting a wave of speculation and conspiracy theories across social media. The incident comes on the heels of a terror attack in New Orleans earlier today, raising eyebrows given Tesla CEO Elon Musks close advisory relationship with President-elect Donald Trump. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire broke out in the hotels covered entrance, prompting an immediate response from the Las Vegas Fire Department. Emergency crews quickly extinguished the flames, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The event spurred commentary from prominent figures and fueled online discussions. Eric Daughtery, a pro-Trump journalist, took to Twitter to question the timing and location of the incident. I see Tesla vehicles and Cybertrucks literally every day where I live in Florida. I guess they only decide to start blowing up when they get near a president-elects property. Interesting, he wrote. Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, also addressed the incident, posting on X: Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochere of Trump Las Vegas. The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism. Social media erupted with theories linking the fire to potential threats or sabotage, though no evidence has emerged to substantiate these claims. Some commenters pointed to the broader political climate and Musks outspoken support of the incoming administration as possible motives for foul play. Authorities have yet to provide official details on the origin of the fire, but they emphasized that investigations are ongoing. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Israel has confirmed conducting a commando raid in early September targeting an underground Iranian missile production facility near Maysaf, Syria, following weeks of secrecy surrounding the operation. The raid, which targeted a site run by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was revealed by Israeli public broadcaster KAN News. The Jerusalem Post and Axios had previously reported on the operation, but official confirmation was withheld until now. Israeli Air Force (IAF) commandos from the elite Shaldag unit carried out the daring raid on September 8, targeting the Scientific Studies and Research Center (CERS) in Syrias Masyaf region. The underground facility, reportedly used by Iranian forces to produce precision missiles for Hezbollah, was destroyed during the operation. The raid, dubbed Operation Deep Layer, involved IAF commandos rappelling from helicopters directly into the site. The troops seized critical documents before planting explosives to demolish the facility. Simultaneously, Israeli aircraft launched strikes on multiple targets in the surrounding area, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 individuals and injuring 43 others, according to reports. The CERS complex has long been suspected of housing weapons development projects aligned with Iranian interests, making it a strategic target in Israels ongoing efforts to disrupt arms transfers to Hezbollah. Israeli forces struck the facility after intelligence indicated that Iran had transferred precision missile components to the site. The operation aimed to neutralize what Israeli officials described as a growing threat, as the missiles were believed to be destined for Hezbollah. The IDF informed the United States ahead of the raid and executed the strike approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Israeli territory as IDF officials viewed the facilitys potential for mass production as an urgent security risk amid heightened tensions in the region. The increased frequency of IDF operations in Syria, particularly since the fall of Bashar al-Assads regime, reflects a shift in Israels approach to information security. Israeli censors appear more flexible about disclosing operations, as the threat of direct retaliation from Syria is perceived to be lower. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A senior Palestinian Authority (PA) leader says he believes former President Donald Trumps return to the White House could lead to the downfall of Iran and destroy Hamas. Mohammad Hamdan, Secretary General of the ruling Fatah party, told The New York Post that Trump and Israels leadership are planning to destroy Iran, which he believes would strip Hamas of external support. Hamas [followers] will have no other choice than to become Palestinian, Hamdan said during an interview in Nablus. Hamas, weakened by Israels ongoing military operations in Gaza, has seen its influence rise in the West Bank, particularly in areas like Jenin where clashes with PA security forces have intensified. Earlier this month, gunmen stole two PA government vehicles, parading them through refugee camps while waving Hamas and ISIS flags. We are confronting Hamas ideology. Our problem is with Hamas link to regimes outside Palestine, Hamdan said, directly referencing Irans backing of the terror group. The Palestinian Authority, supported by the U.S. and Western allies, has pledged to crack down on Hamas terrorists. Since December 6, at least three terror operatives have been killed by PA forces in Jenin, with the PA vowing to either arrest or eliminate others involved in the recent disturbances. Hamas seized control of Gaza after winning the 2006 Palestinian elections, subsequently ousting Fatah and instituting harsh Islamist rule. The group has since launched numerous attacks on Israel, culminating in the brutal October 7, 2023, assault that left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 taken hostage. While the PA shares Israels goal of dismantling Hamas, Hamdan underscored his governments opposition to Israeli settlements, despite acknowledging Israels right to exist. He reiterated PA President Mahmoud Abbass desire for continued engagement with the U.S. to further Palestinian aspirations, though he voiced deep skepticism of American foreign policy. We as Palestinians believe that most of these extremist Islamic groups are produced by America by its effort to create a new Middle East, Hamdan said, blaming U.S. intervention for fueling instability in the region. A senior Israeli official told The Post that the PAs opposition to Hamas presents a potential opening for future peace talks and could position the PA as a candidate to govern Gaza post-conflict. There could be a historically unprecedented opportunity for the PA, the official noted. However, the official emphasized that reforms are essential, calling on the PA to address internal corruption and halt funding linked to attacks on Israeli settlers if it hopes to play a role in Gazas future governance. I still prefer [the PA] to radical Islamists, the Israeli official added. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Liz Copan, Special to The Denver Gazette, file Thousands of people gather downtown on Colfax Avenue on June 25, 2023, to watch the Coors Light Denver Pride Parade. Magen David Adom has been engaged over the past year in saving lives during routine and emergency situations. On the eve of the new civil year, the organization summarizes the past year and presents its main activities in numbers. MDA operates with approximately 37,500 volunteers, employees, National Service participants, and Civil Service personnel, including about 15,000 youth volunteers. In addition, approximately 18,000 Life Guardians operate within MDA. MDA volunteers contributed over 4.7 million hours of volunteering. The average age of MDA volunteers is 26. The oldest volunteer is a 91-year-old resident of Ness Ziona, and the youngest is a 14-year-old. Magen David Adom operates 206 stations and response points across the country. Over 2,650 mobile intensive care units (MICUs), ambulances, medicycles, and unique vehicles are active nationwide. These include 312 rapid response vehicles, of which 82 are electric, 77 44 vehicles, including 25 intensive care units, 17 ATVs, 24 mass-casualty event vehicles, and 42 trailers equipped for mass-casualty events. Additionally, 15 medical supervisor vehicles, 3 Unimog vehicles, 3 intensive care buses, and 52 armored ambulances, intensive care units, blood donation vehicles, and command vehicles. There are 576 medicycles, of which 72 are heavy medicycles, and 193 electric bicycles. In the Sea of Galilee, MDA operates an intensive care sea ambulance, and along the Eilat shores, an MDA sea ambulance operates, responding to 77 incidents. MDAs unique ECMO unit, in collaboration with Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh), treated 30 patients, of whom 10 were connected to heart-lung machines as part of resuscitation efforts in the field. In 2024, MDA emergency vehicles were dispatched 1,444,924 times, meaning that, on average, a team was dispatched every 21.8 seconds. In road accidents across the country, MDA medics and paramedics provided medical care to 67,859 injured individuals. 16,666 pregnant women were transported to hospitals, of whom 1,156 gave birth with the assistance of MDA teams at home or en route to the hospital. During the swimming season, MDA EMTs and paramedics provided medical care to 366 adults and children rescued from the sea, pools, and other water sources after drowning. Approximately 500,000 men and women completed first aid and CPR courses in 17,000 training sessions across the country in the past year. Of these, 60,000 participated in free first aid courses conducted by MDA in shelters and protected spaces as part of its public service during the Iron Swords war. MDAs Medical Division certified 243 new paramedics over the past year. 720 youth volunteers were trained to handle mass-casualty events, and 780 teenagers were certified as first aid instructors. As part of the lessons learned from October 7, 2023, MDAs Operations Division initiated the Magen Project this year, aimed at preparing the civilian front for emergencies. Within this project, over 15,000 civilians, including members of emergency response teams, municipal employees, inspectors, and others, were trained to provide initial medical care. Participants, including 880 doctors and paramedics, were equipped by MDA with medical kits and will be able to provide initial care in situations where communities are cut off due to natural disasters, wars, terrorist infiltrations, and similar events. Magen David Adom, in cooperation with the Israeli Midwives Association, launched the Opening Pathways project, through which professional midwives were equipped with medical kits by MDA and dispatched alongside intensive care units to assist women in labor. In the first stage of the project, 48 midwives from northern Israel joined and have already assisted pregnant women in giving birth. Many more midwives from other parts of the country are expected to join the project in 2025. This year, 301,655 units of blood were collected by MDA Blood Services teams in 8,591 blood donation drives held at public venues across the country, MDA donation rooms, schools, workplaces, and IDF bases. Women accounted for 37% of blood donors in 2024, while 18% of the hundreds of thousands of donors were first-time donors. Approximately 13,000 of the blood units supplied by MDA Blood Services to the IDF and hospitals were whole blood units. MDA Blood Services operates 36 blood donation vehicles, 14 trailer units, and two blood donation buses, each capable of handling five donors simultaneously. All blood donations were tested in MDAs state-of-the-art laboratories in the secure protected MDA facility in Ramla, the first of its kind in the world, and were supplied to all hospitals and the IDF. MDAs National Milk Bank provided approximately 3,580 liters of milk in the past year for premature infants in neonatal units and dozens of babies who were orphaned, whose mothers were kidnapped or injured, or whose mothers were drafted into the IDF. This represents a 20% increase compared to 2023. In the past year, 460 new milk donors joined the bank, all meeting the strictest medical standards to provide the safest milk for preemies. Magen David Adoms logistics division ensured the medical and operational needs of the organization in the field throughout the year. In 2024, 3,736 rapid response kits were prepared by the divisions employees and volunteers and distributed to MDA medics, paramedics, and doctors, enabling them to save lives even outside working hours. Through MDAs Wish Ambulance program, 110 wishes were granted. Additionally, MDA, in partnership with Hatzolah Air, operates five helicopters equipped with advanced intensive care equipment, which treated and airlifted 253 patients and injured individuals to hospitals nationwide. MDA operates a unique national command truck equipped with cutting-edge technology, alongside three regional command and communication vehicles. This year, MDA teams participated in 378 drills. The MDA 101 call center received 3,644,612 calls in the past year, averaging one call every 8.6 seconds, with an average response time of just three seconds. In 2024, MDA installed 158 defibrillators in public spaces across 46 communities nationwide. Since the project to install public defibrillators began, MDA has placed 1,827 lifesaving devices in 506 different communities. Additionally, over 600 devices have been installed in synagogues in Jerusalem and other cities. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Depraved Hamas leaders, who enjoy playing around with the emotions of the hostages family members, are once again simply feigning interest in a hostage deal with no intention of carrying through. The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday evening that any deal is unlikely while Biden is still in office. According to the report, Hamas has renewed its demand for a permanent end to the IDFs presence in Gaza, a condition that Israel has long refused due to the risk the scenario poses to Israels security. Hamas refused to even provide a list of hostages designated as humanitarian cases, who are elderly or ill, Kan News reported on Tuesday evening. Instead, the terror groups new demand is a week-long ceasefire without the release of hostages and on the fourth day of the truce, Hamas will supposedly provide the list. According to the Kan report, Hamas is well aware of the location of most of the hostages but is simply trying to buy time. Hamass previous ploy was to reject Israels demand for the release of 34 hostages classified as humanitarian cases, instead saying they would release 22 living hostages and 12 bodies a proposal Israel swiftly rejected. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump threatened Hamas at a New Years Eve party on Tuesday at his Mar-a-Lago estate, telling reporters: Ill put it this way: they better let the hostages come back soon. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) In the sixth consecutive day of rocket fire from Gaza, Hamas fired two rockets from the central Gaza Strip at the Netivot area overnight Wednesday at midnight, marking the start of the secular year of 2025. One of the rockets was successfully intercepted by the Iron Dome system, and the second fell in an open area. Bchasdei Hashem, no injuries were reported. The terror group carried out the same juvenile tactic on a larger scale at the start of 2024, when they fired a larger rocket barrage at central Israel and the Gaza border area. Hamas claimed responsibility for the fire, with the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades claiming that it fired a rocket barrage at Netivot in response to the Zionist massacres of civilians. Following the rocket fire, IDF spokesperson in Arabic Avichay Adraee issued an evacuation warning for Gazans living in the Al-Bureij area in central Gaza. This is a warning before the strike, the message stated, Terrorist organizations are once again launching rockets from these areas. For your safety evacuate immediately to the humanitarian area. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Western sources claim that Hamas has recently succeeded in restoring a significant amount of control of the civilian population in some parts of Gaza, Ynet reported. The sources say that Hamas controls parts of the central Gaza Strip where IDF forces are not continuously stationed and where about 90% of Gazan residents currently live. US intelligence agents say that Hamas had recruited about 10,000 new terrorists, mostly young men enlisted for the first time. The IDF denies the claims, saying that although Hamas still has some military capabilities, including missile firepower, its command and control capabilities have been decimated. Hamas is also targeting criminal Gazan families who take control of humanitarian aid convoys. According to the report, in one incident, Hamas seized an aid convoy from Gazan criminals while IDF soldiers watched and did nothing to stop them. Channel 12 correspondent Almog Boker stated: As long as Hamas controls the humanitarian aid it controls the Gaza Strip. Hamas takes over the aid, transfers it to its warehouses, sells it to civilians, and with the money, rebuilds its military capabilities that were severely depleted. Military pressure is important but in order for it to harm Hamas and for it to beg for a deal it is time to derail its governmental structures and take away its oxygen supply humanitarian aid. Trucks with humanitarian supplies 2024-2025 = the cash suitcases [from Qatar] of 2018-2019. Jerusalem Post correspondent Seth Frantzman wrote about the IDFs recent counterterrorism operation for the third time in Kamal Adwan Hospital: In essence, Hamas continues to control a large part of Gaza despite a year and months of war. Hamas controls central Gaza. It controls most of Gaza City. It has returned to areas in Khan Younis. It controls the humanitarian area of Mawasi. It will likely return to Kamal Adwan and other areas unless it is prevented systematically from doing so. Kamal Adwan is an example of the challenge of fighting the terror group in Gaza and how confident Hamas feels that it can always exploit areas such as hospitals to continue its control of Gaza. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Two Israelis were injured in the deadly terror attack in New Orleans on Wednesday, Israels Foreign Ministry stated. One of the victims is in serious condition. Two Israeli citizens were injured in the ramming and shooting incident in the French Quarter in New Orleans, the statement says. The Foreign Ministry and the Consulate General in Houston are in contact with the hospitals and the families of the victims. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has instructed a representative of the consulate in Houston to travel to New Orleans. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Ex-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Wednesday evening that he is resigning from the Knesset but will maintain his position in the Likud party. I will soon notify the Knesset Speaker of my decision to end my position in the 25th Knesset, after 45 years of service, he said at a press conference. He stressed that his resignation is just one stop of a long journey that has not yet ended. Just like the battlefield, there are moments in public service when you have to stop to evaluate the situation and choose the course of action. In his remarks, Gallant criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu and his successor as Defense Minister, Yisrael Katz, regarding the Chareidi recruitment bill, making the false claim that he was fired from his position due to his stance on the bill. It is well-known that Netanyahu wanted to fire Gallant as soon as he began publicly defying him during the pre-October 7 days at the height of the protests against the planned judicial reform laws. In fact, Netanyahu carried out his threat, firing Gallant in March 2023 and then relenting after the leftists held mass protests, sending Israel into chaos. In September, Netanyahu was about to fire Gallant but refrained from doing so when it became clear that Israel was about to carry out the exploding pagers operation in Lebanon. A month and a half ago, Netanyahu dismissed Gallant from his position as defense minister, replacing him with Katz. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) I was widowed and then lost my son, who has a child, and I also have one daughter living in the UK. Before his death, my son lived in Switzerland with his German wife and my grandson (aged seven), who is a registered German citizen. I need to write a will - my daughter will be executor. My only asset is my residence (unvalued but I estimate 400,000). Do I need to set up a trust for my grandson and can I do this if he is a German citizen, or can it be specified in a will that my daughter sets up a trust for him? How do I go about this? I am disabled and virtually housebound. Do I need a financial adviser to sort it out, or a solicitor to write a will? V.S, via email SCROLL DOWN TO ASK YOUR FINANCIAL PLANNING QUESTION Legacy: Our reader wants to ensure that their grandson, who is a German citizen, can receive an inheritance Harvey Dorset, of This is Money, replies: I'm sorry to hear about the losses you have experienced. From what you have told us, the amount you plan to leave to your daughter and grandson falls below the level that would make you liable to pay inheritance tax. Although the threshold is 325,000, you will also benefit from the 175,000 residence nil-rate band, plus probably the unused tax-free allowance and RNRB of your late husband if the conditions are met. But though you say your only asset is your house, you should also consider any savings you may have, as well as any pension that could become liable for inheritance tax from 2027, after changes made in the recent Autumn Budget. Whether a trust is needed to ensure that you are able to pass this money on to your grandson will largely depend on when you expect this money will be left to your grandson. Of course this is dependent on your own health and age. As your grandson is seven, he may reach 18 before you pass away. However, if you expect that this won't be the case, then you may need to set up a 'discretionary will trust' to ensure that the money you leave him is managed for him before he is legally allowed to take control of his finances. This is Money spoke to two financial advisers to find out what you need to consider in order to ensure that your daughter and grandson can benefit from your estate in the way that you wish. Carry over: Liviu Ratoi says this reader will be able to use their late husband's unused allowance Liviu Ratoi, independent financial advisor at Flying Colours, replies: In brief, your query is about how to leave your estate to your daughter and your grandson, following the death of your son. The easiest way to do this is to contact a reputable solicitor and draw up a will to that effect, and that supersedes any existing will. Within the will, you can stipulate that the estate is to be divided equally between the two (presuming that is your wish), and you can also appoint your daughter as executor of your estate In this instance, I would question the need for a trust as the estimated value of the property at 400,000 falls below the inheritance tax threshold of 500,000 (there is a 325,000 nil rate band and a 175,000 residential nil rate band as you are passing property to a child/grandchild). Assuming your late husband did not make any substantial gifts on death or seven years prior, then you would be able to carry forward his unused allowance. This brings your total inheritance tax allowance to 1,000,000. However, because you are disabled and virtually housebound you may need to consider what would happen if you needed to receive long-term care. If you were to do nothing then the local authority could, in theory, force a sale of your house to pay for it, reducing the amount of money left to leave to your daughter and grandson. You could also ask the local authority to put a charge on your house, meaning they would pay for your long-term care initially and recoup the cost once you had passed away and the house is sold. This would allow for any potential uplift in the value of your house to be passed down, minus your long-term care costs. You could also consider a 'Trust for Land' before you show any sign of needing long-term care. This may potentially bring the house out of the reach of your local authority if you were, at a point later down the line, to need long-term care. It's important to be aware that the local authority could challenge this if they thought it was done to deliberately 'deprive' your estate, forcing their hand to fund your care. Your solicitor should be able to provide you with more information around this and whether or not it's suitable for you. As far as your grandson's German citizenship is concerned, there are no issues leaving money to him, but it would be a good idea to check the local tax laws on inheriting money and to know in advance whether there are any tax implications of an inheritance or not. I'd reiterate the need for solid legal advice around all of this. Responsibility: David Little says trustees will legally own the assets after your death David Little, chartered financial planner at 7IM, replies: Staggeringly, more than 50 per cent of adults in the UK currently do not have a valid will, despite a will being the only legal means of ensuring your estate is distributed as per your wishes on death. You mentioned your home is your only asset, and therefore a solicitor would be able to meet your requirements without needing a financial adviser. The solicitor should also draft a 'power of attorney' at the same time as your will, allowing a trusted person perhaps your daughter to manage your affairs in the event you lose the capacity to do so yourself. I see your main priority is to ensure your grandson will benefit from your estate after you pass away. To ensure this happens, it would be advisable to consider setting up a 'discretionary will trust' via your will, commencing on your death, along with a 'letter of wishes' to the trustees, notifying them of your directions for the inheritance. A discretionary will trust allows your estate, in your case your home or perhaps a cash sum if the house is to be sold, to be placed into trust on death for the eventual benefit of your grandson. You can appoint trustees to manage this trust on your behalf, who will be legally responsible for ensuring the assets are managed for the benefit of the beneficiaries of the trust. It is important to choose the trustees extremely carefully, as they will legally own the assets inside the trust on your death. You should have at least two trustees controlling your trust, and perhaps include a trusted solicitor, in case of premature death of a trustee. As the trust will be a 'discretionary' trust, there is no automatic legal right to the assets for any beneficiary, which can help safeguard your wealth should something untoward happen in your grandson's future life. The trustees will have full control over the timing and amount to be passed to your grandson, which will help safeguard your wealth. Regarding your grandson being a German citizen, foreign trusts are generally not recognised in Germany, but Switzerland does recognise foreign trusts. However, as you will be setting up a discretionary trust in the UK with no automatic beneficiaries, the fact your grandson is a German citizen and lives in Switzerland will not adversely affect your intentions for him to benefit. Nearly half of working aged people are considering launching their own business or side-hustle this year, new research reveals. Forty-seven per cent of working age Britons said they were contemplating the idea, up from 35 per cent a year ago. Interest in starting a business or side-hustle has increased, in part, due to high living costs and stagnating pay packets, Enterprise Nation said. In its research exclusively shared with This is Money, Enterprise Nation found people typically expect to earn 34,000 in the first year of operating a business full-time. Men surveyed said they thought their first-year business earnings would come in at around 37,865. Women forecast their first-year full-time business earnings nearly 10,000 lower, at 28,658, according to the findings. Get going! Nearly half of working aged people are considering launching their own business or side-hustle this year, Enterprise Nation said Meanwhile. people contemplating launching a part-time side-hustle said they expected to, on average, make around 5,765 in the first year of operating. Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, told This is Money: 'What we're witnessing is nothing short of a cultural shift. 'The number of people who want to start their own business just keeps on expanding every year, it's incredible.' Research from Enterprise Nation's latest Start Up Ambition Report found that 33 per cent of people surveyed said they wanted to start their own business in a bid to keep up with rising costs and monetise their skills or hobbies. While people from all age groups are starting new ventures, the trend is predominately being seen among people aged between 18 to 30 and 31 to 40, the findings claimed. Thirty-six per cent of the 18 to 24-year-olds surveyed said they were motivated to start their own venture to do something they enjoy while boosting their income. Sixty-two per cent of people surveyed aged between 18 to 30 said they were thinking of starting their own business this year, with 51 per cent of people aged between 31 to 40 saying the same, according to Enterprise Nation. Across all age groups, six per cent said they wanted to start their own business or side-hustle because they were worried about losing their job within the next 12 months. About a quarter of people surveyed that they were not ready to start their own business yet, but wanted to start one at some point in their career. I started a street food van map Entrepreneur: Vanessa Anderson launched a digital street food map last year Vanessa Anderson, 32, from Northampton, launched her own digital street food map, Indi Local, last year. Vanessa, who works at a software development firm in Milton Keynes, built a digital app that tracks local food trucks and raises awareness about community food-based events in Northampton that are based around food. She told This is Money: 'One day I found myself hungry in a certain fast-food drive thru chain - and on my way home I spotted a street food trader at my local park making fresh wood-fired pizzas. If I had known, I would never have ended up at the chain! 'I asked them how I could find out where they were popping up next and thats when I realised there had to be a better way.' Investment from Milton Keynes Investment Group and funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund helped Vanessa invest in technology and take on a part time social media employee, Jing Wei-Lau, who creates content on the businesses' Instagram page. Vanessa said: 'As a pre-revenue start-up, everything I make from my day job is ploughed into Indi Local, but Im happy with that for now. 'As it grows and develops, I think its got great potential. There has to be room for a small business provider that champions independent food producers over chains that can afford to pay for big bucks advertising.' At 59 per cent, the research found women were more likely than men to start-up as a side hustle alongside a current job or caring responsibilities, compared to 49 per cent of men. The age group most likely to start as a side hustle was those aged 31 to 40. The most likely cities to be home to a new tech start-up was London and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, while Liverpool was the most likely place to see a new manufacturing start-up. In Liverpool, 43 per cent of people who said their wanted to start a business or side-hustle in 2025 said they were worried about paying the bills. In Glasgow, 41 per cent of respondents said they wanted to create a start-up because they were concerned about bills, while 38 per cent of people in Cardiff shared similar sentiments. In terms of the potential pitfalls of starting a business or side-hustle, the state of the economy was a common worry, Enterprise Nation said. It added: 'The 51- 64-year-olds were the most concerned about the impact of the economy on starting-up but also the age group most likely to say they didnt know what sort of support was available to help.' Jordan Shwide, general manager of Monzo Business, said: 'Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, so it's essential they get the right support to grow and thrive.' If you earn more than 1,000 in a tax year from your side hustles, you will need to register for self-assessment via HM Revenue & Customs. Budding entrepreneurs can book tickets to attend Enterprise Nation's StartUp Show in London on 25 January and learn how to build up a business from scratch. Nearing the end of his six-month term representing Colorado's 4th Congressional District, Douglas County Republican Greg Lopez told Colorado Politics in an exclusive interview that he's been struck by the U.S. House of Representative's inefficiency and disappointed that there's little communication across the aisle. The first baby of the new year decided she'd like to be born in Colorado Springs. Jennifer Hiracheta was taking a car nap as she and her partner, Sergio Aguinaga, and his parents were en route from Dallas to Denver for a vacation. The couple figured they were fine their baby wasn't due for three weeks. Their baby had other plans. Hiracheta woke when her water broke as they drove by the Springs. She knew it was time. Sergio quickly searched online and found the nearest hospital, UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central. They checked in around noon Tuesday and had their first baby, Arizeth Aguinaga, at 1:06 a.m. on New Year's Day. She weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces. "She wanted to come and be born in Colorado," Sergio said. "I'm happy. Nervous because it's my first baby." Jennifer came up with her baby's name many years ago. Featured Local Savings "It's not a common name," Sergio said. "We liked it. It doesnt mean anything." And what of the family's vacation? "Everything changed," Sergio said. "The bad thing is we didnt bring any baby clothes. Were going straight back to Texas." Last year more than 5,200 babies were born at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central and UCHealth Memorial Hospital North in the Springs. That beats the record of 2022, when 5,030 were born. It has been nearly two months since Colorado Springs residents voted to make recreational marijuana legal to sell in the city. A group of the ballot measure's backers sent a letter to the city asking them to enact the approved measure in good faith in 2025. The letter to Mayor Yemi Mobolade on Tuesday criticizes the Colorado Springs City Council for attempting to undermine the recreational marijuana ballot measure in the lead-up to the November election. The ballot question received 54.7% of the votes in the election. The 17 groups and people that signed the letter include the owners of medical marijuana stores in Colorado Springs, El Paso County Democrats chair Mischa Smith, a doctor and two leaders of El Paso County Progressive Veterans. Even if you disagree with the voters decision, you must respect it and implement the law. We urge you not to play politics with this issue, a policy that a significant majority of your constituents embraced, the letter states. Ballot Question 300 allows the current businesses that sell medical marijuana in Colorado Springs to opt into selling recreational marijuana as well. The total number of retail licenses the city can grant would be capped at the current number of medical marijuana locations. The concerns in the letter relate to the location restrictions for where the new recreational businesses can operate. The City Council passed an ordinance in September that bans recreational businesses from operating within a mile of a school, residential child care center, drug or alcohol treatment facility or another marijuana business. The mile radius would prevent all of the current medical marijuana businesses from adding retail sales. The ballot measure that passed a few months later included much less stringent zoning rules. In the version approved by voters, recreational stores have to be more than 1,000 feet by foot from schools and day cares. Marijuana business owner Tom Scudder has been part of campaigns for years to get Colorado Springs to allow recreational weed. After the election, Scudder said he heard rumblings that some council members and staff were looking to keep the mile radius in place. He helped organize the joint letter to organize a message to the city. They are designing the ordinance to put in place right now, and we wanted to put our thoughts in front of them before anything got written, Scudder said. Featured Local Savings The letter argued that because the ballot question was approved after the city resolution, the public vote takes precedent. The letter also said it would be legally tricky for the city to make any changes to the ballot question after the fact. That the City would circumvent the citizen initiative process, substituting its will for the clear will of its voters, is contrary to the Citys pre-existing rules voters specifically adopted in passing Question 300 as well as decades of case law, the letter stated. The City Council had placed a question on the November ballot to add a ban on recreational marijuana stores to the city charter. The charter ban failed to pass, with 50.6% of voters ruling against it. The Colorado Springs Safe Neighborhood Coalition campaigned in favor of the charter ban on marijuana sales. Coalition spokesman Joel Sorenson said in response to the letter Tuesday that the pro-recreational sales side was the group that had misled voters in how the question on the ballot described the limited number of licenses that would be issued. "Thousands of people who voted for (question) 2D, which asked voters in plain-as-day language to ban recreational marijuana sales, also voted for (question) 300. The reason? They thought 300 was limiting sales rather than authorizing them for the first time," Sorenson said in a statement Tuesday. Leading into the election, city staff said they were not sure how to square the different zoning of the council's ordinance and the ballot measure if the current scenario came to pass. The city has not released any details for two months, citing the need for an extensive legal review. Scudder said he felt the time to put the rules in place was appropriate to give the city time to adapt to the new businesses. The timeline included in the ballot question would allow retail marijuana businesses to begin seeking licenses early in the year and begin making sales in April. City spokesperson Vanessa Zink said the final rules should be available around Jan. 8. The final details of the ordinance will have to be voted on by the city council early in the year before being put in place. You can read the entire letter here: Quick roundup for our closest readers . . . It's apropos that our last roundup of the year concerns rising crime given today's flurry of pressers and futile traditional hope for peace during this time of season. And so, in this quick compilation we review recent allegations, public safety notes and communities in mourning. Check TKC news gathering . . . 18-year-old charged with murder after September double homicide outside Maple Park The 18-year-old is facing several felony charges for his alleged role in the shooting. Kansas City police warn people of celebratory gunfire during New Year's Eve What should be a happy New Year's Eve holiday comes with an appeal from Kansas City police for safety. Kansas City police launch new assault squad to fight violent crime Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves announced the formation of a third assault squad to investigate violent crime. 'Lowest number of homicides since 2019': KCMO officials review public safety in 2024 In 2024, Kansas City, Missouri, saw the lowest number of homicides in the last six years. Still, the number of non-fatal shootings rose, according to the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department. Earl's Premier releases statement in wake of brazen armed robbery "The safety and comfort of our guests, along with the incredible staff we have the privilege to work with every day, remain our top priorities," stated Earl's Premier. Jayden Robker was found dead in a KC pond. His autopsy, police file leave out key details Officials delayed the release of an autopsy report detailing Jayden Robker's cause of death. Nearly a year after the investigation was closed with no charges, here's what we know. Collaboration will be key to improved public safety in 2025 in Kansas City Collaboration and building upon the successes of 2024 will guide public safety policies in 2025 in Kansas City. Kansas City homicide victims honored during 2024 year-end prayer vigil The name of each of the 190 homicide victims killed in Kansas City in 2024 was read out loud during the service. Developing . . . And so . . . Just a few hours after elected officials were bragging about a reduction in homicides in 2024 that MIGHT have been mostly due to an extremely cold January . . . The rate of local killing picks up where we left off with tragic urban gunfire . . . Here's the first report . . . Homicide 3100 blk of Elmwood This morning, just after 2:45 AM, patrol officers were dispatched to the 3100 block of Elmwood on a reported shooting. When they arrived to the area they were directed to a residence on Elmwood. Officers located an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded and pronounced the victim deceased. An additional adult male shooting victim was also located. He was transported to a local hospital with non life threatening injuries. This is being investigated as a homicide. The preliminary investigation revealed there were several people gathered at a residence prior to shots being fired. Investigators are trying to determine what led up to the victims being struck. Crime scene personnel are gathering any available physical evidence and detectives are canvassing the area. If anyone has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline. We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency. We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents. ############## Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Shots fired during New Year's gathering marks Kansas City's first homicide of 2025 One man was injured and another was killed after shots were fired during a gathering early Wednesday morning. Kansas City records the first homicide of the new year before 3 a.m. Kansas City recorded the first homicide of the new year before 3 a.m. A second victim suffered non life-threatening injuries. Developing . . . On New Year's eve, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his 2025 New Year message through China Media Group and the Internet. The following is the full text of the message: Greetings to everybody! Time flies fast, and the new year will be with us shortly. I extend my best wishes to you all from Beijing. In 2024, we have together journeyed through the four seasons. Together, we have experienced winds and rains and seen rainbows. Those touching and unforgettable moments have been like still frames showing how extraordinary a year we have had. We have proactively responded to the impacts of the changing environment at home and abroad. We have adopted a full range of policies to make solid gains in pursuing high-quality development. China's economy has rebounded and is on an upward trajectory, with its GDP for the year expected to pass the 130 trillion yuan mark. Grain output has surpassed 700 million tons, and China's bowls are now filled with more Chinese grain. Coordinated development across regions has gained stronger momentum, and mutually reinforcing advances have been made in both new urbanization and rural revitalization. Green and low-carbon development has been further enhanced. Indeed, a more beautiful China is unfolding before us. We have fostered new quality productive forces in light of actual conditions. New business sectors, forms and models have kept emerging. For the first time, China has produced more than 10 million new energy vehicles in a year. Breakthroughs have been made in integrated circuit, artificial intelligence, quantum communications and many other fields. Also for the first time, the Chang'e-6 lunar probe collected samples from the far side of the moon. The Mengxiang drilling vessel explored the mystery of the deep ocean. The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link now connects the two cities across the sea. The Antarctic Qinling Station is now in operation on the frozen continent. All this epitomizes the lofty spirit and dreams of the Chinese people to explore stars and oceans. This year, I have visited many places across the country and seen how our people enjoy their enriching lives. I saw the big, red Huaniu apples in Tianshui, Gansu and the fishing boats in Aojiao Village, Fujian loaded with their catches. I watched the millenium-old "Eastern Smile" in the Maiji Mountain Grottoes, and I learned more about good-neighborliness passed from generation to generation in Liuchixiang Alley. I enjoyed the hustle and bustle in Tianjin's Ancient Culture Street, and I saw how the people in Yinchuan's mixed-ethnic residential communities live together as one family. The concerns of the people about jobs and incomes, elderly and child care, education and medical services are always on my mind. This year, basic pension has been raised, and mortgage rates have dropped. Cross-province direct settlement of medical bills has been expanded, making it easier for people to seek medical treatment across the country. And consumer goods trade-in programs have improved people's lives... All these are real benefits to our people. In the Paris Olympics, Chinese athletes raced to the top and achieved their best performance in Olympic Games held overseas, fully demonstrating the vigor and confidence of young Chinese. The PLA Navy and Air Force celebrated their 75th birthdays, and our servicemen and women are full of drive. When floods, typhoons and other natural disasters struck, members of the Communist Party of China and officials stepped forward to lead disaster relief efforts, and our people were of one mind and reached out to each other. People in all fields -- workers, builders and entrepreneurs, among others -- are working hard to fulfill their dreams. I presented awards to recipients of national medals and honorary titles. The honor belongs to them; it also belongs to every hard-working person who has lived up to their responsibilities. In a world of both transformation and turbulence, China, as a responsible major country, is actively promoting global governance reform and deepening solidarity and cooperation among the Global South. We are making deeper and more substantive advances in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was a full success. We put forward China's vision at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, APEC, G20 and other bilateral and multilateral forums. We have contributed greatly to the maintenance of world peace and stability. We celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China. With deep affection, we looked back at the sea change that has taken place across China since the birth of the People's Republic. Nurtured by our 5,000-plus years of continuous civilization, our country, China, is engraved not only on the bottom of the ancient bronze ritual wine vessel of He Zun, but also in the heart of every Chinese. At its Third Plenary Session, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China sounded a clarion call for further deepening all-round reform. We will march forward in great strides to advance reform and opening up as the trend of our times. We will surely embrace even broader prospects in pursuing Chinese modernization in the course of reform and opening up. In 2025, we will fully complete the 14th Five-Year Plan. We will implement more proactive and effective policies, pursue high-quality development as a top priority, promote greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, and maintain sound momentum in economic and social development. The Chinese economy now faces some new conditions, including challenges of uncertainties in the external environment and pressure of transformation from old growth drivers into new ones. But we can prevail with our hard work. As always, we grow in the wind and rain, and we get stronger through hard times. We must be confident. Of all the jobs in front of us, the most important is to ensure a happy life for our people. Every family hopes that their children can have a good education, their seniors can enjoy good elderly services, and their youngsters can have more and better opportunities. These simple wishes are our people's aspirations for a better life. We should work together to steadily improve social undertakings and governance, build a harmonious and inclusive atmosphere, and settle real issues, big or small, for our people. We must bring more smiles to our people and greater warmth to their hearts. On the eve of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, I visited the city again, and I was gratified to see the new progress and changes there. We will unswervingly implement the policy of One Country, Two Systems to maintain long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao. We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same family. No one can ever sever the bond of kinship between us, and no one can ever stop China's reunification, a trend of the times. As changes unseen in a century accelerate across the world, it is important to rise above estrangement and conflict with a broad vision, and care for the future of humanity with great passion. China will work with all countries to promote friendship and cooperation, enhance mutual learning among different cultures, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. We must jointly create a better future for the world. Dreams and wishes may be far, but they can be fulfilled with dedicated pursuit. On the new journey of Chinese modernization, everyone is a key actor, every effort counts, and every ray of light shines. Splendor adorns our motherland, and starlight graces every home. Let us greet the new year with hope. May our great country enjoy harmony and prosperity! May all your dreams come true! May you all have a new year of happiness and peace! Welcome Guest! You are here: Home CBSE schools in Kishanganj asked to teach Urdu The District Education Department in Kishanganj, Bihar has made teaching of Urdu compulsory in the private schools affiliated with the Central Board of Education (CBSE) Wednesday January 1, 2025 12:50 PM , ummid.com News Network [Dall-E 2 image for representation] Kishanganj: The District Education Department in Kishanganj, Bihar has made teaching of Urdu compulsory in the private schools affiliated with the Central Board of Education (CBSE). The decision followed after it was found during the meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) that there is no provision of teaching Urdu in the CBSE schools running in the Muslim dominated district. Held on October 19, 2024, the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) was attended by local MP Mohammad Jawed, alias Javed Azad, and MLA Izharul Hussain both from the Congress Party. The local Congress leaders were surprised to learn there was no provision to teach Urdu for the students who are coming from the Muslim community. Following this the District Education Department issued a notification asking all private schools in Kishanganj to make necessary arrangement and availability of staff to teach Urdu. "All the private schools in Kishanganj district, recognized by CBSE Board, are requested to ensure the necessary arrangements for the study of Urdu to the willing students and provide the relevant compliance report to Bihar Education Project Office, Kishanganj," District Education of Office (DEO) Nasir Hussain said in the notification dated December 12, 2024. CBSE vs Urdu Language The Kishanganj district education departments order comes at the backdrop of the CBSE boards recent decision to bar Urdu medium students from writing exam papers in the language. The Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) - which runs 03 model schools in Hyderabad (Telangana), Nuh (Haryana) and Darbhanga (Bihar) offering education in Urdu, has raised the issue with the Union Ministry of Education. The officials at MANUU said that the CBSE had granted them affiliation with full knowledge that their medium of learning is Urdu. Consequently, students in MANUU model schools were provided question papers in Urdu along with English and Hindi, and the students were allowed to write answers in Urdu. However, the CBSE in 2021 stopped providing question papers in Urdu though allowing the students to write answer sheets in Urdu. With the latest order, the CBSE decided to assess answer sheets only if they are in English and Hindi. Slamming the CBSE decision, All India Muslim Majlis e Mushawarat had urged the board to restore its previous policy. 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 Fact Check: Has this Pakistani boy married his own mother? A viral video showing a Pakistani boy arranging her mothers second marriage is being shared with a false claim that he himself has married his mother Thursday January 2, 2025 0:05 AM , Fact Check by NewsMeter Ummid.com Fact Check: A viral video showing a Pakistani boy arranging her mothers second marriage is being shared with a false claim that he himself has married his mother. Claim A video showing a Pakistani boy and his mother has gone viral on social media, with widespread speculation about the nature of their relationship. An X user posted the video with a caption: A son married his mother after raising her for 18 years. The news is viral all over the world. Abdul Ahad himself shared his story on social media, Abdul himself revealed this ...... (Translated from Hindi) Similar posts with the same claim were circulated by some other social media users also. Fact Check NewsMeter found that the claim is false. The boy did not marry his mother, but arranged her second marriage. The text on the video reads: Son marries off his mother in a heart-warming gesture. The confusion stemmed from the use of the phrase married off used by many social media users in their posts. The term married off or marry off commonly refers to the act of arranging a marriage for someone, often a family member. A keyword search revealed a report from Hindustan Times titled, Pakistani man wins hearts by arranging his mothers second marriage: 'Queen raised a King published on 30 December 2020. The report said that a touching video shared on Instagram by Abdul Ahad captured heartfelt moments with his mother leading up to her joyful Nikah (marriage ceremony). The video beautifully highlighted their close bond, showing tender interactions between the mother and son before transitioning to the lively celebration. NewsMeter also found a similar report published by India Today. Instagram Video Using this information, NewsMeter found an Instagram account of a person named Abdul Ahad, and found the same Instagram video posted on December 18, 2024. The video captured a touching narrative ahead of his mothers second Nikah. The video opens with heartfelt moments between the mother and son, highlighting their close relationship through warm smiles and embraces. It transitions to the vibrant Nikah ceremony, showcasing the joyous celebrations and cultural richness of the occasion. After the fact check analysis, NewsMeter also found the viral image, in circulation with the viral claim, posted on his Instagram account on December 20, 2024. Therefore, the claim that the video shows a Pakistani boy marrying his mother is false and a clear case of disinformation. Claim Review: The viral video shows a Pakistani boy celebrating marriage with his own mother. Claimed By: Social Media Users Claim Reviewed By: NewsMeter Claim Source: X Users Claim Fact Check: False Fact: The claim is false. The boy arranged a second marriage for his mother. A statement about her marriage has been misconstrued deliberately. [This story was originally published by NewsMeter , and republished with slight edit by ummid.com as part of the Shakti Collective.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday directed developing a medium-term framework for deregulating sugar industry, stressing industries to ensure data uniformity, crop zoning and backward integration ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jan, 2025) Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday directed developing a medium-term framework for deregulating sugar industry, stressing industries to ensure data uniformity, crop zoning and backward integration. He passed these directives while chairing a meeting of Prime Ministers Committee on Sugar stocking, forecasting and planning, notified in December last to develop a foolproof system of monitoring and report authentic position of sugar stocks for timely decisions on exports, a news release said. The meeting was attended by Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Minister of State for Finance Ali Parvez Malik. Besides, Director General Land Information and Management System Rawalpindi, Chairman and Member (IR operations) FBR, Joint Director General Intelligence Bureau, Executive Director Sustainable Development Policy Institute, Deputy Director General Trade Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Senior member Pakistan Sugar Mills Association, Director General Agriculture Policy Institute, Senior Joint Secretary Ministry of Industries and Production, Member Industries Ministry of Planning were present in the meeting. Senior member of Pakistan Sugar Mills Association briefed the minister that in the previous years, availability of acquiring accurate data had been a persistent problem for the association. He acknowledged the role of FBR as it worked with Sugar Mills Association last year for the first time to review data. He suggested taking data from one source to maintain accuracy. The representative also said correct and uniformed figures were not reported as most of the sugar mills do not provide data on time. Technically sugar prices should decrease after every successful export but by providing protection to consumers, the sugar mills have been paralyzed financially. Pakistan Sugar Mills Association also suggested fixing a date to review 12 months performance of mills. Lauding government efforts to stop sugar smuggling, he said that the government had maintained an effective track and trace system to stop smuggling. Addressing the meeting, Planning Minister said that it was imperative for all institutes of government to maintain effective coordination. He also advised the stakeholders to establish coordination with SUPARCO for satellite based data gathering. Highlighting the importance of data uniformity and accuracy, the minister said, The problem of data variance should be solved as soon as possible by involving experts and researchers to ensure that data sets used by all institutes are unified. Ahsan Iqbal further gave directions to concerned ministries to prepare a medium term framework for development of agriculture industry. The Planning ministry developed a cluster based agriculture report in under Vision 2025 in 2017-18 which was completed in 2020 with an aim to produce analytical insights for agriculture policy making and the sugar industry cluster was examined thoroughly. Quoting the examples of competitive sugar mills across the world, he said that the world's most productive mills have effective recovery rates but Pakistans sugar mills were inefficient in terms of recovery rates. The minister said the three most important targets for the sugar industry should be recovering more sugar, producing surplus sugar and exporting surplus to other countries. By making a medium term policy for government to deregularize the sugar industry, the next 10 years can be spent following the planned vision, he said directing the meeting participants to form a committee for achieving the task. As suggested by the minister, the committee would be chaired by chief statistical officer and must include representatives from Ministry of industries, FBR, Pakistan Sugar Mills association and SUPARCO. The minister stressed, Planning Ministry is dedicated to facilitate active forecasting and ensure strategic decision making to promote the development and deregularization of sugar industry. Referring to the weak link between production and productivity, he said Pakistan was the fifth largest sugar producer in the world but in terms of yield, its ranking was alarmingly low. The minister also urged maximizing the agricultural portfolio of Pakistan through crop zoning. Whether it is edible oil, wheat, cotton or sugar sector that needs to be made self-sufficient, crop zoning can help local governments to designate areas of land for farming and protect them from incompatible land usage. He also said that backward integration could help the sugar industries achieve faster growth as evident from the success of FMCGs that followed backward integration. A medium term master plan should cover at least 10 years and provide a vision regarding how much productivity is expected to gain from a specified area of land, he added. The minister asserted that the industries sector must get beyond production obsession and ensure backward integration, assuring the industrial stakeholders that their problems will be solved on priority. He also affirmed government's commitment to balance the need to support domestic sugar producers with ensuring adequate supply and stable prices for local consumers. The PMs Committee would be working under Terms of Reference (TORs) of analyzing all data sources related to sugar production, consumption and stocks; assessing causes of variation in different data sources and underlying assumptions; fixing responsibility for presenting inaccurate data for sugar consumption, stocks and surpluses during preceding year, leading to delayed decisions on permissible export quantum; developing and presenting a foolproof mechanism for maintaining credible data for evidence based public policy decision making; and suggesting a medium term framework for the sector with possible development of efficient market of the product, leading to positive outcomes for consumers, industry, economy and government. Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce, Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti here on Wednesday visited the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-PAKISTAN) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jan, 2025) Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce, Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti here on Wednesday visited the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-PAKISTAN). According to press release issued by commerce ministry, he was warmly received by Chairperson Ambassador (R) Farukh Amil, Director General Ms. Shazia Adnan, and IPO officers. The visit was an important opportunity for the organization to showcase its functions and achievements, and to brief the secretary on its key initiatives and performance. On the occasion, the Chairperson and Director General provided a comprehensive briefing and presentation, covering the organization's functions in detail. It included an overview of the organization's role in promoting Intellectual Property Rights, including Trademarks, Patents, Copyrights, and Geographical indications. The Parliamentary Secretary was informed about the organization's performance, including its efforts to raise awareness about IP rights, provide training and capacity-building programs, and facilitate the registration of intellectual property rights. The briefing highlighted the importance of intellectual property protection in promoting economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Pakistan. The Parliamentary Secretary appreciated the performance of the organization and acknowledged the importance of its work in promoting IPRs in Pakistan. He recognized the organization's efforts to create a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship, and to support the country's economic growth and development. The visit also highlighted the organization's focus on supporting Micro small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and startups, which are critical to Pakistan's economic growth and development in particular and youth empowerment in innovations. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday granted bail to a co-accused in a case pertaining to sales tax fraud worth Rs3.20 billion and stated that the action of tax department was illegal ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jan, 2025) The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday granted bail to a co-accused in a case pertaining to sales tax fraud worth Rs3.20 billion and stated that the action of tax department was illegal. Justice Babar Sattar, hearing the case, ordered to send the copy of the judgment to chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The court in its order said that branch manager of a bank was arrested on assisting a power company to open its account. It said that the prosecution didnt present any proof regarding involvement of the accused in tax fraud. The order said that the tax department didnt correctly assess the tax against the tax payer and arrested the accused on alleged violation of the verdict of Lahore High Court (LHC). The court said that the department initiated the criminal action against the petitioner despite knowing about the decision of LHC. The criminal action of the tax department was misuse of authority which affected the rights of petitioner and his repute. The court said that it is embarrassing that the magistrate who granted remand of the accused and trial court who dismissed the bail petition ignored the sections of sales tax act. The lower court praised the misleading actions of the tax department instead of protecting fundamental constitutional rights. The IHC also said that the question of the legality of the criminal proceedings is not before this court, the court hopes that the trial court will take into account the legality of the proceedings. Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police's Shahzad Town station team apprehended four wanted members of a notorious dacoit gang involved in numerous criminal activities, recovering cash, valuables, and weapons used in their crimes, on Wednesday ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jan, 2025) Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police's Shahzad Town station team apprehended four wanted members of a notorious dacoit gang involved in numerous criminal activities, recovering cash, valuables, and weapons used in their crimes, on Wednesday. According to police spokesperson, the Shahzad Town team used technical and human resources and succeeded in apprehending four wanted members of the snatcher gang. He said the gang was involved in numerous snatching activities in various areas of twin cities. Police team also recovered cash, six motorbikes, mobile phones and weapons with ammunition used in crime from their possession. The accused were identified as Usman Ali, Muhammad Tayyab, Bilal Abbasi and Sadam Hussain. Cases were registered against the nabbed accused and further investigation is underway. DIG Syed Ali Raza also directed officers for an effective crackdown against the accused involved in criminal activities and to take all possible measures to protect the life and property of the citizens. DIG Raza further said that no criminal element will be allowed to disturb the peace of the people. APP-rzr-mkz (@Abdulla99267510) Four inspectors, 10 sub-inspectors, two ASIs, five head constables and 14 constables have been dismissed from service LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Jan 1st, 2025) At least 13 officers of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) were booked while 35 others were dismissed from the service in a matter related to the human trafficking. The reports said that on the directives of the prime minister, the actions are underway against those involved in the boat tragedy. The cases were filed against 13 FIA officials implicated in human trafficking in this regard. As part of the investigation, FIA Director General Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir held an orderly room proceeding, during which the departmental actions were reviewed against 49 officials involved in the boat incidents. Later, four inspectors, 10 sub-inspectors, two ASIs, five head constables and 14 constables were dismissed from service. DG FIA Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir said that there is no place in the institution for officials found negligent or careless in relation to the boat tragedies. He assured that the disciplinary action against the implicated officials would be strictly enforced. (@ChaudhryMAli88) A meeting regarding Huqooq-e-Pakistan Project-II, was held here at Chief Minister's Secretariat on Wednesday, with Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Khan Gandapur in the chair PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jan, 2025) A meeting regarding Huqooq-e-Pakistan Project-II, was held here at Chief Minister's Secretariat on Wednesday, with Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Khan Gandapur in the chair. The meeting discussed and finalized an action plan for the effective implementation of the project and achieving its desired objectives. Federal Secretary for Human Rights Allah Dino Khawaja, Advocate General Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Faisal Utman Khel, as well as representatives from relevant Federal and provincial departments and the UNDP, attended the meeting. The meeting decided to have a coordinated mechanism between the relevant federal and provincial departments for the implementation of the project. A briefing was provided about the project's key features, objectives, proposed activities, areas of coordination challenges, and other related matters. It was informed that this 3.5 years long project is being launched with the cooperation of the European Union and the UNDP, aimed at strengthening relevant institutions and improving the human rights situation in the province. It was apprised that under the project, human rights institutions will be established to enhance the delivery of services in the province, and all data related to human rights will be digitized, and added that the digitization/Integration of data will also help streamline the people-centered complaint management system. Furthermore, the project will introduce human rights-related programs in the higher education sector of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the provincial government will identify two universities for this purpose. Additionally, various measures have been proposed under the program for implementing the Human Rights National Action Plan in the province. The Chief Minister assured the provincial government's full cooperation for the proper implementation of the project and directed all relevant departments to ensure their support in this regard. He stated that the government aims to centralize the database of marginalized and underprivileged segments of society, and has already instructed the concerned authorities in this regard. He expressed hope that this project would contribute to the ongoing efforts of the provincial government. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of a comprehensive and integrated database of deserving and underprivileged groups, stating that the establishment of a centralized database and centers would enable the provision of uniform and quality facilities to all. He added that the provincial government is working to provide necessary equipment and facilities to individuals with disabilities across the province, and the establishment of the database will accelerate progress in this regard. He directed the appointment of focal persons for effective coordination with relevant institutions for project implementation. He also instructed the formation of a steering committee at the provincial level to ensure the project runs on sustainable basis. He emphasized including officials from the Finance and P&D departments in the steering committee, as these departments have the capacity to sustain the project permanently. APP/fam PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jan, 2025) The President of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Professors, Lecturers, and Librarians Association (KEPPLA) Dera Ismail Khan Division, Sardar Ehsanullah Khan Gandapur, and General Secretary Amjad Jahangir Khan have demanded the provincial government to immediately release the pending MPhil and PhD allowances, which have been withheld for the past six months. In their press statement on Wednesday, they stated that the non-payment of these allowances by the Finance Department has caused immense frustration among hundreds of teachers and scholars. Professors and lecturers, particularly from the Higher Education Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are directly affected by this issue. They further emphasized that these allowances recognize the academic qualifications and research contributions of teachers, and their non-payment is creating disappointment in the academic sector. They urged the government to promptly release the allowances to prevent further deterioration of the educational environment. Teachers and scholars have also appealed to the government to address this matter on a priority basis to ensure improvements in the education system and boost the morale of educators. APP/vak (@ChaudhryMAli88) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jan, 2025) As Pakistan begins a two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the years 2025-2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday reaffirmed the country's commitment to working constructively with all UNSC members and with the broader UN membership. The deputy prime minister, addressing a reception he hosted for the heads of resident missions of the UNSC member states here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Pakistan would work to bridge divides, foster consensus, and uphold the UNSCs mandate in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. He said that elected for the eighth time, Pakistan brought to the Security Council a rich legacy of experience and an unwavering commitment to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. Ishaq Dar highlighted Pakistans contributions to international peace and security, especially through its active role in UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding endeavors worldwide. The deputy prime minister underlined that Pakistan looked forward to seeking just and peaceful resolution of situations on the agenda of the UN Security Council. "As a member of the Council, Pakistan will continue to oppose the unilateral and illegal use or threat of force; combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations; and support effective UN peacekeeping, and peacebuilding efforts." He also expressed gratitude to all UN member states for their resounding support in electing Pakistan to UN Security Council. PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jan, 2025) The annual performance review meeting of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Emergency Rescue Service (Rescue 1122) was held at the provincial headquarters here Wednesday. The meeting was chaired by Director General Rescue 1122, Dr. Muhammad Ayaz Khan. Addressing the meeting, Dr. Muhammad Ayaz Khan stated that Rescue 1122 provided timely services in over 241,000 emergencies during the year 2024. Sharing details of these emergencies, he said rescue teams responded to over 151,000 medical emergencies and more than 22,000 traffic accidents. Besides, over 52,000 referral emergencies, 4781 fire incidents, 699 drowning incidents, 3966 crime-related incidents, 277 cases of building and roof collapses,146 incidents involving explosions, including gas and cylinder blasts, 5661 other emergencies were successfully tackled. Dr. Muhammad Ayaz Khan further informed that Rescue 1122 transported over 245,000 injured and patients to hospitals in a timely manner. Additionally, through its Health Ambulance (Referral Service), critically injured and patients were shifted to better treatment facilities both within districts and to major hospitals in other districts. However, 4918 individuals lost their lives in various incidents. The Director General emphasized that Rescue 1122 is providing equal services to the public not only in urban areas but also in merged districts and former FATA regions. Focus on Tourist Sites, Rescue 1122 has also established rescue stations at various tourist destinations across the province, where both tourists and local residents are being provided with emergency assistance. Dr. Muhammad Ayaz Khan concluded his address by reaffirming that the mission of Rescue 1122 is to protect lives and property, and the organization will continue to serve the public with the same dedication in the future. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jan, 2025) Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication on Wednesday voiced serious concerns over persistent connectivity issues and expressed concerns about the arbitrary shutdown of internet services without justification. Presided over by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, the meeting scrutinized the deficiencies in monitoring mechanisms. It criticized the lack of transparency surrounding internet disruptions, even after a detailed briefing by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman. The Chairperson emphasized the distinction between blocking specific content and implementing a complete internet shutdown, asserting that the latter is unwarranted. Senator Kamran Murtaza echoed this sentiment, suggesting that such shutdowns appear politically motivated rather than based on technical considerations, and called for the process to be politicized. Highlighting a report published in Dawn that estimated financial losses in billions due to internet disruptions, Senator Palwasha expressed concern over the poor quality of internet services in Pakistan, which ranks just above Myanmar globally despite significant investments. She underscored that such reports often have some factual basis, though Ministry officials denied the claims, clarifying that national outages referenced in the media occurred only during elections. The PTA Chairman informed the committee that social media applications are restricted based on the Supreme Court's and High Court's directives. To address legal ambiguities, the Committee instructed that the Law Division provide clarity on the rules framed under the PECA Act, 2016, particularly regarding internet outages, and report back to the Committee. The Secretary of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) acknowledged the significant impacts of internet shutdowns and stressed the importance of addressing public perceptions about such actions. The Chairperson emphasized that negative narratives often stem from genuine concerns and urged the Ministry to devise policies to counter misinformation effectively. The Committee reviewed plans to boost the countrys IT exports. The MoITT Secretary reported aggregated growth for 20232024 and highlighted ongoing efforts to align public perception with the progress being made in the IT sector. APP/zah-sra (@Abdulla99267510) Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjhar says deteriorating situation in Parachinar does not mean Karachi should be shut down KARACHI: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Jan 1st, 2024) The Sindh government on Wednesday warned protesters staging a sit-in in Karachi to open other roads and move their protest to alternative locations, failing which strict action will be taken. Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjhar stated that the deteriorating situation in Parachinar does not mean Karachi should be shut down. He made these remarks during a press conference in Karachi accompanied by Sindh IG Ghulam Nabi Memon and Karachi Additional IG Javed Alam Odho. The minister said, We understand the situation in Parachinar is dire, and we hope for improvement there. However, this does not justify disrupting the peaceful environment of Karachi, blocking roads or causing harm to people and the police. We stand in solidarity with the grieving but shutting down Karachi is not the solution,. He added, For three days, the protests continued. We held meetings and offered alternative locations for the sit-ins. The offers by Commissioner Karachi, Saeed Ghani and Murtaza Wahab were rejected. We are also facing criticism for allowing Karachi to remain paralyzed. As a last resort, we had to take action,. Referring to the protesters, Lanjhar said, They claim to be peaceful, but why were eight citizens motorbikes set on fire? This is not a peaceful protest. Eight police personnel were injured, three of them critically. We cannot comprehend who these people are who opened fire on the police. The police acted within their duties to disperse the protesters and will continue to do so." The home minister highlighted that after the sit-in at Numaish was dispersed, another protest was initiated by Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, blocking roads. In such a situation, where does the government stand? When the governments writ is challenged, it has to act, and we have started doing so. Wherever the citizens face inconvenience, the government will intervene, said the home minister. He shared images of blocked roads due to sit-ins and said, The protesters had assured us they would stay on the side of the road and not block it but as you can see the roads remained closed. The government has no quarrel or differences with anyone but it will establish its authority,. He further stated, If any illegal activity takes place, the government, Rangers, and security agencies will act. The city cannot descend into chaos while we sit idle,". Lanjhar reiterated his offer to the protesters and religious scholars, saying, If any group wants to stage a sit-in, we are willing to provide alternative locations. The government is with you but it cannot allow areas like Saddar, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Malir or Ancholi to be blocked and turned into battlegrounds. There will be no compromise on this,. Responding to a question, he said, We were assured that roads would not be blocked. Even Allama Nasir Abbas said in his speech that causing inconvenience to the public is unjust and that he opposes it. Initially, they protested in one location but later they spread to multiple areas and blocked roads. Whether Sunni or Shia, we attempted a peaceful resolution, held repeated negotiations, but the governments writ was challenged, and we were compelled to take police action yesterday,. He added, 19 people have been arrested following the operation at the sit-in. Three FIRs have been registered at Sachal, Saudabad and Soldier Bazaar police stations including charges under Section 324 (attempted murder) and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). The FIR filed at Soldier Bazaar Names 300 unidentified individuals. Some individuals visible in images have been identified. The clear instructions have been given to the Sindh IG and Additional IG Karachi that no group will be allowed to block roads,. When asked about two groups occupying the roads, the minister said, I am once again offering alternative locations for peaceful protests in accordance with the law. Otherwise, action will be taken against them,. He said, The protesters should negotiate with the government. If they need face-saving, we are open to it. This is not a deadline but an offer. If they cooperate, fine; otherwise, we will act against them,. He added that the protesters staging the sit-in are already in talks with the KP government. UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jan, 2025) Israels pattern of deadly attacks on and near hospitals in Gaza, and associated combat, have pushed the healthcare system to the brink of total collapse, with catastrophic effects on Palestinians access to health and medical care, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) said Wednesday. A report published by the Office documents attacks carried out between 12 October 2023 and 30 June 2024, raises serious concerns about Israels compliance with international law. Medical personnel and hospitals are specifically protected under international humanitarian law, provided they do not commit or are not used to commit, outside their humanitarian function acts harmful to the enemy. As if the relentless bombing and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza were not enough, the one sanctuary where Palestinians should have felt safe in fact became a death trap, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. The protection of hospitals during warfare is paramount and must be respected by all sides, at all times,. The study has been released just days after the last functioning major healthcare facility in northern Gaza, Kama Adwan Hospital, was taken out of service after a raid by Israeli military forces, leaving the population of North Gaza with almost no access to adequate healthcare. Staff and patients were forced to flee or were taken into custody, with many reports of torture and ill-treatment. The director of the hospital was taken into custody and his fate and whereabouts are unknown. Airstrikes caused destruction in the area surrounding Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza on 25 October 2024. During the period covered by the report, there were at least 136 strikes on at least 27 hospitals and 12 other medical facilities, claiming significant casualties among doctors, nurses, medics and other civilians, and causing significant damage, if not complete destruction of civilian infrastructure. The report explains that in the exceptional circumstances when medical personnel, ambulances, and hospitals lose their special protection because they fulfil the strict criteria to be considered military objectives, any attack on them must still comply with the fundamental principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack. Failure to respect any of these principles constitutes a breach of international humanitarian law. Intentionally directing attacks against hospitals and places where the sick and wounded are treated, provided they are not military objectives; intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population as such, or against individual civilians not taking direct part in hostilities, including the launching of an indiscriminate attack resulting in death or injury to civilians; and intentionally launching disproportionate attacks, are also war crimes, the report adds. Under certain circumstances, the deliberate destruction of healthcare facilities may amount to a form of collective punishment, which would also constitute a war crime. The report also notes that several of these acts, if committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population, further to a State or, in the case of non-state actor, organizational policy, may also amount to crimes against humanity. In most instances, Israel alleges that the hospitals were being improperly used for military purposes by Palestinian armed groups, the report states. However, insufficient information has so far been made available to substantiate these allegations, which have remained vague and broad, and in some cases appear contradicted by publicly available information. If these allegations were verified, this would raise serious concerns that Palestinian armed groups were using the presence of civilians to intentionally shield themselves from attack, which would amount to a war crime. The impacts of the Israeli militarys operations in and around hospitals, and associated combat, extend far beyond the physical structures, the report finds. Women, especially pregnant women, have suffered gravely. Many women have given birth with no or minimal pre-and post-natal care, increasing the risk of preventable maternal and child mortality. The UN Human Rights Office received reports that newborns had died because their mothers were unable to attend postnatal check-ups or reach medical facilities to give birth. The increasingly limited healthcare system prevented many of those who had sustained trauma injuries from receiving timely and possibly life-saving treatment. By the end of April 2024, according to the Ministry of Health of the State of Palestine (Palestinian MOH), 77,704 Palestinians were injured. Many injured reportedly died while waiting to be hospitalized or treated. According to the Palestinian MOH, by the end of June 2024, more than 500 medical professionals had been killed in Gaza since 7 October. The Israeli militarys first major operation against a hospital involved Al Shifa Medical Complex in November 2023. It raided the facility a second time in March 2024, leaving it in complete ruin by 1 April. Subsequent to the withdrawal by the Israeli military, three mass graves were reportedly found at the hospital, with at least 80 corpses retrieved, raising serious concerns that crimes under international law may have been committed. Some of these bodies were reportedly found with catheters and cannulas still attached, suggesting they had been patients. In some of the attacks, the Israeli military likely used both heavy weapons and air dropped munitions with wide area effects, the report finds. It appears that an MK 83 munition was used in the 10 January airstrike in front of Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, middle Gaza. Reportedly, at least 12 people were killed, including a journalist and several internally displaced persons (IDPs), and 35 people were injured. The use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in a densely populated area raises serious concerns of an indiscriminate attack. The report finds that another feature of such attacks has been the apparent targeting of people inside hospitals, but that in most of these cases, it was difficult to determine attribution. The UN Human Rights Office verified multiple cases of people being shot dead at Al Awda Hospital in Jabalya, including a volunteer nurse who was fatally shot in the chest while looking out of a window on 7 December 2023. It is essential that there be independent, thorough and transparent investigations of all of these incidents and full accountability for all violations of international humanitarian and human rights law which have taken place, said Mr. Turk. All medical workers arbitrarily detained must be immediately released. It must also be a priority for Israel, as the occupying power, to ensure and facilitate access to adequate healthcare for the Palestinian population, and for future recovery and reconstruction efforts to prioritize the restoration of the medical capacity which has been destroyed over the last 14 months of intense conflict. APP/ift (@ChaudhryMAli88) Ramallah, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Jan, 2025) The Palestinian Authority on Wednesday ordered the suspension of broadcasts by the Qatar-based Al Jazeera across the Palestinian territories, accusing the network of airing "inciting content", official media reported. "The specialised ministerial committee, comprising the ministries of culture, interior and communications, has decided to suspend broadcasts and freeze all activities of Al Jazeera satellite channel and its office in Palestine," the official Wafa news agency said. "The decision also includes temporarily freezing the work of all journalists, employees, crews and affiliated channels until their legal status is rectified due to Al Jazeera's violations of the laws and regulations in force in Palestine," the report said. "This decision comes in response to Al Jazeera's insistence on broadcasting inciting content and reports characterised by misinformation, incitement, sedition and interference in Palestinian internal affairs," it added. An Al Jazeera employee contacted by AFP confirmed that the network's office in Ramallah had received a suspension order on Wednesday. Tensions between the network and the Fatah movement of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, have risen in recent weeks due to the channel's coverage of clashes between Palestinian security forces and resistance fighters in Jenin. The Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority's decision comes more than three months after Israeli forces raided the network's office in Ramallah. The network is already banned from broadcasting from Israel amid a long-running feud with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, which has only worsened during the ongoing war in Gaza. he-jd/kir Moscow, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jan, 2025) Some Russians ushering in the New Year said they wanted the conflict with Ukraine to end in 2025, and for a return of "peace" and "stability". But on the streets of Moscow there was no mention of Russia withdrawing its troops or giving up territory seized during the nearly three-year offensive. "Of course, we would like the country to finally end the special military operation," said Irina Vasilyeva, a 41-year-old kindergarten teacher, out celebrating the New Year overnight. She used Russia's official term for its offensive on Ukraine, launched in February 2022. Russia has criminalised criticism of its actions in the conflict under strict military censorship laws ushered in days after the start of the campaign. "We really worry for the guys, we want them to come home as soon as possible," Vasilyeva added, referring to Russian soldiers. Chanting "Russia" and flashing his T-shirt with a Soviet hammer-and-sickle on it, Giorgi Maisuradze told AFP: "First of all, I would like the war to end." "We were born in the Soviet Union. I want Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin to again gather all these 15 countries, and for this state to be the strongest in the world," he said amid the celebrations. "I don't need anything else." Russian officials and those who back the offensive on Ukraine typically cast the fighting as part of a wider "hybrid war" being fought by the West against Russia. - 'Most important thing' - Talk of a possible end to the three-year conflict has risen up the agenda following Donald Trump's victory in the US Presidential election. The incoming Republican has vowed to end the fighting within hours, though has not laid out how he plans to do that. The two sides appear far apart on a possible deal. Moscow wants full control of four eastern and southern Ukrainian regions it claims to have annexed, while Kyiv has ruled out territorial concessions for peace. In his own New Year's Eve address on Tuesday, Putin did not explicitly mention the fighting in Ukraine but praised Russia's soldiers for their "courage and bravery". "You are true heroes who have undertaken the great military labour to defend Russia," he said. While some Russians called for the conflict to end, there was little in the way of proposals on how to bring the two sides together, or on whether they would be willing to see Moscow make concessions. "My biggest wish for all Russians is for the war to end, for peace to be in our country, for everyone to be happy, for everyone to love each other," said teacher Svetlana Khodchenkova, 47. Viktor Abramov, a 51-year-old welder, said he had "high hopes" the conflict would end in 2025. "I think that most Russians' hopes align with mine. It's the most important thing and the rest will be fine," he told AFP. The dance world mourned Tuesday the internationally acclaimed South African dancer and choreographer Dada Masilo, who died in the hospital over the weekend at age 39. Masilo died unexpectedly on Sunday after a brief illness, a spokesperson for her family said in a statement. Born in Soweto, she was described as a sprite-like, energetic dancer and a fearless rule-breaker, who brought African dance motifs to classic European roles in a career that spanned two decades. "Deeply respectful of European and contemporary music traditions, but unafraid to go bare on stage and voice her own opinions, she effectively changed the shape and appearance of contemporary dance in South Africa," family spokesperson Bridget van Oerle said in the statement, announcing her death. Among the most recent in a series of acknowledgements of her work, Masilo in September received the Positano Leonide Massine lifetime achievement award for classic and contemporary dance, which praised her as "powerful and topical." Her revisited versions of the great classics of romantic ballet drew on African dance to speak of the society in which she lived and of tolerance across borders, the award announcement said. "A brilliant light has been extinguished," the Joburg Ballet company said, praising Masilo's "creative force as a choreographer and her wisdom as a human being." "Her groundbreaking work reshaped the world of contemporary dance, and her spirit will continue to inspire generations of artists and audiences," the University of Johannesburg's arts and culture department said. The U.K.-based Dance Consortium, which toured with Masilo in Britain twice, called her death a "tragic loss to the dance world." "Her fresh perspective, extraordinary presence and stunning creations wowed and inspired audiences and artists across the U.K. and around the world," it said. 'Extraordinary role model' Masilo was best known for her iconic re-invention of the great ballet classics such as Swan Lake and Giselle, said Lliane Loots, artistic director at the JOMBA! dance center at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She used her "remarkable skill as a ballet dancer" to meld this European dance form "with the rhythms and intentions of her own histories of African dance and of being South African," Loots said. In 2016, Masilo's Swan Lake was nominated for a New York Bessie Award and the following year her Giselle won Best Performance by the Italian Danza and Danza Award, the family statement said. In 2018, she won the Netherlands Prince Claus Next Generation award, where she was described as an "extraordinary role model for young people and girls." As Myanmars military government prepares for elections in 2025, attention turns to neighboring China, which, critics say, is pressuring Southeast Asian nations to treat the vote as a solution to Myanmars ongoing political crisis. A military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 overthrew the democratically elected government and triggered a civil war that left thousands of people dead and millions displaced. Myanmars neighbors have been seeking a solution to the crisis and recently held meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, to discuss it. China was a participant at a Dec. 19 meeting that included Bangladesh, India, Laos and Thailand. All five countries are neighbors of Myanmar. At the meeting, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong urged the neighbors representatives to support Myanmars peace and reconciliation, according to a statement by Chinas Foreign Ministry. All parties should respect Myanmars national conditions and ... prioritize peoples livelihoods, Sun said. At the Dec. 19 meeting, Than Swe, Myanmars deputy prime minister and foreign minister, outlined the juntas 2025 election roadmap. Opposition groups, including ethnic armed forces and the National Unity Government, or NUG, a parallel government formed after the 2021 coup, rejected the plan, questioning its legitimacy and whether the elections would be free and fair. On Dec. 20, there was a meeting of all representatives of ASEAN countries, except Myanmar because junta political appointees usually have been barred from attending high-level meetings of the bloc since the coup. Thai Foreign Ministry official Bolbongse Vangphaen said the bloc still awaits details of the proposed ballot, which China backs. Myanmars military leadership did not respond to VOA's request for comment regarding the Bangkok meetings, controversies surrounding its proposed elections or its preparations for the polls. China maintains close ties with Myanmar's military and the rebel groups near its border. In his recent Christmas and New Years messages, Myanmars junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, reiterated and reaffirmed the governments commitment to strengthening the multiparty democratic system and returning to the correct democratic path. VOA asked the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar for comment on Chinas support for the election in Myanmar but has not received a response. However, during a visit to Myanmars capital, Naypyidaw, in mid-August by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Beijing called for an "all-inclusive election," according to the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper. Skeptics argue that any election carried out by the junta would lead only to a superficial peace that ignores decadeslong political and ethnic grievances. Chinas growing sway Experts told VOA that Beijing is urging ASEAN members to deepen their engagement with Myanmars military. According to Jason Tower of the United States Institute of Peace, China is pressuring its Southeast Asian neighbors to accept the juntas election as a quick solution. From Chinas vantage point, if ASEAN is bringing the regime back in and is having higher-level interactions, it legitimizes what China is doing, Tower said. Myanmar expert Htet Min Lwin of York University in Canada said Beijing prefers leveraging its influence over that of Western intervention. If the resolution goes through ASEAN, where China holds considerable influence, Beijing will likely keep pushing an ASEAN-led path, he told VOA. Sai Kyi Zin Soe, a regionally based Myanmar political analyst, agreed. Some ASEAN member countries will not be able to overcome Chinas influence, economically or in terms of security, he said. Chinas power doesnt stop at ASEAN; it also extends to domestic groups, including ethnic armed groups in Myanmar, which are now controlling almost all the border areas with China and are traditionally closely tied to China. Tower, meanwhile, sees no viable plan for a political solution and said Beijing views Myanmars generals as completely cornered and open to significant concessions that could jeopardize sovereignty, including allowing Chinese troops to protect investments. China has been strong-arming two of the northern ethnic armed organizations into talks with the regime, Tower said. Chinese influence continues to rise, and [Beijing] is exerting that influence on other countries in the region, trying to get those countries to follow along. He warned the junta is bankrupt when it comes to a real solution, instead relying on airstrikes, forced conscription and a sham election to legitimize junta leader Min Aung Hlaing. Tower predicted ASEAN would eventually realize the militarys steady decline. Mounting battlefield losses The juntas China-backed electoral push comes amid a series of defeats. The military is losing ground at an alarming pace and is desperate, Tower said. Tower believes that after the fall of two major regional commands, Myanmars weakened military has no alternative but to trade away parts of its sovereignty to China. Its making major concessions, he said, citing Chinas proposed joint venture security company. For China, this turns Myanmar into a testing ground for its Global Security Initiative and new approaches to secure interests beyond its borders. In October, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, or the Kokang group, part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance along with the Taang National Liberation Army and the Arakan Army, captured the city of Lashio in northern Shan State. Lashio is considered strategic for the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, marking the first time in modern Myanmar history that a regional command fell to rebels. On Dec. 20, the Arakan Army seized the juntas western regional command in Rakhine state, an area rich in natural gas that includes major Chinese projects. Video on social media shows emaciated junta troops surrendering. Tower said it was an embarrassment of an army. The bottom line is increasing desperation, Tower said, adding that this explains why Myanmars military is ceding sovereignty to China, including the potential deployment of Chinese private security troops in Rakhine state. Concerns of 'negative peace' Analysts say an election without real dialogue will yield a fragile ceasefire. All the neighboring countries, including China, cannot understand that each ethnic group in Myanmar has its own right to rule and sovereignty, Htet Min Lwin said. Sai Kyi Zin Soe noted, citing World Bank and United Nations data, that 42 million of Myanmars 53 million people now live in poverty. He said the humanitarian crisis could push many armed groups to pause fighting but not necessarily resolve the conflict. If the international community pushes them, the war may stop, and the election will happen, Sai Kyi Zin Soe said. However, it will not be a solution that benefits Myanmar in the long term. It needs to be understood that only negative peace will prevail. Tower told VOA there may be opportunities this year for ASEAN to expand its role, but Chinas involvement, especially in border areas, could overshadow that. If other countries dont take careful note of Chinese interference, he said, the response in Myanmar tilts more toward where Beijing is headed. The U.N. Human Rights Office says Israels attacks on and around hospitals have pushed health care to the brink of collapse and may have violated international law. Israel has dismissed the allegations from U.N. bodies. Israels army detained the director of one of northern Gazas last functioning hospitals. The Israeli military has accused Hamas of using hospitals as command centers for military operations and said people Israel detained were suspected militants. The war continues, as negotiators continue to work on a deal to release the remaining Hamas held hostages. Linda Gradstein provides perspective from Jerusalem. Israeli airstrikes in northern and central Gaza killed at least 17 Palestinians on Wednesday, according to Palestinian officials and local media reports. One of the strikes hit a house in the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza, while another hit the Bureij refugee camp in the center of the Gaza Strip. Israels military did not immediately comment on the attacks, but earlier Wednesday, it warned people to evacuate the Bureij area, saying militants located there were firing rockets. The Israeli military said it killed Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a Hamas militant who helped lead the infiltration into Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7, 2023, attack by the militant group on southern Israel. Israel warned Wednesday that it will intensify its strikes in Gaza if Hamas continues its rocket fire. I want to send a clear message from here to the heads of the terrorists in Gaza: If Hamas does not soon allow the release of the Israeli hostages from Gaza ... and continues firing at Israeli communities, it will face blows of an intensity not seen in Gaza for a long time, Defense Minister Israel Katz said. Israel has repeatedly told people to move from parts of Gaza in what the military says are evacuations necessary for safely carrying out its war against Hamas militants. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have criticized the Israeli tactic, saying that the evacuation orders often give people little time to leave, and that they do not have safe places to go in Gaza to escape the airstrikes and Israeli ground operations. More than 1,500 tents sheltering displaced people across Gaza were flooded by heavy rains over the past two days, leaving people exposed to the cold, the Palestinian civil defense said. The war in Gaza began with Hamas militants attacking southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 people hostage. About 100 hostages are being held in Gaza, with at least one-third of them believed to be dead. Israels counteroffensive in Gaza has killed at least 45,500 Palestinians and injured more than 108,000, according to the Health Ministry in the enclave. The ministry does not differentiate between militants and civilians in its count. The war has leveled wide areas of Gaza and displaced 90% of its 2.3 million people. The United States, United Kingdom, European Union and others have designated Hamas as a terror organization. Some information for this report was provided by from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. U.N. human rights monitors find that almost three years after Russias invasion of Ukraine, the human rights situation in the country and areas occupied by Russia is on a downward spiral, as military operations intensify, civilian casualties rise, and torture, summary executions and other gross violations proliferate. The human rights situation remains bleak with a still-rising number of civilian casualties, continued executions and torture of prisoners of war, and efforts by Russia to solidify its control of occupied Ukrainian territory, according to the new report by the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, HRMMU. The report, released Tuesday by the U.N. Human Rights Office, covers key developments in the human rights situation between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30, 2024. Its based on information gathered in the course of dozens of field trips and visits to detention centers, as well as interviews with more than 800 victims and witnesses of human rights violations. Behind each of the facts and figures in this report are stories of loss and human suffering, showing the devastating impact of the war across Ukraine, said HRMUU chief Danielle Bell in a statement issued from Kyiv to coincide with the release of the report. She said HRMMU teams documented 574 civilian deaths, and more than 3,000 civilians injured over the three-month period, adding that September marked the highest monthly casualty toll since July 2022. The report attributes the surge in civilian deaths primarily to intensified military operations by Russian armed forces, especially in Kherson, Donetsk and other Russian government-controlled areas of Kharkiv. The use of aerial glide bombs and short-range drones contributed to the high number of civilian casualties and harm to communities, the report says, noting that in mid-November, Russian armed forces began conducting large-scale coordinated aerial attacks against Ukraines critical energy infrastructure. The attacks disrupted electricity and dependent services such as water, heating, and transportation services in multiple regions, it says, further diminishing Ukraines energy capacity as winter approached. There was no immediate response to the report from Russian or Ukrainian officials. A spokeswoman for the U.N. Human Rights Office tells VOA the office sent the report to the Russian Federation in advance of its publication, as per usual practice. We did not receive any comments from them. Ukrainian POWs subjected to sexual violence The report finds torture, and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war in the hands of the Russian Federation, has been widespread and systematic. It says 42 recently released Ukrainian POWs have presented credible and detailed accounts of torture they had experienced, including beatings, electric shock, and prolonged solitary confinement during their captivity. It says the use of sexual violence is prevalent against both women and men, with many being subjected to rape, electric shocks and beating to genitals, forced nudity, and threats of rape and castration. Since the end of August, U.N. monitors have recorded a significant increase in credible allegations of executions of Ukrainian POWs, involving the killing of 62 individuals in 19 incidents. The U.N. human rights office has verified the execution of 15 Ukrainian servicemen. While Russian POWs also have been subjected to torture and ill-treatment by Ukrainian authorities, authors of the report say this has occurred to a much lesser extent and predominantly while prisoners were held in transit facilities during the early stages of captivity. It adds that the Human Rights Office documented the death of one Russian POW at a transit facility in early 2024 caused by torture and is looking into the deaths of two other Russian POWs under similar circumstances. The report also examines the treatment of civilians in territory occupied by the Russian Federation in Ukraine and in Crimea, which it illegally annexed in 2014. Imposing Russian identity Authors of the report accuse Russia of entrenching its control in the occupied territory through the imposition of Russian laws, in violation of its obligations under international humanitarian law, resulting in further restrictions to fundamental rights and freedoms, property ownership, and cultural rights. They cite the example of a new strategy adopted by the Russian authorities in September to compel Ukrainian children and youth in occupied territory to demonstrate loyalty to the Russian Federation. The strategy involves the training of children in military skills as part of their summer recreational activities and the use of propaganda in education. Over the 2024 summer, Russian occupying authorities sent children from occupied territory of Ukraine to camps in Crimea and in the Russian Federation, where both girls and boys received military training and participated in activities focused on reinforcement of Russian patriotism and identity, in violation of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law, they say. The report lambasts the Russian Federation as the occupying authority for restricting religious freedom and for restricting freedom of expression to silence criticism of Russian military actions. The report also finds fault with provisions adopted by the Ukrainian government in the territories they control that prohibit the activities of Ukrainian religious organizations affiliated with counterparts in the Russian Federation. These provisions, the authors say, disproportionately restrict the free expression of ones religion or belief and should be amended to align fully with international human rights law. Ivory Coast announced on Tuesday that French troops will leave the country after a decadeslong military presence. It is the latest African nation to downscale military ties with its former colonial power. Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara said the pullout would begin in January. France has had as many as 600 troops in Ivory Coast. "We have decided on the concerted and organized withdrawal of French forces in Ivory Coast," he said, adding that the military infantry battalion of Port Bouet that is run by the French army will be handed over to Ivorian troops. Outtara's announcement follows that of other leaders across West Africa, where France's military is being asked to leave. Analysts have described the moves as part of the wider structural transformation in the region's engagement with Paris. Several West African nations including coup-hit Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have recently asked the French to leave. Most recently, Senegal and Chad did the same. Chad is considered France's most stable and loyal partner in Africa. The downscaling of military ties comes as France has been making efforts to revive its waning political and military influence on the continent by devising a new military strategy that would sharply reduce its permanent troop presence in Africa. France has now been kicked out of more than 70% of African countries where it had a troop presence since ending its colonial rule. The French remain only in Djibouti, with 1,500 soldiers, and Gabon, with 350 troops. After expelling French troops, military leaders of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have moved closer to Russia, which has mercenaries deployed across the Sahel who have been accused of abuses against civilians. The security situation has worsened in those countries, with increasing numbers of extremist attacks and civilian deaths from armed groups and government forces. Kenyan President William Ruto on Tuesday acknowledged abuses by Kenya's security forces, in the wake of demonstrations against a recent wave of alleged kidnappings that have sparked outrage in the country. Security forces in the East African nation have been accused of carrying out dozens of illegal detentions since youth-led anti-government demonstrations in June and July were harshly repressed. And on Monday, police forcibly detained dozens of protesters and fired tear gas into small peaceful rallies calling for the release of those who had disappeared. "It cannot be denied that there have been instances of excessive and extrajudicial actions by members of the security services," Ruto said in his new year's address, without specifying what those actions may have been. "That said, it is crucial to remember that every freedom has its limits, and that public safety and order must always supersede the desire for unchecked liberty," he said. Last week, the embattled president had promised to "stop the abductions," a vow taken by human rights activists as an admission of guilt. But he also urged parents to take responsibility for their children. The latest disappearances have by and large involved young people who have criticized Ruto online. Two of them had published an image generated using artificial intelligence of the head of state lying in a coffin. "These are clear signals that our moral fabric is at risk of decay, exacerbated by various factors, including the manipulation of digital technology, particularly social media, to amplify anti-social behavior and erode moral values," Ruto said in his end-of-year address. A Nairobi court on Monday ruled that the security forces should "immediately and unconditionally" free five men who were reportedly abducted. Judge Bahati Mwamuye ordered the police to present the five in court on Tuesday or "explain under oath the circumstances of the matter" or their whereabouts. None of the missing were present in court, where a tearful father asked where his son was. The police inspector general, who was also summoned, sent a representative in his stead. While police have denied involvement in the disappearances, activists have questioned why they do not appear to be investigating them. Earlier this year, Human Rights Watch said its research pointed toward a unit drawn from multiple security agencies. Last week, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said it counted seven cases of abductions reported this month. Six of those who disappeared are still missing. In all, 29 of the 82 people reported to have disappeared since June remain unaccounted for, according to the human rights commission. The Palestinian Authority on Wednesday temporarily suspended Al Jazeera broadcasts across the Palestinian territories, according to media reports. A ministerial committee suspended the broadcasters operations over what it described as broadcasting inciting material and reports that were deceiving and stirring strife in the territories. The committee included the culture, interior and communications ministries. The Qatari-owned Al Jazeera came under criticism last week by the Palestinian Authority over its coverage of the weeks-long standoff between Palestinian security forces and militant fighters in the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. Al Jazeera denounced the suspension as an attempt to block the outlet from covering escalating events in the occupied territories. The decision to freeze Al Jazeeras work and prevent its journalists from conducting their duties is an attempt to hide the truth, Al Jazeera said in a Thursday statement. The outlet also called on the Palestinian Authority to reverse the decision. Fatah, the political faction that controls the Palestinian Authority, said the broadcaster was fostering division in our Arab homeland in general and in Palestine in particular. It encouraged Palestinians to not cooperate with the network. Last week, Al Jazeera condemned what it described as an incitement campaign initiated by Fatah against Al Jazeera and its reporters over their coverage of clashes between Palestinian security forces and militant fighters in Jenin. Al Jazeera has successfully maintained its professionalism throughout its coverage of the unfolding events in Jenin, Al Jazeera said in the statement. The Palestinian Authoritys decision to suspend Al Jazeera isnt expected to be implemented in Hamas-run Gaza, where the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority does not exercise power. This suspension is the latest of several recent challenges that Al Jazeera has faced in the occupied West Bank and Israel. In September 2024, Israeli soldiers raided Al Jazeeras Ramallah office in the occupied West Bank and ordered the bureau to shut down operations. And in May 2024, the Israeli government shutdown Al Jazeera in Israel over national security concerns. Press freedom groups and media organizations are calling for Iran to release an Italian journalist who was arrested last month. Cecilia Sala, who works for the daily Italian newspaper Il Foglio, was arrested on Dec. 19 and is being held in Iran's notorious Evin prison. The 29-year-old was reporting in Iran on a journalist visa and was due to return to Italy on Dec. 20. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ, said Sala's jailing underscores Tehran's harsh suppression of independent journalism in the country. "Sala's arrest is a powerful reminder of the daily threats faced by those reporting in and about Iran, and she and all those wrongfully detained by Iran should be released immediately," CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg said Tuesday in a statement. Iran ranks seventh among the world's top jailers of journalists. As of Dec. 1, 2024, 16 journalists were jailed in the country, according to CPJ data. Iran confirmed Sala's detention on Monday when the state news outlet IRNA reported that she was being held after "violating the laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran." Sala, who also works for the podcast company Chora Media, is being held in solitary confinement, according to media reports. The office of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Meloni was "following the complex affair" closely and pursuing "all possible avenues of dialogue" to release Sala. Italy's foreign minister said Sala was in good health and that negotiations were under way to bring her home. Paris-based Reporters Without Borders, or RSF, said Sala appeared to have been arbitrarily detained. "We are also concerned about her conditions of detention as she is held in solitary confinement in Evin prison infamous for being the cruel place where free voices critical of the regime are detained," RSF Director General Thibaut Bruttin said Tuesday in a statement. The National Press Club in Washington condemned Sala's solitary confinement. "Sala's imprisonment is a chilling reminder of the risks journalists face in pursuit of the truth," President Emily Wilkins said in a statement last week. "Her detention is an affront to press freedom and a violation of international norms." Sala's arrest came just a few days after Italy arrested Swiss Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, known as Abedini, in Milan at the request of the United States. The businessman is accused of breaking U.S. sanctions laws and providing support to a foreign terrorist organization, which ultimately led to the deaths of three U.S. service members in a drone attack in Jordan, according to the U.S. Justice Department. A U.S. State Department spokesperson told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica that they believe Sala's arrest is likely a response to Najafabadi's arrest. Iran's Foreign Ministry did not immediately reply to VOA's email requesting comment. A few dozen protesters gathered in the Syrian city of Douma on Wednesday to demand answers in the disappearance of four prominent activists who were abducted more than a decade ago. The demonstrators called on Syrias new rulers the Islamist-led rebels who seized power last month to investigate what happened to them. The disappeared activists in question are Razan Zaitouneh, her husband, Wael Hamadeh, Samira Khalil and Nazem Hammadi. On Dec. 9, 2013, unidentified gunmen stormed the Violations Documentation Center in Douma, northeast of Damascus, and abducted the four activists. At the time, Douma was held by rebels. There has been no sign of life nor proof of death since they were abducted. Zaitouneh was one of Syrias most prominent human rights activists, in part because she documented abuses by then-President Bashar al-Assads government and rebel groups in equal measure. Her work earned her international recognition, including an International Woman of Courage Award presented by U.S. first lady Michelle Obama in 2013. At the Wednesday protest, demonstrators held up photos of the missing activists. We are here because we want to know the whole truth about two women and two men who were disappeared from this place 11 years and 22 days ago, said activist Yassin Al-Haj Saleh, whose wife, Khalil, was among those abducted. We are gathering here to remind the world of their case, he added. This is the first opportunity that allows us to be in Douma and in front of the place that they were kidnapped from, to speak up about the case, taking advantage of the political change that took place in the country. Since the Assad government was ousted last month, protests have occurred across the Middle Eastern country calling for information about the thousands of people who were forcibly disappeared under Assads rule. Syrias transitional government led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, which led the ouster of Assad has been neutral regarding accusations against various armed groups of forcibly disappearing activists. HTS has also aligned with activists in their efforts to seek truth and justice. We are here because we want the truth. The truth about their fate and justice for them, so that we may heal our wounds, said Alaa al-Merhi, Khalils niece. No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, but signs point to the Army of Islam, the most powerful rebel faction in Douma at the time. The group has long denied involvement. Zaitouneh had received threats from both the government and rebels before she went missing. Friends and activists have said some of the threats can be traced to the Army of Islam. Protesters on Wednesday held banners accusing the Army of Islam of the abduction. We have enough evidence to incriminate Jaish al-Islam, and we have the names of suspects we would like to see investigated, Haj Saleh said. He said he wanted the perpetrators to be tried by the Syrian courts. The Army of Islam remains an armed faction backed by Turkey. It is excluded from the HTS-led Syrian leadership. Some information in this report came from The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. Romania and Bulgaria became full members of the Schengen zone on Wednesday, expanding the borderless area to 29 members and ending a 13-year wait for the two eastern European countries. The expansion, made possible when Austria and other members dropped their objections to the former communist countries joining, officially took place at midnight on Wednesday, marked by ceremonies at various border posts. Romania and Bulgaria, both members of the European Union since 2007, were partially included in the Schengen zone in March, eliminating border checks at ports and airports. But Austria had threatened to veto their full entry over migration concerns, which meant that controls still applied at land border crossings. Vienna backed off its veto threat in December after the three countries reached a deal on a "border protection package," clearing the way for Romania and Bulgaria, two of the EU's poorest countries, to join Schengen. Overlap with EU but not identical Created in 1985, the zone will now include 25 of the EU's 27 members, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, covering a total population of more than 400 million people. Romania and Bulgaria had met the Schengen zone's technical requirements for membership since 2011. But "member states objected every time" they tried to join, analyst Valentin Naumescu told Agence France-Presse. That became "a source of frustration exploited by anti-EU parties, which alleged Romania was being treated unfairly," he said. The resentment came into play in Romania's recent presidential elections, in which far-right candidate Calin Georgescu surged to a surprise first-round win, before the polls were canceled amid claims of Russian interference. Now, "that feeling of being second-class citizens" should fade, Naumescu said. Nations came to an agreement Leaders on both sides hailed the expansion as "historic." Austria had for years complained about hosting a disproportionate number of undocumented migrants as a result of poorly protected external Schengen borders. It dropped its objections to Romania (population 19 million) and Bulgaria (6.5 million) joining Schengen after the three countries signed a border protection agreement in November. The deal provides for the joint deployment of guards to the Bulgarian-Turkish border and temporary controls at land crossings for an initial period of six months. Joining the zone will boost Romania's and Bulgaria's gross domestic product by at least one percentage point, analysts estimate. Truck drivers celebrate the change Lorry drivers, who currently wait up to 20 hours at border crossings, celebrated the news. "It was a pure waste of time for drivers, who couldn't even stop to rest because they had to move their vehicles every 10 minutes," said Beniamin Lucescu, head of a Romanian transport federation. Poor road and railroad infrastructure in Bulgaria could limit the positive impact there. The countries' tourism sectors are meanwhile expecting a surge in visitors from the two countries to nearby Greece. "It's excellent news," said 46-year-old sales manager Ivailo Kirkov, who owns a house in northern Greece. "We'd been waiting impatiently." Greek teacher and tour guide Gueorgui Grantcharov predicted a rush of Romanian and Bulgarian tourists to Greece. With no queues at the border, "it takes just over four hours to get from Sofia to Thessaloniki," he said. Russian natural gas exports via Soviet-era pipelines running through Ukraine to Europe were halted in the early hours of Wednesday as a transit deal expired. Moscow and Kyiv failed to reach an agreement to continue the flows. Ukraine now faces the loss of some $800 million a year in transit fees from Russia, while Gazprom will lose close to $5 billion in gas sales. We talk to Sergey Sanovich a Hoover Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. Russia launched a New Years Day drone attack on Ukraines capital early Wednesday, killing at least two people, injuring at least six others, and damaging buildings in two districts, authorities said. Two floors of a residential building in central Kyiv were partially destroyed in the strike, according to the State Emergency Service. Two people were killed, it said. The National Bank of Ukraine also said in a statement that one of its buildings nearby had been damaged by debris from a downed drone. Even on New Years Eve, Russia was only concerned about how to hurt Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on social media about the strike. Ukraines military said it shot down 63 out of 111 drones launched by Russia overnight across various regions of Ukraine. An additional 46 were downed by electronic jamming, it said. The intercepts took place in the Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia and Zhytomyr regions, the military said. In Ukraines Dnipropetrovsk region, Governor Serhiy Lysak said Russia attacked with artillery, rockets and drones, damaging seven houses and a medical center. Russias defense ministry said Wednesday it destroyed a Ukrainian drone over the Kursk region. In neighboring Bryansk, the regional governor said Russian air defenses destroyed two drones, and that there were no casualties or damage. Also on Wednesday, Ukraine said that the transit of Russian natural gas through its territory had been halted as of 7 a.m. local time, citing national security. We stopped the transit of Russian gas. This is a historic event, Ukrainian energy minister German Galushchenko said in a statement. In a New Year's Eve address to his nation Tuesday, Zelenskyy said his country would do everything it could in the new year to end the war with Russia. "And every day in the coming year, I, and all of us, must fight for a Ukraine that is strong enough. Because only such a Ukraine is respected and heard, both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table," Zelenskyy said. "May 2025 be our year. The year of Ukraine. We know that peace will not be given to us as a gift, but we will do everything to stop Russia and end the war. This is what each of us wishes for," he added. In 2024, Ukraine lost seven times more ground to Russia than it did in 2023: about 4,000 square kilometers, mostly in the east, according to data from the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War. At the same time, Ukraine took several hundred square kilometers of Russian territory in Kursk. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Some information for this story was provided by Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Russian gas exports crossing through Ukraine were halted Wednesday with the expiration of a transit agreement. The development will force some European nations to find alternative sources of gas with the interruption of the decades-old route. Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine had already prompted many in the European Union to cut their dependence on Russian gas. "We stopped the transit of Russian gas. This is a historic event. Russia is losing its markets, it will suffer financial losses. Europe has already made the decision to abandon Russian gas," Ukraine's energy minister, German Galushchenko, said in a statement. Russian gas giant Gazprom said it lost the "technical and legal right" to send its gas through Ukraine. Russia is still able to export gas to Turkey and central European nations such as Hungary and Serbia. Moldovas government, meanwhile, has ordered sharp cuts in energy consumption to deal with its loss of Russian supply. The European Union played down the impact on its member states, saying, The European gas infrastructure is flexible enough to provide gas of non-Russian origin to central and eastern Europe. Some information for this report was provided by Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Taiwans President Lai Ching-te reiterated his administrations willingness to welcome equal and dignified exchanges with China but said Beijing remains the obstacle for both sides to resume regular exchanges. "Taiwan hopes to have healthy and orderly exchanges with China under the principle of reciprocal dignity, and [Beijing] can cooperate with Taiwan openly and generously," Lai said during his first New Year address since becoming president in May 2024. He added that Chinas attempt to weaken Taiwans democracy would only be "counterproductive" to conducting cross-strait exchanges and earning Taiwanese peoples trust. Lai said Beijing is blocking civil society exchanges across the Taiwan Strait by restricting Chinese tourists from visiting the island or preventing Chinese students from studying in Taiwan. "From this, we can see that the real obstacle to cross-strait exchanges is China, not Taiwan," he told journalists gathering at the presidential office in Taipei. Apart from addressing cross-strait dynamics, Lai warned about the threat that authoritarian countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea pose to the rules-based international order. "Authoritarian regimes continue to cooperate and threaten the rule-based international order, seriously affecting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and around the globe," he said, adding that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is a "necessary element" for global security and prosperity. "Taiwan must be prepared for danger even in times of peace, continue to enhance its defense budget, strengthen its defense capabilities, and showcase the determination to defend itself," Lai added. Lais speech comes as China continues to increase military pressure against Taiwan. Since he took office last May, China has conducted two blockade-style military exercises around Taiwan and increased the frequency of deploying military aircraft and naval vessels to waters and airspaces near the island. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly vowed to reunify with the island, through force if necessary. During his New Year address on Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated the message that Beijings efforts to reunify with Taipei cannot be stopped. "No one can ever sever the bond of kinship between us, and no one can ever stop China's reunification, a trend of the times," Xi said in his 10-minute televised address. Analysts say Lai is trying to create "a new narrative" about relations between Taiwan and China by highlighting the collective threat that authoritarian countries pose to democracies around the world. "He is grouping China with other authoritarian regimes and portraying China as a threat to the democratic world, in which Taiwan is a member," said Zhiqun Zhu, an expert on Chinese foreign policy at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania. "This new narrative not only aims to highlight and promote Taiwan's separate identity from China but is also geared towards winning international support for Taiwan's de facto independence," he told VOA in a written response. During his roughly 20-minute speech, the Taiwanese president said the island will continue to defend democracy and its democratic way of life under his leadership. "Regardless of the threats and challenges to Taiwan, democracy is the only way for us and there is no turning back," Lai said. "The safer Taiwan is, the safer the world will be, and the stronger Taiwan is; the stronger the world's democratic defenses will be," he added. Zhu said Lais rhetoric is unlikely to soften Beijings pressure and intimidation against Taiwan in 2025. "He highlighted the importance of strengthening Taiwans ability to deter Beijings invasion, combating information and cognitive warfare, raising Taiwans defense budget, and boosting its military power," he told VOA. "This is not music to Beijings ears and Beijings view that Lai is a diehard separatist is unlikely to change, which means that official contacts between the two sides are unlikely to resume in the near future," Zhu added. Focus on economic diplomacy in 2025 To highlight Taiwans efforts to deepen engagement with like-minded democracies, Lai said Taiwan has redirected investments to democratic countries, including Japan and the United States, in recent years. "Taiwan's investment in the U.S., Japan, and Europe has risen sharply, significantly surpassing that in China," he said, adding that the trend shows Taipeis efforts reduce reliance on a single market. Additionally, Lai said Taiwan will utilize its advantages in the semiconductor and AI sector to strengthen the resilience of the "democratic supply chain" with democracies around the world. Taiwan needs to "master advanced technologies and promote diversified development so that Taiwan can continue to lead the advancement of the global democratic supply chain and also ensure the security and stability of the global democratic supply chain," he added. Experts say these signals show that Taiwan will focus on deepening relations with other democratic countries through economic diplomacy in 2025. "From his speech, we can see the core of Taiwans economic diplomacy is democracy, and based on this principle, Taiwan can use its strength in advanced technologies to deepen relations with like-minded countries," Hung Chin-fu, a political science professor at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, told VOA by phone. Hung said as China struggles to boost its sluggish economy and Lai continues to portray Taiwan as part of the democratic world, relations between Beijing and Taipei are not likely to improve in 2025. "Chinas military intimidation against Taiwan will likely continue in 2025 because Beijing needs to use it as a distraction from the ongoing economic downturn the country is experiencing," he told VOA. Ethiopias prime minister recently touted the countrys mining resources and said the industry could achieve a historic milestone by generating up to $2 billion in gold revenue this year. He made the comment while inaugurating a gold exploration and mining factory in the Gambella Region. On Dec. 10, Abiy Ahmed reported that Ethiopias economy is "one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa and a beacon of opportunity on the continent." "Among its many thriving sectors, the gold mining industry stands out as a significant driver of growth, presenting immense potential for both local and international investment," he said on social media. But officials in Tigray, one of the richest gold mining regions in Ethiopia, say they are losing resources without benefit for their region at a time when Tigray is trying to recover from two years of brutal war between local rebels and the federal government. The interim president of Tigray, Getachew Reda, speaking on Nov 15 said during the three and half months prior (August, September and October) "28.25 quintals of Gold entered into the Federal Government." "The government has not received a single penny," he said. Ethiopias Commercial Bank, through its branch in Shire Inda Selasse, the hub of the gold in Tigray, recently bought $132 million worth of gold in just three months, according to branch manager Tekie Giday. The Tigray regions entire budget for this year is nearly $100 million. Officials in Tigray said the region is struggling with budget shortfalls as it attempts to bring back services discontinued or destroyed during the war. Environmental fears In addition to lack of economic benefits, officials in Tigray reported that gold mining has exposed some of the regions residents to dangerous chemicals like mercury and cyanide, which are used for extracting gold. Residents living close to the mining fields say the chemicals have been harmful to humans and livestock, with reports of deformed skin on cows and degraded farmland, witnesses and officials said. Some residents in Tigrays Northwest region have gone to the courts seeking justice, to get judges to act against goldminers, who they accuse of polluting the environment and causing ill health to their children. The president of the High Court of the Northwest, Judge Mengistu Teklay, told VOA that chemicals used by miners are becoming the source of health, security and stability concerns. "Utilizations of natural resources must be governed by law and order. It shouldnt benefit the few individuals," Mengistu said. "Those individuals who benefit from these resources should not be allowed to bring safety concerns, existential threats, and health concerns to the unbenefited public." Cyanide and mercury have both been used during the mining process in Tigray, according to multiple interviews conducted by VOAs Horn of Africa Service. The World Health Organization identifies mercury as one of the top 10 chemicals or chemical groups posing public health concerns. Alarmed by the use of the chemicals, Ethiopias Bureau of Innovation and Technology, a government body tasked with overseeing the countrys science and technological development, asked Tigrayan regional government institutions to take action to prevent unsafe use of the chemicals. Gizachew Weldetsadik Beyene is director of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Department in Tigrays Bureau of Innovation and Technology. He said a team from the bureau posing as traditional miners traveled to the mining areas and saw what he called a "sad" situation. "It is so scary," Gizachew said, sharing a video of a cow affected by the chemicals, and pictures of women washing the soil using chemicals in search of gold without safety protocols and with their bare hands. "Weve seen the damage to animals, to the land, the soil, to people who use running water and suffer, with their skin damaged, the animals which are drinking that water and exposed to dangerous diseases," Gizachew said. Action taken The Tigray regions Cabinet this week called for a halt to goldmining. The announcement was made by the deputy president of Tigrays interim administration, Lieutenant General Tsadkan Gebretinsae. He did not elaborate about when the suspension will start and how the measure will be implemented. Prior to that, the Tigray Communication Affairs Bureau said in a statement that action was taken against people who were using illegal dangerous chemicals to process gold in Tahtay Koraro district near a dam that is a source of potable water for the city of Shire Inda Selasse. No details were given about the actions and the type of chemicals used. A security source who requested anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to the media alleged that foreign companies are working with Ezana Mining Development, a local mining company. The head of Ezana company, Tesfatsion Desta, did not initially respond to VOA calls. After a VOA Tigrigna Service radio report aired, Ezana put out a statement saying it was not asked to comment on the story, which it called "distorted." In the statement, Ezana said it worked with foreign companies before the Tigray war. The statement continued that because of insecurity and instability, however, these companies did not come back after the war. The company said the gold factory located in Northwest Tigrays Asgede district, in the Tabia Lemat area, is free from pollution, waste and environmental distraction. Without naming a specific country, Tigray President Getachew told the regions diaspora community in a Zoom meeting that he believes more gold than reported is smuggled out of Ethiopia. Getachew said what is happening in Tigray is becoming "a crime." "It is a very serious problem. It is not just robbery. People are losing their animals because of the dangerous chemical used by the miners. There are people who are known to participate in this network from top to bottom among government and security officials." VOAs repeated attempts to get comment from the Tigray Bureau of Land and Mining and the Mining Ministry, as well as the National Bank of Ethiopia, were unsuccessful. This story originated in VOA's Horn of Africa Service. Tuesday marks 25 years since the U.S. handed over control of the Panama Canal to Panama. Panamanians are celebrating by reaffirming that they will not give up control of the important maritime route nor accept external pressures that jeopardize their national independence. President-elect Donald Trump has suggested the U.S. should retake control of the waterway. Click here for the full story in Spanish. Photo: CNN An annual tradition (except for in 2022), best friends and co-hosts Andy Cohen, Anderson Cooper, and tequila host CNNs New Years Eve Live. Heres how the besties rang in the New Year and who they convinced to take a shot with them as the night unfolded. Shot One: Resurgence The boys are back. Cohen laid down the ground rules: at the top of every hour, Cohen and Cooper are going to take a shot of tequila together. However, Cohen didnt specify how much was going to go into each shot. The two took the shot swimmingly; I mean, the first shot is always the easiest, right? Then Cooper shared his first words of wisdom for the evening: If any young people are watching, at a certain point in your life, you will become the people you used to make fun of. And thats what weve become. We can only hope to be half as cool as them at their age. Shot Two: Giggle City, USA The second shot is always the hardest. Cohen took in the second shot like a pro, but Cooper struggled through the shot of tequila, gagging after the liquor hit his mouth. He started to giggle as Cohen teased and playfully poked him. Hes a lightweight, folks, especially once Ralph Fiennes joined them to recite the Very Mindful, Very Demure meme. Who accepted a shot: Ralph Fiennes, Michael Ian Black, and Amber Ruffin Who rejected a shot: Roy Wood Jr, with good reason. Shot Three: Anderson cant hold it in again Right before comedian Whitney Cummings came to roast 2024, Cohen and Cooper downed their third drink. Cooper clarified that theyve only taken three shots only two hours before the New Year. As Cummings continued to fire shot after shot at what happened this year, the tequila mustve been hitting. Cooper began to hide his face while laughing at Cummingss jokes and then was suspiciously still, possibly disassociating as he remembered the night wasnt over yet. Hold it in, Coop! Who rejected a shot: Whitney Cummings Mid Show reflections: Cooper gets personal Cooper introduced the in memoriam segment of the night by sharing his distaste for New Years. His father died on January 5, 1978 and hes always felt grief during the holiday, opting to work instead of celebrate. Who accepted a shot: Andy Cohens parents Champagne Papis The duo toasted a glass of champagne with 50 Cent, who was celebrating in Vegas. Cooper notably didnt really drink his glass. Maybe hes out for the night. Who accepted a glass: 50 Cent Shot Four: Regret Cohen wanted to keep the party going, pitching to Cooper that they should take another shot right before the New Year. But it seemed like Cooper wanted out for the night. Why do people do this? he asked. Someone get this man a water. Cohen held down the fort by leading Anthony Anderson and his mother, Mama Doris, in a game called the Mom-ly Wed Game. Who accepted one shot: Anthony Anderson and his mother, Mama Doris Who accepted multiple shots: Diplo Who might allegedly be microdosing: Also, Diplo. No confirmation on that though, besides a thumbs up from the gentleman. Shot Five: Happy 2025 Cohen revealed that he and Cooper have already rung in 2025 with a toast, but argued that it doesnt count if its off-camera, so they took another shot. I just wanna say, this is the last drink Im gonna have of 2025 until 2026 New Years Eve, Cooper declared. We look forward to it. (And thankfull, CNN has dropped a highlight reel to tide us over until then.) BAKER CITY A barrage of blizzards since Christmas has increased the avalanche danger in parts of Northeastern Oregon, but a local avalanche forecaster said the abundance of snow can actually be less hazardous than a scarcity. The recent storms, which dropped close to three feet of new snow in the southern Wallowas and around two feet in parts of the Elkhorns, combined with persistent wind to create snow slabs where avalanches are possible, said Caleb Merrill, a forecaster with the Wallowa Avalanche Center in Joseph. Those conditions, and snowy forecasts from the National Weather Service, prompted the avalanche center to issue warnings late last week for the southern Wallowas and over the weekend for the Elkhorn Mountains. (The latter warning didnt apply to Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort, where ski patrollers monitor avalanche conditions and, when necessary, trigger small slides before opening the area each day.) All warnings ended on Monday, Dec. 30. Merrill, who has worked in Northeastern Oregon during the past four winters and moved recently to Enterprise, said the comparatively tranquil weather forecast for Monday and Tuesday should allow the new snow to become more stable, and less susceptible to sliding. Merrill recommends that backcountry travelers, including snowmobilers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers, dig down two to three feet into the snow to look for potential weak layers before traveling across avalanche-prone terrain. Seek out small and inconsequential test slopes that will give you important information on the sensitivity of wind slabs, Merrill wrote on the avalanche centers website on Monday (wallowaavalanchecenter.org). Avoid wind-loaded avalanche paths. When wind blows for extended periods it can, in effect, beat up the snowflakes, breaking them into smaller pieces, Merrill said. The snow grains can pack tightly into slabs that can slide, particularly if a snowmobile rider or skier puts pressure on the slab. Wind slabs can form anywhere, but they tend to be prevalent on the leeward side of slopes, just below cornices, Merrill said. Although the parade of post-Christmas storms temporarily increased the avalanche danger in the southern Wallowas and Elkhorns (there was relatively less new snow in the northern Wallowas and northern Blues, so the avalanche center didnt issue any warnings for those areas), the situation is less concerning than the conditions that have prevailed for much of the previous two winters, Merrill said. In those seasons, extended periods of cold, dry weather led to a layer of sugary snow with grains that didnt latch together and were unstable, Merrill said. When snow accumulated on that layer, the risk of avalanches was relatively high, Merrill said. And that danger continued for weeks due to the persistently dry weather in those winters what Merrill called a classic persistent slab problem. This winter, a layer of relatively unstable snow formed during the dry stretch between Thanskgiving and the first week of December, Merrill said. We believe the trend with this layer is that it is gaining strength, but we are not yet ready to turn our backs on it, he said on Monday, Dec. 30. About the Wallowa Avalanche Center The organization was started in 2009, and although it doesnt get any government subsidies, a couple years ago the center doubled its number of weekly forecasts from two to four per week, focusing on the busiest period for backcountry travel Thursday through Sunday. The centers forecasters issue forecasts for each of four zones in Northeastern Oregon Northern Blue Mountains, Elkhorns, Northern Wallowas and Southern Wallowas. Victor McNeil, the centers director, said in a previous interview that dividing the region into zones is necessary because the avalanche danger, and snowpack conditions, can vary widely. The Wallowas, for instance, are separated into northern and southern zones because in general the southern Wallowas get quite a lot more snow than the northern part of the range. The post-Christmas storms illustrate the difference. As of Monday, Dec. 30, the snow depth at Schneider Meadows, in the southern Wallowas north of Halfway, was 86 inches. Just 15 or so miles away, near Aneroid Lake in the northern Wallowas, the snow depth was 41 inches despite that measuring stations elevation of 7,400 feet, or 2,000 feet higher than Schneider Meadows. The Wallowas are big enough to create a rain shadow (or in this case, snow shadow). And the weather pattern recently has been dominated by southwesterly winds that exacerbate the effect, dropping copious amounts of snow on the southern Wallowas with less in northern areas. The northern Blue Mountains, although prone to major snowstorms that sweep inland and follow the Columbia River to the east, arent as lofty as the Wallowas or the Elkhorns, and thus more prone to thaws and rain during winter, which can result in much different avalanche risks than elsewhere. Although more than two feet of snow has fallen since Christmas in parts of the Blues, including around Tollgate, Merrill said that due in part to warmer temperatures, the snow in that zone was a bit wetter and less susceptible to being blown by wind into potentially unstable slabs as happened in the Southern Wallowas and Elkhorns. The Center relies primarily on fundraisers, the largest being the annual Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival, revenue from its avalanche training courses, as well as grants and other donations. This years festival, the 13th, is set for Jan. 31-Feb. 2, with most events at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort. Several avalanche safety courses are planned in January and February. Details are available at wallowaavalanchecenter.org. Merrill urges backcountry travelers to report their findings, including avalanches, on the website. That information is vital to increasing the accuracy of our forecasts, he said. Merrill also hosts a podcast, Avalanche Hour, that produces three episodes per month and includes interviews with avalanche experts. Colorado ranchers and producers are looking to recover losses they say have been caused by the wolf reintroduction program, submitting nearly $600,000 in claims. Meeting the year-end deadline, three producers submitted six claims, totaling $582,000. That would more than bankrupt the state's wolf depredation compensation fund, which received $350,000 in the 2024-25 budget. Over three years, the wolf reintroduction program has cost the state more than $5.1 million. Between April and September, more than two dozen confirmed attacks on livestock in Jackson, Routt and Grand counties drew only two paid claims through the compensation fund. Those claims were small, with the largest paid claim of $1,514 for a calf in Jackson County. More are pending, with at least one waiting to be paid since last April, according to the state's wolf depredation website. Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, who sponsored the compensation legislation, noted that livestock are highly bred and valuable. Ranchers have been working on their genetics for generations, he said on Tuesday. House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, who was the other House sponsor, said that while she hasn't seen the claims, she trusts the process would be followed and the ranchers would be compensated. "Wolf reintroduction has been very challenging for our ranchers," not just on depredation but the emotional toll it's taken on producers, as well, she said. "The loss of livestock is not just dollars and cents. This is their livelihood, their family tradition. They have an attachment to these animals I've grown to appreciate." McCluskie said she's grateful for the work done by the state wildlife agency and the Department of Agriculture on conflict mitigation, including working to hire range riders. But having the threat of depredation day after day is challenging for these families, McCluskie said. "I'll be anxious to hear the outcome of these claims, yet honor the will of the voters. Reintroduction of wolves is here and I want to take the lessons learned to move toward coexistence in a way that honors our agricultural communities," she said. McCluskie vowed to uphold the pledge from the 2020 ballot measure that calls for fair compensation to producers for depredations. The claims The most significant claim is for more than $400,000 and is tied to more than just wolves killing livestock. The claim form allows producers to claim wolf impacts in other areas, including reduced weights and lower birth rates for calves. The claim states that this is caused by wolves causing stress on livestock. The claim totaling $422,000 said wolves killed 27 calves and cows, and more than 100 went missing in 2024. In addition, more than 1,500 cows showed lower birth rates and less weight, making the livestock less valuable at sale. The first producer claimed cattle weighed 40 pounds less, which cost ranchers $193,000. Claims for lost livestock do not allow compensation for every animal. Producers can claim a percentage of those lost animals, but how that is determined is unclear. The award percentages ranged from less than 50% to 75%. The same producer lost 15 sheep to wolves in 2024. That claim totaled more than $15,000. None of the claims identifies the producers or the counties where they reside. However, Colorado Politics confirmed the biggest claim is from Conway Farrell of Grand County, who has reported dozens of livestock lost to or killed by wolves in 2024. Farrell told Colorado Politics that his cattle do not spread out in the pastures and are constantly stressed because they fear the wolves. They're not seeking ground with fresh feed and will congregate together, instead of scattering in the pasture. In some places, he said, cattle must be pushed to other areas after being scared by wolves. The change in feeding habits has resulted in lower birth weights for the calves. When the cattle are taken to market, on average, they each weigh 40 pounds lighter than cattle from a year ago. Farrell said a neighbor experienced similar losses, with cattle weighing 29 pounds less on average. He said wolves cost the Farrells almost $600,000 in 2024, including hunting losses of $140,000. That's not sustainable, he added. The second producer submitted two claims totaling more than $100,000. The claims were for a dead calf, a necropsy, 57 lost livestock, and low conception rates for cows. The third producer submitted two claims totaling $42,922 for one cow lost to a wolf and for lower conception and market weights. It's unlikely that this is the end of claims that will be submitted to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, according to the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association, which released the claim forms to the media on Tuesday. The question now is how the state can cover the claims that exceed what is available in the budget. Travis Duncan, a spokesperson for the state wildlife agency, told Colorado Politics the fund had $175,000 in the 2023-24 budget year that concluded on June 30 and $350,000 in the current budget year. That covers depredation payments, conflict minimization, and program management. "To date, depredation payments have been made from the General Fund appropriated to the division in the annual appropriations bill. All depredation payments approved by the commission will be paid from the most appropriate source available," he said. Those sources include the general fund, where budget writers are currently trying to cover a $1 billion shortfall in the state budget for 2025-26, the species conservation trust fund, the state's "nongame game conservation and wildlife restoration cash fund," or the wildlife cash fund, although money from hunting and fishing licenses is not allowed to be used for those purposes. In its statement, the Middle Park Stockgrowers said "the financial damages associated with these three claims could have been much less had the agency taken lethal action on some of the wolves. We feel the process within the agency continues to not recognize what is happening on the ground." CPW Director recommends denying petitions to halt reintroductions The claims are coming in just days before the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission is set to discuss a petition submitted by 26 livestock and farming organizations, along with Colorado Counties, Inc., seeking to halt any more introductions of wolves in 2025. CPW Director Jeff Davis recommends that the commission reject the petition. In his Dec. 21 memo to the commission, Davis claimed that introducing more wolves would reduce livestock-wolf conflicts. "Forcing the Division to halt its reintroduction efforts indefinitelyas the petition seeks to do would frustrate the Divisions ability to establish a self-sustaining wolf population while likely perpetuating the relatively high conflict rate experienced by some ranchers over the past year," Davis wrote. He claimed science guiding wolf reintroduction he didn't cite a source for that information states that individual wolves who are not in packs "move unpredictably" and are more likely to rely on livestock as a food source. Featured Local Savings "In contrast, once wolves form breeding pairs and packs, they will establish more predictable territories and will hunt as a group instead of as individuals and therefore may reasonably be expected to successfully prey upon elk and deer more consistently," Davis wrote. That's not what happened in Colorado in 2024. Two wolves relocated from Oregon to Grand County formed a breeding pair and produced at least four pups. Officials named the group the Copper Creek pack. Both the male and female are believed to be responsible for numerous livestock kills, leading to the pack being rounded up in September and placed in an animal sanctuary. The male of the pair died shortly after from injuries unrelated to his capture, officials said. The female and her pups are expected to be released sometime in 2025, and potentially in the same county where the pack killed cattle and sheep in 2024, per recommendations in the state's wolf management plan. Davis also claimed the seven conditions cited in the petition are already being addressed. He claimed that CPW partnered with the state Department of Agriculture, USDA Wildlife Services, CSU Extension, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and various non-governmental organizations to address "obstacles" faced during wolf introduction. Producers and ranchers didn't make that list. The stockgrowers group said on Tuesday that the program's deficiencies have not been cured. And while "the Division may be in the process of implementing programs, they are not in place and cannot be in place before calving season," the group said. The group added: "For example, we do not know of additional Range Riders having been employed, and the Range Rider training sessions are not scheduled until April after calving season is in process." Additionally, Davis wrote that an ad hoc group of a dozen, eight of whom represented pro-wolf advocates and state officials, worked to develop solutions to issues raised in the petition. "The Divisions preferred process for dealing with the petitioners concerns is to develop solutions based on input from diverse stakeholders rather than allowing one set of stakeholders to attempt to dictate the outcome through a rulemaking petition." Davis wrote that the petition also lacked legal merit. Pro-wolf advocates cheered the news that Davis has recommended rejecting the petition. In a statement, Earthjustice attorney Tom Delehanty said, CPW proactively tackled the livestock groups concerns and made the requested management changes. Because of that, and because pausing wolf releases would violate the law, we urge the CPW Commission to follow Director Daviss recommendation and deny this stale petition. A statement from Michael Saul, the Rockies and Plains program director at Defenders of Wildlife, added, Director Davis and CPW staff have shown great leadership throughout this first year of wolf reintroduction. For the best chance at success, Colorados wolf reintroduction program must continue as planned without hindrance, and that includes increasing pack stability and genetic diversity by introducing new wolves, those from British Columbia this winter included. Chronic depredation definition falls short, ranchers say That's not all on the commission's plate for its meeting on Jan. 8 and 9. The ad hoc group, along with the Division, the attorney general's office, and US Fish & Wildlife, also developed a definition of "chronic depredation" that producers say will make it nearly impossible to take action against wolves that chronically attack livestock. The definition comes a year after the Oregon wolves were first released in Grand and Summit counties. It's more than eight months after wolves that came from packs with a history of depredation in Oregon started killing livestock in Grand County. Chronic depredation would be defined as "three or more depredation events caused by the same wolf or wolves within 30 days, provided there is clear and convincing evidence that at least one of the depredation events was caused by wolves," according to the CPW document to be presented to the commission next week. The division will conclude that lethal removal is appropriate so long as the producer has implemented "all non-lethal deterrence measures identified in a site assessment" and removed "any attractants" that could lure wolves to the site. Lethal removal would be handled by CPW or US Fish & Wildlife, although if that isn't possible, the document indicates producers could apply for permits. That's already been tried by Don Gittleson in Jackson County, whose permit was denied a year ago by the state, even after wolves that migrated from Wyoming killed more than a dozen livestock on his ranch and that of a neighbor, as well as four working cattle dogs. According to reports, one wolf killed seven of Gittleson's cattle. Pro-wolf advocates have claimed producers leave carcasses as a lure to wolves instead of burying them or taking the carcasses to landfills. Most counties where wolves have been introduced don't have landfills, such as Grand County, or don't accept carcasses, including Routt County. Ranchers said burying carcasses isn't an option when the ground is frozen, which in the high altitudes of the Western Slope can take until July to thaw. Of the 16 confirmed wolf depredations listed by CPW in 2024, 10 occurred between April and June. In Oregon, where Colorado's 2024 wolves came from and which dealt with 75 reports of wolf attacks on livestock in 2024, the definition in state law says four "confirmed qualifying incidents of depredation by wolves upon livestock or working dogs within a consecutive six-month period." In Washington State, depredation is six confirmed wolf depredations within four months by the same wolf or wolves. Producers claimed that CPW staffers do not show up soon enough to investigate livestock attacks that would determine that a wolf caused the death or injury. Farrell said sometimes it takes a six- to eight-hour horse ride to reach some of the livestock carcasses, and by then, other predators, such as coyotes or bears, have scavenged them. The definition also contrasts with how CPW manages other predators, such as mountain lions. Over the weekend, CPW staff killed a mountain lion that preyed on two goats in Longmont and was suspected of killing others. Tim Ritschard, who heads the Middle Park Stockgrowers, told Colorado Politics that the definition raises many questions. "What does events mean? If a wolf kills animals on three different ranches in a 24-hour time frame, is that still only considered one event? Fourteen sheep were killed in one day, and per this, that would only be one event," he said in an email Tuesday. "Compared to other states, it looks like 'chronic' is harder to reach," Ritschard said. "When they talk about attractants, does that mean a baby calf being born is an attractant? It also seems they have changed from 51% preponderance of evidence to clear and convincing evidence." He promised to bring those questions to the commission. New rules promising cheaper, cleaner electric vehicles and a wider choice of models under the Albanese governments fuel efficiency standards, which for the first time impose minimum pollution standards on carmakers, have begun. Dubbed the new vehicle efficiency standard (NVES), the rules apply only to new car sales and limit the average emissions of a carmakers overall fleet of vehicles sold each year, measured in grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre. Chinese car maker BYD launched its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute in Australia in October. Credit: Jason South. Companies must pay a penalty of $100 for each gram per kilometre the caps are exceeded. Every developed economy around the world except Russia has similar rules in place, and they encourage carmakers to increase their offering of electric vehicles and efficient combustion-engine vehicles. Australians will benefit from both more choice in EVs and lower prices through increased competition, said Electric Vehicle Council head of legal, policy and advocacy Aman Gaur. New Years Day is the most violent day of the year in homes and on the streets, with new data revealing that the number of domestic violence incidents doubles and other assaults soar by 166 per cent amid a toxic mix of alcohol and family and social gatherings. NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data, released in December, reveals that the largest spike for all assaults is on January 1, with the most dangerous hours just after the clock ticks into the new year. The median number of non-domestic violence assaults on New Years Day is 224 166 per cent higher than the daily median of 84 incidents while January 1 is also the most prevalent day for domestic assaults. Data shows the median number of domestic violence incidents is 157 118 per cent higher than the daily median of 72 incidents. The path to owning a first home in 2025 is tipped to be a tightrope walk, with sky-high property prices on one side and mounting cost-of-living pressures on the other. But for buyers ready to embrace compromise and strategy, a rare window of opportunity could open, experts say, thanks to new government incentives and a cooling market at least for now. A rare window of opportunity could open for home buyers thanks to new government incentives and a cooling market. Credit: Rhett Wyman Prices have been slowing, the federal governments Help to Buy shared equity scheme is on its way and the low-deposit First Home Guarantee is available. The reprieve may be short-lived, with interest rate cuts in the second quarter expected to reignite price growth leaving first-home buyers grappling with creative ways to enter the market. Washington: A concerned Jimmy Carter apologised to Australia after Americas first space station exploded as it re-entered Earths atmosphere, scattering debris across the outback in a spectacular display of sonic booms and flashing lights. The little-publicised apology from the 39th US president, who died on Sunday at the age of 100, took place in 1979, during his first and only term in the White House. A 1979 file image of Skylab, at the end of its mission when it crashed back to Earth. Skylab was the first United States manned space station, launched on May 14, 1973. Credit: Archive I was concerned to learn that fragments of Skylab may have landed in Australia, Carter wrote in a message to then prime minister Malcolm Fraser, referring to the 77-tonne space station operated by NASA and the US government. I am relieved to hear your governments preliminary assessment that no injuries have resulted. Nevertheless, I have instructed the Department of State to be in touch with your government immediately and to offer any assistance that you may need. A big well done to the hugely-talented 11-year-old Cianan Cresham, Glenfort Castlebar for recently achieving his Grade 1 Speech and Drama examination with High Honours from the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM). The RIAM Speech and Drama exam encompasses performance in poetry, prose, reading, acting through song, theory and conversation. Cianan Cresham performed Consider Yourself from the musical Oliver, recited the poem Dont Put Mustard in the Custard by Michael Rosen, performed The Shepherd and the Wolf by Aesop and read an excerpt from Dr Seuss. Cianan will now progress to the next stage on his speech and drama journey. As the importance of letters and letter-writing fades from view, in the face of electronic communications, it can be difficult to imagine the anticipation that receiving a letter once held. At a time when countless people left the Ox Mountain region for a better life in America, the letter home was often the only link that existed between separated loved ones. While such communications were confined to those who could write, these letters contained stories of success and failure, love and heartbreak, births, marriages and deaths. These letters home, often received in time for Christmas, sometimes contained American dollars, an essential lifeline for poor people at home. One million letters The massive numbers of Irish who emigrated to the New World created an almighty tonnage of mail. Letters were the only real form of communication at the time. A hunger for news from home sought by those who were away, coupled with a hunger for financial support needed by those at home, meant that huge volumes of mail travelled both ways. Mayo.ie, in a blog, Letters in Ireland, gives some idea of the magnitude of letter-writing in the nineteenth century. It is estimated that one million letters were sent to America from Ireland in 1854 alone. On its maiden voyage, the Titanic collected 1,385 bags of letters at Cobh which were destined for America. Letters home were often accompanied by remittances or other items such as tickets, clothes or photos. It has been calculated that 260 millon was sent home to Ireland in the nineteenth century. The letters mainly discussed family and friends but also provided an insight into the emigrants reflections on their new life. Some accounts were exaggerated while others were brutally realistic. Although most of these letters are long gone, some were kept by families and the descendants of those who wrote them. A project at the University of Galway has recently been set up to preserve a considerable amount of these letters. The project sprang from letters collected by US academic, Kerby Miller. Over 40 years ago, Miller issued an appeal for such letters that he felt may have been kept by loved ones, and he was right. He received thousands of replies containing what amounted to a massive social history. The countless letters he later transcribed are now preserved in the Imirce Collection, an online searchable archive containing the stories of Irish emigrants going back over the centuries. An RTE 1 radio documentary, A Letter Home, explores the new archive and meets the people working on it. In the documentary you can also hear the letters read and the stories they contain; stories of work and life, sadness and longing, travel and adventure. Success and failure One letter in the Imirce Collection, with a Sligo connection, highlights the fact that before the Famine, it was mostly the educated and the relatively well-to-do who made the trip to America and subsequently wrote letters home. The letter is described below and while it gives an account of separation, it seems it is a separation that can be easily restored. Thomas Gunning, New York City, to Major Charles O'Hara, Collooney, County Sligo, 26 August 1831. Gunning's letters to Major O'Hara, who may be his former landlord, are friendly and not overly obsequious; he sends money to his relatives via O'Hara. In this relatively short letter, Gunning sends 3 to O'Hara for Scanlan, who has been taking care of his young son, whom he and his wife, Kitty, had left in County Sligo when they emigrated. Gunning also laments the death of his wife, near New Orleans, on 11 September 1830, on their return from Texas. He has now returned to New York City, where he is working as a merchant's clerk for 3 a month "and found". He plans to pay for the passages of his son and for one of his brothers in May 1832. At the time of the Famine, and in the years afterwards, the Irish travelled to America in their droves. These people were often not well educated and had little or no means. Letters written at this time often paint pictures of shocking hardship and utter desperation. In a piece written by Matt Keogh for Irish Central in recent weeks, under the heading, Inspiring Emigrant Letters Home to Ireland from America in the Famine Era, he mentions a particular letter, also with a Sligo connection, that highlights the plight of the poor at the time. The letter writing is skillful, even if the story is harrowing. The following is an excerpt from the letter from Michael and Mary Rush from Ardnaglass, Co Sligo who are writing to their father, Thomas, in Carillon, Ontario in September 1846. Pen cannot dictate the poverty of this country at present, the potato crop is quite done away all over Ireland. There is nothing expected here, only an immediate famine. If you knew what danger we and our fellow countrymen are suffering, you would take us out of this poverty Isle. We can only say the curse of God fell down on Ireland in taking away the potatoes, they being the only support of the people. Not like countries that have a supply of wheat and other grain. So, dear father, if you dont endeavour to take us out of it, it will be the first news you will hear by some friend of me and my little family to be lost by hunger, and there are thousands dread they will share the same fate. Henry Gavigan, formerly from the Ox Mountains and then living in New York, refers to the death of his mother and the recent Wall Street Crash in a letter, written to a friend at home in December 1929. Many things made me glad on my visit to Erin. Many things made me sad. Inseparable with my home-going was the thought that the one I loved on earth the most would not be there and will not be there anymore. We had a financial earthquake here during the past month due to the violent drop in stock values. The trouble was not with American values but with 20,000,000 gamblers frightened all at once and throwing their stocks overboard. Social history Today, these letters provide us with a window into the past. Some of them were written to send joyful news of the births of a new Irish American generation that would never experience poverty again. Others were written in despair by people who longed for loved ones. This mass emigration, sometimes of whole families, left mothers and fathers at home, bereft. Parents at that time, while poor, were no less loving than the parents of today and saying goodbye forever to their living children was a devastation beyond our imagination. Think back to the last time you received a hand-written letter from a family member. I would venture to say it was quite a while ago. While we have every imaginable way of communicating with each other today, little of it involves the craft or the skill of letter writing. As for creating a social history for the future, there simply will not be a lasting record. There will be no story, no written account, no news of success, no lines of regret, no photograph, no tear-stained page. We will never dig a social history out of the rushed emails and poorly spelled text messages of today. We might find it somewhere else, but we will no longer find it in old hand-written letter. Sarah Slater The family of a young girl who was seriously injured in a stabbing on Parnell Square in Dublin 13 months ago have revealed that there is no where they would rather be than at home following their daughters battle to stay alive. The girl, aged five at the time of the November 23rd, 2023, was critically injured and spent most of a year at Temple Street Childrens Hospital before being released five weeks ago. The family have been sharing updates on a GoFundMe page, set up following the incident and which has raised over 125,000. In their most recent update on New Years Eve her parents said they hoped that 2025 would grant us all with patience, tolerance, perseverance, accomplishments, and victories. They said: "This time last year, we were in Temple Street, wishing nothing more than the chance to bring our darling home. I put some glow sticks next to her in bed, slept on the chair beside her, and had a sip of alcohol-free Prosecco. Fast forward a year, and we can safely say that there is nowhere we would rather be: home, in our pj's, having a low-key New Year celebration. On this eve, we wish health, love, hope, forgiveness, strength, and resilience. On Christmas Day, the six-year-olds parents said they received the biggest surprise as the beautiful sun shining, allowing us to go for a walk and enjoy the new playground with adapted swings. The young girls mother also highlighted how important the help of her own mother whom she described as a Ninja Nana had been to them since the horrific attack. She recounted that a very important person, who was supportive from the second she was informed of what had happened, and who put her life on hold to come across the Atlantic and help us out through the toughest moment of our lives, has gone back to her house. She said that her mother was key in their little girl's early stages of recovery. She saw the bits that only myself and my husband had to. She was, apart from a loving grandma, a nurse, teacher, entertainer, and advocate to our angel warrior. "While she was here, I could go into work for a few hours a day, run to the shop, take a decent shower, and more. Our darling usually needs two people with her at all times, so she stepped in big time, the mother continued. It wasn't always easy, but for our angel to have her grandma here, it was precious. And for my husband and me, priceless. A grandparent should not have to see their grandchild suffer and struggle so much, but my mum was so strong through it all. The multiple stabbings outside Colaiste Mhuire on Parnell Square left two other young children and a carer injured. Riad Bouchaker (50) is currently before the courts charged with three counts of attempted murder, one of producing and possessing a kitchen knife, three counts of assault causing harm and one of assault causing serious harm. A set of legal and policy measures took effect in China on Wednesday as part of the country's efforts to advance high-quality development and high-standard opening up. These measures include the country's first energy law, a new regulation on data security, import tariff cuts on a large number of goods, and a free trade agreement between China and the Maldives, among others. The energy law aims to promote high-quality energy development, ensure national energy security, accelerate green transition, and support the country's efforts to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. To boost data security, the new regulation on network data security management seeks to regulate network data processing, protect the legitimate rights and interests of individuals and organizations, and safeguard national security and public interests. Wednesday also saw a reduction in import tariffs on a large number of goods, aimed at boosting imports of quality products and expanding domestic demand. Provisional import tariffs, lower than the most-favored-nation rates, will be applied to 935 commodities as part of an annual tariff adjustment plan. According to the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement, the vast majority of China's industrial exports to the Maldives, including ships, electrical equipment, and furniture, as well as agricultural products such as vegetables and fruits, will benefit. The vast majority of the Maldives' aquatic exports to China will also enjoy zero tariffs. 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... Weather Alert ...WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM FRIDAY TO 4 AM CDT SATURDAY... * WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts 45 to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From 1 PM Friday to 4 AM CDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strong winds may combine with loose soils and result in reduced visibilities at times. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. && The total telecom and pay-TV services revenue in Singapore is expected to decline at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.4% over the forecast period 2024-2029, with a steady decline in revenue contributions from fixed voice, pay-TV, and mobile voice segments outweighing revenue growth in mobile broadband and fixed broadband segments, according to a new report from one global analytics company. GlobalData's Singapore Telecom Operators Country Intelligence Report Singapore Telecom Operators Country Intelligence Report reveals that mobile voice service revenue will decline at a CAGR of 5.6% between 2024 and 2029 due to a consumer shift towards OTT communication platforms and a subsequent decline in mobile voice average revenue per user (ARPU). Mobile data revenue, on the other hand, will increase at a CAGR of 2.9% over the same period, driven by a continued rise in mobile internet and smartphone subscriber base as well as a projected growth in adoption of higher ARPU-yielding 5G services. Sarwat Zeeshan, Telecom Analyst at GlobalData, comments: 4G services accounted for the largest share of the mobile services market in 2024 in terms of subscriptions. However, its share will decline over the forecast period due to continued migration of subscribers to 5G services. Growth in 5G subscriptions will be driven by rising demand for high-speed data services, the ongoing 5G network expansions by MNOs, and subsequent increases in the availability of 5G services across the country. For instance, as of February 2024, StarHub announced that it has achieved over 99% outdoor 5G network coverage in Singapore. Similarly, in September 2024, Singtel announced that it has achieved full 5G coverage across the country, with indoor 5G network available at over 700 buildings and accessible in the underground railway lines. In the fixed communication services segment, fixed voice service revenue will decline over the forecast period due to a steady drop in circuit-switched subscriptions and declining voice service ARPU over the forecast period. Fixed broadband service revenue, on the other hand, will grow at a CAGR of 0.8% over 2024-29, driven by growing demand for high-speed fixed broadband services and a subsequent increase in adoption of fiber-based connections among residential and business customers. Zeeshan adds: Promotional/discounted offers and diversified service plans offered by telcos to meet varied customer needs will also support growth in fiber broadband subscriptions over the forecast period. For instance, M1 Singapore offers a 1Gbps fixed broadband plan at a discounted price of SGD35.90 ($26.6) per month for new sign-ups, down from SGD42.08 ($31.2) per month for existing customers with a 24-month contract. Pay-TV services revenue in the country will decline over the forecast period, as operators reduce IPTV prices to compete with SVoD platforms. Zeeshan concludes: Singtel led the overall telecom & pay-TV services market in Singapore in 2024, accounting for the largest share of subscriptions in mobile, fixed, and pay-TV segments during the year. The companys leadership in the mobile services segment is mainly due to its strong position in both prepaid and postpaid segments and focus on 5G network upgrades. Singtels market leading position in the fixed broadband segment is due to its strong presence in the FTTH/B segment and the promotional/discounted fiber broadband plans it offers packed with added benefits to drive subscriber growth. The information is based on GlobalData's Singapore Telecom Operators Country Intelligence Report This report is written using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis conducted by GlobalDatas team of industry experts. Another chaotic year has come and gone for the Real Housewives franchise. In 2024, many stars tried upping the ante. Yet, some of their antics went too far. As a result, certain cities and stars are reeling, leaving their futures on Bravo undecided. Each of these nine series contained many high moments in the year of our king, Andy Cohen, circa 2024. However, many cities also saw their fair share of WTF. As the ball (or taco, if you live in Tucson, Arizona) drops to usher in 2025, we would like to imagine that these ladies are making their resolution lists. Hopefully, these lists will include how they can each help make their cities shine on Bravo. From dark storylines to fights that made us cringe, not cheer, all is not equal in the land of Real Housewives. Therefore, these are the top resolutions we hope to see each city making in the new year. Real Housewives of New York needs to commit to zero self-produced pranks Photo Credit: Danielle Levitt/Bravo If you cannot beat them, prank them. Sadly, these forced storylines, aka over (and under) hyped pranks, have since overshadowed the Real Housewives of New York series. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last Season, Erin Lichy pulled a prank on Ubah Hassan during a girls trip to Anguilla. Ubah left her phone in the taxi, and Erin retrieved it, holding it secretly hostage as Ubah began to spiral. Ubah was not pleased with Erin after the fact, and she let Erin have it. Then, on a trip to the Hamptons this season, Erin and Brynn Whitfield hid plastic cockroaches in a pavlova meringue-based dessert created by Jenna Lyons. It was funny, and we will give them this one. But then, another prank arose in Season 15, tiring us all out. Erin and Rebecca Minkoff agreed to pretend that Rebecca was pregnant, but she did not know who the father was. This woman is married, so right off the bat, this prank failed to land. But Brynn ran her mouth to the others about this false flag, causing Erin and Rebecca to engage in a fake fight. Everything about this prank felt forced, cringy, and gross. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you. We all hated it. Therefore, in 2025, ladies, please commit to stopping these prank-filled storylines on RHONY. Real Housewives of New Jersey needs to resolve vows of silence with the bloggers and their decades-long feuds Photo Credit: Bravo Media The future of Real Housewives of New Jersey is currently unknown. Following 14 seasons, this series has turned into a hot mess, complete with a heavily divided cast, which makes filming difficult. In Season 14, we received the same narrative we have been receiving since Season 3. Melissa Gorga and her sister-in-hate, Teresa Giudice, are not friends. They are not even acquaintances who can show up to film a friendly scene as one. Watching this family fall apart for over a decade has been awful. Thankfully, the network agrees. Therefore, this series is on an extra-long pause until 2026. When this series does return, if the original cast is all still present, we hope that they will commit to a ceasefire because many of us will feel damned if we have to watch this mess any further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, 2024 seemed to be the year of toxicity and bloggers online. Allegedly, one of the cast members started leaking their advanced copies of each episode to their online allies. These screeners helped their chosen watchers to promote certain narratives about the show, which helped their favorite stars win with their storylines. As a result, everything about Season 14 landed flat. The storylines felt contrived, and the joy got sucked out of this series faster than most. Our second ask only involves a few faces. Please commit to staying far away from the bloggers during filming. Repeat this step during each episode that airs on Bravo. Real Housewives of Potomac needs to commit to holding Karen Huger accountable Photo Credit: Bravo Media Throughout her time on Real Housewives of Potomac, and beyond, The Grand Dame, Karen Huger has received two DUIs. Is Karen hilarious? Yes. But one DUI is one too many, so now that she has two, Karen is officially starting to tick many of us off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hear us out. Legal battles mean the person involved has to be extra careful with their chosen words during filming. We understand this and are not looking for Karen to admit everything that transpired. However, Karen then flipped the script, upset that she could have died in a bid for sympathy. Never mind the fact that she could have killed an actual innocent human being. Also, Karen tried to insist that the truth would come out. Instead, her arrest videos came out, and they were awful. Karen was just found guilty in a court of law. Therefore, if she manages to escape any time served, we need her to commit to filming on RHOP in an accountable manner. Own it, Karen. RHOM needs to resolve to move past the Lisa Hochstein vs Lenny Hochstein storylines Photo Credit: Gizelle Hernandez/Stephanie Diani/Bravo Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Divorces suck. However, Lisa Hochstein and Lenny Hochstein have officially wrapped their split up, settling all of their future steps as agreed upon by the courts. Yet, this divorce has overshadowed the storylines on Real Housewives of Miami. Many ladies in this cast have tried to get Lisa to speak about other topics, but her heart and brain remain stuck on her divorce. While we can understand her need to vent, this is becoming an energy suck on this series for Lisa and her friends alike. Lisa is stuck in an unhealthy cycle, both on RHOM and off. We want only good things for this icon. After everything she has endured, we hope Lisa feels the same. If so, we hope to see this now happily partnered-up star committing to showing us all of her moving forward storylines in 2025. RHODubai needs to commit to forging genuine friendships within its cast Photo Credit: Bravo Media Real Housewives of Dubai is the sleeper hit in this franchise. Their wealth is beyond, and their traditions and customs are fascinating. The storylines are also a hit, as these ladies know how to fight hard over petty matters, like who had the better seats at Beyonce while the fighters involved were equally sitting pretty in two different expensive holding areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, only two seasons have transpired within this series. Following Season 1, RHODubai went on a pause. Now that Season 2 has wrapped, another pause has arrived. Many viewers decided to skip this series, as Dubai holds laws against homosexuality. However, we cannot change the location nor the antiquated laws in Dubai, so what else can these ladies do to help their series thrive in the new year (or the next new year)? For starters, they can commit to healing in 2025. Chanel Ayan and Lesa Milan, fix it. The same thing goes for Taleen Marie and Caroline Brooks. Also, Sara Al Madani and Saba Yussouf are no longer close. We cannot hold any hopes for this series unless the ladies involved can commit to forging genuine friendships with each other during their pause. RHOA needs to commit to lighter storylines versus career-ending allegations and physical altercations Photo Credit: AB+DM/Bravo The ladies on Real Housewives of Atlanta are gold. This cast regularly delivers boatloads of shade that often turns viral, courtesy of hysterical memes and gifs. But on the other hand, this series also hit below the belt the hardest, making RHOA an often uncomfortable watch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the reunion for Season 6, Porsha Williams dragged Kenya Moore by her hair extensions, prompting Andy to send Porsha home early. But the worst was yet to come. In Season 9, Phaedra Parks created a false narrative against Kandi Burruss and her husband. Phaedra told Porsha that Kandi and her man were trying to drug her drink so that they could take advantage of her. This claim was false and dehumanizing, and it also had the power to destroy Kandi, which is the opposite of cool. Season 16 is now filming. Already, another heavy reaction to a loathed costar has transpired. Allegedly, Kenya displayed sexually explicit photos of Brittany Eady at a cast event. Kenya got axed for the remainder of this season, but she is thankfully owning her shiz, which helps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As these ladies prepare to launch Season 16 in 2025, we hope to see every life-halting storyline getting eradicated or owned. Additionally, we hope they commit to upping their wit and signature snarks, bringing us the shade that this series nails without even trying. RHOBH needs to commit to keeping its heels on the gas pedals via further raw feelings and edits Photo Credit: Phylicia J. L. Munn/Bravo 2024 delivered us Season 14 of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and whew, this season is a win. However, it is far from over, as 2025 kicks off at only Episode 6 of this series. All we need these ladies to do is commit to keep bringing us their truths in the upcoming calendar year. Dorit Kemsely, please stay activated while trying to move forward with Kyle Richards. And Kyle, keep sharing your heart regarding your separation, as your story resonates with many. Meanwhile, Erika Jayne, you are nailing it as the voice of reason this season, so please keep this up in 2025. And Bozoma Saint John, never, ever change. You are the greatest gift for this series. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you for keeping it real and raw this season, ladies. Yall commit to keeping this up in 2025. RHOC needs to commit to moving past problems Photo Credit: Sami Drasin/Bravo Dearest gentle readers, this season of Real Housewives of Orange County was phenomenal. 2024 gave us this gift of Season 18. And for this present, we say thank you. But holy cow, you ladies know how to beat a dead end. Did Heather Dubrow stage paparazzi photos at Disney Land? Heather says no. However, this storyline continued to sound. Is Jennifer Pedranti bad with her finances? Yes. But Jennifer is working on this, so the ladies need to back down. And who cares if her nonbroke man buys her an expensive dress? Likewise, Tamra Judge, we love you, but you went in hard this year, constantly going after Shannon Beador for the same issue. Thankfully, Tamra apologized at the reunion, which gives us hope that these ladies are on the path to providing us with quickly wrapped-up frustrations in 2025. And hopefully no more DUIs for Shannon And while we hope you commit to quickly moving past situations that arise, can we also ask that one apology be enough? IKYKY. RHOSLC needs to commit to never changing, with a touch less of the husband(s) Photo Credit: Bravo Media Hands down, the ladies on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City understand their assignments the best. They are the best city in this franchise, and we will die on this hill. Mary Cosby is finally filming from a vulnerable space with her son, Robert Jr, and their interactions have been heartbreaking yet beautiful to watch. Also, Angie Katsanevas and Mary now have a fun, loving friendship that we never saw coming yet adore. Meanwhile, the other ladies are all firing at a 10, showing us their quirky, bitchy, fashionable selves to the best of their abilities. This series has everything, and we do not want it to change its course by any means. However, for the sake of Bronwyn Newport, let us commit to talking less about the husband(s), okay, Bronwyn? Again, IYKYK. TELL US WHAT RESOLUTIONS DO YOU HOPE TO SEE OUT OF EACH REAL HOUSEWIVES CITY? The post Real Housewives New Years Resolutions Each Show Needs To Make for 2025 appeared first on Reality Tea. Dec. 31 (UPI) -- New Year's Eve celebrations and fireworks around the world rang in 2025, as more than a million revelers crowded into New York City's Times Square for performances and the traditional midnight ball drop under rainy skies. A long list of performers -- including Megan Moroney, Kapo, Carrie Underwood, the Jonas Brothers and Rita Ora -- entertained the massive crowd in anticipation of the countdown and the large, lighted Waterford crystal ball that dropped to ring in the new year. "Times Square New Year's Eve 2025 is just kicking off with performances, special guests, our countdown to the ball drop and more!" LIVE FROM TIMES SQUARE: Times Square #NewYearsEve 2025 is just kicking off. Stay tuned for performances, special guests, our countdown to the #BallDrop and more! https://t.co/92RB96OQJg https://t.co/iFlOC04p6L Times Square (@TimesSquareNYC) December 31, 2024 Mickey Guyton sang John Lennon's "Imagine" right before the countdown, as New York City Mayor Eric Adams helped launch the traditional Times Square ball drop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is only one place to be in this country and it's New York City," Adams proclaimed, as he wished everyone a "Happy New Year!" Many of the revelers, wearing ponchos to keep them dry from the rain, staked out their spot as early as 7 a.m. on Tuesday. Umbrellas were not allowed in Times Square on New Year's Eve, as officials also urged people to leave behind their backpacks, alcohol, coolers and chairs. Once midnight arrived, the crowd was singing and dancing to 'New York, New York" under falling confetti. In other parts of the world, heavy rain and gusty winds canceled New Year's Eve events in Britain. Despite bad weather, the fireworks show went on as scheduled in London where Big Ben provided a stunning backdrop. London's New Year's Eve fireworks display as New Year celebrations were cancelled in Edinburgh due to strong winds. Photo by Andy Rain/EPA-EFE In Paris, the weather was more welcoming as the Champs-Elysees closed to traffic to become a massive pedestrian zone for party-goers to watch fireworks and a light show that projected "2025" onto the Arc de Triomphe. Bonne annee 2025 Guillaume Bontemps pic.twitter.com/XEp7Ex4Xdo Paris (@Paris) December 31, 2024 Earlier in the day, French President Emmanuel Macron reflected on 2024, with the Paris Olympic Games and the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral after the devastating 2019 fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The hope, prosperity and peace of the quarter-century to come depend on our choices today, and that's why in 2025 ... I will ask you to decide on certain crucial issues," Macron said Tuesday in a televised speech. New Zealand was one of the first in the world to welcome 2025 at midnight Tuesday, with fireworks launched from Sky Tower in Auckland a full 18 hours before the East Coast of the United States entered the new year. More than a million people watched fireworks in Australia's Sydney Harbor against the backdrop of Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Opera House to the music of British pop star Robbie Williams as the clock struck midnight there. Sydney's celebration also featured Indigenous ceremonies to honor Australia's first people. "Happy New Year from Sydney! What a night! Bring on 2025 -- it's going to be great," the City of Sydney wrote Tuesday in a post on X, showing the massive fireworks display. Happy New Year from Sydney! What a night! Bring on 2025 - it's going to be great. [Image description: Fireworks explode above the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.]#SydNYE #Sydney #NewYearsEve pic.twitter.com/ZOTqlQwftp City of Sydney (@cityofsydney) December 31, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Japan, a large light display lit up a building in Tokyo with the words "Happy New Year 2025." Japan is celebrating the new Year of the Snake, a rebirth in reference to the reptile's shedding skin. Hong Kong rang in 2025 with a massive fireworks display over Victoria Harbor, as revelers in China also enjoyed a light show and live performances at Shougang Park in Beijing. Chinese New Year, which is based on the lunar calendar, falls on Jan. 29. Thousands turned out in Taiwan to watch a six-minute fireworks and spectacular light show from the 1,669-foot Taipei 101 skyscraper. Watch #Taipei101 color the night with fireworks as we soar into 2025! #TeamTaiwan's championship spirit blazes bright, lighting the way to a spectacular & prosperous year ahead! (Taipei101) Livestream: https://t.co/52wwmZ5o7S pic.twitter.com/xWcTeXFYcs Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) (@MOFA_Taiwan) December 31, 2024 In Indonesia, 800 drones provided a dazzling display along with fireworks in the capital of Jakarta at the city's iconic Hotel Indonesia Roundabout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the United Arab Emirates celebrated the start of 2025 with fireworks shows at dozens of locations throughout Dubai, and a 53-minute display at the world's tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, which tops out at 2,722 feet or just over half a mile. As the world becomes more globalized and remote work allows for increased flexibility, it can make sense to consider moving abroad. The potential benefits of moving to another country include a lower cost of living, escape from a tense political climate, better healthcare, access to immersive cultural experiences, a slower-paced lifestyle, or more favorable taxes, depending on where you currently live. If you're considering a big move, we have good news: Purchasing property in certain countries can eventually lead to residency and/or citizenshipand in many of these destinations, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to buy a home. Before buying property abroad, review these steps to ensure you're set up for success: Do your research : Start by looking into countries that match your personal and financial goals. Pay attention to property ownership laws, residency programs, tax rules, and the overall lifestyle to make sure it's a good fit. Visit first : Its no secretpeople are way more likely to move somewhere after spending time there. Before making any big decisions, be sure to visit your potential new home a few times. This will give you a better feel for the local vibe, culture, and whether its practical for everyday living. Consult the experts : Chat with immigration lawyers, real estate agents, and tax professionals who know the ins and outs of foreign property deals. Their expertise will help you navigate local rules and avoid any unwanted surprises down the road. Think long-term: Moving abroad and buying property is undoubtedly a serious commitment. Take the time to really think and reflect about what it means to get residency or citizenship outside the U.S.and how itll impact your life in the future. Ready to take the next step? Here are eight countries that will grant you residency and/or citizenship for buying property. Portugal Lisbon, Porto, The Algarve, oh my! Portugal has been on a tourism hot streak for over a decade, climbing the ranks for popular countries to visit. Even better news? Their residence by investment program is super well-known. According to Henley & Partners, a global residence by investment firm, for as little as $280,000 in real estate expenditure, you may be able to access their coveted Golden Visa program. (This amount is generally for low-density areas; in tourist hot spots, you can expect to pay more.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The visa allows for residency where Americans can live, work, and travel freely within the EU. After a five-year waiting period, you can begin the citizenship process. Portugal is attractive for its rich culture, deep history, convenient Western European locale, and great healthcare system, making it a prime target for residence by investment. Juergen Sack - Getty Images Spain Like its Iberian neighbor, Spain offers a Golden Visa program that grants residency in exchange for property investment. By investing roughly $500,000, you can gain residency in Spain and enjoy the countrys vibrant culture and temperate Mediterranean climate. Spains Golden Visa offers a path to permanent residency after five years and citizenship after ten years, making it an attractive option for those looking to move abroad with the potential for EU citizenship. Please note, Spain does not allow dual citizenship with the U.S. MasterLu - Getty Images Antigua and Barbuda For a dose of the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda can be an ideal pick. This multi island nation offers a Citizenship by Investment program that includes a real estate option. With a minimum investment of $400,000 in property, investors can eventually earn their citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This beachy locale also boasts a strong passport, with the opportunity for visa-free travel to over 150 countries. Beyond a welcoming, warm climate, advantageous taxes, and a favorable business environment all help Antigua and Barbuda stand out from the residence by real estate crowd. SeanPavonePhoto - Getty Images Malta Another archipelago, Malta is a prime pick for expat property investment. Their Individual Investor Programme (IIP) might be the ideal choice and requires a real estate investment of at least $350,000. Beyond the initial investment, this program generally involves a contribution to the countrys National Development and Social Fund and a commitment to maintaining the property for several years. Though the citizenship process can take a few years, Malta offers a high standard of living and education along with a prime location in the heart of the Mediterranean. From its golden capital city to its azure waters, its easy to see why this EU nation made our list. Karina Movsesyan - Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey Turkeys Citizenship by Investment Program allows individuals to apply for citizenship after purchasing real estate worth $400,000 or more. This relatively low threshold for investment has made Turkey one of the most popular destinations for those seeking a second passport. Turkeys unique location bridging Europe and Asia, rich culture, burgeoning food scene, and growing economy make it an extra appealing choice for expats. Also notable: This large Eurasian country has a fairly low cost of living, making it an even more attractive option for those looking to diversify their investments and citizenship. Jean-Philippe Tournut - Getty Images Dominica The Caribbeans best kept secret is the so-called Nature Isle of Dominica. Nope, not the Dominican Republic; Dominica is its own independent nation with a Citizenship by Investment Program that's one of the most affordable in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although you can opt to contribute to a government fund, investing in real estate is also an option, with a minimum investment requirement of $200,000 in property. In exchange, you gain citizenship and access to visa-free travel to over 140 destinations. Bob Krist - Getty Images Greece Greeces Golden Visa program is one of the most affordable residency-by-investment programs in Europe. For a minimum investment of about $270,000 in real estate, individuals and their families can obtain Greek residency, which offers the freedom to live and work in Greece and travel throughout Europe. Although this program does not offer immediate citizenship, after seven years of residency (not full time), individuals may apply for citizenship. As long as other benchmarks are met, like a basic understanding of the language, real estate can be a viable road to Greek citizenship. Francesco Riccardo Iacomino - Getty Images St. Kitts and Nevis St. Kitts and Nevis has long been considered a reliable option for individuals seeking citizenship by investment. With a real estate investment of at least $200,000, investors can apply for citizenship in as little as 3 to 6 months. Please note, youll have to hold onto the property for a specific time frame to apply, and this is for a shared ownership situation. For direct real estate ownership, the level of investment is more like $400,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dual-island nation is known for its beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, and a business-friendly environment that attracts international investors. The program also offers some of the most competitive tax benefits, such as no capital gains tax, no personal income tax, and no inheritance taxes. tillsonburg - Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You Might Also Like (WVNS) The StormTracker 59 Team is changing their name in an annual tradition for New Years Eve to Midnight Tracker. Our weather team tracks where 2025 is being rung in as midnight travels around the world. 24 time zones, 16 cities, and a world that eagerly awaits the arrival of the new year. Join us throughout the day and into the night to find who is celebrating New Years Day! 6am Our Time: Apia, Samoa The island chain in the Pacific Ocean is one of the first populated places to see the new year. Given how close they are to the International Date Line, their 2025 starts at the early morning hours for Beckley at 6am, Tuesday! 2) 8 AM Our Time: Melbourne, Australia Home to nearly 5 million people, Melbourne is one of the first large populations to welcome in 2025! 16 hours ahead of our local time, they ring in the New Year when many of us are having our coffee at 8am. 3) 10 AM Our Time: Seoul, South Korea One of the older cities were featuring in our trip around the world is Seoul, South Korea dating all the way back to 18 BC and has been the capital of South Korea since 1394 AD. Today over 10 million people call Seoul home and are celebrating 2025 as midnight rings across the city! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4) Noon Our Time: Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia The Hindu-Buddhist temple located in Cambodia was built in 1150 AD for the deity Vishnu. Fittingly the God of Preservation for the over 1,800 year old structure to still be standing. To celebrate New Year in Siem Reap, the trip will set you back a few grand and take about 41 hours. Luckily we dont have to wait that long to welcome 2025 right here at home! 5) 1:15pm Our Time: Mt. Everest, Nepal From the highest peaks on the planet 2025 misses nobody. 29,032 feet above sea level, Mt. Everest welcomes in 2025 in cold style. A height that wasnt too much for the love of 2 back in 2005 who became the first couple ever to be married on the summit. I bet those wedding photos were nearly out of this world! 6) 4PM Our Time: Antananarivo, Madagascar A penguin, hippo, giraffe, zebra and a lion once vacationed here for a short spell. Madagascar, made famous by the self titled movie, hosts an abundance of culture and life. The capital city, Antananarivo is no exception with a rich history going back to the 17th century! 7) 6pm Our Time: Paris, France The City of Love, the City of Lights, the City erupting in celebration as 2025 rolls across Paris, France. From the top of 1,665 steps of the Eiffel Tower to the many art museums, rich history, road side cafe, Happy New Year, or bonne annee from Paris! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 8) 8pm Our Time: Reykjavik, Iceland A city made famous a few years back when a volcano disrupted international air travel for weeks and blanketed many in Europe in black ashy clouds. Luckily the latest eruption that started back in November ended on December 9th with little fanfare, except maybe the locals and volcano tourists. Either way, they and their volcano welcome in another year! 9) 10PM Our Time: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil The party capital of the world, if it is self proclaimed, Rio rings in 2025 in the style youd expect. Hopefully Blue and Jewel are still just has happy flying around the magical city. Happy New Year Rio Fans! 10) It has taken 17 hours, 9 visited cities, and a few cheesy puns along the way but we finally made it to 2025 ourselves! The New River Gorge Bridge stands tall as we welcome in another year. Happy New Year West Virginia & Virginia! 11) 2AM Our Time Edmonton, Alberta, Canada The Gateway of the North is a wild place, at least sunshine wise. In the summer, Edmonton receives about 17 hours of sunlight. On our longest day here in Beckley, we only manage 14 hours and 50 minutes! However, on the shortest day in Beckley, we receive about 9 and half hours of sunlight, but Edmonton only gets just over 7 hours. The sun rises at 8:47am and set 7 hours later around 4pm. Thats a long night to celebrate 2025! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 12) 4AM Our Time: Utqiagvik, Alaska, or Barrow, Alaska is the farthest north you can go and still be in the United State of America. The northern most town in Alaska, daylight is hard to come by as the sun doesnt rise for New Years Day. In fact the sun wont rise until January 22nd at 1:13 in the afternoon and will set quickly after at 2:05pm for just 52 minutes of daylight! Dark or light, Happy New Year Alaska! 13) 6AM Our Time Pago Pago, American Samoa Just a 75 mile trip to where we started this journey is the first city we featured, Apia, Samoa. Since the International Dateline falls between these two islands, Pago Pago is the last to welcome in 2025 while Apia starts its day on January 2nd. However, 24 hours later, the entire planet is now in 2025! Happy New Year to all! We hope the year is your best one yet! 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 WVNS. If you really, really, (third time for emphasis) really need to relax, then odds are you're on the hunt for a vacation that will take you away from it all thankfully, online retreat booking site BookRetreats has a few data-based suggestions. BookRetreats recently released its Holiday Relaxation Report, which ranked the best destinations in the world for peace and quiet. In its analysis, the company evaluated 76 destinations by nine data points, including the percentage of protected areas in each country, forest coverage, crowd density, noise, and light pollution, and the number of wellness experiences available locally. BookRetreats then gave each destination a score out of 100 to determine its top picks. After looking at all its data, it named Iceland its top destination for a quiet vacation. "Iceland is the best place for quiet holidays," BookRetreats said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. "The country is home to only one city, scoring top marks for low noise and light pollution, as well as traffic congestion." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: This Gorgeous Island Was Just Named the Safest Place for a Road Trip in 2024 It also noted that outside of Reykjavik, the nation "opens into vast stretches of untamed terrain" with towering glaciers, hot springs, and black sand beaches to explore. "This environment blended with mindful modern living provides genuine opportunities for stillness that few other destinations can match," BookRetreats reported. Moreover, BookRetreats also ranked Iceland as Europe's overall most relaxing holiday destination thanks to its sleepy small towns, wide open spaces, and ethereal natural landscapes. "Not only does the island have the highest Global Peace Index score, but it also leads all destinations for the serenity category in our report, recording the best score for noise and light pollution," BookRetreats reported. " ... pristine dark skies make it one of the best places to witness the spectacular northern lights." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for other destinations that ranked highly on the quiet list, the team named Montenegro the second-best choice, followed by Botswana, Estonia, and Finland. No matter where you choose to go, there are plenty of global options to find that silence you're craving. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure New Years Day has its fair share of traditions. Theres setting resolutions and goals, cleaning the whole house before the clock strikes 12 or the good luck dinner that must include black-eyed peas and collard greens. For Haitian Americans (like yours truly), Jan. 1 was a day to celebrate independence, and Charlottes small, but mighty, Haitian community offers some ways to join in on the observance. The Charlotte Haitian Professional Network, an organization focused on connecting and empowering the community, is hosting an event on Jan. 4, celebrating independence and honoring Haitian community members in Pineville, starting at 8 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the biggest ways to learn about any cultural celebration is through food, and Charlotte has a few offerings to choose from. Food trucks including Ms. Didis Caribbean Kitchen and Chateau Creole, along with Charlottes only brick and mortar Haitian restaurant, Lakou, will be serving up soup joumou, a squash soup filled with history. Food brings people together, said Christina Bowman, part owner of Ms. Didis. Haitian food is very specific and its very distinguished and a lot of people havent been exposed to it And we have to expose them to the culture. Expose them to the food. (Haiti) is such a beautiful country and the people are very amazing, prideful, smart, intelligent and capable, Bowman said. I think the more exposure and support that we give, the more people will know about our country. Lunion fait la force Over 220 years ago, Haiti became a country of firsts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 1, 1804, Haiti gained its independence from Napoleon Bonaparte and its French enslavers, becoming the first country to lead a successful slave rebellion. Owner of Ms. Didis, Edith Jean-Francois and her daughter, Christina Bowman, stir pots of soup joumou in Charlotte on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. The 13-year Haitian Revolution, led by general Toussaint LOuverture, paved the way for Haiti to be the first sovereign state in the Caribbean, the first Black republic in the Western Hemisphere and the only country to be created by a slave rebellion. The victory caused many ripples throughout history on that side of the world. It led to Bonaparte selling Louisiana to the United States. It also led to centuries of oppression by France and other French allies, including the U.S. through lack of trade, restitution payments in order to be recognized as an independent country and forced occupation. But thats a longer story for another time. Back to the celebration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the successful rebellion, Haitians indulged in the things they were prohibited from, including soup joumou. Soup joumou has deep historical and cultural significance for us, Bowman said. Its a very rich dish and it was a delicacy to the French. We were forbidden to eat this soup that we were making It symbolizes freedom and resistance for us because once Haiti gained its independence, we celebrated by eating the soup, she said. That tradition has been passed down through generations as we just honor the struggles and the triumphs of Haitian history. So, whats soup joumou? Joumou means pumpkin in Haitian Creole. The base of the dish can be made with either calabaza squash, pumpkin or butternut squash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And thats where the similarities end. Every Haitian household will have a different recipe. Generally the soup is filled with vegetables including carrots, potatoes, turnips, celery and cabbage. The soup can be made with rigatoni, vermicelli noodles or both. And some type of protein, either beef chunks or chicken seasoned with epis, a green marinade of blended parsley, scallions, thyme, celery, garlic, lime juice, vinegar, green peppers and scotch bonnet peppers. In the end, the soup can be savory, sometimes sweet, but it always tastes like freedom. Its a symbol of Haitis liberation, Bowman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On New Years Eve, Bowmans mom and owner of Ms. Didis, Edith Jean-Francois echoed the sentiment. In City Kitch, a commissary kitchen, Jean-Francois stood before two larger than normal aluminum pots filled with a vegan and beef soup joumou. Owner of Ms. Didis, Edith Jean-Francois, stirs a pot of soup joumou in Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. She usually works with larger pots for more food, love and freedom. Cooking Haitian food, and especially soup for the new year, is how she shares her history and her Haitis history. Some may question why slavery is important to bring up when talking about soup but that essence of freedom is what makes the soup different. Its important to share that history, Jean-Francois said. And sharing history, and soup joumou, is a way to keep traditions alive. The Haitian community in NC Charlotte and North Carolina as a whole arent home to many Haitian immigrants or Haitian Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the World Population Review, about 12,265 Haitians call the state home. So for some coming to Charlotte, it can be hard to find community. Anybody that moves to Charlotte would see a divide because theres just so many pockets, theres no central location, said Yvens Germain, one of the co-founders of the Charlotte Haitian Professional Network. We rep our flags everywhere but it can be hard to find. While theres no enclave neighborhood that may be seen in other places like the Little Haitis in Miami or Brooklyn, New York, Germain and Bowman said the awareness of the Haitian culture in Charlotte is growing with more festivals and food options. Ms. Didis is entering its sixth year of operations. Lakou Haitian Restaurant at 5630 N Graham St., will celebrate its second year of opening in the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germain said there are a number of Haitian catering options available, some of which could be found at the North Carolina Haitian Food Festival, which is entering its fifth year in 2025. The Charlotte event is put on by Bowman, as well as Dafney Tales-Lafortune, who co-runs Bon Fritay Haitian Food truck in the Triangle area, and Dianna Nicolas, who runs the website Burger Divas. Owner of Ms. Didis, Edith Jean-Francois, holds up a tray with the ingredients for soup joumou in Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Bowman said the event centers on introducing North Carolinians to not just Haitian food but artists and musicians. We created just a platform for many Haitian businesses to get the exposure that they needed to amplify their businesses, Bowman said. This was our way to bridge the gap between all these different Haitian businesses and people who are looking for them and that space. Theres also the annual Haitian Flag Day Festival. Haitian Flag Day is on May 18 and commemorates the creation of the flag in 1803. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The festival in Charlotte is put on by the Haitian Heritage and Friends of Haiti group, a nonprofit that supports the community in Charlotte and provides on-the-ground help in Haiti. Then theres other organizations, including the Charlotte Haitian Professional Network, co-founded by Germain, Natasha Charles and Wendell Dominique. Germain said the group was started to be another center for the community. It hosts networking events and offers professional development opportunities. The network is hosting a Haitian Independence Day Soiree on Saturday, Jan. 4. It also will be recognizing several community leaders including Sabine Guerrier, founder of the Friends of Haiti group, WCNC journalist Jesse Pierre, musician and DJ Roody Thomas and organizer Mackenscy Desinord. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event is open to everyone, and Chateau Creole will be catering the event with a big batch of soup joumou, in case you missed out on Jan. 1. We really want to celebrate our culture, celebrate ourselves and give recognition to those who have been here in Charlotte holding up our culture, Germain said. He added that the community can look forward to more events in May, which is Haitian Heritage Month. An invitation to celebrate Haitian culture Bowman said the Haitian community is always open for exploration. Edith Jean-Francois, owner of Ms. Didis Caribbean Kitchen, stirs a pot of soup joumou on New Years Eve. Soup joumou represents freedom in Haitian culture and is eaten on Haitian Independence Day on Jan. 1. Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Its one of the reasons all of the food served at the truck is named after cities in Haiti. The Miragoane is the Haitian food staple of griot (fried pork) served with diri kole ak pwa (rice and beans) and a side of either plantains or mac and cheese bursting with peppers and spice. Theres also the Port Au Prince poul fri, or fried chicken. And yes, thats different from American fried chicken in that theres no batter or breading. On Jan. 1, most of the Haitian restaurants in the city were open, including, Lakou and Chateau Creole. Lakou, at 5630 N. Graham St. Chateau Creole was at the Food Truck Court at 5024 Sunset Road. Jean-Francois served her soup on New Years Eve. Tomorrow (Jan. 1), we relax, Jean-Francois laughed Bowman said people shouldnt be afraid to ask questions either. Besides learning about cultures through sampling their food, the next best way is to simply ask. We plastered our Haitian flag on the side of our truck so that its very clear, we sell Haitian food, Bowman laughed. This is Haitian food. These are our flavors. This is what we do. You may not know us, but here we are. Tap into the culture. Go to a Haitian food truck. Go listen to Haitian music and see how it makes you feel. A person is dead after a vehicle caught fire and exploded outside the lobby of President-elect Donald Trumps hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Las Vegas police said they are investigating the fire and explosion, but neither they nor the Clark County Fire Department immediately provided more details, the Associated Press reported. A county spokeswoman said in a statement that the fire was in the hotels valet area and was reported at 8:40 a.m. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos obtained by KLAS, a CBS affiliate in Las Vegas, show a Tesla Cybertruck engulfed in flames outside of the hotels entrance. Las Vegas Metropolitan Sheriff Kevin McMahill told KLAS that one person died and seven others were hurt in the explosion. A witness staying at a hotel near Las Vegas Trump International Hotel told KLAS that he heard several loud booms and shook the glass at his hotel. Eric Trump, a son of the president-elect and executive vice president of the Trump Organization, posted about the fire on the social media platform X. He praised the fire department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post on X, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the explosion was caused by a very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the best of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself. We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself. All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion. https://t.co/HRjb87YbaJ Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 1, 2025 [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] 1 dead, 7 injured in Tesla fire, explosion at Las Vegas Trump International Hotel in intentional act LAS VEGAS (KLAS) One person is dead and seven others are injured following the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck at the main entrance to the Las Vegas Trump International Hotel on Wednesday morning. The act was intentional, police said, adding the back of the car contained gas canisters and fireworks. Video shows the vehicle parked next to the hotels front doors as it explodes into flames. The car was rented in Colorado Springs, Colorado, through Turo, a carsharing company, sources told 8 News Now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new year was barely eight hours old when Clark County firefighters and Las Vegas Metropolitan police responded to the explosion and fire around 8:40 a.m. in the 2000 block of Fashion Show Drive, across from Fashion Show Mall and just west of the Las Vegas Strip. During a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Sheriff Kevin McMahill said police found gas canisters, camping fuel, and large firework mortars in the bed of the truck after the fire was extinguished. One person is dead and seven others are injured following the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck at the main entrance to the Las Vegas Trump International Hotel Wednesday morning. (LVMPD) One person is dead and seven others are injured following the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck at the main entrance to the Las Vegas Trump International Hotel Wednesday morning. (LVMPD) One person is dead and seven others are injured following the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck at the main entrance to the Las Vegas Trump International Hotel Wednesday morning. (LVMPD) Clark County firefighters and Las Vegas Metropolitan police responded to the explosion and fire around 8:40 a.m. in the 2000 block of Fashion Show Drive, across from Fashion Show Mall and just west of the Las Vegas Strip. (LVMPD) Clark County firefighters and Las Vegas Metropolitan police responded to the explosion and fire around 8:40 a.m. in the 2000 block of Fashion Show Drive, across from Fashion Show Mall and just west of the Las Vegas Strip. (LVMPD) Police did not find any devices that would have been used to ignite the explosion in the truck and are unsure at this time how it ignited, McMahill said. Police have identified the person who rented the truck but were not ready to release the name as of Wednesday evening. Social posts including a persons name were incorrect, a source told 8 News Now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police tracked the truck through cameras at Tesla charging stations and found that it arrived in Las Vegas around 7:30 a.m. The truck then drove up and down Las Vegas Boulevard for about an hour before pulling into the Trump Hotel entrance. The truck sat in front of the hotel for about 15-20 seconds before it exploded, McMahill said. Elon Musk posts on social media that Cybertruck explosion was caused by fireworks, or bomb Both the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded in Las Vegas and the pickup truck used in New Orleans to ram into revelers, killing 15, were rented from Turo, McMahill stated during the news conference. Turo released the following statement after both incidents: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are heartbroken by the violence perpetrated in New Orleans and Las Vegas, and our prayers are with the victims and families. We are actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents. We do not believe that either renter involved in the Las Vegas and New Orleans attacks had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards in risk management, thanks to our world-class trust and safety technologies and teams that include experienced former law enforcement professionals. Turo Spokesperson The FBI was determining if the explosion was a terrorist attack however, he said they believed this was an isolated incident and that there was no threat to the public, FBI Acting Special-Agent-In-Charge Jeremy Schwartz said. A Tesla Cybertruck caught fire at the entrance of Trump Intl Tower in Las Vegas on Jan. 1, 2025. (Credit: Alcides Antunes) We do not believe there are a bunch of folks out there supporting this or helping this or there any danger to the community right now, Schwartz said. When asked if this explosion had any links to ISIS, McMahill said there was no indication that there was a connection in Las Vegas. No overt ISIS flag as seen in New Orleans but again we are investigating every aspect of this, McMahill said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the connection between the vehicle used and the location of the explosion, McMahill acknowledged that there is some concern regarding the connection. Its a Tesla truck and we know that Elon Musk is working with President-elect Trump and its the Trump Tower so theres obviously things to be concerned about there and its something we continue to look at, McMahill said. McMahill also thanked Musk for his help with the investigation. He gave us quite a bit of additional information into how the vehicle was locked after it exploded due to the nature of the force from the explosion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the seven people who were injured, two were transported to UMC for treatment. McMahill said all the injuries were minor and everyone was treated and released by Wednesday evening. A witness who asked to remain anonymous provided this photo of smoke at Trump International Tower near the Las Vegas Strip on Jan. 1, 2025, following a car fire. McMahill authorized LVMPDs New Years Eve staffing plan to continue for the next two days. The plan includes over 1,000 officers staffed in local communities and along the Las Vegas Strip to ensure that if there is a copycat or another attack they have the appropriate resources. The sound of explosions followed by smoke raised concern for people staying at or near the hotel. One witness, who asked to remain anonymous and was staying at Resorts World on the Las Vegas Strip, said he heard several loud booms. It was shaking the glass it was so loud, he said. I looked out and see smoke and me and my wife booked it out of there, he said. Las Vegas Trump Intl Hotel guests being evacuated following vehicle fire and explosion on Jan. 1, 2025. (KLAS) Police block off Sammy Davis Jr. Drive at Fashion Show Drive near the Trump Intl Hotel following a car fire. (KLAS)) Las Vegas Trump Intl Hotel guests being evacuated following vehicle fire and explosion on Jan. 1, 2025. (KLAS) Police block off Sammy Davis Jr. Drive at Fashion Show Drive near the Trump Intl Hotel following a car fire. (KLAS)) Police block off Sammy Davis Jr. Drive at Fashion Show Drive near the Trump Intl Hotel following a car fire. (KLAS)) Las Vegas Trump Intl Hotel guests being evacuated following vehicle fire and explosion on Jan. 1, 2025. (KLAS) Police block off Sammy Davis Jr. Drive at Fashion Show Drive near the Trump Intl Hotel following a car fire. (KLAS)) Las Vegas Trump Intl Hotel guests being evacuated following vehicle fire and explosion on Jan. 1, 2025. (KLAS) Guests who were in the process of checking out of the hotel were seen with their luggage walking along the sidewalk. Police said the hotel was eventually evacuated and guests were taken to Resorts World while the investigation is underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guests told 8 News Now that the evacuation was chaotic and it appeared there wasnt an evacuation plan in place. This is a joint investigation with federal, state, and local authorities. Fashion Show Drive in both directions from Sammy Davis Jr. Drive to Las Vegas Boulevard reopened to traffic shortly before 11 p.m. on Wednesday, according to RTC of Southern Nevada. 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 Queen City News. You are here: China Two radio telescopes with 40-meter-diameter antennas, one located on Changbai Mountains, Jilin province, and the other in Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region, have been put into operation. The Shanghai Astronomical Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences held the China VLBI Network Theme Report Meeting simultaneously in Shanghai and Shigatse on Friday morning. Built by the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the completion of this project will significantly improve the configuration of China's Very Long Baseline Interferometry network. The telescopes aim to offer technical support for the country's lunar explorations and deep-space probe missions, and it will also become a new support for radio astronomical research observations. Organisations everywhere are being challenged to embrace AI. Yet, AI needs a lot of energy, which in turn means emissions. An AI and data-driven world needs new thinking to ensure sustainability, says HPE. We must reduce carbon emissions to enjoy a greener, cleaner planet, but at the same time are under pressure to achieve more, more, more through tech, and hence consume more energy. The two aren't incompatible, HPE says, but it needs creative thought and not simply around hardware selection. HPE knows a thing or two about high performance computing and the energy it takes to drive massive compute power. HPE created the number one supercomputer in the world, El Capitan, and, in fact, it owns the number two and three spots too. Power is only one part of the story; the Green500 list ranks supercomputers on their performance against electricity consumption and eight of the top 15 are HPE too. iTWire was keen to understand how we can balance the competing priorities of sustainable computing and applying artificial intelligence, and spoke with HPE Principal technologist sustainable transformation Karim Abou Zahab and HPE senior technologist sustainable transformation Jostein Birkeland. Power costs It's a serious topic: power generation is the largest source of CO2 emissions in the world today, and we see increasing growth in power demand from data centres, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and more. With an increasing focus on AI, we're seeing an increase in resource demand too. In fact, AI is expected to take up 10% of global data centre power use during 2025, up from 2% in early 2024. And, data centres themselves are expected to be 4% of all global power demand in 2026, up from 2% in 2022. AI is resource intensive, and the computational power to train AI models is doubling every three to four months. It's not only electricity; generative AI is driving double-digit growth in water usage for model developers and hosts, and by 2027 global AI demand may account for 4.2 to 6.6 billion cubic metres of water withdrawal. These are big numbers; what it means in a nutshell is data centres of all sizes must focus on sustainability as much as they currently focus on data security: it's that significant. HPE sustainable practice Here comes Abou Zahab and Birkeland. The duo explained HPE is one of the first IT companies across the world to set science-based targets for its net-zero aspirations, with both targets and progress independently verified by scientists. Their own roles are evidence of HPE's committment to sustainable solutions, the company having a dedicated practice devoted to achieving sustainability while maintaining efficiency. These achievements include items like its 100% fanless direct liquid cooling architecture as seen in El Capitan. And for those of us with budgets that don't stretch for a supercomputer, other achievements include packing more hardware into less; the HPE ProLiant generation 11 servers have a 60% smaller data centre footprint compared with previous generation servers. This in turn means less power required, less cooling required, more equipment can be fit into the same space before needing expansion, and so on. In fact, HPE says, upgrading your HPE server to a newer model, coupled with application consolidation, will instantly achieve a reduction in your carbon output while giving you more power too. Now, any supplier can say you should upgrade, of course. However, as a big part of its sustainability committment HPE invests heavily in making a circular economy where it will buy back your old servers to find new life for them, giving you capital to re-invest in driving your goals further, such as your own AI journey. The HPE sustainable practice is not confined to HPE's own engineering. "We work hand-in-hand with customers in order to achieve goals together," Abou Zahab said. Over 2024 this included more than $US 1.85b in net revenue from sustainable IT customer briefings and over 4000 sales-related enquiries on sustainability and compliance. The HPE sustainability practice sits around the globe reporting in to chief sustainability officer Monica Batchelder in Houston. A key deliverable is the company's living progress report every June that covers all it is doing to create more sustainable and responsible IT solutions that meet the technology demands of the future. It encompasses, of course, equipment sustainability, but also employee retention, the circular economy, and other items. In reality, "we are sustainability experts who happen to be HPE-badged," Abou Zahab said. Karim Abou Zahab The digital divide - AI utilisation vs. carbon emission To kick our conversation off iTWire asked whether the trade-off between AI and carbon emissions is setting the world up for a new digital divide. Imagine a dystopian future where certain economies are advancing through unparalleled access to enormous computing power, in part fuelled by their ability to trade-off their carbon offset. Meanwhile, other economies fall behind, stymied by their existing dirty industries and outputs. Is our capacity to innovate intrinsicly tied to being able to pay a way out of it? No. "Offsets aren't part of our strategy as of now," Abou Zahab said. "It's about identifying opportunities and reducing, rather than offsetting." In fact, HPE's sustainability team has a five-lever framework to guide companies from all nations and of all sizes in how to achieve genuine energy reductions. It's a topic HPE takes seriously with not only a sustainability practice in-house but also overlaying an ethics framework. "There are multiple things to consider," he said. "The first thing is all about the context. You might operate in a country with a grid very heavy on fossil fuels, but in the grander equation AI can create efficiency so should not be hindered." Instead of old thinking around trading carbon, the future demands a new way of thinking; technology professionals worldwide "were taught computer engineering and never taught to consider efficiency," he said. "Uptime is the usual metric." HPE's five levers for sustainability To combat this, HPE's sustainability team says there are five levels of sustainable transformation. And, "you only achieve peak efficiency if you are focusing on all of these." The HPE five level sustainable transformation model is data efficiency software efficiency equipment efficiency energy efficiency resource efficiency These five items are paramount, and "AI supercharges them," Abou Zahab said. There is a lot to consider, the team point out. For example, a European study found that 40% of servers in data centres were more than five years old, and consumed most of the power but deliver only 7% of the work. Hardware is a clear victory, but the HPE team says we need to dig deeper. "Consider data," for example. "Do you need to hold on to receipts that are over 10 years old?" and "Consider programming languages. There are more energy-efficient languages." Software efficiency Yes, on this latter point there can be a difference in the amount of work a programming language can perform per units of energy consumed. In hindsight that seems logical; in practice it was certainly something iTWire had never put thought into previously. So what is the most energy-efficient language and how do you compare them? Firstly, "the most efficient programming language is no language," joked Birkeland, before explaining studies had taken place to benchmark different programming languages. One example study is by MIT who compared Rust vs. Java. "They put them in same IT context on a public cloud and delivering the exact same workload. One consumed half the energy." To save you a search, the victor was Rust. That's also backed up by a research paper comparing 27 languages, using Intel's RAPL tools to measure the energy required. For clarity, the study found C and Pascal to be the two most energy-efficient programming languages, with Rust coming next at 1.03 times the energy efficiency. C++ came in at 1.34, Java at 1.98, Python at 2.8, C# at 3.14, JavaScript at 4.45, PHP at 29.30, and so on. These results are surprising, yet at the same time, make sense. The closer you are to the underlying hardware - C and Pascal compiling to machine language - the faster and more efficient you will be. The further away, the more interpreted, and the more dependent on library upon library, the less efficient you will be. C# and Java both compile to an intermediate bytecode which is then executed by a runtime. The message is straightforward: you can reduce your energy costs and make your software run faster by rewriting in a different language. How practical that may be in terms of time, cost, and talent is a different matter but HPE says its sustainable practice team can help you with measurement and guidance on this topic, as well as others. Finding new uses for heat Another example to consider is cooling and power conversion. "Heat reuse is the largest source of [energy] waste but yet it has monetary value," Birkeland said. Here, creative approaches can be applied. "The real business challenge for heat reuse is finding heat demand," he said. In Finland, for example, a super computer's heat output is directly connected to the local district heating grid and thus negates the need for separate, paid-for central heating. In some regions HPE is also working with government and industry to reject heat from the data centre out into the district heating. Think of it like your household refrigerator. While it keeps things cool on the inside, "it's warm on the back side. The heat is rejected into the ambient air," Birkeland said. "It's the same in data centres where heat is not recovered." Thus - "find an application for the heat." This kind of thinking requires the drive and creativity to come up with a use case, not to mention the internal piping to make it work, but is precisely the type of novel approach that can help your organisation reduce energy requirements and energy costs. Reusing heat brings you an environmental benefit by avoiding carbon emissions you would have otherwise had to emit, and provides financial benefits also because heat can be expensive to generate outside of your data centre. You might think this challenge is easier to solve in colder nations, but Birkeland proposes some distinctively Aussie options: "when we talk about heat capture we're not only talking about linking the data centre to utilities to heat homes - you can also utilise the heat for breweries for bacteria to multiply for the production of beer, or to heat swimming pools during winter." Doesn't it all cost money to cut emissions? Ok, you may be convinced reducing emissions is the right thing to do. But how realistic is it? iTWire asked directly does it cost more money to reduce carbon footprint? The answer is a resounding "no," without hesitation. "Most emissions come from the power it consumes. Driving efficiency reduces power, and thus reduces emissions, and this directly turns into cost savings," Abou Zahab said. "The most efficient way to operate your equipment is to reduce usage," he noted. Here's where HPE's five levels come in again: improving the efficiency of your data, your software, your equipment, energy, and resources, all combine. Not content simply to give advice, HPE also says it can help you replace your infrastructure with more energy-efficient options through a range of consumption models like HPE GreenLake or OpEx payments. "Certain offerings from HPE financial services (HPFS) accelerate migration. We understand the reality that you need to manage infrastructure in your data centre and would also like to fund new projects," Abou Zahab said. "HPFS comes in, buys the infrastructure, but keeps it in your data centre, and gives you the money to fund new projects." "IT departments can say they are going to implement efficiency but want to keep the budget to fund new projects or hire talent - or perhaps keep half the budget and deliver value to Finance while still funding investments." Equipment efficiency need not be about replacing hardware like-for-like, anyway. "The best way from A to B is a race car," Birkeland said. "But if you're going to the stores to buy your shopping, or you're moving house, it'll take quite some time in a Ferrari going back and forth." Jostein Birkeland Further, the team point out, "AI can accelerate the way business is doing things to a grander scale of efficiency." "If I can prompt up a document, using GenAI, that would have otherwise taken six human hours then that's the fifth lever of resource efficiency," Birkeland said. "There's a big demand for AI automation tools. It might increase energy used, but it can reduce the work hours needed," Abou Zahab said. Here too HPE offers solutions with tools like HPE InfoSight and OpsRamp predicting and offering remediation on problems before they happen. Where to from here Sustainability, particulary sustainability in a world of AI and data, is a huge topic and our conversation only scratches the surface. There's a documentary, Clouded, and its sequel, Clouded 2, the pair pointed iTWire to. The focus is on the cost of technology decision-making and whether it costs the earth - literally. However, the good news is the HPE experts confirm it's a solveable problem. "As long as you're utilising AI in the correct context and keep in mind the five lever framework you should be good." It comes down to "optimising everything to achieve peak efficiency," they said, and granted, this is easier said than done, but the HPE five-lever framework provides a practical and handy guide to maintain focus. HPE comes with a proven track record of sustainability and leadership in high-performance computing that uniquely positions it to accelerate AI sustainability for organisations. It has the demonstrated innovation and expertise in designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing air-cooled and direct liquid-cooled AI systems at scale. And, in Abou Zahab and Birkeland and their colleagues HPE also has the sustainability experts who can help you tackle efficiency opportunities for workloads and infrastructure that span edge-to-cloud to support a sustainable transformation journey. See the trailer for Clouded here: SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A man was taken to the hospital on Tuesday, Dec. 31, after being stabbed in downtown Salt Lake City, according to police. The Salt Lake City Police Department learned about the incident just after 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday when 911 was alerted to a bleeding man on South Rio Grande Street. The victim was found with a stab wound, and paramedics provided lifesaving efforts. The man was taken to the hospital in serious but stable condition, SLCPD said in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flavored vape restrictions wont go into effect on Jan. 1 Heres why Officials believe the stabbing occurred around 200 South 500 West during an argument, according to a preliminary investigation. Both the suspect and the injured man walked away after the incident. This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no reason to believe that there is a threat to our community, police said. No one has been arrested yet, and SLCPD said that there is no suspect information to provide. Anyone with information about the case (including photos or videos) has been asked to call 801-799-3000. The investigation is ongoing. 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. ADAMS COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) One person died and multiple others were injured during a shooting on New Years Eve in Adams County. The Natchez Democrat reported that the shooting occurred around 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 in the area of Finger Lane off of Lower Woodville Road. Driver rams New Years revelers in New Orleans, killing 10. FBI investigating as act of terrorism Adams County Coroner James Lee identified the victim as Keyuan King, 24, of Natchez. Kings body will be transported to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for an autopsy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said King was one of the five people who were transported to Merit Health Natchez for treatment. The sheriff said more people, who were possibly hurt, refused medical treatment at the scene. According to Patten, three unidentified persons of interest were taken into custody Wednesday evening. They were arrested at the Rodeway Inn in Vicksburg around 6:30 p.m. The investigation is ongoing. 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. A driver plowed into a crowd in New Orleans early Wednesday, killing at least 14 people. Authorities are investigating the incident as a terrorist attack. Officials named a 42-year-old man as the only suspect in the attack; he was killed at the scene. The man accused of driving a rented pickup truck into a crowd in the heart of New Orleans in an ISIS-inspired attack acted alone, an FBI official said Thursday. Law-enforcement officials identified the suspect in the attack as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a 42-year-old US Army veteran, and have described it as a premeditated act of terrorism. Officials say he killed 14 people and injured at least 35 others early on New Year's Day in an attack that ended when he was killed in a shootout with the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a press conference Thursday, Christopher Raia, an FBI counterterrorism official involved in the investigation, walked back earlier claims that other people might have assisted with the attack. He said officials had since reviewed hundreds of hours of surveillance footage and other records and believed Jabbar acted alone. "We do not assess, at this point, that anyone else has been involved in this attack except for Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar," Raia said at the New Orleans press conference. Raia also said investigators had not found any links between the New Orleans attack and a Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas outside a Trump hotel, while cautioning the investigations into each event were still in their early stages. Both trucks were rented through the vehicle-sharing app Turo, and officials say the driver responsible for the Las Vegas explosion was an active-duty Army soldier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At this point, there's is no definitive link between the attack here in New Orleans and the one in Las Vegas," Raia said. The truck slammed through Bourbon Street New Orleans was still reeling Thursday after a man, later identified as Jabbar, drove a rented Ford pickup truck through the crowd on Bourbon Street at about 3:15 a.m. on New Year's Day. Several improvised explosive devices were also found near the scene of the attack. An ISIS flag was found in the vehicle's trunk, according to Raia. Raia said authorities initially believed other people might have been involved in the attack because of witnesses who said they saw people setting down coolers containing the IEDs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Raia said surveillance footage showed only Jabbar setting down coolers containing two IEDs, adding that other people were later seen "checking out" the coolers but did not seem to have any role in the attack. Reports of additional IEDs could not be substantiated, Raia said. Authorities also said at Thursday's press conference that a fire at a New Orleans house previously identified as a place where the IEDs might have been assembled started after Jabbar was already dead. They also clarified that a previously reported death toll of 15 included the truck's driver. Gov. Jeff Landry said "information changes" as investigations continue. "No one dumps a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle and solves it in five seconds," he said at the press conference Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jabbar's criminal record, obtained from the Texas Department of Public Safety and viewed by Business Insider, shows two prior arrests in 2002 and 2005. The first was for theft, while the other was for driving with an invalid license. Both were classified as misdemeanors. Support for ISIS posted on Facebook At Thursday's press conference, Raia said Jabbar rented the Ford truck in Houston on Monday and headed to New Orleans on Tuesday. He said Jabbar made a series of Facebook posts during his journey expressing support for ISIS and posting a last will and testament. Raia also said investigators believed Jabbar joined ISIS before this past summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to Business Insider, the car-sharing app Turo said Jabbar used its service to rent the truck. "We are heartbroken to learn that one of our host's vehicles was involved in this awful incident," the statement said. "We are actively partnering with the FBI. We are not currently aware of anything in this guest's background that would have identified him as a trust and safety threat to us at the time of the reservation." Starting Wednesday evening, Texas authorities performed a search of a location in Houston believed to be linked to Jabbar, the FBI said. At Thursday's press conference, officials said they had obtained two laptops and three phones connected to Jabbar, which they have been examining. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency said it had made no arrests but had deployed specialized personnel, including a SWAT team, crisis negotiators, and a bomb squad, to the Houston location. The search finished early Thursday, with the agency saying that it could not release more information but that "there is no threat to residents in that area." Superintendent Anne E. Kirkpatrick of the New Orleans Police Department described the attack during an earlier press conference, saying a man intentionally drove a pickup truck down Bourbon Street "at a very fast pace." She also said the driver shot two police officers, who she said were in stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kirkpatrick said it appeared that most of those injured were locals rather than tourists. Emergency services on Bourbon Street on Wednesday. AP Photo/Gerald Herbert Eyewitness accounts NOLA Ready, the city's emergency preparedness campaign, had initially said there was "a mass casualty incident involving a vehicle that drove into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street." Kevin Garcia, a 22-year-old who was present at the time, told CNN, "All I seen was a truck slamming into everyone on the left side of Bourbon sidewalk." He said that "a body came flying at me," and that he heard gunshots. One witness told CBS that a driver plowed into the crowd on Bourbon Street at high speed and that the driver got out and started firing a weapon, with the police firing back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Landry said on X on Wednesday that a "horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning." "Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene," he wrote, referring to his wife. "I urge all near the scene to avoid the area." Bourbon Street, in the city's French Quarter, is a famous party destination. Some streets in and around the French Quarter were due to be closed for New Year's celebrations, with Canal Street expected to stay open unless traffic got too bad, the local outlet Fox 8 WVUE-TV reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the attack, the Sugar Bowl football game between the University of Georgia and the University of Notre Dame was postponed from Wednesday night to Thursday afternoon. Local officials tried to assure the public that the city was now safe, with additional law enforcement deployed everywhere. "The city of New Orleans is not only ready for game day today but also to host large-scale events," Mayor LaToya Cantrell said Thursday. Read the original article on Business Insider Library patrons from Walla Walla to the Tri-Cities to Prosser will soon be able to borrow books and other materials from local libraries regardless of where they live. Starting Jan. 2, five library systems spanning much of the Mid-Columbia will offer nonresident library cards to patrons from neighboring systems. Patrons may request guest cards by presenting their home library card at the library they wish to use. The reciprocal lending program will unite Mid-Columbia Libraries, Richland Library, Walla Walla County Rural Library District, Walla Walla Public Library and Columbia County Rural Library. Kennewick Branch Library of the Mid-Columbia Library District at 1620 S. Union St. in Kennewick. The five systems operate 20 individual libraries and branches that collectively serve about 100,000 active accounts. The agreement generally covers physical books but not electronic collections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman for the Mid-Columbia Libraries said the program will begin Jan. 2 at libraries whose boards have signed off on the one-year pilot project. The soft launch will occur throughout January as the systems work to educate members about how it works. After the initial pilot, officials will evaluate it to see if it should continue or be amended. Richland Public Library at 955 Northgate Drive. Who is ready? Christopher Nulph, manager of Richlands city-owned library, confirmed it is ready to issue reciprocal cards on Jan. 2. City manager Jon Amundson signed off in December. Heather VanTassell, director of the Walla Walla Public Library, which serves the city of Walla Walla, confirmed it too will participate and is ready to begin offering reciprocal cards this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are excited about this opportunity to expand access to library materials and services to both our patrons and patrons of neighboring libraries, she told the Tri-City Herald. Officials with the remaining systems could not be reached over the New Years holiday to affirm if theyll be ready as soon as Thursday. The five library systems began discussing how to break down jurisdictional boundaries more than a year ago. The Mid-Columbia is one of the rare regions in Washington where libraries largely operated in isolation. Yakima County was part of the initial discussion but is not currently one of the participants. A library patron visits the Kennewick branch of the Mid-Columbia Libraries on South Union Street. 5 systems, big footprint The Mid-Columbia Libraries operates a dozen branches in Benton and Franklin counties and Walla Walla County Rural Libraries has branches in Burbank, Touchet, Prescott, College Place and Vista Hermosa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richland, Walla Walla Public and Columbia County each operate a single library. Patrons search for books at the Richland Public Library at 955 Northgate Drive in Richland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mid-Columbia Libraries has the largest collection overall, with more than 500,000 holdings. Richland is second with 165,000, followed by Walla Walla Public (85,300), Walla Walla County (40,000) and Columbia County (19,000). The Mid-Columbia system also was the busiest, with 760,500 physical checkouts in 2023. Richland recorded 462,000, Walla Walla Public recorded 131,000, Walla Walla County recorded 24,500 and Columbia County about 13,000. The past year has seen the opening of the worlds second-tallest skyscraper, the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral and the announcement of countless futuristic urban mega-projects. Yet, the architecture world has, increasingly, recognized the value of altogether humbler pursuits. In March, the industrys most prestigious accolade, the Pritzker Prize, was unexpectedly awarded to Japanese housing pioneer Riken Yamamoto, while a small school in suburban Australia was later named the best new building at the World Architecture Festival. So, while 2025 will, as ever, be one that celebrates grand infrastructure projects and feats of engineering, smaller-scale designs and those with genuine environmental credentials may also find themselves in the global spotlight. From innovative timber buildings to one of Asias largest new airports, here are 11 projects opening in the next 12 months. New Sydney Fish Market, Sydney The new Sydney Fish Market in Blackwattle Bay. - INSW The worlds third largest fish market is getting even bigger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than eight years after the New South Wales government announced the relocation of Sydneys historic fish market which dates to the 1870s but has been on its current site since 1966 the gleaming new four-floor building is opening on an adjacent 3.6-hectare site. Designed by 3XN Architects and Australian firm BVN (which promises visitors a multi-sensory fish market experience), the reimagined facility balances tourist infrastructure with the functional realities of a working wholesale market. Logistics and operations are hidden away in the basement, while the upper floors contain a market hall for visitors and an auction hall where restaurateurs and retailers bid on fresh catches as they arrive via pontoons. The project will also help rejuvenate an industrial part of the harbor with shops, restaurants, a promenade and an urban park, while the distinctive undulating roof is topped with 350 triangular solar panels. Grand Ring, Osaka The Grand Ring will serve as the roof and centerpiece of the forthcoming Expo 25. - Expo 25 From April to October, Japans second city Osaka plans to welcome an estimated 28 million visitors to Expo 2025, which will see around 40 countries build custom pavilions on site. The centerpiece, however, is the venue itself: The Grand Ring, a continuous circular wooden structure, more than 1.2 miles in circumference, that will take visitors around the vast site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Expo venues can serve as an expression of their hosts design ethos. When Osaka first hosted the Expo, in 1970, it erected a huge space-frame roof by the most celebrated avant-garde Japanese architects of the time. So, in an age where timber buildings offer an alternative to carbon-intensive concrete, it seems fitting that the Grand Rings creator Sou Fujimoto is presenting a distinctly Japanese take on the global trend. Using local cedar and cypress wood (as well as Scottish pine), the architects vision combines modern construction methods with the wooden joints traditionally used in Japanese temples and shrines. At almost 646,000 square feet, it will be among the worlds largest wooden buildings. Although intended to be temporary, there is ongoing debate about whether or how the structure might be preserved. Life and Mind Building, Oxford The Life and Mind Building is the largest building project in the University of Oxford's history. - NBBJ The UKs University of Oxford may be closely associated with grand gothic architecture, but it also operates in an ever-evolving portfolio of contemporary properties scattered through the city. The latest of them, a new 270,000-square-foot life sciences building, concludes the largest construction project ever undertaken in the institutions centuries-long history. The design principles of the Life and Mind Building reflect an academic one: that uniting the departments of experimental psychology, plant sciences and zoology under one roof will encourage greater collaboration and engagement between them. Inside, flexible lab spaces accommodate the needs of the different disciplines while a public plaza offers the chance of more casual interactions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite plenty of modern touches, the American architecture practice behind the project, NBBJ, nods to the universitys architectural heritage through stone facades and projected buttresses that produce what it calls a a timeless but recognizable appearance. Canadian School, Cholula The Popocatepetl volcano will be visible from the stepped roofs of the serene Canadian School. - Sordo Madaleno Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organic architecture is often celebrated for blending (or even disappearing completely) into the landscape, leaving as little trace on the surroundings as possible. Theres perhaps no better example among this years new openings than architecture firm Sordo Madalenos Canadian School in Cholula, Mexico. The serene campus looks to the regions topography for inspiration namely a nearby pre-Hispanic pyramid and the Popocatepetl volcano, which serves as a dramatic backdrop. The school is arranged around seven circular structures that take the form of overlapping hills, their terraced surfaces providing green spaces for students to explore. Mexican architect Fernando Sordo Madaleno, grandson of the firms late founder Juan Sordo Madaleno, said in a statement that as well as blending with the environment, the building itself becomes part of the playground. Techo International Airport, Phnom Penh Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. - Foster + Partners Cambodia is replacing its capital Phnom Penhs international airport with one capable of handling six times as many visitors. Part of the countrys ambitious bid to boost tourism numbers and become a regional aviation hub, the new Techo International Airports initial capacity of 13 million annual passengers will eventually rise to 30 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The terminal building, located 12 miles south of the city center, will be one of Southeast Asias largest. Plans to generate energy through an onsite solar farm also put it among the worlds greenest, according to architects Foster + Partners. With a form inspired by traditional Cambodian design, the terminals main roof is supported by a series of structural timber trees (real trees will also rise through a large central void). Digital renderings show the structures gridded steel shell filtering daylight and illuminating an interior bursting with tropical greenery, while passengers will reach their gates via two airfoil-shaped wings. South Station redevelopment, Boston The South Station Tower rises above the historic transport hub. - DBOX for Hines/Pelli Clarke & Partners A major expansion of Bostons South Station, the busiest ground transport hub in New England, is wrapping up this year. Upon completion, the redevelopment project will have increased the terminals bus and rail capacity by 50% and 70%, respectively. Architecturally speaking, the challenge facing American firm Pelli Clarke & Partners was not only to reimagine the hubs concourse and erect a soaring 51-story skyscraper above it, but to respect the original Classical Revival station building. Listed under the US National Register of Historic Places, it has stood there since 1899. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resulting contrast between gleaming glass and weathered stone was always going to be stark. But the towers soft, sculptural form seeks to complement its historic counterpart. The expanded, arched concourse meanwhile offers visitors a more grandiose arrival into the city. Goethe-Institut, Dakar A rendering of the new Goethe-Institut in Senegal's capital, Dakar. - Kere Architecture The first ever African winner of the Pritzker Prize, an award dubbed the Nobel of architecture, Francis Kere is using his global profile to transform the built environment in his home continent. The Burkinabe architect is a longstanding champion of vernacular design, which looks to traditional building materials and construction techniques. And his vision for the new Senegalese branch of Goethe-Institut, the German cultural exchange center, is a case in point. The 18,300-square-foot buildings gentle curves were designed to mirror the outline of the surrounding canopies. It was constructed primarily from locally sourced bricks, which are made from compacted earth and arranged in lattice formations to encourage natural ventilation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to CNN in 2022, Kere explained the importance of local materials, saying: The more you use, the better you can promote the local economy and (build) local knowledge, which also makes people proud. Urban Glen, Hangzhou The two volumes of Urban Glen will cascade into an artificial valley. - Buro Ole Scheeren Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than a decade after the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing opened to become, arguably, Chinas best-known contemporary building, its co-designer Ole Scheeren continues to leave his footprint on the county. The German architects firm, Buro Ole Scheeren, currently has major projects underway in various Chinese cities, from Shenzhen to Nanjing. Among the most striking among is Urban Glen, a pair of dramatically stepped towers containing nearly 900,000 square feet of office, hotel and leisure space in the eastern city of Hangzhou. Like the hills surrounding Hangzhou on three sides, the two volumes one of which houses a Rosewood Hotel appear to cascade into a manmade valley of roof terraces, shops and public art. Riyadh Metro, Riyadh A rendering of the soon-to-open Qasr Al Hokm metro station. - MIR The 2020s have seen Saudi Arabia announce a slew of mega-scale and often bombastic architectural ventures, from a new city arranged in a line to a cube-shaped skyscraper that will become one of the worlds largest built structures. But plans to bequeath the capital city Riyadh with a much-needed metro system date back more than a decade. Comprising six lines, the vast network is set to transform how the city operates, with a daily capacity of 3.6 million passengers. Above ground, its metro stations are becoming visual spectacles, with Zaha Hadid Architects and German firm Gerber Architekten among the high-profile foreign firms invited to design some of the 85 stations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the project was inaugurated in November, and many of the lines went into operation last month, the project wont be completed until the new year. Perhaps the most notable station yet to open is celebrated Norwegian firm Snhettas Qasr Al Hokm its striking stainless-steel canopy providing shade and channeling natural light into the cavernous interior. Skypark Business Center, Luxembourg Skypark Business Center will open on a site adjacent to Luxembourg Airport. - BIG Europe continues to push the boundaries of wooden construction, with France now requiring all new public buildings to include at least 50% timber. Neighboring Luxembourg, meanwhile, is soon set to welcome one of the continents largest hybrid wooden buildings to date: the Skypark Business Center. Set across more than 844,000 square feet of floor space, it was built using over 542,000 cubic feet of timber enough to fill up six Olympic-size pools while the copper facade is made from 80% recycled metal. With its softly rounded edges, the structures unique shape can be understood as two alternating, zig-zagging strips that snake across one another along the site. Their various intersections create a series of courtyards and roof spaces, with the buildings occupants never more than 50 meters (164 feet) from a green terrace, according to architects BIG. The building, the first phase of which completes February, largely comprises office space, in addition to shops and a hotel. But ground-level courtyards will be open to passersby and plane enthusiasts, who can enjoy views of the adjacent Luxembourg Airport. Danjiang Bridge, Taipei How the Danjiang Bridge will look upon its opening later this year. - negative.com/Zaha Hadid Architects For almost nine years, the late Zaha Hadids firm has continued her legacy, producing dozens of new designs channeling the ethos and identity of an architect dubbed Queen of the Curve. But the Danjiang Bridge, in Taiwan, was announced in 2015 the year before Hadids death meaning it will be among the last projects to be realized that she personally oversaw. The 3,018-foot-long structure will connect four major highways over the mouth of the Tamsui River, which flows through Taiwans capital, Taipei. It features a surprisingly slender profile, with the entire structure supported by just a single concrete mast (which the firms project description says minimizes the bridges visual impact on its surroundings). Nonetheless, it will become the worlds longest single-mast asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge when it opens later this year. It is a sign of the architects unique aesthetic that, even with just one mast to play with, its rounded edges and gently warped form is still, somehow, signature Hadid. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Thirteen people were forced out of their homes after a fire broke out at an apartment building in Boston early New Years morning, officials said. Firefighters responding to a report of a blaze at 289 Corey Road in the citys Brighton neighborhood just before 4 a.m. found flames in the basement and first floor of a four-story, eight-unit building, according to the Boston Fire Department. There were no reported injuries in the fire, however, the building suffered an estimated $250,000 in damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Red Cross is assisting those who were displaced. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Companies responded approx. 3:45 this morning to a fire in the basement and floor 1 of a 4 story 8 unit building at 289 Corey Rd Brighton. No injuries to report, 13 residents were displaced, @RedCrossMA ,damages est. at 250,000 the cause of the fire to be determined . pic.twitter.com/FC9hpCofra Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) January 1, 2025 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 Sausages are one of the most accessible meat products out there, and as a result, they're everywhere. Head into any large supermarket, and you'll have dozens of brands and options to choose from, in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. Unfortunately, more products means more opportunities for things to go wrong -- and with sausages, there have been some spectacular failures. Ever since sausages could be bought in stores there have been mistakes, and some disastrous manufacturing errors have resulted in absolutely massive product recalls. While some sausage recalls have been relatively contained, others have involved hundreds of thousands or even millions of pounds of product. These recalls can be hugely costly for the businesses that have to conduct them, with millions of dollars spent on unsellable items, phone line operations, and any potential lawsuits that may arise. There's also reputation to think of. Companies can be significantly affected by customers turning away from their products in favor of other brands, even if the recall they're conducting is long finished. Unfortunately, none of the sausage recalls we found were likely to be a lot of fun for the food companies behind them, and we'd bet that they cost a pretty penny. Read more: 7 Bacon Brands You Should Buy And 7 You Might Want To Skip A Packaging Defect Caused Over 2.5 Million Pounds Of Canned Sausages To Be Recalled Can of Armour Bourbon Barbecue Vienna Sausage - Conagra Brands Canned sausages may not be everyone's thing, but you can at least rely on them to be reliable: Most of the time, the product will look, smell, and taste like what you expect it to. However, that's only if the can itself is safe and secure. If it isn't, you may have some problems on your hands. This was the case in 2023, when Conagra Brands, one of the largest processed food companies out there, had to recall an eye-popping amount of its canned sausages. The company had discovered that some of the cans were leaking, and promptly alerted the authorities, while also identifying the fact that some customers may have bought cans that they couldn't see were damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fear was that pathogens may have been able to enter these cans without the customers realizing, which could then lead to the food inside becoming either spoiled or highly dangerous. As such, a recall was announced ... and it was big. Conagra had to hunt down well over 2.5 million pounds of its products, with a massive amount of Vienna sausages sold under various brand names. Nobody had reported becoming sick from eating the sausages, but this recall must have stung the company financially. Improper Labeling Of A Sausage Casing Led To A Huge Recall Smoked sausage on a wooden table - Dmitrii Ivanov/Getty Images When it comes to sausage recalls, sometimes it's not the sausage itself that's the problem, but the casing that contains it. This was the case (we're sorry, we couldn't resist the pun) in 2018, when J Bar B Foods had to recall almost 411,000 pounds of its H-E-B branded beef brisket smoked sausage from stores. The issue was that the sausage was enclosed in a pork casing that wasn't declared on the label, a problem that was only flagged when a customer enquired about the casing's ingredients to the company. This was a clear instance of mislabeling, but it was slightly more than that. The pork casing posed a risk for people with pork allergies. Pork allergies are triggered by the albumin present in pork, and can produce the same symptoms that other food allergies do, including anaphylaxis (although this is pretty rare). Interestingly, it's uncommon for pork allergies to exist in isolation from cat allergies, and it's thought that the food allergy actually stems from the latter because of an intolerance to cat serum albumin. So we guess you can blame your cat for this recall ... Right? Kinda. Nearly 50 Tons Of Jalapeno Cheddar Smoked Sausage Were Recalled Due To Plastic Contamination Pack of Johnsonville Jalapeno Cheddar Smoked Sausage - Johnsonville Sausages are highly processed, but when cheese is in the picture things get taken to the next level. Injecting all that cheese into each link means yet another step processing-wise, increasing the chance of things going wrong -- and that's exactly what happened in 2019. Johnsonville had to recall nearly 50 tons of its jalapeno cheddar smoked sausage after a customer complained that they found hard green plastic inside one of them. Not exactly what you wanna be swallowing with your dinner, huh? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnsonville set to work recalling the sausages, but its efforts were made more complicated by the fact that they hadn't just been shipped nationwide, but internationally too. Thankfully, there was just one product the company had to track down, and as the sausages were only produced over two individual days, things were likely a bit simpler. How exactly the plastic made it into the sausages is slightly unclear. It could be that a machine in the factory they were produced in had deteriorated and a piece of plastic had come away, or a plastic spatula or utensil was dropped in and then churned up in the sausage mix. Monogram Meat Snacks Had To Recall Almost 192,000 Pounds Of Sausage After The Products Were Potentially Tampered With Pack of Duke's Hot & Spicy Smoked Shorty Sausages - Monogram Meat Snacks Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We put a huge amount of faith in food producers to ensure that the items we buy are safe to consume and untampered with. While the vast majority of items arrive on our shelves as just that, every now and then things can take a slightly sinister turn. In 2019, Monogram Meat Snacks was forced to recall a huge amount of its sausages -- 191,928 pounds, to be exact - after it was discovered that its products may have been tampered with. As a result, the company was concerned that the sausages could potentially be contaminated and thus no longer be safe to eat. It should be pointed out that the potential tampering occurred after the production process was finished, but other than that, details about what the nature of the tampering was were pretty sparse. This may have been to prevent people panicking about what had happened to their food, but we can't help but feel that it's a little shady for the true nature not to be revealed. Regardless, Monogram Meat Snacks stressed that no one had become sick because of the tampering, but the whole affair left a bit of a question mark above the company. A Listeriosis Outbreak Was Linked To Boar's Head Liverwurst Boar's Head Liverwurst - Boar's Head One of the scariest, and biggest, recalls in recent memory started with a simple sausage. In July 2024, Boar's Head Provisions Co. announced a recall of its liverwurst following an outbreak of Listeriosis that was linked to the sausage. Not only did it infect dozens of people across multiple states, but it eventually led to the death of 10 individuals over many months. The initial recall of liverwurst was far from insignificant: Well over 200,000 pounds of product had to be tracked down. And things were only gonna get worse from there. Just four days after the first recall, Boar's Head decided to take the huge step of recalling every single product that was produced in the same facility as its liverwurst. A massive 7 million pounds of items had to be recalled due to public health and safety concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, those concerns were well-founded. The deadly Boar's Head Listeria outbreak will go down as one of the most consequential events in food history. Extensive enhanced health and safety measures were put into place by Boar's Head, its liverwurst was permanently discontinued, and the brand's reputation was affected for good. Over 90,000 Pounds Of Sausage Was Recalled After Metal Was Found Smoked cheddar sausage - Sergey Nazarov/Getty Images Call us old-fashioned, but we really don't want metal in our sausages, y'all. Is that too much to ask? Apparently, in 2017 it was, if you were buying Eckrich-brand cheddar breakfast sausages. The sausages, which were produced by Armour Eckrich Meats, were found to have pieces of metal embedded in them. Nobody had become injured or sick from eating them, but naturally a recall still had to be initiated -- and Armour Eckrich Meats were left having to track down over 90,000 pounds of product. As with so many recalls that involve metal pieces getting into food, the Food Safety and Inspection Service weren't super forthcoming about exactly how they ended up in the sausages. The truth is that it could have come from loads of different sources, from faulty equipment to misplaced tools. Whatever the cause though, obviously, it's never safe to eat. Undeclared MSG Prompted A Recall Of Almost 1 Million Pounds Of Chicken Sausages Pack of Econo chicken sausages - FSIS MSG, or monosodium glutamate, has had a lot of stigma around it for many years. While that stigma still persists amongst certain people, most folks nowadays are aware that MSG is generally deemed as safe. However, like any ingredient, it still needs to be listed when it's in packaged foods. When Century Packing Corp. failed to do so on its chicken sausages, it faced an almighty recall of almost 1 million pounds of product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MSG in its chicken sausages, which were sold in Walmart and other stores, wasn't added as an extra ingredient by the company. Instead, it was a sub-ingredient, having been added to the chicken bouillon in the sausages without being declared. It's worth noting that listing MSG isn't just common courtesy or logic, but something stipulated by the USDA as a must for meat and poultry products -- so Century Packing Corp. was definitely at fault here. To make matters worse, it had been missing MSG from its ingredients list for approximately six weeks of production. The sausages were shipped everywhere and schools had also purchased them via the company, so its recall activities had to be pretty widespread. A Wide Range Of Sausage Products Were Recalled Following Metal Contamination Pack of Garcia Smoked Beef Sausages - Uncle John's Pride Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man, metal just loves getting into sausages, huh? In 2017, there was yet another instance of this happening. Florida-based Uncle John's Pride had to issue a recall of almost 140,000 pounds of meat and poultry sausages that were shipped to three states after someone found a piece of metal in one of the products. The company naturally worried that other pieces of metal had made it into the sausages and were shipped to customers, and it had to track them down and get them back. The metal itself was not in shard or fragment form, but was instead a magnet. It's not entirely clear how the magnet made it into the source product, but they are commonly used in modern food production to sift out pieces of metal that may otherwise contaminate items. As such, it may have been the case that one of these magnets dropped off and into the food, making it not only useless but also pretty dangerous. Misbranding And An Undeclared Allergen Led To A Huge Recall Of Beef Sausage Label for Ohanyan's Soujouk Dried Beef Sausages - Ohanyan's Bastirma & Soujouk Co. Have you ever seen the ingredient soy lecithin in your food and wondered what it is? It's likely that you have -- it's everywhere. Soy lecithin is an additive derived from soy that's used as an emulsifier, and it also has a preservative effect on flavor. Although it doesn't have high amounts of soy and may not trigger an allergic response in a lot of people, for folks with more severe soy allergies it can still be dangerous and prompt symptoms. As such, it's important for food manufacturers to list soy lecithin when they use it -- and this is something that Ohanyan's Bastirma & Soujouk Co. failed to do in 2015. Two varieties of its dried beef sausage produced over a full year did not declare the presence of soy lecithin, which apparently was being sprayed into the packaging in canola oil. Although nobody had gotten ill from ingesting it, it's pretty wild to think that it took the company 365 days to realize what was happening. The result was a massive recall of almost 160,000 pounds of product and likely a significant dent in the company's income. In 2014, Peanuts Caused A Big Chorizo Recall Cooked chorizo in tapas bowl - Studioimagen73/Shutterstock Modern food production is mind-blowingly complex, with ingredients going through a huge amount of processing and coming from all over the world before they're processed again into a different product. This opens up a massive amount of risk of cross-contamination, and can result in ingredients ending up in foods that you'd never expect to be there. In 2014, this was proved by a large chorizo recall conducted by Garcia Foods Inc., which had to claw back 190,450 pounds of products after discovering that peanuts could be inside them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The route that these potential peanuts took was kinda convoluted. The issue was flagged to Garcia Foods after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, released another recall for cumin products that were apparently used in the chorizo. The cumin recall was prompted by undeclared peanut proteins that may have been in some of the products, and these proteins weren't declared on the product label. Aside from the fact that we're not sure why peanut proteins would be in cumin seasoning blends anyway, these recalls go to show how complicated the making of modern food is, and how careful food manufacturers need to be. Almost 55 Tons Of Smoked Sausage Were Recalled When Customers Found Plastic Inside Grilled sausages - FotoDax/Shutterstock Plastic gets in the strangest of places, and it can end up in food way more often than we'd like. In 2018, this happened yet again. Johnsonville, LLC, a company that's seen a fair few recalls in its time, had to put out a recall notice once more for one of its sausage products. This time, it had to do so because customers had found hard, green plastic in its smoked pork sausages. This wasn't an isolated occurrence: Three people reported that they found plastic pieces, which clearly flagged that more could be out there. As such, Johnsonville had to spring into action, and it was faced with a pretty massive amount of product to get back. Almost 55 tons of smoked sausages were potentially affected, and as these products had been shipped nationwide it likely had a lot of paperwork to do. Somewhat usefully, the products being recalled had all been produced under two batch numbers, making them slightly easier to track down. Undeclared Soy Caused A National Recall Of Sausages Label for Cavanaugh Smoked Sausage - Zemco Industries Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another day, another undeclared allergen. This time, it was soy's turn to be left off a product label. In 2014, New York-based Zemco Industries had to put out a large recall of its smoked sausages due to soy not being declared on the label. 106,800 pounds had to be tracked down, and the company wasn't helped by the fact that they had been sent all over the country to be sold in stores. The issue occurred due to classic human error. Zemco Industries had made a change to its smoked sausages to remove soy from the recipe, but it turned out that some of its employees missed the memo and made them using the old formulation. These sausages containing soy were then shipped out in their new labels, which stated that there was no soy to be found. Pretty big mistake, right? The good news was that no one had an allergic reaction from eating these at the time the company discovered the mistake and put out the recall. An Enormous Recall Of Sausage Products Took Place Following A Multistate Salmonella Outbreak Salami on wooden board, with pieces sliced from it - Westend61/Getty Images While food recalls are usually pretty serious, a lot of them pass without incident. Unfortunately, others come as a result of perilous circumstances and outbreaks of harmful diseases. This was the case in 2010, when products made by a Rhode Island firm called Daniele International were identified as containing Salmonella. The recall came in the midst of a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections, which eventually resulted in hundreds of cases across the country. As part of the investigation into the infections, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (or FSIS) tested Daniele International's salami products, and found that they contained Salmonella. This prompted Daniele International to put out a hefty recall of its products. It initially had to recall well over 1.2 million pounds of its salami products, before revising the recall to include another 23,754 pounds of items a few weeks later. Importantly, the FSIS didn't initially find a direct link between the salami and the Montevideo infections, but it later appeared that black and red pepper used to make the salami may have been responsible. When Bone Fragments Were Found In Kielbasa, A Large Recall Was Announced Parkview Turkey Polska Kielbasa - FSIS Kielbasa is a lot of things (although it isn't andouille sausage, folks). .It's garlicky, salty, sharp, and a little bit smoky, but what it shouldn't be is full of bones. Sadly, this was exactly what certain kielbasa were at the start of 2024, after Salm Partners had accidentally manufactured and sent its products out with bone fragments inside them. Several customers reached out to both the company and the FSIS to alert them of their findings in the turkey sausage, which then led the two to team up and issue a recall. One customer experienced a minor oral injury from apparently chewing on the bone, but luckily no further harm was done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, too, this wasn't a small recall. Salm Partners had to recall 133,039 pounds of sausage in total. As the sausage had been shipped nationwide, it had to likely call a lot of supermarkets and grocery stores to try and find it. 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. A 15-year-old West Roxbury boy was ordered held without bail and two others are being sought in connection with a home invasion and armed robbery involving a gun, knives and the theft of high-end clothing and shoes, the district attorney said. The boy, a West Roxbury teen who was not identified because he is a juvenile, was held pending a dangerousness hearing on Jan. 10 after he was charged in Dorchester Juvenile Court, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said. Prosecutors also asked the judge to revoke the boys bail on two open cases. The judge did not rule on that request pending the dangerousness hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors allege that in November, the boy and two other males brandished weapons and stole an iPhone and numerous clothing items from a male victim, including the $300 Spyder pants the victim was wearing. Police are still searching for two other males involved in the incident, Hayden said. At about 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17, the three males entered a home on Weld Street in West Roxbury, Hayden said. The victim, who heard the males coming into the home, ran to a second-floor bedroom. The males followed the victim to the bedroom, and one of them pulled out a black handgun and the other two pulled out knives, Hayden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The male with the handgun allegedly told the victim, Give me all your stuff or Im gonna shoot you and the dog, Hayden said. The victims dog was in a crate in the living room. The three males stripped the victim of his Spyder pants, then stole his iPhone 13 and other items including Atlanta Dunks sneakers valued at $200, Lavins sneakers valued at $600, Alexander McQueen sneakers valued at $500, Balenciaga shoes valued at $1,000, and Jordan sneakers valued at $120, Hayden said. Investigators reviewed surveillance video from the area around the Weld Street home and witnesses described the three males to police. Police obtained an arrest warrant for the 15-year-old boy after learning his identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think anyone pondering this scenario can instantly understand the fear this victim must have felt as he endured this harrowing experience, Hayden said. Im thankful that neither the victim or his dog were injured in this incident and Im grateful for the diligent work of Boston police detectives to identify the juvenile defendant. 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 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: Don Fritzler. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum. We want to remember Don Fritzler, 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. MATTOON The small coupe of William Severns ran into a Big Four switch engine at the Sixteenth street crossing this morning a few minutes after 1 a.m. and as a result Raymond McElwee of Charleston is a patient in Memorial Hospital with two broken ribs and cuts on his hands and face, caused by flying glass when he was pitched out onto the pavement. Miss Vera Clark of 1809 DeWitt Ave., this city, who was one of the four passengers in the coupe, was pitched on her head and was rendered unconscious for quite a time. She was taken to her home. William Severns, owner and driver of the coupe, and Miss Martha Doepel of 1400 Shelby Ave., were unhurt...MATTOON The inauguration of the night school of religious education at the Methodist Episcopal Church on New Year's eve was well-attended and a delightful program was carried out. Rev. Harris G. Beck, pastor, assisted by a large corps of church and Sunday school workers, greeted fellow church folks. A 6 p.m. dinner was served in the church dining room to upward of 150 people by the Ladies Aid Society. Following the dinner there was a thirty-minute period devoted to fun...URBANA A revival of their fighting spirt was the most significant gain made by farmers during the year just ended, H.W. Mumford, dean of the college of agriculture, U of I, said in a New Year's message. He suggested five resolutions as sound ones for every farmer to make this New Year. They were: "I resolve to do a better job of minding my own business, farming, than I ever have before. I resolve to be encouraged by the accomplishment of farmers' organizations rather than discouraged by their mistakes and failures. I resolve to contribute something toward making life more pleasant and attractive to my family. I resolve to cultivate and practice the co-operation in business affairs of the farm. I resolve to take pride in my community and to help make it a better place in which to live."...MATTOON City street cleaners ran snowplows over the sidewalks this afternoon, clearing tracks for pedestrians. Other men were assigned to clearing the street crossings along Broadway and Western Ave. When the snowfall ceased at 1 p.m. it is estimated there was a depth of almost six inches on the level...MATTOON Installation of the new fixtures in the First State Bank was begun by Contractor G.W. Ballard's mechanics at the close of banking hours on Wednesday afternoon and is being continued today. The new work is to be sufficiently done to permit banking operations over it by Friday. The old fixtures were removed on Wednesday afternoon and the new tones, which had been cut and fitted previously, were slipped into place and put together...MATTOON Mr. and Mrs. Gardner Throm left this morning in their car for Miami, Fla. They will visit a short time in Terre Haute and Indianapolis, after which they will go to Washington D.C. and south to Florida over the New York-Miami route. They will be joined in a few days at Miami by J.E. Throm for the winter...MATTOON Dale Followell of 1021 Shelby Ave., a housemoving workman, was arrested by Deputy Sheriff Shirley on Wednesday evening on a state warrant, charging him with violating the Illinois prohibition laws. Followell was held under a $1,000 bond to the February term of county court...CHARLESTON C. Layman, resident of Sparta, formerly of Johnstown, was in Charleston on Monday as the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Connell, Mr. and Mrs. David McColley and Mr. and Mrs. O.F. Sprout. Mr. Layman, who has reached the 58th anniversary of his birth, is well able to move around with all comfort and confidence, and his well-advanced age does not interfere with him in making visits to his old friends. Mr. Layman enjoyed his visit here with his old time friends and was pleased to see them all well and happy. He has left here for Trilla to make a visit before returning to Sparta, following New Year's. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Two men from Abilene are accused of following a driver in East Abilene, entering the parking lot where the victim went, and firing at least one of two firearms. Court documents indicate that on November 30, 2024, officers were dispatched to a report of a shooting near the intersection of North Judge Ely Boulevard and East Highway 80. The victim stated that he was followed by Robert Guevara and Anthony Garcia to this location by car. Anthony Garcia Robert Guevara After the victim pulled into a parking lot, he claimed that Guevara and Garcia exited their car and displayed firearms. The victim was certain that Guevara shot at him, hitting his car multiple times. Initially, he was uncertain if Garcia had also fired a weapon, but he later told officers that he believed Garcia did. Although the victim was not physically harmed, he was in fear of imminent danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That night, spent cartridges were found at the scene, and patrol officers stopped Garcia in the suspect vehicle; records indicate that he denied any involvement. Upon further investigation, additional evidence was uncovered using surveillance video, license plate readers, and phone data, which corroborated the victims allegations. Guevara and Garcia were both charged with second-degree felony aggravated assault. Guevara, with a bond of $100,000, and Garcia, with a bond of $75,000, were booked into the Taylor County Jail on December 27. They were released on bond the following 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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Two people are dead and at least 20 wounded after a fireworks cache exploded around midnight in Salt Lake. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services said personnel responded at 12 :01 a.m.today to Keaka Drive to an explosion with multiple patients injured from an apparent firework blast. Multiple ambulance crews and Field Operations Supervisors responded. Paramedics on scene were able to identify a total of 22 patients. Of the 22 patients, 2 were pronounced dead on scene and 20 were transported in serious or critical condition to various hospitals throughout the island, according to EMS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honolulu police and firefighters also responded. The Honolulu Police Department said in a social media post at 1 :45 am., Major Incident in the Salt Lake area. This is a fireworks-related incident with multiple casualties. HPD, HFD, and EMS are on the scene providing care and security. Please avoid the area, read a tweet from the Honolulu Police Department at 1 :45 am. HPD told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser early this morning that the casualty numbers are not confirmed and investigators remained at the scene on Keaka Drive. 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 ! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Honolulu Fire Department officials said in a news released that the received a 911 call at 11 :59 p.m. and responded to a medical emergency at 4137 Keaka Drive in Aliamanu with one unit and four personnel. The first unit arrived on scene at 12 :07 a.m., at the same time as Emergency Medical Services, to find multiple people injured due to a fireworks explosion at the exterior of the residence. An additional eight HFD units were requested. HFD personnel found that there was no fire, assessed the structure, conducted a search and assisted EMS with patient triage, treatment and transport to the awaiting ambulance units. Tragically, there were two fatalities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HFD said the American Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced resident and that an investigation has begun to determine the cause of the explosion and to provide damage estimates. In other fireworks-related incidents around midnight, EMS said crews responded :To Lukela Lane in Kalihi at 11 :04 p.m. Tuesday for a 19-year-old man with multiple traumatic injuries, including a severe arm injury, from a suspected firework blast. He was treated and taken in critical condition to a hospital.At 11 :27 p.m. for a patient who suffered a traumatic hand injury from a suspected fireworks blast. The patient had been driven to a Honolulu Fire Department station in Nanakuli where paramedics treated him then took him in serious condition to a hospital.To Linapuni Street in Kalihi at 12 :04 a.m for a male who suffered an extensive hand injury from an apparent firework explosion. Paramedics treated him and transported him in serious condition to a trauma center.At 12 :06 a.m to Kuhia Place in Ewa where a 59-year-old woman and a 72-year-old man suffered minor burn injuries to their legs in a firework-related incident. Paramedics treated the patients and took them in minor condition to a hospital. 5 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . (KTLA) Federal prosecutors on Monday fought to keep a man behind bars after investigators made the largest seizure of homemade explosives in FBI history at his home earlier this month, court documents show. An investigation into 36-year-old Virginia resident Brad Spafford was opened in 2023 after his neighbor reported to law enforcement that the defendant had lost three fingers on his right hand in 2021 while working with an explosive device, a federal criminal complaint states. The neighbor further alleged that Spafford was also stockpiling weapons and homemade ammunition on his 20-acre farm in Virginias Isle of Wight County, around 185 miles south of Washington D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Dec. 17, federal agents arrested Spafford for possession of an unregistered short barrel rifle and reportedly located not only the rifle but a stockpile of more than 150 homemade improvised explosive devices, assessed as pipe bombs, the complaint noted. Brad Spafford, 36, a resident of Virginia seen in a photo released by the FBI on Jan. 1, 2025. Federal agents seized more than 150 homemade pipe bombs, along with other weapons and tools to make explosives from a Virginia man on Dec. 17, 2024. (FBI) Federal agents seized more than 150 homemade pipe bombs, along with other weapons and tools to make explosives from a Virginia man on Dec. 17, 2024. (FBI) Federal agents seized more than 150 homemade pipe bombs, along with other weapons and tools to make explosives from a Virginia man on Dec. 17, 2024. (FBI) Federal agents seized more than 150 homemade pipe bombs, along with other weapons and tools to make explosives from a Virginia man on Dec. 17, 2024. (FBI) Federal agents seized more than 150 homemade pipe bombs, along with other weapons and tools to make explosives from a Virginia man on Dec. 17, 2024. (FBI) Federal agents seized more than 150 homemade pipe bombs, along with other weapons and tools to make explosives from a Virginia man on Dec. 17, 2024. (FBI) Federal agents seized more than 150 homemade pipe bombs, along with other weapons and tools to make explosives from a Virginia man on Dec. 17, 2024. (FBI) Federal agents seized more than 150 homemade pipe bombs, along with other weapons and tools to make explosives from a Virginia man on Dec. 17, 2024. (FBI) Most of the explosives, according to prosecutors, were found organized by color in Spaffords detached garage, with some labeled lethal and others preloaded into an apparent wearable vest. Additional pipe bombs were found unsecured in a backpack labeled #nolivesmatter in the defendants room. Federal investigators also recovered tools and materials used to manufacture explosives, a homemade mortar and riot gear, the complaint detailed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside Spaffords freezer, bomb technicians located HMTD, an explosive material so unstable it can be exploded merely as a result of friction of temperature changes, which was marked with the words Do Not Touch and Dangerous. Police find woman, 33, dead in her Southern California apartment A notebook recovered during the search allegedly contained an extensive list of explosive recipes, including how to make materials like HMTD, the military grade explosive C-4 and other lethal devices like grenades. Federal attorneys, who noted that Spafford had expressed anti-government views and used a picture of President Biden for target practice at a local shooting range, said the defendant poses an extreme danger to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even after losing his own fingers as a result of his homemade explosive materials, he made the apparent remarkable decision to keep an extraordinarily dangerous explosive material in the homes freezer next to food items that could be accessed by the entire family, prosecutors argued in an attempt to keep him jailed. While the federal judge overseeing Mondays hearing initially denied the governments request to hold Spafford, the decision to release him was later put on hold while the judge reviewed additional evidence filed by prosecutors. As for Spafford, his attorneys argued for his release before trial, saying he is not a danger but a hard-working family man with no criminal record. 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. Dec. 31WATERTOWN 2024 was supposed to be the year that dignity and decorum was returned to Watertown City Council chambers. It was also hoped that a promising project to manufacture solar panels near the Watertown International Airport would break ground, bringing hundreds, if not eventually thousands, of jobs to the area. It was a year that saw much of the area hit by what was described as a once-in-a-century rainfall, only to have some communities struck by a deluge again within weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A mostly forgotten private boarding school in Ogdensburg that had been closed for years suddenly became a topic for national fodder when a documentary aired claiming students there were victims of abuse. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection seemingly continued to move forward with plans to place a new Border Patrol station at an environmentally sensitive site on the St. Lawrence River even after hearing first-hand that no one wants the station there, only to reverse course and indicate an openness to a site local residents and elected officials favor. And on April 8, the north country went dark for about three minutes. While hordes of expected eclipse tourists never created gridlocked streets, the phenomenon was still impressive to observe. Here, in no particular order, is a sampling of topics that drove conversations across the north country in 2024: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CITY COUNCIL ETHICS COMPLAINT The year opened with a newly configured Watertown City Council. Mayor Jeffrey M. Smith had not sought reelection and Mayor Sarah V. Pierce was sworn in as the city's first female mayor, joined by new council members Benjamin P. Shoen and Robert O. Kimball. The new lineup was joined by incumbents Lisa A. Ruggiero and Clifford G. Olney III, who had a lingering ethics complaint against him brought by former Mayor Smith, who claimed Olney had broken council rules by making executive session material known to the public. An Ethics Commission recommended Olney be ousted from office for the alleged impropriety. In January, Shoen and Kimball said they wanted to see the ethics complaint followed up on to its conclusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The matter festered for months until the council voted in August to initiate an Ethics Board meeting on the ethics. Olney said he was prepared for a meeting, but wanted the city to provide him with an attorney for it, but his request was denied. With no attorney provided, Olney opted not to attend the closed meeting of the Ethics Board, which upheld its earlier recommendation that he be removed from council. The council voted in October to hold its own hearing on the complaint, prompting Olney to start a GoFundMe campaign to help cover his legal costs. The matter will now kick over into 2025. SOLAR MANUFACTURING SITE In February 2021, the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency confirmed that its was working with a company that planned to bring a solar panel manufacturer to the IDA's industrial park near the airport in the town of Hounsfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Convalt Energy, along with a sister company, DigiCollect, The company talked of creating 165 jobs in its first year, 525 jobs within five years, with plans to grow to more than 2,000 jobs between the two companies. Land was cleared at the site for the facility, which was billed as one of the largest economic development project in Jefferson County's history, but no other work was evident in the ensuing years and in November the idea chose not to renew a land development agreement with Convalt. Economic officials said this did not represent an absolute certainty that the company had abandoned its plans for Watertown, but in December Convalt's owner, Hari Achuthan, was quoted by the Denver Gazzette in Colorado as telling economic development officials there that he wanted to build what would "probably be the largest cell factory in the U.S." in Colorado Springs. TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early April, the north country braced for an influx of visitors looking to experience a total eclipse of the sun, with much of the area included in the totality. Concerns about gridlocked streets prompted school and businesses to close on April 8, but any anticipated problems never materialized. While thousands of people showed up, people took advantage of state parks, waterfront communties and other open areas for viewing. Watertown International Airport saw 44 private planes land there. The city of Watertown organized a Total Eclipse of the Park event which drew an estimated 6,500 people, About 100 people gathered at Barnhart Island in Massena and about 60 met up at littleGrass Foodworks in Ogdensburg. Both St. Lawrence University and SUNY Canton held watch events on their Canton campuses, but many more just retired to their front yards and driveways to watch. Clouds moved in the hours before the eclipse, but this didn't dampen the enthusiasm of observers. Shouts of "cool" and "wow" filtered through crowds in Canton, downtown Watertown and elsewhere as the moon blocked the last bit of the sun, followed by a rousing cheer and a round of applause. The spectacle was hailed as an early spring boon for hotel operators, state parks and other tourism operators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ZOO NEW YORK REOPENS Zoo New York in Thompson Park closed abruptly in October 2023, with no word on when or if it would reopen in 2024 as its operator, the Thompson Park Conservancy, determined it could no longer stay open without making major changes and adopting a different business model. But based on an assurance from the Watertown City Council that some funding assistance would be forthcoming, the conservancy reopened the zoo in early May. In its budget adopted the following month, the City Council allocated $250,000 for the zoo's operations and sponsors, businesses, volunteers and the public rallied in support of the facility. The zoo operated throughout the year, continuing to host popular events such as Brew at the Zoo and Boo at the Zoo and in October the zoo's interim director, Mark D. Irwin, said plans are already underway to get the zone prepared for its 2025 season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ACADEMY AT IVY RIDGE DOCUMENTARY The private boarding school Academy at Ivy Ridge near Ogdensburg had been closed since 2009, with the property left vacant in the years since. While problems at the school had been documented since its opening in 2001, the extent of the issues was not fully explored until a Netflix documentary series, "The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping," was released in March, almost instantly becoming the most streamed program on Netflix. In the wake of the documentary, St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary M. Pasqua and Sheriff Patrick "Rick" Engle announced at a joint press conference that they were opening an investigation into reports of abuse, each indicating that their offices have been inundated with phone calls and emails from former students, as well as other inquiries about potential investigations. Assemblyman Scott A. Gray, R-Watertown, asked that the state attorney general conduct an investigation. While those efforts continue, former students from across the United States gathered at the Route 37 school site in late April to protest institutional child abuse. They spoke of a sense of relief at finally being believed in their accounts of what took place at the academy, indicating it gave validation to their collective experience and provided them an opportunity to let go of some of the anger they felt about their treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BORDER PATROL STATION The U.S. Customs and Border Protection for several years has seemed intent on building a new Border Patrol station along the St. Lawrence River at Blind Bay, a location no one locally wants due to the ecologically and environmentally sensitive nature of site, which is one of the few places on the river where muskellunge spawn. In June, at the urging of Sen. Charles E. Schumer, CBP took the unusual step of holding two public comments sessions on the plan, drawing hundreds of people to Clayton to express opposition to the Blind Bay site as well as a second site in Clayton. At the meeting, an alternate site at the "cloverleaf" intersection of Route 12 and Interstate 81 near the Thousand Islands Bridge was proposed. CBP said in an October email to Assemblyman Scott A. Gray that the cloverleaf had been removed from consideration as the site for the new station, prompting additional protests from Gray, Schumer and other elected officials. Following this renewed push, CBP said in November that it will include the cloverleaf location in its environmental assessments of possible station sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That announcement was applauded by Gov. Kathleen C. Hochul, who said she wants CBP to give serious consideration to the cloverleaf site, reiterating her earlier stance of "No facility at Blind Bay." WIDESPREAD FLOODING The remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl passed over the north country in July, with Lewis County being particularly hard hit as more than 6 inches of rain fell in a 24-hour period, flooding Lowville Academy and Central School and the Lewis County Fairgrounds, prompting a state of emergency in the county. Then the remnants of Hurricane Debby came to town Aug. 9 causing additional damage and another heavy rainstorm 10 days later overflowed waterways. The cost to recover from the storms in Lewis County topped $40 million. Feet of water accumulated in buildings in the Watertown City School District following the August rains, causing an estimated $4.2 million in damage. School. That storm also affected more than 100 roads and bridges in St. Lawrence County, including the closure of Route 11 near Canton as floodwaters filled a railroad underpass there. In late August, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. approved federal disaster assistance for Lewis and St. Lawrence counties in the wake of the severe storms that passed through the region July 10 and 11 and additional federal funding was made available in October to help with the Aug. 18 and 19 storms in Lewis and Oswego counties. DOUBLE MURDER TRIAL On Nov. 15, a St. Lawrence County Court jury convicted Adam W. Smith of the robberies and murders of 72-year-old Ronald E. "Huck" Durham on Feb. 11, 2023, in East Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur and of 67-year-old Freeman in Freeman's Rossie home on March 1, 2023. The jury found Smith guilty of all 14 counts against him. The case had begun with the arrest of 24-year-old Frederick A. "Freddy" Wing Jr. of Gouverneur for the murder of Durham. Wing was charged within hours of the death and held without bail for about three weeks, but prosecutors dropped the charges after Freeman's death in a manner similar to Durham's and began to focus the investigation on Smith. KRAFT HEINZ PLANT UPGRADES In early December, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer paid a visit to the Kraft Heinz plant in Lowville to announce that it had received an estimated $22 million in federal funding secured from the U.S. Department of Energy's Industrial Demonstrations Program to upgrade and decarbonize its heating process to reduce carbon emissions in pursuit of the company's zero carbon by 2050 goal. The upgrades will strengthen the plant and make it more sustainable. In August, it had been announced that the Lowville plant would stop producing Kraft and Polly-O string cheese, but at the annual Cream Cheese Festival in Lowville in September it was announced that a new product, a cream cheese frosting, will be made there under the company's Philadelphia cheese brand. MICRON FUNDING On Dec. 10, Sen. Schumer announced that agreements with Micron Technology to build a $100 billion computer chip manufacturing center north of Syracuse had been finalized, with the federal government agreeing to provide $4.6 billion in grants for the project. Over the next 20 years, the plant in Cicero is set to consist of four connected manufacturing plants employing 9,000 people, with another 40,000 anticipated "spinoff" jobs in industries from construction to restaurants, education and child care. The massive operation is expected to generate economic development opportunities in the north country, with the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency saying that it had hired a Syracuse marketing firm to promote what the county can offer in terms of spillover business. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) August began with a bang as the rail bridge that collapsed during the June floods was demolished with two controlled blasts. The railroad company BNSF is in the process of rebuilding the bridge. Then, Woodbury County lost a long-time public servant. Dennis Butler, who served as the countys finance director for 47 years, passed away. He was also the fleet captain of the Missouri River Boat Club. Butlers contributions to the community inspired county officials to name a board room in the courthouse after him. Local bars preparing for New Years Eve celebrations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September, the man accused of killing four people in Laurel, Nebraska was tried in court. Jason Jones was arrested and charged with four counts of first-degree murder and two counts of arson for the Aug. 2022 deaths of the Twiford family and Michele Ebeling. On that August day, Laurel residents were awakened by a house fire, and then another was called in a few blocks away. The bodies of Gene, Janet and Dana Twiford were found by authorities in one burned home. It was a similar scene at the Ebeling residence. During the trial, an officer that was there shared what he thought about the similar scenes. What did you think about having two scenes, blocks apart, both with fires and persons collectively shot? an attorney asked. That they were going to be related, Nebraska State Patrol Sergeant Brad Higgins said. There was timing, coincidence, fire, everything. So we just started trying to figure out where our next move was and what evidence to follow up with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jason Jones was found severely burned in his home across the street from Ebelings house. Later, his wife, Carrie Jones, would also be arrested for accessory to a felony and one count of murder in the death of Gene Twiford. Closing arguments came on the 10th day of the trial, which focused on Michele Ebelings murder and whether or not Carrie Jones was the one that pulled the trigger. They have no evidence that she pulled that trigger; theres nothing in that house that attributes her to any of the crimes committed. He admits to the arson. Shes not on that gun that they can find, Nebraska Assistant Attorney General Sandra Allen said. Its [Jason Jones], thats the major contributor, so wheres the evidence that she did that? How to legally fire fireworks in Sioux City to ring in the New Year Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not hiding the ball in this case. We told you up front Mr. Jones did kill the Twiford family, and we will be able to hold him accountable for that, Jason Joness defense attorney, Matthew McDonald, said. Michele Ebeling, that never should have been charged. Carrie Jones killed Michele Ebeling, the evidence supports it. Mr. Jones did not have a dog in the fight with Michele Ebeling. Jones was found guilty on all charges. He now awaits sentencing, which may include the death penalty. Carrie Joness pretrial hearing is set for April 2025. 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. ELKHART Construction, crime and natural catastrophes topped the headlines in Elkhart County in 2024. Shovels hit the dirt throughout the year to mark the launch of construction on several major residential, community and civic infrastructure projects, all aimed at meeting crucial needs in Elkhart County. The summer also brought a swath of devastation to south Elkhart as a tornado briefly touched down, damaging numerous homes. And several community leaders including a former mayor faced criminal charges related to campaign finance reporting, which likely wont finish playing out until sometime in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Natural disasters South Elkhart residents woke up on July 16 to find their lights out and trees and branches littering their streets and lawns, along with uprooted sidewalks and damaged roofs. The storms that raked the region, cutting power to around 14,000 households, were later confirmed to have spawned a category EF-1 tornado with wind speeds of 90 mph. The twister touched down south of Lusher Avenue at around half past midnight and made a sweep southeast between Compton Avenue and South Main Street. The National Weather Service made the determination after looking at drone footage of the aftermath, with trees broken off near the base or completely uprooted, all felled in the same direction along the 250-yard-wide path. Emergency services and city departments were active by 1 a.m., to clear the roads and to knock on doors and check on residents, and the city declared a state of emergency later in the day. No fatalities or serious injuries were reported but nine homes were destroyed and more than 70 properties were damaged to some degree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several Elkhart County residents went into action weeks later, when the deadly Hurricane Helene struck Gulf Coast and southern Appalachian states in late September. Firefighters from Goshen joined others from South Bend and Mishawaka, all trained in swift water rescue, to perform search operations in South Carolina while churches and businesses gathered tons of water and supplies to truck or fly down south. Development Several significant housing projects broke ground this year, including the massive Cherry Creek mixed-use neighborhood on Oct. 16 and the Ariel Cycleworks apartment complex on Nov. 20, both in Goshen. Cherry Creek promises to bring more than 1,200 residential units in different forms as well as over 150,000 square feet of commercial space, with the goal to see people start moving in by the end of 2025. Ariel Cycleworks will have 136 units in five buildings on former industrial land. Plans are to open in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heart City Health broke ground on its new facility in the former Sears department store building on Oct. 1 as part of the Elkhart 2040 plan, which calls for a neighborhood opportunity hub. Renovations for the new medical center with urgent care facilities are expected to be done by December 2025. Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson in January announced plans to transform the city by investing in infrastructure, quality of place and public safety projects during his next term. He said his administration would prioritize making changes in these areas to improve the citys future, with some planned projects covering all three areas. The City of Elkhart embarked on a $12 million utility overhaul, the first in a four-phase project touted as the citys largest, with an April 18 groundbreaking at Illinois and Waurika streets. The project, which extends south and east from the Elkhart Wastewater Treatment Plant, includes the installation of a new force main, new storm pipe and sanitary sewer manholes as well as sidewalk and pavement replacement. It was followed by a groundbreaking event for a $12.2 million infrastructure transformation in the area of Benham Avenue and Harrison Street, with work to include a new water main and storm and sanitary sewer in addition to new sidewalk, lighting and traffic signals. It would also include the realignment of Benham Avenue and improvements to the path under the railway overpass, with lighting and landscaping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city laid the groundwork later in spring for future growth including plans for a new project in the River District that would add 12,000 square feet of commercial space, 120 multifamily housing units and 10 townhomes. Another project would redevelop the 1000 block of South Main Street, where a number of businesses were razed along with the Kelby Love mural, with plans for 10,300 square feet of commercial space, 4,850 square feet of residential amenity space and 81 apartment units. Crime/courts In February, criminal charges were filed against four Goshen School Board candidates and a campaign official following complaints from their opponents in the 2022 race. Allan Kauffman, Jose Elizalde, Mario Garber, Roger Nafziger and Andrea Johnson faced charges including filing a fraudulent report as a Level 6 felony and accepting a contribution made in anothers name, a Class B misdemeanor, after investigators said they filed large contribution disclosures with the state which contained false information. The disclosures held false information about the identity of a campaign committee donor, according to investigators, because the candidates signed forms indicating that Kauffman was the source of a large contribution despite knowing someone else had gathered the money. The money was used to pay for a postcard sent to voters which warned them not to elect three candidates who were endorsed by the far-right activist group Purple for Parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elizalde, Garber and Nafziger entered admissions in court and each received one-year suspended sentence. Kauffman is due back in court on Jan. 15, after an attempt to enter a plea in November ended when the state withdrew it over a disagreement on the level of the offense, while Johnson is awaiting a May 12 trial. Five individuals were charged with murder in the past year, starting with the arrest of 70-year-old Linda Tener for the alleged killing of her husband, 71-year-old Johnnie Tener, on March 22. She was found incompetent to stand trial and in August was ordered into mental health treatment. Michael Dandridge, 39, was arrested in June and charged with the March 21 murder of 50-year-old David Strowder Sr. inside the mans home. Dandridge is set for trial on April 21. Ryan Snyder, 37, was arrested on July 7 following an 18-hour standoff at his home and charged with killing his 2-year-old son. Snyder is awaiting a Feb. 3 jury trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hector Duran Gomez, 45, was arrested after the body of his wife, 45-year-old Alma Rocio Bermeo Carreon, was found at her South Indiana Avenue home on Oct. 13. Duran Gomez is set for a jury trial on March 31. Joshua Martinez, 24, was arrested after a shooting outside a Halloween party on Nov. 3 left Romulo Jesus Reyes Osuna dead and another man, Carlos Martinez, wounded. Martinez is awaiting a May 5 trial date. And in June, the City of Elkhart prevailed in a five-year legal battle with the survivors of a pedestrian accident on East Beardsley Avenue that killed three people, including two girls and a man, and injured two adults. The lawsuit claimed that the city was negligent in failing to maintain the sidewalk at that location, leading to the Aug. 26, 2017, crash which they said was foreseeable. Lawyers for the city argued that the intersection was proven safe by the fact that this was the first accident of its kind to occur there. Jurors weighed the question for around two hours before finding in favor of the city at the end of a civil trial the week of June 10. 2024 will be remembered as the year Donald Trump returned to the White House and the Jacksonville Jaguars secured a new stadium agreement with the City of Jacksonville. While those stories were prominent, there were other memorable moments from the last year. Jacksonvilles Morning News reviewed the top local, state and national news stories and other lasting memories from 2024 in this two-hour special. LISTEN: 2024 Year in Review Hour 1 LISTEN: 2024 Year in Review - Hour 2 Jan. 1bluefield Cold, wind gusts and snow are welcoming the year 2025 as arctic air arrives for New Year's Day. The region where the Virginias meet has been recently experiencing temperatures ranging in the 40s to near 60 degrees, but this pattern is changing with a new weather front delivering colder winter air. "Yes, we're expecting just a new low pressure system moving across the area and bringing the cold front with more arctic air behind it," said meteorologist Vance Joyner with the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Va. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Besides colder temperatures and some snow, this weather front is also carrying higher winds and wind gusts. The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory around Bluefield which started at 10 p.m. New Year's Eve and continues until noon on New Year's Day. This wind advisory includes the West Virginia counties of Mercer, Monroe and Summers County, according to the weather service in Blacksburg, Va. "Generally in the winter time we can expect the fronts to bring increased winds," Joyner said. The National Weather Service office in Charleston also warned that high winds with gusts between 30 to 40 mph were expected in parts of Raleigh County, Fayette County, McDowell County and Greenbrier County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Raleigh County area has a 60% chance of snow on New Year's Day with up to 1 inch of accumulation possible and a daytime high of 34 degrees with a low of 21 tonight. Forecasters also called for a 70% chance of snow Thursday for the area. Back south in the Mercer County area, there is a 50% chance of snow today with a high of 35 degrees and a low of 22 degrees tonight. Mostly sunny skies are expected Thursday with a high of 34 degrees, but there is a 50% chance of snow Friday with a nighttime low of 15 degrees. Saturday could be partly sunny, but even colder with a daytime high of 22 degrees and a low around 15. Up to a 50% chance of snow has been forecasted for Sunday and Monday. In neighboring Tazewell County, Va., there is a 70% of rain and snow followed by a 40% chance of snow today with a high of 36 degrees with a low of 23 degrees expected tonight. This is followed by a 50% chance of snow Friday. Tazewell County is also under a wind advisory which started at 10 p.m. Tuesday and continues until noon today. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com AUSTIN (KXAN) At least 20,000 folks likely opted to celebrate the welcoming of 2025 at the citys annual New Years Eve party at Auditorium Shores, according to Visit Austin. Looking at estimations for our occupancy rate and our average daily revenue for our downtown hotels, they were slightly above average than the same day last year, said Wesley Lucas with Visit Austin. So there are definitely some people in town taking advantage of those great deals the hotels are offering. Festivities officially began at 7 p.m. with live music, with Third Eye Blind headlining. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city and Visit Austin worked together to put the event on this year. With larger and later crowds than normal at the park, the Austin Police Department stationed additional officers around, and the departments bomb squad canvassed the area. The family-friendly event drew folks to Auditorium Shores before the day started. No better place to spend New Years Eve that the live music capital of the world with great music, a national headliner Third Eye Blind, and a great fireworks show to cap off the night, Lucas said. A look back at downtown safety in 2024 Austin is still one of the safest large cities in the country and our downtown reflects that, but in some ways, many ways really, this has still been somewhat of a challenging year, said Bill Brice with the Downtown Austin Alliance (DAA). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said as APD still struggles with staffing numbers, the DAA implemented new measures to address lower priority incidents downtown like harassment, loitering and theft. We launched a new downtown safety team, we launched an outreach program to help address non-emergency homeless-related issues without police or EMS resources, he said. Next year, hes looking forward to working with Austins new police chief, Lisa Davis, who he has already met with at length to discuss safety. In the first couple of months even of Chief Davis being on board, weve seen a stronger police presence, he said. Officers on horseback, more officers on bicycles, more officers on foot. 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 KXAN Austin. On Jan. 1, 2000, a group considered to be living apostles of Jesus Christ published their joint testimony to the world about the matchless life and divinity of Christ. The 710-word document The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles also became a theological treatise of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son, the document said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 15 signers were members of the churchs three-person First Presidency and then Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who outlined the many similarities between Latter-day Saint beliefs about Jesus Christ and some of the differences. On the 25th anniversary of the documents release Wednesday, one of the four remaining signatories posted a brief tribute about the document. Over the last quarter century this testimony has been read, studied and even memorized by countless disciples of Jesus Christ, wrote President Russell M. Nelson, the 100-year-old Latter-day Saint leader. My study of this testimony increases my desire, every day, to be more like him, he continued. As I celebrate my 101st New Years Day, I continue to love the opportunity it provides for fresh starts, new perspectives and new and renewed resolutions. What does The Living Christ say? The 15 apostles testified in what President Nelson called the landmark document that Jesus Christ is the Creator, that he lived a sinless life teaching peace and goodwill and that he gave his life to atone for the sins of all mankind and provided all with the gift of resurrection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth, the document said, adding, None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth. Because he was resurrected, Latter-day Saints consider him the living Christ. We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God, the declaration said. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son. The full text of The Living Christ can be found here. What other leaders said about The Living Christ President Gordon B. Hinckley was the church president at the time of the documents release. Four months later in the churchs next international general conference, he described his own testimony with a series of sections led by brief statements: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jesus is my friend. ... He is my exemplar. ... He is my teacher. ... He is my healer. ... He is my leader. ... He is my Savior and my Redeemer. ... He is my God and my King. Before his death, another of the signers, Elder Robert D. Hales, said that The world is moving away from the Lord faster and farther than ever before. Other Latter-day Saints have cited that as a reason for the document. While a generation or two ago it could be taken as a given among most of the American population that Jesuss mortal life was real and unparalleled, that may no longer be the case, wrote former BYU President Kevin Worthen, a former Area Seventy of the church. For that reason, it is especially important that we have special witnesses who attest with divinely appointed power that he did actually live and that his life was as perfect as he claimed. What President Nelson said about The Living Christ President Nelson posted his anniversary message about the declaration on social media. Heres is the full text of what he said: UPDATE (5:54 p.m.) Family members are demanding justice as law enforcement continues to investigate after three people were killed in a gas station robbery in rural Mississippi. Mobile woman arrested after allegedly dropping dead ex-husband off at hospital: MCSO The gas station clerk, Rhonda Denson, her boyfriend, Lester Campbell, and a customer were killed at the Clarks Exxon gas station on Saint Peter St. in State Line, Mississippi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greene County Sheriffs Office Chief Deputy Brad Warrick called the deadly robbery that happened as the store opened at around 6 a.m. on Wednesday, a senseless act. It did appear that the subject was hiding or waiting for the store to open, Warrick said. Campbell, according to his daughter Bianca Campbell, had just dropped Denson off to work. He was known to stay with her for a while every day before he left for his own work. Deputies said Campbell was gunned down as he was entering the store. Im lost for words, Bianca Campbell said. It had to have been something that my dad was not expecting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said the masked gunman then shot and killed a customer outside the store and stole his wallet. Denson locked herself in a back room in an attempt to get away but deputies said the suspect broke through the door. According to officials, the suspect grabbed Denson and then dragged her to the front of the store demanding cash from the register. She complied, but moments later, deputies said the gunman shot her to death. She was well known in the community. Shes a very giving and loving person, and she has a lot that shes leaving behind, Shunita Banks, Densons cousin said. I dont understand why this tragedy had to happen to her, but I hope that she has justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Castleberry motorcyclist killed in 2-vehicle crash: ALEA Soon after the shooting, a manhunt was underway. It was headed by local, state, and federal officials. Warrick said the suspect stole a black Toyota Camry that belonged to a worker at the gas station. It was found about four miles away from the scene. The Department of Corrections brought a K-9 to try to see if there was any kind of tracks or anything leaving that vehicle, Warrick said. Deputies released the following photo of the suspected gunman. It appears the gunman was wearing a mask, gloves, and a leather jacket. Its a coward of a man, Warrick said. He has no remorse for human life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials arrest Pensacola man wanted for attempted homicide Warrick urged anyone with information to call the Greene County Sheriffs Office. UPDATE (11:24 a.m.): Family members have identified two of the victims in this mornings shooting at a gas station in State Line, Mississippi. According to family members, Rhonda Denson was the clerk killed during the shooting. The family also identified her boyfriend, who was also shot to death, as Lester Campbell. Photo of Rhonda Denson provided by family Photo of Lester Campbell provided by family News 5 is working to learn the identity of the third victim. Original Story: MISSISSIPPI (WKRG) Law enforcement in Mississippi is looking for the suspect connected to the shooting death of three people at Clarks Exxon Oil #1 gas station in State Line, Mississippi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fairhope police, mayor give all-clear after New Years Eve explosive threat (News 5) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (News 5) It happened just as the store opened at 6 a.m. A store manager, the managers boyfriend, and a customer were killed. The store is located near the Washington County, Alabama line. The Washington County Sheriffs Department told News 5 that the male suspect shot the clerks boyfriend as the boyfriend was walking into the store. They said the suspect then shot and killed a customer who was in the store and stole his wallet. According to officials, the female store clerk ran and locked herself in a back room. The suspect reportedly broke through the door and dragged her to the front of the store to open the cash register and the safe. After she complied, officials said he shot her in the face and killed her. The suspect was wearing a mask and gloves during the shooting, police said. The Washington County Sheriffs Department said the suspect stole a black Toyota Camry from one of the customers and ditched it four miles away on Knobtown Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daphne police look into massive Waffle House brawl Sheriffs deputies are working to get tracking dogs for the search, News 5 has learned. Officials said that the search is currently happening in the Knobtown community, which is located in Greene County Mississippi. WKRG has a crew headed to the scene. We will update this story as we get more information. 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. Russia has announced the completion of the fourth Project 22220 nuclear-powered icebreaker named Yakutia. The massive nuclear-powered vessels completion was marked with a ceremony hoisting the Russian national flag on it. Russias State Atomic Energy Corporations (Rosatom) FSUE Atomfloat will be operating the icebreaker vessel. The vessel aims to serve two purposes the first is to help Russias economic prowess by helping it expand operations in the sea, and the second is to boost its nuclear-powered fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The construction contract for two nuclear-powered icebreakers was signed in 2019. The keel was laid in May 2020 at the Baltic Shipyard, and the vessel was launched in November 2022. Sea trials for it had begun in December 2024 in the Gulf of Finland. Yakutia is now completed, and its sister ship, Chukotka, is also under construction. Moreover, Russia has also announced plans for two more icebreakers which will be completed in December 2028 and December 2030, respectively. Flag hoisting ceremony on the vessel The official ceremony of hoisting the Russian national flag on the third serial universal nuclear-powered icebreaker Yakutia of Project 22220 was held in St. Petersburg on December 28, 2024. It was attended by Anton Alikhanov, Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia (through videoconferencing), and Alexey Likhachev, Rosatom Director General, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian President Vladimir Putin also extended his greetings at the flag-raising ceremony. In his message, Putin mentioned that the flag-raising ceremony on the Yakutia coincides with a milestone anniversary for Russias nuclear icebreaker fleet: 65 years ago, in December 1959, the Lenin the worlds first civilian vessel powered by a nuclear reactor was launched. Likhachev said that there are already eight vessels in Russias nuclear icebreaker fleet, and by 2030 the icebreaker group on the Northern Sea Route is set to reach 17 vessels. He further said that in November 2024, a record of transit was achieved at the Northern Sea Route (NSR). He forecasted that a new high has been achieved, and the total volume of cargo transported through NSR in 2024 had reached 38 million tons. Yakutia the newest nuclear-powered icebreaker of Russia Yakutia is 567 feet (172.7 meters) long, and its width is 111 feet (34 meters). Moreover, it has a minimum operational draft of 29.6 feet (9.03 meters). It is the fourth icebreaker built under Project 22220, and has a service life of 40 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vessel is named, as per tradition, after a region adjacent to the Northern Sea Route. Russian officials have been quoted as saying that the new icebreaker is different from its predecessors. One of the reasons is that it has been built with mostly domestically built equipment and components as the sanctions on Russia disallowed it to procure them from Western nations. The nuclear-powered icebreaker vessel has a displacement of 33,540 tons with the capability to operate in ice up to 10 feet (3 meters) thick. It is powered by two nuclear reactors of 175 MW capacity which can ensure seven years of uninterrupted navigation. The RITM-200 nuclear reactor, which powers the icebreaker vessel, is developed and manufactured in Russia itself. PAHOA, Hawaii (KHON2) Big Island police have arrested a Pahoa man in connection to a fatal traffic collision that left one man dead. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Officials said the bicycle versus vehicle crash happened on Monday, Dec. 30 on Kahakai Boulevard. Bicyclist struck on Kuhio Highway, marks Kauais 8th traffic fatality A 36-year-old man drove east on Kahakai Boulevard in a 2018 Volkswagen GTI sedan when he hit a bicyclist in his 50s on a blue mountain bike who was also traveling in an easterly direction in the east-bound lane of Kahakai Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police responded to the incident just before 8 p.m. and found the bicyclist unresponsive. Paramedics transported him to Hilo Benioff Medical Center in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead just an hour later. According to police, the Volkswagon driver was arrested for negligent homicide, operating under the influence and driving without car insurance. He remains in custody pending further investigation. Officials have ordered an autopsy to determine the bicyclists cause of death. The incident marks Big Islands 29th traffic fatality of 2024, compared to 15 at the same time last year. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or email Jerome.Duarte@hawaiicounty.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check out more news from around Hawaii If you prefer to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. 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. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The 17-year-old identified himself as one of three gunmen who fired shots that killed a man in a vehicle parked at the Central Cali Market. Interviewed by police in 2020, Brandon Michael Billingsley said he heard the man had a gun but never saw one. He claimed he fired two rounds into the drivers side door in self-defense, according to court documents. As he wrote a letter apologizing to the victims family, Billingsley tried to stab himself in the neck with a pen, documents said. Detectives stopped him; he was uninjured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Billingsley, now 22, is charged as an adult with first-degree murder, gang participation and other crimes. A preliminary hearing is scheduled next month. He is the only suspect in the shooting death of Raul Dominguez, 38, who hasnt gone to trial. The other two Mark Milner and Parrish Stinson were found guilty of murder and other crimes and are set for sentencing Jan. 21. The shooting happened around 9 p.m. on May 31, 2020, in the parking lot of the market at 801 E. California Ave. Surveillance video shows Dominguez pull into the market and argue with a crowd outside the store, according to police reports. He continues arguing after getting out of the vehicle. Witnesses said he used racial slurs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several people threw items at Dominguez and he retreated to his vehicle, where he was assaulted by a crowd, according to the documents. Three others who werent involved in the beating positioned themselves nearby and fired. Massive fire breaks out at abandoned CarQuest building on Union Ave. Dominguez, wounded, managed to drive his SUV a few blocks. Police found him dead in the drivers seat, the SUV facing west in the eastbound lanes of East California Avenue. The shooters were identified from the video as Milner, Stinson and Billingsley, documents said. Interviewed on June 23, 2020, Billingsley said he fired a .22-caliber revolver which he afterward gave to someone to get rid of, according to the documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told detectives hes a member of the East Side Crips street gang. He said he was jumped in when he was 15. Milner and Stinson are also members of the East Side Crips. In shooting Dominguez, the East Side Crips were representing and defending their territory, Billingsley said according to the reports. Detectives gave him an opportunity to write a letter to Dominguezs family, during which he made the stab attempt. The letter he wrote reads in part, Im so sorry I hope you can forgive me for what I did. I dont wanna (sic) sit in jail for life. Please forgive me for what I did. I swear I will change my whole life around if you give me one more chance. Im so sorry for what I did forgive me please. 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 KGET 17. GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) The Greenville County Coroners Office is investigating a deadly crash that claimed four lives just hours before the New Year. According to the coroners office, a 911 call came in just before 9:30 p.m. Tuesday in reference to a two car crash on Cooley Bridge Road near Pearson Road in Pelzer. Reports state at the time of the call, one of the vehicles was on fire. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, a 2012 BMW sedan was traveling south on Cooley Bridge Road while a Subaru SUV was backing out of a private drive into the southbound lanes of the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SCHP said the BMW struck the Subaru. The BMW then veered off the road and hit a tree. The coroner pronounced all four occupants in the Subaru dead at the scene. The Greenville County Coroners Office identified 29-year-old Audrey Marie Ross, of Donalds, and 30-year-old Amanda Lynn Leroux, of North Carolina, as two of the victims. The coroners office said presumptive identification has been made on the other two victims and their families have been contacted. Their identities will be released once scientifically confirmed. Autopsies on all four victims are scheduled for Jan. 2. SCHP identified the driver of the BMW as 31-year-old Nicholas Shane Meeks, of Belton. Meeks was arrested and charged with four counts of felony DUI involving death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meeks was booked into the Greenville County Detention Center where a bond hearing took place. This is a developing story. Stay connected with 7NEWS on-air and online as 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 WSPA 7NEWS. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A months-long battle has now come to an end after a strict deadline to spend $40 million in federal funding was met on Tuesday. County Commissioners secured the funds for a new mental health facility paired with the new jail. Oklahoma County Commissioners want the new jail to be built along Grand Boulevard near Southeast 15th street, just outside Del City limits. The push became harder, though, as Oklahoma City Council denied the rezoning request, and the county sued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the Attorney General issued a legal opinion. It said in part, Oklahoma County enjoys immunity from Oklahoma Citys zoning power in this matter. The new jail site has been a hot topic for months and even with the AGs opinion, not everyone agrees. Opponents to the location are worried about the safety and security of those who work, go to school, or live nearby. This is not a day to celebrate, this is a day to mourn if youre from Del City, said Del City Councilman Scott Tatom. You better believe when something happens to our kids, I will be the first one here, said Gina Standridge, a concerned citizen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well continue to let you know how disappointing this is, said Del City Councilwoman Claudia Browne. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Still no resolution on how to spend ARPA funds with deadline days away The AGs opinion gave County Commissioners the green light on their proposed jail location. The other big question at Tuesdays meeting was spending the $40 million in COVID relief dollars for the jails new mental health facility before the end of the year. Well, we had already secured it, so everything is good to go, said County Commissioner Brian Maughan. Commissioner Maughan said the deadline was met. We were in position, if in the event something didnt work out with the Attorney General or a concession from the city, that we would be able to do something differently, said Commissioner Maughan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, with a mental health facility secured, we asked whats next for the new jail. I think we could go ahead and proceed building a jail with that opinion, same as with the behavioral health center. I think the board needs to do some discussions about how to come up with the balance of the funds, said Deputy Chief Commissioner Joe Blough. Commissioner Maughan said theyre hoping to break ground on the new mental health facility very soon. As for the lawsuit with Oklahoma City, Commissioner Maughan said no action was taken on that during Tuesdays meeting. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Just days after a stranded sea turtle was rescued from an Oregon beach, a local aquarium has revealed that another was found dead. Seaside Aquarium said a 40-pound olive ridley sea turtle was already dead when the organization responded to reports of the animal washing ashore on Sunset Beach near Fort Stevens State Park on Monday afternoon. Picturesque Oregon landmark blown over in holiday windstorm Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volunteers with the Netarts-Oceanside Fire District also rescued an endangered loggerhead sea turtle from Short Beach in Tillamook County over the weekend. These strandings are due to recent storm systems coming up from the south, according to Seaside Aquarium. The organization explained that sea turtles typically search for food in offshore, warm water currents, and the latest weather conditions have caused the species to swim out even closer to the shore. A 40-pound olive ridley sea turtle that washed ashore on the Oregon Coast was found dead. (Courtesy Seaside Aquarium) When the weather conditions suddenly change, the warm waters quickly dissipate and the turtles find themselves trapped in the colder waters of the natural currents running along the Oregon and Washington Coasts, Seaside Aquarium explained in a Facebook post. When this happens, their bodies slow down and they become hypothermic. Fat City Cafe turns into study spot for high school students Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wildlife experts noted it is often difficult to determine whether the animals are alive after they wash ashore, as sea turtles are sometimes unresponsive or have slow heartbeats when suffering from extreme hypothermia. The aquarium also said it is unlikely for sea turtles to survive after being found on the Oregon or Washington coast. If the animal does survive, it is transported to rehab facilities at the Oregon Coast Aquarium or Seattle Aquarium. Stabilized turtles are sent to a California facility before being released into the wild. 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 second brand of raw pet food sold in farmers markets in California has been found to contain bird flu, according to Los Angeles County health officials. One house cat has been confirmed positive with the virus, and the four cats living in the same house are presumed to be sick, as well. Last week health officials alerted consumers about a separate brand of raw pet food linked to the death of a cat in Oregon. The most recent cases involve a brand called Monarch Raw Pet Food, LA County officials said in a press release Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A list of locations where the raw pet food was sold was listed on the product website. PHOTO: Three influenza A (H5N1/bird flu) virus particles (rod-shaped). Note: Layout incorporates two CDC transmission electron micrographs that have been inverted, repositioned, and colorized by NIAID. Scale has been modified. (CDC and NIAID) MORE: FDA begins testing aged raw cow's milk cheese samples nationwide for bird flu Health officials in L.A. warned against feeding pets raw food following the detection of bird flu in a raw pet food brand last week. Earlier this month, officials confirmed bird flu in four house cats in another household. They consumed raw milk, became sick and died, officials said. MORE: Oregon house cat died after eating pet food that tested positive for bird flu Cats infected with H5 bird flu can develop severe illness that can include neurologic signs, respiratory signs or liver disease that can rapidly lead to death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been no human cases of bird flu associated with house cats, L.A. officials said. MORE: CDC confirms 1st case of severe bird flu in US Health officials say the overall risk of H5 bird flu to the public remains low. Most human cases of bird flu in the U.S. involve people who had direct contact with infected cattle or livestock. Overall, there have been 66 confirmed cases of bird flu involving humans across 10 states, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. California has the highest number of cases with 37. Most bird flu cases affecting humans in the U.S. have been mild, and patients have typically recovered after receiving antiviral medication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal health officials have begun testing raw cow's milk cheese and raw milk nationwide to test for bird flu. Up to 5 house cats sick after bird flu found in 2nd raw pet food brand: Health officials originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The fallout of last months high-stakes election and recent battles within Congress are offering early clues of what will set the tone for politics in 2025. Democrats are looking to regroup from a disastrous Election night, with the race for Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair giving the party one of its first chances to reset next year. Meanwhile, Republicans are enjoying their trifecta yet battles over President-elect Trumps nominees and government funding are already underscoring fault lines within the party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are five things that will shape politics in 2025: Divisions between Congress and Trump The month or so after the election was a triumphant moment for Republicans and maybe also just a fleeting honeymoon period. Weeks after winning Congress and the White House, tensions are already bubbling up between some Republicans on the Hill and Trump. In the Senate, divisions have emerged over some of Trumps nominees particularly Department of Defense pick Pete Hegseth and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii), the president-elects choice for director of National Intelligence. Hegseth garnered scrutiny after a police report made public last month included accusations from a woman who said he sexually assaulted her seven years ago. The incident didnt result in any charges, and Hegseth has denied any wrongdoing, describing what happened as consensual. He is releasing her from a nondisclosure agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Gabbards nomination as the U.S.s top intelligence officer also faces an uncertain road ahead in the Senate given that she has met with deposed Syrian leader Bashar Assad, has offered sympathetic views to Russia and called on Trump previously to pardon Edward Snowden, who has remained in Russia for more than a decade after leaking classified national intelligence. While senators were able to successfully torpedo former Rep. Matt Gaetzs (R-Fla.) chances as Trumps attorney general pick, Senate Republicans, particularly those up in 2026, may not be able to afford the political cost of tanking too many others without risking primary challenges. Meanwhile, Rep. Mike Johnsons (R-La.) Speakership looks potentially precarious after his initial bipartisan government funding legislation got spiked following disapproval from Trump, Elon Musk and others. While Congress ultimately avoided a precarious shutdown right before the holidays, some House members voiced their discontent over the way top House Republicans handled the government funding bill, which passed in a third, slimmed-down iteration and without Trumps request to lift the debt ceiling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson had received Trumps backing to remain Speaker after the November election, though its unclear whether hell be able to muster enough support among his colleagues and Trump to keep the gavel on Jan. 3. Elon Musks influence Musk has become an increasingly influential figure in politics. Musk best known as the co-founder of several major companies, including SpaceX and Tesla spent at least $250 million in efforts to help Trump win last month, a staggering sum for one individual. Musks influence has only grown since Trumps win. For one, both he and Vivek Ramaswamy were chosen by the president-elect to take the helm of advisory group Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Trump said will dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cute wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies. The House and Senate have created DOGE caucuses in response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More recently, Musk and Ramaswamy garnered attention for their fierce opposition to Johnsons initial government spending bill, with some members of the party endorsing their points. Later on, Trump and Vance both came out and also rejected the bipartisan government funding bill. Theyre poised to be very involved in delivering on Donald Trumps agenda, one GOP lawmaker told The Hill earlier this month, referring to Ramaswamy and Musk. Trump and his team have rejected the notion, however, that Musk is the one calling the shots, particularly regarding Trumps decision to oppose Johnsons government spending bill. As soon as President Trump released his official stance on the CR [continuing resolution], Republicans on Capitol Hill echoed his point of view. President Trump is the leader of the Republican Party. Full stop, Karoline Leavitt, transition spokesperson for the Trump-Vance team, said in a statement last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And during a Turning Point USA event in Arizona over the weekend, Trump noted of Musk, hes not going to be president, that I can tell you. And Im safe, you know why? He cant be, he wasnt born in this country, he added of the South African-born billionaire. The Trump factor in primaries 2025 isnt a major election year, with the biggest contests being held on the state level in New Jersey and Virginia. But that doesnt mean attention isnt already turning to the 2026 midterms and what role Trump will play in the GOP primaries that year. With tensions already spilling out into the open on Capitol Hill, some Republicans who cross the president-elect could prove vulnerable heading into their reelection campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most recently, Trump re-upped his threats to primary Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) over his opposition to raising the debt ceiling without spending cuts. It could be a preview of whats to come as the president-elect looks to oust members of his party who get in the way of his agenda. The Trump factor in GOP primaries is certainly nothing new. In fact, his endorsement has played a key role for years, often determining who gets his partys nomination though not always who goes on to win in the general election. During the 2022 midterms, some of his candidates Senate candidates Herschel Walker in Georgia and Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania, for example, in addition to Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake won their Republican contests but were unable to cross the finish line that November. Trump still notched a few wins that year, namely endorsing his now Vice President-elect JD Vance in the Ohio Senate GOP primary. Democrats efforts to pivot after devastating election Democrats are still reeling from a difficult election, where the party lost every battleground state and saw several key senators, including Jon Tester of Montana and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, lose their seats, ultimately costing them their majority in the upper chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the party have conducted their own postmortems, though many Democrats say one of the biggest reasons their party lost last month was because of how voters feel about the Democratic brand. Our brand is really upside-down right now, Ken Martin, the chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party and a candidate for DNC chair, told The Hill in an interview earlier this month. First time in modern history where weve seen, you know, the perceptions of the two American political parties, where the majority of Americans believe that the Republicans represent the interests of the working class and the poor and Democrats are for the wealthy and elite, he continued. One looming question is how Democrats will regroup and tackle some of those very issues members of the party have identified as setbacks postelection. One of the first clues may come from the DNC chair race, taking place in February, as the party elects one of its first leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin has clinched at least 100 endorsements from DNC committee members, while Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin and another DNC chair contender, has notched prominent endorsements from centrist Third Way and progressive groups like MoveOn. International crises Russias invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war have brought political divisions to the forefront and even served as a flashpoint in tight elections. The Israel-Hamas war, in particular, roiled Democratic and GOP primaries this past cycle even when there wasnt a competitive contest. The most prominent example is the Democratic presidential primary where members of the party angry over the Biden administrations handling of the war voted uncommitted in the Democratic primaries against President Biden. Though some advocates were initially hopeful about Bidens decision to step down and Vice President Harriss ascension to Democratic presidential nomination, that didnt stop advocates from exerting pressure on the DNC, Harriss campaign and others to have a Palestinian speaker at the partys convention this past summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has spotlighted divisions among the isolationist faction of the wing eager to curb U.S. involvement in the Russian invasion and interventionist Republicans who believe the U.S. should be doing more to support Ukraine. On top of that, Trump has stirred tensions in Latin America with his calls to retake the Panama Canal and with Denmark over his musings about buying Greenland. 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. Dec. 31The space industry is growing rapidly and NewSpace Nexus wants New Mexico to be the next major hub for companies looking to innovate. The Albuquerque-based organization, which has a co-innovation hub for space-oriented startups and runs programs such as the NewSpace Ignitor and Pathway to the Stars, is celebrating five years this month. The Journal sat down with NewSpace Founder and CEO Casey Anglada DeRaad to discuss what the company does, what it has learned since its founding and where it expects the space industry to be in the next decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These answers have been edited and condensed for clarity. NewSpace Nexus was founded in 2019 and your organization is celebrating five years. What is it that NewSpace does? "NewSpace Nexus is accelerating the pace of space innovation by uniting and igniting space. We launched NewSpace Nexus on Dec. 19, 2019, with the collaboration, experience and brainpower of over 200 space industry stakeholders across government, academia, and the private sector and across New Mexico in what we now call Space Valley. A fun fact to share is that we launched NewSpace the day before the new military service branch, the U.S. Space Force, was started. As a key organization that we collaborate with, it's fun and exciting to be celebrating our five-year anniversaries this week alongside one another. Today, we are proud to celebrate five years of success and $50 million in economic impact for the space companies we serve. We help them move from concept to product to sales faster with our 'Unite and Ignite' approach to grow the end-to-end space innovation pipeline faster and better. "Our community is now more than 6,000 strong as we serve as an independent nonprofit that continually listens to and collaborates with an ever-increasing number of cross-sector stakeholders here in New Mexico and across the country to increase economic prosperity, and ensure the United States' continued leadership in space. ... NewSpace Nexus was built on the philosophy that the space industry will move forward faster and better when we all work together. It has been an honor to do just that, while providing space companies with faster access to the right connections, resources, customers and collaborations needed to get their products into space in less time. " Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What has NewSpace learned about itself and also the space economy in New Mexico over those past five years? "NewSpace Nexus has built a successful formula to accelerate innovation, collaboration and economic impact for the state of New Mexico with far-reaching impact across the nation. We work tirelessly to understand industry needs and address the problems space companies face that prevent their success, so more innovations make it into space. Our incubator-like NewSpace Ignitor program serves more than 25 companies per year and starts with an assessment to figure out what resources each company needs. We then work with them to turn their concepts into revenue-generating products. This includes showcasing their innovations to money sources, like investors and government contracts. By taking a holistic, end-to-end approach to progress innovation, we enable more companies to succeed. Approximately one-third of the companies in our NewSpace Ignitor program have expressed an interest in expanding or locating offices in New Mexico. They learn that New Mexico is a great place to thrive as we introduce them to our amazing partners and share our innovation ecosystem, national laboratories, purpose-built spaceport, investor partners like the New Mexico Angels and Space Fund, and the three Space Force organizations that work in the state the Space Rapid Capabilities Office, the Air Force Research Laboratory and Space Systems Command. We track and work with over 140 space companies in New Mexico, up from 60 five years ago." Where does NewSpace Nexus and the space economy stand now in the state compared to the rest of the country, and where will it be in the next decade based on the movement happening here? "New Mexico was a leader in the first space race. Five years ago, NewSpace Nexus began sharing the growing space industry opportunity, uniting the many stakeholders together, and highlighting that New Mexico is positioned to lead in this new space race. We convened the many partners to amplify the amazing space assets in our region, launched our igniting programs to support space industry, and developed our national Space Industrial Base conferences to collaboratively progress innovation at a company level as well as the national space industry level from New Mexico for the nation. "The nation is making policy decisions based on recommendations from the NewSpace Nexus annual State of the Space Industrial Base Conference that brings hundreds of space companies and government leaders from across the nation to New Mexico. It provides recommendations that inform the White House, executive members of congress, the National Space Council and the broader ecosystem. Other states are seeing our impact and are proactively reaching out to us to expand our NewSpace co-innovation ecosystem to their regions for collective benefit and impact. Our competition is not other states our competition is China. The more we work together, the more we can capitalize on our hyper-growth industry, which is forecasted to grow to $3 trillion in the next 20 years. Our work is exciting today, every day, and will be even more exciting for New Mexico in the years to come." A total of 574 civilian deaths and 3,082 casualties were recorded in Ukraine as a result of Russian attacks between September and November 2024. Source: report by UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine Details: The number of civilian casualties in September reached its highest level since July 2022. This increase is attributed to intensified Russian attacks in Donetsk Oblast and the use of guided aerial bombs and drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN recorded 93% of these casualties in areas under the control of the Ukrainian government, particularly in Donetsk, Kharkiv and Kherson oblasts, where the intensity of hostilities remains the highest. "Behind each of the facts and figures in this report are stories of loss and human suffering, showing the devastating impact of the war across Ukraine," emphasised Danielle Bell, Head of the Monitoring Mission. Support UP or become our patron! LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) A lot happened in Mid-Michigan in 2024, and 6 News has been here for you all year long, on-air and online. The 6 News web team worked on a lot of stories this year, from a rise in black bear sightings in Mid-Michigan to a mail worker arrested for mail theft to a student walkout at Mason High School, to a pronoun debate at a Dewitt elementary school. However, only ten of them made it onto this list. These ten stories got the most page views on our website this yearin case you missed them the first time around. 10.) Michigan Representative Neil Friske arrested in Lansing In June, Michigan Representative Neil Friske (R-Charlevoix), was arrested in Lansing after police responded to a shots fired call, and was released a day and a half later. Police at the time sought charges of sexual assault, assault, and a weapons offense, while Friske claimed that the timing of the arrest was highly suspect due to it coinciding with the release of absentee ballots. Later that week, Friske returned to the officewith no charges filed. (Photo: https://gophouse.org/member/RepNeilFriske) 9.) Im at a loss honestly: People holding Nazi flags harass citizens in Mid-Michigan Shortly after the election, a group of people wearing masks that read 1488, a white supremacist hate symbol, were seen waving Nazi flags in two different Mid-Michigan cities, including outside of a performance of The Diary of Anne Frank. Witnesses told 6 News these people were yelling Heil Hitler and Hail Trump. This came after a White Lives Matter rally was held in downtown Howell in July, and the racism sent waves through the local community. People holding Nazi flags harass citizens in Mid-Michigan. (Pics on 6) People holding Nazi flags harass citizens in Mid-Michigan. (Pics on 6) 8.) Multiple suspicious fires now under investigation In January, 6 News reported on two suspicious fires that happened over the holidays in 2023a fire at the Diamondback Motorcycle Club on Christmas morning, and the fire that burned down Onondaga Tavern on New Years Eve. At the time, both fires were being investigated for potential arson. While a man was eventually arrested and charged for the Christmas morning blaze, the Onondaga Tavern fire investigation has long since been closed. Multiple fire crews respond to the burning Onondaga Tavern. Dec. 31, 2023 (WLNS) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 7.) Masons K-9 Officer Tamarack being returned to Ingham County Animal Control In February, Mason K-9 Tamarack was returned to Ingham County Animal Control, separated from her former handler Hayden Wildfong after he resigned amidst an investigation into leaving his gun and utility belt unattended in the weight room at Mason High School. While WIldfong had been trying to gain ownership of Tamarack through the city, the shelter approved WIldfongs application to adopt her, and they were reunited. Tamarack (Mason Police Department) 6.) Chance to see northern lights returns to Michigan The aurora borealis have been popping in and out of the Michigan sky this year, but back in May, they were projected to be visible over the weekend at the beginning of June. 5.) Lansing declares Code Blue While the city has declared Code Blue multiple times in 2024, a winter storm back in January had the city declare its first Code Blue of the year. Code Blue extends access to shelters and warming centers, allowing those in need to stay warm when shelters would otherwise be closed. Lansing Code Blue January 2024 (City of Lansing) 4.) Body found in Mason matches missing woman, police say In October, the Mason community launched a city-wide search for Emily Allen, a mother of two who went missing from her home on Oct. 20. The search ended in tragedy, as police located a body matching Allens description a little over a day later. Police told 6 News at the time that they did not believe foul play to have been involved and, out of respect for the family and friends of Allen, did not release any additional information. Emily Allen (WLNS) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3.) 4 dead, 17 injured in fiery I-96 crash near Webberville In November, a devastating crash on I-96 near Webberville took the lives of four people and injured 17 more. Among those who died were three people on the way back to Lansing to attend a family wedding. Officials told 6 News that the crash happened when a semi-truck driver could not stop for upcoming backed-up traffic, which was stopped by state troopers to allow DTE to string power lines across the interstate. RELATED: Several of the injured in weekend fiery crash released from hospital 2.) Stolen Valor: Local veterans service dog provider accused of embellishing service record 6 News Investigates was also hard at work this year, but the teams top story was that of Kirk Lanam, the now-former leader of a nonprofit that worked with local veterans. 6 News Investigates found that Lanam had, among other things, misled the public about his military service record, including embellishing his rank and claiming to have been a special operator in the U.S. Air Force. when he had not. You can read the full Stolen Valor series here. Kirk Lanam (FILE/WLNS) 1.) Shaq visit results in three charged with felonies Our top story online this year? A late September fight outside a Big Chicken location in Harland that ended with three people jailed and charged with multiple felonies. Shaquille ONeal, founder of Big Chicken, was in town to promote the restaurant when a fight broke out between law enforcement and a few event attendees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Video shows incident outside Shaqs Big Chicken in Livingston 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 WLNS 6 News. AUSTIN (KXAN) The mysterious death of a 14-year-old girl. A deadly crash into an Austin hospital. The arrest of a Central Texas tutor. A small-town medical emergency. These were the stories at the center of our teams most impactful investigations in 2024. These investigations resulted in new city ordinances, revised autopsies, and lawmakers filing bills sparked by KXANs reporting set to be considered when the 89th legislative session begins in January. Heres a list of KXAN investigations making an impact: 1. The Travis County medical examiner updated an Austin teens autopsy KXANs A Fatal Fall investigation found police failed to collect key evidence and did not follow up on potential leads in the case of 14-year-old Treyshur Carter, who was found unresponsive on the side of an Austin road in February 2024 and later died from catastrophic injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Travis County medical examiner reviewed KXANs findings, including body camera video and expert opinions, and within days amended Treyshurs autopsy to reflect a motor vehicle was most likely involved. The Austin Police Department also re-reviewed the case following KXANs questions. Medical examiner updates Austin teens autopsy amid KXAN scooter death investigation 2. The Austin City Council passed an ordinance requiring bollards at new medical facilities and lawmakers filed a bill with statewide implications KXANs Preventing Disaster investigation followed a fatal car crash into an Austin emergency room in February 2024. Our team took a broader look at safety concerns with that crash and hundreds of others nationwide including whether medical sites had security bollards at their entrances. Experts say those could stop crashes from happening. Texas State Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, filed Senate Bill 660 requiring most hospitals in the state to install safety bollards after our investigation revealed these types of accidents are not uncommon. The Austin City Council also passed a new ordinance requiring crash-rated safety bollards at new hospitals, urgent care clinics, and stand-alone ERs. 3. Texas State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, and other lawmakers filed new legislation expanding access to state misconduct records Texas State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, and a bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers filed Senate Bill 571 to expand access to state misconduct records. The move is in response to a KXAN investigation that uncovered a former juvenile corrections officer got a tutoring job inside a Central Texas high school after a state agency investigated him for sexual misconduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 571 would give contractors, whose employees work on school campuses, access to a state search engine with misconduct data from the Texas Education Agency, Juvenile Justice Department, Health and Human Services, and the Department of Family Protective Services. The search engine, which was greenlit by lawmakers in 2023, is still not complete. Juvenile officers do-not-hire status initially reversed amid sexual misconduct investigation Theres been issues where contractors that have a really negative background, maybe even pedophilia, or whatever else, have been able to get access to school. We are trying to put an absolute halt to that, Bettencourt said. The reporting that you had [makes] it even more clear that we have to plug that gap. 4. Texas State Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, refiles bill prohibiting injections from unlicensed estheticians and cosmetologists State Senator Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, expanded and refiled a bill, Senate Bill 378, prohibiting unlicensed cosmetologists and barbers from doing injections, including Botox, unless they are licensed in medicine, certified, or have medical supervision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ: Backroom Botox a wild west in Texas The legislation was filed after a KXAN report found a lack of oversight and safety gaps for cosmetic medical services. 5. Texas lawmakers say they are working to create a uniform truancy tracking system Three Texas lawmakers say they are looking for ways to better collect data on truancy cases, following a KXAN investigation that discovered no state agency has tracked outcomes for tens of thousands of students referred to court for missing too much class in the past decade. Democratic state senators Judith Zaffirini of Laredo and Royce West of Dallas, along with Rep. James Talarico, a Democrat out of Round Rock, told KXAN there is a need for better data on truancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Truancy remains a critical challenge in Texas, largely because inconsistent tracking precludes identifying root causes, intervening early, and providing families the support they need, Zaffirini said. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Texas Senate to identify better and more effective methods for uniform truancy tracking. 12,000+ Texas kids sent to court for missing class, no one tracks what happens next 6. Texas lawmakers are resuming efforts to modernize the states antiquated death inquest system As Texas population grows, critics point to the need for more medical examiners in death investigations, instead of the state relying so heavily on its current process in most counties, where an elected justice of the peace also has the power to determine cause and manner of death with scant training, often without autopsies or forensic expertise. During our reporting, Texas lawmakers resumed efforts to modernize that antiquated system, as a nearly-forgotten mystery resurfaced with a fresh review of a young girls strangulation case. 7. The City of Austin stopped using an Onion Creek neighborhood as temporary staging site for waste For years, the City of Austin used an Onion Creek neighborhood as a dump site for trash piling garbage swept across the city into a cul-de-sac, yards from peoples homes. KXANs Dirty Decisions investigation discovered the department in charge didnt follow its policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After KXAN began asking questions, Resource Recovery stopped dumping in the neighborhood and cleaned the site. The department also stopped using a similar site behind a strip mall in north Austin on Great Northern Boulevard. Resource Recovery said it would revisit its procedures for selecting and using temporary staging sites for waste. Why was an Austin neighborhood a city dumping ground for years? KXAN investigates They have assured us that it is no longer happening in this area, and we expect to hold them to it, Austin City Council member Vanessa Fuentes 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. DENVER (KDVR) A crash involving multiple vehicles caused a traffic backup of over 20 miles on Interstate 70 Tuesday afternoon. The crash happened at about 12:24 p.m. on I-70 eastbound at mile marker 227, which is on the hill just west of Georgetown. Colorado State Patrol said in a press release that nine vehicles were involved. One of those vehicles was a semitrailer that was hauling other cars, which were not counted toward the total nine vehicles involved. See the latest traffic conditions in Denver on FOX31 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to the crash, eastbound I-70 was closed between exit 203 near Silverthorne to exit 232 near Georgetown so first responders could get to the scene. Just before 3 p.m., the sheriffs office said all lanes had been reopened to traffic. A crash involving multiple vehicles is causing a traffic backup of over 20 miles on Interstate 70 Tuesday afternoon. A crash involving multiple vehicles is causing a traffic backup of over 20 miles on Interstate 70 Tuesday afternoon. The Clear Creek Sheriffs Office said multiple people were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. Troopers with the Colorado State Patrol are on the scene investigating the cause of 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 FOX31 Denver. This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Its the things you eat that stay with you. Freshly caught sardines in Lisbon, ramen in Tokyos backstreets, barbecue brisket in a dusty roadside diner in Texas what we eat often shapes where we go and what we do. It offers a way of experiencing a destination beyond its landmarks, to get under the skin of a culture and the people who live there. In 2025, the worlds kitchens will continue to inspire wanderlust as new restaurants, dining trends and accolades emerge. Heres our pick of the destinations that promise to serve up more than just a meal. 1. Mexico City, Mexico Mexico has long been a favourite destination for foodies, but if you needed any more encouragement to visit, the 2024 arrival of the Michelin Guide is it. Among the stars to be awarded was one to Taqueria El Califa de Leon, a humble spot in Mexico City. Expect long queues as visitors wait for a taste of the exceptional (in the words of Michelin) Gaonera taco, filled with thinly sliced beef filet seasoned with nothing more than a little salt and a squeeze of lime. Several of the citys restaurants also feature in the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants rankings, including Quintonil, Pujol and Rosetta, all of which are commended for their modern and inventive takes on Mexican cuisine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Where to eat in the Mexican capital.) 2. Sicily, Italy Pasta alla norma, caponata, cannolo, pasta con le sarde. These iconic Sicilian dishes have helped crown the Italian island European Region of Gastronomy 2025. Lauded for its sustainable approach to agriculture and commitment to protecting its species and traditional foods, Sicily is hosting a year-long gastronomic celebration, with a host of events taking place every month. From a cuttlefish festival in Donnalucatas historic port in March to a luxury train tour around Etnas volcanic wine region in April, and celebrations of Sicilys beloved green gold, the pistachio, during the August-September harvest season 2025 is the year for serious food-lovers to visit. The annual pistachio harvest in August-September is one of Sicily's biggest gastronomic celebrations. Photograph by Federico C, Getty Images 3. Cumbria, UK Home to the coiled Cumberland sausage, renowned breweries, distilleries and exceptional cheese, Cumbria has long attracted visitors with its high-quality produce as well as its dramatic scenery. And in 2025, new travel itineraries launch across the county showcasing its excellent food routes covering the city of Carlisle, the showstopping natural landscapes of the Lake District and the Cumbrian coastline highlight ultra-local food experiences, farm-to-fork dining, Michelin-starred restaurants and more. Each itinerary includes local walks and sustainable travel options, with tips on public transport connections and information about bike and e-bike rental. 4. Alabama, USA 2025 is the Year of Alabama Trails, with food taking a starring role in several exciting new routes created by the US states tourist office. The best of these sends you on a self-guided tour around Alabamas classic neighbourhood restaurants, many of which are family-run and have been in operation for over 100 years, giving visitors a slice of local history as they eat. The route includes stops such as Paynes Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain in Scottsboro, an 1869 pharmacy-turned-cafe thats home to a retro 20ft-long soda fountain counter. Or Chris Hotdogs, in Montgomery, located on the landmark Dexter Avenue, where Martin Luther King Jr accepted his call to ministry and where civil rights activist Rosa Parks made a stand by refusing to give up her bus seat. The historic Paynes Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain in Scottsboro, Alabama, is home to a 20ft-long soda fountain counter. Photograph by Jamie Martin 5. Cape Town, South Africa After hoovering up at this years World Culinary Awards including winning the title Africas Best Culinary City Cape Town is moving up the ranks on the world food stage. Several restaurants across the South African capital also scooped awards, including Africas Best New Restaurant, for Salon, a fine-dining restaurant popular for its global tasting menu, featuring flavours from as far afield as Italy, Philippines, Marseille and South Africa. The citys La Colombe restaurant, meanwhile, was one of only three new entries on the Worlds Best 50 Restaurants list, with the judges impressed by chef James Gaags eight- and 10-course fusion tasting menus. Add all that up and theres plenty to tempt hungry travellers to Cape Town in the year ahead. Busan is home to a bustling street food scene and a new wave of chefs changing the culinary atmosphere of the city. Photograph by Roman Babakin, Alamy Stock Photo 6. Busan, South Korea South Koreas vibrant second city is rapidly emerging as a culinary destination. A busy port city known for its abundance of fresh seafood and local produce, Busan is home to a first-rate street food scene, but its also seen a new wave of chefs, including Palate owner and chef Kim Jae-hoon, quietly elevating its dining scene. So much so the city has caught the attention of global food critics Michelin launched its Seoul and Busan Guide in 2024, praising the latters gourmet culture. Out of the 43 restaurants highlighted in Busan, three received stars, while 15 were awarded bib gourmands, reflecting the citys great value when it comes to dining out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Why you should try Busan's street food.) 7. Croatia Croatia is in the midst of a culinary renaissance, with local chefs honing their skills abroad before returning home to revitalise traditional dishes and open their own places. Mario Mandaric, for instance, worked at Heston Blumenthals The Fat Duck, eventually returning to Zagreb to head up Michelin-starred Noel. In October 2024, he opened Bistro 96, serving French-Croatian fusion dishes. Ivana Urem Marohnic, meanwhile, launched Korica, an artisan bakery in Zagreb, after training in San Francisco and Strasbourg. Adding to this, Agli Amici, in the historic Istrian port town of Rovinj, this year became the first restaurant in the country to receive two Michelin stars, offering refined tasting menus highlighting Croatian produce. Beyond fine dining, youll find a variety of unique food experiences across the country, such as the Gacka Honey Trail, where visitors can walk in the footsteps of local beekeepers in the unspoilt Lika region. 8. Catalonia, Spain As Catalonia takes on the title of World Region of Gastronomy in 2025, its the perfect time to explore its food scene and not just in Barcelona. Casa Nova, in Sant Marti Sarroca, for example, where chef Andres Torres creates refined dishes using a sustainable approach thats earnt him a Michelin Green Star. Or Oller del Mas, a winery offering fine dining using local, organic ingredients at its Bages 964 restaurant. Or, most famously, Gironas three-Michelin-star El Celler de Can Roca, founded by the legendary Roca brothers: Joan, Josep and Jordi. The trio recently unveiled a new project, Esperit Roca. Set within a 19th-century former mountain fortress, its a combination of restaurant, hotel, distillery, creation space and permanent exhibition. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) As we head into 2025, several key stories in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley continue to develop. From controversies surrounding a new state prison in Franklin County to ongoing concerns about Fayettevilles housing crisis, here are the top stories we are keeping an eye on. Planned prison in Franklin County causes controversy Plans for a 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County, announced by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, are causing controversy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents of Charleston, where a new prison is planned, are concerned about the risk of inmate escapes and potential declines in property values. Ahead of a town hall, local groups sent letters opposing the prison. The controversy grew when an email allegedly sent by Arkansas GIS Deputy Director Jonathan Duran to GIS Director Shelby Johnson surfaced. RECAP: Top Pig Trail Nation Stories of 2024 The email reportedly asked, Do you think a possible townhall meeting in Franklin County about the proposed state prison might go a little like this? and included a YouTube link with the phrase They took our land! along with a South Park image and the words P***** off white trash redneck conservative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Franklin County and River Valley Coalition is calling for Durans firing, while the state says he personally apologized to the Franklin County judge. Key reading: Fayettevilles housing crisis continues (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter) In 2024, Fayettevilles housing crisis progressed with key developments: In April , the city declared a housing crisis and formed a task force to explore solutions. By June , the City Council rejected a proposal for $1 million in federal funds for the task force. In July , a Texas couple sued the city over short-term rental regulations. In October , the City Council passed an ordinance capping rental application fees. By December, new ordinances limiting rental fees were set to take effect in January 2025, and leaders discussed the impact of proposed tariffs on building materials. Key reading: Tyson Foods under investigation for alleged child labor, discrimination Tyson Foods World Headquarters Sign (Courtesy: Tyson Foods) In Sept. 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor searched Tyson Foods plants in Rogers and Green Forest following reports of minors working hazardous jobs. Allegations included children as young as 11 working night shifts. Tyson denied the claims, stating it prohibits underage employment and complies with labor laws. RECAP: Northwest Arkansas and River Valleys 10 most impactful stories of 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separately, America First Legal filed complaints accusing Tyson of child labor violations, discrimination, and preferential treatment for immigrant workers. Tyson refuted the accusations, asserting its practices are lawful and inclusive. Key reading: What is Project X? Fort Smith still in the dark Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over a year later, Fort Smiths secretive Project X remains undisclosed. Approved on July 18, 2023, the large-scale retail project, tied to a nondisclosure agreement, promises $28 million in annual sales and 93 jobs. The city offers job creation and warehousing incentives, despite Arkansas law barring tax breaks for large retailers. A related amendment stalled in the Senate due to the Wynne tornado. Key reading: Annexation feud between XNA and Highfill continues In Oct. 2024, XNA filed a formal petition to detach from Highfill, citing the citys growing debt and reaffirming its regional focus, following the passage of Act 769. In Sept. 2024, a judge denied Highfills request to block the detachment. This follows a 2023 lawsuit filed by Highfill, challenging the state law and claiming it violated contracts, including a sales tax agreement. Key reading: Lawsuit alleges misuse of public money by Fort Smith for nonprofits (Getty Images) In Nov. 2024, a lawsuit accused Fort Smith officials of unlawfully donating public funds to private organizations, including Mercy Hospital Ball and the Steel Horse Rally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vaccine exemptions reach all-time high in Arkansas, CDC data shows The suit claims the donations were made without written agreements and violated the Arkansas Constitution, seeking a court order to stop further misuse of taxpayer funds. Key reading: Alice Walton and expanding healthcare in Northwest Arkansas Rendering of Alice L. Walton School of Medicine Aerial View to SW by Polk Stanley Wilcox and OSD Alice Walton and Mercy CEO Steve Mackin are working to improve healthcare in Northwest Arkansas through a partnership focused on reducing costs, enhancing quality and increasing access, especially for specialty and mental health care. In Sept. 2024, Mercy announced a $700 million investment, including a new cardiac center in Rogers and an outpatient center in Bentonville, in collaboration with the Alice L. Walton Foundation and Cleveland Clinic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UPDATED: Key bills to watch as Arkansas legislative session nears The Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, which received accreditation in Oct. 2024, will accept its first class in July 2025. A 300-unit student housing complex, scheduled to open in 2026, will be located near the school. Key reading: The state of the Fixer to Fabulous lawsuit as 2025 begins Dave Marrs and Jenny Marrs attend the Better Homes & Gardens BHG100 event at 225 Liberty Street on September 29, 2022, in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Better Homes & Gardens) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lawsuit filed in Feb. 2023 by Matthew and Sarah McGrath against HGTV stars Dave and Jenny Marrs will continue into 2025. The couple alleges that their Bella Vista home, built by the Marrs companies, had numerous defects, including a safety issue with the deck and an improperly installed septic system. Despite attempts at mediation, the case has not been settled. Planned 16-story hotel in Rogers will not be built A trial, originally set for Sept. 2024, has been delayed to January 27, 2025, with a pre-trial hearing on Jan. 14, 2025. The plaintiffs claim the Marrs companies failed to provide expert testimony to counter their claims of code violations. Key reading: Bentonville wraps up phase one of Quilt of Parks A map detailing the Quilt of Parks project plan. (COURTESY: The City of Bentonville) Bentonvilles 2024 focus included expanding the Quilt of Parks project with the purchase of the Benton County Circuit Court building and a $32.5 million grant for 8th Street Gateway Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These projects aim to connect six downtown parks, enhancing public spaces and pedestrian experiences. Phase one is set for completion by mid-2025. Key reading: 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) More than 1,900 nurses at The Queens Medical Center have voted in favor of a strike over unfair labor practices. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Officials said the voting comes after nearly a year of enduring bad-faith negotiations and being subjected to other instances of unfair labor practices. We hope fairness will prevail: Kauai nurses holding strike authorization vote Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nurses at both Punchbowl and Ewa campuses, who are represented by the Hawaii Nurses Association, voted to authorize the strike due to unfair practices that include intimidation, harassment and retaliation by the employer. Voting opened on Thursday, Dec. 26 with final votes trickling in on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. HNA president Rosalee Agas-Yuu said the primary concern is safe staffing. The employer offered safe nurse-to-patient staffing ratios and we thought we were making progress toward an agreement, but in the next bargaining session what they offered us was suddenly no longer on the table. This is a blatant, textbook case of regressive bargaining, an unfair labor practice. It was the last straw for many of the nurses. Rosalee Agas-Yuu, Hawaii Nurses Association president According to reports, Queens nurses have been working without a contract since June 30. Its a shame that we have come to this point. No one wants a strike, but many of the nurses feel this is the only way to be heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check out more news from around Hawaii While a date for the strike has not been set, HNA offered to return to the bargaining table on Thursday, Jan. 2, but Queens agreed to meet on Jan. 7. In a statement, Queens shared they are committed to reaching an agreement with HNA and do not want a strike and remain hopeful a contract that both Queens and our nurses can be proud of can be reached. 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. Dec. 31A 92-year-old Coeur d'Alene woman died after the SUV in which she was a passenger was struck Friday night on U.S. Highway 95 south of Athol, according to Idaho State Police. At about 7:30 p.m., a 23-year-old Trego, Montana, man was driving a 2012 Toyota Tacoma north on the highway at Parks Road when he struck a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder pulling out of Parks Road onto the highway, troopers said in a news release. A 75-year-old Coeur d'Alene man was driving the Nissan . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman died at the scene. Both men were taken to a hospital and were in stable condition last week, police said. All three, whose identities were not released by police, were wearing seat belts. Alcohol and speed are not believed to be factors in the crash. ISP is investigating. The Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission seized more than $92 million in illegal drugs over the past year, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The task force also confiscated 560 firearms and $4.7 million, Yost said. TRENDING STORIES: The number of illegal drugs and weapons taken off our streets this year is impressive thanks to our drug task forces, but the true measure of their success is the countless lives spared from overdoses and addiction, Yost said. Im grateful to every sheriff and police chief, along with our federal partners, who fuel our efforts to thwart drug trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OOCIC focuses on getting their hands on illegal drugs and weapons before they impact Ohio communities. The number of overdose deaths in Ohio has dropped substantially for two consecutive years, thanks in large part to the work of the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commissions task forces, said Governor Mike DeWine. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: ALEXANDER JOE/AFP via Getty Images In 2004, Prince Harry took a gap year after finishing school, and before he joined the military. He worked on a ranch in Queensland, Australia, spent time in Lesotho in Africa, where he forged lifelong friendships, and he briefly traveled to Argentina. However, the Duke of Sussex's Argentinian stay was cut short when an alleged kidnapping plot was uncovered, as revealed by files from the National Archives. In November 2004, Prince Harry was staying on a polo ranch in Lobos, Argentina as part of his gap year. Unfortunately, Harry's visit to the country took a turn when the "Argentine government was apparently alerted to the kidnap threat by a murder suspect in the local underworld," the Daily Mail reported. According to the outlet, the then-20-year-old royal found himself in the middle of "an abduction scare in which gun shots were fired," which sounds, frankly, terrifying. Prince Harry pictured in 2003 leaving Eton College carrying a trash bag of his belongings Luckily, the response to the kidnapping plot involving Prince Harry was swift. "The Security Ministry responded by sending a squad of 15 armed police officers to patrol the perimeter of the El Remanso ranch, and they fired shots into the air after two shots were heard being fired in the area," the Daily Mail reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The British government officially responded, saying, "Given the recent publicity about the possible kidnapping threat to Prince Harry, the Metropolitan Police should where appropriate seek advice on the possible risks of kidnapping in countries being visited by members of the Royal Family." Prince Harry speaking at the NY Times dealbook summit sitting in a chair wearing a blue suit It was also revealed that there weren't always Royal Air Force aircraft available for royals to use during official visits, which only contributed to potential security risks, per the Daily Mail. This was reportedly on account of British Prime Minister Tony Blair's decision to send troops to Iraq and Afghanistan at the time. As a result, the Royal Family allegedly chartered "civilian aircraft via a broker," which left them open to potential security breaches. Thankfully, the alleged abduction plot was thwarted, and Prince Harry returned home safely following his gap year. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) On Tuesday morning, the Abilene community gathered at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery to honor the life of U.S. Army Sergeant Lee Mikel. Despite having no next of kin, nearly 300 people attended the service, showing their support and paying tribute to the late Veteran. Abilene community invited to honor Army Veteran at unaccompanied burial Donald Lee Mikel was a U.S. Army Sergeant who served from 1967 to 1970. During his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal in recognition of his dedication and honorable conduct. On December 31, many gathered at the cemetery to honor Sergeant Mikel, including the Patriot Guard Riders. Captain Roger Brown of the Patriot Guard Riders expressed the appreciation that Abilene has for its Veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It means a lot to well, look at all the people Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have anywhere from 3-500 people coming just from Abilene. Abilene shows up. Abilene is a wonderful town for the Veterans. They show up when nobody else does, Brown expressed. Unaccompanied but never alone: Friends gather for unaccompanied Abilene Veteran funeral Sergeant Mikel had no next of kin to attend his funeral, yet nearly 300 individuals gathered to pay their respects to this distinguished military member. He was laid to rest with full military honors, including the folding and presentation of the American flag, the haunting notes of Taps, and a solemn missing man flyover. Broke spoke about how the communitys presence, honoring fallen comrades, helps others find solace and strength in the face of their own tragedies. I spent a year and a day in Vietnam, and this helps me to get over some of the problems that I have. Just being with buddies and friends, talking about it; we can get over a lot of stuff just talking to each other, Brown shared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abilene community honors heroes with 3,000+ wreaths at Texas State Veterans Cemetery Brown went on to express that the support shown by the Abilene community for Veterans has a profound impact within the local Veteran community, offering strength and encouragement to those who have served. 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. This article was first published in the State of Faith newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Monday night. In mid-December, I wrote about the top religion stories of 2024, drawing on a survey conducted by Religion News Association. This week, Im highlighting a similar list put together by Howard Friedman, who runs the Religion Clause blog and is widely recognized for his reporting on church-state conflict and the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather than review religion stories in general, Friedman explored the biggest religious freedom news from the past 12 months. He highlighted key legal conflicts that will shape the future of religious liberty in the United States. Heres a look at Friedmans top 10 religious freedom-related developments in 2024 plus, how I covered some of the events. 10. Dozens of cases brought by employees who were denied religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccine mandates continued to work their way through the legal system. 9. The Alabama Supreme Court ruled that a wrongful death statute covered frozen embryos, then the state Legislature worked to adjust the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 8. Indiana appellate courts said that abortion bans violate religious freedom protections. 7. The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that a religious charter school is unconstitutional. 6. Teachers filed religious freedom lawsuits to fight back against policies requiring them to refer to transgender students by their preferred pronouns. 5. The Supreme Court ruled on FDA approval of abortion-inducing pills and access to emergency abortion care. 4. The issue of religion in public schools roared back to relevance with battles over Bibles in the classroom, school chaplains, Ten Commandments displays and release time programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3. Voters in seven states approved abortion rights ballot measures. 2. Multiple states banned gender-related health care for transgender minors. 1. The Department of Education investigated Title VI complaints and Jewish students filed Title VI lawsuits over the protests that took place on college campuses in response to the Israel-Hamas war. Fresh off the press How Biden, Trump, Church of Jesus Christ leaders and others reacted to Jimmy Carters death Jimmy Carters faith guided him for 100 years Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100 The 12 days of Christmas, explained The Biden administration withdrew a plan to prevent bans on transgender athletes. Heres why Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jewish Telegraphic Agency highlights BYU QB Jake Retzlaff in list of top Jewish sports moments of 2024 Term of the week: Peyote Peyote is a small cactus thats native to Mexico and southwestern Texas. It contains psychoactive alkaloids and is used in religious ceremonies and psychedelic trips, according to The Associated Press. That latter purpose threatens the former one. As peyote has become more popular among proponents of psychedelic medicine, its becoming less available to the Native Americans who need it for sacred acts. For over two decades, Native American practitioners of peyotism, whose numbers in the U.S. are estimated at 400,000, have raised the alarm about lack of access to peyote, the AP reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im familiar with peyote in large part because of its role in Employment Division v. Smith, the 1990 Supreme Court decision that shook the religious freedom landscape and ultimately led to the passage of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The men who brought the case lost their jobs and then were refused unemployment benefits because they used peyote in a religious ritual. They argued that their religious freedom had been violated. After the Supreme Court ruled against the men, Congress made it clear that Native Americans can use peyote as part of their religious activities. Even though it is a controlled substance under federal law, an exemption afforded by a 1994 amendment to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act made it legal for Native Americans to use, possess and transport peyote for traditional religious purposes, the AP reported. What Im reading... I was on call this weekend for the Deseret News, so I handled our breaking news coverage of former President Jimmy Carters death. I enjoyed learning more about his remarkable political career and revisiting my past research on his faith. Former President Barack Obama highlighted Carters relationship with God in his statement on Carters legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President-elect Donald Trump filed an unusual Supreme Court brief Friday about the TikTok ban case that will be heard Jan. 10. He asked the justices to block the pending ban to give his incoming administration time to try to resolve the legal conflict, but he didnt take a position on the apps free speech arguments, according to The New York Times. Speaking of Trump, Religion News Service recently raised questions about the incoming presidents faith-related plans for his inauguration. The article highlighted documents showing that an interfaith prayer service will only be open to major donors. Odds and ends After staying up late for work several nights in a row over the past week, Im not sure Ill make it to midnight on New Years Eve. But Im looking forward to 2025 and hoping everyone has a great start to the year! The Nebraska general election ballot featured two competing measures related to abortion: one seeking to prohibit most abortions after the first trimester, led by Protect Women and Children, left, and the other seeking to expand abortion access up to "fetal viability" as determined by a treating health care practitioner, from Protect Our Rights. Both groups pictured July 3, 2024, as they turned in more than 200,000 signatures for ballot access. (Photos courtesy of the campaigns) LINCOLN Nebraskas political year in 2024, as in much of the nation, was dominated by abortion politics. The issue influenced ballot initiatives and competitive races. Voters in Nebraska, Florida and South Dakota became the first since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 to reject ballot initiatives seeking to expand abortion rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nebraska vote was unique because abortion restrictionists passed a competing proposal on the same ballot, promoting it as a moderate alternative to the abortion-rights amendment. They said the status quo helps women and children. Abortion-rights advocates spent much of the campaign fighting what they called misinformation and disinformation that miscast their effort to codify abortion rights as extreme. They said the way things are harms women and families. One of the most common criticisms of the abortion-rights amendment was that it would allow abortion until birth, which organizers said it would not. That November contest, and its spillover into other competitive races, ranked among the top five political stories of 2024, as selected by the staff of the Nebraska Examiner: Dueling abortion votes Nebraskans adopted Initiative 434, an abortion-restrictions amendment that bans most abortions after the first trimester, with exceptions for the life of the mother, rape and incest. A crowd of more than 1,000 people listens to speakers during the rally before the annual Walk for Life in Lincoln in January 2024. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) The language was written by anti-abortion advocates who crafted it to sound like it would cement into the State Constitution the states current ban after 12 weeks gestational age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does so, but only as a ceiling. No future Legislature could loosen the current restrictions on abortion. Any Legislature could, however, tighten restrictions, up to a full ban. National conservatives discuss the approach by Nebraskas abortion restrictionists as a potential model for red states to survive pushes to expand abortion rights at the ballot box. Voters rejected Initiative 439, the abortion-rights amendment seeking to sharply curb the states ability to restrict abortion and leave the decision between a woman and her treating health care practitioner. Local organizing by church-led groups in rural and ring areas opposed to abortion swamped the urban and suburban strongholds of the abortion-rights movement. Protests erupted in the State Capitol Rotunda during the 2023 debate over the Let Them Grow Act and the Preborn Child Protection Act. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) The abortion ballot initiatives helped motivate voters on all sides of the issue. In addition to the obvious draw of a presidential election, it helped boost turnout rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some abortion-rights supporters questioned whether 439 went too far by leaving the timing of abortion legality to the judgment of health care practitioners about fetal viability. Critics of the abortion-rights amendment argued it could be stretched to allow later-term abortions than many Nebraskans would be comfortable with. A few experienced Nebraska political consultants have argued the abortion-rights initiative would have fared better by legalizing abortion until a set number of weeks, up to 20 or 22 weeks. Conservatives, meanwhile, are considering how to export their competing initiatives approach to other states. Medical cannabis passes Nebraska voters in November overwhelmingly approved legalizing cannabis for medicinal purposes, letting it be used by people with a written recommendation from a health care practitioner. Supporters of medical cannabis packed a courtroom on the first day of a court hearing that could determine the fate of two 2024 ballot measures on medical cannabis. In the front row, center, are the sponsors of that petition. From left, State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, Crista Eggers of Gretna and former State Sen. Adam Morfeld. Sept. 20, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) This was the latest step in a years-long fight by families of the sick to gain access to a pain- and seizure-fighting drug that Nebraskas governor and attorney general still argue is banned under federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fight to reach the ballot was part of the story, with the two medical cannabis initiatives voters approved, Initiatives 437 and 438, receiving less financial help nationally. Part of that fight continues in court, including one legal challenge headed for the Nebraska Supreme Court spearheaded by longtime opponents of marijuana legalization of any kind. The arguments against the medical cannabis petition efforts have tried to scrutinize and toss out thousands of state-validated signatures and fight the legality of the change. Defenders of medical cannabis point to efforts to reclassify the drug federally and that it is legal in Nebraskas neighboring states of Missouri, Colorado and South Dakota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the key organizers had argued her son needed the medicine to help him live more comfortably with his symptoms. Some 38 states allow cannabis for medical use. Of those, 24 have also legalized recreational marijuana use. Opponents hope the Nebraska cases help them assert the primacy of federal law. Nebraskans who want to purchase cannabis as medication in the state will not be able to do so until a freshly authorized state commission sets state rules for medical marijuana by July 1. Under the change, the first distribution licenses would have to be issued by Oct. 1. Osborn makes Fischer compete One of Nebraskas U.S. Senate races made the top five because of an unexpectedly close race. Nonpartisan Omaha labor leader Dan Osborn put a scare into two-term incumbent U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb. U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn meets with prospective voters at a Big Red Keno in west Lincoln on Oct. 20, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most figured Fischer would easily win in a state where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats about 2-to-1 and nonpartisans and others make up about a fourth of the states electorate. Few predicted Osborns ability to raise nearly $15 million and attract another $20 million in outside spending, including late from national Democrats. Fischer ultimately won by single digits, 53%-47%. She blamed reporters for helping Osborn create a nonpartisan narrative for what she described as a Democrat in sheeps clothing. She raised a personal-record $8.4 million this cycle and spent $8.8 million. He spent $14.8 million. In a rarity for a red state, she needed late help from national Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her bid also got a boost from Ending Spending, a group tied to the parents of junior U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb. The same group helped her win a three-way GOP primary in 2012. Fischer and her campaign largely ignored Osborn for months, emphasizing her work to bring roads, bridges and broadband spending and national defense investments to Nebraska. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., criticized her opponent, nonpartisan Dan Osborn, for failing to say where he stands on key issues. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) Late in the race, Fischers team attacked Osborns statements in national and local interviews about immigration, Social Security and comments about Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. After former President Donald Trumps win and the GOP takeover of Congress, Osborns over-performance is viewed nationally by some Democrats as a reason to reevaluate the partys brand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Osborn, a steamfitter, has started a new hybrid political action committee aimed at helping more working-class candidates run. He credited his results to being a normal guy with a regular job. He paid himself from his campaign funds so he could afford to miss work and campaign. He had argued that Fischer and most in Washington, D.C., were out of touch with kitchen-table issues most care about, including union organizing, health care and higher wages. He was quoted this week in a Politico story about Democrats considering running more blue-collar candidates without party labels. He also supported abortion rights, while Fischer backed restrictions. Fischer has said Nebraskans saw through him and his branding as a nonpartisan. Property tax push Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen spent a lot of his election-earned political capital in 2024 pressing the Legislature to adopt structural changes to the property tax system. Gov. Jim Pillen officially unveils his property tax plan as a summer-long attempt to find a path to reduce local property taxes. July 18, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) He warned lawmakers if they didnt adopt significant property tax relief during the regular legislative session in the spring that he would call them back to session until they did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pillen called a special session in July and August with the purpose of reducing the states reliance on local property taxes to fund governance, including K-12 education, the biggest cost. He had hoped to pass a proposal that he said would cut property taxes by 50%, but he managed to secure the votes for Legislative Bill 34, a slimmed-down proposal that might provide 20% in relief when combined with existing relief programs. State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha and others tried and failed to add help for renters and not just homeowners. Others criticized Pillens pre-session meetings for excluding too many senators. State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha has said the relief package would help, particularly by no longer requiring people to file to receive income tax credits for property tax relief. Pillen has said he is not done pushing for changes and will try again, but his ambitions could be limited by fiscal reality. Budget projections show the state in a $432 million hole. That may not leave enough room for more ambitious reforms. Blue dot survives for now Most of Nebraskas Republican establishment and their right-wing base aligned with then-candidate Donald Trump in trying to shift the state to winner-take-all for the 2024 presidential election. State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha explains why he switched parties to the Nebraska Republican Party from the Nebraska Democratic Party. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) Pillen, Trump and much of the Nebraska Republican Party argue that Nebraska should award all its votes to the statewide winner of the presidential popular vote. But Pillen and Trump didnt listen to the Legislatures newest member of the GOP, State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, who had said when he changed from being a Democrat that he supported the status quo. Nebraska and Maine are the only two states that split their Electoral College votes for president by congressional district. This often leaves the Omaha-based 2nd District up for grabs. McDonnell flirted with adopting a winner-take-all approach. He said he heard no argument more persuasive than the $20 million or more each cycle in campaign spending that helps Omaha. State senators in Omaha and Lincoln have argued this benefits the state economically. Republicans needed 33 votes to break a filibuster. There was no way to get to 33 without McDonnell. He was applauded by Democrats and attacked by Republicans for standing pat. He is now running for mayor in a nonpartisan primary against Republican incumbent Mayor Jean Stothert. Also competing in the race are Democratic candidates Jasmine Harris and John Ewing. Nebraska sided with Trump, sending four of the states five electoral votes to the president-elect. But the 2nd District backed Vice President Kamala Harris, sending her one vote. Nebraskas 2nd District drew presidential campaign surrogates on behalf of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, left, rallied in Papillion. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard rallied in Omaha. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) It was the third time in the past five elections that a Democrat has won a single vote from the 2nd District, starting with then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama in 2008. Trump won the 2nd in 2016. Signs on both sides of the campaign featured the blue dot, with Democrats highlighting their support with a single dot and Republicans sharing variations of Trump eating the blue dot. Pillen, in an interview this month, said he hopes McDonnell and others being term-limited will give Republicans enough votes to end the blue dot once and for all this spring. Opponents of the change, including Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb, have argued senators will find the votes to maintain a filibuster and preserve district-based voting. Honorable mentions: Felon voting rights restored Nebraska lawmakers in April passed Legislative Bill 20 to restore the voting rights of people convicted of felonies once their criminal sentences have been completed, instead of making them wait two years to vote. Jason Witmer, a fellow at ACLU Nebraska, and other voting rights advocates on Wednesday celebrate the Nebraska Supreme Courts decision on letting Legislative Bill 20 restore the voting rights of people who have finished serving a sentence for a felony. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) The Legislatures push to pass and defend the new law from what some described as executive overreach was part of a broader theme in 2024 of defending legislative prerogatives. Leaders similarly pushed back against efforts to limit legislative oversight of the executive branch. Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers angered a bipartisan group of senators by issuing an informal opinion arguing that only the executive branch could restore voting rights and only via the Pardons Board process. Secretary of State Bob Evnen followed the AGs opinion and paused registrations for months under the new law and an older one, LB 53 of 2005. Some argued the voting rights of some people of color and some people with limited means were being suppressed. Attorney generals opinions are advisory and do not carry the weight of a judges legal opinion. Voting rights advocates from Civic Nebraska and ACLU Nebraska, with legislative backing, challenged the registration pause in court, and the Nebraska Supreme Court agreed. The justices ruled narrowly that the law was the law until a court had decided otherwise. They left for another day the decision over whether the right to restore a persons voting rights in Nebraska is constitutionally reserved for the executive or legislative branch. Jason Kotas and TJ King of Omaha both cast their first ballots on Oct. 16 since being convicted. Both described it as helping them feel more connected to their communities. It lets us know that a lot of us that were in the fight that our voices were heard, and that it didnt fall on deaf ears, King said at the time. We have a voice now. Heavican retires and is replaced by Funke The Nebraska Supreme Court usually makes this list with its decisions, not because of the decision to retire. But the decision by Heavican to retire reverberated. Nebraska Chief Justice Mike Heavican, center, praises Justice Jeffrey Funke, whom Gov. Jim Pillen selected to be Heavicans successor on the Nebraska Supreme Court. Oct. 25, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) The former Lancaster County prosecutor oversaw massive change during his tenure on the states high court, including the shift from a center-left court to one that leans more to the right. He saw the implementation of court oversight of the probation system, the expansion of specialty courts like drug courts and veterans courts, and pressed for technological change. On the transparency front, Heavican expanded cameras in the courtroom and made it easier for reporters to use modern technology to cover proceedings in Nebraskas courts. He retired after 18 years as chief and was replaced in late October by one of his conservative colleagues, Justice Jeffrey Funke, whom Ricketts appointed to the court in 2016. Funke is a conservative justice who was a former prosecutor and public defender and a judge in Cass County and on the local district court. He walks into a period in which the court may be deciding key cases on voting rights, on separation of powers and on legalizing medical cannabis. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Rough estimates place Maines remaining volume of firefighting foam with PFAS at upward of 40,000 gallons. Despite a 2020 recommendation by the Governors PFAS Task Force to inventory and collect AFFF stocks, no progress toward that goal has been realized in nearly five years. (Brendan Bullock) This article is the first in a series, A Fire Hose of Forever Chemicals, which can be seen in entirety here. During 21 years working as a municipal firefighter, I had hyper-exposure to foam, recalled Jim Graves, director of training at the Maine Fire Service Institute. Graves entered the fire service at age 17 and was later sent to foam firefighting school, a week-long training in the selection and use of these chemical fire-suppression agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fires are classified by the material ignited, and only Class A fires involving wood, cloth, rubber and some plastics respond well to water. Class A foam is typically used on structural fires because it penetrates into materials to quell flames quickly. Class B or aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF, called A triple-F) targets flammable and combustible fuel fires, which water can spread. A cascading arc of AFFF, formed by mixing a small percentage of concentrate with a high volume of water, can slide quickly across the surface of a fuel spill, creating a thin barrier that effectively deprives flames of oxygen and suppresses fuel vapors. The efficiency of AFFF relies on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a vast class of thousands of synthetic chemicals characterized by nearly unbreakable carbon-fluorine bonds. Use of AFFF foam increased among Maine fire departments in the 1980s and 1990s, with 70% of departments in a recent survey reporting that prior to 2022 they used the foam, at least occasionally, primarily for combustible fuel fires, vehicle fires and routine trainings. (Photo by Brendan Bullock) First used in World War II, PFAS were subsequently added to hundreds of types of consumer and industrial products due to the chemicals ability to repel water and oil, resist heat, and reduce surface tension. Corporate documents reveal that chemical manufacturers like 3M and DuPont knew a half-century ago that fluorinated chemicals posed serious health risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment and accumulate in bodiespotentially disrupting hormonal, immune and reproductive systems, and increasing the risk of various cancers. AFFF became a staple on military bases in the 1970s, not long after its development by 3M and the U.S. Navy. By 1988, the federal government mandated its use at commercial airports (a stricture that held until May 2023). Some municipal fire departments, particularly those near highways, industry and airports, also kept stocks on hand for vehicular and other fuel fires and for use in periodic trainings. A recent survey of Maine fire departments (see sidebar) found that 70% used AFFF prior to 2022, at least occasionally, primarily for combustible fuel fires, vehicle fires and routine trainings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When military bases in Maine closed, they gave some AFFF (made to military specifications, high in PFAS) to municipal departments around the state. Smaller departments always had access to that mil-spec foam, one fire chief observed. AFFF became a staple tool for many departments because it worked remarkably well. It was a truly amazing chemical engineering accomplishment, Graves said, but horrible, as we have now learned. Not safe as dish soap In 2001, a consultant told a technical committee of the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that the toxicity and persistence of two PFAS compounds that Class B foams can degrade into PFOA and PFOS could be a death warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manufacturers changed methods to produce PFAS formulations with shorter carbon chains, and marketed those AFFF concentrates to fire departments as a sustainable substitute. But over time, many of the newer compounds proved to be just as toxic, and more mobile and persistent in ecosystems. States began to control AFFF use in 2019, and in 2021 Maine banned its manufacture, sale and distribution (temporarily exempting airports and oil terminals), and mandated containment and reporting of any use. Maine also banned AFFF in firefighter training, but through the preceding decades we trained with foam because it was required, Graves said, referring to the voluminous standards the NFPA sets for fire departments. If we had known, we would have stopped using [foam] way earlier. Firefighters were assured that AFFF was safe as dish soap, and the concentrate looked similar a pale amber liquid stored in sparsely labeled 5-gallon pails, 50-gallon drums or translucent 250- to 330-gallon totes. The concentrate could become viscous at times, congealing around valves. Graves recalls once having to reach into a tank of AFFF concentrate up to his shoulder to release a clog. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Convinced that all firefighting foams were harmless, departments used them not only at live fires and trainings but occasionally, when requested, for recreational purposes. Various foams (of unknown class) were spread for birthday parties and at parks for community events so that children could slide and romp in what seemed like a bubble bath run wild. Fire departments throughout Maine and around the country did not confine foam use to live fires and trainings. Upon request, they would periodically spread foam in parks or other settings so that children could frolic in it. (Contributed photo) Recent research indicates that some legacy PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS may transfer readily into aerosol form. When the state of Michigan tested foam at a highly contaminated lake, it found PFAS levels as high as 220,000 parts per trillion (ppt). Yet little research has been done on health effects from inhaled particles of AFFF, according to a spokesperson for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For many firefighters, AFFF may be the most significant source of exposure to PFAS, a working group of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, part of the World Health Organization) concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, the IARC classified PFOA as carcinogenic and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Cancer has become the leading cause of death among active firefighters. North Americas largest union of first responders, the International Association of Fire Fighters, reports that in 2023 occupational cancer accounted for 72% of the line-of-duty deaths among its U.S. members. Firefighters are 9% more likely than the general population to develop cancer and 14% more likely to die from it, a federal study found. A fire station sign reads: You cant train too hard for a job that can kill you. (Photo by Brendan Bullock) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through training, appropriate equipment and careful practices, firefighters work to minimize the hazards inherent in fires, smoke and diesel truck fumes. But they were never warned that chemicals in the AFFF spewing out of firehoses and blowing about them like snow could get into nearly all of their organs and remain for years. It freaks me out so bad that the firefighters of Maine had no clue, Graves said. Honestly, Im scared for a lot of my generation. He has already lost many firefighter friends to cancer. Colleagues in the fire service share Graves sense of being trapped in what he terms a bad lottery, expecting not a winning ticket but a devastating illness: Many of us are sadly waiting for the day that we get a diagnosis. Risks of scattered AFFF stocks The threats posed by AFFF extend far beyond the fire service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AFFF is responsible for some of the largest PFAS releases to the environment, Washington States Department of Ecology wrote recently in a 260-page environmental impact statement. These are also the most complex, costly, and difficult to investigate and remediate. The longer AFFF concentrate sits at dispersed locations around Maine, Graves said, the greater the likelihood it will get spilled or dumped. Public awareness of that risk rose after a hangar fire suppression system at Brunswick Executive Airport malfunctioned last August, mixing water with roughly 1,450 gallons of PFAS-laden concentrate to fill the massive structure 4 to 5 feet deep in foam. That spill, which could affect the community and watershed for generations, was far from anomalous. Brunswick Landing, the converted compound of a former U.S. Navy air station, has had at least a dozen other inadvertent AFFF spills recorded during and after its military use, including another hangar spill in 2019 and a 2012 hangar spill of 2,000 gallons of concentrate discovered by the Brunswick Sewer District. The Aug. 19 AFFF spill at Hangar 4 of Brunswick Executive Airport, the site of a former U.S. Navy air station, was one among at least a dozen other AFFF spills recorded during and after the militarys tenure there. (Photo by Martha Spiess) For 30 years ending in 1990, the former station hosted fire trainings (many of which likely involved foam discharge), according to an environmental assessment prepared for the Brunswick Armed Forces Reserve Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also noted that expired AFFF would be discharged to various grassy areas around [the Naval Air Station] from fire vehicles for routine maintenance. In an assessment of airport fires at Department of Defense facilities nationwide, the U.S. Air Force found that just one fire had occurred over three decades (extinguished by a water deluge system) while chemical foam had discharged accidentally once every two months on average over 15 years, resulting in one death, 21 injuries and more than $24 million in mishap costs. Two months prior to the Brunswick accident, 800 gallons of foam concentrate spilled at an Air National Guard facility in South Burlington, Vermont. Fire suppression systems used in oil and gas storage and transport, many of which rely on AFFF, can also malfunction. Rack systems used to transfer oil and gas from storage tanks to trucks have built-in sprinkler systems that are prone to accidents, according to Philip Selberg, chief of the South Portland Fire Department. Oil terminals are subject to Maines AFFF law as of Jan. 1, 2025, but to Selbergs knowledge only one local terminal has transitioned to a fluorine-free substitute. (That terminal owner, Global Partners, declined Maine Morning Stars request for an interview.) Awareness of risks associated with AFFF has increased since the state restricted its use in 2021, but deliberate dumping of foam concentrate remains a concern. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has spent several years overseeing remediation of a site where intentional dumping occurred in 2020. A U.S. Air Force Assessment found that chemical foam systems at military installations discharged accidentally once every two months on average over 15 years, resulting in one death, 21 injuries and more than $24 million in mishap costs. Foam from the recent Brunswick spill carried PFAS chemicals into surrounding ecosystems. (Photo by Steve Walker) During routine well monitoring at a closed demolition debris landfill in Gorham, DEP staff learned that the towns public works staff had dumped 500 gallons of AFFF concentrate from the fire station into the landfill several months earlier. That discovery led to a protracted investigation and remediation (with costs borne by the municipality), involving multiple environmental assessments and removal of contaminated soil, according to agency records. AFFF can also be deployed inadvertently, due to confusion among firefighters (many of them volunteers) who face a vast and ever-changing array of foam formulations. In New Hampshire, contractors for the state recently identified about 250 AFFF formulations from roughly 40 manufacturers. Maine fire departments received clear guidance not to use AFFF in training and to report its use to the DEP, but they never got instructions on separating AFFF stocks and storing them carefully until they can be collected to reduce chances of unintended use. Drums of AFFF concentrate in Hangar 6 at the Brunswick Executive Airport, photographed in November 2023, date back to 1985 and 1989 according to product labels, exceeding the longest expected lifespan by roughly 15 years.(Photo courtesy of Ed Friedman/Friends of Merrymeeting Bay) Some AFFF containers in Maine far exceed the products long shelf life, which ranges from 10 years to 25 years. Plastic drums of PFAS-laden concentrate stored at the Brunswick Executive Airport (as of November 2023) had production dates in the mid- to late 1980s. Not a simple switch A wide range of fluorine-free foams (called F3) are now available, and two independent entities have tested some of these products to ensure that they are not unlike earlier PFAS reformulations regrettable substitutions. Anila Bello, a researcher with the Department of Public Health at the University of Massachusetts Lowell who surveyed fire-training facilities nationally, has observed how that earlier deception left fire professionals skeptical about current marketing claims. Having been told that shorter-chain PFAS were safe during the foam transition that occurred in the mid-2000s, [firefighters] are very hesitant transitioning to F3 foam; they want it to be truly safe for human health and for the environment, she said. Theyre concerned that theyll be in the same situation 10 or 20 years from now. A toxicological study of six PFAS-free foams concluded that the new formulations, when compared to earlier products with PFAS, appear to have a lower likelihood of environmental persistence and bioaccumulation and to have lower oral human health toxicity. However, the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council cautions that all Class B foams (including F3 ones) can be problematic if the foam reaches drinking water sources, groundwater [or] surface water with the potential for acute aquatic toxicity and nutrient loading. Even fire departments ready to adopt F3 alternatives can be slowed by the costs and the logistical hurdles of selecting appropriate foam, training staff in its use, and purging AFFF from existing equipment so it does not contaminate the new foam. Fire departments ready to adopt F3 alternatives can be slowed by the costs and the logistical hurdles of selecting appropriate foam, training staff in its use, and purging AFFF from existing equipment so it does not contaminate the new foam. (Photo by Brendan Bullock) In South Portlands case, the needed foam research took considerable time and expense, including sending staff members to different out-of-state product demonstrations to determine which new formulas might work best knowledge that fire departments cant derive from white papers written for chemical engineers, Selberg said: Its a bit of a leap of faith to be sure that what you buy is going to work for you. The South Portland Fire Department recently settled on a replacement foam that Selberg has confidence in, but now the department needs to coordinate with seven oil terminals, each of which is mandated to keep a reserve of AFFF on-site but all of which rely on the city for fire services. The foam that terminals select for replacements, he said, needs to be something we as a department are familiar with so if we respond to a facility, we can all work together. One of the largest concentrations of AFFF still stored in Maine is in South Portland, where seven oil terminals along the Fore River are mandated to keep reserves on hand for the Citys fire department to use. Legislation that prevents oil terminals from purchasing new AFFF takes effect Jan. 1, 2025. (Photo by Alex MacLean) Once departments acquire F3 foams, they need to rid foam equipment of residual AFFF. That process, typically involving a series of rinses, is complicated by the need to save rinse water for safe disposal (a process outlined in detail by states like Washington and Connecticut). Maine has no central clearinghouse for information on the foam transition so departments like South Portlands have been fielding frequent calls since the Aug. 19 airport hangar spill. Brunswick has upped the ante for everybody: I cant tell you how many calls Ive gotten from departments wanting to know what to swap, how to swap, Selberg said. Suddenly, its a big deal. Honestly, it should have been a big deal for us five years ago, right? Until Brunswick happened, weve all been sitting around waiting to figure out if someone would take the lead. And sadly, we havent. A missed opportunity Five years ago, Graves and two dozen other individuals knowledgeable about Class B foam were invited to serve on an AFFF Working Group of the Governors PFAS Task Force, which formed to develop a strategic plan for the states PFAS response. The working group drafted recommendations, endorsed by the task force and published in January 2020, that could have set Maine on a path toward gathering and securing all remaining AFFF stocks, a step that might have prevented the Brunswick spill. The task force recommended in part that all fire departments in the State of Maine be required to disclose the type and quantity of current inventory of Class B AFFF, and that protocols be established for safe storage and routine inspection. It called for a state-level funding mechanism that would allow the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the DEP to develop and execute a Class B AFFF takeback and/or replacement program that does not financially burden Maine fire departments or their municipalities. The state-level funding mechanism, a prerequisite for many of the other working group recommendations, was never established. In response to inquiries from Maine Morning Star, spokespersons for MEMA and the DEP indicated that any progress toward an AFFF inventory and takeback (or buyback) program await funding. Even the mandated reporting of AFFF use is in essence voluntary, according to DEP spokesperson David Madore, because it was an unfunded initiative. We do not have the financial resources or staff required to implement the program, he wrote. Fourteen states have now taken action to limit uses of AFFF, according to the nonprofit Safer States, but few states have created the sort of dedicated revenue source that the Maine task force envisioned. Funded by a tax on tanker fuel transport, Colorado helps fire departments cover foam replacement costs by buying back AFFF at $40/gallon. The tax also supports a grant program that helps public water systems, private well owners and local governments sample waters for PFAS contamination, including those affected by past AFFF use. Connecticut appropriated $3 million to help fire departments transition off fluorinated foams, providing grants for disposal of AFFF concentrate and rinsate from decontaminating trucks and equipment. Manufacturers marketed AFFF to fire departments as being safe as dish soap, so firefighters took few precautions handling the concentrate or the foam created when concentrate was mixed with high volumes of water. (Photo by Brendan Bullock) Without a provision to cover municipal costs for foam replacement, budgetary pressures or the Yankee penchant to use things up before acquiring replacements could drive fire departments to retain their remaining AFFF stock. As South Portland has learned, the foam transition entails extensive labor and costs in research, retraining and equipment cleaning that extend beyond replacement foam purchases. Asked what the fire department would like going forward, Selberg replied: The best-case scenario is the State comes in tomorrow and says Inventory what you have, well come down and get it, and well credit you so you can buy what you need. Right now, that burden is going to be on our city to do all those things. Determining how much AFFF is in Maine The AFFF Working Group discovered during its 2019 research that completing a statewide inventory would prove challenging. An initial survey sent to 305 fire departments by the Office of the State Fire Marshal garnered just 61 responses. Among 20 industry partners with potential AFFF (like paper mills and oil terminals), eight responded. Until Brunswick happened, weve all been sitting around waiting to figure out if someone would take the lead. And sadly, we havent. Philip Selberg, South Portland Fire Department chief Incomplete state-level data complicates the work of undertaking an inventory. Maine currently lacks a comprehensive database of all the states fire departments, and only 259 out of an estimated 378 departments report to the state. MEMA and staff of the Fire Marshal both informed Maine Morning Star that they have no current contact information for industry partners. As of 2022, the Maine Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan documented more than 19,000 gallons of AFFF stored in just four communities. Former military bases represent another significant source, with an estimated 6,000 gallons of AFFF concentrate at Brunswick Landing alone (although numbers are still in dispute). Factoring in other military sites, airports, helipads, paper mills and fire departments, AFFF accounting becomes speculative. The DEP estimated the total volume statewide in 2022 at 48,000 gallons but that was simply an extrapolation from the limited responses to the AFFF Working Group survey. A recent survey completed by Maine Morning Star, which like the states 2019 survey had only a 20 percent response rate, reported roughly 4,000 additional gallons at municipal departments beyond those counted in the oil spill plan. A similar extrapolation, adding in the 25,000 gallons from industry and military sources, would total 45,000 gallonsclose to the DEPs original estimate. The 1,450 gallons of AFFF foam concentrate released in the recent Brunswick spill represents a small fraction of the total remaining stocks around the State. In 2022, the Maine DEP offered a rough estimate of 48,000 gallons, approximately 33 times the volume discharged in the Aug. 19 hangar accident. (Image by Hanji Chang) Laying the groundwork for success in AFFF collection For Maine to successfully gather back most of the remaining AFFF, it will need an accurate inventory of where the foam concentrate is stored. Achieving a high response rate on an inventory is clearly challenging but not impossible. North Carolina undertook an AFFF inventory with roughly three times the number of fire departments Maine has (1,217 departments spanning 2,119 sites, when counting multiple stations) and achieved a 100% participation rate. Brian Taylor, the State Fire Marshal, said he knows what Maine is up against, given that his office typically gets a 10% return rate on surveys and both states have a high proportion of departments staffed entirely or mostly by volunteers. In North Carolina, Taylor said, the AFFF inventory was mandated and strongly supported with boots on the ground regional resource people (affiliated with the North Carolina Collaboratory) who could help local departments compile the needed information. The state also has three foam research analysts to help gather and manage data, at an annual cost of roughly $300,000, according to Taylor. North Carolina plans to conduct an annual AFFF inventory until all remaining stocks are collected, with about 11% gathered and stored by the State to date). Its foam analysts are also helping gather data for a state investigation of water quality at wells located near fire departments and training areas. To make AFFF reporting easier, Taylors office encouraged the development of a new application within a software system already used to report fire incidents by many fire departments nationally. That AFFF management application is now available to any state at no added cost. Use of that reporting software is mandated in North Carolina but remains optional in Maine, according to State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler. It was given to departments in 2014 and 91% of reporting departments in the state now use that software, according to the Fire Marshals office. Getting rid of AFFF Following up on Maines AFFF law, the DEP delivered a progress report to the Legislature in March 2022 that identified obstacles to disposing of the foam concentrate stocks. The primary options at that time involved incineration or transport to a hazardous waste dump. Incineration of surplus AFFF by the Department of Defense had already generated PFAS contamination downwind of incinerators, indicating that temperatures in a typical incinerator do not fully break down PFAS (a concern confirmed by a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidance document last spring). Survey findings: Among the fire departments that responded to the Maine Morning Star survey 28% still have AFFF stocks stored on site; 7% report using AFFF since restrictions took effect in January 2022; and 13% have begun acquiring fluorine-free foams. Transporting PFAS out of state to hazardous waste facilities in fenceline communities runs counter to the environmental justice provision Maine must apply in its own siting decisions regarding solid waste facilities. Landfills can contaminate groundwater and surface waters with PFAS from leachate and can emit PFAS in a gaseous form. Since 2022, experimental approaches to break down AFFF into relatively benign elements have advanced, with some methods now being piloted at a commercial scale. Two states, Ohio and New Hampshire, have sent their AFFF stocks to a new plant in Columbus, Ohio that uses superheated water to break apart the strong fluorine-carbon bonds in PFAS, a process known as supercritical water oxidation (SCWO). This highly energy-intensive process is still new and while it doesnt appear to generate problematic PFAS byproducts, it does produce hydrofluoric acid, which the EPA notes may require protections for worker health, emission controls, and reactor care. A 2022 U.S. Government Accountability Office report noted that maintenance can also be difficult and costly because of the intense heat, pressure and corrosive by-products generated during treatment. New Hampshires contract to dispose of 9,924 gallons of AFFF using SCWO is costing roughly $500,000, according to Andrew Gould of the states Department of Environmental Services. Once the material is processed, the state will be provided per-batch confirmation of destruction to help protect the participating fire departments and airports from liability. (PFOS and PFOA are now listed as hazardous waste under the federal Superfund law, but the EPA has issued a policy explicitly stating that it does not intend to pursue entities such as fire departments, local airports and water utilities.) In its 2022 report to the Legislature, the DEP indicated that it does not recommend pursuing long-term consolidated storage of waste AFFF at this time. Until the U.S. EPA provides final guidance on management of this waste stream, the Department recommends ensuring that existing stocks of AFFF are stored safely in place. Nearly three years later, the EPA appears no closer to issuing final guidance, having just updated its interim guidance in April 2024. The August foam spill at Brunswick Landing undercut public confidence that remaining AFFF stocks can or will be stored safely in place. By mid-September, Maine Rep. Dan Ankeles (D-Brunswick) had submitted three bill titles to the Legislature, including ones that would mandate and fund both an AFFF inventory and a takeback program. Details are still being finalized in concert with the DEP and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The foam spill at Brunswick Landing last August undercut public confidence in the safety of dispersed storage of AFFF stocks. (Photo by Steve Walker) Maine could collect AFFF and store it until a thorough analysis of emerging technologies is completed. Now that oil terminals in Maine are becoming subject to the AFFF law, they will be transitioning off fluorinated foams. Staff of the South Portland Fire Department have been meeting with oil terminal representatives and are considering disposal options for the Citys remaining stocks of AFFF. We dont have the facilities to keep it other than how we keep it, Selberg said. The departments AFFF containers are stored in climate-controlled settings, but theyre not bermed off or protected with secondary containment to catch leaks. Planning for the removal and replacement of 3,000 or so gallons of foam concentrate, he adds, the logistics and cost of that are pretty burdensome. The city recently allocated $125,000 in federal American Rescue Plan funds to begin that transition. Ive been approached by some of the terminals here about going in with them and getting rid of [AFFF stocks] through one of the waste contractors, Selberg said, but I dont really know where its going. So am I just sending it to some poor county in the middle of nowhere and making it their problem? Surveying fire departments To learn more about PFAS in and from firefighting, the nonprofit news site Maine Morning Star and the nonprofit Pulitzer Center collaborated with researchers at the Rutgers School of Health on a survey of Maine fire departments. The lead researcher, epidemiologist Judith Graber, conducts ongoing research on firefighters in four Maine departments through a Cancer Assessment and Prevention Study, part of a national Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study. The survey, conducted in cooperation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Maine Fire Chiefs Association, the Maine State Federation of Firefighters and the Professional Fire Fighters of Maine, was sent out in July 2024 to 378 fire departments, with follow-up reminders. The results shared in this series reflect the 77 surveys received. (That 20 percent response rate is identical to a state survey specific to AFFF distributed in 2019.) Given the relatively low response rate, the data shared in this series does not reflect the breadth of Maines fire service (estimated by the Maine State Federation of Fire Fighters at around 7,200 firefighters statewide). For example, the survey has a higher proportion of departments mostly or entirely staffed by career firefighters (34 percent, rather than the 7 percent estimated in a federal fire department registry). Graphics and text highlights from the survey can be found here. Like the SC Daily Gazette, Maine Morning Star is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maine Morning Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lauren McCauley for questions: info@mainemorningstar.com. High-profile random attacks notably the horrific arson in which a woman was burned to death on an F train overshadowed New York Citys supposed successes in reining in subway crime during 2024, Mayor Eric Adams contended Tuesday. Adams, during a defiant end-of-year news conference, repeated his years-long mantra that the perception of out-of-control subway crime must be curtailed. We are doing the job on bringing down the numbers, but as I say over and over and I said in 2022, New Yorkers must feel safe, he told reporters from City Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are seeing and feeling what theyre reading. So, our success is overshadowed. Mayor Eric Adams argued Tuesday that the citys successes on reining in subway violence were overshadowed by random attacks. Paul Martinka Newly installed NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch will send more officers onto subway platforms and into trains themselves to engage straphangers, Adams said, without providing details on how many additional cops or when or where they would be deployed. His press conference came just hours before a straphanger was pushed in front of a 1 train in Manhattan in what cops were calling a random attack. It also came nearly simultaneously with an NYPD announcement that investigators identified the straphanger who was burned to death more than a week ago as Debrina Kawam, 57, of New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kawam was allegedly set aflame by illegal Guatemalan immigrant Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, who faces first-degree murder charges in the sadistic attack. The shocking, caught-on-video spectacle of Kawams body consumed by fire on an F train in Coney Island all while the accused killer fanned the flames, before calmly sitting to watch the deadly pyre punctuated a year of concerns that the subways are returning to the unsafe bad old days. The fears led the red-bereted Guardian Angels and the crusaders flamboyant founder, Curtis Sliwa, to return for the first time in years to patrol the subways, where straphangers greeted them like old friends. The Dec. 22 arson attack left a straphanger dead and capped a year of subway fears. The Guardian Angels returned to patrol the subways this week. Matthew McDermott Adams warned Sliwa, his Republican opponent in the 2021 mayoral election, not to overstep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor maintained the subway system only has six reported crimes a day, but a deeper look at NYPD crime statistics shows violent crime, including murder, has been rising on the rails. The arson slaying tipped subway murders to 10 this year double the number of murders in 2023 and matching a 25-year high reached in 2022, data show. As Adams insisted the subways are safe, he also brushed off his scandal-plagued year that saw many of his top embattled pals pushed out. The most recent ouster was NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, who resigned amid explosive accusations that he demanded sexual favors from a subordinate in exchange for massive amounts of overtime. Former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddreys resignation was the latest in a spate of high-level departures from Adams administration. Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams sidestepped a question about whether he, as mayor, bore responsibility for appointing allegedly problematic officials such as Maddrey. He instead contended the buck stopped with whether his officials deliver results. Its my responsibility to make sure that the people are employed to the city deliver for the people of New York, and I take that responsibility, he said. The mayor also argued every Big Apple administration has had its fair share of disgraced officials. Life is hard, he said when pressed by The Post, later telling reporters he had no regrets from 2024. Dec. 31A Santa Fe woman whose adult son had a history of undiagnosed mental health problems sought a court order early last year to seize his guns and prohibit him from possessing firearms for 12 months, court records show. Hers was one of 94 petitions filed under the so-called "red-flag law" in 2024, according to data from the Administrative Office of the Courts. That number was up from four petitions filed in 2020, the year the law was passed; 16 in 2022 and 47 in 2023. The steady increase comes despite what advocates say are potentially fatal flaws in the legislation, which they hope to address during the legislative session that begins Jan. 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Santa Fe woman made her request after her son threatened her and then drove off in her neighbor's car. A few days later, New Mexico State Police encountered the young man walking along Interstate 40 near Cuervo, not far from the stolen car, now out of gas. He voluntarily relinquished an unloaded .38 caliber handgun. The following month, a judge granted his mother's petition, barring the then-21-year-old from having any guns for a year under the Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order Act. How it works The legislation when introduced was embraced by gun control advocates but opposed by gun-rights supporters and even by some in law enforcement who complained it would have little effect on someone who wanted to take a life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As written, the law allows police to petition a court for an order authorizing them to take control of someone's weapons for up to a year if they can convince a judge the person poses a risk to harm themselves or others. Recent or previous acts or threats of violence, a person's mental health history, criminal record, substance abuse, violations of court orders and a recent acquisition or attempted acquisition of firearms are among factors the court can consider when determining whether to grant such petitions. One limiting factor, however, has been the requirement law enforcement officials must obtain an affidavit from a "reporting party" that includes credible information to support seizing a person's guns. The statute describes a reporting party as a partner, certain close family members, an employer or a school administrator, although a subsequent Attorney General's opinion concluded "any individual regardless of their relationship" to the person could ask law enforcement to seek a petition. However advocates have sought to expand the definition of reporting party to include law enforcement and mental health workers. They say a narrow interpretation by judges and fear on behalf of family members to seek such petitions continues to limit its use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous attempts to amend the law have died in committee in the Legislature. However New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence executive director Miranda Viscoli said in a phone interview Tuesday the group will push to tweak the language again in the upcoming session. In addition to expanding the definition of reporting party, Viscoli said, the group wants to remove a provision of the law that gives individuals 48 hours to relinquish their guns after being served with an Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order. They want the order to take effect immediately. "Someone who is mentally unstable is also being told they can't have firearms so that is very dangerous," she said. Viscoli compared the law to a "clunky car" that works, but just barely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It will get you there if you are lucky, but why do we have to have a clunky car when we could get the amending done and make it easier for law enforcement and mental health professionals to use it?" she asked. By the numbers Not surprisingly, the highest number of petitions originate in Bernalillo County, which includes most of the Albuquerque metropolitan area. The number of petitions and orders originating in the First Judicial District which includes Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and Los Alamos counties has also slightly increased. While only one petition which was denied was requested in the district in 2020, and zero were requested in 2021, four petitions originated in Santa Fe County in 2022 and six came from the district in 2023 three from Santa Fe and three from Rio Arriba County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Christmas Eve, six petitions had been filed in Santa Fe County in 2024, of which three were granted. Three were filed in Rio Arriba County over the course of the year, one of which was granted. Several involved minors. No petitions have been filed in Los Alamos County since the law was passed. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) While many are celebrating the end of the year, its the busiest night of the year for illegal celebratory gunfire and Albuquerque police is reminding people to celebrate responsibly. The Albuquerque Police Department will have special operation units throughout the metro and said there will be detectives patrolling streets looking for reckless or drunk drivers. Story continues below While most are busy celebrating the new year, APD is busy responding to calls. We receive a lot of fireworks calls or shots fired calls, a lot of driving while intoxicated or fights in progress calls as well, said Cecily Barker, Deputy Chief with the APD Field Services Bureau. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To keep the roads safe, APD will be conducting DWI checkpoints. businesses are also doing what they can. The Northeast Heights bar Spectators said New Years Eve is one of the busiest nights for them with staff making sure customers are staying responsible. We have people walking around making sure people arent drinking too much, we want to talk to each other, making sure everyone is having a good time, but no one is taking that extra shot taking it too far, said Kristin White, serve and bartender with Spectators. APD is also urging the community to refrain from a New Years Eve tradition of shooting their guns into the air at midnight. Someone fired a round into the air and it actually came down and struck a child um so we do receive calls where individuals might be hurt or projectiles end up in somebodys home so we really want you think of others when youre celebrating, said Barker. Deputy Chief Cecily Barker is also reminding people to follow the noise ordinance that starts at 10 p.m. In addition to DWI checkpoints, APD will have extra resources like officers on horses, and auto-theft detectives to ensure a safe start to 2025. Go out and enjoy your evening just remember the consequences that come when you make bad decisions whether thats spending time in jail hurting yourself or someone else those are things we are really encouraging people to think about throughout the night, said Barker. New Mexico State Police will also be conducting DWI checkpoints within the county and the state on Tuesday and throughout January. 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. HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C (WSPA) A man with charges connected to Tennessee and multiple counties in North Carolina has been arrested. According to the Henderson County Sheriffs Office, it all began when deputies responded to a burglary report on December 19. Officials said a person woke up to find a door to their home open and multiple items missing. The sheriffs office said it was determined that someone entered the residence while the homeowner was asleep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said they identified Kevin Eugene Mapp Jr. as the primary suspect in the investigation. Mapp Jr. was arrested Tuesday in Asheville. A search warrant executed at Mapp Jr.s residence led investigators to the items that were stolen in the burglary that occurred December 19. Mapp Jr. was taken to Henderson County Jail and presented to a judge that determined Mapp Jr. would be held without bond due to pending charges with secured bonds in Buncombe County and Tennessee. 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. Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Join us for a conversation with patient advocate Stephanie Marcovici as we explore the potential rollback of Medicare telehealth coverage in 2025. Stephanie shares her personal story and highlights the devastating impact this change could have on vulnerable populations, including the disabled and elderly. Discover why extending telehealth coverage is essential for equitable, accessible, and life-saving care. Stephanie Marcovici is a patient advocate. She discusses the KevinMD article, Medicares decision to stop telehealth coverage in 2025: an urgent call to action. Our presenting sponsor is DAX Copilot by Microsoft. Do you spend more time on administrative tasks like clinical documentation than you do with patients? Youre not alone. Clinicians report spending up to two hours on administrative tasks for each hour of patient care. Microsoft is committed to helping clinicians restore the balance with DAX Copilot, an AI-powered, voice-enabled solution that automates clinical documentation and workflows. 70 percent of physicians who use DAX Copilot say it improves their work-life balance while reducing feelings of burnout and fatigue. Patients love it too! 93 percent of patients say their physician is more personable and conversational, and 75 percent of physicians say it improves patient experiences. Help restore your work-life balance with DAX Copilot, your AI assistant for automated clinical documentation and workflows. VISIT SPONSOR https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE https://www.kevinmd.com/cme Im partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus Transcript Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today, we welcome back Stephanie Marcovici. She is a patient advocate. Todays KevinMD article is Medicares decision to stop telehealth coverage in 2025: an urgent call for action. Stephanie, welcome back to the show. Stephanie Marcovici: Thank you for having me. Kevin Pho: So tell us what your latest article is about for those who didnt get a chance to read it. Stephanie Marcovici: Well, unfortunately I can even quote Medicares website. They say, Absent congressional action beginning January 1st, 2025, the statutory limitations that were in place for Medicare telehealth services prior to the COVID-19 PHE will retake effect for most telehealth services. So basically, that means that, except for rural areas or mental health, most people on Medicare will not be able to have telehealth appointments with their doctors or nurse practitioners come January 1st. Now, this came to me as a huge shock in recent weeks because doctors offices dont even know that this is happening. Theyre scheduling appointments into 2025, which actually happened to me. Thats how I found out about it: I had a telehealth appointment scheduled for January, and I was messaging with the doctor about a couple other issues. She said, Oh, you have an appointment in January. Lets make that December because Medicare is not going to pay. So I started trying to find out ways that we could fix this. Because this is going to be disastrous for meIm a patient, disabledand there are millions of people who this is going to take a very bad toll on. People are not going to get the help that they need. Theyre not going to have doctors appointments. Theyre not going to end up on the treatments that they need, because there are so many people, for various medical reasons, who are stuck at home. They cant get to a medical office. This is a huge problem. Its extremely urgent, because as of this taping, were getting to the end of 2024, and it says, Absent congressional action by the end of 2024, telehealth will no longer be an option. So I dont know if the current Congress has to take actionif they are able toor if this will have to move to the new Congress come January. But either way, I can talk about this later, too, about what we can do to try and get Congress to act. Kevin Pho: And just a reminder, the fact that were in this situation was, of course, during the pandemic, Medicare made these rules because they wanted to encourage more virtual visits, of course, because of social distancing and because of the pandemic itself, right? Stephanie Marcovici: Exactly. So COVID was horrendous for a million reasons, but one positive that did come out of it was that people who have trouble going to a doctors office could do it from their own home. Its much easier on the body, on the mind. Its more affordable. The quality of care is the same, so it just makes sense to continue it. Theres no reason to get rid of it because its a good thing thats working. Yes, it was genius when they came up with it during COVID, and it needs to be continued. Kevin Pho: So tell me about your own personal situation, about how these virtual visits and telehealth visitshow did you utilize them over the past few years? Stephanie Marcovici: For the most part, most of my medical visits are telehealth. I have doctorsI live in New York, but I have them out of stateso that is very important. But even my local doctors you cant tell it from my demeanor, because I have what people call an invisible illness, but I really cant do much. I can tell you an average day for me: I need at least 12 hours of sleep just to feel OK enough to do anything, like this, or something else. Then I wake up, try and get myself together, wash up, eat some breakfast, then I can do one or two tasksmaybe take a shower could be what I do one day or something for a medical appointment, filling out some forms. Then I take a nap because my brain and body are so exhausted, and soon enough its time to get ready for bed again because I have these routines and my body runs slowly. Im extremely fatigued, and my nervous system is shot. Everything just does not run in me the way that it should. I have an autoimmune disease that affects the autonomic nervous system, and I have ME, which is myalgic encephalomyelitispretty much unknown for most peoplebut it basically is extreme fatigue, post-exertional malaise, which means if you do something, you get worse. Thats also a huge problem for telemedicinebecause of post-exertional malaise, if I were to push myself, get my nervous system going, push myself with adrenaline and lose sleep and get to a doctors appointment somehow, and then come back, all that effort and pushing will make me feel worse, and my symptoms will get worse. So yes, I went to my doctors appointment, and theyre supposedly helping me with my illness, but now my illness is worse. If I keep doing that for all the doctors I see, for all the different areas of my body, Im just going to be in a constant cycle of getting worse. When do I recover? Kevin Pho: And when you talk to your fellow patients about the upcoming expiration of Medicares coverage of virtual telehealth visits, tell us some of the thoughtssome of the things theyre seeing among the patient community. Stephanie Marcovici: As soon as I found out, I went into a couple online patient groups, and people were shocked because, as I was mentioning before, doctors offices are still scheduling appointments into 2025. Nobody is saying that telehealththere wont be Medicare telehealth anymore. I was lucky that one doctor told me. Nobody else is saying it. The reaction: people are shocked, theyre angry, frustrated, and theyre nervous. People are scared because there are many people who are worse off than me. Yes, I can force myself to get to a doctors office if I have to, but there are people who cannot go no matter what. Theyre scared that this is the end of their medical care, that theyre not going to have access to care anymore, and what are they going to do? So theyre also saying, What can we do? How can we get it back? ItsI dont know if I said it before, but its really life or death, and its quality of life. Kevin Pho: Now, earlier, you mentioned that the care you receive virtually, you think that its similar to the care you receive face-to-face with a clinician? Stephanie Marcovici: Absolutely. There are positives to being in person with somebodyI think most people would agree with that, that when youre in person, you can have different readings of facial expressions or body language. But for me and for the people Ive spoken to or been in communication with, the care has been consistently great. I saw medical professionals before COVID, and then during COVID, and nothing changedit was only better because it took less of a toll on me. Kevin Pho: So, in a way, with this Medicare coverage expiring, it almost seems like the most vulnerable populationsthose who are disabled and unable to go to an in-person visit, those with chronic illnesseswould be disproportionately affected. Stephanie Marcovici: Absolutely. There are people with, as you mentioned, disabilities, chronic illness, people who dont have energy, people with mobility issues, the elderly, of course, on Medicare, people who are frail, people with dementia, other neurological issuesyes, were all going to be affected. Im not sure what regular health insurance is doing for telehealth, but in terms of Medicare, we need to have this coverage. Kevin Pho: And to your knowledge, is there some type of movementsome type of media or political outcryto get this coverage back before it expires? Stephanie Marcovici: I was surprised that when I found out, I didnt see advocacy organizations doing much about this. I did see that the AMA was in support of continuing telehealth. Other than that, I reached out in my patient groups, and one person mentioned that there is a petition on actionnetwork.org, where its easy and automatic. You can go on and basically put in your information, and it sends a letter. You can customize it if you want, but it sends letters to your representatives telling them that you want legislation passed. Its quick and easy to do. To find it, the easiest way I found is if you Google Action Network dot org preserving telehealth. That should be in the first results that come up. If you click that, so far, there are about 14,000 signatures. Thats what I found so far to be the most successful. Ive tried reaching out to some newspapers, and also organizations for my illnessessome have started to take some action. We do need, if the media could cover it, that would be tremendous, because that would put much more pressure. I mean, Im reaching out to everybody, people on Medicare, people not on Medicare, people who know people on Medicare, or just if youre a kind-hearted person who cares about the health of others. I think the Senate leader Chuck Schumer needs to be inundated. I think House Majority Leader Johnson needs to be inundated to push votes in the House and the Senate. If this goes into January and theres a new Congress, well have to go after whomever. And then Senator Thune, at that point, will be the leader of the Senate. So if it comes to January, well have to go after new people, and hopefully, with the push of representatives, and hopefully if we can get the media involved, we can move this along. Kevin Pho: Are you preparing yourself, however, for a world where telehealth is not covered by Medicare? Stephanie Marcovici: I have to face that reality. I do have a very packed schedule in December with a lot of telehealth appointments with my providers so I can squeeze in at least however many months with them that I can. But its not going to be fun. If I have to do it, I will have to force myself to get to doctors because I need my medicine, I need their guidance. Unfortunately, hopefully it wont become reality, but yes, Im unhappily preparing for the other reality. Kevin Pho: Were talking to Stephanie Marcovici. Shes a patient advocate. Todays KevinMD article is Medicares decision to stop telehealth coverage in 2025: an urgent call for action. Stephanie, as always, well end with some take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience. Stephanie Marcovici: I just ask anybody who is willing and able, who has just a few minutes, to please contact your representatives. We really need your help to get this movement, to have Congress pay attention and pass the legislation to continue telehealthto have Medicare pay for telehealth in 2025. Again, this is a matter of saving lives, improving lives. Its a serious matter. There are people like me, who are a little better on the spectrum, and there are worse people on the spectrum, and we cant let people hangnot in this country. Kevin Pho: Stephanie, as always, thank you so much for sharing your story, time, and insight, and thanks again for coming back on the show. Stephanie Marcovici: Thanks for having me. Despite nearly 1,000 cars being set ablaze, hundreds of thousands of people in France welcomed the New Year with largely peaceful celebrations, according to Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. Retailleau announced late on Wednesday that 984 cars went up in flames across the country. Some 420 people were arrested, 310 of whom were taken into police custody. The minister called the figures unacceptable. "This violence is the product of a brutalization embodied by cowards and thugs who attack the property of often humble French people who do not have the means to protect their vehicles in private car parks." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the crowds on the Champs-Elysees in Paris were not affected as they celebrated with stage shows and music on the famous boulevard, capped by a fireworks display at the Arc de Triomphe but the interior minister. The event, which like last year had been expected to attract around 1 million people, was largely peaceful, according to initial reports. Some 10,000 police officers were deployed in the French capital and special security precautions were in place for the party on the main thoroughfare, which was closed to traffic. Visitors had to pass through several security gates, while fireworks and glass bottles were banned, which severely restricted the consumption of alcohol by revellers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citing the authorities, the BFMTV channel reported that 136 people were arrested during the city's celebrations. In the rest of France, too, the turn of the year was largely calm, although in some cities there were clashes between revellers and the police. In Strasbourg, a 15-year-old was killed when he was run over by a car fleeing from the police. In Lyon, a two-year-old child was hit in the face by a firework and seriously injured in the eye, according to media reports. A school was set on fire in Sarrebourg in Alsace, but no injuries were reported. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images The year 2024 has been another challenging one for Earth's climate, marked by record temperatures, extreme weather events, and urgent warnings from scientists about the accelerating pace of global warming. An analysis by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the European Union agency that tracks global warming, suggests this year will be the hottest since instrument record keeping began more than a century ago beating climate records set just last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024 will also be the first calendar year in which the global average temperature exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, surpassing the target set under the Paris Agreement to limit the worst effects of climate change. A single year above the threshold "does not mean that the Paris Agreement has been breached," the deputy director of C3S Samantha Burgess said in a recent news release , "but it does mean ambitious climate action is more urgent than ever." Earth surpasses 1.5 C warming every month for entire year The year began with the continuation of a record 13-month heat streak , which ended in July as the natural El Nino climate pattern subsided. This period included an exceptionally warm summer that broke all-time heat records across the U.S., with multiple cities on both coasts sweltering through their hottest temperatures in seven decades of recordkeeping. This year's Atlantic hurricane season, which officially ended on Nov. 30, showed above-average activity with 18 named storms, including the record-setter Hurricane Helene that slammed into Florida's Big Bend region, the deadliest to affect the continental U.S. since Katrina in 2005, according to NOAA. "The impactful and deadly 2024 hurricane season started off intensely, then relaxed a bit before roaring back," Matthew Rosencrans, the lead hurricane forecaster at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, said in a recent statement . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile an unusually high number of lightning-caused fires in western Canada, including a particularly destructive one in the tourist town of Jasper, caused the country to witness its second-worst wildfire season following last year's devastating wildfires. "We have some fires that ignited in 2022 and 2023 that are still burning on Oct. 1, 2024 and will still be burning in 2025," Lori Daniels, a wildfire expert and a forest ecologist at the University of British Columbia, told CBC news . Severe drought reduces Amazon Basin rivers to record low A dried up river in the Amazon rain forest The Amazon basin's worst drought ever, which began last year and persisted into this year, caused major rivers to dwindle to critically low levels , stranded communities accessible only by boats, and led to a spike in illnesses due to children resorting to drinking dirty water. The drought, along with illegal clearing of the Amazon rainforest for agriculture, has been linked to the catastrophic wildfire season in South America, particularly in the Pantanal and in countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Argentina. In Brazil, for instance, the most intense fire in seven decades recently scorched an area the size of Italy much larger than last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The forest used to be able to resist those fires," Rachel Biderman, who leads American nonprofit Conservation International's work in South America, said in a statement . "Now, because of climate change, because of continued degradation of the forest, and because it's the second year of drought in a row, the forest became so, so dry that it's catching fire as it wouldn't before." A warming Arctic tundra now releases more carbon than it absorbs the sun shines on snowy permafrost Scientists at NOAA are closely monitoring a changing climate in the Arctic tundra region, where annual surface air temperatures ranked the second warmest since 1900. The region has been a carbon sink for millennia it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it releases thanks to its cold temperatures and frozen soils. But a new NOAA Arctic Report Card notes the region has now become a source of greenhouse gas emissions as they thaw and release that trapped carbon and methane into the air, a shift that is also impacted by increased wildfire activity. In September, the extent of sea ice was the sixth lowest in 45 years of satellite recordkeeping. "This is yet one more sign, predicted by scientists, of the consequences of inadequately reducing fossil fuel pollution," Rick Spinrad, NOAA Administrator, said in a press release . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Every year brings something new for the Arctic Ocean," Walt Meier, a senior research scientist at the Colorado-based National Snow and Ice Data Center, added in a different statement . "This summer we saw very early ice loss in Hudson Bay, open water near the North Pole and a stubborn ice floe near the Bering Strait that persisted through the summer melt season. While it wasn't a new record low, this year's sea ice minimum is yet another example of a changed Arctic environment." These events have propelled humanity into a critical and unpredictable phase of the climate crisis, but certain aspects of global warming, such as intense heat waves to loss of sea ice, can still be reversed with aggressive action to reduce emissions that keeps warming below 3 degrees Fahrenheit, scientists say . "There's still time to do that," Michael Mann, a climatologist and author of the book "Our Fragile Moment" on Earth's climate past and future, said in a podcast last year. "The obstacles are not physical. They're not technological they're entirely political at this point." Some of those challenges came to the forefront late last month at the United Nations climate summit in Azerbaijan, where an agreement by about two dozen industrialised countries to contribute $300 billion a year by 2035 meant to help developing nations build infrastructure to transition away from fossil fuels to prepare for climate change was met with strong criticism and called "chaotic, poorly managed" and "nothing more than an optical illusion." The agreement has set the stage for next year's climate summit, which will take place in Brazil's Amazon rainforest, where nations will gather to plan climate actions for the next decade. For me, 2024 was a mixed bag. I wrote my first book , about the love stories behind marriage equality that will be released on the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in June of 2025. As a preemptive measure, I dyed my hair for the first time. I splurged on new and powerful hearing aids, embarked on my fourth year of sobriety, and got another dog, Cooper, a sprightly King Charles cavalier. I turned 60 last June and spent the milestone birthday at Vice President Kamala Harriss house in Washington. She gave me a lesson in the Chinese zodiac. I never thought being a dragon would be such a good thing. A month later, she became the Democratic presidential nominee. I spoke to so many people, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi , Mark Cuban , Log Cabin Founder Rick Wilson , former Trump supporter and official in his administration Anthony Scaramucci , and many others who had convinced me or did I convince myself? that Harris would win. I even wrote that she would, saying that Americas better angels would prevail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They did not. Before all of this, I secretly wished President Joe Biden would drop out of the race for the first six months of 2024. I was in London during his disastrous debate with President-elect Donald Trump, woken in the middle of the night, in shock about what transpired. I wrote about how Biden reminded me of my grandfather in the sense that I was in denial about how age was diminishing him. Then Biden dropped out , better late than never, endorsed Harris , and the euphoria of a fresh, bright, optimistic face in the race ensued. It was easy to think that shed go on to win. Comparatively, Harris seemed like the obvious choice. How could anyone vote for Trump? He was losing his mind. His rhetoric was hurtful and beyond bigoted. He would be a dictator starting on day one. Yet, the dark and ominous Trump will be Americas next president. At noon, on January 20, 2025, Biden will become former President Joe Biden. At 81, after over 50 years in politics, he will sunset his career in politics, and go into the twilight of his life. And at noon on January 20, Trump will assume the presidency, perhaps taking American democracy into the twilight of its existence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. presidents have reflected Americas sentiments and aspirations and surmised that the most selfish person on earth, Donald Trump, had been elected by an increasingly selfish electorate . Traveling over the holidays, whether it was intentional thinking on my part, I noticed more selfish behavior than Ive ever seen before, as we whittle our me-first lives down to the world of our smartphones. A woman ran me over riding her bike while I was running. She was on her phone, which flew out of her hand upon collision. Instead of asking how I was, she screamed, Wheres my phone? Enough said. And this premonition on my part, that America is sliding down the slippery slope of egocentricity, proved startlingly clairvoyant after an unhoused woman was fatally set on fire in a New York City subway car. Instead of helping her and saving her life bystanders stood by and filmed her on their phones. They snapped pictures on their phones. They neglected to call 911 from their phones. This horrid episode is a metaphor of whats happening in our society today. While democracy burned, Americans turned their backs on her, consumed more by their own selfish needs than the greater good. As the dying womans flames burned her body to ash, so too might Trump burn Americas bright sense of hope to dust. President Biden and his wife Jill love the beach life. They have a beach house in Rehoboth, Del. , and as they normally do, spent part of their holiday in St. Croix. I picture Joe and Jill leaving Washington on January 20 for a beach, and I can see them standing on the shores as the sun goes down. And, when Trump assumes office, I see him turning a country with 1,000 points of light, into a dark and gloomy dusk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And I fear America may never return to that pinnacle of those points of light that former President George H.W. Bush saw for our nation. A confluence of Trump, selfishness, and the ever-increasing insular worlds of our phones will create a country that would be unrecognizable to our forefathers and ancestors. Clearly, this way of thinking, particularly at the start of a New Year, is morbid and gloomy, so I hope that Im wrong, just like I was with my prediction that Harris would win the election. But I dont see America bouncing back to normal in my lifetime. The torch of democracy is not being passed on. It is slowly being extinguished. There are a handful of grocery store chains in the U.S. that are household names from Aldi and Publix to Whole Foods and Albertson's but the country's oldest grocery chain dates back to 1883 when its founder, Barney Kroger, opened up his first grocery store in Cincinnati, Ohio, with all the money he had $372. Kroger's early motto was "Never sell anything you would not want yourself." That seems to have paid off, as the store is quickly approaching its 150th birthday (in 2033). With all these years under its belt, part of the untold truth of Kroger is that it's one of the most recognized names in the grocery industry and also runs 35 food manufacturing plants. What made Kroger stand out from the start was its groundbreaking approach. In 1901, it introduced a revolutionary concept and changed grocery stores forever by baking its own bread. After adding a butcher department, Kroger was on the precipice of "one-stop shopping," as customers previously had to visit different specialized shops to check off everything on their grocery list. While it wasn't the first to adopt the "supermarket" model, the chain has been behind many innovations that have changed the way we shop for groceries in the U.S. Read more: The Best And Worst Grocery Store Fried Chicken How Kroger Became One Of The Biggest Grocery Stores In The U.S. closeup of Kroger grocery carts - The Toidi/Shutterstock In addition to adding a bakery and butcher to make shopping more convenient, Kroger innovated with less expensive private-label products and even home delivery! In the early days, the store delivered its products by horse-drawn carriage. Today, Kroger continues to stay on the cutting edge: Customers can order online, and their groceries may even arrive by drone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the early 20th century, Kroger was on a steady path of acquiring smaller stores to increase its presence. The chain's big leap came in the 1930s, when it embraced the supermarket model, offering bigger stores with a wide variety of products. Kroger has also been behind practices that have become industry standards, like in-house quality control and electronic scanners for grocery store bar codes. Kroger now runs over 2,700 stores, some under other familiar grocery names like Fred Meyer and Fry's. Most recently, Kroger tried to merge with Albertson's, which would have majorly expanded its footprint the idea was to compete with massive retailers like Walmart and Amazon. However, the government blocked this merger, saying it wouldn't be good for competition or shoppers. Now, we have to wait and see what unfolds for the country's oldest grocery store chain as it continues to expand and hold on to its mega grocer ranking. Read the original article on Mashed. Jan. 1ANDERSON In a rare New Year's Eve meeting, the Anderson City Council approved disbursing $750,000 in American Rescue Plan funds to four local organizations. The council last week delayed action on a request by Anderson Mayor Thomas Broderick Jr. to appropriate an estimated $1.4 million in American Rescue Plan funds for use on water system infrastructure improvements. Federal regulations required the funds be obligated by Dec. 31 or they would have to be returned to the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several local residents last week urged the council to provide some of the remaining funds to local organizations. The council previously approved $250,000 of the funds to the city's Homeless Task Force. Approved Tuesday was $500,000 to the Anderson Housing Authority; $184,000 to United Way for utility assistance; $50,000 to Grace Horizon to assist with programs for women; and $16,000 to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. "We called the meeting to vote on a resolution for the American Rescue Plan funds," Council President Lance Stephenson said. Councilwoman Jennifer Culp said all of the contracts for the appropriation of the funds have been signed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Councilman Jeff Freeman asked if the $500,000 being provided to the Anderson Housing Authority would be used in the city. "It has to be spent in Anderson," Culp said, "the same as the United Way money." Kim Townsend, executive director of the Anderson Housing Authority, said the funds will allow the agency to secure a construction loan with Star Financial Bank for the renovation of the Lincolnshire Apartments. "We anticipate the renovated apartments will be for Anderson residents," she said. The estimated $4.5 million project will convert the Lincolnshire Apartments, built in 1927, into 21 one-bedroom apartments and nine studio apartments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Anderson Redevelopment Commission is providing $770,000 toward the project, using tax increment financing money to pay off a bond for purchase of the building. Renovation work is expected to start in the spring. Local residents thanked the council for getting the remaining $23.1 million in American Rescue Plan funds to local organizations. Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863. ALABAMA (WHNT) Beginning on January 2, parents across the state will be able to apply for Education Saving Accounts (ESAs) to help pay for their students tuition and other educational resources. The Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR), Gov. Kay Ivey and supporters of the CHOOSE Act have said the program will allow families to have more choice over where they send their children to be educated. The act will provide funds to help cover the cost of more than 160 participating private schools, independent schools and home-schooling programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Understanding Alabamas CHOOSE Act The first academic year, 2025-26, prioritizes specific groups of students: The first 500 ESAs will go to participating students with special needs The second priority will go to participating students who are dependents of active-duty service members who are enrolled in, or assigned to, a priority school (meaning their school received a failing grade on the last state report card) The remaining ESAs will be awarded to participating families with income that does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines 300% of Federal Poverty Guidelines can be found below: 2 persons in household: $61,320 3 persons in household: $77,460 4 persons in household: $93,600 5 persons in household: $109,740 6 persons in household: $125,880 7 persons in households: $142,020 8 persons in households: $158,160 For households with more than 8 persons, add $5,380 for each additional person. The Alabama Department of Revenue also currently has plans in place for the following two school years 2026-27 and 2027-28. To apply for the 2025-26 school year, you can visit the CHOOSE Act website. You can find a complete list of participating schools on the ALDOR website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Throughout the mountains of the American West, carvings hidden on the trunks of aspen trees tell the stories of the sheepherders who made them as they passed through with their flocks. Most of the men who etched these arborglyphs into the living trees were Basques who, starting with the Gold Rush of the 1840s, had immigrated from the Basque Country that straddles the Pyrenees Mountains. Our experience of documenting arborglyphs lertxun-marrak in Basque has deepened over time. At first, we simply tried to decipher what was on the tree. It can be hard to tell what is scarred bark and what is a carving. Gradually, we got better at deciphering the carvings and now hope to spot the oldest and most ornate. Nudes are a frequent theme among Basque tree carvings. Joxe Mallea-Olaetxe Lertxunmarrak Collection, Jon Bilbao Basque Library, University of Nevada, Reno We also came to appreciate the different styles and themes, like in signatures and writing. One herder carves his name, the date and his hometown; another delves into politics; and another carves a hoped-for female companion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Viewing the decades-old carvings, were surrounded by the quiet and solitude of the high mountain range, whether in the Sierra Nevada, Ruby Mountains or Sawtooth Mountains. We literally stand in the footsteps of the herder who created the arborglyph. These herders left their marks on the aspens, and now we are part of a research collaboration that aims to document and catalog as many of their arborglyphs and the experiences they record as possible before they disappear. About 25,000 arborglyphs have been documented over time, and there are likely at least as many more left to be recorded before theyre lost. Buildings, mostly inspired by Basque architecture, are often represented. John Merill, 2010, Idaho Basque Arborglyphs Collection, Special Collections and Archives, Albertsons Library, Boise State University Who were the sheepherders who left their mark? Beginning almost 200 years ago, Basques emigrated to the American West to pursue economic opportunities, escape compulsory military service or political persecution, and for other personal reasons. Most were lower class, from agrarian backgrounds, with little to no education or English language skills. As the sheepherding industry grew in the West, it offered these immigrants steady work, and Basques became synonymous with sheepherding through the 1970s, when the economy improved in the Basque Country. The Basque immigrants practiced a seasonal form of herding called transhumance. The herders trailed the sheep up into the high mountains during the spring and summer for grazing, then migrated in the fall back to the valleys where they spent the winter. This annual cycle meant Basque herders spent their summers alone in the hills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Basque, Spanish, French and English, they carved into living aspen trees to express their thoughts, dreams, wishes and challenges. Their arborglyphs cover a spectrum of topics: their hometowns, sports, women, love, work, religion, politics and more. One example of a political statement: Arriba Espana bano Euzk[adi] Gain[etik] translates to Up with Spain but the Basque Country above it. Idaho Basque Arborglyphs Collection, Special Collections and Archives, Albertsons Library, Boise State University For example, they carved political slogans like Gora Euskadi (Up with the Basque Country), for which they could have been arrested at home. There are carvings of crosses that note the festivals of particular saints, boats depicted by those who hailed from fishing villages, and well-known verses and poems about longing to return to their country. Sometimes you laugh when you get the joke or the saying that they share. Other times, it can be quite moving as they describe their lives and longings. These carvings reflect a variety of human emotions and experiences, with nostalgia playing a prominent role. Collecting the carvings virtually To document these disappearing cultural artifacts, we formed Lertxun-Marrak The Arborglyph Collaborative, composed of Boise State University, California State University, Bakersfield, and the University of Nevada, Reno in collaboration with the Kern County Museum, the Basque Museum, and the Northeastern Nevada Museum, with the support of the National Historical Publications & Records Commission. A variety of animals are represented, including birds and mammals. Joxe Mallea-Olaetxe Lertxunmarrak Collection, Jon Bilbao Basque Library, University of Nevada, Reno Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also want to make connections with those who were interested in the carvings: family and friends of those who left the Basque Country for opportunities in the American West; those from local communities who wish to understand the experience of these immigrants; artists who see the aspen trees as a canvas and the carvings as a distinct art; researchers and governmental organizations, hikers, hunters and runners who come upon them in the backcountry, and the greater public. Unfortunately, age, grazing practices, more frequent and intense fires, and climate change as a whole threaten these carvings. The Arborglyph Collaborative aims to document as many tree carvings as possible before they are gone. To do so, we follow the herders trails through the mountains. Its easy to walk through an aspen grove and not realize that the bark of the trees are canvases. Having an understanding of the sheepherding area helps us identify groves where herders carved on the aspens. Mature aspen groves with springs close to them are better candidates to contain lertxun-marrak. If we find one arborglyph, we can assume that there will be others, since they are usually found in groups in areas with heavy sheepherding traffic. The techniques used to capture and reproduce tree carvings have evolved along with the available technologies. The Earl Collection of tree carving rubbings, deposited at the Jon Bilbao Basque Library at the University of Nevada, Reno, represents one example of the early efforts. The same bird as in the previous picture, here captured by Jean Earl in a rubbing in the 1970s. Philip I. and Jean Moore Earl Basque Aspen Art of the Sierra Nevada Collection, Jon Bilbao Basque Library, University of Nevada, Reno Reno residents Jean and Phillip Earl first heard about arborglyphs during a lecture at the university in the 1970s. Intrigued, they began to actively seek out what they first termed living galleries and to experiment with methods of preserving the images they found; muslin and black rubbing wax proved the best tools for the job. The Earls devoted 40 years to developing an archival record comprising around 150 rubbings of the carvings that most captured their attention because of their visual appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with rubbings, researchers used sketching, still photography and, later, video recordings to document the etched bark of aspens. Another research collection in the Jon Bilbao Basque Library was compiled by one of the first scholars interested in arborglyphs, Joxe Mallea-Olaetxe. In fact, he coined the term lertxun-marrak literally, lines/drawings on aspen trees, the name for arborglyphs in Euskara, the Basque language. From the 1970s to the 2000s, he documented thousands of arborglyphs, including detailed descriptions, photographs and video recordings, providing a comprehensive view of these cultural artifacts. Now, we are able to document the arborglyphs with photogrammetry, which creates a three-dimensional model in realistic detail. Were also able to recreate the carving and its setting in virtual reality, allowing a visitor to immerse themselves in a grove without needing to travel. Smartphones and tablets make it convenient for nearly anyone to engage with arborglyphs from anywhere, at any time, including creating and accessing 3D models of the carvings. Part of the current research team during a field trip to document tree carvings in Elko County, Nevada. Martin Szillat, @One Digital Media and Technology Center, University of Nevada, Reno. The trees and the Basques Without high-tech preservation, the arborglyphs will ultimately be lost. Coulter Summit, Idaho Basque Arborglyphs Collection, Special Collections and Archives, Albertsons Library, Boise State University Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The need to preserve these human experiences transformed into artifacts is driven home by encounters like one that happened on a recent documenting trip in the mountains outside of Idaho City, Idaho. One student who was helping take photos and videos and noting GPS locations revealed that her father came to the U.S. from the Basque Country to work as a sheepherder. Shed joined our research team to learn more about his experience. When she found the carvings made by her dad, who had died when she was young, tears ran down her cheeks as she experienced a flood of emotions. Stories like this demonstrate the value of preserving these artifacts that revive the voices and memories of these immigrants in the American West. Today, increased technological availability and reliable partners are key to achieving this goal. We have much more work to do, more arborglyphs to collect, ways to make them publicly accessible, and more communities to engage with. 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: John Bieter, Boise State University; Cheryl Oestreicher, Boise State University, and Inaki Arrieta Baro, University of Nevada, Reno Read more: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Bieter receives funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. In 2023, the research group Lertxun-marrak/The Arborglyph Collaborative of which the author is part received $25,000 from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to support the project. Inaki Arrieta Baro receives funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. In 2023, the research group Lertxun-marrak/The Arborglyph Collaborative of which the author is part received $25,000 from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to support the project. Cheryl Oestreicher does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Jan. 1January 1, 2015 The Beltrami County Historical Society's first-ever History Mystery event was a success, with more than 50 people coming out to the Clue-style program. At the event, teams interrogated historical figures from Bemidji's past to solve the murder of a conductor whose body was found in a railcar outside the Great Northern Depot. January 1, 2000 Non-Y2K-compliant tombstones will force many families to spend about an additional $100 to bury their loved ones. Some families have purchased a companion monument with a partial date starting with 19__, which will have to be plugged up with a chunk of granite to accommodate the new millennium. January 1, 1975 According to Bemidji State College officials, the Higher Education Coordinating Commission's proposal to discontinue the Minnesota college television network won't have any significant impact on BSC. The project was experimental in nature and allowed students to create instructional films for classrooms. January 1, 1925 The Minnesota and International Railway has announced that, because of the large decline in passenger business, the Bemidji sleeper car will be discontinued. Moving forward, Bemidji passengers will be required to use the regular sleeper accompanying the train from the Twin Cities to Bemidji to International Falls. As a licensed practitioner of family medicine who is also the majority owner of a small medical practice, I feel a responsibility to provide top-quality care for my patients as well as comprehensive health insurance coverage for my employees. The problem is, the high cost of health insurance and some of the solutions intended to lower insurance costs have made it increasingly difficult to do both. My situation is particularly challenging because my small business operates under different constraints than companies in almost any other industry. Of course, we could raise our prices in response to rising costs. But increasing our prices doesnt necessarily have an impact on our balance sheet because we can only earn for any given service as much as an insurance company chooses to reimburse us. As a result, when our operating expenses grow, we have three choices: accept lower profits, see more patients, or cut costs. None of these options offer a simple solution or a perfect fix. We have a waiting list for patients, but we would need to increase our provider headcount to accommodate more. We can accept lower profits, but we also feel strongly about the importance of providing our employees with annual raises and offering competitive wages to attract new talent. We could cut our costs, but that would likely include scaling back benefitslike health insurancefor our 16 employees. Since my small business cant effectively address the impact that rising health insurance costs are having on our employees and our bottom line, we need help. In order to make health insurance more affordable for small businesses and employers nationwide, policymakers need to rein in skyrocketing premiums, reduce or eliminate facility fees, and improve hospital price transparency regulations. With access to just one private insurance carrier in our corner of Colorado, our small business has limited options when it comes to providing health benefits. And in recent years, the cost of health insurance has increased drastically for our practice. As recently as 2019, we spent just over $50,000 for a combination of premiums, HSA contributions, and supplemental insurance for our staff. By 2023, our costs ballooned to just over $86,000a 72 percent increase. We understand that the cost of doing business is going to rise every year, but this rate of growth isnt sustainable for us. Eventually, well have to stop paying the kind of salaries that help us attract and retain talent, or well have to drop the sort of benefits that most employees have come to expect. Either way, our practices ability to provide the best care would suffer. Of course, theres no single culprit behind rising health insurance costs, but facility fees are one factor impacting costs across Americas entire health care system. As an independent practice, we arent permitted to charge facility fees, but it is nonetheless very difficult to perform some types of critical care without our patients incurring these fees anyway. For example, I perform colonoscopies regularly as part of routine cancer screening. These tests save lives. I perform these procedures at the nearest hospital, in part because were in a rural area with limited alternatives, and in part because theres no way that we could afford the necessary equipment and pay the required staff just by collecting professional fees. What does this mean for patients? When I perform a colonoscopy at a hospital, Medicare will probably reimburse anywhere between $300$500 for my work. But when a patient asks the hospital, What do I owe? theyre typically quoted somewhere in the $3,000$4,000 range before insurance steps in. This isnt entirely avoidable: in fairness, thats how the hospital pays for the equipment that I use, the nurses who are there, the anesthesia provider, etc. Until about 15 years ago, however, the landscape was different. Physicians in our community and elsewhere performed endoscopy in an outpatient setting. It saved the patients money. Providers used the same type of equipment as hospitals use now. The quality was the same, and physicians were also able to charge fees that were more than what I can get today but less than a modern hospital facility fee. In all likelihood, this practice ended because it was abused. The payers, including Medicare and private insurance, decided that they no longer wanted to reimburse for outpatient endoscopy as they once did. The result is these procedures have been moved to either surgery centers or hospitals, where the facilities can charge huge amounts. One solution to facility fees is simply to cap them. Here in Colorado, lawmakers have proposed exactly that, on the basis that hospital facility fees often come as a surprise to patients and because facility bills are becoming more prevalent due in part to the merging and consolidation of hospital facilities nationwide. Although a fee cap is not a complete fix for high health care costs, it would help. Another way to help lower health care expenses is through greater price transparencyif its done in a way that doesnt interrupt patient care. Every month, about two of my patients cancel or scale back their scheduled endoscopy procedures not because they got cold feet but because they received a very high estimated bill from their insurance provider. This is despite the fact that under the Affordable Care Act, colonoscopies intended primarily to screen for colon cancer are supposed to be covered at no out-of-pocket cost for patients. So as long as the procedure is coded correctlythat screening is the main reason rather than diagnosticsits going to be covered. Because hospitals here in Colorado are so afraid of getting sideways with the states surprise billing act, they will give patients the highest possible bill amount. This ends up scaring people away. Fortunately, Colorado recently rolled out a new tool that allows patients to compare prices for procedures. My hope is that this will eliminate some of the confusion caused by high estimates. If it works, lets hope other states adopt something similar. And of course, a patient is always free to contact their provider to discuss billing ahead of elective procedures. For many small businesses, however, time is running out. A 2024 poll from Small Business Majority revealed that employers that experienced increased health care costs are responding by increasing employee contributions to health plans (51 percent), moving to an insurance plan offering more limited coverage (47 percent), and cutting other employee benefits (29 percent). Notably, nearly one-quarter of small businesses said they dropped health coverage altogether. Theyve also had to raise prices on their goods and services (21 percent) and eliminate or reduce wage increases (4 percent). Regardless of which levers policymakers ultimately pull to bring down costs, they need to act with an eye toward the fact that for all the cost increases weve seen across our health care system, theres no evidence that were massively improving our system or that peoples health is improving. I dont see that we are making people happier with their physicians and health care providers, or that theyre happier with the care theyre receiving. At some point, we have to show that all this money is actually improving the health of our communities. If we cant make that case, then theres no excuse not to change our systemnot just for my practice or for small businesses generally, but for every American. Tony Gerk is a family physician. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. The past year included a presidential election, a strong Pittsburgh Steelers regular season, and a lot of work regionally and individually that have shaped peoples hopes for 2025. At Coney Island Lunch, 127 Clinton St. in downtown Johnstown, manager Terri Stewart said she looks forward to seeing how Republican President-elect Donald Trump will begin his return to the White House. I hope our economy gets back on track, and I hope both Republican and Democratic parties start working together to make our country great again, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Home care worker Roberta Summerville, of Johnstown, helps senior citizens with bathing, cleaning, shopping, taking medication, cooking and provides companionship, she said. In the new year, as she continues visiting people at their homes, her hope is that she can buy a house of her own. I love working with seniors. Im hoping for more hours of work so I can put a roof over my head, said Summerville, who currently lives with family. In Somerset County, President Commissioner Brian Fochtman said the county administration has many goals for the new year. We are going in 10 different directions, he said. We want to get businesses into our industrial parks, and my pet project is the ATV trail system Im attempting to develop in our county. Hopefully, all these things are going to move Somerset County into the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adam and Megan Johnson, of Philadelphia, visited their hometown of Nanty Glo over the holiday season with their children, including Jack Johnson, 10, who is a Pittsburgh Steelers fan even though he lives in Philadelphia Eagles territory. I hope that the Steelers win the Super Bowl, that I get (Steelers wide receiver) George Pickens autograph and that I have a good first year of middle school, Jack said. At The Johnstown Galleria in Richland Township, owner Leo Karruli said his wish for the new year is to continue making progress in developing the mall. My New Years wish is to grow the mall into an even better place by welcoming new stores, helping create opportunities to bring our community closer, and making the mall a space for everyone to enjoy, he said. Everyones continued support makes all of this possible, and I am excited for everything we will achieve together in the new year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the sphere of state government, elected leaders representing Johnstown in the Pennsylvania House and Senate are set to begin a new legislative session in the new year. State Sen. Wayne Langerholc Jr., R-Richland Township, said he looks forward to continuing his work on behalf of the region. My goals for the coming year are to continue to build on the work we have done over my past term ensure our region has a seat at the table and continue to bring back money to the district, he said. I see tremendous opportunity in transportation and our airport. I look forward to seeing the work finalized on an additional passenger train that I was successful in obtaining. Overall, he said, he looks forward to just working with all the tremendous individuals who have Johnstowns best interests at heart. Our region is succeeding, and I wish all a joyous and prosperous new year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport Manager Cory Cree said the airport authoritys hope for 2025 is multifold, he said. First, we have Balance Restaurant opening in January, so we are hopeful they are successful with the flying public and the local community, he said. Our passenger boardings have been record-breaking again this year, and SkyWest Airlines, which provides commercial air service at the airport, has a contract coming due in late 2025, so hopefully they will renew as our carrier moving forward. We are also pursuing additional opportunities for direct destination flights, and lastly continuing to develop the airport with grant funding. Authorities in Wisconsin are searching for a "person of interest" after two children and one adult were found dead inside a New Lisbon home Monday afternoon. The New Lisbon Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating 47-year-old Virgil Thew, who authorities say should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees Thew is asked to call 911 and advised not to confront or approach him. According to police, a juvenile was reported missing from Monroe County on Sunday. Police said the juvenile was picked up and last seen with Thew, who was known to reside in New Lisbon. Virgil Thew via New Lisbon Police Department. Monday morning, while investigating the whereabouts of the missing juvenile, New Lisbon authorities learned of a second missing juvenile from New Lisbon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 4:30 p.m., two juveniles and one adult were found dead inside a New Lisbon home on the 300 block of West Bridge Street, police said. Thew, who authorities are seeking in connection with the case, is described as 5'10" and approximately 150 pounds. Police said he was last seen wearing a dark colored down coat, blue jeans and a hat. Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change. PORTSMOUTH Five people, including two juveniles, have been arrested in connection with a shooting at a West Portsmouth apartment complex. Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman said the 911 communication center received a call at 3:55 a.m., Saturday , Dec. 28, reporting multiple shots fired at the Lett Terrace PMHA Housing Complex. Deputies were in the area patrolling Washington Township and overheard the shots. They were on scene within minutes. When arriving in the area, deputies were flagged down by two females and a male. The male claimed a vehicle had been following his girlfriend and her friends from the gas station. The male claimed he came outside to confront the subjects in the vehicle. He stated the subjects in the vehicle opened fire on him as they drove away. The male complainant was detained for an outstanding warrant out of Dayton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thoroughman advised detectives were able to review security video which showed the complainants had provided false information to deputies and detectives. The security footage showed the victims in the vehicle pulled onto Noel Lane driving with their windows up and they were not shooting firearms at the complainants. The security video showed the subjects in the vehicle were ambushed by five individuals, all of whom opened fire on the subjects in the vehicle. There were about three dozen rounds shot towards the moving vehicle, which was occupied by two juveniles. Several bullets did strike the vehicle. The shots were fired in the direction of apartments and several vehicles in the area were struck by bullets. Thoroughman said some of the suspects had left the area with firearms and detectives worked 18 hours straight to identify all of them. Detectives and deputies searched multiple locations throughout the night and located the suspects. The investigation uncovered a getaway vehicle, which was impounded, and two of the firearms used in the assault were recovered. Detectives spoke with the two juvenile male victims who said they met the girls at the gas station. They stated one of the girls began flirting with them and they followed them in hopes of getting a phone number. Detectives determined the only shots fired were from the five individuals waiting for the victims to pull into the Lett Terrace Apartments. Arrested were: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Trevon Watts, 26, of Portsmouth * Kaeden Levi Borders, 18, of Portsmouth * Cody Creed Milum, 19, of Portsmouth Two juvenile males were also charged and are currently being held at the Ross County Detention Center. All of the suspects have been charged with: * Discharging a Firearm Over a Roadway, a felony of the third degree * Weapons Under Disability, a felony of the third degree * Two counts of Felonious Assault, a felony of the second degree * Tampering with Evidence, a felony of the third degree * Improperly Discharging a Firearm into a Habitation, a felony of the second degree * Three counts of Criminal Damaging, a felony of the fifth degree Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trevon Watts was also charged with criminal trespass and had an active warrant out of Dayton for failure to appear. That warrant was listed as caution, considered armed and dangerous. The investigation revealed information these suspects are potentially involved in other crimes throughout the Portsmouth area. Thoroughman said PMHA Security Paula Gibson assisted in the arrests. The work of Gibson and deputies and detectives led to the quick arrest of all of the suspects involved. Thoroughman said more charges will be presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury at a later date. This is still an ongoing investigation, anyone with information should contact Detective Sgt. Jodi Conkel at (740)351-1091. RAPID CITY, S.D. (KELO) In an update to a story we first brought you on Monday, two adults have been arrested for their involvement in a shooting on December 27th. 18-year-old Roman Venegas and 23-year-old David Venegas of Rapid City have multiple felony gun and assault charges pending, according to Rapid City Police Chief Don Hedrick. This comes after gun shots rang out near the 800 block of Jackson Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police believe the incident began around skyline drive where they found around 20 casings. A third juvenile male has also been detained for his involvement. The investigation into the incident remains open and ongoing, and updates to the case will be offered as appropriate. You can find the entirety of Chief Hedricks remarks on the resolution to the case in the video 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 KELOLAND.com. When authorities were trying to identify the victims of the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School, many of the children could only be identified by the shoes they were wearing that day. "How often do you take your child to school and not pay attention to what they're wearing that day?" Kimberly Rubio, mother of victim Alexandria "Lexi" Rubio, said to ABC News. A new exhibit titled "77 Minutes in Their Shoes" underscores this question to raise gun violence awareness while honoring the 21 victims of the Uvalde mass shooting on May 24, 2022. The exhibit, which runs Jan. 10 to Jan. 19 at the Canopy Projects Gallery in Austin, is a collaboration between Houston artist Sarah Sudhoff and Lives Robbed, a gun violence prevention non-profit created by families of the children killed in the Uvalde mass shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I thought, 'What are children wearing when they're gunned down in schools? And how do we bring this to the attention of Americans?' And so that's kind of how the idea was born," Rubio, who is also president of Lives Robbed, said. The "77 Minutes" in the exhibit's name refers to how long the gunman was in the school before police confronted him and ended the massacre. PHOTO: The exhibit is a collaboration between Houston artist Sarah Sudhoff and Lives Robbed, a gun violence prevention non-profit created by families of the victims. (Sarah Sudhoff) Sudhoff, a Cuban American artist whose work often merges themes of motherhood and gender with social issues like gun violence and domestic violence, told ABC News that the exhibit was partly influenced by others showcasing the clothing women wore on the night they were sexually assaulted. However, in this exhibit, photographs of the shoes and portraits of family members with the shoes will be on display. Thirteen of the 21 families participated in the exhibit and all photographs were shot by Sudhoff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The photographer said she chose to print the images on sheer fabric hanging from the ceiling so that the public can experience the portraits in a more direct manner. MORE: Judge in Uvalde criminal case denies motion to dismiss charges, sets tentative trial date "These portraits are on fabric, and they are thin and you can see through them and maybe you'll see somebody else through them," Sudhoff said. PHOTO: Many of the children who died in the Uvalde shooting could only be identified by the shoes they were wearing that day. (Sarah Sudhoff) She added, "I intentionally did not make them rigid, I did not make them hard, I wanted you to see the public through them, I wanted them to move because these families are still evolving, they're on an endless journey, they're on this unfortunate, heartbreaking journey, and they're constantly moving and shifting and morphing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although "77 Minutes in Their Shoes" honors the victims of the mass shooting, Rubio said creating the exhibit still posed moments that were emotionally challenging. PHOTO: A new exhibit titled 77 Minutes in Their Shoes honors the victims of the Robb Elementary shooting. (Sarah Sudhoff) "The hardest part was when we took the photos at Robb Elementary featuring the three moms [Rubio, Veronica Mata, and Gloria Cazares] and our girls' shoes," Rubio said. "That was difficultto be back at Robb, to think about taking them to school that morning and the shoes they were wearing, walking into that school and never walking back out." MORE: Uvalde parents outraged after independent report finds police officers didn't violate policy The exhibit's opening weekend also includes panels tackling topics such as gun violence prevention, legislation, art activism, and grief. Arnulfo "Arnie" Reyes, who taught at Robb Elementary School and was the sole survivor of classroom 111, is speaking on a panel titled "The Classroom After Tragedy" to talk about his former students and his recovery. PHOTO: In '77 Minutes in Their Shoes,' photographs of the Robb Elementary shooting victims' shoes and portraits of family members will be on display. (Sarah Sudhoff) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's always important for me to be one of the voices that supports this and speaks on behalf of the students that are no longer here I might have a little bit more of an impact just because I was there," Reyes said to ABC News. Reyes said he tries to spread awareness and support the families of the victims every opportunity he gets, and he hopes that by participating in the exhibit, that he can continue to advocate for his students and inspire change. "I would like for people to come with an open mind to see the shoes, to see this is all they have left," Reyes said. "Something that I said from the beginning is that I would try to do anything that I can do to not let these babies die in vain, and I hope that people join me in that journey to not let anybody else die in vain and to change things." New art exhibit honors Robb Elementary shooting victims originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The Atlantic magazine has nabbed two major journalism stars from The Washington Post at years end, senior political reporters Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer. The magazine owner, Laurene Powell Jobs, the billionaire widow of Steve Jobs, was involved in recruiting these veteran talents from the Post, the New York Times reported on Tuesday. The Post has suffered a major blow to its morale in the recent decision by owner Jeff Bezos not to endorse Kamala Harris, in opposition to his editorial page staff. Bezos also recently met personally with president-elect Donald Trump, while the newsroom continues to search for a permanent editor in chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Atlantic, a political weekly founded in 1857 and currently led by editor in chief Jeffrey Goldberg, has been on something of a tear. In March, the company announced that it had crossed one million subscribers and had become profitable. In the wake of Trumps reelection, The Atlantic says it will hire a dozen new reporters and editors. We believe in accountability journalism, Jeffrey Goldberg, The Atlantics editor in chief, told the Times. We want to cover the incoming administration rigorously. I want to build our team with the best political reporters and editors I can find. The magazine now has 350 employees between its newsroom and on its business staff, according to the New York Times. The Post continues to be riven by tension in its newsroom, since the papers CEO Will Lewis pushed out editor Sally Buzbee earlier in 2024, and installed Matt Murray, former Wall Street Journal editor, instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matea Gold, a beloved editor who oversaw The Posts national staff and other departments, recently left to join The New York Times Washington bureau. The Atlantic also recently hired Shane Harris, a national security reporter, from The Post this summer. The post The Atlantic Nabs Washington Post Stars Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer, Going Big on Politics Under Trump appeared first on TheWrap. TUSCUMBIA, Ala. (WHNT) A former Tuscumbia police officers motion to modify his sentence was denied after being sentenced in October. According to court documents, James Jay Steward filed the motion to move from the Alabama Department of Corrections to the Cullman County Jail. Decatur receives outside police review, plans to release next week In the document, the State argues that the motion was filed outside the thirty-day window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The document states, Although this principle is not directly stated in the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Court of Criminal Appeals has held that if a motion for a new trial or a request to modify a sentence is not filed within 30 days after sentencing, then at the end of the 30th day the trial court loses all jurisdiction to modify a defendants sentence. Police Chief Tony Logan said on October 10, 2022, the Tuscumbia Police Department responded to a call about a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Hawk Pride Mountain Road around 8:16 p.m. The pedestrian, later identified as 60-year-old Terry Hinton, was pronounced dead at the scene. Steward was indicted for reckless murder in March of 2023. Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WHNT News 19 newsletters to have news sent to your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steward pleaded guilty to manslaughter in August of 2024. In October of that year, he was sentenced to serve 20 years. Court records show Steward has a hearing scheduled for January 16, 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. A civil lawsuit filed by the Missouri Attorney General against Springfield Public Schools has been dismissed at the request of the attorney generals office. It accused the school system of violating Sunshine Laws when then-Attorney General Eric Schmitt requested public records relating to the teaching of Critical Race Theory. Schmitt, who is now a U.S. Senator from Missouri, demanded that SPS provide such records. The district responded that the request was too broad and would require thousands of staff hours to research and review documents, and the district would require appropriate reimbursement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Attorney Generals lawsuit against Springfield Public Schools can go forward Online court records show that on Monday (12/30/24), Judge Derek Ankrom filed a notice of dismissal, disposing of all claims and closing the case. Terms of the dismissal include the districts agreement to comply with the Sunshine law, noting that the district has provided about a dozen documents requested by the state office and developing a tracking system or database of Sunshine Law requests. Each party agreed to bear its own attorneys fees and costs. 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. DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) While many are gearing up for New Years Eve celebrations and prepping their pen and paper for their New Years resolutions, one Headland woman is hoping the new year will bring peace and an end to the deadly violence that took a loved one away. Tonya Rodgers looks to go into 2025 with love despite all the hurt she has seen over the past two years. Dothan Police say Rodgers nephew, Shamel Hagler, was shot to death in the front yard of a home 700 block of Monroe Street around the end of February 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VIDEO: Police chase near Dothan ends in crash, knocks out power for hundreds I would just like for everyone to start loving one another and putting these guns down and just get back to how it used to be, said Hagler. The man charged in Haglers death, Justin Britt, is facing one count of murder and is set to go to trial in February 2025. According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, gun violence and gun deaths dropped 14% in 2024 and are now at a five-year low. Over the past year, the United States saw 414 mass shootings. 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 WDHN - wdhn.com. In the halls of the Smithsonian, we often contemplate how the past shapes our present. But a groundbreaking new study on tobacco use forces us to consider how our present actions will dramatically alter our future. Research published in The Lancet Public Health reveals a staggering statistic: current smoking trends will rob humanity of over 2 billion years of life by 2050. To put this in perspective, thats more time than has passed since the first tobacco seeds arrived in Europe from the Americas. Its a number so vast it challenges our comprehension, yet it represents very real human potentialcountless innovations, artistic creations, and moments of human connectionall going up in smoke. The history of tobacco is a testament to humanitys complex relationship with this plant. Native Americans used it for religious and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The Mayans smoked tobacco in religious rituals as early as the 1st century BCE. For these ancient cultures, tobacco was a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds, a plant imbued with sacred properties. European colonists, however, transformed tobacco from a spiritual aid into a global commodity, reshaping economies and sparking wars. The tobacco trade became a driving force of colonialism, with enormous plantations worked by enslaved people fueling the economies of the New World. By the 18th century, tobacco was being hailed as a miracle cure in Europe, prescribed for everything from headaches to cancer. The 20th century saw tobaccos cultural significance reach new heights. Cigarettes became a cultural icon, intertwined with notions of sophistication, rebellion, and stress relief. From Humphrey Bogarts ever-present cigarette in Casablanca to the Marlboro Mans rugged independence, smoking was woven into the very fabric of popular culture. It was a social lubricant, a marker of adulthood, a companion in times of stress and celebration alike. But this cultural cachet came at a devastating cost. The study shows that if we could eliminate smoking worldwide, we would save up to 2 billion of those lost years. Even reducing smoking prevalence to 5 percent globally by 2050 would salvage 876 million years of life. These numbers represent a pivotal moment in our species relationship with tobacco. For the first time, we can quantify the future we are sacrificing to this ancient habit. Its as if we are standing at the confluence of past and future, watching as centuries of cultural momentum collide with the stark realities of modern medical science. The tobacco industry, much like the colonial powers of old, has long profited from human addiction and suffering. But unlike our ancestors, we can no longer claim ignorance of tobaccos deadly effects. The potential gains from eliminating smoking are extraordinary. The study projects that it could add 1.5 years to male life expectancy and 0.4 years for females by 2050. Thats a greater leap than many celebrated medical advancements of the past century. Its comparable to the impact of antibiotics or vaccinesbut achieved not through new medical breakthroughs, but simply by ending our relationship with a deadly plant. This is not just about individuals living longer. Its about the cultural and scientific advances those added years could bring. How many artists, inventors, or leaders might emerge from those reclaimed years? What discoveries and creations are we currently losing to premature, smoking-related deaths? The cumulative impact of millions of lives extended and enriched is impossible to quantify, but its potential is breathtaking. As we stand in this moment, we must ask ourselves: how will future generations judge our actions? Will they see this as the era when humanity finally broke free from tobaccos grip? Or will they view these statistics as a tragic missed opportunity, a future squandered? The tools to create change are in our hands. Public health campaigns, policy changes, and shifting social norms have already dramatically reduced smoking rates in many countries. In the United States, for example, smoking rates have plummeted from 42 percent in 1965 to about 12 percent today. This progress shows that change is possible, that we can rewrite our cultural relationship with tobacco. But progress has stalled in recent years, and the global picture remains dire. In many low- and middle-income countries, smoking rates remain high, and tobacco companies continue to aggressively market their products. The fight against tobacco is far from over. This is more than a public health issueit is a turning point in human cultural evolution. For centuries, tobacco has been intertwined with our art, literature, and social rituals. Now, we have the chance to write a new chapter in that storyone where we recognize the true cost of this relationship and choose a different path. Imagine future museum exhibits dedicated to tobacconot as a celebration of its cultural significance, but as a cautionary tale of how a plant enslaved humanity for centuries before we finally broke free. Picture the last cigarette ever smoked being placed in a museum case, a relic of a bygone era when we willingly inhaled poison for pleasure. The stakes could not be higher. Two billion years of human potential hang in the balance. The choices we make today will echo through generations. As we contemplate our long and complex history with tobacco, lets ensure that its future becomes nothing more than a cautionary tale in the annals of human progress. In the face of this evidence, inaction is not just negligenceit is a form of temporal vandalism, destroying future years as surely as if we were burning books or demolishing monuments. We have the opportunity to reclaim trillions of days of human life. Its time we seized it, consigning tobacco to the museum shelves where it belongs, and embracing a smoke-free future rich with possibility. Sammer Marzouk and Cameron Sabet are medical students. Ketan Tamirisa is an undergraduate student. Multiple people were killed and dozens injured after a man drove a pickup truck through a crowd celebrating New Year's in New Orleans early Wednesday, authorities said. The horrific attack came after authorities expressed concerns about vehicle-ramming during large outdoor events this holiday season. In the weeks leading up to the holidays, federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies warned police around the country that low-tech vehicle-ramming was a key area of concern and that they needed to prepare. PHOTO: A black flag with white lettering lies on the ground rolled up behind a pickup truck that a man drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, early Wednesday morning, Jan. 1, 2025. (Gerald Herbert/AP) On Dec. 6, the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and National Counterterrorism Center issued a joint intel bulletin warning law enforcement about the ongoing serious threat posed by lone offenders during the winter holiday season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bulletin noted that threat actors have "plotted and conducted attacks against holiday targets" in previous years, with likely targets including public places with "perceived lower levels of security" holding large gatherings or holiday events, and advised governments and law enforcement to "remain vigilant of these threats." "Lone offenders have historically used simple tactics, such as edged weapons, firearms, or vehicle ramming, due to their ease of access, ability to inflict mass casualties, and lack of required training," the bulletin stated. It cited a November 2021 vehicle-ramming attack that killed six people during a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, among recent incidents during the winter holiday. MORE: New Orleans updates: 10 dead, dozens injured after vehicle plows into crowd in 'terrorist attack' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Dec. 9 assessment for the Times Square New Year's Eve celebration, federal and local agencies wrote that they "remain concerned about the use of vehicle ramming against high-profile outdoor events." "Vehicle ramming has become a recurring tactic employed by threat actors in the West, marked by a continued interest by (terrorists, extremists) and lone offenders in targeting crowded pedestrian areas," they wrote. In a Dec. 27 New Years Eve advisory issued in advance of the annual Las Vegas celebrations, officials noted: "Intentional mass-casualty incidents involving motor vehicles as weapons represent a growing trend in Western countries. This method has resulted in the highest casualty rates per incident within the fields of (intentional mass-casualty incidents)." MORE: Witnesses describe scenes of carnage after New Orleans attack that left 10 dead, 30 injured Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Dec. 20, five people were killed and hundreds injured in a vehicle-ramming attack on a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg, officials said. Police believe the suspect -- a doctor from Saudi Arabia who has lived in Germany since 2006 -- acted alone. The motive was preliminarily believed to be linked to "dissatisfaction with the treatment of refugees from Saudi Arabia and how they've been treated in Germany," the local prosecutor said. A motive in the New Orleans incident remains under investigation. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described it as a "terrorist attack." The FBI, which is leading the probe, said it was being investigated as an act of terror. At least 15 people were killed and more than two dozen others were injured in the attack, multiple law enforcement sources and Louisiana Rep. Troy Carter told ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect -- identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S.-born citizen from Texas -- was killed after opening fire on law enforcement officers, police said. Weapons and potential improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were located in the suspect's vehicle, and other potential IEDs were located in the city's French Quarter, according to the FBI. As of Wednesday afternoon, two IEDs had been found and rendered safe, the FBI said. The suspect is not believed to be "solely responsible" for the attack, the FBI noted. It said it is pursuing leads to identify any of his associates. Investigators are working to determine whether the suspect had any affiliation with terrorist organizations after an ISIS flag was found tied to the truck's trailer hitch, the FBI said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bollards were in the process of being replaced ahead of New Orleans hosting the Super Bowl on Feb. 9 and were not in place on Bourbon Street, officials said. There was a police vehicle "strategically" placed to prevent access to the roadway, which the suspect drove around, according to authorities. "We did indeed have a plan. But the terrorist defeated it," New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick told reporters at a press briefing Wednesday. PHOTO: Police investigators surround a white truck that has been crashed into a work lift in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 1, 2025. (Matthew Hinton/AFP via Getty Images) Coming out of the pandemic, law enforcement and intelligence leaders have been sounding alarms about the threat environment and dangers the public is facing from unknown assailants looking to attack large public events. The New Orleans attack marks the third year in a row that New Year's events in the U.S. have been marred by violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, a man prosecutors said intended to carry out a jihadist attack with a machete-style knife injured police officers at an access point near the Times Square event in New York City. In 2023, an SUV loaded with gas cans crashed in front of a theater in Rochester, New York, where a New Years concert was being let out. Three people were killed, in addition to the driver of the SUV. Authorities warned of vehicle-ramming attack danger in US during holiday season originally appeared on abcnews.go.com ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Robert Brooks, the Greece man who died just one day after being beaten as an inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility earlier this month, suffered multiple horrific injuries, according to new court paperwork. In an Emergency Risk Protection Order filed by New York State Police against correction officer David Kingsley, its alleged he took part in the physical assault against Brooks, who was left with bruising on the face and extremities as well as a broken nose. The document, referencing the autopsy conducted at the Onondaga County Medical Examiners Office, wrote Brooks had suffered multiple soft tissue hemorrhage of the muscles of the anterior right and left sides of the neck, hemorrhage overlaying of the thyroid cartilage, hemorrhage of the genital area soft tissues, the penis and both testes. The details of the autopsy were used as supporting evidence in the application due to concern the individual, in this case David Kingsley, may harm himself or another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Catalyst for change: Brooks Family speaks publicly for first time after deadly Marcy beating Capture from body camera footage released by AG Letitia James. The full autopsy report has yet to be released. While Brooks official cause of death is still being determined, according to the document, the Medical Examiner suggests asphyxia due to compression of the neck is the most likely cause of his death as well as the death being due to the actions of another. Kingsley is among 12 correction officers suspended without pay. One nurse was also suspended without pay, and one correction officer resigned. The AG investigation continues. 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. A little boy became Allegheny Health Networks first baby of 2025 in the greater Pittsburgh region. Rachel and Mark Cunningham welcomed Luka Gold at 12:44 a.m. at AHNs Wexford hospital. Luka was born at 7 pounds, 12 ounces and is a little over 20 inches long. To recognize Lukas special birthday, the family is receiving a year of free diapers from the Western PA Diaper Bank and free swim lessons from Goldfish Swim School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another Pittsburgh area hospital system is also celebrating a New Year baby. UPMC welcomes its first babies of 202, at 12:10 a.m. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) You might have an increased chance of seeing the national bird of the United States as we enter the new year. The bald eagle has long been heralded as Americas national bird, since Congress designated the bird as the national emblem in 1782. And last Thursday, President Biden officially declared the bald eagle as the national bird as well. In Ohio, there are an estimated 841 active bald eagle nests. This year, researched found that nest success rates ones with eggs or egglets are at 82 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats up compared to the 73 percent success rate in 2023 and the 48 percent success rate in 2022. The bald eagle was removed from Ohios threatened and endangered species list in 2012, after they were removed from the federal list in 2007. 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. BELL COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) An 18-year-old has been arrested and charged in connection with a deadly Christmas Day shooting. The call came in around 10:24 p.m. on Dec. 25 reporting a man who was unresponsive at a Highway 3484 home, per the sheriffs office. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Deputies said they learned on scene that an altercation broke out between family members, resulting in shots fired. According to authorities, 18-year-old Hunter Smith allegedly shot 55-year-old Michael Smith at the home. Family members performed lifesaving measures, but Michael was deceased by the time deputies arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Kentucky news Hunter was arrested in connection with the shooting on Monday. He was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center on a first-degree manslaughter charge. The investigation is ongoing. 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. BELOIT, Wis. (WTVO) Beloit Police arrested Adan Casique, 34, for allegedly committing an armed robbery of a business on Prarie Avenue Tuesday morning. Officers said there were no injuries during the robbery. Around 9:45 a.m., police located the suspect in his vehicle and took him into custody. The suspect was later transported to the Rock County Jail. Casique was arrested on probable cause for armed robbery, felon possession of a firearm and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. 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 MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. Dec. 31BEMIDJI The Bemidji Retired Military Club will host a meeting on the first Thursday of each month at a local restaurant for dinner and camaraderie. The next meeting is set for Jan. 2. "If you are a retired military veteran of any branch of service, we would love to have you join us," a release said. For more information, contact (218) 759-1096 to get the name of the restaurant of the month and leave your name and number to reserve a spot. A Wyomissing man is in Berks County Prison following his arrest on charges he accepted payment from a borough homeowner to replace a backyard fence but failed to return after ripping out the existing one. Brandon L. Kupper, 29, of the 400 block of Telford Avenue, was jailed in lieu of $20,000 bail to await a hearing following arraignment Monday night before District Judge David L. Yoch in Reading Central Court. Wyomissing police charged Kupper with deceptive business practices and theft of services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the criminal complaint: A homeowner in the Wyomissing Hills section paid Kupper $1,500 via a cash app on Sept. 4, followed by a $1,500 payment on Square, a payment processing company that allows businesses to create an online store that integrates with various social media platforms. The total payment of $3,000 was for Kupper to rip out the fence and install a new one. The owner said Kupper promptly removed the fence, which he said involved no more than three hours of work. Kupper reportedly told the owner that he would install the new fence by the following weekend. The owner said he had been in contact with Kupper about finishing the job, but Kupper always had an excuse for not installing the fence. Kupper told him that he was going to return Nov. 23, but Kupper was a no-show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 25, the owner filed a complaint with police, saying he still didnt have a fence. On Dec. 2, a Wyomissing policeman spoke to Kupper by phone. Kupper confirmed he had received $3,000 to replace the fence but only completed the removal. The problem, he said, is he had to wait for ordered parts. He said the owner became impatient and called someone else to install the fence. He said he tried to refund the customer the money but was having issues with the customers account not receiving the refund. Kupper has a lengthy record of theft through deceptive practices. According to online court records, Kupper was sentenced on May 8 by Berks Judge Thomas G. Parisi to six to 23 months in the county prison followed by one year of probation after pleading guilty to theft by unlawful taking. He received credit for 159 days served. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges were filed by Muhlenberg police in September 2023. In August 2023, Kupper pleaded guilty to theft by deception in Hamburg and was sentenced by Judge Patrick T. Barrett to nine to 23 months followed by two years of probation. He was credited for 237 days served. He also pleaded guilty to theft by deception in Sinking Spring in 2011 and was sentenced two years of probation. 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Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America 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 Around 390 people were detained during festivities on the streets of the German capital Berlin on New Year's Eve, many due to the dangerous use of fireworks, the city's police said on Wednesday in what officials deemed a success. Police said that despite the arrests, the night was an overall success for the city. Most of the arrests related to violations of laws related to fireworks' use or weapons, a police spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fireworks are banned in certain streets and it is only permitted to set off fireworks in Berlin on New Year's Eve from 6 pm (1700 GMT) until New Year's morning at 7 am. Violations risk a fine of up to 10,000 ($10,401). Fifteen police officers were injured during the night, one of whom had to undergo surgery after presumably being hit by an illegal firework, police said. More than 3,000 additional police officers were deployed in addition to the 1,000 or so police officers in patrol cars and otherwise deployed on the streets. There had been no major violence and it had paid off that police had protected firefighters during operations, said another police spokesman in a video published on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere in Germany the turn of the year was relatively calm, despite many police operations, numerous injuries and even several deaths across the country. In Leipzig, around 50 people attacked police officers with fireworks and bottles. In Cologne, two officers were injured by firecrackers, local police said. There were similar incidents reported in Hamburg. On the outskirts of Geseke in North Rhine-Westphalia, a 24-year-old died when a firecracker exploded, while two men were fatally injured in accidents in Saxony. A 45-year-old man died in Oschatz, east of Leipzig, while a 50-year-old man was fatally injured in Hartha near Chemnitz. Both men were handling fireworks when they exploded. In Hamburg, a 20-year-old died when a homemade firecracker exploded, while another person was fatally injured in the north of Brandenburg. NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) New Bern Police Department responded to a report of illegal fireworks being shot off shortly after midnight on New Years Day. According to law enforcement, an officer patrolled the area of E. Rose Street and found 35-year-old Rodman Williams firing multiple gunshots in the air. The officer identified himself to Williams and issued verbal commands. Williams ran away but was later caught by the officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams has been charged with: Discharging a firearm within city limits Resisting, obstructing, and delaying a law enforcement officer Possession of a firearm by a felon. Williams was jailed under a $30,000 secured bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. Iowa could make some New Year's resolutions to address its brain drain. (Illustration by Cemile Bingol/Getty Images) In 2000, then-Gov. Tom Vilsacks office called me in Washington, D.C., to tell me he was going to be in town to host a reception for all Iowans living in the area. The invitation was an opportunity to meet him and discuss why I left the state immediately after graduation from the University of Iowa and what it would take to get me to return. Initially, I rattled off a list of things I liked about Iowa: taco pizza, Anderson Erickson yogurt, Hy-Vee donuts, low cost of living, and no rush hour. Then I curtly explained why I would never return to Iowa: no decent job prospects, lack of diversity, racism, sexism, absence of adequate public transportation, and hostility to anything different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or maybe I was very bitter because Id applied for a press assistant job in Vilsacks office and didnt even land an interview. I would have definitely moved back for that job offer. At the time, I declined the governors invitation as I was trying desperately to eschew any connection to Iowa because I didnt want to be connected to the flyover country stereotypes. To this day, I regret not attending because I would have told Gov. Vilsack what he was up against and what Iowa needed to change. Iowa is infamous for its brain drain so theres no need to belabor the ongoing negative effects. What Iowa needs is a pathway forward that not only plugs its brain drain but also makes the state become an attractive location for employers, families, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Make Iowa a national remote work hub. Now that telework is becoming a very common perk for employers, Iowa has a unique opportunity to rebrand the state as a remote work hub. The low cost of living, especially housing, low crime rate, and good public schools are very appealing to Americans who live in larger cities with skyrocketing housing costs. Rural areas in particular should invest in coworking spaces and high speed internet to increase the chances that remote workers will want to live in those communities. Remote workers incomes can help revitalize downtown areas and boost local economies. Raise the minimum wage. Iowas current minimum wage matches the federal minimum wage: $7.25. Congress hasnt changed this rate since 2009, which means Iowas minimum wage hasnt kept up with significant cost of living increases in the last 15 years. Low wages keep struggling Iowans in poverty while turning off outsiders who are considering moving to areas with lower costs of living. Higher wages means more people spending more money, more often in their community, which stimulates economic growth. Book bans, pronoun conformity, and name changes are harmful to Iowas economy. While these policies may land Iowa in national headlines, they can alienate prospective corporate employers who must recruit and retain a diverse and innovative workforce to stay profitable and competitive. Employees do not want to live in a state where they do not feel safe in their neighborhoods, and they dont want to send their children to schools where conformity to the minutest details is a requirement. Additionally, Iowas higher education institutions are constantly on the lookout for top talent to fill faculty and research positions. If the state has a reputation for being hostile and intolerant to even the slightest cultural differences, higher education institutions will repel highly intelligent academics, reducing Iowas chances for being known as a hotbed of innovation and creativity. Financially incentivize Iowans to return to their home state. Higher education institutions can offer special grants and scholarships to Iowans who left the state but are considering returning to obtain a degree or an additional degree. Financial institutions can provide low-interest loans to former Iowans who are looking to start a small business in Iowa. Tax incentives are another way to attract Iowans who left and may return. Employers, especially those in STEM fields, can offer retention bonuses to individuals who move to Iowa and stay for a set number of years. Theres no reason for Iowa to watch its intelligent, high-skilled, and talented workforce leave the state for friendlier, more diverse cities year after year. Currently, the state is sacrificing long-term economic and workforce gains for short-lived jabs at women, minorities, foreign nationals, the LGBTQIA+ community, and other historically disenfranchised groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest anti-social justice zeitgeist may linger for a few more years, but the damage from Iowas brain drain will last much longer. Does Iowa have the courage to change? The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge coastal plain is seen on July 8, 2019. Bids for the second oil and gas lease sale held in the area are set to be opened by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management on Jan. 10, a day later than originally scheduled. (Photo by Danielle Brigida/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) Bids for oil exploration rights in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuges coastal plain will be opened on Jan. 10, a day later than originally scheduled, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management has said. The one-day delay is because President Joe Biden has ordered federal offices to be closed on Jan. 9 in honor of the late President Jimmy Carter, the BLM said Tuesday. The 37th president died on Sunday at the age of 100. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All other aspects of the lease sale remain the same, including a requirement that sealed bids be submitted by Jan. 6, the BLM said. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lease sale was mandated in federal tax legislation passed in 2017. That bill ordered the Department of the Interior to hold two lease sales in the refuges coastal plain, each offering at least 400,000 acres. The first lease sale was held on Jan. 6, 2021, one of the last days of the prior Trump administration. That sale drew no bids from major oil companies. The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, a state development agency, was the main bidder. No exploration has resulted from that lease sale. Caribou forage on plants at the ledge of a hill by the Hulahula River in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in 2019. Much of the debate over oil development in the refuge focuses on the Porcupine Caribou Herd, which calves in the same coastal plain targeted for drilling. (Photo by Alexis Bonogofsky/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) The upcoming lease sale includes a series of restrictions and environmental protections imposed by the Biden administration. Those restrictions have drawn criticism from development advocates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Debate over oil development in the refuges coastal plain has raged for decades. Environmentalists and some Indigenous groups in Alaska and nearby parts of northwestern Canada have staunchly opposed it because the area targeted for development a relatively narrow strip of land between the Arctic Ocean and the mountains of the Brooks Range is the calving ground for the Porcupine Caribou Herd. The herd is important to the culture of the Gwichin Athabascan people of northeastern Alaska and northwestern Canada. Former President Carter, who guided the Alaska National Interest Conservation Lands Act of 1980 that expanded the Arctic refuge, was also a staunch opponent of oil development there. Alaska politicians and several Inupiat organizations on Alaskas North Slope, however, have long campaigned to open the area to oil development because of the potential economic benefits. Inupiat-owned corporations own land and mineral rights within the refuge boundaries and could earn royalties if oil is produced there. President-elect Donald Trump is also pushing for oil drilling in the refuge coastal plain. He has claimed, falsely, that the area could hold more oil than Saudi Arabia. US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday expressed sympathy for the injured and the families of the victims after a man rammed his pickup truck into a New Orleans crowd, killing at least 10 people. "My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday," Biden said in a White House statement. More than 35 were hospitalized following the incident, which took place in the French Quarter, a popular nightlife district of the south-eastern US city, early on New Year's Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation's communities," Biden added. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department." While authorities have released no information about the suspect's identity, Trump - who campaigned heavily on limiting immigration to the United States - suggested he may have been an immigrant. "When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true," Trump wrote. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said the driver died after a shootout with law enforcement agents and the incident has been classified as "an act of terrorism." UPDATE: There is an update to this forecast. To read, click here. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) The weather pattern for January is roaring like a lion as a series of fronts brings Arctic air into the United States, and Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky are in line for this bitter cold. There are also chances of wintry precipitation such as snow, sleet and freezing rain. Looking at the big picture, the Climate Prediction Center has issued an eight to 14 day temperature outlook highlighting a guarantee of below-average temperatures. This means our region could certainly experience temperatures running 20 to 30 degrees colder than average. Now to the series of Arctic fronts and precipitation chances. The first is an Arctic cold front arriving Friday morning, which will bring a few snow flurries with no accumulation expected, but the colder air will take over. Temperatures are mainly in the 30s, feeling like the 20s. The second system will be from Sunday to Monday. This is a massive weather system, likely to bring in many inches of ice and snow in parts of Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana. The setup and track of the surface low will be key for the precipitation type. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RADAR | Track weather across TN live At this time, the European forecast model has the low moving from Arkansas to Northern Tennessee and into Southern Kentucky. This track favors a predominately cold rain event for us. However, early Sunday morning, areas near I-40 and northward and especially our Southern Kentucky counties, the precipitation will possibly start as an icing event before changing over to rain. For Southern Kentucky into northern Middle Tennessee, a wintry mix of sleet, freezing rain, and some snow will be possible, confined to a small window on Sunday morning. Then, precipitation changes to rain by mid-morning and ends as a wintry mix of snow Sunday night into Monday morning, especially in our eastern counties where some accumulations may occur. Heres a closer look on our in house GRAF model with forecast temperatures included: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With temps below freezing early Sunday morning, we could see some slick spots develop on roadways in our northwestern and northern counties, potentially near/south of I-40 if temperatures are below freezing as precipitation starts. Well keep you posted. Regarding snow, a dusting to 1 appears possible Sunday night into Monday morning. There will also be a concern for a flash freeze as temperatures abruptly drop below freezing. Mondays cold temperatures are the beginning of the major Arctic air settling in for later this week. Projected temperatures could stay below freezing in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky for much of next workweek! Added wind will make it feel colder, and air temperatures could approach single digits for some locations on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. The key takeaways are that the first round of Arctic air arrives Friday with a few flurries, but colder air takes over. With that colder air in place there will be a window of opportunity on Sunday morning for a wintry mix near north of Interstate 40 into Southern Kentucky. This changes over to all rain through the day, but ends as snow with the system pulling out Sunday night into Monday morning. Then, the major Arctic plunge settles in with temperatures below freezing from Monday to Thursday early afternoon. There is still a lot to track with this storm setup in the coming days. Stay tuned for updates and more specific forecasts and impacts for areas that may experience all wintry precipitation types! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont forget to take the power and reliability of the WKRN Weather Authority with you at all times by downloading the News 2 Storm Tracker app. 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. CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) Bad news for homeowners struggling with crumbling concrete foundations, A bill designed to help, did not make it past the deadline for this years legislative session. The state senate passed the bill on Monday which would have created an assistance fund for homeowners. But the house failed to follow up on the bill before the legislative session expired Monday night. In a news release sent to 22News, State Senator Peter Durant said anyone who has seen the problem caused by crumbling foundations can understand the urgency. It is extremely disappointing that our colleagues in the House have let down the residents of Massachusetts who are struggling to keep their homes, Durant stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Durant and other sponsors say they will try again in the new legislative session. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW) Waterfowl recently found dead in three Northeast Ohio counties are presumed to have been infected with bird flu, state officials said. Samples of their remains are now being tested for the disease. The dead birds including Canada geese, trumpeter swans and one mallard were found in Auglaize, Erie, Huron, Lucas, Mercer, Montgomery, Richland, Sandusky and Warren counties, according to a Tuesday news release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Bird flu found in pet food; house cat dead Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A dozen Canada geese and eight trumpeter swans, all wild or free-ranging, have been found dead in one location in Sandusky County since Dec. 11, according to a tracker on the United States Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center website. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, has been detected in several states in recent months, according to ODNR. It occurs naturally in bird populations, spreading through feeding and interaction. Ohio-native species such as shorebirds, raptors and waterfowl are susceptible, along with domestic chickens and turkeys. In Darke County, nearly 1 million chickens were recently confirmed to have been infected and were killed, FOX 8 sister station 2 NEWS reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Division of Wildlife is working closely with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other state and federal agencies to monitor HPAI, reads the release. The virus does not present an immediate public health concern but avoid handling sick or dead birds as a precaution. Bird flu detected in nearly 1M chickens in Darke County To report sick or dead wild birds suspected of having bird flu, call the division at 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543) or visit ODNRs website. Waterfowl hunting season is now underway in Ohio, with the second split of duck, coot and merganser season continuing through Sunday, Jan. 5 in the north zone and Lake Erie marsh zone. Goose and brant hunting is legal through Feb. 3 in the Lake Erie marsh zone. 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. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) ArkLaTex cat lovers rejoice because the lower Mississippi River Valley has an interesting history of cat-themed restaurants. An old legend warns that its bad luck for a black cat to cross your path. But what happens when you cross the path of a black cat? Because thats what countless people did in the ArkLaTex during the 1930s and 40s when Black Cat Cafe was a popular name for area restaurants. The fad seems to have begun in Plain Dealing, a little town thats not to far from the Red River in Bossier Parish, Louisiana. We dont know when this restaurant, the likely first of Black Cat Cafes, began. But we do know it was open in 1931. Clipping about the Black Cat cafe in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, taken from pp. 5 of The Shreveport Journal, Nov. 5, 1931 By 1940, there was a Black Cat Cafe and Restaurant at 523 East Kings Highway in Shreveport. We know this because of an ad they placed in The Shreveport Journal that welcomed the United Gas Co. to the city. The Black Cat Cafe and Restaurant advertisement from the Mar. 2, 1940 Shreveport Journal. In 1941, the Caddo Fixture Company sold all the fixtures from the Black Cat Cafe, though we dont know which Black Cat Cafe. For sale were 60 Bentwood chairs, 12 cafe tables, 12 double booths, a cigar case, a cash register, and more. They even sold the pots and pans, sinks, and dishes. Black Cat Cafe offers dog vaccinations in The (Shreveport) Times, Oct. 4, 1945. By 1945 there was a Black Cat Cafe in El Dorado, Arkansas. We know this because The (Shreveport) Times reported about that a few hundred dollars worth of provisions was destroyed when fire was discovered in the stock room over the Black Cat cafe on the corner of the court square earlier in the day. The building was undamaged. On a related note, the C laboratory at Root Refinery, which made 100 octane gasoline, also burned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Black Cat Care on Barksdale Boulevard applied for their permit to sell beer in October of 1945. In 1946, a veterinarian visited the Black Cat Cafe in Bossier City. For only $1.50, you could have your dog vaccinated at the Black Cat Cafe, presumably while you ate dinner. Yes, really. In December of 1946, Dorothy Porter applied to sell beer at the Black Cat Cafe and Lounge on Sprague Street in Shreveport. And last but not least, a Black Cat Cafe on Shelbyville Street in Center Texas, owned by Zeno Holt, was sold to Pete Ellington. Unfortunately for Pete, Zeeno kept the name. And in a somewhat comical move, Pete renamed it the White Kitchen Cafe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you wish you could step back in time and dine at a Black Cat Cafe? Because you can. One restaurant in the ArkLaTex still bears the eerie yet delightful name that was once immensely popular in the region. Black Cat Cafe in El Dorado, Arkansas offers authentic Mexican flavors and beloved American Classics. They say they have something for everyone, from zesty carnitas to crispy, fried catfish. Ask for a Fat Cat Steak or a Cats Meow Burger. Theyre located at 117 East Main Street. And no, its not bad luck to eat there. 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. Credit: Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images; Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images Blake Lively filed a federal court lawsuit against Justin Baldoni late Tuesday, alleging in the 93-page complaint that her It Ends With Us director and co-star subjected her to disturbing sexual harassment during production and then engaged in a retaliatory campaign designed to silence her and eviscerate her credibility. The new suit, filed in the Southern District of New York, also names the movies producer, James Heath, as a co-defendant, along with the films studio, Wayfarer, the studios co-founder Steve Sarowitz, and industry publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel. It alleges the group engaged in a sophisticated, coordinated, and well-financed attack plan that planted stories and weaponized a digital army against Lively, causing the actress and her family severe emotional harm. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint says fallout from the alleged misconduct has been extreme. There are days when [Lively] has struggled to get out of bed, and she frequently chooses not to venture outside in public, it claims. She also has been experiencing repeated and painful physical symptoms as a result of this experience, while Livelys husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, has been affected mentally, physically, and professionally by his wifes and childrens pain, the paperwork alleges. Livelys new filing followed a week after The New York Times broke the news that Lively had filed a precursor complaint against Baldoni, Heath, Nathan, and Abel with the California Civil Rights Department. The Tuesday lawsuit also dropped within minutes of a separate libel lawsuit filed by Baldoni, Heath, Nathan, and Abel against The Times. In that dueling 87-page complaint, the group alleged The Times recklessly relied on Livelys unverified and self-serving narrative when it published its Dec. 21 story titled: We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine. In a statement, Livelys attorneys claim the defendants in her new lawsuit are piling on more retribution with their counter-offensive. Unfortunately, Ms. Livelys decision to speak out has resulted in further retaliation and attacks. As alleged in Ms. Livelys federal complaint, Wayfarer and its associates have violated federal and California state law by retaliating against her for reporting sexual harassment and workplace safety concerns. Now, the defendants will answer for their conduct in federal court, the statement reads. As part of her new lawsuit, Lively gives detailed descriptions of some of the alleged harassment she purportedly faced on set. The actress claims that during the filming of a slow dance where no sound was recorded, Baldoni improvised a scene where he leaned forward and slowly dragged his lips from her ear and down her neck as he said, It smells so good.' Lively alleges Baldoni also tried to add a graphic sex scene where their characters would climax together on their wedding night. She says Baldoni then intrusively asked her if she and her husband climax simultaneously during intercourse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lively further claims that on the chaotic day of filming the scene where her character gives birth, Baldoni and Heath suddenly pressured her to simulate full nudity, despite no mention of nudity for the scene in the script. Mr. Baldoni insisted to Ms. Lively that women give birth naked, and that his wife had ripped her clothes off during labor. He claimed it was not normal for women to remain in their hospital gowns while giving birth. Ms. Lively disagreed, but felt forced into a compromise that she would be naked from below the chest down, the lawsuit states. According to her lawsuit, Lively only agreed to resume filming It Ends With Us in early 2024 after she and Reynolds attended a meeting in New York that concerned the projects purportedly hostile work environment and a series of requested safeguards. (Filming had been suspended since June 2023 due to overlapping strikes by the unions representing Hollywood writers and actors.) No more showing nude videos or images of women, including producers wife, to BL and/or her employees, read one demand listed in the lawsuit. No more mention of Mr. Baldonis or Mr. Heaths previous pornography addiction or BLs lack of pornography consumption to BL or to other crew members, read another. On the list of 30 demands, No. 13 read: No more improvising of kissing. No biting or sucking of lip with BL consent. No. 27 read: No more adding sex scenes, oral sex, or on-camera climaxing by BL outside the scope of the script BL approved when signing onto the project. According to the complaint, the meeting was an essential step in the process that led Lively back to the movies set on Jan. 5, 2024. Filming concluded on Feb. 9, and Lively promoted the project in accordance with a pre-determined marketing plan created by Sony, the films distributor, the lawsuit states. That plan, according to the complaint, stated Lively should focus more on her characters strength and resilience than the films underlying story of domestic violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lively alleges that Baldoni unilaterally pivoted away from the publicity plan as he purportedly began fearing reports of the alleged sexual harassment during filming would leak out. She claims he began promoting domestic violence survivor content to protect his public image as people started noticing some of the films cast had unfollowed him on social media. When Lively started facing backlash online some of it accusing her of being tone deaf with her more upbeat promotion of the film she took notice. The social media accounts for Ms. Livelys brands including Betty Buzz and Betty Boozewere flooded by hateful comments, which began to echo through other social and traditional media outlets, the lawsuit states. Lively claims in her lawsuit that the blowback was far from authentic. She alleges Baldoni and Heath worked in concert with Nathan, Abel, and others to create, seed and promote content damaging to Lively and then feed pieces of this manufactured content to unwitting reporters, making content go viral in order to influence public opinion and thereby cause an organic pile-on. In the lawsuit, Lively includes screenshots of alleged communications between Baldoni and the crisis team from around the time the movie premiered. In one exchange on Aug. 2, 2024, Abel purportedly told Nathan that Baldoni wants to feel like [Lively] can be buried. Nathan allegedly responded: We cant write it down to him. We cant write we will destroy her. Imagine if a document saying all the things that he wants ends up in the wrong hands. In another message, Nathan allegedly wrote, You know we can bury anyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suit claims that a few days later on Aug. 5, Baldoni sent Abel a screenshot of a thread on X that accused model and cosmetics entrepreneur Hailey Bieber of bullying women. Mr. Baldoni allegedly stated, This is what we would need. Per the suit, Abel purportedly replied, Yes I literally just spoke to Melissa about this on the break about what we discussed last night for social and digital. Focus on reddit, TikTok, IG. In their lawsuit filed against The Times, Abel and Nathan say their complete communications demonstrate they had no intention of destroying or burying Lively through aggressive tactics. They claim its categorically false that they planted a negative story in the Daily Mail titled Is Blake Lively set to be CANCELLED? In a screenshot of an alleged message sent on Aug. 16 in response to the Daily Mail article, Nathan wrote, Damn this is unfair because its also not me. Everything now looks like its me. The libel lawsuit claims the use of an emoji in another seemingly incriminating text exchange indicated one message was intended as sarcasm, not truth. Any negative press about Lively was unequivocally a consequence of her own actions, their lawsuit states. In a statement Tuesday, Bryan Freedman, the lawyer representing Baldoni, Heath, Nathan, and Abel, said it was Lively who conducted a vicious smear campaign, and that The Times published her account because Lively and Reynolds are beloved Hollywood elites. A spokeswoman for The Times disputed this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The role of an independent news organization is to follow the facts where they lead, Times spokeswoman Danielle Rhoades said in statement sent to Rolling Stone. Our story was meticulously and responsibly reported. It was based on a review of thousands of pages of original documents, including the text messages and emails that we quote accurately and at length in the article. To date, Wayfarer Studios, Mr. Baldoni, the other subjects of the article and their representatives have not pointed to a single error. We published their full statement in response to the allegations in the article as well. Livelys lawsuit, meanwhile, argues that her complaints about the alleged sexual harassment constituted protected activity, so any coordinated campaign to cast her in a false light would be unlawful. Her filing alleges the defendants carried out such actions knowingly and maliciously, so she should be entitled to real and punitive damages. Livelys complaint doesnt list an amount but says it should be enough to punish the defendants and to discourage future wrongful conduct. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A domestic assault that left a Grand Rapids woman bloodied and bruised is sending her attacker to prison on a torture conviction. The assault happened in February 2024 at a house on Cass Avenue SE between Delaware and Highland Streets. That is where police found the suspect, 35-year-old Paul Alexander Shank. Inside the home, Grand Rapids police found evidence of a violent attack, including blood in several areas and what appeared to be blood smear drag marks, according to a police report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found blood in an upstairs bedroom, and blood smeared down the stairs towards the living room, according to the police report. Smear marks through the living room led to the kitchen, the report states. First responders found the victim lying in the kitchen and there was blood all over her body, according to the police report. She was treated at Trinity Health Grand Rapids. Shank, who was still at the house where the attack took place, was arrested. He told investigators the victim had fallen down the stairs, according to the police report. Shank was charged with assault and torture, which could have landed him in prison for life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A jury trial was held in December. Shank was found guilty of assault with intent to commit great bodily harm and of torture. Kent County Circuit Court Judge Mark Trusock this week sentenced Shank to 17.5 to 80 years in prison. Shank was also ordered to pay more than $3,500 in restitution. At least five other defendants have had torture cases in the Kent County legal system in 2024. Two were given prison and the other cases 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 WOODTV.com. Authorities in Sumter County are working to identify two pairs of human remains that were discovered in separate incidents on New Years Eve. Early Tuesday morning, firefighters and the Sumter police department responded to a burning vehicle off of Boulevard Road around 3:30 a.m., the Sumter Item reports. A burned body was found inside the vehicle, according to the Sumter County coroner. The remains will be sent to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston for an autopsy on Monday, WIS TV reports. Coroner Robbie Baker told the Item that material recovered from the car indicated who the occupant might be, but that no name would be released until the persons identity could be confirmed. The arson team with the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division has been requested to assist in the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later that same morning, another set of human remains were found in another car in Sumter. This time, a search and rescue team identified a submerged vehicle in Rocky Bluff Swamp off of Highway 401, WLTX reported. The car was pulled from the water around 7 a.m., and the remains inside have also been sent to MUSC for an autopsy. The coroner told the Item that the four-door BMW appeared to have been submerged in 15 feet of water for a very long time. Butte County authorities have recovered the body of Andruw Cornett, 19. His younger brother Wesley Cornett, 17, remains missing. Both youths went missing while duck hunting on Dec. 14. (Butte County Sheriff's Office) Authorities recovered the body of a missing teen at Thermalito Afterbay in Northern California, where he went missing with his brother while duck hunting more than two weeks ago. A Butte County Sheriff's Office pilot spotted the body of Andruw Cornett, 19, in the original search area of the large reservoir near Oroville around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. His body was recovered and his family has been notified, the sheriff's office said in a statement. Cornett had been missing since Dec. 14 when he dialed 911 to report that his brother's kayak had flipped in the cold and murky waterway. Dispatchers advised Cornett to remain in his kayak "multiple times," but he insisted on diving into the water to attempt to save his younger brother, Wesley Cornett, 17, who was seen swimming north from the kayak. The younger sibling has not been located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: A kayak flips over during a duck-hunting trip and a boy dives in to save his brother. Both are missing The pilot who spotted Andruw Cornett's body on Tuesday was forced to land after a drone was seen flying extremely close to the helicopter, the sheriff's office said in a statement. "The search will continue by air, but the use of drones in the search area prevents our pilots from flying," the statement said. The sheriff's office said thousands of acres have been searched by boat, on foot and by raft since the brothers went missing. Following the call for help at 8:33 a.m. on Dec. 14, a Butte County sheriff's deputy arrived at the scene within 15 minutes and was joined by Cal Fire Water Rescue, the department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deputy reported seeing a kayak and possibly one of the brothers around 9 a.m. About 20 minutes later, a rescue boat found a kayak, paddles and waders. Other items were later found, including pants, a wallet and a phone belonging to the brothers. Rescue and recovery efforts have been challenging due to weeds reaching 10 feet tall and stirred-up silt that clouds visibility past a few inches. The waterway has a depth of 3 to 30 feet. In a post on GoFundMe, April Clark, the boys mother, called Andruw a hero for trying to save his brother. "This is a freak accident that my family and I are trying to wrap our heads around and we also have 4 girls at home who we still need to care for," she wrote. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A body was recovered Tuesday from the Thermalito Afterbay near Oroville, where two brothers from Yuba County went missing while duck hunting more than two weeks ago. Butte County Sheriffs officials announced the discovery days after limiting its search last week for brothers Wesley Cornett, 17, and 19-year-old Andruw Cornett, of Olivehurst, who disappeared the morning of Dec. 14. The body was first spotted from the air by a sheriffs helicopter pilot about 9:30 a.m. before being recovered by searchers, said Megan McCann, a Sheriffs Office spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities positively identified the body as that of Andruw Cornett, the Sheriffs Office announced just after 4 p.m. Searchers were continuing their work Tuesday but officials said the sheriffs pilot who located the body was forced to land his helicopter to avoid a drone that had flown too close to the aircraft. We will continue to search by air but the flying of drones inhibit our pilots from flying and, if it continues, we will work to identify the pilots and charge them with impeding our response, McCann said. Sheriffs dispatchers last communication with the elder Cornett was 11 days before Christmas. Andruw told them that his brothers kayak had overturned in the afterbay and he was going into the water after him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither was wearing a life jacket. Dispatchers urged Cornett not to go into the water in the moments before the duo disappeared. Nearly 300 people from county search-and-rescue teams, state agencies and private firms joined the search for the Cornett brothers. Three days after the teen brothers vanished, divers specializing in deep underwater construction and heavy marine salvage found Andruws pants on Dec. 17. Brother Wesleys wallet was located Dec. 19. Stanislaus County Sheriffs divers found Wesley Cornetts jacket with his phone inside the next day. The body of one of the two teen brothers who went missing on a duck hunting trip in rural Northern California has been recovered. Police identified the body as that of 19-year-old Andruw Cornett after he was found by a search team in the north side of the Thermalito Afterbay on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Andrew and his 17-year-old brother Wesley Cornett went missing on Dec. 14, Butte County Sheriffs Office confirmed in a news release on Facebook. At approximately 9:30 a.m., the BCSO pilot [flying in the area] spotted a body in the north side of the Afterbay, within the original search area, the BSCO stated in the release. The BCSO Marine Unit and Butte County Sheriffs Search and Rescue immediately responded and recovered the body. The decedent has been positively identified as Andruw Cornett, and next-of-kin has been notified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities added that the search for Wesley will continue by air at this time. The sad update comes after the BSCO confirmed that their initial search and rescue efforts to find the two brothers shifted to a limited search on Dec. 23. Butte County Sheriff's Office Wesley and Andruw Cornett pose while hunting Wesley and Andruw Cornett pose while hunting Related: Teen Brothers Who Went Missing During Duck Hunting Trip Now Presumed Dead, Authorities Say This involves surface search methods, including aircraft, drones, boats, on-shore vehicles and K9s, sheriffs office spokesperson Megan McCann told SFGATE. Sgt. Brian Evans, a member of the sheriff's marine unit, told ABC affiliate KRCR on Dec. 17 that the search operation was now is a recovery," Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives from the Butte County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment at the time. Andrew and Wesley were reported missing after they had overturned on a kayak and the other one swam into the water to try and help in the Afterbay on Dec. 14., according to authorities. Andruw had called 911 at 8:33 a.m. to report the incident and that he was going in the water to help. Both brothers were not wearing life jackets at the time, according to authorities. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Butte County Sheriff's Office Search team looks for brothers Wesley and Andruw Cornett Search team looks for brothers Wesley and Andruw Cornett Related: California Brothers Ages 17 and 19 Missing amid Duck Hunting Trip, Say Police: 'Continue to Diligently Search' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A search team commenced, including the Marine Unit and Dive Team members, Nevada County Sheriffs Office Marine Unit, Can Joaquin County Sheriffs Office Marine Unit, Yuba County Sheriffs Search and Rescue and CAL FIRE. On Dec. 17, the BSCO wrote that they are not requesting assistance from the public. During the search operation, they also shared a video of the rescue operation, including footage of the team on boats, and a photo of the brothers. Divers found Andruws pants three days after he and his brother were reported missing. In the next few days, Wesleys wallet was found, along with his jacket containing his cell phone. After it was reported that the search had become limited, the brothers mother, April Clark, wrote on a GoFundMe page that she "plan[s] to lay my two boys to rest." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is hard for me to write as I'm beyond broken into so many pieces. If you can please find it in your heart to donate and help our family find and lay my handsome two young boys to rest, any amount of support will forever be blessed for our family, she wrote. The page so far has raised $42,835 with a goal of $45, 000. Read the original article on People Roughly a month after prosecutors charged a 20-year-old man with rape, theyve now filed another felony against him over an allegation that he sexually assaulted a teenage girl in 2022. The Ada County Prosecutors Office charged Isaiah Williams, of Boise, with felony lewd conduct with a child under 16 after they said he raped a 15-year-old girl at a house party in October 2022. He was already facing two other felonies stemming from the November incident. Ada County Deputy Prosecutor Austin Payne alleged in court last week that after meeting the girl at the party, Williams got her alone despite one of the girls friends trying to stop him and sexually assaulted her. He also knew she was underage, Payne added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a serious danger to the community here as the defendant in this case committed an act of sexual deviance against a minor child which poses a serious threat to the safety of children in Ada County, Payne said. Boise Police Department spokesperson Haley Williams told the Idaho Statesman by email that Williams was arrested on the most recent charge after another victim came forward. Detectives are still recovering information that indicates there are likely more victims, she added. Any additional victims are encouraged to reach out to Boise Police Detective John Berg at 208-577-4448 or the Ada County Dispatch at 208-377-6790. In November, the Boise Police Department arrested Williams for rape and forcible penetration by the use of a foreign object after he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in his apartment. Payne said during a court hearing last week that Williams initially denied raping the woman but later admitted to police that the woman told him no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he would again force his hand down the victims pants, move her underwear to the side, and try to penetrate her vagina, he added. Williams previously worked for the Washington Department of Corrections but left the agency in August, according to a spokesperson. As of Tuesday, Williams was being held at Ada County Jail. He bailed out of custody on a $20,000 bond in November and had been living with his brother in Olympia, Washington, according to court records. He was arrested again after he missed a hearing and the newest charge was filed. The defendant has demonstrated that he is a serious sexual offender, and anything besides significant bond will place Ada County citizens at risk of harm, Payne said. Fourth District Magistrate Judge David Manweiler set Williams bond at $500,000 for each case totaling $1 million. His next court hearing is at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 7 at the Ada County Courthouse, online court records showed. It's time to celebrate the new year and enjoy the colorful fireworks displays, whether it's at a park or your own driveway. But remember that for your dog, this could be one of the most terrifying nights of the year. There's a lot of confusing stuff happening. There may be new people around. There are lots of unfamiliar smells. But the worst are the massive booms and deafening cracks that will turn your neighborhood into a brilliantly colored combat zone for hours at a time. Many dogs find fireworks deeply distressful. Those crowd-pleasing explosions may trigger fight-or-flight behavior in your pet such as panic, howling, barking, shaking, anxiety attacks, destructive or aggressive behavior or just running away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's how to make your dog's holiday a little less stressful. Before the fireworks: Get your dog ready First off, make sure your dog (and cat) have well-fitting collars with updated contact ID tags and vaccine information. Get them microchipped if they're not and, if they are, make sure the microchip information is up to date. Just in case, take new pictures of them. You can try desensitizing them by playing sounds of fireworks softly while petting them or giving them treats they like. Increase the noise gradually. But keep in mind this doesn't always work, and even if it does it can take a very long time. If it's a persistent issue, consider hiring a trainer to help with behavioral therapy or counter-conditioning. Get a thundershirt, thunder coat or anxiety vest basically a heavy, snug-fitting garment that you can put on them when the explosions start. Some dogs are calmed by the gentle pressure on their bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Create a quiet space away from windows. Put your dog's bed there, or their crate if you use one and that's where they feel comfortable. Add some familiar toys and treats. Talk to your veterinarian to see if anti-anxiety medicine is recommended. If so, give your dog a dose beforehand to see how they respond. Never share the medication with other animals or give yours more than the recommended amount, and keep a close eye on them after they've been dosed. Take your dog out for a long walk or let them play at a dog park to help wear them out before the evening. During the fireworks: Keep your dog calm Don't take your dog to fireworks shows or someone else's parties. Leave them at home or with a trusted friend. If you're firing off at your own party, keep the dog inside in a closed room so they won't bolt out an open door and ask your guests to help keep an eye out. Put a thundershirt on your dog, if you have one. If your vet decides medication is appropriate, administer it. Move your dog to the safe space you created. If that's not possible, close the blinds or shades. Mask the sounds with the TV, a loud fan or some music. Studies have shown that soft rock and reggae or classical music with slow tempos, especially solo piano music, seems the most effective. There's even a YouTube channel called "Through a Dog's Ear" that plays calming music for canines. Redirect your dog's attention with a favorite chew toy, play with them or try teaching them a new trick, and reward them with praise or a treat if they respond to you. Try a Kong or a food puzzle to keep them engaged. Learn to recognize your dog's anxiety: ears back, tails down, eyes wide, trembling or shaking, lip-licking, yawning, panting, pacing, whining, barking or howling, attempts to hide under furniture or escape, attempts to press close to owners and follow them from room to room can all be signs your dog needs comforting. Comfort your dog. "Its important to remain calm and use a soothing, even tone," said Jenn Stanley, certified behavior consultant and professional dog trainer, and co-owner of Awesome Pawsabilities Pet Training & Behavior Consultations. "Petting them can be comforting long, slow, firm strokes along the length of their body are typically very soothing. Keep your furry friends safe: Chewy experts share top tips to keep your pets safe during the holidays, travel After the fireworks: Don't let your dog near fireworks debris Used firework packages and trash are seen along the beaches of St. Lucie County on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, after night-time 4th of July celebrations. Don't let your dog outside until you've checked your yard for fireworks debris and don't let them go attended near any other yards or on the beach on New Year's Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a very bad idea to let your dog eat fireworks even after they've been used, and some may try. According to the ASPCA Poison Control Center, the most common problems from snarfing down some fireworks are vomiting and diarrhea, which is bad enough, but some contain chemicals that can be corrosive to the lining of the digestive tract and cause bloody vomiting and diarrhea, serious dehydration and secondary infections. They're also choking hazards. Fireworks with chlorate salts can oxidize red blood cells, which can lead to life-threatening conditions. If your dog is lethargic with brown, gray or blue-colored gums or breathing rapidly with a fast heart rate, contact your vet immediately. Symptoms can develop up to 10 hours after ingestion, the ASPCA said. "Many commercially used fireworks and even some sparklers contain barium which can cause animals to become extremely weak and uncoordinated," the ASPCA said, and they can cause heart problems. This type is the most dangerous after they've been used. Why are dogs scared of fireworks? Some dogs react very poorly to fireworks and other loud, unexpected noises. Dogs' ears are different from ours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A dog can hear, on average, about 4-5 times as far as a human can, and while we can hear lower frequencies than dogs, up to 20,000 Hz or so, dogs can hear sounds as high as 47,000 to 65,000 Hz. They also can hear sounds too soft for us to detect. It's no wonder they don't like crashing booms and sudden cracks of fireworks at night. Plus their sensitive noses may react to the smoke and the used-firework smell. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: New Year's Eve fireworks can terrify your dog: How to keep them calm DENVER (KDVR) A 34-year-old man was taken into police custody on several counts of domestic violence after a brief standoff Tuesday morning, that caused some residents to be evacuated from their residences. According to the Boulder Police Department, officers located a suspect wanted on domestic violence charges in an apartment in the 2800 block of Sundown Lane. The complex is just off 28th Street, (also part of U.S. 36, which becomes a local road in Boulder), and a few blocks north of Colorado Avenue. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident started at about 11 a.m., and police said that initial efforts to communicate with the suspect and safely take him into custody did not work. That led to the department activating its SWAT team around 11:45 a.m. Boulder police made contact with and evacuated some residents of the apartment complex while the incident was underway. Its unclear how many residents were evacuated, or how long they were evacuated. The agency said that after a short standoff, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident. The agency posted on X at about 2:30 p.m., reporting police activity in the area and saying there was no risk to the public. Police reported that James Zachariah Jones, 34, was placed in jail for domestic violence-related charges of: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second-degree assault, a felony Third-degree assault, a misdemeanor False imprisonment, a misdemeanor Jones also had an active warrant for failing to appear out of Pitkin County, which was based on a case with unrelated third-degree assault charges from an incident in that jurisdiction, according to the Boulder agency. 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. President Joe Biden released a statement in the wake of the deadly attack in New Orleans that left at least 10 people dead and over 30 injured. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] In the statement, Biden said hes been continually briefed on the horrific incident by both federal law enforcement and his homeland security team. My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nations communities, Biden said. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the FBI is taking the lead on the investigation, which is being investigated as an act of terrorism. I am grateful for the brave and swift response of local law enforcement in preventing even greater death and injury, Biden said. President-elect Donald Trump also acknowledged the attack in a post on TruthSocial, CBS News reported. Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department, Trump said, in part. >> PHOTOS: At least 10 killed, 30 injured after car plows into Bourbon Street crowd in New Orleans Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Biden has directed his team to ensure every resource is available as investigators work to learn why this attack happened. As previously reported, police say a man intentionally drove a pickup truck through a crowd on Bourbon Street in the early hours of New Years Day. At least 10 people have been killed and over 30 were hurt. The suspect also shot at law enforcement, injuring two police officers. New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said those officers are in stable condition. The suspect died in a firefight with police. Investigators were also investigating the discovery of improvised explosive devices that were found in the area. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The FBI and local authorities are sharing more details on the suspect in the deadly attack in New Orleans on New Years Day that claimed at least 15 lives and injured dozens more. Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, 42, drove into a crowd of people along Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m., according to the FBI. Police in New Orleans say they believe it was an intentional act and that Jabbar did not act alone. After finding an ISIS flag in Jabbars truck, the FBI says they are investigating this attack as an act of terrorism. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Jabbar was shot and killed by officers after he opened fire on them, injuring two New Orleans police officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators are asking anyone who had contact with Jabbar over the last few days to speak with them. Who is Shamsud-Din Jabbar? The FBI has confirmed that Jabbar is a U.S. citizen from Texas and a veteran of the United States Army. Authorities say they are working to determine if Jabbar has any known affiliations with ISIS. Jabbar joined the Army in 2007, serving on active duty in human resources and information technology and deploying to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010, the service said. He transferred to the Army Reserve in 2015 and left in 2020 with the rank of staff sergeant. Channel 2 Action News learned that Jabbar attended Georgia State University. The school confirmed that he attended from 2015 to 2017 and graduated with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 2 investigative reporter Ashli Lincoln found two local addresses for Jabbar -- one in Clarkston and one in Marietta -- but no one at either location knew him when she stopped by. Lincoln also found multiple criminal convictions against Jabbar in Texas. He has been convicted of theft charges, driving with a suspended license and other misdemeanors. ABC News reports that Jabbar had a checkered marital history with multiple divorces and financials problems, according to court records. In 2016, Jabbar filed for divorce from his second wife in DeKalb County. The complaint form filed with the DeKalb County courts shows that Jabbar checked the box that read our marriage is irretrievably broken, adding that the pair can no longer live together and there is no hope that we will get back together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other records obtained by ABC News show Jabbar worked for Ernst & Young and Deloitte, and tried to grow his own real estate business. CNN reports that Jabbar obtained in a real estate license in 2019 and that it expired in 2023. Deloitte confirmed to ABC News that Jabbar worked for the company in a staff-level role since 2021. We are shocked to learn of reports today that the individual identified as a suspect had any association with our firm, the statement said. Like everyone, we are outraged by this shameful and senseless act of violence and are doing all we can to assist authorities in their investigation. What did Shamsud-Din Jabbar have with him during the attack? The FBI says they found an ISIS flag, weapons and a potential explosive device with Jabbar in a Ford F-150 pickup truck after the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other potential explosives were found spread around the French Quarter in New Orleans. The FBI says technicians are working to determine if those devices are viable and how to make them safe. ABC News spoke with the owner of the truck, Rodrigo Diaz, who told them that he rented out the truck through the carsharing app Turo. Diaz is currently speaking with the FBI and declined to comment further. His wife told ABC News that they are devastated. What was Jabbars motive? New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick said the driver was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did and he tried to run over as many people as he could. Investigators have not commented on what led Jabbar to choose Bourbon Street on New Years Day as the target of the attack. Who are the victims? The death toll from the attack currently sits at 15 and more than two dozen others were injured. The University of Georgia confirmed that one of its students was critically injured in the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC News has identified four of the 15 people who lost their lives in the attack. Tiger Bech, 27 A former Princeton University football player, Tiger Bechs mother, Michelle Bech, told ABC News that her son moved to New York City after graduation to work for Seaport Global, a capital markets firm. She said her son was on top of the world. Michelle Bech said her son was in Louisiana for a weekend of hunting and fishing with friends from college. He was scheduled to return to New York City on Wednesday. Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, 18 Dedeauxs mother confirmed to ABC News that she died after going to Bourbon Street to celebrate New Years Eve. Reggie Hunter, 37 A father of two described as the life of the party, Hunters cousin confirmed his death to ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is hurting all of us differently and on so many levels, Shirell Jackson said. We were expecting so much life to live with our cousin Just a beautiful person that did not deserve this and had so much life to live. She says Hunter leaves behind two sons. Nicole Perez, 27 A mother who leaves behind a 4-year-old son, according to Kimberly Usher-Fall, her employer and family spokesperson. She told ABC News that Perez had recently been promoted to store manager and was excited about the position. Usher-Fall said Perez would bring her son to work and was helping him learn to read. She was a great mother, Usher-Fall told ABC News Diane Macedo. She just was a really exciting little young lady and she was getting herself together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perez was taken to University Hospital after being hit by the truck, but ultimately died from her injuries. RELATED STORIES: The University of Georgia confirmed on Wednesday that at least one student was critically injured in the New Orleans attack on New Years Day. Police said a driver intentionally drove into a crowd, killing 15 and injuring 35 others. The Federal Bureau of Investigation says it is investigating the crash as an act of terrorism. Police shot and killed the suspect. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] New Orleans police said the majority of the victims appear to be locals, but acknowledged that many visitors were in town for New Years and the Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The University of Georgia said it has been working to confirm if any of the victims in the attack are connected to UGA. On Wednesday afternoon, UGA President Jere W. Morehead confirmed one student was critically injured. I am deeply saddened by the devastating attack in New Orleans overnight, and I extend my sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this terrible tragedy. At this point, we have learned that a University of Georgia student was critically injured in the attack and is receiving medical treatment. I have spoken to the students family and shared my concern, support and well wishes on behalf of the entire UGA community. I would like to express my gratitude to all the first responders who moved so quickly to help those affected by this senseless act of violence, as well as to the medical personnel who are caring for the injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we continue to hold the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers, the University will do everything in its power to support those in our community who have been impacted by this unspeakable event. CNN is identifying that student as Elle Eisele, from the Fort Myers area. The University of Georgia Athletic Association says all team members and personnel who traveled with the football program are safe. We are deeply saddened by the senseless violence that occurred in New Orleans. All team personnel and members of the official team travel party have been accounted for. Currently, we are in contact with local law enforcement as well as representatives from the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff and are continuing to gather more information. Our prayers are with all those who traveled here for the Sugar Bowl and entire New Orleans community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The University of Georgia Red Coat Marching Band says all of their members are also safe and accounted for. RELATED STORIES: The Sugar Bowl between the Bulldogs and Fighting Irish has been postponed until Thursday. The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the terrible events from early this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are in ongoing discussions with authorities on the local, state, and federal levels and will communicate further details as they become available, Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley said in a statement. Police have advised locals and visitors in the area to avoid Bourbon Street, Canal Street and St. Ann Street as the investigation continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Orleans isnt the only major city hosting a playoff game on Wednesday. The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl kicks off at 1 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Atlanta police said it had already increased security measures days before the Peach Bowl. After what happened in New Orleans, they are taking a few more precautions. We acknowledge the concerns raised following the events earlier this morning in New Orleans, LA. In advance of the Peach Bowl, the Atlanta Police Department had already implemented increased security measures, including the deployment of additional officers. In light of todays development and as an added precaution, specialized units and additional personnel will be further deployed to the Downtown and Midtown areas to ensure the continued safety and security of residents and visitors. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] They were once Hollywood's greatest power couple, but now Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have finalised their high-profile divorce eight years after their romance ended. From meeting in controversial circumstances to becoming parents of six, before splitting and getting into a long-running spat over a shared winery, there are countless headlines in Brangelina's story. Look back over the key moments in their history with our timeline of their relationship and split. Meeting on Mr and Mrs Smith: 2003 - 2004 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in 2005's Mr & Mrs Smith. (20th Century Fox) In the Nineties and early Noughties, Brad Pitt was already in one of Hollywood's most famous marriages: to Friends star Jennifer Aniston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So when rumours began swirling that Pitt had fallen for his Mr and Mrs Smith co-star Angelina Jolie, Aniston fans were outraged on her behalf. Jolie had recently split from former husband Billy Bob Thornton and although she and Pitt denied romance rumours at the time, they later admitted they had first fallen in love on set. Brad Pitt splits from Jennifer Aniston: January - March 2005 Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt at the 2004 Emmys in LA. (Getty Images) In January of the following year, Pitt and Aniston split after five years of marriage, with Aniston filing for divorce in March and citing irreconcilable differences. Their joint statement read: "We would like to announce that after seven years together we have decided to formally separate. For those who follow these sorts of things, we would like to explain that our separation is not the result of any of the speculation reported by the tabloid media. This decision is the result of much thoughtful consideration." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The divorce was finalised in October that year. Brangelina are officially together: Summer 2005 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt promoting Mr & Mrs Smith in 2005. (WireImage) Brangelina were spotted on holiday together in Kenya and a few months later, Pitt went with Jolie to Ethiopia where she was adopting her second child, Zahara. Jolie had adopted son Maddox from Cambodia in 2002. However, the beginnings of Brangelina's relationship started to look a little murky when W magazine published a photoshoot spread of them together entitled "Domestic Bliss" with the photos having been taken in March. Brad and Angelina welcome Shiloh: January - May 2006 The arrival of Shiloh was immortalised by Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum in New York in 2006. (Reuters) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things moved fast for the A-list couple. In January 2006, they confirmed that they were expecting their first child together. In the same month, they took steps towards cementing their family by legally changing Maddox and Zahara's surnames to Jolie-Pitt. Daughter Shiloh was born in Namibia in May. However, in September that year Pitt put to bed any rumours of them marrying soon, as he told Esquire: "Angie and I will consider tying the knot when everyone else in the country who wants to be married is legally able." Adding to the family: January - March 2007 Brad Pitt and adopted son Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt in 2008 at Venice Film Festival. (Getty Images) The Jolie-Pitts became an even stronger unit in March 2007 when Jolie adopted second son Pax in Vietnam, who later took the same surname as his siblings in the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an awkward admission in January's Vogue, Jolie told how the pair had fallen in love while working together on Mr and Mrs Smith. She said: "It took until, really, the end of the shoot for us, I think, to realise that it might mean something more than wed earlier allowed ourselves to believe. And both knowing that the reality of that was a big thing, something that was going to take a lot of serious consideration." Chateau Miraval and the twins: May - July 2008 The vineyards at Chateau Miraval, the location for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's wedding in Correns, France. (PA) In what would become a highly significant moment for their wrangle over the winery, Brangelina rented Chateau Miraval in France in May 2008. Jolie gave birth to their twins, Knox and Vivienne, in July in Nice, making them parents of six. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple bought Chateau Miraval in 2012 and set up their Miraval Wines business which has been a key point of contention in their divorce. They're engaged: April 2012 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at the 2012 Oscars. (Dan MacMedan/WireImage) The couple finally confirmed that they were engaged, although it would be another couple of years until the wedding. Angelina Jolie talks about double mastectomy: May 2013 Jolie opened up on her elective double mastectomy in a New York Times article where she explained that she had made the decision after finding out she was a carrier of the BRCA1 gene. She praised Pitt for being a "loving and supportive partner" and added: "We knew this was the right thing to do for our family and that it would bring us closer. And it has." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2015, she revealed that she had also had her ovaries removed over early warning signs of cancer and again spoke about Pitt's support. Brangelina are married: August 2014 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at the 2014 Oscars. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brangelina finally got married, although there was none of the extravagance of a Hollywood wedding as they held the ceremony at Chateau Miraval with just 20 guests which included their six children. Jolie wore a Versace gown made specially for her that incorporated drawings by all of her children, who took part in the ceremony by walking her down the aisle and acting as flower girls and ring bearers. Later that month, during their honeymoon in Malta the couple worked together for the first time since Mr and Mrs Smith, this time on By the Sea which was written by Jolie. Filing for divorce: September 2016 Both the New York Daily News and the New York Post covers featured a story about the imminent divorce of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in 2016. (Richard B. Levine) The honeymoon period was short-lived, as just two years on from their wedding Jolie filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences and requesting custody of all six children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last few years have featured various legal battles over the custody split, with the children continuing to spend the majority of their time with Jolie. Read more: Angelina Jolie accuses Brad Pitt of physical and emotional abuse on private jet flight (Evening Standard, 4 min read) Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt in 2016 after a private jet flight where she claimed he was abusive towards her and two of their children; Pitt denied the claims. Pitt has since attended Alcoholics Anonymous and says his behaviour never went further than shouting. Angelina Jolie speaks out: September 2021 Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Maddox Jolie-Pitt and Knox Jolie-Pitt at The Eternals UK Premiere in 2021. (WireImage) An interview with The Guardian in September 2021 saw Jolie make some rare comments about the end of her marriage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While explaining that she couldn't say too much as the divorce was ongoing, she said: "Im not the kind of person who makes decisions like the decisions I had to make lightly. It took a lot for me to be in a position where I felt I had to separate from the father of my children." Later in the interview, when asked what the last five years since filing for divorce had taken out of her, she admitted: "I mean, in some ways its been the last decade. Theres a lot I cant say." Chateau Miraval legal battle: October 2021 - Present Chateau Miraval as seen in 2008. (AP) Although the former couple's divorce has finally reached a conclusion after rumbling on for years, it is unclear whether they are still locked in a legal battle that centres on the Chateau Miraval winery. There has been a lot of back and forth over the past couple of years with Jolie apparently selling her shares in the business, Pitt suing her over it, and Pitt being accused of using millions from the winery on home improvements and stripping its assets. However, in the biggest step towards resolving the winery disagreement so far, in July 2023 the former couple agreed to mediation as a way of resolving the dispute rather than it going back to court. Wrangling over the winery continued into 2024, with Jolie's legal team claiming in April that Pitt had refused to allow her to sell her shares in Chateau Miraval to him unless she signed a "more onerous" and "expansive" nondisclosure agreement. Angelina Jolie plans a move: December 2023 Angelina Jolie in Cambodia in 2017. (Getty Images) Jolie is known for her love of travel and had made frequent visits to the home countries of her adopted children over the years. In December 2023, she told The Wall Street Journal about her plans to move to a home she owns in Cambodia, where she adopted her eldest child Maddox. She said: "Its part of what happened after my divorce. I lost the ability to live and travel as freely. I will move when I can." Divorce settlement reached: December 2024 In December 2024, eight years on from Jolie first filing for divorce, she and Pitt finally reached a settlement. Jolie's attorney James Simon told the Associated Press in a statement: "More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr Pitt, and since that time she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family. This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over." Pitt has not yet commented on the divorce settlement. BRAZIL, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The man who was arrested in the middle of October for attacking a woman with a hatchet has a jury trial coming soon. According to court documents, Michael Sheppard has his jury trial scheduled for February 10th, 2025 for the charges of attempted murder, resisting law enforcement, and intimidation. This all after Sheppard attacked a woman wearing a wolf mask and wielding a hatchet. According to the PCA, a Brazil woman attempted to get a protective order against 34-year-old Michael Sheppard on October 11 two weeks after the pair were involved in a physical altercation. After the hearing, Sheppard left the courthouse and returned to the womans home. When she arrived he attacked her with a hatchet outside the home, the affidavit states. Then, while wearing a wolf mask, he entered the home, fought with her mother, and attempted to make contact with a child inside the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman was able to get the child out of harms way and when police arrived they tended to the victim and began to arrest Sheppard who had attempted to take his own life asking the officers to kill him. Sheppard was taken into custody and treated at a hospital in Indianapolis. He is still being held in the Clay County Jail. 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. By Alexander Tanas and Mark Trevelyan CHISINAU (Reuters) -The breakaway Moldovan region of Transdniestria cut heating and hot water supplies to households on Wednesday after Russia stopped supplying gas to central and eastern Europe via Ukraine. The severing of the gas flow was felt immediately in the mainly Russian-speaking territory of about 450,000 people, which split from Moldova in the early 1990s as the Soviet Union collapsed. Russia has about 1,500 troops stationed there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is no heating or hot water," an employee of local energy company Tirasteploenergo told Reuters by phone. She said she did not know how long the situation would last. The gas supply was cut in the early hours of Wednesday following the expiry of a gas transit agreement between warring neighbours Russia and Ukraine. Transdniestria's leader, Vadim Krasnoselsky, said the situation was "not an easy one, but on the whole, we were prepared". He said the cutoff was rooted in a dispute over payment of arrears between Moldova and Russian gas giant Gazprom. "Things will get better. Think about yourself, your family, your loved ones," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flow of Russian gas through Ukraine stopped when Kyiv refused to extend a transit agreement amid the 34-month-old war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday described the end of gas transit as "one of Moscow's biggest defeats". He said it was now Europe's "joint task" to support Moldova "in this period of energy transformation". Russia had been pumping about 2 billion cubic metres of gas per year to Transdniestria, including a power plant that provided energy for the whole of Moldova, a country of 2.5 million people that wants to join the European Union. The ex-Soviet state has a long history of gas payment disputes and tense relations with Russia. CUTTING ENERGY CONSUMPTION Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moldova says it is taking measures to cut its energy consumption by at least a third. It plans to meet 38% of its needs by domestic production, including 10% from renewable energy, and import the remaining 62% from neighbouring Romania. Government spokesman Daniel Voda said on Wednesday that all Moldovan energy consumers were secure, and that the country's thermal power plants were operating normally. He added that Moldova's gas reserves would suffice for the cold period. Voda said, without providing details, that the government supported residents of Transdniestria and was "looking for alternative solutions to provide them with heat and energy". In Transdniestria, the local energy company's website said the cut-off of heating and hot water took effect at 7 a.m. local time, but some facilities such as hospitals were exempt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It urged residents to dress warmly, gather family members together in a single room, hang blankets or thick curtains over windows and balcony doors, and use electric heaters. "It is forbidden to use gas or electric stoves to heat the apartment - this can lead to tragedy," the company said. The temperature in Transdniestria's main city, Tiraspol, was 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit) on Wednesday. Olga, a 42-year-old mother of two who lives in an apartment block in the city, said virtually no heat was coming from the radiators. "We prepared two rooms for this emergency and installed electric fireplaces there for heating, since they promised not to disconnect us from the electricity," she told Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So we will hold on like this, hoping that this whole situation with gas is temporary." Transdniestria's parliament appealed last month to the Kremlin and the Russian parliament to reach a new agreement with Ukraine to enable gas supplies to continue. Moscow said at the time it would protect its citizens and soldiers in Transdniestria. (Reporting by Alexander Tanas in Chisinau and Mark Trevelyan in London; Editing by Alexandra Hudson and Christina Fincher) At least 14 people were killed and 37 injured when a pickup truck was driven into a crowd on Bourbon Street early Jan. 1, 2025, near the intersection of Conti Street. (Photo by Theron Sapp/Courtesy WVUE-TV) NEW ORLEANS The death toll from a terror attack on Bourbon Street was updated to 15 Wednesday afternoon after a pickup truck tore through Bourbon Street where crowds were celebrating the arrival of the New Year in the early hours of the day. The number of people killed was increased from initial reports of 10 after the Orleans Parish Coroners Office confirmed additional fatalities with local hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another 37 people were injured, some of them critically, according to authorities. The driver of the truck, who the FBI identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar of Texas, was killed after a shootout with police in which two officers were wounded, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said. The NOPD officers who were shot were taken to University Medical Center and were in stable condition, according to the police chief. She said the same facility is also treating 26 of the injured people, and the remainder have been taken to other local hospitals. Weapons and a potential IED, or improvised explosive device, were founding inside the truck, and an Islamic State flag was placed atop a pole on the trucks trailer hitch, according to the FBI. Video shows the moment the FBI says Shamsud Din Jabbar raced onto a packed Bourbon Street from Canal Street in a pickup truck with Texas plates and an ISIS flag. https://t.co/P0iWiTX30Z pic.twitter.com/hmeB1tUjpc FOX 8 New Orleans (@FOX8NOLA) January 1, 2025 At around 3:15 a.m., the FBI said Jabbar steered whats believed to be a rental truck around a police barricade at Canal Street meant to keep vehicles off of Bourbon Street and sped into a crowd. The truck sped through nearly three blocks before colliding with a lift vehicle near Conti Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did, Kirkpatrick said. Alethea Duncan, the FBIs assistant special agent in charge for the New Orleans district, said it is believed Jabbar did not act alone, and agents are looking into possible accomplices. A small fire at a house in the St. Roch neighborhood, about 2 miles away from the French Quarter, is being investigated in connection with the terror attack, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill told WDSU-TV. Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies work the scene on Bourbon Street after at least 10 people were killed when a person reportedly drove into the crowd in the early morning hours of New Years Day on Jan. 1, 2025, in New Orleans. Dozens more were injured after a suspect in a rented pickup truck allegedly drove around barricades and through a crowd of New Years revelers on Bourbon Street. The suspect then got out of the car, opened fire on police officers, and was subsequently killed by law enforcement. (Michael DeMocker/Getty Images) Biden, Trump react President Joe Biden addressed the New Orleans terror attack Wednesday evening in a nationwide broadcast from Camp David. He vowed to provide all federal resources necessary to assist in the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jabbar posted videos on social media mere hours before the attack indicating he had been inspired by ISIS, Biden said the FBI informed him. The Bourbon Street incident is not believed to be connected to the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, the president said. A person inside the vehicle was killed and seven people nearby were injured. Law enforcement officials in Las Vegas have yet to label the explosion a terrorist act but said late Wednesday they have not ruled out a possible link to what occurred in New Orleans. Police there consider it an isolated incident. They have determined the name of the person killed but are not releasing it yet. The Tesla Cybertruck was rented in Colorado through Turo, the same smartphone app-based platform that was used to rent the pickup truck used in the New Orleans terror attack, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Wednesday morning post on his Truth Social platform, President-elect Donald Trump said criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country although authorities would later confirm Jabbar was born in the United States. Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department, he added. The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil! Some victims identified One of the people killed has been identified as 18-year-old Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux of Gulfport, Mississippi, The Times-Picayune reported. She had accompanied her cousin and friend to the French Quarter for New Years Eve, her mother said. KLFY-TV in Lafayette has confirmed that Martin Tiger Bech, 28, also died in the terror attack. Bech is a graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic High School who played football at Princeton University. His brother Jack, who played for LSU before transferring to Texas Tech, confirmed his death in an X post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reggie Hunter, 37, of Baton Rouge was also among the fatalities, WAFB-TV reported. The father of two made a last-minute decision to travel to the French Quarter with his cousin, who was also struck by the truck and injured. The Baton Rouge television station also reported that Episcopal High School sent a message to parents Wednesday that said Kareem Badawi, a 2024 graduate, was fatally struck and his classmate, Parker Vidrine, is in critical condition from the attack. Nicole Perez, 27, of Metairie was also killed. The Times-Picayune reported she was the mother of a 4-year-old son and was recently promoted to a manager at the deli where she worked. A spokesperson for Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero confirmed to WVUE-TV that Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, was among those killed in the attack. Gauthreaux graduated from Shaw in 2021 and was remembered as a bright and promising young man, according to the school representative. Protective bollards werent deployed Steel bollards that can block vehicle access were installed along and near Bourbon Street in 2017 to protect pedestrians, but they were not deployed and are in the process of being replaced according to the citys Department of Public Works website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said the bollards were being replaced in advance of the Super Bowl, which New Orleans will host Feb. 9. Kirkpatrick said police vehicles were in place at the bollard sites, but Jabbar was able to drive on the sidewalk around those barriers. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. Bomb squad personnel were seen entering the French Quarter, where the FBI said other potential explosive devices were located. Several small booms were heard blocks away, which City Council members said were controlled detonations to clear possible IEDs. An eight-block stretch of Bourbon Street remains closed to traffic, and some hotels in the French Quarter have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. The public is being asked to avoid a large portion of the historic neighborhood, which typically sees crowds larger than typical weekends for New Years Eve. Hospitality and service industry employees reporting for work Wednesday morning were being turned away from cordoned-off areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Orleans is hosting fans of the University of Georgia and Notre Dame for the Sugar Bowl. The college football playoff quarterfinal was scheduled for Wednesday night at the Superdome, but the game has been postponed until 3 p.m. Thursday. Landry said he planned to attend the Sugar Bowl, emphasizing the event will be held safely, and he will order flags at state buildings flown at half staff in memory of the lives lost Wednesday morning. University of Georgia President Jere Morehead confirmed on social media that a student. from the school was critically injured in the attack and is receiving medical treatment. Multiple news sources reported the Superdome was locked down Wednesday morning for a security sweep. The venue will also host Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a news conference Wednesday afternoon in New Orleans, Gov. Jeff Landry said he has signed an executive order to declare an emergency in order to expedite state resources to New Orleans to assist local and federal investigators. A military police company of 100 soldiers from the Louisiana National Guard is also being assigned to New Orleans, the governor said. Texas authorities respond Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick confirmed that Jabbar has been living in the Houston area, the Texas Tribune reported. In a statement, the FBIs Houston office said it was conducting law enforcement activity with the Harris County Sheriffs Office near the intersection of Hugh Road and Crescent Peak Drive, the north Houston intersection where Jabbars most recent known address was located. This story was updated throughout the day with new information. WATCH: You see a group of law enforcement officers run from Bourbon & St Peter towards Canal. About 30 seconds later you see 3 more LSP troopers whip around the corner. This is from Earth Cams live feed from the Cats Meow. https://t.co/TaysJ9BhUE @WAFB pic.twitter.com/zebKye1jYH lizkohTV (@lizkohTV) January 1, 2025 A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene. I urge all near the scene to avoid the area. Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) January 1, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Statement from the FBI on the situation in New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/B3TskTJyUc FBI (@FBI) January 1, 2025 Many of us woke up this morning to devastating news of the brutal intentional slaughter of innocent people celebrating the New Year in New Orleans. Im praying for the victims and their families and will ensure they get justice for this appalling act. Please avoid the immediate Attorney General Liz Murrill (@AGLizMurrill) January 1, 2025 At least 10 people were killed and 35 injured when a pickup truck was driven into a crowd on Bourbon Street early Jan. 1, 2025, near the intersection of Conti Street. (Photo by Theron Sapp/Courtesy WVUE-TV) NEW ORLEANS The death toll from a suspected terror attack on Bourbon Street was updated to 15 Wednesday afternoon after a pickup truck tore through Bourbon Street where crowds were celebrating the arrival of the New Year in the early hours of the day. The number of people killed was increased from initial reports of 10 after the Orleans Parish Coroners Office confirmed additional fatalities with local hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another 35 people were injured, some of them critically, according to authorities. The driver of the truck, who the FBI identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was killed after a shootout with police in which two officers were wounded, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said. Weapons and a potential IED, or improvised explosive device, were founding inside the truck, and an ISIS flag was placed atop a pole on the trucks trailer hitch, according to the FBI. The police officers who were shot were taken to University Medical Center and were in stable condition, according to the police chief. She said the same facility is also treating 26 of the injured people, and others have been taken to other local hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At around 3:15 a.m., the FBI said Jabbar steered whats believed to be a rental truck around a police barricade at Canal Street meant to keep vehicles off of Bourbon Street and sped into a crowd. The truck sped through nearly three blocks before colliding with a lift vehicle near Conti Street. He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did, Kirkpatrick said. Alethea Duncan, the FBIs assistant special agent in charge for the New Orleans district, said it is believed Jabbar did not act alone, and agents are looking into possible accomplices. A small fire at a house in the St. Roch neighborhood, about 2 miles away from the French Quarter, is being investigated in connection with the terror attack, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill told WDSU-TV. Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies work the scene on Bourbon Street after at least ten people were killed when a person allegedly drove into the crowd in the early morning hours of New Years Day on January 1, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Michael DeMocker/Getty Images) Some victims identified One of the people killed has been identified as 18-year-old Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux of Gulfport, Mississippi, The Times-Picayune reported. She had accompanied her cousin and friend to the French Quarter for New Years Eve, her mother said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KLFY-TV in Lafayette has confirmed that Martin Tiger Bech, 28, also died in the terror attack. Bech is a graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic High School who played football at Princeton University. His brother Jack, who played for LSU before transferring to Texas Tech, confirmed his death in an X post. Reggie Hunter, 37, of Baton Rouge was also among the fatalities, WAFB-TV reported. The father of two made a last-minute decision to travel to the French Quarter with his cousin, who was also struck by the truck and injured. The Baton Rouge television station also reported that Episcopal High School sent a message to parents Wednesday that said Kareem Badawi, a 2024 graduate, was fatally struck and his classmate, Parker Vidrine, is in critical condition from the attack. Nicole Perez, 27, of Metairie was also killed. The Times-Picayune reported she was the mother of a 4-year-old son and was recently promoted to a manager at the deli where she worked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero confirmed to WVUE-TV that Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, was among those killed in the attack. Gauthreaux graduated from Shaw in 2021 and was remembered as a bright and promising young man, according to the school representative. Protective bollards werent deployed Steel bollards that can block vehicle access were installed along and near Bourbon Street in 2017 to protect pedestrians, but they were not deployed and are in the process of being replaced according to the citys Department of Public Works website. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said the bollards were being replaced in advance of the Super Bowl, which New Orleans will host Feb. 9. Kirkpatrick said police vehicles were in place at the bollard sites, but Jabbar was able to drive on the sidewalk around those barriers. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. Bomb squad personnel were seen entering the French Quarter, where the FBI said other potential explosive devices were located. Several small booms were heard blocks away, which City Council members said were controlled detonations to clear possible IEDs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An eight-block stretch of Bourbon Street remains closed to traffic, and some hotels in the French Quarter have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. The public is being asked to avoid a large portion of the historic neighborhood, which typically sees crowds larger than typical weekends for New Years Eve. Hospitality and service industry employees reporting for work Wednesday morning were being turned away from cordoned-off areas. New Orleans is hosting fans of the University of Georgia and Notre Dame for the Sugar Bowl. The college football playoff quarterfinal was scheduled for Wednesday night at the Superdome, but the game has been postponed until 3 p.m. Thursday. Landry said he planned to attend the Sugar Bowl, emphasizing the event will be held safely, and he will order flags at state buildings flown at half staff in memory of the lives lost Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement University of Georgia President Jere Morehead confirmed on social media that a student. from the school was critically injured in the attack and is receiving medical treatment. Multiple news sources reported the Superdome was locked down Wednesday morning for a security sweep. The venue will also host Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9. At a news conference Wednesday afternoon in New Orleans, Gov. Jeff Landry said he has signed an executive order to declare an emergency in order to expedite state resources to New Orleans to assist local and federal investigators. A military police company of 100 soldiers from the Louisiana National Guard is also being assigned to New Orleans, the governor said. Texas authorities respond Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick confirmed that Jabbar has been living in the Houston area, the Texas Tribune reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the FBIs Houston office said it was conducting law enforcement activity with the Harris County Sheriffs Office near the intersection of Hugh Road and Crescent Peak Drive, the north Houston intersection where Jabbars most recent known address was located. Biden, Trump respond President Joe Biden addressed the New Orleans terror attack Wednesday evening in a nationwide broadcast from Camp David. He vowed to provide all federal resources necessary to assist in the investigation. Jabbar posted videos on social media mere hours before the attack indicating he had been inspired by ISIS, Biden said the FBI informed him. The Bourbon Street incident is not believed to be connected to the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, the president said. A person inside the vehicle was killed and seven people nearby were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement officials in Las Vegas have yet to label the explosion a terrorist act but said late Wednesday they have not ruled out a possible link to what occurred in New Orleans. Police there consider it an isolated incident. They have determined the name of the person killed but are not releasing it yet. The Tesla Cybertruck was rented in Colorado through Turo, the same smartphone app-based platform that was used to rent the pickup truck used in the New Orleans terror attack, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said. In a Wednesday morning post on his Truth Social platform, President-elect Donald Trump said criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country although authorities would later confirm Jabbar was born in the United States. Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department, he added. The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article was updated throughout the day with new information. WATCH: You see a group of law enforcement officers run from Bourbon & St Peter towards Canal. About 30 seconds later you see 3 more LSP troopers whip around the corner. This is from Earth Cams live feed from the Cats Meow. https://t.co/TaysJ9BhUE @WAFB pic.twitter.com/zebKye1jYH lizkohTV (@lizkohTV) January 1, 2025 A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene. I urge all near the scene to avoid the area. Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) January 1, 2025 Statement from the FBI on the situation in New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/B3TskTJyUc FBI (@FBI) January 1, 2025 Statement from the Sugar Bowl Committee pic.twitter.com/OmatGg9h4y Allstate Sugar Bowl (@SugarBowlNola) January 1, 2025 Like the SC Daily Gazette, Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com. Former Titusville, Florida, Police Officer Josh Payne has been sentenced to five years probation after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the death of a man he mistook for a domestic violence suspect. James Lowery ran away when Payne tried to arrest him. Payne chased him with his Taser in one hand and his gun in the other, in violation of department policy. He then fired both weapons, and a bullet struck Lowery in the back of the head. Lowery's family pleaded for a felony conviction, but the judge only sentenced Payne to probation. Payne must also permanently give up his law enforcement certification and pay $18,000 for Lowery's funeral expenses. The post Brickbat: Double Down appeared first on Reason.com. LOS ANGELES (KTLA) Police and prosecutors in California will have new tools to combat smash-and-grab theft and other types of property crime once the calendar turns to 2025. A series of laws enacted by the legislature and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom will take effect on Jan. 1. They include new methods for calculating the value of stolen goods to meet felony charges, lowering the threshold for police to make arrests for shoplifting, and increasing sentences. Californias new laws tackle todays biggest emerging challenges head-on, Newsom said in a statement on Monday. Were strengthening public safety, building more housing, and providing more resources for our communities. These practical reforms protect what matters most while creating more opportunities for all Californians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 security guards shot by shoplifting suspect at downtown Los Angeles mall Retail theft is estimated to cost California businesses $20 billion annually. AB 2943 by Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Los Angeles) allows the aggregation of stolen property values from multiple victims or across different counties to meet the $950 felony grand theft threshold. SB 905 by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) permits the cumulative value of property stolen from vehicles over several incidents to be used to charge someone with automotive property theft for resale. AB 2943 grants officers the authority to arrest individuals for shoplifting based on probable cause, even if the officer did not witness the crime. Three men were caught on video smashing display cases at an Irvine jewelry store on Aug. 1, 2023. (Irvine Police Department) Furthermore, AB 2943 extends the probation period for shoplifting and petty theft from one year to two years and provides an option for defendants under 25 to enter rehabilitative programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AB 3209 by Asm. Marc Berman (D-Palo Alto) authorizes courts to issue retail theft restraining orders, which can ban individuals convicted of certain retail crimes from entering the affected stores or their other locations for up to two years. AB 2943 introduces a new offense, punishable by up to three years in jail, for possessing stolen goods worth more than $950 with the intent to sell, exchange or return them. This law simplifies prosecution by eliminating the need to prove the defendant knew the goods were stolen. AB 1802 by Asm. Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) removes the expiration date for the crime of organized retail theft and the regional property crimes task force. AB 2943 also extends, until Jan. 1, 2031, the law preventing suspects of organized retail theft from being released on a simple promise to appear in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 1416 by Sen. Josh Newman (D-Grand Terrace) mandates enhanced sentencing for large-scale property resale operations. AB 1972 by Asm. Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) includes cargo theft in the list of property crimes that regional property crimes task forces can address. SB 1242 by Sen. Dave Min (now member-elect of the U.S. House of Representatives) imposes stricter penalties on thieves who set fires to aid in organized retail theft. AB 1960 by Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) mandates additional sentencing for crimes involving the theft, damage or destruction of property valued over $50,000 during a felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 905 by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) closes the loophole that allowed automotive property thefts through locked doors. SB 1144 by Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Alameda) requires online platforms to gather information on all high-volume third-party sellers to combat the sale of stolen goods. AB 1779 by Asm. Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) allows theft charges and related offenses from different counties to be consolidated into a single criminal case. AB 2943 ensures that retailers are not penalized for repeatedly reporting incidents of retail theft. Newsom signed these bills into law in August before California voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36, which allows for felony charges for possessing certain drugs and for thefts under $950 if the defendant has two prior drug or theft convictions. 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. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: P. Floyd/Daily Express/Getty Images Legendary radio DJ Johnnie Walker has died at the age of 79, just two months after announcing his retirement from broadcasting due to ill health. The news was confirmed by his BBC Radio colleague Bob Harris, who had taken over the Sounds Of The 70s show after Walker's retirement. "We've heard from Tiggy Walker [Walker's wife] that Johnnie Walker has passed away," said Harris. "I've known Johnnie since the 1960s, when I first started listening to him on pirate radio, and we know what an incredible, warm, wonderful broadcaster he was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We also know how passionate he was about his music, and he went out on a limb many times to defend the music that he loved, and he was passionate about radio. And as the 60s moved into the 70s, he and I became increasingly close friends, a friendship that endured right up to the present day." Walker made his name on Radio Caroline, the pirate station based on a former Danish passenger ferry moored in the North Sea, just outside the UK radio authority's three-mile jurisdiction. Walker's 9pm-to-midnight show included such risque features as Frinton Flashers, wherein he communicated with listeners in their cars on shore by asking them to flash their headlights in response to his questions, and the 10oclock Turn On, in which a particularly lascivious slice of soul or bluesy rock was played. It was a bit like The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Walker says in his autobiography. [Radio] London was The Beatles slick and neat, the radio station you could take home to your mother for tea. Caroline was definitely the Stones scruffy, anarchic, non-conformist and rebellious It was there to give freedom and expression to the creative artistic explosion that was the Sixties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walker joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969 but left for the US in 1975, where he worked at KSAN in San Francisco, KPFA in Berkeley, California and WHFS in Bethesda, Maryland, before returning to the UK in the early 1980s. He returned to Radio 1 in 1987, and began hosting a show on London station GLR the following year. Fired after announcing that people would be "dancing in the streets" following the resignation of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, he went on to work for BBC Five and was involved in the early broadcasts of fledgling London alternative music station Xfm. Further stints at Radio 1 and Radio 2 followed, and he hosted Sounds of the 70s and The Rock Show until his retirement. He had been battling the lung disease pulmonary fibrosis. Walker's last broadcast was in October, when he signed off from The Rock Show by saying, "'[It's] going to be very strange not to be on the wireless anymore. Also, by the same token, life will be slightly less of a strain really, trying to find the breath in order to do the programmes. "Thank you for being with me all these years and take good care of yourself and those you love and may we walk into the future with our heads held high and happiness in our hearts. God bless you." "He remained his charming, humorous self to the end, what a strong amazing man," says Tiggy Walker. "It has been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. And if I may say - what a day to go. He'll be celebrating New Year's Eve with a stash of great musicians in heaven. One year on from his last live show. God bless that extraordinary husband of mine who is now in a place of peace." Buc-ees wont open its Alamance County travel center for a few years, but anticipation is high and at least one wacky billboard reminds drivers its coming soon to an exit off Interstate 85/40. Since the Mebane City Council approved the project for 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road (Exit 152) in January 2024, theres been a lot of planning for the thousands of cars that will be arriving at the destination travel center. The city is still going through construction drawings, and building permits havent been awarded yet, Mebane spokeswoman Kelly Hunter said in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the first Buc-ees in North Carolina, the travel center will transform the citys western edge, which has stayed mostly rural, despite a 14.5% growth in Mebanes population since 2020. The city has just over 20,000 people. Most of the growth has been to the east, in Orange County, and on the southern border. The changes along Trollinger-Hawfields Road have been driven so far by millions of square feet in warehouses and distribution centers at the N.C. Commerce Park, including Walmart, Amazon, UPS and Lidl. Another 400,000 square feet is already cleared for industry next door to the Buc-ees site. In December, the city council approved the first shopping center on the northeastern corner of Trollinger-Hawfields Road and I-85/40. When will Buc-ees open? Not until late 2026 or early 2027. Until then, Triangle residents can get their Beaver Nuggets fix off Interstate 95 in Florence, South Carolina, or off Interstates 40 and 66 in Sevierville, Tennessee, just north of Pigeon Forge. Late next summer, another Buc-ees will open in Mount Crawford, Virginia. What to expect? The 74,000-square-foot store will be less than half the size of Mebanes Walmart Supercenter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The store will sell local products alongside Buc-ees traditional fare, from a wall of jerky to brisket and themed merchandise. An interactive kiosk will introduce visitors to other places they can visit in Mebane. The 32-acre travel center will be one of the largest Buc-ees in the United States, with 120 gas pumps (60 fueling stations), over 650 parking spaces, and 24 electric vehicle charging stations, with the potential for more. Tractor-trailer trucks wont be allowed, but two older travel centers with truck stops are nearby. Sliced brisket sandwiches are a popular item at Buc-ees in Florence, SC. Buc-ees is the worlds largest convenience store, a Texas-born phenomenon with a cult-like following. What jobs and salaries will it bring? Buc-ees will hire about 225 full-time workers when it opens and could add more jobs over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typical pay starts at $18 an hour for cashiers, bathroom attendants and warehouse staff. Food service workers can start at $21, with management earning $25 an hour and up. Full-time employees also get benefits: health insurance, three weeks of paid vacation, and a 401(k). Buc-ees sells fresh-made food, in addition to the usual roadside snacks, like these made to go tacos. How will Buc-ees change the community? Existing businesses could lose some highway travelers they now serve, but Buc-ees will bring more people to the exit, officials have said. About 80% of Buc-ees visitors roughly 5 million a year travel 50 miles or more to reach a store, company officials said. Its already attracting developers. A Koury Corp. project was approved Dec. 3 for land nearby. It will bring 299,565 square feet of retail and restaurants, four standalone outparcel sites, an office and medical campus, and 683 apartments and townhomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duke Health is building a medical office between I-85/40 and the Koury site. A hotel, retail and office project is under construction now behind the Lowes on N.C. 119, which is through the woods from Buc-ees. Lowes Boulevard could be extended to connect with Trollingwood-Hawfields Road in the future. A largely vacant stretch of Trollinger-Hawfields Road in Mebane could be transformed as a shopping center and more businesses and homes are built near the future Buc-ees Travel Center, located just across the interstate. How will Mebane handle the traffic? NCDOT data showed roughly 10,000 trips a day on Trollingwood-Hawfields Road in 2019. Buc-ees could add another 1,000 to 1,500 trips during peak weekday hours, and nearly 2,300 trips at peak hours on Saturdays, a traffic study found. A project to expand the bridge across I-40/85 and add more travel lanes could start in the spring and take about two years, NCDOT project team leader Brian Ketner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Travel lanes could shift during the project to allow work in the medians, but shutdowns and detours arent expected, he said. The project could cost about $38.7 million. Buc-ees will pay $10 million of that cost, Ketner said. The state was already planning to do roadwork on Trollinger-Hawfields Road. Are people excited about Buc-ees? Not everyone. The Texas-based travel center has a loyal following, and some fans make regular treks to grab snacks, take pictures with the Buc-ees beaver and experience the award-winning bathrooms, which have dedicated cleaning staff. However, a petition opposing the Mebane project had over 1,600 signatures and dozens of people spoke against it at public hearings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concerns included more traffic, lights and noise; how stormwater runoff might harm nearby Back Creek, which feeds into the Haw River; and how much of the water supply it would use. The original project, at the Efland interstate exit in Orange County, raised similar concerns. It was pulled after the Orange County commissioners asked Buc-ees to consider a smaller plan. BUFFALO N.Y. (WIVB) Buffalo police say a new tool in its fleet helped rescue a man in South Buffalo from freezing in the cold. The police department received a new tethered drone thanks to a $50,000 grant from the state. It has infrared capabilities, high definition camera. Its a significant investment, said Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia. Not even 12 hours after getting the new technology, the Buffalo Police Department put it to use. Police deployed the drone to find a man missing somewhere in Cazenovia Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was brought to our attention that this was a missing vulnerable person, Gramaglia said. Officials say the man left Mercy Hospital on December 20th and was last seen walking toward the park. The weather that day created a challenge for officers. If we recall it was cold and snowing. Definitely freezing temperatures, Gramaglia said. However, in a matter of minutes, the drone picked up a heat source in a wooded area using infrared technology. We located this missing vulnerable person who was hunkered down on the ground with some leaves and was beginning to be covered in snow, Gramaglia said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say the technology helped save the persons life. We may not have found that individual in time, Gramaglia said. Theres a lot of discussion on drones. We want to make sure that theyre used responsibly but there also is a life saving mechanism to drones that proves its effectiveness right off the bat. Latest Local News Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work. 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. CHICAGO (KELO) Former SDSU standout Caleb Thielbar signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs. The lefty reliever played eight seasons with the Twins from 2013-15 and 2020-24. The 37-year-old from Minnesota boasts a 3.38 career ERA. He matched a career high for appearances last season when he saw action in 59 games for the Twins. He went 2-4 with 5.32 ERA in 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 KELOLAND.com. (KTXL) Many Californians can look back at their time growing up and remember spending hours after school bogged down in homework, but one lawmaker hopes to change that for the next generation. When the bell rings and the school day is over, for students like Sofia Johnson, the day is nowhere near over. The sixth-grader blames that on hours spent doing homework. California bill to ban large loads of homework in public schools considered Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homework is exhausting. Its overwhelming, Johnson said. Its depressing that my whole day from when I wake up to when I go to bed is taken up doing school work. Thats why Johnsons mother, assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clara) says she authored AB 2999, also known as The Healthy Homework Act. It was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom earlier this year to take effect in 2025. The legislation will not ban homework, but it formally encourages local school boards and educational agencies to establish homework policies that consider impacts on students physical and mental health all with input from parents, teachers, and students themselves. California raises dollar limit for home projects that do not require licensed contractors Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its addressing homework, which is the top stressor for kids, Schiavo said. Its often number one. The new law comes as a survey of more than 300,000 American students conducted by Stanford University and the nonprofit organization Challenge Success found that 45% of students say workload and homework are their number one source of stress. The average time spent on homework each night was 2.5 hours across the 13,000 California high school students who took the survey. I just toured a school in my district where they talked about how they are trying to reduce the kids who are missing school or dropping out of school. The top reason they hear is because kids are getting behind, Schiavo said. They just get into a hole when you miss homework. You have homework the next day, you are trying to catch up from the old homework too much homework can overwhelm them. Schiavo said the bill was also tailored around equity something California teacher of the year Casy Cuny believes is crucial, noting students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may not have access to resources at home like high-speed internet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A childs grade should not be dependent on the resources they have at home to do the homework, Cuny said. I truly believe the resources should be dependent on the learning that takes space in the classroom with the professional. Thats why I support this bill because in the end, it will be whats best for kids. The legislation calls for the California Department of Education to put homework guidelines on its website for the upcoming year. It also requires school districts to come up with a homework policy by the start of the 2027 school year. It has no formal opposition. 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. California insurers will be required to sell coverage in wildfire-prone regions that have seen an insurer exodus in recent years, state Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced Monday. Under the new regulations, companies must make their services available in high-risk areas to do business in the state, the first such requirement in California history. Insurers must write policies covering at least 85 percent of their statewide market share in those vulnerable regions, increasing such coverage by 5 percent increments every two years until they reach that threshold, Lara said. The commissioners office said the requirement will be limited to California, so in-state consumers will not be on the hook for the insurance costs of other high-risk areas, like the Gulf Coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lara said the rule aims to keep insurers from model-shopping, the practice of using a higher-rate model for consumers and a separate model that lowers reinsurance costs for the insurers. Under the California regulations, insurers will be required to use a single model. Californians deserve a reliable insurance market that doesnt retreat from communities most vulnerable to wildfires and climate change, Lara said in a statement. This is a historic moment for California. My Sustainable Insurance Strategy is focused on addressing the challenges we face today and building a resilient insurance market for the future. With input from thousands of residents throughout California, this reform balances protecting consumers with the need to strengthen our market against climate risks. The rule comes as a flood of insurers has pulled out of California, which has seen intensifying wildfires and drought conditions in recent years, as well as Florida, which has been battered by coastal hurricanes while also facing unique vulnerabilities in the form of fraud rates and heavy litigation. In 2023, Farmers announced a moratorium on new policies in the Sunshine State, the 15th insurer to do so over an 18-month period, and State Farm, Californias biggest homeowners insurer, did the same in the Golden State. 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. One of the hardest-fought political battles in 2024 happened inside California's Capitol between a group of grieving parents who lost their kids to fentanyl and a handful of powerful politicians who were opposed to increasing criminal penalties. This year-long investigation, led by CBS News California investigative correspondent Julie Watts, combines gripping statehouse investigative reporting with groundbreaking AI-assisted data journalism from our partners at CalMatters, to provide an unprecedented look at how California's one-party supermajority legislature systematically avoids transparency and accountability by killing controversial legislation without voting on the record. Chapter 1: Unintentional Activists Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They fought for fentanyl legislation, but it was killed before lawmakers even got to vote. Four grieving moms wanted to know why. We begin with their uncovering of the truth using a new AI tool designed to help everyday Californians hold lawmakers accountable. Chapter 2: Playing politics with Alexandra's memory In 2024, CalMatters' new Digital Democracy Database gave us the tools to analyze hundreds of thousands of votes and dozens of hours of legislative hearings in ways that simply weren't possible before. However, it was Alexandra's Law that gave us a case study exposing California's supermajority politics at its best, or worst, depending on who you ask. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you ask Alexandra's parents, they'll tell you lawmakers used their daughter as a political pawn. Chapter 3: A False Sense of Security While California lawmakers would not increase criminal penalties for fentanyl, they did decriminalize fentanyl test strips, which were considered drug paraphilia until 2022. Along with Narcan, state law now requires test strips on college campuses. However, as fentanyl test strips are normalized, our testing found that test strips alone can provide a false sense of security. That is one of the many lessons learned from the increasing number of fentanyl death investigations Lessons grieving parents and law enforcement hope you'll share. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Truck used in New Orleans attack was flying large black flag from rear bumper, authorities say Suspect identified in deadly New Orleans truck attack Suspected driver who slammed truck into New Orleans crowd is dead, sources say (COLORADO SPRINGS) The holidays are notorious for offering a helping hand, one local non-profit in the Pikes Peak region is asking for donations to meet their community goal. Our goal is 1.2 million and were a little bit behind on that right now, said Victoria Norton the executive director of Give! This years Give! campaign is underway in the Pikes Peak region, and they need help meeting their 2024 goal. So, we would love the support of our community to get us across the finish line, said Norton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say they a just under five hundred thousand dollars short. We just have a couple of days left to raise money for our nonprofits, she added. The annual fundraiser helps highlight and raise money for non-profits throughout the region. We have 11 different categories of nonprofits that we work with, so you can go to the website, learn about the work that they do, and you can donate to multiple nonprofits in one transaction, said Norton. The campaign raises money for 65 local non-profit organizations. Our goal is to inspire philanthropy in our community and to support our local nonprofit community. We partner with local nonprofits who make an impact right here where we live, and we give them a year in fund raising platform that they can use, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norton says size doesnt matter. Theres no specific requirement of how big you have to be as a nonprofit. We have little ones, we have really big ones, said Norton. She says the average donation size is around one-hundred thirty-five dollars, but they say anything helps. One of the things that we really I believe in, is investing in the next generation of philanthropists. So, sometimes we have this idea that philanthropy is done by people who are billionaires, said Norton. For more information on how to donate, click on the link 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 FOX21 News Colorado. The City of Las Vegas set up a barricade at a homeless encampment. (Michael Lyle/Nevada Current) This is the first in a three-part series on the national rise in local camping bans and restrictions since the Supreme Court ruling on homeless camping. A man is sleeping on the ground next to a bus stop wrapped in a blanket when he is spotted by a police officer. A City of Las Vegas Marshal notices the 55-year-old while patrolling near the Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas on a recent November morning, according to the police report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officer James Blaisure determines the man is unhoused and violating an expanded ban passed by the city council earlier in the month that restricts camping or lodging citywide even if there arent available shelter beds. The officer sees the mans walker covered in clothes next to him as he sleeps. Blaisure unwraps his blanket and tells him he cannot sleep there. The man is asked if he has been to the Courtyard Homeless Resource Center, roughly a mile away that can accommodate up to 550 people with a sleeping mat at night. He tells the officer he was going to make his way over there eventually, according to the police report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the second time in a week that officers had warned him for the same offense camping or lodging without consent, a misdemeanor that could carry a $1,000 fine. Experts and advocates suspect such encounters are on the rise following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June that cities dont violate the 8th Amendments restriction on cruel and unusual punishment when they criminalize those experiencing homelessness for sleeping outside even if there arent other adequate accommodations for them to go. The National Homeless Law Center tracked cities that have passed anti-homeless camping bans or expanded existing camping bans to make them more punitive since the high courts decision. It found 99 ordinances were passed in 26 states that restrict unhoused people from sleeping and camping, according to data it provided to States Newsroom in November. Another 66 ordinances were pending at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But with homelessness rising, driven by the lack of affordable housing, low wages, and limited access to social services among other factors, advocates say the court decision stands to worsen an issue that has become more politicized in recent years. Every bill is a little bit different, said Jesse Rabinowitz, the communications and campaign director for the National Homelessness Law Center. The main two things they all have in common are that none of them solve homelessness and all of them will make homelessness worse. A full report from the law center on recent criminalization trends is expected to be released in early 2025. Roughly a third of all camping bans the National Homeless Law Center has tracked since July were passed in California, the state with the largest homeless population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois had the second highest with 13 ordinances, all that featured language crafted by the Illinois Municipal League. Eric Tars, senior policy director at the National Homeless Law Center, said there is a common refrain across cities adopting ordinances with local officials saying its not our intent to criminalize people experiencing homelessness. The camping bans passed in Illinois cities start with a $75 fine, a hefty price for someone experiencing homelessness. The cost can increase each time. Violating camping bans could result in a $50 fine in Merced, California and a $100 fine in Phoenix, Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A West Virginia city expanded a ban in September, prohibiting camping and storing personal property in public spaces, West Virginia Watch reported. Morgantown officials set penalties ranging from fines of $200 to $300 for second and third offenses as well as possible jail time. Kinsburg, California has fines up to $500. Similar to Las Vegas fine, ordinances passed in some California cities like Fresno, Indio and Hemet could come with up to $1,000 fines. Las Vegas City Marshals, which oversee public safety and enforcement on city-owned property, issued citations to three unhoused people sleeping near the Fremont Street Experience in November. In addition to a potential $1,000 fine, the 55-year-old man also faces up to six months in jail after his 2025 court date. In an email, a Las Vegas official said that its up to the judge to decide whether to implement the full amount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unhoused people who are arrested under many of these new ordinances could also face jail time ranging from 10 days to a year, the law center reported. In the Illinois cities that passed similar camping bans, jail time is possible if someone violates the ordinances more than six times in a two-year period. Not all the bans tracked in the last five months are new, but some have been amended to be more restrictive following the Supreme Court ruling, according to the law center. Cities including Las Vegas; Oceanside, California; Paso Robles, California; Bremerton, Washington; and Auburn, Washington all updated existing camping and sleeping bans in recent months to remove provisions that prevented enforcement if shelter beds werent available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When passing these ordinances, Tars said officials often try to assuage their conscience and say things like we want to push them into services or were working on other shelters. Things like those will take longer, if ever, he said. The camping ban they pass goes into effect immediately. Even without those services theyre already moving toward enforcement. Thats the only piece they prioritize. That really tells you what their priorities are. Public pressure to do more The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development found that nationally 654,104 people experienced homelessness on a single night in 2023, a 12% increase from the previous year. The numbers are largely viewed as an under count as the method of counting individuals on a single January night comes with challenges and an already transient population can easily fall through the cracks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marcy Thompson, vice president for programs and policy at the National Alliance to End Homelessness, said data doesnt give a full picture of homelessness. If you just look at that data, its easy to assume that things arent working and that homelessness response systems arent doing their job, or that resources arent being spent appropriately, Thompson said. What you dont see in those numbers are things like, how many people are becoming homeless each year for the first time. Low wages not keeping up with the cost of rent, the lack of access to health care and mental health resources and systemic racism have all contributed to the homeless crisis, she said. On the list of policy issues that contribute to homelessness, Thompson said the lack of affordable and available housing nationwide is at the top. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed into law by President Joe Biden, provided cities and states with an historic, one-shot infusion of flexible dollars that some used to address housing shortages or stand up homeless resources. Lauren Lowery, the Housing and Community Development director with the National League of Cities, said those funds resulted in $6.7 billion for housing-related expenditures, which is like over 10 years of the home investment block grant. ARPA dollars were very significant about helping cities to address those at risk for homelessness and those experiencing homelessness as well, she said. But the investments, while significant, were never enough, Thompson said. There isnt sufficient housing, she said. As homelessness becomes more visible, theres often a lot of public pressure to do something. The law center said of the 187 cities previously surveyed in recent years they found that each one had at least one, if not multiple, laws criminalizing homelessness in some form, Tars said. In 2023, Georgia lawmakers passed a bill that mandates local governments to enforce ordinances prohibiting unauthorized public camping and sleeping on sidewalks and other public spaces, the Georgia Recorder reported. The measure also requires an audit of how public funding is used for programs to help people experiencing homelessness. Gov. Bill Lee allowed a Tennessee law banning camping on public property to take effect without his signature in 2022, calling for the need to seek solutions to address homelessness, the Tennessee Lookout reported. Almost nowhere in America can you do all of the activities that you and I do every day and take for granted, Tars said. Eating, sleeping, resting, sitting. Were all sitting right now. If we were doing that and we were homeless and doing that outside in a public space, it might be considered a crime. There were attempts to limit punitive measures. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed Republican-sponsored legislation in 2023 that would have made it illegal for unhoused persons to camp in public spaces. And the Missouri Supreme Court struck down that states public camping ban on a technicality. An appellate court in 2022 ruled in favor of unhoused people who sought to overturn city ordinances passed in Grants Pass, Oregon, that restricted and fined people for sleeping and camping in public even though there arent other places to go. Many Western cities within the jurisdiction of the court submitted amicus briefs the following year asking the Supreme Court to overturn the decision. Many argued their hands were tied to address homelessness because of the federal courts ruling. Anit Jindal, an attorney representing the League of Oregon Cities, wrote in a brief that the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals decision limits the tools available to local governments for tackling this complex and troubling human issue. When we talk to cities about the need to build housing or the need to fund outreach or services, they say cities cant move quickly because government is slow, Rabinowitz said. They have moved very, very quickly to pass these bills that make homelessness worse. Even as the federal courts ruling stood, cities carried out encampment removals and adopted carefully worded ordinances to criminalize sleeping in a public right of way but only when shelter beds werent available. In a 6-3 ruling this June, the Supreme Court reversed Johnson v. City of Grants Pass paving a way for cities to adopt camping and sleeping restrictions. In a statement to States Newsroom, Jeff Olivet, executive director of U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, said cities are facing a difficult decision when it comes to the rising number of encampments. Encampments raise significant, legitimate concerns about the health and safety of neighborhoods and local businesses, he said. However, the criminalization of homelessness is ineffective, expensive, and inhumane. Housing and health care, not handcuffs and fines, solve homelessness. An uncertain future In the days following his re-election, Republican Donald Trump vowed in his second term to use every tool, lever and authority to get the homeless off our streets. Trump proposed an urban camping ban. He said he would open up large parcels of inexpensive land and create tent cities where the homeless can be relocated and their problems identified. He plans to bring in doctors, social workers and job rehab specialists. The threat of a national camping ban from Trump isnt new and something he spoke about during his first term. Before the Grants Pass decision, the 9th Circuit ruled in the 2018 case Martin v. Boise that cities cant punish people for sleeping on the streets if there isnt any alternative shelter. The Supreme Court declined to review the case in 2019. Tars said the courts decision might have prevented Trump from pursuing aggressive plans toward pressuring cities to enact punitive measures toward the unhoused. Now that the Supreme Court has overturned the Martin v. Boise principle in the Grants Pass case, that has basically paved the way for him to pick up right where he left off, only bigger, better and worse, Tars said. There are still mounting questions around what legal authority Trump would have federally to criminalize homelessness. Thompson said there are other ways the federal response to homelessness and the housing crisis could change in a second Trump term. When awarding grants, HUD gives points to communities who are demonstrating that they are not criminalizing homelessness, she said. Another administration could choose to take those points away or offer those points for something else, right? she added. HUD isnt the only department that could change how it approaches homelessness. Weve seen the Department of Justice over the years provide guidance around the importance of not criminalizing, Thompson added. Weve seen guidance around good first responder and community partnerships that are housing focused from Department of Justice. Weve seen them speak out against community and state level tactics that have been enforced. Those guidances, she added, could change and push more punitive tactics. Even who is appointed to agencies could impact the direction the federal government takes to address homelessness, Rabinowitz said. The 2019 pick to head the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, Robert Marbut, had been against housing first strategy. While it is still unclear about a second Trump administration, Rabinowitz said early indicators show that Trump could force more people into homelessness by gutting further the social safety net. Once people are homeless, they (Trump administration) have no plan to address it other than literally rounding people up and putting them in detention camps, he added. Little daylight between Republicans, Dems Although many are worried about what a more punitive approach to homelessness could look like under Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress, Tars said its not just Republicans who have embraced harsh stances toward the unhoused. Democratic mayors, governors, people who should know better, are aligning themselves with the same position that Trump is taking, he said. One example Tars points to is Californias Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who signed an executive order less than a month after the Supreme Court decision around encampments. The directive orders state agencies to remove an encampment if they determine it poses an imminent threat to life, health, safety or infrastructure and if feasible to remove the encampment. The order requires notices be posted 48 hours prior to an encampment removal. Following the directive, Newsom said there is now no excuse not to clean out encampments. Tars warned moving people out of encampments isnt easy, especially if there isnt enough housing or shelter space for people to go. He warned the method to remove people could lead to more people ending up in jail. Rabinowitz said Newsoms push to clear out encampments shows theres often little daylight between what Democrats like (Gov.) Gavin Newsom and what far right extremists like Donald Trump want to do in regards to homelessness. The governors office declined to answer questions about whether the directive could push more unhoused people into the criminal legal system or how the effectiveness of the directive is being monitored. In a statement to States Newsroom, the office said Governor Newsoms stance is not to forcibly remove homeless encampments or people. We cannot comment on hypotheticals for the next administration or policies which have not yet been enacted, but California always stands ready to protect the best interests of our state and people, said Tara Gallegos, a spokeswoman for the governor. California will continue to advance person-centered approaches to help people access help, shelter, and affordable housing options. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Associated Press CANYON DE CHELLY NATIONAL MONUMENT, Ariz. Commercial air tours will soon be prohibited over Canyon de Chelly National Monument in northeastern Arizona under a plan approved this week by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Park Service. The park service said in a statement that the plan was was signed Thursday and will take effect in 180 days, barring any legal challenges. It will ban the tours over the park and within a half mile (800 meters) outside its boundary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prohibiting commercial air tours protects these lands cultural and spiritual significance to the Navajo Nation, said park Superintendent Lyn Carranza. Canyon de Chelly National Monuments Air Tour Management Plan honors the unique nation-to-nation relationship regarding decisions affecting the park and helps to preserve one of the most important archeological landscapes in the southwest. What is Canyon de Chelly National Monument? The park lies within the Four Corners region inside the Navajo Nation and is among the most visited national monuments in the United States. It's known for its soaring sandstone cliffs and 800-foot (244-meter) high Spider Rock spire. Prehistoric rock art is found throughout the area, which has been home to Native Americans for millennia. What's the history of air tours at U.S. national parks and monuments? The sightseeing flights reportedly date back to the 1930s, when crews building the Hoover Dam on the Arizona-Nevada border asked helicopter pilots working on the project to give flyovers to their families. The tours offering a unique overhead view of spectacular landscapes have long been popular at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Some of the nations busiest spots for tour operators have included Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is home to one of the worlds most active volcanoes, and Haleakala National Park. What are some objections to to the tours? Supporters of the tours say they offer an exciting experience to tourists and allow older people and those with disabilities to see and enjoy the parks. Critics say the flights are an unnecessarily dangerous way to view some of the most stunning public lands in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rules designating routes and minimum altitudes were set in 1986 after two tour aircraft collided over the Grand Canyon, killing 25 people. Still, there are currently numerous options for helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon, departing from places including Las Vegas and Sedona, Arizona. Critics also complain that the buzz of helicopters drowns out the sounds of nature, disrupting the experiences of visitors on the ground and tribal members who call the land around the parks home. What regulations exist to manage the tours? The park service works with the FAA to implement the National Park Air Tour Management Act of 2000, which requires tour operators who want to conduct such commercial air tours to get FAA approval. The law also requires the FAA, in conjunction with the park service, to establish management plans for air tours for those parks and nearby tribal lands where applications are made. What other parks have air tour regulations? Canyon de Chelly is the last of roughly two dozen national park units where the group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility had fought for flyover restrictions. Other national parks where such commercial flyovers essentially are or will be banned in coming years include Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, Glacier National Park in Montana, and Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico. Only two air tours per year are allowed at Death Valley National Park along the California-Nevada border. DAMASCUS, Md. (DC News Now) Several lanes were blocked after a car crash in Damascus on Wednesday. Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service Spokesperson Pete Piringer said in a post around 1:15 p.m. that an SUV crashed into a tree and utility pole on Main Street near the Victory Haven Senior Apartments. 9-year-old boy flown to hospital with serious injuries after being burned by indoor fire pit in Laurel, fire officials say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Piringer said that the pole snapped at the base, downing wires. The tree also fell. At this time, there is no word of any injuries. 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. 1 dead, 7 injured in explosion involving Cybertruck at Las Vegas Trump International Hotel in intentional act UPDATE: CBS News reports that law enforcement sources told them the Cybertruck was rented to Matthew Alan Livelsberger, 37, an active duty U.S. Army servicemember who was serving in Germany but was on leave in Colorado at the time of the explosion in Las Vegas. National news outlets are also reporting there could be a military link between Livelsberger and the suspect in the New Orleans attack. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) One person is dead and seven others are injured following the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck, filled with gasoline canisters and firework mortars, at the main entrance to the Las Vegas Trump International Hotel on Wednesday morning. Las Vegas Metropolitan police say the act was intentional. Video shows the vehicle parked next to the hotels front doors as it explodes into flames. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The car was rented in Colorado Springs, Colorado, through Turo, a carsharing company, sources told 8 News Now. The new year was barely eight hours old when Clark County firefighters and police responded to the explosion and fire around 8:40 a.m. in the 2000 block of Fashion Show Drive, across from Fashion Show Mall and just west of the Las Vegas Strip. During a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Sheriff Kevin McMahill said police found gas canisters, camping fuel, and large firework mortars in the bed of the truck after the fire was extinguished. One person is dead and seven others are injured following the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck at the main entrance to the Las Vegas Trump International Hotel Wednesday morning. (LVMPD) One person is dead and seven others are injured following the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck at the main entrance to the Las Vegas Trump International Hotel Wednesday morning. (LVMPD) One person is dead and seven others are injured following the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck at the main entrance to the Las Vegas Trump International Hotel Wednesday morning. (LVMPD) Clark County firefighters and Las Vegas Metropolitan police responded to the explosion and fire around 8:40 a.m. in the 2000 block of Fashion Show Drive, across from Fashion Show Mall and just west of the Las Vegas Strip. (LVMPD) Clark County firefighters and Las Vegas Metropolitan police responded to the explosion and fire around 8:40 a.m. in the 2000 block of Fashion Show Drive, across from Fashion Show Mall and just west of the Las Vegas Strip. (LVMPD) Police did not find any devices that would have been used to ignite the explosion in the truck and are unsure at this time how it ignited, McMahill said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have identified the person who rented the truck but were not ready to release the name as of Wednesday evening. Social posts including a persons name were incorrect, a source told 8 News Now. Elon Musk posts on social media that Cybertruck explosion was caused by fireworks, or bomb Police tracked the truck through Tesla charging station cameras around the country and found it arrived in Las Vegas around 7:30 a.m. The truck then drove along the Las Vegas Strip for about an hour before pulling into the Trump Hotel where it was parked at the front entrance for 15 to 20 seconds before it exploded, McMahill said. Both the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded in Las Vegas and the pickup truck used in New Orleans to ram into revelers, killing 15, were rented from Turo, McMahill stated during the news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turo released the following statement after both incidents: We are heartbroken by the violence perpetrated in New Orleans and Las Vegas, and our prayers are with the victims and families. We are actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents. We do not believe that either renter involved in the Las Vegas and New Orleans attacks had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards in risk management, thanks to our world-class trust and safety technologies and teams that include experienced former law enforcement professionals. Turo spokesperson The FBI was determining if the explosion was a terrorist attack. According to Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz, its believed this was an isolated incident and that there was no threat to the public. A Tesla Cybertruck caught fire at the entrance of Trump Intl Tower in Las Vegas on Jan. 1, 2025. (Credit: Alcides Antunes) We believe this is an isolated incident. We do not believe there are a bunch of folks out there supporting this or helping this and we dont believe that theres any other danger to the community right now, Schwartz said. When asked if this explosion had any links to ISIS, McMahill said there was no indication that there was a connection in Las Vegas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No overt ISIS flag as seen in New Orleans but again we are investigating every aspect of this, McMahill said. When asked about the connection between the vehicle used and the location of the explosion, McMahill acknowledged that there was some concern. Its a Tesla truck and we know that Elon Musk is working with President-elect Trump and its the Trump Tower so theres obviously things to be concerned about there and its something we continue to look at, McMahill said. McMahill also thanked Musk for his help with the investigation. He gave us quite a bit of additional information into how the vehicle was locked after it exploded due to the nature of the force from the explosion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the seven people who were injured, two were transported to UMC for treatment. McMahill said all the injuries were minor and everyone was treated and released by Wednesday evening. A witness who asked to remain anonymous provided this photo of smoke at Trump International Tower near the Las Vegas Strip on Jan. 1, 2025, following a car fire. McMahill authorized LVMPDs New Years Eve staffing plan to continue for the next two days. The plan includes more than 1,000 officers staffed in local communities and along the Las Vegas Strip to ensure there are appropriate resources if there is a copycat or another attack. The sound of explosions followed by smoke raised concern for people staying at or near the hotel. One witness, who asked to remain anonymous and was staying at nearby Resorts World on the Las Vegas Strip, said he heard several loud booms. It was shaking the glass it was so loud, he said. I looked out and see smoke and me and my wife booked it out of there, he said. Las Vegas Trump Intl Hotel guests being evacuated following vehicle fire and explosion on Jan. 1, 2025. (KLAS) Police block off Sammy Davis Jr. Drive at Fashion Show Drive near the Trump Intl Hotel following a car fire. (KLAS)) Las Vegas Trump Intl Hotel guests being evacuated following vehicle fire and explosion on Jan. 1, 2025. (KLAS) Police block off Sammy Davis Jr. Drive at Fashion Show Drive near the Trump Intl Hotel following a car fire. (KLAS)) Police block off Sammy Davis Jr. Drive at Fashion Show Drive near the Trump Intl Hotel following a car fire. (KLAS)) Las Vegas Trump Intl Hotel guests being evacuated following vehicle fire and explosion on Jan. 1, 2025. (KLAS) Police block off Sammy Davis Jr. Drive at Fashion Show Drive near the Trump Intl Hotel following a car fire. (KLAS)) Las Vegas Trump Intl Hotel guests being evacuated following vehicle fire and explosion on Jan. 1, 2025. (KLAS) Guests who were in the process of checking out of the Trump hotel were seen with their luggage walking along the sidewalk. Police said the hotel was eventually evacuated and guests were taken to Resorts World while the investigation continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guests told 8 News Now that the evacuation was chaotic and it appeared there wasnt an evacuation plan in place. This is a joint investigation with federal, state, and local authorities. Fashion Show Drive in both directions from Sammy Davis Jr. Drive to Las Vegas Boulevard reopened to traffic shortly before 11 p.m. on Wednesday, according to RTC of Southern Nevada. 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. CARLSBAD, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) A new law prohibiting smoking in and around multi-unit buildings with at least three residential units will take effect Wednesday in Carlsbad. The city council approved the law, which applies to rental and owned properties, back in August, making Carlsbad the first city in San Diego County to ban smoking and vaping. Carlsbad joins a list of 80 cities and counties statewide to enact the smoke-free housing law for apartments, condos and other multi-unit homes, according to the citys website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California raises dollar limit for home projects that do not require licensed contractors Starting Jan. 1, smoking including e-cigarettes and cannabis in and around multi-unit buildings with three or more residential units will not be allowed to ensure people living in those homes are protected from secondhand smoke. The ban does not apply to outdoor designated spaces. According to the new law, the ordinance would allow private enforcement. This would mean landlords and other tenants may take legal action against people caught smoking or vaping inside and outside apartments, condos and other multi-unit residences. The law does not apply to hotels, motels and certain timeshares, mobile home parks, campgrounds and single family homes or accessory dwelling units, according to the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All new or renewed rental agreements or multi-unit leases must include the new smoke-free provisions, the law states. 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. KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) A pair of 45-year-old cold cases with a Kingsport connection are now closed. On August 27, 1979, Charlotte County, Florida Deputy John Greer reported that his wife, Jackie Greer, shot herself in their home. Three months later, Greer radioed his dispatch center and reported he discovered a homicide at a store. The victim was 25-year-old Adele Marie Easterly. Today, the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office says the man who reported both of these deaths is the one responsible. Detective Kurt Mehl told News Channel 11 that they had a breakthrough in the case when a former colleague of Greer, who he allegedly sexually assaulted numerous times, courageously came forward with information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were basically saying to the person who knows Deputy Greer were naming him without naming him and asking them to come forward if they had information, Mehl said. And as a result of that, we eventually developed a female who came forward, who had been a police explorer during the 1979-1980 era and who had been traumatized by Deputy Greer in her own right, and she started providing us information. Mehl said they were able to track Greer to Kingsport, Tennessee with the help of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). Obviously, we have the commercial databases that we can research, drivers license registrations, that kind of thing, Mehl said. The databases that are used for commercial reasons, we have access to. We also have some law enforcement databases. And with the assistance, again, of our friends in the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, who actually located him for us in the nursing home, and got us access. But we knew he was in the Tennessee area in 2016 when we first put that message out on our webpage. When Detective Mehl and others finally interviewed him, they determined Greer was responsible, but his health was seriously compromised, and he would never be well enough to stand trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It became very quickly apparent that there some cognitive issues along with some physical issues, Mehl said. He was not doing well. It was a very unique interview, not your traditional one, pretty much one-word answers. Although we felt it was good for being able to say, yes, were confident that hes our killer. We also felt that theres no way were going to be able to prosecute this guy because hell never stand trial. Greer died a few months after the interview at a care center in Kingsport. Mehl said there was no evidence of any criminal activity while he was living in the Model City. 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. CONECUH COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) A Castleberry man was killed Monday night in a two-vehicle crash, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. According to ALEA, 31-year-old Michael Cory Salter was critically injured when the 1991 Harley Davidson motorcycle he was operating was hit by a pickup truck. Daphne police look into massive Waffle House brawl The crash occurred around 9:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, on Interstate 65 near the 100-mile marker in Conecuh County about 4 miles north of Evergreen city limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salter was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where he died. ALEAs Highway Patrol Division is 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 WKRG News 5. On New Years Day, three CBS-owned television stations in California will carry something that hasnt been seen much from the Golden States major TV stations in recent years: an investigative documentary report examining the inner workings and dysfunction of the California statehouse in Sacramento. The half-hour news special, Californias Fentanyl Fight: Politicians V. Parents, will debut Jan. 1 on KCAL-TV Los Angeles, KPIX-TV San Francisco and KOVR Sacramento, on linear and streaming platforms. The program hails from CBS News California Investigates, a unit founded in March with the goal of examining systemic issues within Californias capitol. Its part of a larger effort to emphasize coverage of public policy issues and to use the CBS News platform and reporting resources to hold Sacramento lawmakers accountable. For CBS News California correspondent Julie Watts, her investigation into the legislatures inability to address the fentanyl crisis raging across the state led her to meet with parents who have lost their children to overdoses of the synthetic opioid drug. Watts came to understand that parents voices need to be heard in the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roughly 50% of our legislature is brand new or has been there less than two years, so youve got a huge freshman class of lawmakers who themselves are learning how the California capitol really works. So for me, Im not only opening up Californians eyes, Watts tells Variety. I think its also going to really impact those lawmakers, especially with the notoriety about the release of this special to say, Hey, for the first time in a long time, were paying attention. Watts spent a year working on the special. She details the problems that stem Californias one-party supermajority of Democrats in the state, and how that contributes to inactivity by lawmakers. The more Watts spoke with parents who lost kids to fentanyl, the more she realized that Californias capital is really convoluted and complicated and that capturing the personal stories of loss would help translate the policy debates and political maneuvering to a general audience. What is so unique about this special is that these are real people who have zero policy experience, right? Watts says. It really is spectacular to see how Californias capitol works through the eyes of real people The parents opened up their homes, opened up their hearts and they really helped tell the story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like all of the stories that Watts tells in statewide communities, shes always looking for what is affecting real people across all three of her markets: Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento. To help with her research, Watts tapped into data through a new AI tool created by the nonpartisan newsroom CalMatters. The Digital Democracy database allowed her to analyze thousands of votes in California and hours of videos of hearings. As a mother herself, Watts finds it amazing at the number of parents who become unintentional activists after the devastation of a childs death. I can relate to what it would be like to lose a child and have a purpose in their passing, she says. Thats what theyve done here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The special will be available to stream live on CBS Los Angeles (KCAL-TV) at 12 p.m., CBS Sacramento (KOVR-TV) at 4 p.m. and CBS Bay Area (KPIX-TV) at 5:30 p.m. on CBS linear and streaming channels. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Dec. 31ANDERSON The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 91 outbreaks of norovirus, or stomach flu, in the first week of December. Outbreaks occur when two or more similar illnesses result from a common exposure in this case, norovirus. The CDC has also reported a total of 495 outbreaks from April to Dec. 11, an increase of 130 from 2023. Those numbers may increase after families gathered for holiday celebrations, which is common, according to Stephenie Mellinger, administrator for the Madison County Health Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are indoors, around other people, and we're around people we're not typically around," she said. "The proximity of different people more often allows for more exposure to more things." Norovirus can cause vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. It is highly contagious and is spread mostly through person-to-person contact, sharing food and water. The virus typically reaches its peak in October through February. There are no known treatments for norovirus; medical officials recommend letting symptoms run their course, which may last up to three days. The CDC also recommends staying hydrated. Mellinger said slowing the virus' spread can be as simple as practicing regular handwashing and sanitizing surfaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This holds true to what we've learned over the past two years," she said. "If you are sick with anything, stay home until your symptoms subside and you're fever free for 24 hours." Follow Caleb Amick on Twitter @AmickCaleb. Contact him at caleb.amick@heraldbulletin.com or 765-648-4254. The man suspected of being drunk behind the wheel when he struck two people in a St. Louis Park crosswalk, killing one of them and critically injuring the other, has been charged with criminal vehicular homicide. A criminal complaint filed against Jeremy Sherman, 38, of St. Louis Park, alleges that he didn't slow down for the crosswalk near commercial printing company Japs-Olson at 7500 Excelsior Boulevard, striking a woman and a man at 6 p.m. Monday. The woman, since identified by family as 51-year-old Manes Thach, died from her injuries. She was employed by Japs-Olson, and was due to celebrate her 52nd birthday on New Year's Eve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other victim, a 60-year-old man who worked with Thach at Japs-Olson, was left with severe injuries, with the complaint saying he was found "bleeding from a huge laceration to his head" and remains hospitalized. Hennepin County Jail The pair were in the crosswalk at Excelsior Boulevard and Meadowbrook Lane when they were hit by Sherman, who was driving north on Meadowbrook. A witness told police that Sherman's vehicle "was traveling very fast, and it did not appear that the vehicle slowed down or attempted to stop or brake before striking the two pedestrians." Police responding to the scene allegedly "detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from [Sherman's] breath." Sherman denied drinking, and said he had just finished work. He agreed to field sobriety tests and had to be given time to calm down, allegedly telling officers he was "freaking out right now, just hit two people with my car." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the sobriety tests, officers noted Sherman had to use his arms for balance during the walk and turn test, "took multiple steps that were not heel to toe, and failed to turn properly." He then refused to take a preliminary breath test. A blood sample was later taken after police obtained a warrant for his blood. Thach's daughter, Jennifer, told WCCO that her mother had lived in Minnesota since immigrating from Vietnam in 1991, and had worked at Japs-Olson for 25 years. Related: 2024 was likely the hottest year on record in Minnesota One person was killed and four others were injured in what MEDIC called a very serious east Charlotte crash involving a CATS bus New Years morning. The victim, whose name has not yet been released, was killed after a bus and a passenger vehicle collided, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said. MEDIC said it transported two patients with life-threatening injuries to Novant Presbyterian Medical Center, and two others with minor injuries to Atrium Health-Mercy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ambulance service responded to the crash near Central Avenue and Reddman Road near the site of the old Eastland Mall just before 8:30 am. Over police radio, an officer described heavy, heavy damage and said a driver appeared to be breathing but was bleeding badly. One subject went through the windshield partially, the officer said. Its unclear from the radio traffic who went through the windshield or which driver was badly hurt. CMPD said its Major Crash Investigation Unit is investigating the collision. No further information was immediately available. One lucky lottery player is starting the new year a bit richer. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A $252,000 winning Rolling Cash 5 ticket was sold at the Shell gas station on Liberty Center Drive in West Chester, according to the Ohio Lottery. TRENDING STORIES: The winning numbers in the drawing were: 3-18-23-24-31. The next drawing will be Jan. 1. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] VIRGINIA (DC News Now) The wait is officially over and Virginia Lottery has announced the winning ticket numbers for the 2025 New Years Millionaire Raffle. Across the Commonwealth, five people are kicking off the New Year with Lady Luck after winning $1 million in Virginia Lotterys New Years raffle, and two tickets were bought in Northern Virginia. Moment of pure joy: First babies of 2025 arrive at hospitals in Silver Spring, Rockville Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Virginia Lottery, the winning tickets were purchased at the McNair Farms Sunoco on Coppermine Road in Herndon, and at the Schmitz Sunoco on Creek View Plaza in Ashburn. The winning ticket in Herndon was #068764 and in Ashburn, #074973. But, now the question is: Who has the two $1 million tickets? To claim the prize, ticket holders must sign the back of the ticket, and mail it to the Virginia Lottery, P. O. Box 1254, Richmond, Virginia 23218-1254 (preferably by insured, registered, or certified mail, return receipt requested). For more claiming options, 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. CHICAGO (WGN) Chicago saw a slight drop in murders and shootings in 2024, the police department announced Wednesday. Preliminary numbers released from the Chicago Police Department showed shooting incidents, shooting victims and murders have all decreased year over year. Shooting incidents: 2024: 2283 2023: 2452 Shooting victims: 2024: 2757 2023: 2876 Murders: 2024: 573 2023: 620 Police Superintendent Larry Snelling spoke Tuesday and commented on the formation of a robbery task force in 2024, which he said has made an impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have procured three helicopters this year to help us with air support to solve these types of crime, he said. With the assistance of these helicopters, weve seen a 25% reduction in robberies. We have also cleared 246 cases including robbery related and 12 robbery patterns. Man, 29, found dead of gunshot wounds on South Side in 1st reported homicide of 2025 in city, police say Just a few hours into the new year, the count for homicides in 2025 has already begun with a 29-year-old man pronounced dead at the scene of a shooting overnight on the 9400 block of South Harvard Avenue in the Roseland neighborhood. The department said it plans to release a more comprehensive report later this week with finalized numbers. 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 WGN-TV. WASHINGTON - Chief Justice John Roberts warned Tuesday that the independence of the federal courts is under threat from "illegitimate activity," raising concerns about violence and intimidation against judges, disinformation and possible defiance of court opinions. Roberts year-end report came after another tumultuous year for the Supreme Court in which the justices issued controversial decisions about President-elect Donald Trump and other high-profile issues. The justices also continued to battle low approval ratings and calls for ethics reform. More Americans have disapproved than approved of the way the Supreme Court is handling its job in surveys by Gallup since September 2021. Former Chief Justice William Rehnquists comment in 2004 that criticism of judges had dramatically increased in recent years is just as true, if not more so, today, Roberts wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, not all actors engage in `informed criticism or anything remotely resembling it, Roberts said. U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts poses during a group portrait at the Supreme Court on Oct. 7, 2022. Roberts decried the volume of hostile threats and communications directed at judges, which has more than tripled over the past decade, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. More than 1,000 serious threats against federal judges have been investigated in the past five years, and about 50 people have been criminally charged. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett disclosed this year that she has worn a bulletproof vest, though she did not detail the reasons for it. Related Alaska man charged with threatening to torture and kill Supreme Court justices Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chief justice called out court critics who publicize judges addresses and phone numbers so they can be harassed. In June 2022, a California man who allegedly made threats against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh was arrested near the justice's suburban Washington, D.C., home while armed with a gun and knife. Roberts also criticized public officials he said have tried to intimidate judges by suggesting political bias is behind their decisions. Public officials certainly have a right to criticize the work of the judiciary, but they should be mindful that intemperance in their statements when it comes to judges may prompt dangerous reactions by others, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What public officials dont have the right to do, he said, is defy court opinions. Within the past few years, however, elected officials from across the political spectrum have raised the specter of open disregard for federal court rulings, Roberts said, without giving examples. Some court watchers have drawn attention to a comment Vice President-elect JD Vance made in a 2022 podcast interview, suggesting Trump shouldnt let himself be constrained by the courts if he became president again. Democrats who have pushed for changes to the Supreme Court including term limits for justices have been accused by critics of being motivated by partisanship because of the courts conservative supermajority. In July, President Joe Biden called for major changes, saying, "Extremism is undermining the public's confidence in the court's decisions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Chief Justice Roberts says he'll stay clear of Alito's Trump recusal refusal In May, Roberts rebuffed Senate Democrats request to meet to discuss ethics questions swirling around the court after media reports that flags associated with the "Stop the Steal" movement flew from Justice Samuel Alitos homes in Virginia and New Jersey. Democrats complain the ethics code the court adopted in 2023 after reports of lavish trips Justice Clarence Thomas accepted from billionaire Republican donor Harlan Crow does not include an enforcement mechanism. The highest court in the land cant have the lowest ethical standards," Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in releasing his final report on the court in December. "So long as Chief Justice Roberts and the Judicial Conference refuse to act, we must push for a legislative solution to this crisis to restore trust in the highest court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roberts did not address any of Democrats' proposed changes. But he began his report recounting how King George III stripped lifetime appointments from judicial officers in 1761, an order that was not well received by the colonists. The independent federal judiciary the Founding Fathers created is one of the crown jewels of our system of government, Roberts said, again quoting Rehnquist. I urge all Americans, he wrote, to appreciate this inheritance from our founding generation and cherish its endurance. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chief Justice Roberts warns about threats to federal judiciary Chief Justice John Roberts issued a defense Tuesday of judicial independence, which he said is under threat from intimidation, disinformation and the prospect of public officials defying court orders. Roberts laid out his concerns in his annual report on the federal judiciary. It was released after a year where the nations court system was unusually enmeshed in a closely fought presidential race, with then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump assailing the integrity of judges who ruled against him as he faced criminal charges for which he denied wrongdoing. Trump won the race following a landmark Supreme Court immunity decision penned by Roberts that, along with another high court decision halting efforts to disqualify him from the ballot, removed obstacles to his election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The immunity decision was criticized by Democrats like President Joe Biden, who later called for term limits and an enforceable ethics code following criticism over undisclosed trips and gifts from wealthy benefactors to some justices. Roberts, for his part, introduced his letter by recounting a story about King George III stripping colonial judges of lifetime appointments, an order that was not well received. Trump is now readying for a second term as president with an ambitious conservative agenda, elements of which are likely to be legally challenged and end up before the court whose conservative majority includes three justices appointed by Trump during his first term. Roberts and Trump clashed in 2018 when the chief justice rebuked the president for denouncing a judge who rejected his migrant asylum policy as an Obama judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, Roberts criticized comments made by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer while the Supreme Court was considering a high-profile abortion case. Roberts didnt mention Trump, Biden or any other specific leader in this years annual report. Instead, he wrote generally that even if court decisions are unpopular or mark a defeat for a presidential administration, other branches of government must be willing to enforce them to ensure the rule of law. He pointed to the Brown v. Board of Education decision that desegrated schools in 1954 as one that needed federal enforcement in the face of resistance from southern governors. It is not in the nature of judicial work to make everyone happy, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chief justice also decried elected officials across the political spectrum who have raised the specter of open disregard for federal court rulings. Attempts to intimidate judges for their rulings in cases are inappropriate and should be vigorously opposed, he wrote. While public officials and others have the right to criticize rulings, they should also be aware that their statements can prompt dangerous reactions by others. Threats targeting federal judges have more than tripled over the last decade, according to U.S. Marshals Service statistics. State court judges in Wisconsin and Maryland were killed at their homes in 2022 and 2023, Roberts wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Violence, intimidation, and defiance directed at judges because of their work undermine our Republic, and are wholly unacceptable, he wrote. Roberts also pointed to disinformation about court rulings as a threat to judges independence, saying that social media can magnify distortions and even be exploited by hostile foreign state actors to exacerbate divisions. Against a backdrop of those heightened divisions, Americans confidence in the countrys judicial system and courts has dropped to a record low of 35%, a Gallup poll found. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. On the eve of a new year and a second Trump presidency, Chief Justice John Roberts issued a stark warning to the incoming administration, members of Congress and the public about threats to the nation's independent judicial system and the rule of law. "Within the past few years, elected officials from across the political spectrum have raised the specter of open disregard for federal court rulings. These dangerous suggestions, however sporadic, must be soundly rejected," Roberts wrote in his annual year-end report on the federal judiciary. PHOTO: Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts attends the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, Feb. 7, 2023. (Jacquelyn Martin-Pool/Getty Images) "Every Administration suffers defeats in the court system -- sometimes in cases with major ramifications for executive or legislative power or other consequential topics," Roberts said. "Nevertheless, for the past several decades, the decisions of the courts, popular or not, have been followed, and the Nation has avoided the standoffs that plagued the 1950s and 1960s." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roberts' decision to address partisan criticism of the judiciary directly is notable for a figure who has studiously avoided public commentary on politics or matters of public debate. The message publicly highlights what has been a growing private concern among the justices: that an intensifying storm of partisan rhetoric, attacks on the court's credibility by outside groups and public dissatisfaction with some recent high-profile decisions may empower open defiance of the Supreme Court's authority. There has also been deep unease about persistent protests outside justices' homes and threats of violence, which have resulted in around-the-clock security measures. President-elect Donald Trump has harshly attacked the court for unfavorable decisions over the past eight years, with some allies suggesting certain rulings could be ignored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More recently, Trump has come to the Supreme Court's defense, suggesting that critics of the justices should be jailed. "They were very brave, the Supreme Court, very brave, and they take a lot of hits because of it -- it should be illegal what happens," Trump said during a campaign rally in September. PHOTO: The US Supreme Court in Washington, Jan. 31, 2024. (Julia Nikhinson/AFP via Getty Images) MORE: Video Battle over TikTok heads to Supreme Court Roberts, the President George W. Bush appointee who is in his 20th year as chief justice, said he welcomes criticism of the court from all corners of society and that criticism alone is not a threat to judicial independence. However, he said "illegitimate activity," including violence, intimidation tactics, disinformation and open threats of defiance, risks undermining the democratic system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roberts noted more than 1,000 "serious threats" against federal judges investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service in the last five years, resulting in more than 50 people criminally charged. He warned of a rising tide of "doxing" federal judges and grassroots campaigns to bombard their offices with threatening messages. He also cited foreign misinformation efforts on social media to distort the meaning of judicial rulings. "Public officials certainly have a right to criticize the work of the judiciary, but they should be mindful that intemperance in their statements when it comes to judges may prompt dangerous reactions by others," Roberts wrote. Chief Justice John Roberts sounds alarm over potential defiance of court rulings originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Chief Justice John Roberts condemned elected officials who have intimidated judges and defied court rulings, highlighting them in his year-end report Tuesday as part of what Roberts called illegitimate activity that threatens the rule of law. Roberts did not name any specific person, but he did note a federal district judge whose decisions in a high-profile case prompted an elected official to call for her impeachment and sparked a need for bar associations to come to the defense. Attempts to intimidate judges for their rulings in cases are inappropriate and should be vigorously opposed, Roberts wrote. Public officials certainly have a right to criticize the work of the judiciary, but they should be mindful that intemperance in their statements when it comes to judges may prompt dangerous reactions by others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his nearly two-decade tenure as chief justice, Roberts has been focused on the Supreme Courts image and keeping the court above partisan politics. His comments come as public trust in the court is near record lows and a heightened threat environment has bolstered concerns about judges security. The report does not mention President-elect Trump, but it comes as Republicans are set to take unified control of Washington upon his return to the White House next month. Trump has regularly accused judges overseeing his legal cases of political bias, and during his first presidential term, his criticisms of a judge appointed by former President Obama earned a rare public rebuke from Roberts at the time. The chief justices report went on to criticize elected officials who have openly disregarded federal court rulings, calling them dangerous suggestions that should be rejected. It is not clear to whom Roberts was referring, but he said the calls have come from across the political spectrum. It is not in the nature of judicial work to make everyone happy. Most cases have a winner and a loser. Every Administration suffers defeats in the court systemsometimes in cases with major ramifications for executive or legislative power or other consequential topic, Roberts wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has often used his report on the federal judiciary, published annually on New Years Eve, to focus on judges independence and physical safety. Other years, Roberts has addressed topics like artificial intelligence. This year, he again raised alarm about violence against judges and highlighted how threats are increasingly being made online and in the form of doxxing. Roberts noted that some federal judges now have full-time security details or have been issued bulletproof vests for public events. Today, in the computer era, intimidation can take different forms. Disappointed litigants rage at judicial decisions on the Internet, urging readers to send a message to the judge, Roberts wrote. They falsely claim that the judge had it in for them because of the judges race, gender, or ethnicityor the political party of the President who appointed the judge. Some of these messages promote violencefor example, setting fire to or blowing up the courthouse where the target works, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roberts ended by briefly addressing that the federal courts must do their part to preserve public confidence alongside the other branches. We judges must stay in our assigned areas of responsibility and do our level best to handle those responsibilities fairly, the report reads. We do so by confining ourselves to live cases or controversies and maintaining a healthy respect for the work of elected officials on behalf of the people they represent. I am confident that the judges in Article III and the corresponding officials in the other branches will faithfully discharge their duties with an eye toward achieving the successful cooperation essential to our Nations continued success, Roberts added. 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. For years, kids of all ages have collected Pokemon cards, trading them with friends after school or begging their parents to buy more at the store. But now, another group of people has allegedly become interested in the popular cards bearing images of the franchises most beloved characters, including the Pikachu, Squirtle, Eevie and Charizard: the Japanese mob. According to a report from Japanese outlet Shukan Gendai, the cards are allegedly being used as a way to launder stolen funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, the value of some Pokemon cards has increased exponentially. In July 2021, YouTuber-turned-boxer Logan Paul bought the most expensive Pokemon card in the world: a PSA grade 10 (read: perfect) Pikachu Illustrator card for a whopping $5,275,000 from a collector in Dubai, according to Guinness World Records. Jeff Kravitz/Getty Logan Paul poses with Jake Paul in 2021 Logan Paul poses with Jake Paul in 2021 According to Shukan Gendai, criminals are taking advantage of the spike in the cards value. "Many criminals who commit bank transfer fraud are converting the money they steal into Pokemon cards, a former crime syndicate executive told the outlet. 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. Shady money can't be deposited in a bank, and there's a high risk of it being stolen if you hold it in cash, the executive said. Pokemon cards are easy to hide, and if you take them overseas and cash them there, you can't get tracked down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Criminals can also make it look like they got their cash from simply buying the cards, according to Game Rant. Cards are increasingly becoming a target of theft, IGN reports. According to IGN, the number of trading card thefts began soaring in 2022. In November 2024, a rare, stolen Charizard Pokemon card worth approximately $37,000 was returned to its owner, the BBC reports. In September 2024, thieves allegedly made off with Pokemon cards worth $70,000 after asking store employees which cards were worth the most, NHK reports. Read the original article on People JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) Susan Crow, Deputy Director for the Childrens Aid Society of Alabama, Linda Martin, Lead Parent Education at Childrens Aid Society of Alabama, joined CBS 42 News at Noon to discuss the Effective Parenting Instruction Course (EPIC). The course is a FREE 6-week parenting class that uses the Active Parenting curriculum. Classes are designed to help strengthen parenting skills through understanding child development and how best to support children at every age. Class topics included the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Understanding Children and Their Behavior Cooperation and Communication Responsibility and Discipline Building Courage and Self-Esteem Understanding and Redirecting Misbehavior School Success For more information visit: www.childrensaid.org/epic 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. Donald Trump remade the GOP in his image. Chris Sununu doesnt think itll stick. Thats because the outgoing Republican governor of New Hampshire, who routinely oscillates between supporting Trump and criticizing him, believes his party is bigger than both its enduring standard bearer and the political movement he created. Trump is extremely unique. There's no Trump lite or Trump 2.0 that can replace or replicate what he's brought to the table, for better or for worse, Sununu said in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the GOP, he insists, is still a big tent, ticking off varied constituencies like the Log Cabin Republicans, fiscal hawks, libertarian-leaners and social conservatives. Sununu needs this to be true, at least if he wants a future in politics beyond punditry. The scion of a New Hampshire political dynasty whose old-school brand of Republicanism has been supplanted by hard-liners and flamethrowers in the Trump era, Sununu has been thrice reelected and consistently ranked as one of the nations most popular governors even as he sometimes defies his partys Trumpian bent. Yet Sununu, who declined to seek a fifth term, has a mixed track record of translating his success in navigating a MAGA-fied GOP to other like-minded politicians. This year alone, he helped elect former Sen. Kelly Ayotte as his successor but failed to get former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley across the finish line in the Granite States GOP presidential primary. And he has no obvious constituency outside of New England should he seek higher office himself. Sununu, 50, who passed on a Senate run in 2022 and a presidential bid in 2024, insists hes not looking at either office for at least the next few years. Instead, he says hes content to return to the private sector and, as he often notes, make some money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As he prepares to hand over the office hes held for eight years, Sununu spoke at length with POLITICO about his efforts to reduce opioid overdose deaths, how he plans to stay involved in politics, why hes still largely against legalizing recreational marijuana and how Trump doesnt have the GOP in as much of a vise grip as it seems. This conversation has been edited and condensed for length and clarity. What would you say is your biggest policy achievement as governor? When I first ran for governor, the two big issues facing the state were obviously the opioid epidemic and the mental health crisis. And we just jumped right in. We really focused on rural access to care and reinvented recovery-friendly workplace programs. It was really about opening up access. Trump has talked a lot about trying to stop the flow of fentanyl, an opioid, over the southern border. Do you think the policies hes proposing can help do that? The No. 1 problem with the fentanyl crisis is the open border. Closing up the border definitely makes it harder for that stuff to come in. How do you want to see Trump and Republicans in Congress tackle the border? There was a plan on the table last year That plan was terrible. The key to all of this is closing the border, but making the ports of entry much more robust to handle the number of people who may want to come across in a legal and authorized and processed way. And, most importantly, the Remain in Mexico policy has to be reinstated. Aside from closing the illegal crossings at the border, you need to have immigration reform that deals with creating a more modernized pathway for folks to become citizens the right way. Trumps plans for larger-scale deportations, do you think thats the right way to go? Specifically for criminals, yes. These are the first folks that should absolutely be deported. Beyond that Congress and the president can kind of tackle the next phase, but I think it does have to be broken in phases. Back to New Hampshire for a minute. I want to talk about cannabis. Youve largely been a skeptic of legalizing recreational marijuana, which failed again this year in the state Legislature. Why should New Hampshire miss out on tax revenues from this when all the surrounding states provide access to it? You should never legalize drugs for the money. That's awful. If you're legalizing marijuana because you need more money, then you have a horribly malfunctioning state. So there's an ethics and a health issue here. I can tell you virtually every one of the governors [in the surrounding New England states] has indicated to me various problems with the legalization of marijuana, whether it's the exacerbated mental health issues, whether it's the black market that it fundamentally creates, whether it's the advertising problems, the proximity to schools that creates a lot of problems for parents. There's so many reasons not to do it. If you were going to do it here, [you would need to do so in a] responsible and controlled way that keeps it away from kids and allows the state to control the marketing messaging. I was semi-open to it if it could be controlled in the right way. Before the election, we spoke about abortion and how Democrats were running hard on the issue in New Hampshire. You said the issue was losing salience and that voters were more concerned with the economy. The Republican won the governors race, so what is your assessment now? In 2022, Roe v. Wade had just happened; it was much more of an unknown issue. This time around, two more years have passed. People in New Hampshire no ones denied an abortion, no ones denied their rights [the state restricts abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions]. So the fearmongering hasnt borne true. There are some individual states and places that are more restrictive or less restrictive, but thats up to voters [in those states] to decide. Itll still be an issue, but it's just not going to be the political backbreaker issue that the Democrats want it to be. Do you think that there's still room within the Republican Party for criticism of Trump when warranted? Of course there is. Did [former Rep.] Matt Gaetz just get pushed right out of his nomination to be the U.S. attorney general? Yes. Look, it's never easy criticizing the president and the standard bearer of your party, and there's always that kind of political honeymoon period that happens when you first get elected. But there are already signs of folks that are willing to push back and criticize and say no when they feel like they have to say no. And that should give the American people a big sigh of relief that its not the evil dictatorship that the liberal media was telling us it was going to be. Trump is term-limited. So that opens up the question of what happens in 2028. Do you think Vice President-elect and Ohio Sen. JD Vance has a lock on the nomination in 28? Or do you think there will be a real, contested primary? Therell definitely be a real, contested primary. I think JD is great, by the way. He's shown himself to have overcome a lot of the early criticisms that he [faced]. He's competent. He's incredibly smart on his feet. He knows the issues. He's very cordial. He gets along with the other side that was shown through the vice presidential debate, and I think that gave strength to the entire ticket. So there's no doubt he's in a great position if he wanted to run in 28. But no one's going to just hand it to him. Youve got to bring him through his paces. I imagine if he wanted to be a front-runner, he would be. But no, you're gonna have a lot of folks from all walks of life running. You know Im going to ask if youre thinking about it. No. Not for 28, Im definitely not thinking about it. So are you ruling out a presidential run in 2028? I don't rule anything out, but there's no story there. Its literally zero on my list in terms of thinking about anything. I can't see myself running in 2028. That would be, holy cow, that would be a real change of my plans. I don't see any path to that actually happening. I'm excited to go back to the private sector. So what are your plans? Whats next for you? Im going to enter the private sector and make some money, do some business-type stuff, but I'll also be in the media a bit. I have some ideas to keep myself kind of scratching the political itch through various venues in the media and content creation around smart political content. Youve been making a push to support Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamys plans for the Department of Government Efficiency. Tell me how that can work. You can really look to the states to get ideas. Musk has to use even though hes an outsider, he has political capital he needs to use it and make sure hes not just putting a list of good ideas in front of Congress, a Republican Congress that is typically tepid about actually doing anything substantive. Congress just cant help themselves about overspending, Republicans included. So he and Trump could use their combined political capital to ensure that whatever they do is lasting. It would be a huge legacy initiative for them. You gotta really push Congress to dig in for a balanced budget of some sort. Ultimately, they're going to have to start talking about entitlement reforms or Social Security reforms that just have to come because we have the bills coming due. Trump wants to end daylight saving time. You said in a recent op-ed that you support that. But the current push in Congress is to make daylight saving time permanent. Whats your thinking on that? I don't care whether you make it permanent or you get rid of it, but let's stop changing the clock, right? That's my point. I don't care. Pick an hour. You get the exact same thing, whether you make it permanent or get rid [it]. The whole point is, let's stop changing the clock. A local man is accused of burglarizing a church in downtown Butler. Butler City Police said they arrested Joseph Fee III for stealing money from St. Pauls Catholic Church on McKean Street. >>> Man accused of stealing money from donation box at Butler church Police got a call from a church staff member that a burglary happened Monday morning. Detectives looked through security footage and identified Fee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A man who has attended the church said this theft is shocking. Im glad that cameras caught him on camera, Jeff Shaw said. If they dont have that donation box, then they are losing out and I just think its very wrong. Police said Fee went into the church, broke into the locked donation box and took $200 to $300. The church really relies on that money. Anything anybody could give them really helps out the churches and for someone to steal a donation box, thats pretty ignorant, Shaw said. When police questioned Fee, he was reportedly wearing the same clothes seen in the surveillance video. Police also found the rock Fee allegedly used to break into the box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fee was arrested and charged with burglary. Some people said this also affects the community. It impacts the community because if the church cant give back to the community, then the community is without, Shaw said. At last check, Fee is in the Butler County jail unable to post bail. He is scheduled to be in court next week. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW QUICK WEATHER FORECAST: Today: Light wintry mix, high 37 Tonight: Mostly cloudy, low 25 Thursday: Partly sunny, high 36 (27) Friday: Snow showers, high 30 (18) Saturday: Partly cloudy, high 27 (23) Sunday: Snow showers, high 31 (22) FORECAST DISCUSSION: A few areas across Central Ohio will see a light wintry mix throughout the day. The rest will keep seeing very gray skies. Winds are going to be breezy at times especially in the afternoon. Expect temperatures to top off in the mid-upper 30s with a wind chill in the mid 20s. As the night goes on there will be a few more breaks in the clouds. Skies will remain mostly cloudy. This will be one of the coldest nights that Central Ohio will have seen in a bit. Lows will fall to the mid 20s with a wind chill in the upper teens. These are seasonable conditions for the start of the year. More sunshine is going to grace the skies Thursday as skies become only partly cloudy. Highs will reach the middle 30s. The breaks in the clouds will not last long. Overnight clouds will return ahead of the next round of snow showers move in Thursday night. Snow continues into Friday morning before eventually clearing out. At the time the system exits Central Ohio will see between 1-2 inches of snow. Temperatures will continue falling into the first weekend of the new year and beyond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A storm system is expected to arrive late Sunday into Monday to kick off the first work week of the new year. What is certain is that more widespread snow is expected. The exact amount is still being totaled, but seeing several inches at least is more than likely. The steering and direction of this storm system will all be determined by how a blast of arctic air moving into the country will effect it. That cold blast will drop Central Ohio temperatures going to the middle 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. A more than year-long back and forth over Cobb County elections, and redistricting processes, has ended with a seat on the board of commissioners vacant. In September, Channel 2 Action News reported that due to a change of electoral maps in the county, the Cobb County District 2 seat filled by then-Commissioner Jerica Richardson would be open for a new election. On Tuesday, a judge finalized that change due to where Richardson lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At issue was a redrawn map created by Cobb County commissioners. After a series of court actions, the home rule map drawn by commissioners was thrown out and the one drawn by state lawmakers was used instead. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] That process led to Richardsons address falling outside of her district, putting her position at risk. Now, just before the new year started, a Cobb judge said this is the state of affairs and the District 2 commission seat is empty. According to the order on Dec. 31, Richardson was arguing in court that she should be able to continue serving as the District 2 Commissioner despite living outside of the districts bounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opposing Richardsons interpretation that a provision of the Act was intentionally included to ensure that she would remain eligible to serve, was the county, which argued that following that interpretation would be against state law and contrary to what the legislature had decided. TRENDING STORIES: On those grounds, the court agreed. Focusing on the language Richardson tried to use in her argument for position preservation, Judge Ann Harris wrote that the language appears to anticipate (and reject) arguments such as Richardson makes here: that she was elected to represent that district as it existed under a now-superseded law rather than as it exists under the current law. As a result of the legal battle, and the ruling, Harris said the District 2 seat is vacant, though if Richardson wanted to remain qualified to serve as commissioner, she would have to move back into the districts established boundaries, as set in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Courts well-reasoned decision affirmed the correctness of the Countys determination that the Office of BOC District 2 Commissioner is vacant, given that Commissioner Richardson does not reside within BOC District 2 under the currently applicable state legislative map, the County Attorneys Office said in a statement. In her own statement, posted online, Richardson expressed disappointment with the ruling and said it had solidified one of her greatest fears. It is now precedent that the General Assembly has the blanket permission to remove a sitting elected official, at any time, and for any reason, Richardson wrote in part. Trust and believe that my vacancy is but a canary in the coal mine for what is to come. We have already seen other legislative bills chip away at the essence of the delicate checks and balances that have made our Country great. It is a slippery slope that we find ourselves on, and the fact that I am being removed from office this much later than originally thought is only because those in opposition struggled to file a legitimate legal challenge against the County for over a year. She also praised Cobb County for their work to prevent the precedent and stop a government branch from encroaching on loal control, calling herself an institutionalist and saying she was proud of the Countys legal work to defend a Constitutional procedure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richardson said she would be reviewing the ruling to see what, if any, options she may still have in the attempt to continue to fight for Georgias Republic. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] DENVER (KDVR) The Colorado Avalanche Information Center said a very large avalanche was triggered remotely by skiers on Mount Trelease Tuesday. While at least three groups were in the area, no one was injured. The CAIC said the D3 avalanche was triggered at about 12:30 p.m. by skiers from low-angle terrain, below steep adjacent slopes. An avalanche on the same slope in 2021 killed a snowboarder who was caught in the flow. View the latest Weather Alerts in Denver and across Colorado on FOX31 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of elevated risks in current high country conditions, the CAIC has issued a special avalanche advisory that will last through Wednesday, Jan. 1, afternoon, emphasizing the risks across Colorado. On Wednesday, the organization extended the advisory through Thursday for the Park, Gore, Tenmile and Front Ranges. Since Christmas, we have received hundreds of reports of avalanches, the CAIC said in a social post. Most reports describe Persistent Slab avalanche behavior with remote triggers, rumbling collapse, and shooting cracks. This is scary avalanche behavior. D3 avalanches like the one triggered Tuesday have enough force to bury or destroy property like cars, small buildings or trees. Larger avalanches, such as a D4 or D5, have enough force to destroy rail cars, several buildings or a small village. The organization warned that with current conditions, backcountry users can trigger large, potentially deadly avalanches from adjacent slopes or even from flat terrain below a steep slope. The person who triggers the avalanche could be up to 1,000 feet from the event, the CAIC stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These conditions make the backcountry particularly hazardous during this busy holiday period when many are out enjoying the fresh snow, the CAIC warned in its alert. Most of Colorados high country was forecasted to have considerable avalanche danger on Monday and Tuesday. Normally safe backcountry routes may be unsafe The advisory is specifically designed to alert backcountry recreationists that conditions require heightened awareness and precautions. The alerts are issued when potentially dangerous conditions pose safety risks to many people such as a big storm during a holiday weekend. Were less likely to see heavy snowfall the rest of the week, but we are still very worried about an avalanche accident, said CAIC Director Ethan Greene in a Tuesday release. The big storms hit us over the weekend and left us with some very dangerous avalanche conditions. The danger is less obvious than what people are used to. Were seeing people trigger avalanches from low-angle terrain and the bottom of avalanche paths. Some slides have been triggered from over 1,000 feet away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I-25 closed near Castle Rock for crash Tuesday night The organization said that normally safe routes may not be safe right now as dangerous avalanche conditions persist. People traveling in the backcountry need to choose routes that avoid crossing under steep slopes. The routes youre used to using and the safe spots you often use may not be safe right now, Greene said. The organization said that Colorados current avalanche conditions are very similar to Utahs current conditions, where one person died in avalanches in the past few days. 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. SHERIDAN, Colo. (KDVR) If there was one person who has dedicated their life to serving others, it would be Officer Ken Chavez with the Sheridan Police Department. Chavez has served as a school resource officer for 27 years the longest in Colorado and he is nowhere close to retiring. Support the Shield: Arvada Police Department special unit works with the homeless This is Adrian. He took a picture of me on Christmas, bought him a present. Thats Adrian hes a good boy, said Chavez about one of the students at Sheridan High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chavez said they are all good kids; all they need is a little love and guidance. You can see, I am really informal with the kids. I think thats why Ive been successful. I dont come on too strong with them. Im friendly, and I joke with them quite a bit, said Chavez. Joking aside, the students know he truly cares for them. Police recruiter a challenging but coveted job: Support the Shields Officers of the Month Hes like a father figure. Hes always there for us when we need someone. He lets us go into his office when we go through tough moments, said one student. Yeah, I care about the kids. They know that I care about them. I think thats why I am able to click with them because I get to know them, and I get to know their parents, said Chavez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chavez has had some time to hone his craft with 27 years under his belt. He said he is nowhere near retiring as he loves his job. Most of all, he loves the kids like they were his own. And not surprisingly, they love him right back. Thats why December 2024s Support the Shield is in recognition of school resource officer Ken Chavez of the Sheridan 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 FOX31 Denver. DENVER (KDVR) Three Colorado state parks will have higher daily parks pass fees starting Wednesday. The fees at Chatfield, Golden Gate Canyon and State Forest state parks will increase from $10 to $12 in the new year after two new laws go into effect. These changes will not affect the annual Keep Colorado Wild pass price. Start off the new year with a First Day Hike in a Colorado state park Chatfield State Parks two-dollar increase, enacted through SB23-267, will help fund water quality projects in and upstream of the reservoir through the Chatfield Water Authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Golden Gate Canyon and State Forest state parks increases are the result of SB23-59, giving Gilpin and Jackson counties the fee differences for road maintenance of county roads at access points into and out of the parks. Colorado residents can still purchase the annual state parks pass for $29 while registering their vehicles. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther sits down with NBC4 Investigates to reflect on 2024 and look ahead to the future. On December 31st, were focusing on the ongoing cyber attack investigation and when the city may release more information. NBC4 Investigates was the first to break that hundreds of thousands of peoples private information was leaked on the dark web. Now, Mayor Ginther says most people who interact with the city should no longer be seeing the impact of the cyber attack. Of course, the information is still on the dark web, but the city systems are mostly back up and running. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did share he wants to work with the federal government to create a national cybersecurity strategy and has started those conversations. I had been talking with the Biden administration certainly since our attack. Its going to be a topic at the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Theres going to be a section on cybersecurity, trying to continue to raise awareness among mayors and local leaders, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said. The conversations arent stopping with the change in administration. The initial conversations Ive had with folks in and around the Trump administration have been very positive. They realize the significance and whats at stake, Ginther said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Millions of city dollars have been invested into the recovery from this attack and more will be needed. I anticipate significant investments through our next several capital budgets to get us to where we need with respect to cybersecurity, Ginther said. Central Ohio restaurants that closed in 2024 We are waiting on the breach report, which will show the full extent of what the hackers accessed and how they did it. The city is not sharing a timeline, but when it is released city council plans to hold a public hearing to question the Department of Technology. Are the citys current systems in place enough to show what was accessed besides the data that the ransomware group posted? NBC4 Investigates Isabel Cleary asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We just dont know yet, you know, and thats part of what this comprehensive investigation and report will help share, Ginther answered. In August we sat down with the mayor; he shared that the data stolen by the ransomware group was not valuable. Along with whistle-blower Connor Goodwolf, we broke the news that was incorrect. The city held a press conference later that week confirming what we first reported. Now the citys investigation into how this attack happened is ongoing and there is not a timeline for when it might be finished. Is the person or team who originally told you that the data lacked value still employed with the city or still working on this investigation? NBC4 Investigates Isabel Cleary asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know, were not at liberty to share that at this point based on the investigation thats taking place. But, you know, once that investigation and report is complete, well certainly share that, Ginther said. Our full reporting on this cyber attack from the start to where we stand now can be found 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. A Marysville shop owner is hoping to bounce back from the blaze that devastated her storefront in the citys historic downtown early Monday and shes looking to the community for help. Honey Barn Decor Boutique, Melissa Swinks corner shop at Fourth and D streets, went up in flames, photos from her Facebook page telling the story of a dream destroyed. Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to other buildings and were able to save the structure that once housed the citys water works, but the shop was a total loss. No one was hurt. Marysville Fire Department investigators are working to determine what caused the blaze just a block from the site of the Hotel Marysville, which was destroyed by fire this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My dream caught fire this morning at 2:45 a.m., Swink wrote in a post Monday. Swink has insurance but has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds in the interim as she considers what comes next. For the past two and half years I worked every day to bring home decor, candles, womans clothing and charm to the community, Swink wrote. Now that I (have) been faced with tragedy of losing my dream my little store, I want rebuild, restore and bring more love back into the town. The fire at Honey Barn this week seems another discouraging setback for a downtown that has seen more than its share over the years. Fire in June, then wrecking crews in December, demolished the looming specter of the downtown districts longtime struggles, the Hotel Marysville. But the destruction and the work that followed dealt yet another blow to downtown businesses. The work to safeguard the structure from collapse meant diverting traffic away from the citys center and the downtown businesses that rely on that traffic for their livelihoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 331 D St., the Honey Barn sat in the beleaguered hotels shadow. But Swink and the Honey Barn were typical of the tenacity of small business owners in Marysvilles historic downtown, determined to rewrite the narrative of the long-struggling district. Theres a string of new, younger business owners who care about whats here, Angie Aberasturi, manager of the Brick Coffee House and Cafe downtown, told The Bee in the weeks after the June 15 fire that gutted the Hotel Marysville. Its already feeling like theres a new energy business owners who are really passionate about doing something, she continued. With that energy thats coming down here, Im hopeful that something gets put in that respects the history of this town. The bones are there. Thats why it is exciting. We just have to get past this time. The Honey Barn was one of nearly two dozen Marysville businesses that were part of the annual Grinch Hunt, a holiday promotion to draw shoppers to downtown. Swinks shop was the subject of a Good Day Sacramento feature on the event only days before the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just last week after closing the doors for the night, Swink reflected on her boutique, then a small, sunny space warm with farmhouse charm and dotted with pillows, furniture and other home items. She expressed her plans for the new year and hopes for her downtown in a Facebook post. I felt a deep sense of fulfillment, she wrote Dec. 17. With the arrival of the new year, I am excited to unveil new decor, furniture, and aspirations for Honey Barn. I am looking forward to 2025 and am committed to devoting my efforts to enhancing the charm of Downtown Marysville. Now, Swink and family are left with the task of rebuilding. Yesterday was very devastating for me, my family, the people who support me, Swink said Tuesday in a video posted to her stores Facebook page, expressing her thanks to the city, customers, community and those who donated to the stores rebuilding effort. But what I can tell you is that Im a positive person. Im a fighter. I dont give up. Honey Barn is not done. Were coming back. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Following high-profile captures of individuals by law enforcement in December, some may wonder if prison escapes part of a larger problem in Mississippi. In mid-December, a Parchman inmate escaped and made it to Tulsa, Oklahoma, before authorities captured him. Pearl River County deputies captured a man and a woman wanted in connection to an alleged homicide in Colorado. Though manhunts originating in Colorado are rare, escapes from Mississippi prisons happen more often. According to the MDOC, 18 people escaped from confinement since 2020. How frequently do escapes happen in Mississippi? In an analysis of MDOC news releases and social media posts, 11 people escaped from custody in 2020. Excluding that year, inmate escapes in the MDOC system are rare. Between 2021 and 2024, seven people escaped facilities across the state. Two people escaped in 2022 and three escaped in 2024. Only one escaped in 2021 and 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man, woman wanted in Colorado captured in Mississippi Where do most prisoners escape from in Mississippi? The Mississippi State Penitentiary, more commonly known as Parchman, had the highest share of prison escapees at five. The second highest was the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) in Pearl at two. Most of the other inmates escaped from various correctional facilities and jails throughout the state. Three prisoners escaped from community work centers. Who usually escapes from prison? Most inmates who escaped during the five-year period likely would have never left prison. The charges of the prisoners ranged from capital murder to sexual battery. However, some of those who escaped had either served most of their sentence or were sentenced to as few as seven years behind bars. 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 WJTV. Community seeks accountability after AG drops charges against officer OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Video of an Oklahoma City Police Officer throwing a 71-year-old to the ground as the two were arguing over a traffic ticket has sparked outrage and has garnered national attention. Everyone whos seen that video has been traumatized, said Jabee Williams, a community activist. RELATED NEWS: Abuse of power: OK lawmaker, attorney question AG dismissing assault charge against officer Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lich Vu suffered a C1 fracture, orbital fracture, and a brain bleed as a result of the incident. Last week, Attorney General Gentner Drummond said he was dropping the assault and battery charge filed by Oklahoma County DA Vicki Behenna against Sgt. Joseph Gibson. His office released the following statement: As Attorney General, I will not permit Oklahoma police officers to face criminal prosecution for conduct adhering to their training. While the outcome of this incident is unquestionably devastating for Mr. Vu and his family, I do not believe the officer exhibited criminal intent. Our law enforcement officers work under constant stress, where the most routine interactions can become life-threatening in an instant. For everyones safety, it is imperative to follow an officers instructions and to never strike, push, or make any kind of unwelcome physical contact with an officer. This is the law, and the law applies equally to all. No individual is allowed to hit or push an officer, regardless of whether he or she doesnt understand English well or comes from a different culture. The simple truth is, this unfortunate incident never would have occurred if Mr. Vu had kept his hands to himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oklahoma City Police Department is conducting a thorough and rigorous investigation to determine whether Sgt. Gibson violated any policies or procedures. The results of that investigation will determine what discipline he may face. I would like to remind the council that just because something is deemed as not criminal, that does not make it right or reasonable, said Steven Le, of the Asian District Culture Association. At Tuesday mornings city council meeting, Le was one of about 10 community members pleading for accountability. RELATED NEWS: Bodycam reveals officer slamming elderly man to the ground Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order for the family to see justice. We want to make sure that our police officer is reprimanded appropriately, just in a fair way, said Thuan Ngyuen, the President of the Vietnamese American Community of Oklahoma City. Its very upsetting to many, many people from around the country. Actually, Ive heard from some mayors and city council members and also police officers from all across the country. During the meeting, City Manager Craig Freeman explained that the Office of Professional Standards is internally investigating the incident. Its recommendation will then make its way to the OKC Police Chief, according to Freeman. The Police Chief will then make a decision, said Freeman. The City Managers office ultimately has responsibility for any discipline or anything else that happens within the organization, but typically allowing the department director to make decisions on that. But I will engage with this one with the Police Chief as hes making this decision. 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. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong threatened to file a lawsuit against President-elect Trump if he moves to remove birthright citizenship from the Constitution under mounting deportation efforts. I would be the first to sue, Tong, a Democrat, told MSNBC in an article published Sunday. Trump has promised to conduct the largest deportation in the countrys history during his second term in office with the help of Tom Homan as border czar and Kristi Noem, who was nominated to serve as secretary for the Department of Homeland Security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tong, 51, is the child of two immigrants from Taiwan and China, which in part fueled his political ambition. I grew up working side-by-side with my parents in our familys Chinese restaurant, and in one generation Ive gone from that Chinese restaurant kitchen to be the attorney general of the state of Connecticut, he said earlier in the interview. That only happens one place in this world, and thats in America. Tong is determined to maintain the pathway to citizenship for children born to immigrants in the country illegally despite Republicans dedication to harsher border security laws and punishments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some have debated that Trumps vow to end birthright citizenship couldnt materialize through only an executive order but would require an amendment to the Constitution. Others have claimed the document doesnt apply to immigrants in the country illegally. The former president is poised to take on the issue as one of his first decrees while in office. 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. CONWAY, Ark. Police in Conway are investigating a shooting that left one person injured Tuesday. According to Conway Police Department officials, the shooting happened near Hillman Street and South Davis Street. CPD officials said the victim, who police noted had non-life-threatening injuries, then traveled to a home near Martin Street and Davis Street. Authorities ask people to avoid both areas if possible while they investigate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No suspect information has been released at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. DENVER (KDVR) At the end of 2024, renting in Denver is still more expensive than the national average. While renting typically gets more expensive in the spring, data analysts at rental site Zumper say there shouldnt be significant spikes in prices over the next few months in Denver. Data: Where rent prices are cheapest in cities near Denver The cost of renting increased significantly with the pandemic, and recently, prices are starting to stabilize and even decline nationally. Denver rent among most expensive in US The same is true in the Colorado rent prices have decreased in many local cities recently, including Denver. However, the Mile High City is finishing 2024 tied with Scottsdale, Arizona as the 22nd most expensive city for renters in the U.S., according to an annual report from rental site Zumper. Denver ranked at No. 23 last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report shows that renting in Denver is more expensive than in other large cities like Tampa, Florida, Newark, New Jersey, Atlanta and Sacramento. Denver rent prices remained flat in December at $1,700 for a one-bedroom unit, down 3.4% from last year, and $2,290 for a two-bedroom unit, down 1.7% from last year, according to the report. Meanwhile, Zumpers National Rent Index shows the national median rent cost at $1,538 and $1,906 respectively. Zumper: Rent is trending down in these Colorado cities Aurora went down one place this year, ranking at No. 45 with an average one-bedroom rent price of $1,400 and an average two-bedroom rent price of $1,800. Those prices are down .7% and 3.2% from last year respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorado Springs moved up two spots in the rank this year to No. 65. Prices for renting a one-bedroom unit average at $1,210, up 10% from last year, and prices to rent a two-bedroom unit average at $1,520, up 2% from last year. How are rent prices impacting Denverites? An analyst at Zumper told FOX31 that survey data from 2024 shows that 38% of renters in Denver reported living with roommates, which is nearly double the national average of 19%. This stat seems to go hand in hand with the fact that Denver rent is pricier than the national median as living with roommates can help renters save on monthly housing expenses, a Zumper spokesperson wrote in an email. Denver ranks among best places for New Years Eve in WalletHub report Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The survey data also reveals that 46% of Denver renters do not plan to ever buy a home, which is more than the national average of 27%. The Zumper spokesperson said that Denver renters may be opting to stay in the rental market and spend their money elsewhere due to high mortgage rates and a higher cost of living in Denver compared to the national average. Could Denver rent prices get better in 2025? The Zumper spokesperson said the next few months will be a good chance for renters in Denver who are hoping to get a deal. The spokesperson said that there are tens of thousands of rental units in Denver that are expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2025, which should help keep rental prices down for a while. There shouldnt be any significant spikes in rent prices over the next few months as that new supply will help offset demand, the spokesperson wrote in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The winter months tend to be when rent prices are the cheapest as the demand is at the lowest point of the year. The Zumper spokesperson said Denvers rent prices will likely stay flat or even dip lower in the coming months. Zumper forecasts that rent prices will show modest growth rates in 2025 as supply levels are expected to remain high nationwide. 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. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Albuquerque police are looking for two suspects in connection to a murder last week on the east side. Investigators believe Francisco Garcia-Franco and Javier Irigoyen shot and killed Steven Keliiaa near the intersection of Dallas and Menaul. Albuquerque police seek information on pair accused in deadly stabbing If anyone has information on their whereabouts, they are asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 505-843-STOP. Police are advising the public to use extreme caution if they are located. The two should be considered armed and dangerous. 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. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) From criminal investigations to resignations and the contentious presidential election cycle, Kern County politics saw no break in news in 2024. Heres a look back at the defining moments. What kicked off the rather chaotic year of Kern County politics was none other than the biggest name still in Bakersfield politics former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. While Ill be departing the House at the end of this year, I will never ever give up on fighting for this country that I love so much, the former House Speaker said in his resignation video. McCarthys sudden resignation from the 20th Congressional District following his historic ouster as House Speaker confirmed a special election for not one but two seats in 2025 CD-20 and the 32nd Assembly District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I found out Congressman McCarthy wasnt running for re-election when he came out with his Wall Street Journal op-ed, said Congressman Vince Fong, the previous representative of the AD-32 seat. That was already after Fong declared re-election to the State Assembly for the 2024 election cycle. When Fong tried to run for Congress instead to succeed McCarthy, Californias Secretary of State argued a candidate can run for only one office in any election and Fong was already in for AD-32. This led to a months-long lawsuit that Fong won. His name remained on the ballot for both CD-20 and AD-32. And because he won both, AD-32 is vacant, triggering a special election in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The domino effect did not stop. There were four elections for McCarthys freshly vacated CD-20 position a special election primary and general, as well as the regularly scheduled primary and general. Both the races for the partial and full terms ended up a faceoff between the top two candidates, Republicans Vince Fong and Mike Boudreaux, sheriff of Tulare County. This created a rift in the local GOP. Im asking all of you to join me here today in endorsing and supporting Mike Boudreaux for Congress, said state Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield). Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood too was on the same page: Im extremely proud to endorse Mike Boudreaux as the next Congressman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The surprise over these endorsements? Shannon Grove and Donny Youngblood have historically tied to the local Republican party machine, said former Bakersfield city councilmember and independent political observer Mark Salvaggio. That machine and McCarthy and even Donald Trump all firmly endorsed Fong for Congress, while Youngblood and Grove broke ties. The playing field got even muddier as it often does in politics via negative attack advertisements. A third-party PAC spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in anti-Boudreaux and pro-Fong content. This particular situation is propaganda, complete propaganda, Boudreaux said of the advertisements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tension was evident during the CD-20 debate, hosted right here on TV-17. Mr. McCarthy pulled a political favor so that he could have the endorsement of Mr. Trump, the sheriff remarked during the debate. Fong countered, Well its not a political favor. Look, Ill put my endorsements locally up against anybodys. With Kern County making up a significant amount of the votes and being Fongs home turf, CD-20 was a race Boudreaux could not win. Speaking of competitive races, we cant forget the deja vu of a David Valadao, Rudy Salas match up for the 22nd Congressional District. Salas lost again as he did in 2022 though by wider margins this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CD-22 is a purple district, meaning either party has a fair shot at victory. GET offering free New Years Eve rides So, its largely about voter turnout did Salas Latino, Democratic base which makes up a majority of CD-22 voters show up to the polls? The challenge is, is ensuring that there is the kind of turnout that matches and reflects what the registration is in the district, said CADEM Chair Rusty Hicks in the months leading up to the November election. Generally speaking, this is a seat that would be very, very tough for Republicans, but what we have on our side is the phenomenal candidate that Congressman David Valadao is, commented CAGOP Chair Jessica Millan Patterson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two candidates also participated in a debate, again hosted right here on TV-17. Aside from major elections, both Democrats and Republicans saw their fair share of electeds getting into trouble. Late April, former District 2 Supervisor Zack Scrivner was accused of sexually assaulting a preteen, as well as possessing psychedelics and 30 firearms. I wouldnt be standing here if I didnt believe something happened, Sheriff Youngblood stated during a press conference about the allegations. 17 News attempted to talk with the former supervisor late August, as he made his way to class at CSUB. This was his first public appearance since the allegations, but he declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 17s Jenny Huh: Hi, Mr. Scrivner, Jenny with Channel 17 here, how are you sir? I just have a very few quick questions. Where have you been, supervisor? Zack Scrivner: Under the advice of counsel, due to the advice of counsel, Im not going to comment. 17s Jenny Huh: May I ask if the allegations of child sexual assault are true? Zack Scrivner: Im not going to comment. Im not going to comment. 17s Jenny Huh: Are you receiving special treatment? Scrivner resigned early August, and the race to replace him for a partial term until 2026 was added to the November ballot. Former Bakersfield Councilmember Chris Parlier won that six-candidate race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, former Wasco Mayor Alex Garcia was accused of questionable conduct involving a minor, according to a social media video posted by a shadowy group. Local Democrats Garcias own party called on him to resign and resign he did. Bakersfield police eventually closed that investigation, after unsuccessful attempts to contact those who filmed the video. Democratic District 5 Supervisor Leticia Perez won her re-election bid and has another four years on the Board, but she sure broke a sweat. Perez beat challenger Kim Salas by 133 votes, and the contentious race was frequently separated by just dozens of votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perez, her chief of staff and Kern Democratic Party Chair Christian Romo were under investigation by the Kern District Attorneys Office, following accusations they used county resources for political purposes. Perez announced multiple times investigators attempted to enter her county office. They did not have permission, they did not provide notice to us, and they did not have a warrant, Perez said. Days later, Romo accused Salas of the same wrongdoings, saying Salas as district director for Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains, used state resources for political purposes. The DAs Office dismissed those allegations. The Office declined to specify where the Perez-Romo investigation stands now. As for the Bakersfield City Council, Ward 2 Councilman Andrae Gonzales was re-elected to his third term. Larry Koman will take over for Bruce Freeman in Ward 5. Zack Bashirtash will take over for Patty Gray in Ward 6. Ward 7 Councilmember Manpreet Kaur is the new vice mayor. In neighboring Arvin, a city council seat will be left vacant for two years, due to political drama. Councilmember Juan Murillo submitted a resignation letter which he later attempted to rescind but it was too late. The Greenfield Union School District will likely host a special election, pending a court order. The county admitted it allowed over 100 people to vote in the wrong area of the school district. Thank you all for tuning into TV-17 and trusting us with your political and election news this past year. Remember, 17 News is your local election headquarters. 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. CONNECTICUT (WTNH) Connecticut State Police released their New Years holiday traffic stats from Dec. 30 beginning at midnight to Dec. 31 at 11:59 p.m. State police received around 2,696 calls for service during that time. Driver arrested on DUI charges after striking Groton police cruiser State police reported out of the 652 traffic stops, 11 were driving under the influence-related traffic stops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 145 motor vehicle crashes were reported with 8 injuries, 1 serious injury and a fatal injury out of Windsor, state 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 WTNH.com. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images In 2020, Donald Trump pardoned cybersecurity executive Chris Wade for crimes that had been sealed. Unsealed documents show he was part of a sophisticated spam email operation busted by an informant. Prosecutors want to keep part of his case sealed the reason behind that remains a mystery. In August 2005, years before he was an executive at a cybersecurity company, Chris Wade was vacationing at a casino in Las Vegas, planning to meet an associate who was supposed to hand him an envelope containing $2,500 in cash. Wade, who controlled tens of thousands of hacked computers at the time, had agreed to use his network to send emails promoting a stock pump-and-dump scheme. The cash was payment for his services. But what Wade didn't know was that his associate was a government informant and that prosecutors would soon charge him with an array of cybercrimes, accusing him of using the hacked computers to commit fraud. For nearly two decades, the charges against Wade would remain a secret. In an unusual move, the judge sealed the entire court docket, hiding all public records of Wade's involvement in the case. While it's common for individual court documents to be sealed or partially redacted, Wade's case was different. Wade pleaded guilty to all the charges against him in July 2006. However, no reference to the case appeared in public federal court databases even after he was sentenced in 2011 to time served. The very fact that Wade had a criminal past was a secret until Donald Trump pardoned him. That left many wondering what would account for the curious court-sanctioned secrecy surrounding the case. One explanation, legal analysts say, is that Wade could have become a government informant himself. A pardon for a secret crime Years after the hacking charges, Wade went legit. In 2011, he launched iEmu, a company that grew a cult following among developers by allowing them to emulate iPhone apps on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. In 2017, he cofounded Corellium and is its chief technology officer. Corellium has carved out a prominent place in the software market, creating sophisticated tools for cybersecurity researchers. It fought, and ultimately settled, a protracted legal battle against Apple, which alleged Corellium violated copyright law by creating a virtual version of iOS that researchers could test for security vulnerabilities. Another one of its cofounders helped the FBI unlock the iPhone used by one of the suspects in the 2015 San Bernardino mass shooting attack. Trump granted Wade clemency near the end of 2020, with less than a month left in his first presidential term. While Wade's case was sealed, the pardon effectively made it public. But Wade's crimes, at the time, remained a mystery. The White House's announcement said only that Wade "served two years' probation after pleading guilty to various cyber-crimes" and "has shown remorse and sought to make his community a safer place." It also said the pardon was supported by Isaac "Ike" Perlmutter, the former Marvel executive and a Mar-a-Lago member who has supported Trump's political campaigns; Mark Templeton, the former Citrix CEO who has since taken a seat on the board of Corellium; and "numerous current and former law-enforcement officials." The pardon itself is not much clearer. It says Wade is granted "a full and unconditional pardon" for his conviction "in sealed Docket No. 06-cr-394" and notes that "the offenses of conviction and sentence are also under seal." The Justice Department's website still says his offenses were "sealed" and that his sentence was "unknown." A representative for the DOJ pardon attorney's office didn't respond to a request for comment. The pardon was announced in a White House press release along with pardons and commutations for more than 20 other people, many of whom were businessmen charged with tax-related offenses. The list included Trump's political allies Roger Stone and Paul Manafort, who were criminally charged in the Mueller investigation, and Jared Kushner's father, Charles Kushner, who Trump has since selected as his ambassador to France for his coming second term. Wade, through his attorney Paul Krieger, declined to comment. In October, following legal action by The New York Times, a judge unsealed documents containing the charges against Wade and details about his sentence. The criminal complaint said that Wade was arrested with the help of a confidential government informant who was assisting a unit in the US Secret Service's New York field office investigating a spam email scheme. The informant, whose identity remains unknown, had been convicted of unrelated cyber-fraud charges and was trying to leverage his connections in the hacking world to help law enforcement with the hope of receiving a lighter sentence, the complaint said. The informant had helped authorities catch two other men, Adam Vitale and Todd Moeller. They had bypassed AOL's spam filters and blasted out tens of thousands of emails a day promoting obscure stocks, which Vitale and Moeller then dumped for profit. Vitale used "SpamsMVP" as one of his instant message nicknames. Moeller bragged that he was making $40,000 a month by selling the stock. Both pleaded guilty to the charges against them. Wade was the "proxy guy" in the spam email operation. Wade routed the emails through the computers of hundreds of AOL users, who were hacked and unwittingly used to transmit spam, making them look legit to AOL's filters. While he was waiting on the $2,500 payment from the informant, Wade bragged that he was able to control a "botnet" of 20,000 computers to launder spam emails, the court documents said. The informant tried to get in on the operation. He also cut a side deal with Wade at the expected price of $2,500 a week to take advantage of his botnet. Wade took Western Union wire transfers or cash, the documents said. The informant didn't actually bring the cash to Wade at that Las Vegas casino. But he'd collected enough evidence for the Secret Service to bring criminal charges. According to the charging document, AOL determined that Wade, Moeller, and Vitale spammed 1,277,401 different AOL email addresses. 'You're not supposed to have a case that never existed' In January, a lawyer for The New York Times asked a federal judge to unseal the case, noting the bizarre circumstances of the "blanket sealing." "The presidential pardon power is virtually unchecked. As a result, the public's need to know how the power is being used and who is benefiting is at its pinnacle," David E. McCraw, the lawyer for the Times, wrote. The US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, which prosecuted Wade, agreed to unseal certain key documents. But other ones, prosecutors said, should remain secret. The reasons for keeping them sealed have also been withheld from the public record, with the Justice Department arguing that "would, in effect, risk disclosing the very information that warrants ongoing protection." Wade's lawyers, in arguments that remain sealed, have also asked the judge to keep certain filings private. It remains to be seen whether more court documents from Wade's criminal case will become public in the future. The Times has not published a story on Wade and his pardon in the months since the documents were unsealed. The judge's deadline for additional unsealing requests has passed. A representative for the Times declined to comment. Chris Wade's case was heard at the federal courthouse in Manhattan. AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews While Moeller and Vitale were charged as codefendants in 2006, prosecutors severed Wade's case from theirs and sealed it. Prosecutors may agree to seal a case when a defendant cooperates and prosecutors want to keep the relationship a secret. "The government will want to conceal the entire thing because they don't want other related bad guys to know that this investigation is ongoing," said John Kucera, a former federal prosecutor who investigated complex financial crimes and now works as a defense attorney at Boies Schiller Flexner. But even when there's a secret cooperator, the court docket normally becomes public once the defendant is sentenced. That didn't happen in Wade's case. The yearslong secrecy across multiple administrations and the fact that the Justice Department still wants to keep portions of the case sealed is unusual. One possible explanation, said Dan Boyle, a former federal prosecutor and US military intelligence professional, is that Wade helped the government on some kind of sensitive matter. Boyle told BI that sealing the case indefinitely could indicate that the Justice Department didn't want anyone to know Wade had interacted with law enforcement. "You're not supposed to have a case that never existed," said Boyle, also a Boies Schiller Flexner defense lawyer. "It happens, but it's an extraordinary circumstance." Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Wade's pardon was supported by Isaac "Ike" Perlmutter, the former Marvel executive and Mar-a-Lago member who has supported Trump's political campaigns. AP Photo/Evan Vucci Jason Brown, the Secret Service agent who wrote the criminal complaint against Wade, declined to answer questions about the case beyond what is available in public court records, citing laws regarding grand jury secrecy. Representatives for the US Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York didn't respond to a request for comment. Thomas G.A. Brown, who later oversaw the office's unit investigating complex fraud and cybercrime, was the prosecutor in the Wade, Vitale, and Moeller investigations. Court records show he was involved in numerous high-profile cases, including the prosecution of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, the leadership of the hacking group LulzSec, and numerous digital currency cases. (Trump has vowed to commute Ulbricht's sentence on "day one" of his second term.) Brown, who left the Justice Department in 2014, didn't respond to requests for comment. Wade's pardon could make it easier for Corellium to seek contracts with government agencies and security companies, Adam Scott Wandt, an associate professor of technology at the John Jay School of Criminal Justice, told BI. Without a pardon, Wade would likely have difficulty obtaining security clearance or getting approval for funding from federal agencies, he said. And with the case fully sealed, Corellium may have been in a tight spot if it was asked to disclose whether its executives had criminal records. Wandt also said the pardon would make disclosures less awkward if Corellium seeks an initial public offering in the future. "If they're going to go public at some point, they'd have to disclose a lot about their C-suite personnel, about their leadership," Wandt said. "They might want to pardon him so they don't have to disclose that a former felon is their CTO." Considering the success of Corellium and the technical sophistication required to run the spamming operation two decades ago, Wade may have had skills the FBI found useful. "He probably has a lot of techniques that became useful to the bureau, and maybe that's how he worked his time off," Boyle said. Correction: January 1, 2025 An earlier version of this story misspelled the name of an attorney representing Chris Wade. His name is Paul Krieger, not Paul Kreiger. Read the original article on Business Insider Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky has condemned Russia's morning attack on Kyiv on 1 January, which resulted in two fatalities. Source: Lipavsky on (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Lipavsky said that on New Years Day, a time of peace and hope, Russia chose violence by attacking Kyiv and taking the lives of innocent people. He stated that Czech diplomacy would continue to "stand firmly with Ukrainians because peace begins with holding the aggressor accountable". Background: Wreckage from a Russian drone fell on a residential building in Kyivs Pecherskyi district on the morning of 1 January, partially destroying the top two floors and causing a fire. Two people had been killed as a result of the attack. Russian forces had been attacking Ukraine with drones from southern and northern directions since the evening of 31 December. Support UP or become our patron! The father of the Brooklyn man charged with shoving a straphanger into an incoming 1 train Tuesday says his son was fine as recently as three weeks ago but then began acting weird. Lately hes been going through something, some mental issue, Shamel Hawkins, 40, told The Post Wednesday as his son, Kamel Hawkins, was ordered held without bail at his arraignment on attempted murder charges in Manhattan Criminal Court. Kamel Hawkins being arraigned on charges attempted murder in Manhattan Criminal Court, Wednesday, the first arraignment of the year. William Farrington Kamel Hawkins in court. William Farrington We think somebody put something in his weed, the elder Hawkins said. About three weeks ago he was all right and then he started acting weird. We wanted to get him help but he refused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawkins lived in the Whitman Houses public housing complex with his father and brother, his dad said, but he later moved to a shelter. Kamel Hawkins, 23, was nabbed near Columbus Circle on Tuesday, just hours after police said he shoved a straphanger onto Manhattan subway tracks in a horrifying random attack. According to police, the shove was a random attack. Obtained by the NY Post The 45-year-old victim is seen on disturbing video plunging into the path of an incoming 1 train at the 18th Street station but miraculously survived with just head injuries. A criminal complaint filed in the case early Wednesday said the unidentified victim suffered four broken ribs, a fractured skull and a ruptured spleen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement sources said the man was fortunate to fall into the trench on the tracks beneath the train during the 1:30 p.m. attack. The attack occurred around 1:30 p.m. Paul Martinka Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawkins has had several run-ins with the NYPD. Obtained by the NY Post Meanwhile, police charged Hawkins with attempted murder and assault. Shamel Hawkins told The Post he didnt know his troubled son had been accused of the subway shoving and that he last saw him over the holidays. We saw him here [on] Christmas, the elder Hawkins said. I just saw him on Christmas right here. Oh no, I cant believe this. He needs help. We love him but we cant help him not when he refused the help we tried to connect him with. We try to help but if he dont want it what can we do? He needs help. He needs mental help. Law enforcement sources said the accused subway shover has at least three prior busts, including an assault on an NYPD cop in Queens in June 2019, when he allegedly body-slammed the officer and left him with back injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who attacks a cop in full uniform is capable of doing far worse to defenseless civilians, NYPD Police Benevolent Association president Patrick Hendry told The Post on Tuesday. Every time the justice system drops the ball on an assault on a police officer, it puts every New Yorker in danger. The victim was shoved into the path of a moving 1 train. Paul Martinka Hawkins also has an open assault, harassment and weapons possession case in Brooklyn from October. Prosecutors said Wednesday that they asked that Hawkins be held on bail in that case but he was instead referred to a court intervention program on Oct. 20. According to the state court system, the Problem-Solving Courts program seeks to offer alternatives to incarceration. The damaged flight data recorder from the Jeju Air passenger jet that crash-landed in South Korea will be sent to the United States for analysis, Seouls transport ministry said Wednesday, as bereaved families began visiting the crash site. The recorder is one of two black boxes retrieved from the Boeing 737-800 after it belly-landed at Muan International Airport in the countrys southwest on Sunday, killing all but two of the 181 people onboard, the deadliest aviation accident for South Korea in almost three decades. Authorities said the black box was damaged in the crash, and concluded that South Korea is not capable of extracting the data, Seouls deputy minister of civil aviation Joo Jong-wan told reporters Wednesday. Earlier, Joo said the flight data recorder was missing a connector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the device has been sent overseas, the US National Transportation Safety Board will lead the analysis and be joined by South Korean investigators. It is not clear how long the process will take. Meanwhile, investigators have extracted initial data from the second black box the cockpit voice recorder and are working to convert its contents into voice files, Joo said. The process, which is taking place in South Korea, will take about two days. Authorities hope the data from both black boxes will offer vital information that could help determine the cause of the disaster. The cause of the accident will be revealed by comprehensively analyzing and reviewing detailed investigations of the aircraft, fuselage and black box, South Koreas acting president Choi Sang-mok said Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said they had finished identifying all 179 people killed in the crash, but only 11 bodies have been released so far from a temporary mortuary to the families so they can make funeral arrangements. Families and loved ones of those onboard have been camped out at the airport in Muan since Sunday. Buses on Wednesday carried relatives of the victims to the crash site in groups, to pay their respects. An altar has been set up at the airport, with queues of mourners congregating and offering prayers on the first day of the new year. It is not yet clear what caused the crash of Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 from Bangkok to Muan, and the investigation could take months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pilot issued a mayday call and reported a bird strike before making the doomed emergency landing. 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 sliding on its belly at high speed, hitting an earthen embankment and erupting into a fireball. A possible bird strike, lack of landing gear deployment and a concrete barrier at the end of the runway could all have contributed to the tragedy. Twelve investigators from South Korea and 10 from the United States including officials from the Federal Aviation Administration, National Transportation Safety Board and plane manufacturer Boeing are involved in the joint investigation, according to the transport ministry. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Dan Rayfield was sworn in as Oregons 18th attorney general in a late afternoon ceremony on New Years Eve in Portland. Rayfield, who worked his way through the Oregon legislature to win the seat that opened with Ellen Rosenblums retirement, said there isnt any other job Id rather have. In prepared remarks, the new attorney general said he will always do my best to never lose sight of the trust and responsibility given to me by Oregonians. That trust will serve as a guiding light for me and my team as we navigate the day-to-day challenges of this work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Ted Wheeler bids farewell to Portland after eight years in office He also noted how his life has come full circle since he was a young man. I am a firm believer that your worst moments in life dont have to define who you can become, Rayfield said. Twenty-seven years ago, I was 18 years old, standing before Judge Marco Hernandez as a young defendant in his courtroom. Judge Hernandez spoke sternly to me. He told me he never wanted to see me in his courtroom again. Today, I stood before the same man and took the oath of office to serve as Oregons 18th Attorney General. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum was on Eye on Northwest Politics on Jan. 26, 2024 (KOIN) A graduate of Tigard High School, Rayfield went to Western Oregon University, then onto Willamette Universitys law school. He became a practicing attorney in 2006 and served in the legislature representing Corvallis and parts of Benton County. He was also Speaker of the Oregon House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Q&A: Oregon Attorney General-elect Dan Rayfield on protecting abortion access Rosenblum served as Oregons attorney general for more than 12 years, and her retirement Tuesday capped 42 years in public service: eight as an Assistant United States Attorney, 16 as a trial judge, six as a Court of Appeals Judge, and 12.5 as Attorney General, according to a statement she 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 KOIN.com. FORT CAVAZOS, Texas (FOX 44) The Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center has welcomed its first baby of 2025. According to the Fort Cavazos Media Center, Greyson Holbrooke Smith was born at 3:04 a.m., weighing eight pounds, two ounces and is 20 3/4 inches. Greysons parents are 1st Lt. Brady Smith, air defense artillery officer, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, and Danielle. They are both from Rancho Cucamonga, California, and are looking forward to spending time together with family during the first part of the new year. The family has only lived in the Central Texas area for a little over a year, and says they are enjoying their time in the area. Greyson Holbrooke Smith. (Courtesy: CRDAMC Public Affairs) Proud parents 1st Lt. Brady Smith and Danielle welcomed baby Greyson the first baby of 2025 to deliver at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center. (Courtesy: CRDAMC Public Affairs) Greyson is the couples second child, and has a three-year-old sister named Margo who is excited about her new baby brother! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We at FOX 44 News would like to congratulate the family on their new addition to start off the New 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 KWKT - FOX 44. A Davenport man is in the Scott County Jail after police said he left an area casino while intoxicated and led officers on a high-speed chase on Interstate 74. According to the criminal complaint, on December 31 at about 11:53 a.m. security staff from the Isle of Capri Casino called the Bettendorf Police Department, saying that an intoxicated guest was trying to leave. When officers arrived, Isle of Capri security staff told them the defendant was running from them. They said the defendant was involved in an accident and left in a gray Tesla. Officers saw the defendant, later identified as David Tammenga, 54, driving away from the casino. At the intersection of 17th Street and State Street, Tammenga was in a right turn lane only, but continued straight. Officers had their emergency lights on, trying to stop him. David Tammenga (Scott County Jail) Tammenga passed a vehicle on its left at the intersection of 17th Street and Grant Street to turn left onto Grant Street. He also ran a red light at that intersection and officers activated their sirens. Tammenga refused to stop and pull over and drove at speeds well over the posted speed limit. At the intersection of Grant Street and Interstate 74, he is accused of running the red light and not coming to a complete stop before turning onto westbound Interstate 74. He drove at speeds well over 100 mph in a posted 55 mph zone. The complaint says he passed another vehicle on the left shoulder of the roadway on westbound I-74. Bettendorf Patrol officers squad cars were traveling 95 miles per hour and Tammenga continued to pull away from officers. He stopped after Iowa State Patrol troopers conducted a rolling roadblock and was taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers could smell an alcoholic beverage coming from Tammengas breath. He had bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech and was uneasy on his feet. Tammenga was arrested and charged with felony eluding speed over 25 mph and misdemeanor charges of third-degree criminal mischief, fail to yield to emergency vehicle, OWI second offense, prohibited passing, speeding and two misdemeanor traffic control device charges. He is being held in the Scott County Jail on a combined secured bond of $9,000. He has a preliminary hearing on January 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) The States Attorney of Prince Georges County Aisha Braveboy announced Tuesday that a man has been indicted for the murder of DMV activist Cornelius McDonald. In December of 2024, Terrelle Bailey, of Washington, D.C. was arrested and charged with McDonalds murder. On Dec. 31, he was indicted on first-degree murder and other charges. This indictment against Mr. Bailey is the next step in our fight for justice for Mr. McDonald, said States Attorney Braveboy. Mr. McDonald gave so much to this community and our young people. Its unfortunate that he was taken from us, but I have promised his family that we will hold the person who killed him accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loved ones, community celebrate life of DMV activist Cornelius McDonald at funeral Bailey is accused of shooting and killing McDonald outside of the Jaspers Restaurant in Largo on Nov. 30, 2024. During the investigation, detectives with the Prince Georges County Police Department learned that Bailey and McDonald were customers of the restaurant when they got into an argument. According to court documents obtained by DC News Now on Dec. 3., the argument escalated to the point where it disturbed customers and Bailey was escorted out of the restaurant. McDonald paid his check and encountered Bailey as he left. Thats when officials said Bailey pulled out a gun and shot McDonald several times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community gathers for candlelight vigil to honor DMV activist Cornelius McDonald Bailey and McDonald did not know each other, according to police. McDonald was a well-known youth advocate in the community. He was the founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization Stay Solid For Mental Health, where he advocated for anti-gun violence and youth mental health. McDonalds loved ones said his presence was irreplaceable. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Residents in the District can expect an increased police presence after multiple people were killed due to a truck plowing into a crowd in New Orleans. Early New Years Day, a pickup truck rammed into people on Bourbon Street, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens. In light of the incident, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said it would heighten its security across the city. The community, it noted, would notice an increased police presence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10 dead, dozens injured after car plows into crowd in New Orleans: Horrific act of violence The department also noted that there is no known threat to D.C. and that the measures were being taken out of an abundance of caution. MPD Deputy Director of Communications Paris Lewbel shared a statement with DC News Now, writing, in part: Whenever an incident occurs in the country, MPD closely monitors the situation, evaluates intelligence, and assesses our security posture. As the nations capital, we maintain a heightened level of security at all times to ensure the safety of our residents, businesses, and visitors. As we approach upcoming major events in the District of Columbia, MPD will continue working with our local and federal partners to assess potential threats and make any necessary adjustments to safeguard the community. Paris Lewbel, Deputy Director of Communications MPD encouraged people to report suspicious activity with its Real Time Crime Center at (202) 727-9099 or 50411. You can also visit iwatchdc.org. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is looking for two suspects in relation to an attempted robbery in Southeast. On Dec. 4, around 9:40 a.m., MPD officers were called to the 2800 block of Alabama Ave. SE for a reported robbery. Police said that the suspects walked up to the victim with stun guns and demanded property. They then escaped on a Metrobus. (Image courtesy of the Metropolitan Police Department) Anyone with any information should call 202-727-9099 or text 50411. 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. Opponents of a proposed power transmission line in Central Maryland protested outside a conference on the data center industry in Frederick last summer. File photo by Josh Kurtz. The planets getting warmer, energy demands are greater, the sources of electricity are less abundant than they once were, and the cost of addressing these interrelated crises is rising exponentially. But as Maryland policymakers deliberated potential solutions to these challenges throughout 2024, they became distracted by a proposal that nobody knew was coming until the middle of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No energy and climate issue produced more fury in the state this year than a proposal to build a new high-voltage electric transmission line through three Maryland counties largely to provide more power to energy-hogging data centers in Northern Virginia. Following filings that initially eluded the notice of Maryland policymakers and everyday citizens, PJM, the regional electric grid operator, hired a New Jersey energy company, PSEG, to plan and build the transmission lines, which would run from a nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania through Baltimore, Carroll and Frederick counties and to a power station in Frederick. Eventually, much of the juice would then travel under the Potomac River to Ashburn, Virginia, home to the worlds highest concentration of data centers, which help power the internet and fledgling AI technologies. News of the proposed line, called the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, first circulated early in the summer and created an immediate freakout among political leaders and property owners. This 70-mile, 500,000-volt proposal from New Jersey based companies will have a substantial, direct impact on Marylanders across our state, state Del. Nino Mangione (R-Baltimore County) said this summer, about a month after PJMs plan became public. Residents have been blindsided by attempts to rush this project through and they are entitled to transparency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the proposal was even formally submitted to the Maryland Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities, residents and political leaders spent the summer and fall mobilizing against the power line. Land owners worried about a government taking of their property or fretted that their property values would diminish from unsightly, intrusive, electric power lines. Farmers suggested that their livelihoods and rural lifestyle would be jeopardized. Other advocates warned of environmental and public health impacts from the massive project. The cries about possible property takings were the most emotional. Yet in a way, the controversy over the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project neatly encapsulates the current debate over energy and climate in the state. Maryland has strict mandates for combating climate change, laid out in 2022 legislation, but the solutions will cost billions of dollars. These goals are forcing the shutdown of fossil fuel-powered electricity plants at a time when the demand for energy is greater than ever, thanks in part to the proliferation of data centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Wes Moore (D) wants Maryland to become a major player in the data center industry, and a 2,100-acre data center campus is under development in Frederick County. At the same time, the dwindling energy supply is driving up utility costs for electric consumers. How can policymakers reconcile these priorities? We have a great opportunity, but we have risks as well, state Sen. Karen Lewis Young (D-Frederick), said at the Maryland Association of Counties convention in December. Our challenge is to achieve a balance. Young, who serves on the Senate Committee on Education, Energy and the Environment, was one of just three lawmakers in Annapolis who voted against legislation from the administration that will make it easier to bring data centers to Maryland. She plans to introduce a bill in the 2025 General Assembly that would call for an independent study of data centers their economic and environmental impact in the state, and an estimate of the energy theyll need to operate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most recent study on the potential for data centers in Maryland was conducted last year by the Maryland Tech Council, an enthusiastic supporter for data center expansion in the state. When it came to addressing energy use and how to pay for climate initiatives, Maryland policymakers did not get very far in 2024, punting on several proposals in the General Assembly that would have raised revenues for climate programs, and promising more study in the months ahead. These same topics are likely to dominate the legislative discussion on energy and the environment again in 2025. Part of the coming debate will be over how to unleash clean energy sources in the years ahead. Expect nuclear power to be a major part of the discussion. As for the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project PSEG submitted its formal proposal to the Public Service Commission this week, on New Years Eve. The long and winding (and wonky) approval process has begun. This story was updated on Jan. 1 to reflect the fact that a formal proposal for the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project has been submitted to the PSC. Ahead of an upcoming January court date, Bryan Kohbergers attorneys made their final written arguments for excluding key pieces of evidence from the Idaho murder suspects trial next summer. In the latest filings, the defense reasserted its prior allegations to try to justify to the judge why he should exclude a multitude of state evidence from the high-profile case involving the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students. Across 10 briefs, two of which are sealed, Kohbergers attorneys renewed claims of police misconduct to obtain warrants for various evidence, that some warrants lacked legally required specificity and that their clients constitutional rights were violated during the investigation. The defense submitted the new response filings earlier this month, but they were not released through a public Idaho courts website until Tuesday. The court hearing on the issue before Ada County District Judge Steven Hippler is scheduled for Jan. 23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohbergers defense team in November filed to suppress much of the states evidence against him, including information police acquired through their clients Google, Amazon, Apple iCloud and AT&T cellphone accounts, as well as from his car, student apartment at Washington State University and his parents home in Pennsylvania. If Hippler grants the defense motions, it would prevent prosecutors from presenting the evidence to the jury at trial. Among the claims, Kohbergers attorneys allege that investigators ignored their clients right against unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment. His defense specifically targeted DNA evidence that police developed through an advanced crime-solving technique known as investigative genetic genealogy. IGG, for short, involves detectives leveraging ancestry websites to build a family tree and begin narrowing the list of possible suspects in a violent crime. The method, in which law enforcement uploads unidentified DNA from a crime scene to the services, was previously reserved for decades-old cold cases, but has recently become more common in active investigations. Kohberger, 30, is charged with the November 2022 deaths of the U of I students at an off-campus home in Moscow. The victims were Kaylee Goncalves, 21, of Rathdrum; Madison Mogen, 21, of Coeur dAlene; Xana Kernodle, 20, of Post Falls; and Ethan Chapin, 20, of Mount Vernon, Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty if a jury finds the defendant guilty. Defense details investigation timeline Police did not disclose the FBIs use of IGG in the probable cause affidavit for Kohbergers Dec. 30, 2022, arrest, which took place in Pennsylvania. In one of the latest filings, his defense said police identified Kohberger with IGG on Dec. 19 and the FBI began surveilling him at his parents home on Dec. 21. Nine days later, they took him into custody during an early-morning, no-knock raid that his defense argued was unnecessary and inappropriate. The state seems to accept that a failure to abide by law as to knocking and announcing leads to the exclusion of what was found in Mr. Kohbergers parents home, defense attorney Jay Logsdon wrote in another of the filings. This court must suppress this evidence. More than seven months after Kohbergers arrest, prosecutors acknowledged for the first time that information from the use of IGG initially led investigators to suspect Kohberger of the quadruple homicide in Moscow. A single source of male DNA was located on a leather sheath for a combat-style knife found underneath one of the victims at the crime scene. It was processed and used to develop the suspects family tree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All evidence that police gathered as a result of that initial finding, including through search warrants and federal grand jury subpoenas, should therefore be withheld from Kohbergers trial, his defense argued. Detectives later obtained Kohbergers cellphone and online account records to help build their case, including obtaining their first search warrant related to Kohberger on Dec. 23. Without IGG, there is no case, no request for his phone records, surveillance of his parents home, no DNA taken from the garbage on his driveway, in a gated community, under a garbage collection ordinance, the defense wrote in a prior filing in November. In sealed briefs, the defense has alleged that police used false information to get a judges approval for search warrants and asked for whats known as a Franks hearing to challenge the evidence acquired with them. Prosecutors objected to the holding of that hearing, and Hippler has yet to rule. The prosecutions arguments against suppressing evidence over the use of IGG also were filed under seal, so they remain outside of the public eye. But prosecutors previously said in court that police did not rely on IGG evidence as justification with judges for any search warrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Led by Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson, state attorneys also refuted the defenses claims that police were overly broad in what evidence they sought in some search warrants. In addition, prosecutors argued that Idaho law extends ample discretion to judges in determining probable cause for the purposes of granting warrants. Kohbergers capital murder trial was moved from Moscow to Boise earlier this year. It is scheduled to start in August 2025 and could run three months, including sentencing if necessary. Jury selection is set for late July. There are more important points to make about last week's train-fire engine crash in Delray Beach than to cast about for blame. That part seems pretty easy: the fire engine was on the tracks; it shouldn't have been. Even before Brightline began its rapid rail service to Palm Beach County six years ago, many were quick to trumpet concerns about safety, traffic and noise. The company responded, spending tens of millions of dollars to add crossing gates and other safety equipment and signage, and abided by quiet zone mandates and other requirements. Despite those efforts, we're all chagrinned to hear of the dozens of deaths and injuries to date along the line, whose service now stretches from Miami to Orlando. And as easy as it is to blame the rail line, at some point one has to wonder how much more they could do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More on train safety: Brightline train deaths: Where and when the 34 fatalities in Palm Beach County happened Where design, engineering and installation leave off, there's a gap that only public education can fill to preserve a safe distance between trains, pedestrians and drivers. Whether we're foolish, despondent, careless or just absent-minded, only heightened awareness, caring and enforcement can go the extra mile to protect us from ourselves. Three firefighters and 12 passengers were injured in the latest crash, which occurred early Saturday along the Florida East Coast Railway tracks a block south of Atlantic Avenue, across the tracks from the Delray Beach Market food hall. A video from the train, posted by Brightline, indicated the ladder truck driver saw a freight train rumble by and when it passed, drove around the gates to cross the tracks, not realizing the faster Brightline passenger train was barreling down from the opposite direction. A Delray Beach Fire-Rescue ladder truck lies in ruins Saturday afternoon after a collision with a Brightline train in downtown Delray Beach. The laws of physics always favor a 643-ton train that travels at an average of 69 miles per hour. Even a big ladder truck, at 35 tons, doesn't stand a chance. The laws of common sense dictate that you don't drive around a closed gate. Even if you're headed to a fire; and we still don't know that's the case here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More on crashes: Re Brightline accident: Driving a fire truck under pressure takes experience | Letters Delray Beach Fire Chief Ronald Martin, without releasing details of the crash, in a press release Tuesday drew the right conclusion, pledging that it should be a "turning point a moment from which we will learn and grow." We're relieved that no one died this time, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery. But if this accident is to mean something, it should serve as an alert to municipalities, schools, law enforcers and other emergency responders, as well as to the general public and Brightline, that we're not done building a culture of railroad safety awareness. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Brightline train crashes into firetruck. We need education | Editorial As we turn the calendar into a new year, my unsolicited advice for Democratic leaders in Sacramento is to print up some hats with this slogan emblazoned on them: Make California Affordable Again. Yes, it is a blatant rip-off of MAGA sloganeering. But putting such a mantra atop the foreheads of Democrats in the Assembly, state Senate and even the governors mansion (though Gov. Newsom has moved his family to Marin County) might get the political leaders to actually work on this defining issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And it might just keep them in office longer than ignoring or avoiding the elephant in the room, namely how it costs too much to live in California. Two recent news reports highlight why the famous James Carville line of the Clinton-era Its the economy, stupid must become the top priority of Californias leaders, even more than opposing whatever policies soon-to-be President Trump puts in place. Opinion The San Jose Mercury News analyzed the Bay Areas voting patterns in the November presidential election. What the analysis showed was that the lowest-income cities in the Bay Area San Pablo, Richmond, Antioch, Oakland, San Leandro, Pittsburg and East Palo Alto all tallied at least 50% more Trump votes in 2024, while the highest-income cities and towns showed the least change overall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be sure, Democrat Kamala Harris was the overall winner in the Bay Area, long recognized as a liberal stronghold. But gains for Trump and the GOP were notable. Mike Madrid, the Sacramento Republican consultant who studies voting patterns among Latinos in particular, told The Mercury News that such results are about one thing: the cost of living. Overwhelmingly, this is an affordability issue, he said. Its not a jobs issue, its not a taxes issue, its not your standard Republican perspective on the economy. Californias affordability crisis Madrids comments support what he has just posted on his Substack blog off a poll he helped conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was joined by polling firm David Binder Research to learn what Latino voters are thinking in the aftermath of Trump winning back the White House. As reported by Sacramento Bee staff writer Andrew Sheeler, Madrid and Binder surveyed 600 Latino California voters, in English and Spanish, by phone and online, between Nov. 18-21. The findings? Affordability was a top issue for California Latino voters. They were either extremely or very concerned about the price of housing (86%), groceries (87%), gas (75%), and electricity and utilities (80%). Another 74% were extremely or very concerned about high taxes in California. Nearly everyone surveyed (90%) said they were extremely or very concerned about the price of everything, Sheeler reported. Thats more than homelessness (86%), immigration (71%), jobs (81%), crime (87%) or climate change (63%). Democrats face cost challenges That last point is critical. Trump is about to embark on large-scale deportations of undocumented people, which will have a major impact in California. Trump also promised in his campaign to undo actions President Biden took to reduce oil dependency and electrify the nation to reduce greenhouse gases. Already Newsom is promising to offer buyers of electric vehicles in California a $1,500 tax rebate if Trump does away with that at the federal level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any of those headline-grabbing issues could easily distract statehouse Democrats away from the pocketbook concerns that Madrid found to be uppermost among the states Latinos. They arent the only group burdened by high prices; everyone feels it. California continues to have the nations second-most expensive gasoline. Only Hawaii beats the Golden State for gas costs. There is also the price of electricity as charged by Pacific Gas and Electric. As Sacramento Bee staff writer Ari Plachta notes in a recent story: PG&Es average residential electricity rate is $0.397 per kilowatt-hour, higher than San Diego Gas & Electrics $0.383 and Southern California Edisons $0.338. The utilitys customers pay about 80% more than the national average. Then there is the biggest expense: housing. California has the nations second-most expensive housing market, behind only Hawaii. Writer Eric McConnell reported the states median home price crossing the $900,000 mark in early 2024. McConnell recalled how there once was a time in California when teachers, firefighters, police officers and working people could buy a $200,000 house with FHA financing and only put $6,000 down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is another data point to consider: Trump did not win Fresno County in 2016 or 2020. But he did this past November, getting 50.8% of the votes. Fresno County is the center of the San Joaquin Valley, one of the lowest-income regions in the nation. Newsom is a Democrat, as are all of the states other executive officers. Both the Assembly and state Senate are in Democratic supermajorities. Whether a red tide toward the GOP continues in coming years remains to be seen. But the voters messaging is unmistakable for whichever party is ruling in Sacramento: Make California Affordable Again. Federal government workers are nothing like the overpaid and too-numerous lot that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, and their attendant DOGE commission, say they are. In fact, federal workers have perhaps been among the groups of workers whove been least successful at advancing their interests over the past 40 years. The reality of how federal workers are and have been treated should be a focal point for a defeated and disorganized left, whether among the moderates blaming the far left or among those who agree with Bernie Sanders that party leadership has lost touch with workers. The fight for federal workers is the first battle in the upcoming assault on the federal government. The left would be wise to use a full-throated defense of federal workers an opportunity to portray Donald Trump, Musk, Ramaswamy and the entire GOP as cruel and unconcerned with actual working people. One notable aspect of the ongoing discussions of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency is the dearth of actual federal workers amongst those discussing the matter. As an employee of the Bureau of Economic Analysis for over 15 years, ending in March 2022, I can tell you the situation has gotten steadily worse for decades. Federal workers are underpaid, mistreated and lack the voice in society to fight back. And theyve proven to be the proverbial canary in the coal mine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal workforce, as a share of the total U.S. population, has shrunk since 1982. In October 1982, there were 2.890 million federal workers. Forty-two years later, in October 2024, that figure totaled 3.001 million, a miserly increase of less than four percent. During that same period, the total U.S. population increased over 104 million, or about forty-five percent. Total local government employment grew from 9.430 million to 14.940 million over those forty-two years, an increase of nearly five million, while state government employment grew from 3.636 million to 5.514 million, an increase of about 1.9 million. Thus, state and local government employment basically kept up with forty-five percent population growth over those years, while federal employment barely grew at all. Nor are federal workers overpaid. In fact, their pay has been eroding relative to private sector counterparts for the last three decades. The Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act (FEPCA) was passed in 1990 to increase federal worker pay to catch up to private-sector pay. Federal statue written from FEPCA guides for annual federal employee pay increases to be calculated as half of one percent less than the increase in the employment cost index (ECI), a measure of total worker compensation prepared by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, according to the same statute, the president may ignore the ECI in cases of national emergency or serious economic conditions affecting the general welfare and simply come up with a lower number. Since FEPCA was passed in 1990, every single Democratic and Republican president has done exactly that, with little comment from the mainstream press (which, to be fair, pays little attention to most aspects of worker pay or power.) So, for the pay raise in 2025, the ECI increase was 3.86%, but the pay raise decreed by the president will only be 2%. After three-and-a-half decades of these arbitrary raises, federal worker pay is 24.72% behind what it is for comparable private-sector workers, according to a report from the Federal Salary Council, which uses BLS survey data to generate comprehensive comparison statistics. Neither party takes up the mantle for federal worker rights. While Musk and Ramaswamy seem outright hostile to the idea of federal government employment, even Democrats like Barack Obama are willing to shiv federal workers when it suits them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obama embraced the language of austerity in November 2010, when he froze federal pay for two years, announcing, Just as families and businesses around the nation have tightened their belts so must their government. This analysis is wrong; a nation is not constrained to operate as a family or business does and cut in difficult times. In fact, economists now acknowledge that federal spending was too small coming out of the Great Recession. If Obama had had greater respect for federal workers as a constituency of the Democratic Party, he could have bent over backward to justify increasing federal pay as a pro-stimulus measure, as Republicans quicky embrace cutting taxes on businesses to fight recessions. Obama additionally introduced an element of generational warfare in the federal service when, as part of two budget compromises with Republicans, he twice increased the required pension contributions of newer federal employees. All told this means that, while federal workers who started before 2013 pay 0.8 percent of their salary towards funding their pensions, employees hired in 2014 or later pay over five times that amount. This is a terrible idea for worker solidarity; newer workers may direct their frustrations at those paid more simply for having started earlier. It also reinforces the idea that boomers and other generations simply pull up the ladder on later generations rather than fighting for all workers. Democrats often choose Cabinet secretaries with histories of opposing worker rights. BEA is an agency within the Department of Commerce; Obamas longest-serving Secretary of Commerce was billionaire heiress Penny Pritzker, whose family runs the Hyatt Hotel chain. Before becoming Commerce Secretary, her company turned on heat lamps above the heads of workers striking in a picket line outside a Hyatt hotel, in weather in which temperatures were already above 90 degrees. She also opposed efforts to raise teachers salaries with money from Chicagos tax increment financing fund, preferring that $5.1 billion from that fund be used to finance a Hyatt-franchised hotel. Pritzker feuded with the head of the Chicago Teachers Union, Karen Lewis an actual leader for workers whose militancy invigorated unionized labor for years, yet Obama still appointed Pritzker Commerce Secretary after her anti-worker behavior. Or consider Joseph Bidens Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, who in 2011 as Rhode Island Treasurer cut state workers pensions after deciding to invest pension assets in hedge funds, an industry in which Raimondo spent most of her private sector career. How can federal workers think theyll get a fair shake if even Democrats appoint people like this to be their bosses? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the 2.3 million federal workers tallied by FedScope Federal Workforce Database (which excludes Postal employees, intelligence agencies, and a few very small agencies), over 750,000 work for the Departments of Defense. Another half million work in the Veterans Administration and over 200,000 work for the Department of Homeland Security. That leaves only about 800,000 for every other major function of the federal government, from tax collection to maintaining our national parks, to safeguarding our nuclear systems, administering Pell Grants, and prosecuting criminals. Major and important duties are carried out by surprisingly small and shrinking staff. The Social Security Administration has fewer than 60,000 workers working to pay out about $1.4 trillion in annual benefits. If the U.S. federal government is an insurance company with an army, then this major insurance component operates tremendously efficiently. Administrative costs total only 0.5% of annual benefits, about a quarter of the percentage cost fifty years ago, and far cheaper than private retirement annuities. For another example, the Food Safety and Inspection Service does the unglamorous job of inspecting meat, eggs, and other foods for consumer safety. Three workers even died of COVID doing their jobs during the pandemics initial onslaught. They have about 8,600 employees as of March 2024. That is down from September 2004, when it had about 10,200 employees, a decrease of about fifteen percent, even though the economy is nearly fifty percent larger. A recent Gallup poll found that Americans confidence in food safety has dropped by 23 points between 2006 and 2024. Why are Trump, Musk and Ramaswamy so confident theres so much government waste and so many worthless employees? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While they dont tell us how they know, theyre dismissive in their confidence. Ramaswamy laid out his plans for federal workers in a podcast: If your Social Security Number ends in an odd number, you're out. If it ends in an even number, you're in. There's a 50% cut right there. Of those who remain, if your Social Security Number starts in an even number, you're in. And if it starts with an odd number, you're out. Boom, that's a 75% reduction, then literally, sarcastically, okay. He then backpedals slightly by saying that this is a thought experiment, not a policy prescription. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. But do the people who inspect our food, send out our social security benefits, or calculate our economic statistics deserve this terrorizing thought experiment? And how much of Trumps behavior initially tows the line between joking and threatening? Given how desperately the right wants to be offended, might it not be time for the left to be offended on behalf of actual workers? Unlike state government workers and national civil servants in other countries, federal workers lack the ability to fight back through strikes. The Chicago Teachers Union strikes of 2012 showed that local government workers can challenge even Democratic politicians like Rahm Emanuel, the Chicago mayor who backed neoliberal privatization efforts aimed at marginalizing public school teachers. These strikes sparked similar efforts in West Virginia, Oklahoma and Arizona, and laid the groundwork for political efforts that are still paying off. Brandon Johnson, a key organizer of those strikes, is now Chicagos mayor. () Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ability to strike changes the dynamic. BEA, where I worked for 15 years, produces estimates of gross domestic product and myriad other economic statistics, which underlie the work of Wall Street analysts, financial journalists, economic researchers and countless others. Many of these very people are interested in the ethical treatment of workers (at, say, their local grocery store or Starbucks), but since workers at BEA cant strike, we couldnt easily convey to our customers that we were being mistreated. The disciplinary policy at Commerce allows only one punishment for violation of no-strike affidavit: removal. Without a union or labor consciousness from society, federal workers are walking into a Kafkaesque nightmare of unclear policies and pretend standards in a second Trump administration. A Democratic Party interested in workers should find it very easy and intuitive to fight against Musk and Ramaswamy on this issue. Musk has repeatedly tweeted variations of himself asking people, in the context of federal workers, So What would you say you do here? a reference to "Office Space" that, given the storyline in that movie, implies the answer is nothing or very little. He treats his own workers with the same arrogance and dismissiveness. In 2022, while we were still recovering from the pandemic, Musk imperiously announced that telework wouldnt be available any longer for Telsa workers and charged that those who wanted to telework should pretend to work somewhere else. Can you imagine having any self-respect and continuing to work for this man? People (including, Im sure, Tesla workers) made tremendous sacrifices over the pandemic, often only surviving because telework was an option, but he has no problem announcing in public that they were pretending. And even if he wants to behave rudely towards his own workers, we neednt do so towards ours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet Democrats have embraced Musk, with Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, whos cultivated a working-class mien, saying he admires the billionaire. That so many Democrats tolerate the degrading language that Musk and Ramaswamy use towards federal employees implies that they think being a federal employee is degrading, and Democrats treatment of federal workers these last two decades demonstrates the same. The treatment of federal workers is the moral choice and responsibility of the citizenry en toto, and theres nothing that says we must lower ourselves to the moral level of an Elon Musk, nothing that says we have to accept language like little jobs to describe all that federal workers do. Resisting the DOGE commission must be the next step in Democrats showing theyre a workers party, like they say they are. ENDICOTT, NY (WIVT/WBGH) Broome County began the largest demolition project in its history this morning at the birthplace of IBM. The old IBM buildings on the Phoenix Campus in Endicott have been condemned for 20 years. The demolition is led by Gorick Construction, and supported by $6 million from New York State and $2 million of the countys ARPA funds. County executive Jason Garnar expects the project to take at least 5 months. He says a majority of the buildings are made of concrete foundation which makes the demo, that much harder. Garnar says the buildings have been unusable for decades, and theyd like to make way for new developers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a really important property. We have tons of interest from companies that want to come here and build here. But, its hard for them to do that with all these old and condemned buildings in the way. So, this is really the first day of the future of Endicott, Garnar said. The IBM Clocktower Building will remain intact, which is where IBMs Thomas Watson had his office. Garnar says the goal is to make the site shovel ready to attract new businesses and jobs, while preserving the historical significance of the property. 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. DENVER (KDVR) Three hospitals across the Denver metro area welcomed the first babies born there in 2025. The hospitals were Denver Health, HCA HealthONE Rose and Saint Joseph Hospital and two AdventHealth hospitals. Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather Saint Joseph Hospital Saint Joseph Hospital, part of the Intermountain Health system, welcomed its first baby of the year just after midnight at 12:25 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baby boy Madden was born to his mother, Ineesha, weighing 4 pounds and 2 ounces. He was born early and will receive care in the neonatal intensive care unit at the hospital. Intermountain Health said both baby and mother are doing well. Denver Health Denver Health welcomed a baby boy born at 1:49 a.m. His parents were gifted 2,025 diapers as a special gift for the occasion. Baby boy Sammer was born weighing 7 pounds and 9 ounces to parents Angelica Cambero Grisales and Jesus Arellano Sanchez. Denver Health welcomed its first baby born in 2025 just before 2 a.m. Jan. 1. (Credit: Denver Health) The 2,025 diapers were provided by the hospitals Newborns in Need program, which helps supply essential items to all families who give birth at Denver Health. People can find ways to donate to the program on Denver Healths website. HCA HealthONE Rose HCA HealthONE Rose, a hospital part of the HCA HealthONE system, welcomed its first baby of the year at 2:21 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baby girl Avianna was born weighing 7 pounds and 14 ounces to parents Jonnilynn Verde and Tevin Brown. HCA HealthONE Rose is also known as Denvers Baby Hospital and delivers thousands of babies each year. AdventHealth AdventHealth Castle Rock and Advent Health Littleton both had babies born in the mid-morning of Jan. 1, versus the early morning births at the other three hospitals. Baby Girl Isabelle was born at 6:26 a.m. at AdventHealth Littleton weighing 8 pounds and 11 ounces. Baby girl Mierelle was born at 7:12 a.m. at AdventHealth Castle Rock. She weighed 7 pounds and 5 ounces. 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. DENVER (KDVR) It has been a chilly last day of 2024 with temperatures in Denver weather only reaching the 30s, which is below normal for this time of year. It will be cold for New Years Eve for anyone going to be outside in Denver. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up for weather alerts from the Pinpoint Weather team And, according to Pinpoint Weather, Colorados Most Accurate Forecast, snow will develop on New Years Day in the Colorado mountains with slick travel late Wednesday into Thursday. Denver New Year's Eve hour-by-hour forecast Travel advisories in Colorado Wednesday and Thursday Weather tonight: A cold New Years Eve Skies will be partly cloudy overnight across Colorado. There will be a few flurries hitting the top of the northern mountain peaks with little if any accumulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wind will be light and from a southerly direction. It will be cold with overnight lows forecast below freezing and in the teens for all of eastern Colorado and metro Denver. The coldest lows will be the single digits in the Colorado mountains, especially the valley locations. Overnight lows by Wednesday morning across Colorado Weather tomorrow: A chilly start to the New Year Denver and the Front Range will start with sunny skies on New Years Day. It will be a chilly holiday with afternoon readings only in the upper 30s to low 40s which is a little below normal for Denver. It will be dry across the eastern plains, but snow will develop in the afternoon through the Colorado mountains with several inches possible by late evening. View the latest Weather Alerts in Denver and across Colorado on FOX31 Forecast highs across Colorado on New Years Day Looking ahead: Milder days before cold and snow returns Temperatures will slowly warm to milder readings in the 50s by Friday. The start of the weekend will cool again to near seasonal levels in the low to mid-40s with increasing clouds, breezy conditions and a flurry arriving late. Colorados Most Accurate 7-day forecast from Pinpoint Weather A weather pattern change arrives on Sunday with a string of colder days in the 30s for metro Denver. And, there will be snow showers possible each day Sunday through Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Light accumulation is possible across the area, but details on totals are still in question. The final home game for the Broncos will be cold with snow showers possible, so bundle up! 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. SAND LAKE, Mich. (WOOD) Two men have been arrested in connection with a bank robbery in Sand Lake, the Kent County Sheriffs Office said. A 25-year-old man and a 19-year-old man, both from Mecosta County, were arrested and booked into the Kent County Correctional Facility, deputies say. Their names were not released. The Kent County Prosecutors Office is reviewing the case. The robbery happened around noon Monday at Independent Bank at 5 3rd Street in Sand Lake. Deputies did not say how much money was taken. The sheriffs office released photos of the suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community not at risk after Sand Lake bank robbery, deputies say The Kent County Sheriffs Office thanked the public for their vigilance and said anyone with more information about the robbery should contact its Investigative Division at 616.632.6125 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345. The arrests were made with the help of the Newaygo County Sheriffs Offices Emergency Response Team and the Mecosta County Sheriffs Office. 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. TALLAHASSEE For years, Gov. Ron DeSantis has had the Legislature largely at his beck and call. But if theres one area where DeSantis likely wont get everything he wants before leaving office, its gun rights. DeSantis has been more supportive than Floridas legislative leaders of allowing open access to firearms. Florida law has little to show for it. DeSantis has repeatedly offered support for open carry. He has ripped Floridas bump stock ban and previously said that if he was governor at the time, he would not have signed the sweeping bill lawmakers passed after the 2018 Parkland shooting that included multiple gun-safety provisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That bipartisan bill, signed by then-Gov. Rick Scott, prohibited people under age 21 from purchasing long guns and enacted red flag laws in Florida, which allow courts to temporarily take away firearms from someone they think may pose a threat. DeSantis in November hinted on a radio show that the Legislature may soon allow open carry, telling the host that you may get it in the upcoming session and to stay tuned. But such an idea of allowing people to carry guns in plain view in public seems likely to fail yet again. The governor, while he personally supports it (open carry), he hasnt flexed political muscle for gun rights like he has for other issues, said Luis Valdes, Florida director of Gun Owners of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the last two years, the Senate, under former President Kathleen Passidomo, declined to take up multiple Republican-led bills to loosen gun restrictions. The new Senate president, Ben Albritton, may continue that trend. He said in November that he stands with law enforcement in opposing open carry and also noted in December that he has a concealed carry permit and carries his firearm most days. They oppose it, I trust my law enforcement officials, and thats where I stand, Albritton said. Albritton also said an idea to allow people under 21 to buy rifles was due real caution. Lawmakers in 2023 did pass a bill allowing people to carry a concealed gun in public without any training or permit. Gun rights advocates criticized the bill as not going far enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida is one of five states including Illinois, Connecticut, New York and California that bans open carry in nearly all circumstances. New Jersey also bans the open carrying of handguns, according to the gun safety research group Giffords. Florida is the only red state in the group. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, an influential law enforcement voice in Tallahassee, is a longtime opponent of open carry. He said he has spoken with Albritton about his stance. People carrying guns openly puts those individuals carrying them at a tactical disadvantage thats dangerous, Gualtieri said. And he said Floridas very broad, liberal policy that allows for individual firearm possession negates the need for open carry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Second Amendment, which I strongly support, isnt an unbridled right, Gualtieri said. There can and there should be reasonable restrictions. Florida allows open carrying weapons in certain circumstances, Gualtieri said, like to and from fishing or to and from hunting. While open carry seems dead on arrival this year, its less clear how other gun issues will fare. Bob White, the chairperson of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Florida, said he met with Albritton toward the beginning of 2024 and again around May, shortly after the legislative session ended. White said the Senate leader may very well be open to things like allowing college students to be armed on campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Rep. Joel Rudman, R-Navarre, filed an open-carry bill ahead of the 2025 session. But he already is out of office, after he resigned to run for Congress, with his resignation effective on Jan. 1. Still, Rudman said that the bills are bigger than one individual. Rudmans sweeping bill also proposes allowing guns at polling places and allowing college students to carry guns on campus. His bill also would repeal Floridas red flag law. Incoming lawmaker Rep. Monique Miller, R-Palm Bay, recently said on a radio show that she has filed an open carry bill, saying her bill is real and that she is not going anywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gualtieri, a Republican, said people who demonize risk protection orders dont know what theyre talking about. He said the law successfully saves lives and has due process built into it to ensure people are being treated fairly. Sen. Randy Fine, R-Brevard County, has also filed a bill to allow 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds to purchase rifles, repealing part of the post-Parkland legislation package. Fine, who is also running for Congress, will leave his seat on March 31, partway through the legislative session, but said he has ample time to pass his bills. A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives. On Jan. 1, 2000, an anxious world held its breath as computers silently switched to the year 2000, but the dreaded Y2K bug caused few serious issues. Here is how the Deseret News editorial board recapped the issue: Someday, an historian will write the definitive study of the by-then long forgotten Y2K scare, drawing smiles from some about those quaint turn-of-the-century folks who worried needlessly about major worldwide disruptions. When that story is written, we hope it is presented as a triumph of global cooperation. That is the only accurate spin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Utah Sen. Robert Bennett began his dire warnings more than two years ago, he was talking about a very real danger one that could have disrupted economies and communities. Today, after a peaceful New Years weekend that featured only a few minor glitches, he may in retrospect seem like Chicken Little. In reality, he was more like Paul Revere. It is estimated $100 billion was spent in the United States to prepare for the change of computer systems and other issues from Dec. 31, 1999 to Jan. 1, 2000. Newspaper coverage of the preparations and the aftermath was extensive. Here are some articles from Deseret News archives about the Y2K phenomenon, the worries over the end of normalcy and then the reflections on so much wasted worry: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Y2K bug squashed $100 billion to fix Y2K was wasted The front page of the Deseret News on Dec. 31, 1999, as worries spread over the Y2K computer systems glitches. Who was responsible for Y2K hype and panic? Taking a close look at Y2K The man who got Utah through Y2K is retiring today Y2K offers opportunity to be a good global neighbor Y2K and the lessons it taught Y2K bug didnt sneak up on us we werent looking Centenarian discovers the Y2K bug is for real Some Y2K glitches reported around U.S. World goes back to work with few delays from Y2K bug Christian Y2K alarmists irresponsible Y2K bug: from time bomb to damp squib BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Proper planning turns into a higher quality event for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. Thats why Destination Panama City wants to ensure organizers are prepared for the many aspects that go into putting on some of the citys most popular events. Everybody knows and loves Mardi Gras. That is a huge event that we support every year. Panama City Songwriters Festival The Flux Arts Festival, Redfish Film Festival. Theres so many of them that we support throughout the year, Friday nights, public eyesore. Theres just a countless number of events that we support, and we really want to make sure that anybody that wants to do an event is given the same information and sort of the same assistance and planning. A lot of people have great ideas and we want them to come forward, CEO and President of Destination Panama City Jennifer Vigil said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freeport man charged with murder in deadly shooting The support comes in the form of a competitive grant process that allows them to give a total of $100,000 a year to help community events. In order to attract high-quality events they are now requiring event planners to attend one of three free workshops in January. Destination Panama City staff will be facilitating the workshops. Well be going through how to make an appropriate event budget the steps that you have to go through, for example, city permitting, some suggestions on marketing, things like that so that we can really help them get their best foot forward, Vigil said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 90-minute workshops will be on January 8th, 13th, and 30th and times fluctuate to make sure theres one that works for everyone. Missouri man dead following motorcycle accident in Jackson County The first step is going to be signing up for the workshop, coming in, learning about the different components. You know, a lot of people dont know that you need insurance to have an event or that you need an alcohol license, to serve alcohol in an event. So were going to help try to get over some of those key facts that go into event planning. And then well move forward and hopefully they take the ball and run with it and bring us some quality new events for the upcoming years, Vigil said. To sign up for one of the workshops and for more information, click 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 mypanhandle.com. The Galt Police Department is searching for four robbery suspects following a series of break-ins Monday morning at restaurants in the city. Police said the four robbers were responsible for four burglaries and were seen on surveillance footage from multiple establishments. They were seen in hooded, baggy clothes, driving a light silver or blue SUV believed to be an Acura RDX, model year 2016 to 2018. License plates were covered, images from the cameras showed. There were four separate calls for burglaries, according to a social media post from the department. Incident reports from the department showed four calls for service on Monday to the following restaurants: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5:28 a.m. at Papas & Wings, 803 C St. 5:54 a.m. at T2 Yan Chinese Food, 10400 Twin Cities Road, Suite 10 7:06 a.m. at Santa Cruz Taqueria Express, 905 C St., Suite 100 7:13 a.m. at Compadres Grill & Bar, 10400 Twin Cities Road, Suite 40 Smash-and-grab style robberies are not new to Galt. According to Galt Polices annual report from March, there were 59 break-ins in 2023 and 55 in 2022, including multiple groups that targeted restaurants and businesses. Police encourage anyone with information about the robberies or the suspects to call detectives at 209-366-7010. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) Doctors Hospital of Augusta was proud to welcome a baby boy just after the start of the new year. Levi Okuko was born at 12:11 am on January 1, 2025. Congratulations to his parents and family! 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. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) An Ovalo man has been accused of having intercourse with horses and delivering meth to a minor. Man in Taylor County accused of bestiality and delivering controlled substance to a minor Court documents state that in December 2024, a person who met him through an online platform told the Taylor County Sheriffs Office that Hayden Hollingsworth had intercourse with a horse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That person shared that he told them he had urges and that the FBI raided his house because he had no-nos. Detectives reviewed multiple videos depicting bestiality with a horse. On November 20, during a traffic stop, an officer made contact with a teenager who was under 18. Before this traffic stop, the officer had been informed that the teenagers mother had found drugs in his room. After consenting to a search of the vehicle, the teenager admitted that he had methamphetamine in the console. He told police he had been buying it from Hollingsworth for two months and showed social media messages between them. Hollingsworth is charged with Bestiality and Delivering Meth to a Minor. He was booked into the Taylor County Jail on December 27, 2024, on bonds totaling $75,000. 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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Donald Trump Jr said on his podcast that he is not a fan of spending New Years Eve at his fathers Mar-a-Lago club. The son of the once and soon-to-be president said on his Rumble show Triggered that his birthday is New Years Eve and hes not necessarily a fan of the holiday. When I was a kid, New Year's Eve was a lot better, because it was like, there's always something to do, there's always a party, he said. But now it's sort of like amateur night, and I realized that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The eldest son of President-Elect Donald Trump said that he typically does not like being around people who give him unsolicited political advice for his father. I get to be around, you know, 1,000 drunk people giving me their political opinions that I don't necessarily want to hear, he said. While I love Mar a Lago, It's sort of like, by about midnight, when everyone's like, 12 beers deep, or whatever it is they're drinking, the close talking opinions, it's not for me. The younger Trump has become one of the president-elects most trusted advisers and has served as a liaison to the most devout right-wing voices. He vocally lobbied for his father to pick JD Vance, a critic-turned-conservative favorite, as his running mate, which the president-elect ultimately did. He also had his daughter Kai Alexander Trump speak at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump spoke about Mar-a-Lago with conservative journalist Peter Schweizer. You wouldn't know it, but I'm basically a recluse, he said. I'm okay with a mic ... when I have a big crowd, but I don't like being around a lot of people if I can avoid it. I like fishing, hunting and, like, two people. Trump said that he has heard people giving suggestions for about nine years, ever since his father announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for president in 2015. This will be like, year, like, nine of: Hey, you know, have you ever thought that maybe have your dad not tweet that? he said. I'm like, no, I've never thought that because I'm a freaking imbecile. The president-elect will take office in 19 days. Junior recently broke off his engagement with former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle, whom his father tapped to be the US ambassador to Greece. He has recently been seen with Bettina Anderson. Donald Trump told reporters during a New Year's Eve party at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 31 that he has been invited to and plans to attend Jimmy Carter's funeral Ill be there, Trump said, before declining to comment on whether he'd spoken to any of Carter's family members following his death, the AP reported Following Carter's death, Trump paid tribute on Truth Social, writing, "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" Donald Trump is planning to attend Jimmy Carter's funeral following the former president's death on Sunday, Dec. 29, at the record-breaking age of 100. President-elect Trump revealed he'd been invited and would be in attendance at the ceremony while speaking to reporters at a New Year's Eve party at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 31, per the Associated Press. Ill be there, Trump said, before declining to comment on whether he'd spoken to any of Carter's family members following his death, the AP reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter the Nobel Peace Prize-winning 39th president of the United States who transformed his legacy from one-term commander-in-chief to beloved humanitarian will be remembered at funeral services in Georgia and Washington D.C. between Jan. 4 and Jan. 9, according to the AP. Carter's state funeral will take place on Jan. 9 at the Washington National Cathedral, according to the BBC, and will be marked with a national day of mourning. Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty President-elect Donald Trump (left) and Melania Trump on Dec. 31, 2024 President-elect Donald Trump (left) and Melania Trump on Dec. 31, 2024 Related: Jimmy Carter Once Shook Hands with Each Person on His Delta Flight Because Thats Who He Was: WATCH The late Democrat, who was a one-term president from 1977 to 1981, died at his home in Plains, Ga., according to his son James E. Carter III, known as Chip, per The Washington Post. The Carter Center also confirmed the news in a message shared on X (formerly Twitter). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Carter's historic 100th birthday, which took place on Oct. 1, Trump mocked the former president during a speech at a manufacturing facility in Waunakee, Wis., according to PBS. While calling President Joe Biden the worst president in U.S. history, Trump told the crowd, Jimmy Carter is the happiest man because Jimmy Carter is considered a brilliant president by comparison, per The Daily Beast and USA Today. Related: Jimmy Carter's 1977 New Year's Trip to Poland Ended in Disaster When His Polite Speech Was Mistranslated as an NSFW Come-On Following Carter's death, Trump was among those who paid tribute, writing on Truth Social, I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History. The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans, Trump continued. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elect added that he and his wife Melania Trump were "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. Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump on Dec. 31, 2024 President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump on Dec. 31, 2024 Related: Jimmy Carter Wrote 32 Bestsellers: Looking Back at the Late President's Books Carter made his final public appearance in November 2023 to mourn the death of his wife of nearly eight decades, Rosalynn Carter, who died that month at the age of 96. The couple whose 77-year marriage was the longest of any first couple is survived by their four children: Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy. In March 2019, Carter became the longest-lived American president who also enjoyed the lengthiest post-White House life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After navigating many health issues over the years, most notably his cancer diagnosis, the Carter Center announced in February 2023 that the former president had been moved to hospice care following "a series of short hospital stays." "Former US President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention," their statement said at the time. "He has the full support of his family and his medical team." "The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers," the message concluded. Read the original article on People LEDYARD, CT. (WWLP) Police are searching for the driver who ran into a daycares fence in Ledyard, Connecticut. Massachusetts woman charged with DUI after hit-and-run in Connecticut The crash occurred at the Family Tree Ministry daycare on Colonel Ledyard Highway. It happened just after midnight on Monday, according to WTNH. Police say the driver left the incident and believe the car in the video entered the parking lot from the exit-only lane before slowing down and then accelerating through about 50 feet of fence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries were reported. Anyone with information about the incident or the driver involved is being asked to contact Officer Heidi Schmidt at 860-464-6400. 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. Durham police say a man was impaired and driving without a license when he lost control of his car on South Alston Avenue early New Years morning and crashed, killing his passenger. Isaiah Thompson, 20, faces several charges, including driving while impaired and felony death by motor vehicle. His passenger, Agneris Rodriguez, was thrown from the car and pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. Its not clear if she or Thompson were wearing seat belts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash happened at about 12:35 a.m. Police say Thompson was driving a Honda Accord north on Alston, approaching N.C. 55 near the N.C. Central University campus, when he ran off the road to the right. Thompson over-corrected, police say, and the car slid sideways, crossing the southbound lane before hitting a utility pole and coming to rest in the front yard of a home. Police say Thompson was speeding. In addition to DWI and felony death by vehicle, they charged him with reckless driving and driving while his license was revoked. Police have not released information about Thompsons blood alcohol level or how fast they think he was driving. They ask anyone with information about the crash to contact Investigator Munter at 919-560-4935, ext. 29448. Alcohol and speed are common factors in fatal crashes in North Carolina. Each played a role in about a quarter of traffic deaths over the last five years, according to data compiled by the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles. Dec. 31A drone helped the Santa Fe County Fire Department locate a hiker who got lost in the hills north of Lamy earlier this week. The Monday evening incident marked the department's first successful deployment of a drone in a rescue, county spokesperson Olivia Romo wrote in an email. A thermal imaging camera attached to a drone locate a small fire around 8:30 p.m. Monday, then firefighters used a loudspeaker to call to the lost hiker, who emerged from cover and signaled assistance was needed, Romo wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First responders then hiked to the location, found the lost hiker, rendered care and assisted the hiker out. The hiker was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, Romo wrote in an email. The Santa Fe Regional Emergency Communications Center had received a call about a lost hiker in the Ojo de la Vaca area of Canoncito a little after 5 p.m., Romo wrote. The lost hiker "ended up way off trail from Ojo de la Vaca and closer to the northern community parts of Lamy," Romo said in a phone interview. "Because this individual was equipped to start a small campfire to keep warm, that's how first responders were able to see, 'Oh, he's probably over there.' " The county fire department has three drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras and a speaker for one-way communications. Wreckage from a Russian drone fell on a residential building in Kyivs Pecherskyi district on the morning of 1 January, partially destroying the top two floors and causing a fire. Two people have been killed as a result of the attack. Source: Kyiv City Military Administration; Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko; State Emergency Service of Ukraine; Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office; Tymur Tkachenko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration Details: Kyiv City Military Administration said wreckage fell in the Pecherskyi district as a result of the Russian drone attack targeting Kyiv. Early reports indicate that the wreckage landed on a non-residential building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "No reports of casualties have been received. Information on damage is being established." Details: Kyiv City Military Administration also noted that air defence systems are responding in the capital and urged residents to stay in shelters until the all-clear is given. Updated: Klitschko later reported a fire on the roof and in one apartment of a residential building in the Pecherskyi district. One person has sought medical assistance. Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine The mayor also mentioned wreckage falling on another non-residential building in the same district. Kyiv City Military Administration said that wreckage in the Pecherskyi district had caused a fire on the roof of a non-residential building. It also partially destroyed the attic floor of a five-storey residential building, igniting an area of 20 square metres. Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Klitschko later confirmed that the top two floors of the residential building in the Pecherskyi district had been partially destroyed. Emergency services are at the scene and one individual was hospitalised. Klitschko also reported a fire in a non-residential building in the Sviatoshynskyi district, "As a result of wreckage falling, windows in a residential building in the Sviatoshynskyi district were broken, near garages where the fire occurred. The tram track was also partially damaged." Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine At 08:25, the mayor wrote about three people who were injured in the Pecherskyi district, two of whom were hospitalised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko on Telegram At around 09:00, Klitschko reported that four people had sustained injuries in the Russian attack on the capital. Two of them were taken to hospital. The other two were treated by medics on the spot. Most of them were from Kyivs Pecherskyi district. A few minutes later, Klitschko wrote that the number of those who were injured had increased to six. Four were treated on the spot. One of them is a pregnant woman. Kyiv City Military Administration reported at 11:13 that a woman's body had been found under the rubble of a residential building in Kyivs Pecherskyi district that had been damaged in the morning attack. The number of people who sustained injuries increased to seven, including two pregnant women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The search and rescue operation is ongoing. At 12:25, Tymur Tkachenko, the new Head of Kyiv City Military Administration, reported that a second person had been killed. Background: Russian forces had been attacking Ukraine with drones from southern and northern directions since the evening of 31 December. An air-raid warning had been issued in the city of Kyiv and several oblasts due to the approach of Russian drones from the northeast. Air defence systems were responding in Kyiv Oblast. Support UP or become our patron! After surging during the COVID pandemic into a crushing public health emergency, drug overdose deaths in San Francisco plummeted in 2024, according to preliminary data compiled by city health officials. The chief medical examiner's office recorded 586 fatal overdoses in San Francisco in the first 11 months of 2024. That represents a nearly 23% decrease, or 174 fewer deaths, compared with the first 11 months of 2023. In total, 810 people died from drug overdoses in 2023, the highest number in city records. The development mirrors both national and statewide data showing overdose deaths on the decline. Provisional data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate a 14.3% decrease in fatal overdoses across California when comparing the 12 months that ended in July 2023 with the 12 months that ended in July 2024. Fatal overdoses fell 16.9% nationwide during that period, according to CDC figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Los Angeles County health officials have not yet released fatal overdose figures for 2024. But the most recent data also showed progress: Deaths from drug overdoses and poisoning plateaued between 2022 and 2023, after years of historic increases, according to the L.A. County Department of Public Health. In 2023, the county recorded 3,092 fatal overdoses, down slightly from 3,220 deaths the year before. San Francisco public health experts attributed the decline in fatal drug use in the city to the widespread availability of naloxone, a medication commonly sold under the brand name Narcan that can rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, as well as buprenorphine and methadone, prescription medications that treat opioid addiction long-term. "We are cautiously optimistic that our public health interventions are starting to see results in terms of saving lives," said Dr. Grant Colfax, director of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Methadone prescriptions issued by the health department increased by more than 30% and buprenorphine prescriptions by nearly 50% in the last year, Colfax said. The department recently partnered with a "night navigator team" that works after dark to offer treatment, including a telehealth program that quickly connects people who abuse opioids with healthcare providers who can prescribe medications. The department has logged more than 2,300 calls since the program launched in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Francisco has added about 400 residential treatment beds to 2,200 existing spots in recent years and tripled the number of street care workers in the last two years, according to the public health department and Mayor London Breed's office. Dr. Christopher Colwell, chief of emergency medicine at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, said he has seen a notable increase in the number of people open to accepting treatment in the last year. "I think a lot of patients are recognizing, more so in the last year than I've ever seen, how dangerous opioid use disorder is, watching their friends and colleagues die," Colwell said. "I've seen a lot more willingness to at least have that discussion, and consider it, than I did even just a couple years ago." Keith Humphreys, a Stanford University psychiatry professor who studies addiction, called the 2024 numbers a "big deal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Both because of the lives that are saved, but also just for the morale of every front-line worker, every harm-reduction worker, every treatment professional, every police officer who has been despairing that this is never going to get better," Humphreys said. "This is a big boost." San Francisco, like many urban areas, recorded a sharp rise in fatal overdoses in the early years of the COVID pandemic, when government shutdowns made it more difficult to directly address the introduction of fentanyl into the street drug scene. For example, San Francisco counted 259 deadly overdoses in 2018, when fentanyl first hit the streets, and 441 fatalities in 2019. A year later, as the city effectively shut down to slow the spread of COVID-19 and it became more difficult to do community outreach, overdose deaths skyrocketed to more than 720. Humphreys said the pandemic's wane has also made it easier to address some of the social factors underlying addiction. "Everything about COVID was terrible from a drug viewpoint. You had more reasons to use drugs: sadness, isolation, bereavement, loneliness," Humphreys said. "The kind of structures that help people get and stay in recovery, like work, accountability, daily routines, social obligations, all went down." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breed lost her November reelection bid to nonprofit executive and Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, a result widely attributed to voter frustration over homelessness and street drugs. Still, Breed said the recent decline in overdose deaths is a testament to her administration's decision to take a "harder stance" against illicit drug use, arresting dealers and mandating treatment for some users. Last March, for example, she sponsored a successful ballot measure to require drug screening and treatment for people receiving county welfare benefits who are suspected of illicit drug use. Colwell said that although last year's numbers are a positive sign, opioid use remains a serious problem. He stressed the importance of adding treatment options such as buprenorphine and methadone, which are more effective long-term than overdose reversal medications. And although he appreciates the city's efforts to invest in treatment beds and housing, he said, "I dont go a day where I dont feel like we need more." He and other experts said it is crucial that the city and Lurie continue investing in solutions, even as San Francisco faces a projected $876-million budget shortfall. Lurie has pledged to declare a fentanyl emergency when he takes office Jan. 8 and to get tough on drug dealers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've seen what can be helpful," Colwell said, "and we need to keep doing this." 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. Standing barefoot in the mud with an empty container in hand at a crowded water station in central Gaza, Palestinian Alaa Al-Shawish is fearing the winter weather and looking for clean water for her family. Her family are living in a makeshift tent in Deir Al-Balah, after being displaced from Gaza City amid heavy Israeli bombardment. But their new home holds deadly perils of its own. Were dying from the cold. This is not life, this is not living I pray every day that we die to be relieved from this life, Alaa says as she fights back tears. No food, no water, no life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several Palestinians, including at least five babies, have died in recent days due to severe cold weather. The UNs agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warned on Tuesday that more babies will likely die in the coming days. The babies who died from hypothermia were all under one month old, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. A 2-year-old has also died from the cold in recent days, health officials said. I am watching my children die before my eyes, says Yahya Al-Batran, the father of 20-day-old Jumaa, who died on Sunday. He died from the cold, he froze, he adds as he holds his childs lifeless body at the hospital. The cold weather has not only claimed the lives of children. On Friday, the health ministry said a nurse was found dead in his tent in Al-Mawasi on Friday due to severe cold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Temperatures in Gaza can reach lows of 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit), accompanied by wind and rain. Flooded makeshift tents The winter has also brought with it heavy rainfall that has flooded tents housing displaced Palestinians across Gaza over the past couple of days. The Gaza Civil Defense says it received hundreds of distress calls on Monday and Tuesday from displaced Palestinian families whose tents and shelters have been flooded in Al-Mawasi, Rafah, Deir Al-Balah and central Gaza City, among other locations across the strip. More than 1,500 tents were flooded with over 30cm of rainwater, the Civil Defense said, damaging the little that people have and soaking bedding and belongs. Hundreds of other tents were also damaged by the rain and unusable until the water recedes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN footage taken in Deir Al-Balah on Tuesday shows pools of water in the roads in between tents, children and adults shoveling mud. Mattresses, rugs, and clothes are soaking wet inside tents made of cloth and nylon. More than 100 tents in Khan Younis have been extensively damaged by the heavy rain, UNRWA said on Tuesday. Displaced people, already living through the unlivable due to the war, are now battling heavy rainstorms, UNRWA said. The UN agency has called for Israel to allow the entry of more winter supplies into Gaza. Palestinians inspect water pooling on the roof of their shelter at a makeshift camp housing displaced people in Khan Younis, Gaza, on Tuesday. - Bashar Taleb/AFP/Getty Images Blankets, mattresses and warm clothes are sitting outside Gaza waiting for approval to get in, UNRWA said on Tuesday. More and regular humanitarian assistance must come into Gaza to help people stay warm this winter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to COGAT, the Israeli agency that approves aid shipments into Gaza, 1,290 humanitarian aid trucks entered the strip last week. This is well below the average of 500 trucks per day before the war started on October 7, 2023. Salem Abu Amra is among the civilians who are bearing the brunt of the cold and lacking supplies in Gaza. He says his family is struggling for survival in their makeshift tent in Deir Al-Balah. We are suffering from the rain, we were flooded, he said. I have three children who were freezing cold overnight in the camp from this weather. They need clothes, they need tents, proper tents that we can live in. CNNs Nadeen Ebrahim and Abeer Salman contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com EARLY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) A house in Early was engulfed in flames at midnight on Thursday. At around 4:45 a.m. on December 31, crews responded to a structure fire at County Road 381 happened. Firefighters from the Early Fire Department (FD) arrived at 4:51 a.m. and found heavy fire on the back of the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early FD Fire Marshal Seth Ringler reported that a car and two storage buildings were also on fire. Firefighters also said that people with pets were inside the house but evacuated safely. The fire was controlled at 5:29 a.m., and the firefighters searched for any flames left in the house. The Early FD stated that the house, storage buildings, and car were total losses. When the Red Cross arrived, they were able to help the four people at the fire and assist a firefighter who had been injured. Early FD was also joined by: Brownwood Fire Department AMR Ambulance Service Brown County Sheriffs Office Early Police Department Oncor Electric Company Red Cross 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. The Latest Northeast Wisconsin Forecast from Storm Team 5 Good Morning and Happy New Year from all of us at Storm team 5! We thank you for trusting us with your daily weather forecast and severe weather coverage. Watching a few light snow showers moving the Fox Valley this morning. This could bring on a few slippery spots for those up early today. The chance of a few snow showers or flurries should exit around the lunch hour. Total snow amounts around a dusting to a half an inch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Otherwise today, plan for cloudy skies and breezy west winds, gusting 20-25mph. Highs today are actually occurring this morning around 30 degrees, but will staying steady before cooling after sunset. Lows tonight fall into the teens under partly cloudy skies. Tomorrow a mixture of sun and clouds across the area, with more sun south and more clouds north as a lake effect snow event begins in the U.P. Highs tomorrow will be seasonal around the middle and upper 20s, but a NW Wind around 10-20mph will make it a feel a bit cooler out there. Cold, Canadian arctic air moves in to end the week, with highs dropping into the teens and low 20s. Lows Saturday and Sunday morning will be into the single digits and with any bit of wind, it will feel more like the single digits below zero. Packers and Bears game on Sunday will be a bit chilly, a high around 20 degrees. We should start to get a few warmer days to start early next week, but it doesnt last long, as highs return to the teens and 20s Wednesday. Have to watch for a few flurries in northern WI from the lake effect event off Lake Superior, but otherwise, it stays quiet besides a chance of snow Tuesday night. 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. In the eyes of Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, Labours VAT raid on private schools is long overdue. The uber-rich families who send their children to these elite institutions will just have to make do without their new swimming pools, AstroTurf pitches and, of course, embossed stationery. But 550 miles away from Whitehall, in rural Aberdeen, the reality couldnt be more stark for 46-year-old single mother Monica whose seven-year-old son attends a local private school. She says that Labour is punishing families like her own, adding: This tax wont target the wealthy, its going after hard-working families and single mothers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monica works part-time as a pupil support worker at an academy where she earns less than 12,500 a year. With the help of Universal Credit, she is able to pay her 720 rent each month and send her son to one of the most affordable private schools in Britain where fees are 5,600 a year. Even with a bursary, which reduces the fees to 3,360, Monica has cut back on every expense imaginable to help give her son the best start in life. From January 1, her fees will rise to over 4,000 thanks to Labours education tax. She is hoping to keep her son at his school but doesnt know where shes going to find the money. My life is embarrassingly simple, she says. We dont have a television so I dont pay for a TV licence, Netflix or any of that. If we watch something, its on YouTube or we rent library DVDs. The heating goes on twice a day to warm the flat to 18.5 degrees. Its terribly cold at times, but we try to use the principle of heating the person rather than the space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont have a mobile phone contract. I use pay-as-you-go because it costs me 5.60 per month. Ive had the same phone for the past eight years. Its a pain because now its really slow and there are certain websites you cannot open any more. But thats life. The most valuable things Monica owns are her 10-year-old computer which she worries she cannot afford to replace and their second-hand car which she uses in the summer holidays to go hiking with her children. We dont have any luxuries. We dont go to the theatre or the cinema, I cant afford it. I need to save all the money I have so my son can go to his school, she says. State school wasnt an option You might wonder why someone with such little means chooses to spend more than a third of her income on private education. For Monica, the answer comes immediately. The memories of her older daughters experience at state school are still raw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her daughter, now aged 20, attended one of Aberdeens most successful state schools, an academy that was known for its impressive exam results. However, rather than thriving at the school, her daughter was singled out because of her financial background. Monica says: Most of her classmates came from the totally opposite background with totally different values. They were very wealthy families where children got whatever they wanted. There were lots of drugs and smoking involved and my daughter just did not feel included and the school did nothing at all. There was huge peer pressure to have the right mobile phone. She would say Why cant I have this jacket or this bag that the others have? Why cant I have these shoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And I understand that feeling when you are that age. But Im sorry, I didnt want to spend 150 on a pair of trainers. There was zero support at the school and she left with one qualification because Covid hit. Luckily her life has completely changed since. Shes had so many positive experiences and can see the world is not so bad as it was at that school. 20pc rise is a lot to me While her daughter is now going to college and has turned her life around, Monica will do everything in her power to make sure her son does not have the same experience. In mainstream schools they put you in a box. Everybody needs to be the same, to think the same. There is no encouragement for critical thinking, she says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But since the second my son started going to his school, he has loved it. I remember we went for a trial day two months before he started and when we left he said Mum, can I go already tomorrow. Its been a year and a half now since he joined and there has not been a single day where hes said Mum, I dont want to go to school. He is taught in a class of 10 and its a wonderful environment. But despite his success, Monica is stuck. The school told parents earlier this month it would have to raise its fees by 20pc meaning Monica now needs to find 4,032 to keep her son at his school. The stress of potentially having to uproot my child from school where he is thriving is overwhelmingly sickening, and its putting his future, and our stability, at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 672 increase is relative for everyone. For Sir Keir Starmer, who earns almost 14 times more than Monica, it is roughly equivalent to one days wages. But for Monica, who has sacrificed every luxury in life, there is nothing more she can trim from her vigilant budgeting to make up the shortfall. Labours attack on lower-paid hard workers And while you might think a low-paid single mother is exactly the type of person Labour claims to represent, its the Governments own policies that have made her predicament worse. Her landlord has decided it is no longer viable to let the property and told Monica last month that he has decided to sell the three-bed flat meaning she needs to find somewhere new to live. But despite increased regulation and taxes forcing thousands of landlords out of the market, prices arent coming down. Similar properties are up to 600 more expensive to rent each month than what Monica currently pays and she says the chance of getting a deposit and then a mortgage in the current circumstances is impossible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The obvious solution might be to work more hours currently, Monica works 14 and a half hours each week. But the cost of childcare is now so expensive she has calculated that if she applied to work full time, she would be left with less money after paying for a childminder to drop off and pick up her son each day. For Monica, the extra work simply doesnt pay. It means shes stuck in a choice between downsizing, although the two-bed flats shes been looking at are between 850 and 900 and therefore still more than shes currently paying, and applying for council housing, which she fears she wont get. The reality is, Monica isnt an outlier. Her case as a private school parent is far more common than the Labour government wants to accept. Around 90,000 private school pupils come from below-median-income households and a further 116,000 from outside the top two deciles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is those families that Labours VAT raid will disproportionately affect. I came to this country for a better life, Monica says. But it really isnt much better any more. 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. For the record: 11:29 a.m. Jan. 1, 2025: An earlier version of this editorial incorrectly stated that L.A. Mayor Karen Bass appointed Va Lecia Adams Kellum to lead LAHSA. She was appointed by the LAHSA Board of Commissioners. In the city and county of Los Angeles, various agencies have different pieces of the jigsaw puzzle that comprise the effort to end homelessness whether its mental health services, outreach, permanent housing or interim housing. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority is the closest the city and county have had to an overarching authority. It was created as a joint city-county agency in 1993 to help the two governments stop fighting over who was responsible for which homelessness services. Its duties have grown as homelessness and funding for services have grown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to running the annual point-in-time homeless count, a vast three-day undertaking every January that marshals thousands of volunteers to scour nearly every census tract in Los Angeles County, LAHSA has become the conduit for almost all contracting of homelessness services. For example, if the city needs service providers for its publicly financed permanent housing projects, LAHSA confers with city officials on service goals, releases a request for proposals, chooses the service providers and writes up the contracts. Now the county wants to overhaul LAHSA, take away its enormous contracting responsibilities and leave it to maintain the homeless count, a homeless database and an emergency shelter program. The Board of Supervisors passed a motion several weeks ago ordering a feasibility report and other analyses before going forward. Is it necessary to break apart LAHSA? Maybe not. Although Los Angeles is far from solving homelessness, the numbers did go down in the city (by 2.2%) for the first time since 2018 and the numbers were flat in the county. In contrast, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development just released numbers indicating that, nationwide, homelessness has gone up a staggering 18%. The city of Los Angeles was one of a number of cities where it didn't go up a testament, says LAHSA Chief Executive Va Lecia Adams Kellum, to the city and county working together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's no question that LAHSA has gotten bigger over the years. As agencies doing homelessness work proliferated and dollars grew particularly with the 2017 passage of the Measure H quarter-cent sales tax increase to fund homelessness programs so did the amount of money LAHSA was granting. Currently the agency has a budget of $875 million with about $717 million of that from federal, state and local funds going to grants to service providers. And it has always served as a punching bag for city and county elected officials frustrated by the continual rise in homeless numbers although the main reason is that L.A. County has a shortage of 509,000 affordable apartments. Like any other big organization, LAHSA does have its problems. A recent audit found that contractors were often paid late and not effectively monitored. Also, many providers who were given a total of $50 million in cash advances, starting in fiscal year 2017, have yet to pay the money back. Adams Kellum says that providers were given those dollars to shore up their ability to carry out their contracts as demand for services increased. The passage of Measure H added hundreds of millions of dollars to the system. Nonprofits, already stretched thin, had to swiftly scale up their operations to meet the demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Providers were told they would not have to worry about paying back their advances until Measure H funding stopped at the end of 2026, according to Adams Kellum and various longtime respected providers. Since then, Measure A, the half-cent sales tax increase, has passed. It will take effect in January as it repeals and replaces Measure H funding. The supervisors have acknowledged that much of what the audit identifies as problematic happened before Adams Kellum got the job as chief executive in March 2023. "I knew LAHSA was broken," she says. "We wanted to come in and fix it." Adams Kellum was the chief executive for 15 years of a Westside service provider, St. Joseph Center, which successfully moved more than 200 homeless individuals off the Venice boardwalk in 2021 into mostly motels and hotels. She was the architect of the Inside Safe program for Mayor Karen Bass, which works on the encampment-to-home model and has moved more than 3,500 homeless people out of encampments into interim housing. She was appointed to lead LAHSA by the agency's board of commissioners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams Kellum says the agency has made many changes since she got there. These include monthly monitoring of grant recipients and paying them in a more timely fashion and after years of problems tracking available beds implementing a new shelter bed inventory tracker that allows providers to see what beds are immediately available. It's been used by the citys Inside Safe program and the countys Pathway Home program, both of which move people from encampments into interim housing. It will roll out systemwide in the new year, she says. We agree that more accountability is imperative. But the county should take a hard look at whether it wants to dismantle an agency and create another one just as the county is about to get an estimated billion dollars a year in Measure A funding little of which will be funneled through LAHSA anyway. The mayor has reservations: "New urgency has been at the core of our work to bring people off the street, not the creation of new bureaucracy," Bass said in a statement. Of course, LAHSA could benefit from some retooling. The agency also provides some services itself mostly outreach. Should it? Some nonprofit providers and advocates think a government agency shouldn't be doing outreach. It should be solely the role of nonprofits whose core mission is providing services. Adams Kellum says her agency has taken on the role of "first responder" when elected officials relay constituents' concerns about someone languishing on a sidewalk. Nonprofit providers wish that LAHSA could be the strategist for the entire system. It could identify and fix inequity in services. Why are providers sometimes paid one rate per bed by one agency and another rate by another agency when the service is the same? Also, LAHSA should make sure services are standardized so "outreach" and "case management" are the same no matter who provides them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the supervisors make a final decision on the fate of LAHSA, they should consider whether they want to create a new funding agency or reform the current one. If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. For those who mutter, There ought to be a law, when they see or experience something of which they disapprove, the Illinois General Assembly had their back in 2024. As always, there were dozens of new laws attempting to redress the irritations and injustices of day-to-day life, as well as to clamp down on practices few previously had considered nefarious. One such law the provision of small plastic shampoo bottles by hotels is (mostly) illegal in the Land of Lincoln as of today weve already highlighted. But Gov. JB Pritzker signed nearly 300 new laws, most of which took effect Jan. 1. Democrats, enjoying super-majorities in both chambers, were mainly the authors of the new statutes by which Illinoisans will have to abide. Here now are several that caught our attention. And were never shy with our opinions. House Bill 5395 and House Bill 2499: A landmark overhaul of health insurance practices in Illinois. Many of the provisions in Pritzkers top legislative priority last year wont take effect until 2026. But a few are effective now, including the banning of short-term, limited-coverage insurance plans that supporters of the bill refer to as junk insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For this year, the Department of Insurance and the health insurance industry will prepare for the many changes the law mandates beginning Jan. 1, 2026. They include the prohibition of step therapy provisions that require patients and doctors to try cheaper prescription alternatives before moving on to more expensive medications, which industry critics deride as fail first. The law will bar insurers from requiring prior authorization for in-patient psychiatric treatment. And the Insurance Department for the first time will have the authority to deny rate hikes sought by large-group insurance plans. For all the criticism the health insurers get, and the industry is under a particularly intense microscope following the killing of UnitedHealthcares Brian Thompson, theres a reason some of these companies put doctors and consumers through the hoops they do. Health care costs in the U.S. are out of control; this country spends far more per capita on health care than any other nation, and our outcomes lag most of the Western world. Pritzker and fellow Democrats described their legislation as common sense, and indeed insurers are easy and sometimes deserved recipients of criticism for the crude steps they take to reduce costs. And to be clear, our health system is inefficient and makes too many of us miserable. But if ever there were a subject where unintended consequences come into play, its access to health care. Are critics correct when they say elimination of short-term health plans simply will prevent some consumers who need stopgap coverage from getting it affordably? Would requirements for better disclosure of what consumers are getting and not getting with these short-term plans be preferable to an outright ban? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Time will tell, as they say. Whatever happens once these changes take full effect, we predict Illinois lawmakers will need to revisit this subject sooner rather than later. Senate Bill 3649: Giving workers the right to skip mandatory workplace meetings discussing unionizing, politics and religion. Organized labor has succeeded in convincing several states to bar employers from making workers sit through meetings where union organizing is discouraged. Illinois has joined this group and taken this captive audience law further than most other states by including discussions involving politics or religion among those meetings workers cant be compelled to attend. The conservative Illinois Policy Institute has sued in federal court, claiming the law is an unconstitutional infringement on the free-speech rights of employers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In practical terms, instances where legislative or regulatory actions directly affect a business fall under the umbrella of politics. It doesnt make sense to us that employers subject, say, to a pending bill that would have a material impact on their business shouldnt be allowed to compel staff to be updated on the issue and what their employers are doing about it. This is overreach, plain and simple. Senate Bill 508: Protecting workers whose immigration status comes into question. This measure originally was described as close to an outright ban on employers using the federal E-Verify system to determine whether any of their workers or applicants are ineligible. The Illinois Labor Department in the fall clarified that employers still could use E-Verify but only if they followed the laws detailed requirements on notifying affected employees of any problems and giving them a period of time to respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bills chief sponsor, Democratic Sen. Javier Cervantes of Chicago, said, Many immigrant employees have run into a problem where their documentation may have misinput their name with slight differences of dashes, spaces, letters with or without an accent, only to be flagged during the work verification process. He said many employers simply terminate employees caught up in these misunderstandings rather than giving them time to clear up the confusion. This law seems like a clear enough response to that problem, but it also (perhaps intentionally) risks employers shying away from using E-Verify at all for fear of not following all of the new rules. With a Trump administration committed to strict enforcement of immigration laws, that potentially puts employers in the position of running afoul of state or federal enforcement officials, whatever they decide to do. The law is the law, and immigration issues are the responsibility of the federal government. But lets hope reason prevails in this sensitive area. Senate Bill 2764: Helping consumers who want to cancel monthly bills before their teaser rates end. Heres a bill addressing an issue most of us can relate to. This measure, authored by Sen. Doris Tucker, D-Springfield, requires email notification of subscribers at least three days before their introductory rates convert automatically to higher rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to argue with this consumer-friendly measure, since streaming services, websites, publications, broadcast channels and many other subscription-based services rely for their business growth in part on subscribers who forget they signed up at the teaser rate in the first place. That reminds us: Our New Years resolution is to comb through our unruly mess of monthly commitments and do some serious pruning. House Bill 5408: No more camping on the shoulder waiting for OHare arrivals. Anyone whos picked someone up at OHare recently has seen long lines of cars parked on the shoulder just outside the airport. In one of the rare instances where a Republican-sponsored bill became law, this measure authored by Rep. Bradley Stephens, who also is the GOP mayor of Rosemont, was pitched as a safety act and won overwhelming support. The law subjects anyone camped out on the shoulder within 2 miles of OHare to a $100 fine. Cmon, people. The cellphone lot at OHare has plenty of space. Stay on the right side of the law, and Happy New Year to all! Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. (COLORADO SPRINGS) On Monday, Dec. 30, Dr. Emily Russell-Kinsley was sworn in as El Paso County Coroner marking the official transition into the role after Dr. Leon Kellys resignation. In October, Dr. Kelly announced he would resign in December, closing out nearly 17 years of service to the county. The Colorado constitution requires the El Paso County Board of Commissioners to fill the vacancy until the next general election. On Dec. 17, the Board chose Dr. Russell-Kinsley. Dr. Russell-Kinsley started her career as a medical examiner in 2012, and since 2018, she has served as the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner for the El Paso County Coroners Office. In 2019, she was appointed the Colorado Cold Case Task Force forensic pathology representative. She has been a Colorado Coroners Association Board of Directors member since 2019, working to improve practices and policies in coroners offices statewide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am deeply humbled and honored to take the oath as El Paso County Coroner, Dr. Russell-Kinsley said. I take this responsibility seriously and am grateful for the trust placed in me. Having worked alongside such a dedicated team, I am fully committed to continuing the mission of this office. Together, we will ensure that our work remains focused on serving our community with the highest level of care, integrity, and professionalism. 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. PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) Tribal elders backed by local authorities in restive northwestern Pakistan on Wednesday brokered a peace deal between minority Shiites and majority Sunni tribes, weeks after deadly clashes that killed at least 130 people, officials said. The violence had flared on Nov. 21, when gunmen ambushed a convoy of vehicles and killed 52 people, mostly Shiite Muslims. The argument was said to be over a land disute, at least initially. No group claimed responsibility for the assault, which triggered retaliatory attacks by rival groups in Kurram, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that borders Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The violence left at least 130 people dead over the past two months. Though the two sides later agreed to a ceasefire, tension have persisted and all roads leading to Kurram have remained closed. The closures disrupted the local population's access to medicine, food, fuel, education and work. Mohammed Ali Saif, a provincial government spokesman, told The Associated Press that a push to negotiate a peace deal in Kurram succeeded on Wednesday. He said the deal, brokered by the tribal elders and facilitated by local authorities, would allow the roads to Kurram to reopen soon. According to local elders, shortages of medicines at local hospitals in Kurram caused the deaths of at least 100 patients, mostly children, since November. The AP was not able to independently confirm the claim. Authorities in recent weeks have dispatched life-saving medicines to Kurram by helicopters. Saif said that under the deal, the two sides agreed to dismantle their bunkers in the district and hand over their weapons to the government. Anyone in violation of the deal would be detained with the help of the elders, who also signed the agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tribal elder Sawab Khan confirmed the deal and its details to the AP. Shiite Muslims dominate parts of Kurram, although they are a minority in the rest of Pakistan, which is majority Sunni. The area has a history of sectarian conflict, with militant Sunni groups previously targeting minority Shiites. ___ Associated Press writer Rasool Dawar in Peshawar, Pakistan, contributed to this report. ADAMS COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A play at an Adams County elementary school was disrupted when an attendee made a bomb threat, causing the building to be evacuated, State Police say. Andrew Wick, 32, of Gettysburg, threatened to use a bomb while people were watching a play at the Franklin Township Elementary School, located at 870 Old Route 30 in Franklin Township, the charges filed from State Police at Gettysburg show. According to Troopers, they were dispatched to the school for a parent out of control at a school event, throwing things and making a bomb threat, just after 7 p.m. on March 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The building was evacuated due to the threat, State Police say. Wick was on the stage when Troopers arrived, and said he needed a gun. According to the charges, Troopers saw he was clearly under the influence of drugs, and took him into custody. He was then taken to the hospital. A smoking device that appeared to have been recently used, and a THC gummy was allegedly found in Wicks pockets. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter Troopers noted in the charges that Wick was trespassing on school property. Wick faces misdemeanor charges of terroristic threats that cause the evacuation of a building, trespassing, disorderly conduct and additional drug charges. He also faces a summary charge of public drunkenness or similar misconduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A preliminary hearing has yet to be scheduled. 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. Elon Musk used his fortune and influence to help Donald Trump win reelection in November. The Tesla and SpaceX boss is now championing insurgent right-wing causes in Europe. He's called for a far-right agitator to be freed from prison in the UK and condemned the prime minister. Having tapped his vast personal wealth and marshaled his 210 million followers on X to help propel Donald Trump to election victory in November, Elon Musk has turned his gaze to European politics. In a post on X late Wednesday, Musk called for the release of Tommy Robinson, a British far-right agitator, saying he was in jail for "telling the truth." Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed last year for breaching a court order not to repeat false claims about a refugee from Syria. Robinson had been successfully sued for defamation over the claims. Musk then posted that Britain should have an election the most recent one took place in July and claimed its government was reluctant to hold an inquiry into child sexual exploitation to protect the prime minister, Keir Starmer. He was the country's chief prosecutor when a series of high-profile court cases about gangs targeting children shook the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The posts are Musk's most aggressive intervention in European politics and follow months of commentary, particularly on events in the UK and Germany. On Tuesday, Musk urged British voters to back Reform UK, a populist party led by Nigel Farage, a key figure in the UK's 2016 referendum to leave the EU. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO who has embraced conservative stances on issues such as immigration, diversity, and transgender rights in recent years met with the conservative firebrand Farage in mid-December at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort. Farage later told the BBC that Musk was "fully, fully behind us" and open to donating to Reform UK if he could do so legally. The party has made no secret of its excitement about Musk and his potential financial support, with Farage describing him as a "bloody hero" in a recent interview with the UK's Daily Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk has been a vocal critic of Starmer. In numerous X posts, he's called the country a "tyrannical police state" and suggested the nation was on the brink of civil war. The people of Britain have had enough of a tyrannical police state https://t.co/0PtR5qQOKw Kekius Maximus (@elonmusk) November 24, 2024 The tech billionaire has also thrown his weight behind the German far-right party the AfD, which has come out strongly against immigration and echoed Trump in calling for mass deportations. The AfD holds about 10% of the seats in Germany's legislative body, the Bundestag, but it has made significant gains in recent years, including coming second in this year's European Parliament elections. It is widely expected to win the second-highest share of votes in the Bundestag election in February and, like Reform UK, has welcomed Musk's support. Its candidate to become Germany's chancellor, Alice Weidel, said Musk was "perfectly right" when he said in an X post on December 20 that the party was the only one that could "save Germany." Musk then championed the AfD in an op-ed published in the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag on Sunday. The paper and Business Insider are both owned by Axel Springer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk wrote that years of misguided policies by the main political parties had led to "economic stagnation, social unrest, and the erosion of national identity," and the AfD represented the "last spark of hope" for the country. He justified his German political commentary by pointing to his "significant investments" in the country. Musk's Tesla Gigafactory just outside Berlin is the company's main European facility and employs close to 12,000 people. It produces components such as batteries, and the final assembly of the Tesla Model Y is completed at the factory. The paper printed a response by its editor-in-chief-designate, Jan Philipp Burgard, on the same page as Musk's controversial column. Burgard wrote that "Musk's diagnosis is correct," but his claim that only the AfD can save Germany is "fatally flawed." Germany has accused Musk of meddling in its election Elon Musk hosted the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, at Tesla's Berlin Gigafactory in 2023. Christian Marquardt - Pool/Getty Images Before the op-ed, Musk's posts on X in support of the AfD prompted a government spokesperson to accuse him of attempting to meddle in the election, Reuters reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson said that Musk was free to express his opinions, however, he said, "Freedom of opinion also covers the greatest nonsense." Friedrich Merz, the center-right Christian Democratic Union's candidate for chancellor, described Musk's backing of the AfD as "intrusive and pretentious." "I cannot recall in the history of Western democracies a comparable case of interference in the election campaign of a friendly country," he told the Funke media group. In his New Year's Eve message, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said Musk's support of the AfD was part of a "logical and systematic" campaign to weaken Europe and erode its regulatory system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several of Musk's businesses, most notably Tesla, are subject to European regulations and stand to benefit from reduced oversight. Tesla's plans for fully self-driving cars face increased hurdles in Europe, where regulations on autonomous vehicles are more stringent. Musk has called Italy's leader a 'genius' Musk has also spoken fondly of Italy's right-wing prime minister, Giorgia Meloni. In September, he called her a "precious genius" who was "even more beautiful on the inside than she is on the outside." Meloni leads the Brothers of Italy party which has roots in the post-World War II neo-fascist Italian Social Movement. She came to power in 2022, campaigning on a platform of lower immigration, tighter border control, and traditional values. At the time, she was described as Italy's most right-wing leader since Benito Mussolini. This is unacceptable. Do the people of Italy live in a democracy or does an unelected autocracy make the decisions? https://t.co/MdVUbt1jbF Kekius Maximus (@elonmusk) November 13, 2024 Trump's agenda of tax cuts, tariffs, and deregulation would likely benefit Musk's companies. Tesla's stock surged after Trump's election victory. But it's less obvious what Musk and his companies would gain from the rise of those he backs in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only are AfD and Reform unlikely to form governments soon, both also have policies that could hurt Tesla. The AfD has opposed the extension of Tesla's German factory, while Reform has pledged to reverse a looming ban on the sale of gas and diesel cars in the UK, which would benefit EV makers like Tesla. The AfD is polling in second place at 19%, more than the 12.6% it won in the last election in 2021. Musk posted to X Monday that it would win "an epic victory." Whether it makes those predicted gains or not, the party will no doubt continue to welcome the support of the world's most outspoken billionaire. Read the original article on Business Insider ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) Northwest Florida authorities are searching for a missing teenager last seen on New Years Eve in Escambia County. 3 killed in morning New Years robbery at Mississippi gas station The Escambia County Sheriffs Office shared that the missing teen is Baker Treven Brooks, 17. According to officials, Brooks was last seen at around 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2024, in the 5600 block of Ventura Lane. LAST KNOWN LOCATION: Brooks may be wearing a black hoodie, and black pants, and carrying a black backpack. ECSO officials provided the following photo of Brooks: Daphne police look into massive Waffle House brawl Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on Brooks whereabouts can contact the ECSO at 850-436-9620. 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. The European Union and Japan on Wednesday entered a new era of co-operation, as a strategic partnership agreement came into force. "This milestone agreement will guide future engagement between the parties and ensure closer political and economic cooperation on an array of bilateral, regional and multilateral issues," the Council said in a statement published on New Year's Day. The Council of the European Union, often referred to as the Council, is one of the EUs main decision-making bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In particular, the partnership is intended to intensify co-operation in the fight against terrorism and serious international crimes as well as against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The agreement - which was reached in 2018 - also provides for closer ties in areas such as space, energy, transport, education and research. Thanks to the new partnership, "the EU and Japan will be better placed to strengthen the multilateral and rules-based global order having the UN at its core, and defend joint values and principles," the statement continued. These included the rule of law, democracy, respect for human rights, open markets and free and fair trade. A New Years Eve fire in one unit of Mifflin Center, a skilled nursing center just outside of Shillington, has displaced about 20 residents, a half-dozen of whom were treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation, officials said. The fire was discovered shortly after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the center at 500 Philadelphia Ave., which is Route 724, in Cumru Township. The fire suppression sprinklers snuffed out the flames in the room of origin, a residents room, Deputy Chief Bill Mohn of Cumru Township Fire Department said Wednesday. However, there was heavy smoke throughout the wing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Facility staff along with personnel from emergency medical and fire companies coordinated the evacuation of the unit. About two-dozen residents, many in wheelchairs, were relocated to another wing where a triage was established, Mohn said. The process of assessing and relocating residents to appropriate settings was far more demanding on responders than the fire itself, Mohn said. The fire was determined to be electrical in nature, he said. The source was a light fixture in the residents room where it started. Mifflin Center is a Skilled Nursing Facility that shares a campus with Mifflin Court, a senior living and memory support community, according to its website. The center boasts a memory support unit as well focused on caring for residents with Alzheimers or a related dementia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maria Wagner, Mifflin Center administrator, said in a statement: Our staff and the local fire department acted swiftly to respond and bring the situation under control. Five residents are receiving medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and approximately 20 residents will be temporarily relocated to nearby facilities. At this time, the initial cause of the fire is under investigation. We would like to thank the staff who acted so quickly when the fire arose and the fire department for their rapid response and assistance. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Detectives in Prince Georges County are investigating a double shooting that left one person dead and another injured on New Years Eve. The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) said that shortly after 8 p.m. on Dec. 31, officers responded to the 7500 block of Landover Road for a shooting. Two injured in shooting on New Years Day in Arlington Upon arrival, officers found 27-year-old Michael Shipman Jr. of Washington, D.C. and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds inside a vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shipman died at the scene and the woman was taken to the hospital for treatment. PGPD said detectives are working to learn what led to the shooting and establish a motive in the case. As of Wednesday afternoon, police said the woman was in stable condition. Police urge anyone with information about the shooting to call Prince Georges Crime Solvers at 866-411-8477. 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. PRICEVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) The Priceville Police Department said that two people were arrested after a traffic stop on New Years Eve. PPD said that officers pulled a vehicle over on I-65 NB for an obstructed windshield and improper lane change. During the traffic stop, several factors led officers to believe that the people inside the car were involved in criminal activity. Authorities executed a probable cause search on the vehicle leading them to find items consistent with the sale and distribution of illegal narcotics. Quinton Costellos Knox (34) of Bessemer AL and Antonaha Mercedes McFarland (33) of Birmingham AL According to police, a quantity of fentanyl pressed pills, a quantity of white chalk-like pills (identified as a Schedule IV Controlled Substance), and drug paraphernalia was seized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said that they also seized the following: $5,000 A vehicle used in the transportation of the above listed illegal contraband Multiple cell phones Jewelry Two firearms Priceville Police said that Quinton Costellos Knox, 34, of Bessemer and Antonaha Mercedes McFarland, 33, of Birmingham were arrested and taken to the Morgan County Jail. Both Knox and McFarland were charged with trafficking fentanyl, unlawful possession of controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Additionally, both were charged with reckless endangerment due to having their two young children in the vehicle at the time of their arrest. PPD told News 19 that the children were later safely released to other family members. The Department of Human Resources and Child Welfare has also been notified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knox and McFarland were each booked on a $575,500 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 WHNT.com. Dec. 31More than a decade after the last major exhibit opened at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque, a new display focused on the Paleozoic era is coming soon. Some 600 fossils about half of them never before displayed will occupy a renovated Origins Hall when the exhibit opens, which is expected sometime in February. Wave-shaped walls in the renovated space track the movement of the land and its creatures from sea to land. Exhibit curator Matt Celeskey calls the coming display "3,000 square feet of cool." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A cast of a fossilized Dimetrodon that has graced the hall for decades will be incorporated. Museum director Anthony Fiorillo wasn't initially a fan of keeping what he called "the ugliest piece in the old hall" and offered to help Celeskey haul it to the dumpster. But when the piece was removed to make way for construction, Fiorillo noticed a familiar name on the invoice stuck to the back: Nicholas Hotton III, his own paleontology mentor. That changed Fiorillo's mind. Now he says the Dimetrodon "ties into the messaging that we're trying to do here: to be a platform to inspire the next generation of people in our building, to just get them to be curious about the world around them." Although Dimetrodon is often confused for a dinosaur "if you go to Walmart and buy a bag of dinosaurs, you'll get one of these," it is from an entirely different period the Paleozoic, said paleontology curator Spencer Lucas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Paleozoic era is often overshadowed literally by its succeeding periods, which were characterized by behemoth dinosaurs. While the era had its own "monsters", they were much smaller than the titans of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Dimetrodon, a top predator, grew to around eight or nine feet long. Objects from the Paleozoic period aren't as massive, "but they are super important. And New Mexico has an incredible record," Lucas said. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science exhibit will be one of just a few around the nation that focuses on the Paleozoic. It was a period of environmental and evolutionary change in the state, from historic jungles to tropical bays to shallow oceans and to the state's first deserts. "It will be a totally unique destination for people who are interested in New Mexico paleontology," Celeskey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exhibit will highlight seven areas of the state. For Celeskey, standout areas include the preserved tropical bay at the Kinney Brick Quarry in the Manzano Mountains, Canyon de Cobre, which features the tracks of giant millipedes and early amphibians, a preserved beach studded with preserved footprints in the Robledo Mountains north of Las Cruces and the imprint of a sponge reef ecosystem in the Guadalupe Mountains. Collecting fossils for the new exhibit has taken decades. Lucas, who joined the museum just a few years after it opened in 1986, has been there for it all, taking hundreds of trips throughout the state. He recently took a trip to Carlsbad to visit the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and brought back a chunk of pink salt a remnant from a shallow sea that once covered the Permian. When it evaporated, it left an underground layer of salt that gives WIPP its unique geologic features. Lucas pointed out a fossil of a 7-foot shark with dramatic spines Dracopristis hoffmanorum, or the Godzilla shark, which was discovered at the Kinney Brick Quarry outside of Tijeras. "All these fossils are just waiting," Lucas said. "They're rested. They're ready. This guy's been waiting [millions of years.]" Kevin Boilard, who runs Kaydenz Kitchen, sets up coffee at the nonprofit's overnight warming center in downtown Lewiston on Dec. 10, 2024. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star) After the doors of the downtown library in Lewiston closed for the evening, roughly two dozen people trudged several blocks through Kennedy Park in ankle-deep snow to wait for a ride to the only overnight warming center in Maines second-largest city. After the group waited 40 minutes, a black van arrived to make the first of many trips to the warming center, letting older and injured people board first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warming center is operated by nonprofit Kaydenz Kitchen out of the former home of Schemengees Bar and Grille, one of the sites of the October 2023 Lewiston mass shooting. The nonprofit previously operated out of the Calvary United Methodist Church, but with support from the community and city leaders, expanded the warming center in November. Unhoused residents wait in Lewistons Kennedy Park for transportation to the overnight warming center, run by nonprofit Kaydenz Kitchen. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star) Without this, we would be right back where we were; laying on cold sidewalk or cold grass, said Floyd Young, one of many people who frequently comes to the warming center. The center provides a respite for Lewistons unhoused population from the harsh winter nights. But even with a place to shelter, this and other services can only provide a patchwork of solutions since the city still lacks a permanent low-barrier shelter. Before the van arrives, Kaydenz Kitchen employees and volunteers set up hot coffee, food and snacks behind the bar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the first group of people entered the center, Tonya Sands greeted some of the familiar faces. Sands who also works at Trinity Jubilee Center in Lewiston, which offers food and shelter from 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m six days a week explains that even with such services, the lack of permanency for the citys unhoused residents can be grueling. People are not allowed to sleep [at Trinity Jubilee Center] because were not a shelter, were a day center. And then here, its a lot of the same guests and theyre not allowed to sleep overnight because were a warming center, Sands said. So realistically, homeless people are expected to stay awake 24/7. For the hours in between, unhoused people either find a gas station, alcove, or head to the public library. Then they return to Kennedy Park to be driven to the warming center after the library closes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Schemengees sign remains on the wall, but the warming center has been transformed into a rec room of sorts. Tables and chairs are set up with board games; there is also a TV and couch with a Nintendo PlayStation. And for the 12 hours the center is open, guests can put their belongings in cubbies. Community members have contributed kitchen appliances, and local grocery stores, schools and businesses often donate food. Target provided a Christmas tree this year, and warming center staff sourced gift bags, stockings and presents for unhoused community members, many of whom have spent the holiday season outside. Merry Christmas now get back in the cold. Thats obviously not how the conversation actually goes but thats exactly how it feels, read Kaydenz Kitchens Facebook post from December 25..Dropping 40 plus people off in the park on Christmas morning, knowing we are going back home to warmth and family, is a tough reality to be part of. All we want for Christmas is a 24/7 shelter. Kaydenz Kitchen recently received $2.5 million from MaineHousing to build the citys first low-barrier homeless shelter, after years of municipal opposition. Once that project is complete, staff will be able to provide many services they currently cant, such as beds, case managers for housing assistance, and access to nurses for basic first aid, Sands said. In April 2022, Lewiston imposed a six-month moratorium on new shelter construction. Linda Chagnon, one of the guests at Lewistons new overnight warming center. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/Maine Morning Star) One of their arguments was if you build it, they will come, so they were concerned that if we just open up more shelters, we just attract more people here to use them, said city council member Scott Harriman, who has served in that post since 2021. But we have a lot of people here already, local residents who need shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But with new leadership on the council, the city has come around. Even so, there are still barriers, including zoning laws, and a local camping ban that does not allow unhoused people to store their belongings or sleep in tents on city property. Several said that even though there isnt currently a shelter for people to go to, police are giving out warnings. Linda Chagnon, who was at the warming center with her husband, said in early November they were 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. After the warning, Chagnon said her family will 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. Young has been working with social workers to find housing, or space in a nursing home, so he can attend to his much-needed hip surgery. But he said he is frustrated by the lack of progress, and continues using the warming center to stay out of the cold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was better 15 years ago. It was easier to get an apartment, there was less red tape, he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) With the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, Becky Bywater, of Lakeland, said the memories are flooding back from a very special trip she took to the other side of the world in 2009. As Ive often said, it was the experience of a lifetime, she said. Bywater remembers the flight, the car rides, the children, the build and the noteworthy people alongside her. Courtesy: Becky Bywater Jimmy, Rosalynn, Claire, and myself right behind, she said, pointing to a group photo in front of a home her group helped build. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bywater, a former board member of the Lakeland Habitat for Humanity, worked on a week-long build in Vietnam with Lakeland Habitat for Humanity CEO Claire Twomey, and President Jimmy Carter and the former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter. One of the most memorable experiences I have ever experienced. Jimmy & Rosalyn worked & only took one picture. He would say I am here to build not for a photo op, said Twomey about the trip. In total, there were 300 volunteers from the United States and Canada working on building 30 homes in a Vietnamese village. [Former President Carter] was just so kind and so gracious and you know, its, the story is that we were kind of told dont talk about Vietnam because of the sad ending but the first thing he does is he gets up and says, my son was here in Vietnam, remembered Bywater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bywater regrets not being able to pull the former president aside for a picture but did take a picture of Carter speaking at a luncheon at the end of the trip. Courtesy: Becky Bywater Bywater said she was told Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were also participating in a build in Thailand during the same trip. The word that comes to mind is humble. He was, and Im sure it was his background growing up in Plains. He was a very humble man. He didnt put on any airs, said Bywater. The Carters began volunteering for Habitat for Humanity in their home state of Georgia shortly after leaving the White House in the early 80s. Eventually they formed the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can decide to reach out and help other people or be stingy and take care only of yourself, said at a build. Carter continued working on builds well into his 90s until 2019. He passed away Sunday at the age of 100. May the memories of President Carter bring comfort in this time of loss, said Tina Forcier, CEO of Habitat Hillsborough. Habitat for Humanity will be mourning his loss but celebrating an extraordinary life. Bywater said Carter had an invaluable impact on raising awareness about the organization. You just cant measure in dollars and cents and from a marketing standpoint, said Bywater. Having grown up in Georgia myself, in a small wood-frame home, I know the value, the value of what he brought. 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 WFLA. Cryptocurrency has long stood in stark contrast with the energy efficiency movement, but experts are working on leveraging the industry's versatility to serve communities sustainably across Europe. According to a report from Forbes, bitcoin mining offers an unexpected yet effective solution that could help ease geopolitical tensions in the region, mitigate rising electricity prices, and offset the limitations of intermittent energy sources like wind and solar. The European Bitcoin Energy Association believes the sector will play a crucial role in solving the continent's energy crisis by stabilizing grids while utilizing surplus power and renewable energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Bitcoin miners can switch off when electricity prices surge and switch on when prices drop, making it an ideal partner for stabilizing grids," EBEA chair Rachel Geyer told Forbes. "EBEA is collecting proof-of-concept projects to demonstrate how bitcoin mining can help with the build out of renewables and aid grid stability." For example, the organization is running a pilot program that combines clean energy and bitcoin mining to stabilize the grid in Austria, which had the ninth-highest per capita electricity generated by hydroelectric power in 2023. Forbes also mentioned the efforts led by German-based company Terahash, which has collaborated with industry leaders to incorporate bitcoin mining into national and local grid infrastructure. Its Genesis facility in Finland, launched earlier this year, runs completely on renewable energy, powering its miners that produce temperatures up to 158 degrees. This heat is then used to provide warmth and hot water to homes in a Finnish town with a population of 12,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthias Fendt, head of operations and sales at Terahash, detailed another project that installed solar panels, battery storage, and bitcoin miners at an industrial park. The benefits include grid stabilization, predictable energy prices for companies, and supplemental heat for nearby community spaces. Meanwhile, the profits from the bitcoin operations help cover overhead and maintenance costs. Do you think more places of worship should embrace clean energy? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind "Fully integrated multiuse-case sector coupling projects like these create real value for people and businesses while simultaneously strengthening the decentralization and security of the bitcoin network," Fendt said. "In this way, we promote sustainable prosperity and sovereignty." "These small-scale projects are driving innovation and showing the versatility of bitcoin mining," Geyer added. "Bitcoin mining isn't just about creating digital currency it's about solving real-world problems." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though cryptocurrency mining has drawn criticism for its steep energy requirements and health hazards, some strides have been made in terms of its eco-friendliness. Cryptocurrency network Ethereum has cut its energy consumption by nearly 100% after changing its validation system, while the Canton of Bern in Switzerland plans to use excess power that would otherwise go to waste for its bitcoin mining operations. 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. Despite the Massachusetts State Senate approving legislation that would help homeowners with crumbling foundation issues, the House of Representatives failed to act on the issue, leaving the legislation to be refiled for the upcoming legislative session. Crumbling Foundations have recently been discovered in over 40 communities in Massachusetts, with experts saying that the problem will only worsen, causing lower property values and prompting local tax abatements to impacted homeowners. Many homeowners have been unable to file insurance claims to fix damages to their homes. Those damages stem from a chemical known as pyrrhotite, which causes concrete to easily fail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Damages can cost up to $200,000, and homeowners often find it difficult to accumulate the funding to replace these foundations due to a lack of equity in their homes. Many state senators have expressed their disappointment with the House of Representatives. This legislation is very important to certain residential homeowners in Dracut and to many homeowners in Worcester County, Sen. Ed Kennedy, D-Lowell said. I am very disappointed that the House failed to take any action on the legislation that would have set up a commission charged with addressing the crumbling concrete foundation problem. Sen. Ryan Fattman, R-Sutton, was also trying to pass the bill, saying that the passage in the Senate, marks an important step toward providing relief for homeowners with crumbling concrete foundations, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senator Michael Moore, D-Millbury also expressed his displeasure with the House, due to the faulty foundations in homes, many residents are put at unnecessary risks that arent their fault. Sen. Moore also went on to say that hes proud to collaborate with fellow politicians, making it a first step to making homeowners whole for foundation repairs and replacements due to the presence of pyrrhotite. While I am incredibly disappointed we were not able to get this legislation past the finish line this term, I am hopeful that we will finally address the crumbling foundation crisis next session. State Senator Peter Durant, R-Spencer, has analogized the crumbling foundation issue to a natural disaster. It is extremely disappointing that our colleagues in the House have let down the residents of Massachusetts who are struggling to keep their homes, State Sen. Durant, said. Anyone who has seen the devastation caused by crumbling foundations can understand the urgent need for this legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senator Durant has said that the passage of the bill will remain a top priority for him in the upcoming legislative session. 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 Claim: At age 95, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter fell and injured his head/eye, receiving 14 stitches, and the following day, he helped build houses for Habitat for Humanity. Rating: Rating: True Context: The injury occurred on Oct. 6, 2019, newspaper archives showed. Following former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's death in late December 2024, a rumor about him supposedly volunteering with Habitat for Humanity at age 95 while visibly injured from an accidental fall recirculated online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, liberal social media users have shared photographs or videos supposedly depicting Carter at the gig with what appears to be an eye injury, apparently to emphasize that his age and medical history hadn't stopped him from volunteering. A Dec. 31, 2024, Reddit post (archived) claimed: At age 95, Jimmy Carter fell at home requiring 14 stitches. Despite his injuries, he showed up the next day, to help build houses for the Habitat for Humanity. (Reddit user @Mint_Perspective) A reverse image search revealed numerous instances of people making the claim that Carter, at age 95, fell, received stitches and then the following day helped build houses for Habitat for Humanity a Christian nonprofit group that helps low-income families build homes and pay their mortgages. The claim was true. On Oct. 7, 2019, The Associated Press published the photographs featured in the social media posts, writing: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) With a bandage above his left eye and a large, red welt below it, former President Jimmy Carter was greeted by a cheering crowd Monday morning as he prepared to help build a home with Habitat for Humanity in Nashville. Carter fell at home on Sunday, requiring 14 stiches, but he did not let his injuries keep him from participating in his 36th building project with the nonprofit Christian housing organization. He turned 95 last Tuesday, becoming the first U.S. president to reach that milestone. The newspaper reported he and his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who died in November 2023, worked that day on building a home's corbels, a type of support bracket. CNN also reported on the public appearance, including the following quote from the former president: "I fell down and hit my forehead on a sharp edge and had to go to the hospital. And they took 14 stitches in my forehead and my eye is black, as you've noticed," he said. "But I had a No. 1 priority and that was to come to Nashville and build houses." According to the nonprofit's website, the couple formed a partnership with Habitat for Humanity in the 1980s and have supposedly rallied "thousands of volunteers and even celebrities" to join the organization over the decades. Interested in presidential trivia? We combed our archives to compile exclusive stories regarding presidents' pets, drinking, alleged extramarital affairs, purported after-death hauntings of the White House and more. They are listed in order of presidential term here and include the following nuggets of information about Carter: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, Carter once helped contain a potentially dangerous accident at a nuclear reactor in Canada. The incident took place before his presidency in 1952, when Carter was a young naval officer. Carter indeed published an open letter titled "Losing My Religion for Equality." He sent the letter to 75,000 Baptists across the country after the Southern Baptist Convention announced its opposition to female pastors. Sources: 'Carter Work Project'. Habitat for Humanity, https://www.habitat.org/volunteer/build-events/carter-work-project. Accessed 14 Apr. 2022. 'Despite Fall, Former President Carter Helps Build Home'. AP NEWS, 7 Oct. 2019, https://apnews.com/article/9ef214c0b3c748b6b32fa40a70ff6624. Ahmed, Elizabeth Wolfe, Saeed. 'Despite 14 Stitches and a Black Eye, Jimmy Carter Is Back Building Homes'. CNN, 8 Oct. 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/08/us/carter-building-houses-after-stitches-falling-trnd/index.html. Claim: In December 2024, the state of Texas passed a bill banning Shariah law. Rating: Rating: False Context: Although Texas introduced no such law in December 2024, the state did pass House Bill 45 in 2017. That legislation regards "the application of foreign laws in certain family law cases" and has been criticized for being anti-Shariah. However, it does not specifically mention Shariah law or any Islamic laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December 2024, a claim that the state of Texas had just passed a bill "banning islamic shariah law and anything that contradicts American values" was circulating online. One post (which has since been removed from X) read: "BREAKING: Texas has passed a bill banning islamic shariah law and anything that contradicts American values." The use of the word "breaking" suggested that this legislation had just been enacted in late December. Other examples of the rumor appeared elsewhere on X late in the month. (X user @TuckerCNews) In fact, the rumor appeared to start circulating in the summer of 2024 when it first cropped up on X (archived) and Facebook (archived) on Aug. 7. Posts featuring the claim's main text and the word "breaking" followed on Threads (archived), LinkedIn (archived) and were repeated on X throughout September and November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Texas passed no such legislation banning Shariah law in December 2024. Therefore, we have rated the claim as false. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, a U.S. foreign policy think tank, Shariah is "the divine counsel that Muslims follow to live moral lives and grow close to God." Interpretations of Shariah, the principles of which stem from the Quran and hadith, the latter of which are sayings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, form the basis of Muslim law. No Bill Banning Shariah Law Passed in December 2024 A Google search of news stories throughout December 2024 produced no evidence of Texas enacting a bill that would ban Shariah law. Additionally, the official websites of the Texas State Law Library and the Legislative Reference Library of Texas make no mention of any Shariah-related legislation being passed in December or taking effect as of Jan. 1, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, searching for "Sharia," "Shariah" and "Islam" on the Texas Legislature Online website provided no results. Similarly, searches for "Sharia" and "Shariah" on the Texas Constitution and Statutes website produced no results, while a search for "Islam" revealed two unrelated results about food labeling and a political party in Sudan. Additionally, the picture used alongside the claim in numerous social media posts shows Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signing a different piece of legislation in June 2023. 2017 Texas Bill Has Been Described as 'Anti-Shariah' It is true that the state enacted a bill regarding the application of "foreign laws" in family law cases in 2017. However, that legislation, called House Bill 45, did not mention Shariah or any Islamic law by name. Technically, the bill would apply to Shariah law as that falls under "foreign law," and civil rights advocacy groups, such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), have branded the legislation and others like it "anti-Sharia." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 45 took effect in Texas on Sept. 1, 2017. One local media outlet, ksst radio, said the legislation would "require the Texas Supreme Court to adopt rules to ensure that the application of foreign laws cannot be used to violate constitutional rights guaranteed under the Texas or United State Constitutions." The first section of House Bill 45 reads as follows: (1) litigants in actions under the Family Code involving a marriage relationship or a parent-child relationship are protected against violations of constitutional rights and public policy in the application of foreign law and the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitration awards by courts of this state by a well-established body of law, described by Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. No. KP-0094 (2016), which includes protections provided under: (A) the United States Constitution and the Texas Constitution; (B) federal law, treaties, and conventions to which the United States is a signatory; (C) federal and state judicial precedent; and (D) the Family Code and other laws of this state; CAIR in Texas opposed the bill in 2017, likening it to "similar unconstitutional and discriminatory 'anti-Sharia,' 'anti-foreign law' and 'anti-Islamic Indoctrination' bills" which had been "introduced in state legislatures nationwide," such as Arkansas. Arkansas enacted similar legislation on April 6, 2017. The Bill Summary of Act 980 reads: "To Protect The Rights And Privileges Granted Under The Arkansas Constitution And The United States Constitution; And To Declare American Laws For American Courts." Sources: 85(R) HB 45 - Enrolled Version - Bill Text. https://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/85R/billtext/html/HB00045F.htm. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American Public Policy Alliance | Model ALAC Act. https://ibh.554.myftpupload.com/legislation/model-alac-bill/. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024. "AR - HB1041." BillTrack50, https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/755851. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024. Asaba, Regina. "BREAKING: Texas Has Passed a Bill Banning Islamic Shariah Law and Anything That Contradicts American Values." Threads, 9 Aug. 2024, https://www.threads.net/@iamreginaasaba/post/C-c6NC3uwek?hl=en-gb. BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 17. DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/DocViewer.aspx?DocKey=BC%2fBC.17&Phrases=Islam&HighlightType=1&ExactPhrase=False&QueryText=Islam#:~:text=%22Halal%2C%22%20as%20applied%20to%20food%2C%20means%20food%20prepared%20and%20served%20in%20conformity%20with. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CAIR-Texas. "CAIR-Texas to Offer Testimony on Anti-Islam Bill, Urges Community to Contact Lawmakers." CAIR, 3 Apr. 2017, https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-texas-to-offer-testimony-on-anti-islam-bill-urges-community-to-contact-lawmakers/. "David Yerushalmi, Esq." American Freedom Law Center, https://www.americanfreedomlawcenter.org/about/leaders/david-yerushalmi-esq/. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024. GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 2270. PROHIBITION ON INVESTING PUBLIC MONEY IN CERTAIN INVESTMENTS. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/DocViewer.aspx?DocKey=GV%2fGV.2270&Phrases=Islam&HighlightType=1&ExactPhrase=False&QueryText=Islam#:~:text=(3)%20%20%22Government%20of,of%20southern%20Sudan. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024. Heath, Keri. "'Extraordinarily Difficult': Why a Judge Temporarily Blocks Texas Library Book Ban Law." Austin American-Statesman, 20 Sept. 2023, https://subscribe.statesman.com/restricted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hill, Steve. "BREAKING: Texas Has Passed a Bill Banning Islamic Shariah Law and Anything That Contradicts American Values." LinkedIn, Sept. 2024, https://www.linkedin.com/posts/steven-r-hill_breaking-texas-has-passed-a-bill-banning-activity-7238250156280705024-SGlL/. Legislative Reference Library | Sessions | 88th Legislature (2023) - Effective Dates for Bills. https://lrl.texas.gov/sessions/effDates/billsEffective88.cfm. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024. New Laws Effective January 1st, 2025. 29 Dec. 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20241229162155/https://www.sll.texas.gov/spotlight/2024/12/new-laws-effective-january-1st-2025/. Nicholas, Bonnie V. "BREAKING: Texas Has Passed a Bill Banning Islamic Shariah Law and Anything That Contradicts American Values." Facebook, 7 Aug. 2024, https://www.facebook.com/bonnie.v.nicholas/posts/pfbid0ist1aTUUGgj24qdGUbLo1Nq1EvPe1FEvn12s9bpNHDkGVD7PWSGSwAig1mgfiU8Gl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staff Reporter. "Governor Signs Flynn Authored American Laws in American Courts Bill Into Law." Ksst Radio, 23 June 2017, https://www.ksstradio.com/2017/06/governor-signs-flynn-authored-american-laws-american-courts-bill-law/. Texas Constitution and Statutes - Text Search. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Search.aspx. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024. 'Texas HB45 | 2017-2018 | 85th Legislature'. LegiScan, https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/HB45/2017. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024. TLO. https://capitol.texas.gov/. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024. @TRUMP_ARMY_. "BREAKING: Texas Has Passed a Bill Banning Islamic Shariah Law and Anything That Contradicts American Values." X, 7 Aug. 2024, https://x.com/TRUMP_ARMY_/status/1821131642775466426. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement @TuckerCNews. "BREAKING: Texas Has Passed a Bill Banning Islamic Shariah Law and Anything That Contradicts American Values. ." X, 25 Dec. 2024, https://x.com/TuckerCNews/status/1872049559473705360. Understanding Sharia: The Intersection of Islam and the Law | Council on Foreign Relations. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/understanding-sharia-intersection-islam-and-law. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024. Yerushalmi, David. Shari'Ah's Black Box: Civil Liability and Criminal Exposure Surrounding Shari'Ah-Compliant Finance. 1105101, 1 Mar. 2008. Social Science Research Network, https://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=1105101. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Some people rang in the new year early, celebrating with people of all ages at the Birmingham Zoos Zoo Years Eve event. Families got to bring in 2025 together with bubbles, a walk through the Glow Wild light trail and a red panda drop. The kids are at that kind of age where theres a lot of still excitement and everything around, so its definitely we want to spend time with them while they still want to spend time with us, said Birmingham resident Lindsay Ramirez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We wanted to do something spectacular for New Years Eve, and this is it. This is wonderful, said Allie J., who is visiting her daughter from Arkansas. We can go to bed. Going to bed early is the activity of the night for many families, even the parents. Well be watching the 6 p.m. ball drop, and that might be the only one we watch, Ramirez said. With a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old, my wife and I are looking forward to these two eventually going down, and then well watch a later ball drop together, said Birmingham resident Colin Harris. Stolen deaf dog back home in Alabama after being found 1,600 miles away Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spending the holiday together as a family is what many cherished the most. The beginning of a new year, a new journey, no telling whats to come, and its just a fun thing to experience and share with your kids and your wife and your family, Harris said. You build relationships and bonds, so something that they can cherish and remember, said Birmingham resident Brandy Sims. And what are people taking into 2025 besides family? Just a lot of satisfaction and hope and faith, Allie J. said. Longevity, prosperity, just a peace of mind and blessings, Sims said. Family, health and being together, Ramirez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staying close to the things that make you happy to be alive, Harris said. The Birmingham Zoo turns 70 in 2025 and will have many other events and celebrations throughout 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 CBS 42. FAYETTE, Ala (WIAT) CBS 42 News spoke with a family member of missing and presumed dead 1-year-old Kahleb Rowan Collins. The interview took place hours before court documents revealed additional details in the alleged torture and abuse Kahleb was subjected to. I wont say shocked, Heather Llewellyn said. I have been hopeful that the outcome was going to be different. Llewellyn is the cousin of Steven Bradley Collins, the missing childs now deceased father. Collins died Dec. 9 at UAB hospital after a car crash the day before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10 dead, 30 injured after car plows into a crowd in New Orleans The mother, Pam Bailey, was sent UAB in critical condition. That crash revealed to investigators the parents had a missing one year old, Kahleb Rowan Collins, who was last seen in early September. On Dec. 31, Llewellyn found out Pam Bailey, the mother, was arrested and charged with: Aggravated child abuse First degree domestic violence Abuse of a corpse Criminally negligent homicide The 24th Judicial Circuit Courts District Attorneys Office sent out a release following Baileys arrest, the DA said evidence led investigators to believe Kahleb has been dead for months. Im just still questioning, if Kahleb is no longer with us then where are his remains, what happened? Llewellyn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When CBS 42 interviewed Llewellyn Tuesday morning, the alleged abuse Kahleb was subject to was still unknown. I was very saddened, grief. Its just a very heart-breaking situation, Llewellyn said. No child should ever have to go through anything like that so it just breaks my heart. This case has grabbed the attention of many social media users. Facebook groups like Missing Kahleb Collins Discussion and Updates are filled with posts of people sharing theories and opinions on the parents, the car crash, and Kahlebs disappearance. There are people in our lives that can do bad things, but that doesnt make everyone bad, Llewellyn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As people take to social media trying to piece together information, Llewellyn said its made the grieving process harder on the living relatives. The family members are reading everything they post. Theres family out there in Alabama suffering, so please be gentle, Llewellyn said. Fayette County Sherriffs Office said they are still searching for 1-year-old Kahlebs remains. I want justice for Kahle, and for Ryleigh, but that doesnt replace them, Llewellyn said. Two hours after CBS 42 spoke with Llewellyn, evidence for the four charges the mother was charged with came out. Due to the graphic nature of the evidence brought forth by prosecutors, CBS 42 is providing a summary of those documents. At your own discretion, you can read the full charges here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aggravated child abuse On two different occasions, Bailey (the mother) was made aware that Kahleb was physically tortured and abused around July 2024 the mother did not intervene or notify law enforcement. First degree domestic violence Text messages sent from Collins (the father) sent to Bailey (the mother) show the father threatened to kill Kahleb, and sent graphic photos of abuse to Kahleb Bailey the mother did not intervene or notify law enforcement. Abuse of a corpse Kahlebs body was placed in a bag, put in an outside storage shed, and later taken to an unknown location. Criminally negligent homicide Bailey failed to properly restrain her two-year-old daughter in the car the day of the car crash that killed Ryleigh. 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. Danijaha Louallen said the month of December has been anything but joyful for her family. Theyve been hit with multiple blows, she said. The latest happened this past weekend when her cousin Kyreese Barrinos grave at Hillcrest Cemetery in Monroe was vandalized. Its been a group of young men going around vandalizing our cousins grave. Urinating on it. Shooting at it. Scraping the words and the pictures off, Louallen told Channel 9s Eli Brand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers with the Monroe Police Department said the suspects recorded themselves committing the crime and posted it to social media. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Vandals record themselves desecrating graves at local cemetery I just feel like they dont really have a real reason to dislike my cousin or to treat him that way. So, its just lost souls really, Louallen said. Monroe police have charged 18-year-old Jaykob Marquez Bracey with felony desecrating a grave. They also said a juvenile was involved. Louallen said this is the third time her cousins grave has been desecrated since he was killed in Asheboro in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Louallens family dealt with a separate tragedy when one of her other cousins, 12-year-old Messiah Barrino, was killed in another shooting in Monroe. We dont know what to do. We dont know how to feel, Louallen said. Family members said the young boy was an innocent bystander. READ MORE: Boy killed in Monroe shooting was innocent bystander, mother says Louallen said all these things happening at once have made her family fearful to mourn. We basically feel like were neglecting our cousin. Were not even able to visit the gravesite because we dont know whos watching us or what could happen if we do go visit, Louallen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louallen said her family now hopes her older cousins gravestone can be repaired or replaced and he can be moved to a safer location. (VIDEO: Park rangers report increase in vandalism on Blue Ridge Parkway) A cattle farmer was found dead on his property in rural New Ulm in the early hours of New Year's Day. The Nicollet County Sheriff's Office says 85-year-old John Huelskamp had gone outside to "do some work with his cattle" at around 5:30 p.m. and didn't return. A search was launched by deputies with the help of police and fire responders from New Ulm, Sibley County, and the Minnesota State Patrol, but he wasn't initially found with the search being abandoned shortly after midnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The search resumed at 7:15 a.m. Wednesday, with Huelskamp found dead on the property. An autopsy will now be conducted to determine his cause of death. Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change. One of several Arbys fast-food restaurants in the Tri-Cities closed this week, apparently for good. The roast beef restaurant chain posted signs in its Pasco store, 5115 N. Road 68, announcing the closure. An employee told the Herald it closed its doors at the end of business Saturday, Dec. 28. The 3,300-square-foot restaurant was built in 2005, property records indicate. Arbys abruptly closed its roast been sandwich restaurant at 5115 N. Road 68, Pasco, at New Years Eve. The Pasco store referred customers hungry for its classic Beef n Cheddar sandwich to its Kennewick restaurant, 1310 N. Columbia Center Blvd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chain operates outlets in Richland, Kennewick and east Pasco. A local manager had no information about the Pasco closure and the companys media relations office was not available for comment on New Years Eve. Arbys is owned by Atlanta-based Inspire Brands and operates more than 3,300 restaurants. The driver responsible for the New Orleans attack that killed 10 people on New Years Day is dead, the FBI has confirmed after police previously shared the news with PEOPLE. The massacre occurred around 3:15 a.m. local time on Jan. 1 when a pickup truck barreled down Bourbon Street in the citys popular French Quarter, killing 10 and injuring around 35 others. After the driver crashed his truck, he was involved in a police shootout which left two officers injured, but in stable condition. The New Orleans Police Department previously confirmed to PEOPLE that the driver died in the exchange. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This morning, an individual drove a car into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing a number of people and injuring dozens of others," the FBI said in a new statement, according to NBC News. "The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased. The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism." Related: New Orleans Driver 'Was Hell-Bent on Creating Carnage' in Incident that Left 10 Dead, Police Say MATTHEW HINTON/AFP via Getty Police cordon off the intersection of Canal Street and Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 1, 2025 Police cordon off the intersection of Canal Street and Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 1, 2025 This statement was a departure from the one made during the mornings press conference. Assistant Special Agent in charge of FBI New Orleans Alethea Duncan told reporters at the time, This is not a terrorist event. What it is right now is there are improvised explosive devices that was found, and we are working on confirming if this is a viable device or not. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Related: 10 People Killed, 30 Injured After Truck Is Driven into New Year's Eve Crowd in New Orleans: Police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Chief Anne Kirkpatrick previously told reporters of the incident, It was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could. It was not a DUI situation. This is more complex and serious based on the information we have. Kirkpatrick called out the drivers intentional mindset, saying, This perpetrator, who went around our barricades in order to conduct this, he was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage he did. Details about the suspect have not been released at this time, though police have promised a new update at 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Read the original article on People SMITHFIELD, Virginia (WAVY) Residents worried about the large FBI presence and numerous explosions heard in Virginias Isle of Wight County in mid-December finally have answers. According to federal court documents, agents had just uncovered a massive trove of pipe bombs, and deemed them too unstable to transport so they blew them up. The FBI said it believes its the largest amount of homemade explosives it has encountered in its history. Brad Spafford, 36, was taken into custody at his home on Dec. 17 and charged with a weapons violation. The FBI executed a search warrant and uncovered the improvised explosive devices, along with bomb-making instructions and materials and a jar full of a homemade high-explosive stored in the family freezer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FBI bomb technicians, who X-rayed the devices on scene, assessed them as pipe bombs, the newly-filed document reads. The majority were found in a detached garage, organized by color. Some were hand-labeled lethal. Some were preloaded into an apparent wearable vest, it continued. In the garage were also found numerous tools and materials for manufacturing explosives, a home-made mortar, and riot gear. The filing also describes how the the pipe bombs were made with two layers of plastic tubes. [I]n between the tubes were metal spheres which would enhance the fragmentation effect of the device upon its explosion. it quotes an FBI analysis of one bomb. The lab concluded that the device was capable of causing property damage, personal injury and/or death.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spafford was released on $25,000 bond earlier this week. The new details in this case come from new filings from the defense, arguing to block his release. Defense attorneys argued in a motion Tuesday that authorities havent produced evidence that he was planning violence, also noting that he has no criminal record. Further, they question whether the explosive devices were usable because professionally trained explosive technicians had to rig the devices to explode them. There is not a shred of evidence in the record that Mr. Spafford ever threatened anyone and the contention that someone might be in danger because of their political views and comments is nonsensical, the defense lawyers wrote. Spaffords original, and so far only charge, is for violating the National Firearms Act for possessing a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches. His Dec. 30 preliminary hearing found enough evidence to allow the case to move forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the evidence prosecutors relied on for the firearms charge came from a person Spafford apparently believed he was friends with. Spafford showed the man his illegal rifle and the two went shooting together. [The source] also noted that the defendant was using pictures of the president for target practice at shooting at a local range, stated that he believed political assassinations should be brought back, and that missing children in the news had been taken by the federal government to be trained as school shooter, the prosecutions filing reads. Prosecutors reiterated why they believe Spafford is dangerous, writing that while he is not known to have engaged in any apparent violence, he has certainly expressed interest in the same, through his manufacture of pope bombs marked lethal, his possession of riot gear and a vest loaded with pipe bombs, his support for political assassinations and use of the pictures of the President for target practice. Spafford also allegedly joked about someone assassinating then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The document describes a casual meeting at his newly-purchased farm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also discussed fortifying the property with a 360-degree turret for a 50-caliber firearm on the roof, and noted how he could block the driveway with a vehicle so no other vehicles could access, the filing reads. The Associated Press contributed to this story. 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 Queen City News. Local and federal officials are continuing to investigate the deadly explosion Wednesday morning of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, including whether it was motivated by terrorism or linked to a terror attack hours earlier in New Orleans that left 15 people dead. The explosion of fuel canisters and firework mortars packed into the bed of the truck outside the president-elect's property near the iconic Las Vegas Strip killed the driver and left seven bystanders with minor injuries, officials said. In New Orleans, a driver rammed his pickup truck into a crowd celebrating the new year on Bourbon Street. The attack, which the FBI has called an act of terrorism, killed 15 people and injured dozens more. This image provided by Alcides Antunes shows a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside President-elect Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel early Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (Alcides Antunes / Associated Press) Local and federal officials said they are not ruling out a connection between the two New Year's Day events. But they said the Las Vegas explosion appears to have been an "isolated incident," with no lingering threat to Las Vegas tourists or residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a press briefing Wednesday evening, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said the truck that exploded at the Trump Hotel had been rented in Colorado. An electronic license-plate reader recorded the Cybertruck arriving in Las Vegas at about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, McMahill said, adding that the driver moved up and down the Las Vegas Strip for about an hour before pulling into the covered driveway outside the Trump Hotel. He said the vehicle exploded about 15 seconds later. Read more: Driver expressed desire to kill before ramming New Orleans revelers, Biden says; 15 dead in attack McMahill said the department had confirmed the name of the person who rented the Cybertruck, but did not say whether that person was the driver killed in the explosion. The driver's name would not be released until authorities had "a 100% identification," he said. Investigators have not yet determined how the driver ignited the fireworks and gas and camping fuel canisters, in the back of the vehicle , McMahill said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahill said investigators are looking into whether the driver had deliberately targeted one of Trump's properties using a Tesla vehicle. Elon Musk, Tesla's chief executive, is a close advisor to the president-elect. A Tesla Cybertruck is shown after it caught fire and exploded outside the lobby of President-elect Donald Trump's hotel on Wednesday in Las Vegas. At least one person was killed and seven wounded. (Wade Vandervort / AFP via Getty Images) "It's a Tesla truck and we know that Elon Musk is working with President-elect Trump and it's the Trump Tower, so there's obviously things to be concerned about there," McMahill said. "It's something we continue to look at." Jeremy Schwartz, acting FBI special agent in charge of the Las Vegas office, said investigators are prioritizing identifying the driver and will then work to determine whether the attack was terrorism. McMahill showed a video from outside the hotel showing the Cybertruck exploding outside the glass entrance doors to the hotel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The fact that this was a Cybertruck really limited the damage that occurred inside of the valet, because it had most of the blast go up through the truck," McMahill said. "You'll see that the front glass doors at the Trump Hotel were not even broken by that blast, which they were parked directly in front of." McMahill said Musk had been in touch with the Las Vegas police and provided video of the Cybertruck charging at Tesla stations before arriving in Las Vegas. The Cybertruck involved in the Las Vegas incident and the Ford pickup truck used in the New Orleans attack were rented through Turo, a platform where people can rent cars directly from vehicle owners. A company spokesman said Turo is working with law enforcement, but that it does not believe that either renter "had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric Trump, one of the president-elect's sons, thanked first responders for their "swift response and professionalism." "The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority," he wrote on X. Musk, who owns X, wrote on the social media platform that "the whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now." "We've never seen anything like this," he added. 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. The man who killed at least 10 people in New Orleans early on New Year's Day by ploughing a pickup truck into a crowd was carrying a flag from the Islamic State extremist group, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said on Wednesday. At least 35 others were injured after the suspect intentionally drove into New Year's revellers in the French Quarter, a popular nightlife district of the south-eastern US city. The perpetrator allegedly engaged in a gunfight with officers, injuring two of them, before being killed in the confrontation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect has been identified as 42-year-old US-born Shamsud-Din J from Texas, the FBI said, with the incident being treated as an "act of terrorism." In a press conference, FBI official Alethea Duncan added that they do not think the suspect was "solely responsible" for the incident. It is looking closely at all of the man's contacts and asking the public for help. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos on US television, with reports of body parts on streets and pavements and many people fleeing in panic. Video footage showed bloodstains on the asphalt as emergency services rushed to assist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Islamic State flag "was located in the vehicle and the FBI is working to determine the subject's potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations." The suspect was also carrying a potential improvised explosive device (IED), the FBI said. "Other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter," the agency added, with bomb technicians on site to render the devices safe. During an earlier press conference, the police described the driver's actions as "very intentional behaviour." New Orleans police chief Anne Kirkpatrick said that the driver "was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She later added, "He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did." Most of the victims, according to initial investigations, are people from New Orleans, with only a few of them being tourists, Kirkpatrick said. Biden, Trump offer sympathies Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry described the incident on the social media platform X as a "horrific act of violence." US President Joe Biden and President-elect Trump have also responded to the incident. "My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday," Biden said in a White House statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation's communities," Biden added. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: "Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department." While the FBI has now confirmed the suspect was a US citizen, Trump - who campaigned heavily on limiting immigration to the United States - earlier suggested he may have been an immigrant. "When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true," Trump wrote. The suspect is a US citizen, authorities said. Large-scale operation Police said the incident occurred at 3:15 am (0915 GMT) in an area of the city known for attracting tens of thousands of visitors during major events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, the streets come alive with Mardi Gras celebrations, featuring revellers on balconies and in the streets, while a jazz festival in late spring also draws large crowds. The crime scene spanned Canal Street and the smaller Bourbon Street, both of which remain bustling well past midnight on New Year's Eve. Authorities are still investigating how the perpetrator managed to bypass barriers and bollards to gain access to Bourbon Street. More than 300 officers were already in the district for New Year's Eve, US media reported. Police said that by noon, more than 400 investigators were on site to help process the crime. The FBI is asking the public for help amid the investigation into the deadly attack on a crowd in New Orleans. They do not believe the suspect was acting alone. NBC News' Ken Dilanian reports more. Senior Vice President for Global Operations at the Soufan Group Christopher OLeary, former FBI Assistant Director for Counterintelligence Frank Figliuzzi and retired ATF Special Agent in Charge Jim Cavanaugh join Christina Ruffini to discuss the latest. 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? A Virginia man is in custody after the FBI found a massive collection of explosives in his home the largest in the agency's history. Brad Spafford of Smithfield, Va., was initially charged with having an unregistered rifle in his possession. When investigators carried out a search warrant on his property, they found "a stockpile of more than 150 homemade improvised explosive devices, assessed as pipe bombs," the criminal complaint reads. He was arrested on Dec. 17. Related: FBI Confirms New Orleans Driver That Killed 10 Is Dead, Will Treat Case as Act of Terrorism Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the explosives were found in a garage separate from the house, as well as in a backpack in the bedroom. According to prosecutors, "#nolivesmatter" an ideology that has historically promoted mass violence, self-harm and animal abuse was written outside the bag, NBC reported. Inside Spafford's freezer, investigators found a jar of HMTD, an explosive so delicate that the "friction of temperature changes" could cause it to explode, the motion read. It was labeled "dangerous" and "do not touch," and was stored alongside food items. Getty FBI. FBI. In a motion to revoke Spafford's release, prosecutors stated that he would put his community as well as his wife and two children in "extreme danger," NBC reported. The motion also stated that the FBI located a notebook in Spafford's residence that contained "recipes" for explosives and other destructive weapons, including grenades, HMTD and military-grade explosive C-4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect "expressed support for political assassinations," used photos of President Joe Biden for target practice and "recently sought qualifications in sniper-rifle shooting at a local range," prosecutors said, according to NBC. Related: Man Charged with Killing His Mother and 4 Sisters Inside Hotel Room on New Years Eve: Reports Spafford who has no history of criminal activity, mental illness or substance abuse, according to his lawyers became the subject of investigation after an undisclosed source told law enforcement about Spafford. Spafford had allegedly revealed to the source that he lost three fingers on his right hand while creating an explosive device, the source 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. Read the original article on People In one of his final acts in office, Gov. Roy Cooper granted clemency to 15 people on death row, forgave two people for their past crimes and made two others immediately eligible for parole. Coopers office said the governor received 89 petitions from the 136 people on death row seeking clemency, but he granted it only to these 15: Clemency does not mean the 15 will leave the walls of their prison. Instead of waiting for a death sentence to be carried out, they now face a life sentence, without the possibility of parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These reviews are among the most difficult decisions a Governor can make and the death penalty is the most severe sentence that the state can impose, Cooper said in a news release announcing that he had commuted the sentences after thorough review, reflection, and prayer. The Democratic governor announced the decisions on Tuesday, his final day in office, after reaching his term limit. Coopers office said he made the decisions after reviewing detailed petitions from the defendants and talking with district attorneys and families of the victims. Other factors Coopers office said he weighed included a defendants criminal history, their mental and intellectual capacity at the time of the crime, the influence that race played in the case, sentences of their co-defendants and whether a plea agreement was offered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Cooper sent a powerful message today confirming what North Carolinians have experienced for over 18 years, said Abraham Bonowitz, cofounder of Death Penalty Action, in a written statement. We dont need executions to hold accountable people who have committed horrible crimes, or to be safe from them. Death by incarceration is a better way to frame the sentence these men now face, and that is indeed appropriate in most of these cases. The American Civil Liberties Union also praised Coopers actions Tuesday, noting that North Carolina has the fifth-largest death row in the country. With this action, Governor Cooper has commuted more death sentences than any governor in North Carolinas history and joins the ranks of a group of courageous leaders who used their executive authority to address the failed death penalty, said Chantal Stevens, executive director of the ACLU of North Carolina, in a written statement. We have long known that the death penalty in North Carolina is racially biased, unjust, and immoral, and the Governors actions today pave the way for our state to move towards a new era of justice. Parole Separate from the death penalty cases, Cooper also made two prisoners immediately eligible for parole and forgave the crimes of two others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ensuring careful review of petitions for clemency is a responsibility I take seriously, Cooper said in a second news release. Each of these individuals is deserving of clemency as we continue our important work to protect our communities and improve the fairness of our criminal justice system. Brian Fuller, 54, is now eligible for parole after spending 27 years in prison, convicted on two counts of second-degree murder out of Rockingham County. Fuller killed Roy Hobson Rhodes, 56, and Jean Byrd Owen, 42, when his Toyota crashed, in May 1997, into their pickup truck at an intersection in Eden during a 17-mile police chase that began in Guilford County, according to Rockingham Now. The couple became trapped inside their vehicle that had caught fire. Fuller was sentenced to 39 years in prison. The governors office said Fuller has maintained good disciplinary records in prison and has worked steadily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The N.C. Post Release Supervision and Parole Commission will now decide when and if he is granted parole. The same will be true for 63-year-old Joseph Bromfield, who is serving in his 34th year behind bars for two counts of first-degree murder out of Cumberland County. Bromfield is convicted in the 1989 robbing and killing Annanitra Star Jackson and Arlena Elizabeth Redd under the felony murder rule. The felony murder rules allows prosecutors to charge a suspect with murder if someone dies while the suspect is committing a dangerous felony. Bromfield admitted to police that he kicked one of the women and stole a few dollars from them when his co-defendant went to their house angered that they wouldnt sell cocaine to him. He witnessed his co-defendant kill the women, he told police, according to case files. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In prison, Bromfield obtained a college degree, works steadily and maintains good disciplinary records, according to the governors office. Forgiveness Two others received pardons of forgiveness. In 2007, Brandon Wallace was convicted of conspiracy to traffic cocaine and marijuana in Lee County. Since then, the now 43-year-old has been crime free, earned a college and law degree and was admitted to practice law. He serves as president of his countys bar association, according to the governors office. In 1984, John Jack Campbell, who is now 63, was convicted in Wake County of selling cocaine. Since serving his sentence, hes been crime-free, completed college, owned a small business, has been gainfully employed and supported his family, according to Coopers staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governors office says that pardons of forgiveness are offered at the governors discretion to people whove made significant strides since completing their sentences. Following Biden Advocates opposed to the death penalty have encouraged Cooper to commute the sentences of the 136 North Carolinians currently on death row, changing their sentences to prison terms. Earlier this month, Cooper issued nine pardons and commuted six sentences, though none of them were for people on death row. Coopers decision follows a series of commutations made at the federal level by President Joe Biden in the final days of his administration. Biden commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 men on death row to life without the possibility of parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This historic decision, following President Bidens decision to commute the sentences of 37 people on federal death row, reflects growing recognition that the death penalty belongs in our past, not our future, Stevens said. With 121 people still on death row in our state, we know there is much more work to be done to realize that vision, and the ACLU of North Carolina will continue to advocate for the end of the death penalty once and for all. Though North Carolinians continue to be sentenced to death, the state hasnt executed anyone since 2006, due to ongoing litigation. SILVER LAKE (KSNT) Firefighters battled a large garage fire that threatened a nearby home in the Silver Lake area on Wednesday. Fire crews and law enforcement are at the scene of a fire in the 8600 block of Northwest 21st Street on Jan. 1. Local fire crews, including the Topeka Fire Department, are on scene helping to douse the flames. 27 News had a reporter at the scene and will add more details regarding this situation here as they become available. (Photo By: Tim Schoepflin) (Photo By: Tim Schoepflin) (Photo By: Tim Schoepflin) (Photo By: Tim Schoepflin) Injuries reported in southwest Topeka two-vehicle crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. A Pacific Palisades brush fire that was burning close to homes early Wednesday morning has been contained, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The blaze was reported just after midnight on New Year's Day in the 1600 block of Via Las Palmas. "Firefighters completed the hose line around the perimeter of the fire and it is fully contained," read a department statement. "Some resources will be released as the mop up operation continues to ensure no flare ups." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blaze spurred concern when it began burning in heavy brush near a hillside residential tract amid 15 mph winds. Weather conditions had prevented the fire department from using aircraft to snuff the flames. The fire spread to eight acres before it was contained by fire crews. "No structures damaged and no injuries reported," the LAFD said. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The Rapid City Police Department (RCPD) received multiple reports of gunshots overnight, with most instances turning out to be fireworks from those celebrating the new year. While investigations into each incident mostly turned up no evidence of gunshots, this was not the case for two calls. Each came in on the morning of January 1, the first around 1:50 a.m. Police were in the 300 block of Curtis Street when they heard gunfire and traced the shots to the area of Haines Avenue and Van Buren Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say they spoke with a witness who said two men fired pistols before walking away down Van Buren. Police say they recovered multiple shell casings and found damage to a tire of a vehicle parked on the street. The second incident was at 3:30 a.m. when police were dispatched to the business at 1624 Haines Avenue for a report of gunshots. Police say they made contact with the reporting party, who was driving on Haines near Van Buren St. when they saw two men cross the road then turn and fire several shots toward the vehicle before running east on Van Buren. Nobody in the vehicle was hit, though the vehicle itself was damaged. The witnesses described the suspects as short juvenile Native American males, one wearing a black sweater and dark pants, the other wearing a grey sweater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RCPD is investigating the shootings and are asking residents of the area to review any camera footage they have and to report it to the RCPD. 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. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) Carle Health Methodist Hospital welcomed the hospitals first baby of 2025. At 12:23 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2025, at 7 pounds, 2.3 ounces, baby Hunter Frazier of Morton was born at Carle Health, making him the first baby born at the hospital this year, said a release from the hospital. Fraziers mother was born at what is now Carle Health Proctor Hospital, and he has one sister, the release 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 CIProud.com. Experts have successfully transmitted data from one of the two flight recorders recovered after the weekend's plane crash in South Korea with 179 dead, authorities in Seoul said on Wednesday. The data is from the voice recorder in the cockpit, according to the Ministry of Transport. The second black box is still being examined as it was damaged in Sunday's crash of the Boeing 737-800 at Muan Airport in the south-west of the country, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysts hope that the flight recorder data will provide further insights into the cause of the accident, which occurred as the aircraft landed from Bangkok. However, the ministry warned that this would still take some time, according to the Yonhap news agency. The authority also announced that it had now identified all 179 victims. Local investigators and several US officials and representatives of the US aircraft manufacturer Boeing were working at the scene of the accident. The aircraft of South Korea's Jeju Air budget airline landed without its landing gear deployed, skidded across the runway and crashed into a 4-metre wall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only two crew members survived of the 181 people on board. Apart from two Thai nationals, all were Koreans. The crash landing was preceded by an emergency call from the pilots reporting that they had collided with birds. The tower in Muan had warned of such a bird strike about a minute beforehand. However, it is unclear why the landing gear was not extended during the approach. Investigators did not rule out that a malfunction occurred as a result of the bird strike. The wall at the end of the runway also appeared to have exacerbated the extent of the disaster as the plane broke apart and burst into flames. An antenna system was mounted on the wall to assist pilots during landing. Although the antennas are necessary, according to some experts they should not have been encased in a concrete wall and mounded earth. Five people were killed in accidents, many others were severely injured and hundreds were arrested throughout Germany as the nation celebrated the turn of the year. The celebrations were described as largely peaceful, though severe damage was also caused by fireworks containing spherical shells. In North Rhine-Westphalia, a 24-year-old died when a firecracker exploded, while two men were fatally injured in accidents in Saxony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 45-year-old man died in Oschatz, east of Leipzig, while a 50-year-old man was fatally injured in Hartha near Chemnitz. Both men were handling fireworks when they exploded. In Hamburg, a 20-year-old died when a homemade firecracker exploded, while a 21-year-old was fatally injured in the north of Brandenburg. In Berlin alone, the police arrested at least 390 people for a series of offences, and 15 officers and a member of the fire brigade were injured, interior senator Iris Spranger told dpa. "I condemn these acts in the strongest terms and expect them to be consistently addressed and prosecuted," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were also attacks on police officers in Leipzig, as people set rubbish on fire and built barricades. Some 50 people threw fireworks and bottles at officers. The offences mainly involved dangerous bodily harm, breach of the peace, and violations of the Explosives Act, police said. In Cologne, two officers were injured by firecrackers, local police said. There were similar incidents reported in Hamburg. In Munich, several hundred people rioted and also attacked officers, with a police spokeswoman saying these involved some 200 to 300 people from leftist groups. Kiel police said they were attacked by a larger group of people when officers attempted to protect a paramedic. Patrol cars arrived before the paramedic and were approached by about 70 to 80 individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile in Bonn, teenagers at the train station aimed a rocket at a homeless man who was asleep, police said. He was in shock, while the suspects reportedly filmed the attack with a mobile phone. Despite the hundreds of arrests in the capital, Berlin police said on Wednesday the night had been a success. Most of the arrests related to violations of laws related to fireworks' use or weapons, a police spokesperson said. Fireworks are banned in certain streets and it is only permitted to set off fireworks in Berlin on New Year's Eve from 6 pm (1700 GMT) until New Year's morning at 7 am. Violations risk a fine of up to 10,000 ($10,401). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fifteen police officers were injured during the night, one of whom had to undergo surgery after presumably being hit by an illegal firework, police said. More than 3,000 additional police officers were deployed in addition to the 1,000 or so police officers in patrol cars and otherwise deployed on the streets. There had been no major violence and it had paid off that police had protected firefighters during operations, said another police spokesman in a video published on X. Five people died from fireworks accidents in Germany on New Years Eve, triggering calls to ban celebrations with pyrotechnics in the streets. A 24-year-old man near Paderborn, in North Rhine-Westphalia, was killed by a homemade firework that detonated prematurely. Police believe he had constructed it himself, highlighting concerns about the dangers of unregulated or improvised fireworks. The deaths come after a plea by German police and doctors for politicians to outlaw the tradition of individuals setting off fireworks in streets ranging from city centres to suburban neighbourhoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If politicians continue to do nothing, they will contribute to thousands of people being injured by New Years Eve fireworks every year, and doctors, rescue workers and law enforcement officers being threatened with firecrackers or physically attacked, said Klaus Reinhardt, the president of the German Medical Association. German police and doctors have urged politicians to outlaw the tradition of individuals setting off fireworks in streets - Avalon /Marc John Setting off fireworks in the street has become commonplace in Germany in recent years, and has in the past been blamed on migrants and poor integration. Mr Reinhardt, whose call for stricter regulation or bans on private fireworks was supported by the police union, added: Nobody wants to deprive people of the opportunity to celebrate New Years Eve in a boisterous manner. He proposed alternatives such as centrally organised fireworks or drone and laser shows, warning that negligent and alcohol-fuelled use of firecrackers and rockets could lead to severe injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eye and ear injuries are particularly common on New Years Eve, he said. What is particularly alarming is that many children and young people become victims. Police officers stamp out a fire in a street in Berlin on New Years Eve - Ebrahim Noroozi/AP The aftermath of New Years Eve in Berlin, where many fireworks set off by people across Germany - AFP/Tobaias Schwarz Meanwhile, Simone Borris, the mayor of Magdeburg, which recently suffered the Christmas market terror attack, had called on citizens to abstain from setting off fireworks this year. There is no reason to celebrate in the state capital, and therefore no reason for New Years Eve fireworks, she said. Even before New Years Eve, rescue workers in Berlin were shot at with fireworks, and during the night police arrested more than 50 people in relation to the illegal use of fireworks, and several blank-firing guns and pyrotechnics were seized. Iris Spranger, the interior senator, had said that anyone who attacks emergency services or commits crimes on New Years Eve will, in all likelihood, spend the New Year in police custody. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Flathead County Courthouse, pictured on Dec. 31, 2024. (Micah Drew, Daily Montanan) In front of a standing-room only crowd, the Flathead County Commissioners voted Tuesday to turn down a $9 million investment in affordable housing provided by the state and private entities, one of just three counties to vote against the homebuyer assistance program. The 2023 Legislature enacted the Montana Community Reinvestment Plan through House Bill 819 to allocate $56 million in state funding to provide homebuyer assistance to low- and middle-income residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program was intended to address the rising cost of housing across Montana, where the median home price hit a record high $452,050 last month, according to Zillows Home Values Index. In Flathead County, the median home price is more than $650,000, making it one of the states most expensive places to live. However, the county commission in a 2-to-1 vote turned down the funding, which will instead be reallocated to the counties that opted into the program. Im convinced HB 819 takes money from the pockets of you, the taxpayers, and redistributes it across the state of Montana, Commissioner Randy Brodehl told the crowd of more than 50. Im also convinced the risk to the taxpayers who are providing the money and the risk to the first-time homebuyers is not a reasonable option for the Flathead. Commissioner Brad Abell was the only vote in support of the funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the last few weeks, the Flathead County Commissioners heard public comment from dozens of constituents in person and received more than 50 written comments. Overwhelmingly, the comments favored accepting the funds. I want to have the ability to buy a house, Im ready to start building my own equity instead of paying rent. I want something that is mine and cant be sold out from under me. I want stability and autonomy over my life and to feel safe where I live. Owning a home would provide this to me, Jill Davis, a long-time renter in the valley, wrote to the commissioners. Everyone I know has a housing story. Everyone is trying to buy their first home or people are having to move away because they cant buy a house or afford rent, Davis told the Daily Montanan in a subsequent phone call. I feel like its the No. 1 problem we have in Montana right now. Were drowning out here, and it makes no sense to block this. Several organizations and businesses submitted letters in support of the program, including the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors, Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, Logan Health, Applied Materials and officials from all three cities in the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The opportunity to benefit from $9 million in resources dedicated to workforce housing and homeownership is crucial for our community, wrote Kalispell Mayor Mark Johnson. HB 819 isnt the total solution, its just one piece of the puzzle that can help drive additional entry level homes to be built at NO cost or risk to our county, wrote Whitefish Finance Director Lanie Gospodarek. This isnt big government taking over, its investing the benefits of our recent economy on our future tax base and partnering with private investors to leverage the funding. During the meeting, Brodehl spoke at length about HB 819, which he previously called a socialized program. The bill also included $169 million for other housing-related programs. Even though the county commission was only voting on a single $50 million program within the bill, Brodehl decried the full $225 million fiscal note and said he was disappointed in anyone who only talked about the portion of the money allocated to the community reinvestment plan. Of the $225 million of taxpayer money, it could be paid back to the taxpayers, Brodehl said, pointing to the property tax rebates issued by the state this year. It could have happened with this money. Community Reinvestment House Bill 819, passed by the 2023 Legislature with bipartisan support, created several programs designed to address housing issues across the state. One of those, the Montana Community Reinvestment Act, created a deed-restricted housing program funded with $50 million of state money that will be allocated proportionally to counties based on their gross domestic product. A slide from a Legislative Services Division breakdown of H.B. 819 An additional $6 million is set aside for counties near state-owned facilities that house at least 100 inmates Deer Lodge, Custer and Powell counties as a state workforce housing incentive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill requires counties to affirmatively opt into the program and designate a Community Reinvestment Organization a federally recognized charitable organization or certified economic or housing development organization as a partner to oversee the program and its funding. Partner organizations are also responsible for matching the state funds with private investment, doubling the total pot of money to $112 million. Under the homebuyer assistance program, residents who make from 60% to 140% of the area median income qualify for interest-free loans up to 30% of the total purchase price for a home. The program also caps monthly payments for the home at 30% of gross income and deed restricts the houses so owners can only realize a 1% per year increase in value with excess going back into a fund to perpetuate the program. As of Tuesday afternoon, the last day for counties to opt into the program, just four counties Flathead, Sweet Grass, Granite and Fallon had voted against the funds and two others Richland and Daniels took no action, effectively opting out. Richland County Commissioner Duane Mitchell told the Daily Montanan that the program was a bad deal that was akin to socialism, and applauded the actions of the Flathead commissioners for talking sense. Making their case In person on Tuesday, nearly 20 members of the public talked about seeing friends, family members and young professionals move away due to housing costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drew Rafkin, a Kalispell resident, told the commissioners that the implications of HB 819 are still important to her even though shes already a homeowner. Id be happy if all my taxes went to House Bill 819 because I have watched so many smart college students and young entrepreneurs move out of the Flathead Valley, most recently, and not come back, Rafkin said. I think it would really be a spark to this community, and if we want our small businesses to stay open, we need to help them give their workers a reason to stay. Three opponents to the housing funding spoke before the commissioners, including Doug Adams, a Republican who unsuccessfully challenged state Sen. Dave Fern in Novembers election. As a small business owner, I am acutely aware of the impact of the high cost of housing on potential employees, Adams said. I submit to you that these housing problems are my employees problems, and theyre my problems. Theyre not government problems, and I dont need government solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montana Rep. Tanner Smith, a Republican from Lakeside who mounted an unsuccessful primary challenge to Gov. Greg Gianforte, also gave public comment and told the commissioners that they needed to stand on our conservative principles, and turn down the money. Smith voted against HB 819 during the session and said it was rammed through at the governors request. A lot of people say, This isnt politics, but this is politics. This is Democrat policies in California that created the exodus to Montana, Smith said. As Republicans, what we cant do is have a knee-jerk reaction to fix a Democrat policy problem by more Democrat policies. HB 819 was sponsored by Republican Rep. Paul Green of Hardin, and passed the GOP supermajority-controlled legislature 67-32 in the House and 42-8 in the Senate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During discussion on the resolution, Commissioner Pam Holmquist said she had spent time asking questions and learning about the bill and still couldnt support the measure. I truly believe that government should never be in the business of picking and choosing winners and losers. Thats not governments role. The best thing the government could do is work on simplifying the rules and regulations that builders have to go through to provide the housing that we need, Holmquist said. She added that she was also concerned about the deed restriction and that homebuyers in the program could end up in debt. Its really hard for me to move forward with a program that has the potential to put these families into a worse position than they are now, Holmquist said. I cannot support this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holmquist also said she had information from reliable sources that the housing market is correcting itself. The last thing that correction needs is injection of government funding. Commissioner Abell, the lone vote in favor of the program, said that while he found flaws in the program, he supported the resolution, not least because the money would be spent by other counties if turned down. Speaking on the phone after the vote, Commissioner Brodehl said for him the issue wasnt whether to support the community reinvestment program and assign a partnering agency, but about the full HB 819 legislation. A section of H.B. 819 that indicates counties must affirmatively opt into one of the bills housing programs. One part of the bill he spoke about during the meeting was a section instructing the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to evaluate whether state trust lands could be used for potential attainable workforce housing development, which Brodehl said he has concerns about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The (community reinvestment) bill is wrapped into one bill. Its not broken into different bills, he said, adding that he didnt feel confident that the legislation was written in a way that clearly delineated how the full $225 million would be spent. In my mind, the entire bill was in play. Only one section of HB 819 allows a county to make an affirmative decision about the bills funding by selecting a partnering agency. No other part of the bill text allows for county input. Ian Fleming, a housing advocate with the nonprofit United Today Stronger Tomorrow, said he was disappointed in the commissions vote and the extent at which Brodehl in particular got hung up on the full text of the bill. It became abundantly clear to me that this became a hearing on the whole bill, not just the part that was actually on the table, he told the Daily Montanan. Im sure the rest of the counties will be thrilled to get their share of Flatheads $9 million. Its an extra windfall for Bozeman and Missoula. In the final stretch, counties schedule votes on homebuyer assistance On Tuesday, the deadline for counties to opt into the program, the Valley County Commission voted affirmatively to accept $310,000 in pre matched funds. On Monday, Sanders County voted 2-to-1 to accept their $360,000 allocation as well. Personally Id rather see the money go towards bridges, Sanders County Commissioner Tony Cox told the Daily Montanan. But the goofy part is, if you turn it down, itll get spent by someone else, Cox acknowledged that the Legislature could have left the counties out of the process entirely and allocated the funds directly, and said he understood that some elected officials dont like accepting grants or taxpayer money allocated from higher levels of government. Its just like feeding the deer. Feeding wildlife is illegal. If somebody does it, do you punish the deer or punish the guy feeding them? Dont punish us for accepting the money, Cox said. I think we have an obligation. If theyre going to offer funds to help out the community, we should do it. Of the states 56 counties, only six voted against the program or took no action, declining the funds by default. The Daily Montanan was unable to confirm the status of Sheridan or McCone counties. Flathead County was the only populous county to opt out of the funds, and the allocated $4.5 million and matching funds will be redistributed. We can really benefit a lot from the state money, said Roosevelt County Commissioner Gordon Oelkers, whose county was another late vote to opt in. Add in the matching funds, and if we get a little more because other counties didnt want it, we can benefit even more. It could only be a positive thing for our county. This story has been updated to reflect that Granite County tabled their discussion on joining the Community Reinvestment Plan on Dec. 31, effectively opting out of their allocation. Dec. 31Saying it's not a fair use of taxpayer funds or to future homebuyers, Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday quashed implementing a state housing program here. Commissioners in a split vote denied participating in the program created by the state Legislature through House Bill 819. Commissioners Randy Brodehl and Pam Holmquist voted in favor of denial. After reading the bill, Brodehl said he remains convinced that it takes money out of the pockets of taxpayers and redistributes it to new homebuyers. He said the money would have been better spent providing residential property tax rebates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We shouldn't do the wrong thing just because the money is available," he said. "I'm not convinced the risk to the taxpayers who are providing the money and the risk to first time homebuyers is a reasonable option for the Flathead." House Bill 819 made $4.5 million available to Flathead County to use for a homeownership program that would have provided homebuyers with a loan to assist in lowering the purchase price of a deed-restricted home. In exchange for the assistance, homebuyers agree to an equity cap of 1% per year and that allows for money to be put back into the program for future loans. Saying she couldn't condone a program she claims would allow a homebuyer to purchase a home they can't afford, Holmquist said the government shouldn't be involved in making decisions about homeownership because it's "not in the business of picking winners and losers." "Why would we want to be in a program that would put people in more debt," she said. "It's really hard for me to move forward with a program that has the potential to put these families into a worse position than they are now." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Brad Abell, who initially moved to approve the program, but couldn't get support from the other commissioners, acknowledged that the program isn't perfect. "I have concerns about this bill," he said. "But if we don't take it, we turn $4.5 million back to the other counties in Montana." The vote came on the last day commissioners could approve participation. The funds set aside for Flathead County will be distributed to the other counties participating. Over the past several weeks, commissioners have heard from a diverse group of community members supporting the use of House Bill 819. A number of large employers told commissioners one of the acute challenges they face in retaining and recruiting employees is the cost of housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several on Tuesday reiterated that the program would provide another option for creating workforce housing. Mallory Phillips, with Shelter WF, said the money would help teachers and firefighters put money toward housing stability. "This makes it possible for people who work in the Flathead to set down roots in this community," she said. As a taxpayer and homeowner, Dru Rafkin told commissioners she's seen too many individuals move from the Flathead because they can't afford homes. "I'm thrilled to be able to have a say in where my taxes go with this," she said. "I wish all my taxes to go to House Bill 819." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Referencing comments made previously by Brodehl saying it creates a socialized program, John Ghekiere called the remark "inflammatory." "You've heard robust verbal and written support for this," he said. "And if calling it socialism is being used as a notion of protecting us, I can say it's not protecting us if it's something we're looking for." A few individuals on Tuesday also spoke against the program. Republican Rep. Tanner Smith of Lakeside reminded commissioners that they are all Republicans and should follow the party's platform of less government. He likened the program to putting $9 million in the middle of the room saying it wouldn't be right to just take the money because it's up for grabs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is Democrat policies in California that created this exodus to Montana. That's why folks moved here," Smith said. "So, as Republicans what we can't do is have a knee jerk reaction to fix a Democrat policy problem by more Democrat policies. What we don't want to do is add more layers of government so down the road we will be taking advantage of." Doug Adams, who serves on the Flathead County Library board and recently running as a Republican lost in a bid for Senate District 2, said it's not the government's responsibility to fix the housing shortage in the Flathead Valley. "Government is so efficient and wise they always make things better, right?" he said. "And we the ignorant subjects are too hapless and stupid to handle things on our own, or maybe we're just lazy because we know that no matter how badly we run our lives, our sugar daddy government will bail us out." The state Legislature in 2023 put aside $50 million to address workforce housing through housing nonprofits by establishing Community Reinvestment Organizations. House Bill 819 created an account to provide funds to such organizations that along with local matching funds would assist eligible households in purchasing deed-restricted housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A statewide organization that creates homeownership opportunities, NeighborWorks Montana applied in several counties, including Flathead, to carry out the program. Deputy Editor Heidi Desch may be reached at 758-4421 or hdesch@dailyinterlake.com. When tempted to make political predictions, I always think of President Jimmy Carter. During an off-the-record social occasion at the Georgia governors mansion a half-century ago, Carter asked a few reporters what we thought of his candidacy for president. Fueled by maybe a little more beer than necessary, I said hed probably have a good time while it lasted but wouldnt win. Two years later, announcing the appointment of Griffin Bell as U.S. attorney general in the same mansion, the president-elect spied the local press in a roped-off area and came over to remind me how Id scoffed. I was surprised he remembered but probably shouldnt have been. The 39th president, who died Sunday at age 100, was a very smart man whose toothy smile and down-home Southern style masked some coldly calculating political instincts. A winner needs to read the room, as they say in show business, and none read better than Carter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement United Press International, the news wire service, had moved me from Tallahassee to Atlanta to cover the last year of Carters term as governor and then his long-anticipated bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. UPI didnt want to waste one of its Washington heavy thinkers on a guy who had no chance, so I wound up flying around the country with him for months. Editorial: How will Trump policies impact Palm Beach County? Republicans didn't matter so much in Georgia back then Republicans didnt matter much in Georgia back then, so the Democrats would split themselves into warring factions. Every four years, it seemed, one side would win the primaries and the other would plot its comeback. Carter, an ex-Navy officer and peanut farmer in little Sumter County, started as a school board member and moved up to the state Senate at the height of the civil rights movement. He lost a bid for governor in 1966 to segregationist Lester Maddox, who was installed by the state Legislature when an independent threw the race into the House. Carter correctly figured that times had changed and Maddox who had passed out pick handles for patrons to chase Blacks away from his fried-chicken restaurant was a relic of old times that were best forgotten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Carter was elected governor in 1970, Maddox moved down to lieutenant governor and spent four years warring with Carter, who thoroughly reorganized state government and drew national attention as a racial moderate. Time Magazine put him on its cover under the caption, Dixie Whistles a Different Tune. More on Jimmy Carter: Crucial decisions made in 1980 in South Florida cast a shadow on Jimmy Carters presidency Watergate gave politicians a bad name. Carters simplistic message of, I will never lie to you, and his promise of a government as decent and honest as the American people were, would have seemed naive but for the lying of the Nixon gang. No major candidates before Carter had described themselves as born again or taught Sunday school. His faith was real but also fit the image that seemed so new and reassuring in the post-Watergate era. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So Carter came into 1976 as a choirboy, up against heavy hitters of the day. His biggest, first-up challenge was Gov. George Wallace of Alabama, whose Segregation Forever vow of 1963 still resonated across the South. Carter correctly calculated that a Southerner without Wallaces racist past could win by running everywhere. He entered every primary and caucus, deploying his Peanut Brigade of Georgia supporters to ring doorbells and hand out leaflets for him in New Hampshire and Boston. A first-term senator, Joe Biden, was the first member of Congress to endorse Carter, breaking with a Washington establishment that was staying neutral out of respect for ex-Vice President Hubert Humphreys possible fifth national campaign which didnt happen. World events during Carter's presidency led him to lose to Reagan The turning point, Carters big break, came in Florida on March 9, 1976, when he soundly defeated Wallace in a heated primary. His delegate lead was insurmountable. Carter got an unexpected boost when Republicans split right down the middle, with Ronald Reagan almost taking the GOP nomination away from President Gerald Ford. Carter was critical of Ford for pardoning Richard Nixon and scored more in their three debates, especially when Ford inexplicably insisted there was no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement World events during Carters presidency particularly gasoline prices, mortgage rates and the Iran hostage crisis conspired against him so badly that he lost 44 states to Reagan in 1980. But he lived longer than any other president and redeemed his place in history. Bill Cotterell is a retired Capitol reporter for United Press International and the Tallahassee Democrat. Distributed by The News Service of Florida. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Biden once endorsed Carter, who redeemed himself in history | Opinion Happy New Year! Why not welcome 2025 by getting your caffeine fix and conquering the first day of the year? Good news for anyone who wants a taste of Starbucks; Although some locations may have varied hours, the coffee chain isnt closed. And best of all, you can still get your precious peppermint mochas despite the holiday season being over! Is Starbucks open on New Year's Day? Most Starbucks are open but store hours vary by location. You can find hours for a specific store using the Starbucks app or here. What are the Starbucks holiday drinks for 2024? Salted Pretzel Cocoa Oatmilk Latte: Captures the festive season with savory notes of salted pretzel harmoniously blended with signature Starbucks espresso, the creamy texture of oatmilk, and a generous drizzle of rich mocha sauce. Its topped with a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of crunchy pretzel and red cookie pieces, recreating the warmth and nostalgia of cherished festive moments. Available as a hot, iced, and blended handcrafted beverage. Salted Pretzel Cocoa Oatmilk Frappuccino Blended Beverage: ...Featuring the savory sweetness of baked salted pretzel complementing the nutty aroma of oatmilk. Finished with a swirl of mocha sauce, whipped cream, and a festive mixture of pretzel and red cookie pieces, its a taste of holiday joy in every sip. Available as a blended handcrafted beverage. Toffee Nut Crunch Latte: Rich, buttery Toffee Nut flavors are delicately paired with subtle hints of toasted nuts in our signature espresso for a heartwarming holiday drink, bringing memories of days spent with loved ones. Available as a hot, iced, and blended handcrafted beverage. Gingerbread Latte: Hints of spicy gingerbread blended with our signature espresso roast make this the perfect treat to cozy up with friends and family. Available as a hot, iced, and blended handcrafted beverage. Peppermint Mocha: Inspired by iconic seasonal delicacies, the luxurious Peppermint Mocha, topped with fluffy whipped cream and eye-catching red and white candy bits, signals the start of the holiday season. Available as a hot, iced, and blended handcrafted beverage. Toffee Nut Crunch Cold Brew: The Toffee Nut Crunch Cold Brew is a luscious blend of our signature Cold Brew with buttery Toffee Nut and cane sugar flavors, topped with an airy blanket of Toffee Nut flavored foam and crunchy Toffee Nuts. Available as an iced handcrafted beverage. Toffee Nut Crunch Nitro Cold Brew: Served ice-cold and straight from the tap with a rich infusion of vanilla and cane sugar syrup, topped by a thick layer of Toffee Nut-flavored cold foam and a sprinkle of Toffee Nut, this beverage is a pick-me-up that is sure to brighten up your holidays. Available as a cold handcrafted beverage. Cran-Merry Orange Refresher: A refresher with flavors of sweet orange, tart cranberry and warm spices, shaken with ice, water and real cranberries Cran-Merry Orange Lemonade Refresher: combines the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher with lemonade Cran-Merry Drink: combines the Cran-Merry Refresher with creamy coconut milk Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if you just cant wait in a drive-thru line for your serving of Starbucks holiday flavors, some seasonal flavors are still available in their pre-made coffees and creamers in stores. This year, Starbucks is debuting the new Starbucks Vanilla and Chocolate Cold Brew Concentrate, Starbucks Non-dairy Sugar Cookie Latte Creamer and the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Flavored Creamer, an Oct. 30 press release on the stores website said. How many Starbucks are in Florida? There are over 900 Starbucks locations across Florida. To locate one near you, check its website here. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: New Year's Day 2025: Are Florida Starbucks locations open? NEW YORK (PIX11) A Florida woman admitted to a local New Jersey hospital for treatment has been missing since Friday, the Newark Police Department announced Tuesday. Teresa Maki, 26, of West Palm Beach, Fla., arrived at Newark International Airport with a male companion. Police said they were both detained. More Local News Maki was transported to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center for evaluation, where she fled care. She may be traveling to Brooklyn, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maki is described as white, around 411 tall, and is believed to weigh 100 pounds with blonde hair. The Florida woman suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, authorities said. Anyone with information about Teresa Makis whereabouts should call the Newark Police Divisions 24-hour Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). All anonymous tips are confidential and could result in a reward. Anonymous tips may also be made using the Police Divisions website here. Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. 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. Leslee Cohen-Lavin and her family were feeling pretty good just before the holidays. Then all of a sudden, we each went down right when break started, said Cohen-Lavin, of Highland Park. Her 5-year-old daughter got a fever and aches and lost her appetite. Soon, Cohen-Lavin developed a days-long fever. Finally, her husband got what felt like a head cold. They canceled most of their plans for winter break. Its been a tough break, but it could be a lot worse, said Cohen-Lavin, whose family is now on the upswing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a common sentiment right now throughout Chicagoland, because its not just the holiday season, its also a far less celebrated time of year respiratory virus and stomach bug season. As Chicago residents have been partaking in festivities over the past several weeks, various illnesses have taken hold. Flu activity continues to rapidly increase, RSV activity is very high, and COVID-19 activity is low but increasing, according to a Dec. 27 Chicago Department of Public Health surveillance summary. Statewide, the percentages of positive tests for the flu and RSV also have been increasing, as have the percentages of emergency department visits for those illnesses. Nationally, outbreaks of norovirus, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, are also way up. In Illinois, the state health department is evaluating reports of norovirus outbreaks, but initial analysis shows that norovirus cases are slightly above the levels seen in the years right before the pandemic, spokesman Michael Claffey said in a statement. Its all out there, Dr. Laura Zimmermann, a primary care doctor and chief of general internal medicine at Rush University System for Health, said of the viruses now circulating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zimmermann just got over a nasty viral illness herself, she said, complete with fever, coughing, congestion and a sore throat. Still, she said, her voice weak with laryngitis: I certainly wouldnt panic. I think this is kind of a typical cold and flu season. Given the uptick in respiratory illnesses, the Illinois Department of Public Health has recommended that health care facilities move to facility-wide masking. Were trying to (take) measures to keep our patients safe, said Dr. Aniruddha Hazra, a UChicago Medicine associate professor of medicine in the department of infectious disease and global health. UChicago Medicine is among the local health care systems recommending or requiring everyone to wear masks in patient areas. At the moment, RSV and the flu are among the more prevalent respiratory illnesses in Chicago, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Chicago, test positivity for the flu was at 11.2% for the week that ended Dec. 21, up from just 2.6% two weeks earlier. About 2.8% of emergency department visits were for the flu for the week that ended Dec. 21, up from 0.5% two weeks earlier. Yet, encouragingly, emergency department visits and test positivity for the flu in Chicago still are not as high as they were about a year ago. Theyre also not as high as they were during a rough flu season about two years ago in Chicago. Were not seeing anything like that, said Dr. Jonathan Pinsky, medical director for infection control at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital, though he noted that flu has not yet peaked. On the other hand, RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, seems to have come on stronger so far this season than in the previous year in Chicago though not as strongly as it did during a particularly difficult season two years ago when patients with RSV filled Chicago-area childrens hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, and most people recover in a week or two. Babies and older adults, however, are more likely to develop severe cases. At Lurie Childrens Hospital, 23 children were hospitalized with RSV as of Monday, and about half of them were in the intensive-care unit, said Dr. Larry Kociolek, Lurie vice president for system preparedness, prevention and response. In Chicago, test positivity for RSV was at nearly 15% for the week ending Dec. 21, compared with 8.5% for the same week the previous year, and about 1.3% of emergency department visits were for RSV compared with 0.8% the same week during the previous year, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health. At the state level, test positivity for RSV was up to 13.5% for the week that ended Dec. 21, compared with 10.6% two weeks earlier, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. COVID-19 activity, meanwhile, is increasing but remains low in Chicago, according to the city health department. Some measures of COVID-19 activity seem lower now than they were a year ago at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In all, of about 250 patients at Edward Hospital this week, about 40 had some type of virus, with about one-third testing positive for COVID-19, another one-third with influenza and the rest with other types of viruses, Pinsky said. The increases in respiratory illnesses, however, are not unexpected. It seems like a pretty average winter as far as the viruses go, at least so far, Pinsky said. An exception to that, on the national level, may be norovirus. Though norovirus outbreaks are typically more common from November to April, the numbers nationally are higher than usual for this time of year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 91 suspected or confirmed outbreaks of norovirus across 14 states (not including Illinois) for the week that ended Dec. 5, compared with a maximum of 41 outbreaks for that week in other recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chicago Department of Public Health doesnt track individual cases of norovirus, only outbreaks. The department had reports of several small outbreaks of suspected norovirus in Chicago in December, though that is not out of the ordinary for this time of year, spokesperson Jacob Martin said in an email. Its also difficult to know exactly how widespread norovirus is in the Chicago area because many people recover at home without being tested, said Hazra of UChicago Medicine. We dont have hard numbers but we certainly have been noticing an increase in phone calls and questions, Hazra said. Most people with norovirus feel better within one to three days, according to the CDC though it can be a rough couple of days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can be very short-lived but seem pretty severe when you have it, Pinsky said. Norovirus is easily transmitted, often by sharing food, eating food handled by others with the virus, or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then putting ones hands in ones mouth. One of the best ways to avoid norovirus is by washing hands thoroughly and often. The CDC also advises those with symptoms to stay home when theyre ill and then for two more days after their symptoms stop. To protect against the flu and COVID-19, Zimmermann recommends people get vaccinated annually. Even if people havent yet been vaccinated, theres still time to do so this season, given that the flu and COVID-19 will likely still be circulating for a while, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre exposed, youre less likely to get it, she said of people who get vaccinated. If you do get it, youre less likely to have severe symptoms. Matt Tafoya of West Town got COVID-19 and flu vaccines at his annual checkup Tuesday at the Rush West Loop clinic. I know a lot of stuff is going around, Tafoya said. I have a 3-year-old, so I have to make sure we keep as many bugs out of our house as we can. Older adults and pregnant women also can be vaccinated against RSV. The vaccine is available for adults 75 and older and for those 60 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV. Infants can receive an RSV antibody if their mothers didnt get vaccinated during pregnancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People with symptoms such as coughing, runny nose or fever should try to self-isolate, and if they cannot do so, they should wear a mask around others, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. I think its pretty common to have the flu, COVID, RSV kind of creeping up, said Dr. Morgan Tarbutton, a primary care doctor at Duly Health and Care. Well just see where it heads through the rest of the winter months. A judge on Tuesday deemed Mac Brown Mbanwei, the 18-year-old student charged with murder in the stabbing death of a classmate at Manor Senior High School, incompetent to stand trial. An agreed order signed by State District Court Judge Brandy Mueller says Mbanwei must be sent to a mental health or residential care facility for treatment. Neither Mbanweis defense attorneys, nor the prosecution, opposed the finding of incompetency, according to the order. As of Tuesday afternoon, Mbanwei was still in being held in the Travis County Jail on a $1 million bond. He was booked on Oct. 29 following an altercation and stabbing at Manor Senior high that resulted in the death of Darrin Loving, also 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mbanweis attorneys did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the American-Statesman. Both Mbanwei and Loving were students at the school at the time of the stabbing, but the Manor district told the Statesman Mbanwei is no longer enrolled. More: Manor mayor asks community to support each other during vigil for slain student An arrest affidavit for Mbanwei stated that the altercation began in a boys restroom near a cafeteria and moved to the lunchroom. Students reported the incident to a school resource officer and said that Mbanwei had been holding a kitchen knife. According to Tuesday's order, Mbanwei will be placed in a facility determined appropriate by the local mental health authority for inpatient observation and treatment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under state law, defendants deemed mentally incompetent receive treatment in hopes they can be sufficiently rehabilitated to face trial. Mbanwei's order says he must be re-evaluated within 120 days. But the law says that such specified time periods don't begin until a defendant is actually placed at a facility and begins treatment and that could take a while as there is a long waitlist for a limited number of beds at mental health facilities. Leslie Boykin, a longtime Austin criminal defense attorney who is not involved in the case, said Mbanwei will most likely be sent to a state-run facility for treatment. Once there, she said it will be up to medical professionals to determine when and whether Mbanwei has been sufficiently rehabilitated to face a jury. Because he's been ruled incompetent, the first priority of the justice system is to make sure that he is restored to competency before his case moves forward at all, Boykin said. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Former student charged in Manor school stabbing case found incompetent LE MARS, Iowa (KCAU) Here in Siouxland, people are looking back at former president Jimmy Carters local connections, including a stop in Le Mars back in 1975, when he spoke at a Plymouth County Democratic Party dinner. KCAU 9 spoke with former Carter campaign worker Clayton Hodgson on Tuesday. He remembered that various Democratic candidates were invited, but only Carter responded to the invitation. A year later, Hodgson said, the campaign message Jimmy, who? was being used. Jimmy Carters impact on Habitat for Humanity Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dinner was held at Westmar University in Le Mars. While Carter was visiting, he stayed at the Amber Inn. The inn would put up a plaque on the outside of room 131, where Carter was booked, to commemorate his stay. That plaque is still up today. 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. A former national security adviser to Donald Trump has finally acknowledged the existence of climate change, unlike his former boss, to justify a takeover of Greenland, as threatened by the president-elect. Robert OBrien appeared on Sunday Morning Futures on Fox News, suggesting that the U.S. could limit its use of the Panama Canal as the climate gets warmer and turn instead to opening waterways in the Arctic along Greenland. Greenland is a highway from the Arctic all the way to North America, to the United States, OBrien said. Its strategically very important to the Arctic, which is going to be the critical battleground of the future because as the climate gets warmer, the Arctic is going to be a pathway that maybe cuts down on the usage of the Panama Canal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: The Russians and the Chinese are all over the Arctic. Now the Danes ... own Greenland. And theyve got an obligation to defend Greenland, and so President Trump said If you dont defend Greenland, well buy it and well defend it, but were not going to defend it for free and let you not develop Greenland and not extract the minerals and oil and resources of Greenland. OBrien went on to say that Denmark is on the frontlines of the war against Russia and China. Theyre like the Baltic states, theyre like Poland because of their vast territory in Greenland, he argued. And so theyve got to defend Greenland, and if they cant defend it, were going to have to, and were not gonna do it for free. In the weeks after winning the election, Trump has suggested making Canada the 51st U.S. state and he has said he is prepared to take over the Panama Canal. Robert O'Brien speaks last year at the Concordia Annual Summit at Sheraton New York in New York City. He has suggested that Greenland is becoming more important as the climate gets warmer (Getty Images for Concordia Summi) Trump has also threatened Americas closest neighbors with trade wars, and to take over Greenland, which has been part of the Kingdom of Denmark for 600 years. Trump claimed American ownership of Greenland was an absolute necessity for world security and freedom.. This threats come despite Trumps vow to end foreign wars and despite that he made peace through strength a central part of his campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But his threat is unlikely to lead to any major changes as leader after leader of the areas in question has staunchly rejected Trumps advances. Jose Raul Mulino, the president of Panama, shot back: Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zone belongs to Panama and will remain so. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mute Egede said, Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom. TOPEKA (FOX 43) FOX 43 News is excited to welcome a new anchor to the team! Brian Calfano, an experienced journalist and political expert, will host FOX 43 News at 9 each weeknight. Calfano joins FOX 43 from the University of Cincinnati, where he served as a professor of journalism and department head for the College of Arts and Sciences. He earned his doctorate from the University of North Texas and has contributed journalism to television stations in Cincinnati and St. Louis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drawn to Topeka by the opportunity to cover its dynamic political landscape, Calfano is eager to grow his career as a news anchor. Im excited to work with this dedicated and award-winning news team covering the stories that matter to our community, Calfano said. In addition to anchoring FOX 43 News at 9, Calfano will work with the Kansas Capitol Bureau to track legislative developments affecting Kansans. Hell also occasionally appear on 27 News newscasts. An accomplished documentary producer, Calfano most recently directed Al Primo & His Eyewitness News Revolution. 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. KENTUCKY (FOX 56) As the year nears its end, many take time to reflect on all thats changed and been accomplished during this trip around the sun. Kentucky faced tragedy, celebrated growth, and saw many changes in 2024. But before we ring in the new year, FOX 56 recalls the top stories our readers and viewers clicked on and followed. Heres a look at a year in Kentucky news. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Kentucky family demands answers after organs nearly taken from living man: Living nightmare In October, a Richmond family was left searching for answers after a man who was declared brain-dead and was being prepared to have his organ harvested miraculously showed signs of life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nyckoletta Martin was on call for Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates, or KODA, and was on her way to the operating room when she received a horrifying phone call. She was told 36-year-old TJ Hoover was thrashing around, crying, trying to pull his teeth out, and pushing everybodys hands away. His sister, Donna Rohrer, said her brother is a shell of the man she once knew. RELATED | People opt out of organ donation programs after reports of a Kentucky man mistakenly declared dead TJ was an outdoorsman; he liked to be in the woods, and he says his favorite thing was to watch the deer. He loved camping, hiking, all things outdoor, and everything, said Rhorer. His lifes been stripped away from him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TJ has a lot of short-term memory problems [from the surgery], but TJ knows what happened. TJ says, Why me? Why did they want my organs? And TJ feels guilt still about he did not die so that people could get his organs to save their lives, said Martin. Thats horrific to me. Nobody should ever be put in that position. Thats not what his mission is about. At the time, Network for Hope told FOX 56, While we cannot discuss specific case details, we are concerned by the way this case has been misrepresented. We regularly review our internal practices and remain committed to fulfilling our mission of saving lives through donation while respecting and caring for donors and their families, as well as prioritizing patient safety. Click here to read the full story. Several people shot along I-75 in Kentucky, sparking the two-week manhunt for Joseph Couch It was the story that shook the Laurel County community to its core. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 7, shots rang out on I-75, injuring five people and damaging a dozen vehicles. Its believed that 32-year-old Joseph Couch used a semi-automatic weapon from an elevated wooded area, targeting travelers below. But Joseph Couch was nowhere to be found for around two weeks, leaving his vehicle, a rifle case, and a second weapon behind. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Schools were closed, and the community was left on edge and searching for answers while authorities combed through tens of thousands of acres of the Daniel Boone National Forest. That is until Sept. 18, when two civilians located Couchs remains while livestreaming their search. At a point during their search, they started to smell decaying flesh, according to the video, which led them to the body. The livestream, which lasted around 30 minutes, ended about one minute after they found the body and called out to the rest of their group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a $35,000 reward on the line, and KSP said that Fred and Sheila McCoy would definitely get $25,000 from CrimeStoppers and an anonymous donor. Read FOX 56s recap of the case here. Kentucky sheriff reportedly shoots judge: A look at the timeline, investigation In Whitesburg, a district judge was shot and killed in his courthouse chambers, with the then-sheriff behind bars, and charged with murder. The Letcher County community and others nationwide are left looking for answers as to what led up to it and why this tragedy happened. On Sept. 19, Kevin Mullins and Shawn Mickey Stines reportedly had a lunch meeting, along with several other people, at SideStreet Grill & Bar, according to lead investigator and Kentucky State Police (KSP) Detective Clayton Stamper during the Oct. 1 preliminary hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitesburg residents speak on the impact felt by the community after courthouse shooting Stamper testified that a witness said the judge was overheard asking the sheriff at lunch if they needed to meet privately in his chambers. A 10-15 second surveillance video played during the hearing shows once Stines is sitting in front of the judges desk, he uses his phone to call someone and then borrows Mullins phone to make a call. Stamper testified that both calls were made to the sheriffs daughter. Moments after the calls were made, the video shows the sheriff standing from his chair and proceeding to point a gun at the judge, shooting Mullins several times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the case continues to unfold, FOX 56 will continue to outline the investigation here. Kentucky bill would strip workers of meal, rest breaks House Bill 500, which moved forward and eventually died, sought to strip Kentucky workers of their right to meal and rest breaks. Employers in Kentucky must provide at least a 10-minute rest break for every four hours of work, in addition to a scheduled lunch break every three to five hours. The bill introduced new guidances: a worker not completely relieved from any duties for the purposes of eating a meal cant be denied pay for time spent eating during a work shift. But if the employer provides a lunch break, no payment is owed for time spent eating outside of a scheduled lunch break. Read more of the latest news in politics Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HB 500 made mention of other changes, including removing seventh-day overtime, removing liability for failure to provide proper pay for time traveling between jobs and tasks associated with starting and finishing up a job, and decreasing the statute of limitations for labor violations from five years to three. According to the Kentucky General Assembly, the bill was shot down in the House on March 27. Kentuckys medical marijuana program takes shape Its been a long time coming for Kentuckys medical marijuana program, one thats set to take shape in the new year. In 2024, cities began crafting what the program would look like in their area; voters decided where medical cannabis businesses could operate; and dozens of licenses were handed out across the Commonwealth for cultivators, processors, and dispensaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our mission is to ensure Kentuckians with serious medical conditions have safe access to high-quality, tested medical cannabis products, said Gov. Beshear. Kentuckys 2025 medical marijuana legalization could pose challenges for gun owners After Jan. 1, 2025, people seeking to use medical marijuana to manage a chronic health condition can apply for a medical marijuana card by filling out an application form available on the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program website. It will start by meeting with a medical provider to get a written certification from an authorized medical practitioner who is allowed to prescribe controlled substances. After getting their written certification, patients will submit an application using an online portal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state is also set to help Kentuckians get connected with a provider. For more information, 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 FOX 56 News. A fugitive killed in a shootout with authorities in Ohio last month was identified Monday as the suspect in the decades-old unsolved murder of an 18-year-old woman. New DNA evidence established proof beyond a reasonable doubt that James Vanest, 68, was responsible for the April 29, 1981, murder of Debra Miller, 18, the Mansfield Police Department said in a news release. Miller, a waitress, was fatally beaten with an oven grate in her apartment, The Associated Press reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vanest, who lived in the unit above Miller, was questioned at the time of the killing but was never considered a suspect, the police department said. The building where Debra Miller lived in Mansfield, Ohio, when she was murdered in 1981. In 2021, the department reopened the case and conducted an analysis using advanced DNA techniques that linked genetic material found on "numerous" pieces of evidence to Vanest, the department said. After an interview that year, a Mansfield detective came away believing Vanest was trying to create an alibi by justifying the presence of his DNA at the apartment, according to the release. In an interview with the same investigator this year, Vanest said he believed the detective was trying to build a case against him, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vanest declined to speak further and asked for a lawyer, the department said. Weeks later, Vanest sold his home in Canton, roughly 65 miles east of Mansfield, bought a pickup truck and moved to West Virginia, the department said. After Vanest was stopped by authorities in that state and found to have two guns, he was arrested and jailed on state charges, then indicted in connection with federal firearms crimes, the department said. Vanest posted bond and returned to Ohio, where a gunfight erupted at a Canton-area hotel on Nov. 18 when local and federal authorities tried to serve him with the indictment, according to the release. North Canton police said Vanest, who is identified only as a fugitive in a Nov. 19 news release, barricaded himself inside a hotel room and opened fire, striking a member of the department's SWAT unit in his arm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vanest was killed in the firefight, the department said. "This is a sad and tragic case," the Mansfield news release says. "Although the closing of this case does not bring Debra back, or replace the last 43 years, we hope her family can now have some closure." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com FULTON COUNTY, Ill. (WMBD) The Fulton County Coroners released the name of a man who was shot and killed on New Years Eve. Levi Blair, 39, of Canton, was identified as the man who was shot and killed at 6:51 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31 in the 500 block of South Main Street in Lewistown, said Austin Rhodes, the Fulton County Coroner. The Lewistown Police Department was called to the scene of the shooting, where they found Blair with a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, said a post on the Fulton County Sheriffs Office Facebook page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicholas Pratt, 33, was arrested later Tuesday night after an alleged connection with the shooting. He was booked on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm and endangering the life or health of a child, the post 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 CIProud.com. The catastrophic flooding in Asheville, North Carolina, from Hurricane Helene last September is just another example of the devastating climate crisis were in. As humans burn fossil fuels, cut down forests, and remove legal protections for the planet, there has been a rise in global warming. In fact, 2023 was the warmest year on record since global record-keeping began in 1850, according to Climate.gov. This impacts our planet, our health and safety, and our kids and Gen Z is sick of it. One Montana teen is making her mark by taking a stand and holding legislators accountable for their role in contributing to climate change and her work is already having a big impact. More from SheKnows Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eva Lighthiser is an 18-year-old youth climate activist and one of 16 young plaintiffs in the historic Held v. Montana lawsuit that argued the state of Montana was failing to uphold a constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment. With the help of international climate experts, the youth plaintiffs challenged the states actions of promoting and producing fossil fuels while explicitly prohibiting climate change from being considered. The lawsuit was filed on Evas 14th birthday in 2020 and received a favorable ruling in Aug. 2023 making it the first constitutional climate lawsuit to go to trial and win. Lauded as the first big victory for youth climate activists, the group scored another big win earlier this December, when in a 6-1 decision, Montanas Supreme Court upheld the district courts ruling. Marching for Climate Action Even after that initial impressive win, Eva hasnt stopped fighting for change. This past summer, she spoke at the Moms Clean Air Force Play-In for Climate Action event in Washington, D.C. SheKnows Editor-in-Chief Erika Janes introduced Eva and shadowed her as she met with Montana legislators, including Senator Jon Tester, in our nations capitol to talk about this issue that is affecting kids right now. (As if reinforcing the importance of the event, the Play-In was held indoors at the National Childrens Museum for the first time ever, thanks to the sweltering temps outside.) The further destabilization of our climate disproportionately affects children from increased exposure to smoke in our lungs or the heightened stress of living in a climate crisis, Eva said during her speech at the event, where she also admitted that she feels constant dread and anxiety when thinking about the future. Speaking to SheKnows, she said that uncertainty is the word that pops in her head when considering whats to come. Theres just so much up in the air right now and not nearly enough action happening in the midst of this crisis, she explained. The time is now, and it has been now for a long time. Theres definitely a sort of impending sense of worry But knowing that, if we keep our hopes up if we keep on working towards positive change its going to its going to help us out in the long run. The truth is, Eva has been worrying about the climate for as long as she can remember. Her mother, Erica Lighthiser, said of her daughter, I dont think she knows a time in her life or can remember a time before she was aware of climate change. Eva was able to show up at the trial and share her story about how floods and wildfire smoke have been impacting not just her, but her community, throughout her life. Erica and Eva Lighthiser at the Moms Clean Air Force Play-in for Climate Action in Washington DC. She was referring, in part, to the unprecedented rainfall that fell in Montana in 2022 and swelled Yellowstone. A tributary of Yellowstone called Shields River overtook an access bridge and temporarily separated the Lighthisers from their home in Livingston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waking up that morning and finding out that the river was rising at an extremely rapid rate was very alarming, Eva told us. Wed never experienced anything like that in Livingston, at least in my lifetime. There have been floods in the past, but none have been nearly as intense or as damaging as that one. While this flooding was going on, Eva said she felt terror of having no idea whats going to happen to all the places we live in, and continued, There was just kind of that need to jump into action. For the teen, that meant many, many hours spent filling sandbags to help her community keep the river at bay. For Erica, the one bright spot in the climate change her daughter has witnessed has been watching her daughter find her voice as an activist. I think it was quite empowering to feel like people were listening [at the trial], and you could tell your story and have all these scientists and economists and health experts be able to weigh in on with all this evidence to support your story, she said, adding that its kind of overwhelming to think about how her daughters voice is impacting the future in such a positive way. L to R: Eva Lighthiser, Senator Jon Tester, Erica Lighthiser. Now that Eva is an adult, she plans to continue working in climate activism, motivated in part by her fierce pride in her community and the land shes surrounded by. Constantly being reminded of whats at stake is very important for my inspiration, she said. What I love about Gen Z is that we arent afraid to speak up. We want change, and if we want it, we will do anything in our power to change it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Find tips on talking to your kids about climate change HERE. These celebrities are focused on raising their kids to be good humans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. New provisions from Georgia election reform law Senate Bill 189 took effect Wednesday, focused on absentee ballot storage, voter registration and residency and separating ballots and elections for county-specific decisions from general elections for certain items. Now that January 2025 is here, provisions in SB 189 related to voter challenges and unhoused Georgia voters will now take effect, though most of the laws provisions began on July 1, 2024. Both Fair Fight Action and the American Civil Liberties Union have contested the law, which also removed the Secretary of State from Georgias State Board of Elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By signing SB 189 to become law, Brian Kemp delivered a gift to MAGA election deniers. Hes solidified his legacy as a vote suppressor, building on his signature anti-voter law from 2021 with a new law inspired by conspiracy theorists who continue to dispute the results of the 2020 election. With a new election on the horizon, Kemp is buttressing his pledge to MAGA, giving them new power to target Black, brown, rural, unhoused, and disabled populations and legislating harassment for already overburdened election workers. But in spite of every barrier formed against them, Georgians continue to show up to vote. And we will not stop fighting to ensure free and fair elections for all, Fair Fight Action said in a previous statement. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Similarly, the ACLU pushed back on the bill, saying it adds barriers to voters and election administrators in Georgia while lowering barriers for what it said were biased and baseless voter challenges. SB 189 is a step back for voters rights and voting access in the state of Georgia, Andrea Young, executive director of the ACLU of Georgia said in a statement, previously. Most importantly, this bill will require already overburdened election workers to spend time processing unnecessary voter challenges. As always, elected state officials should work to make voting easier and not more difficult for Georgia citizens. We are committed to protecting Georgia voters and will see the governor in court. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September, the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP and the Georgia Coalition for the Peoples Agenda filed suit over the law in federal court, though lawmakers who supported the bill believe it will remain in effect despite those legal efforts. The legal challenges to SB 189 were anticipated. It was crafted with the intent to withstand any such challenges, and we are confident that the states position will prevail, ensuring SB 189 remains the law of the land, State Senate Ethics Committee member Max Burns said in September. Opponents of the law argue that college dormitories, senior and nursing facilities, and homeless shelters may be zoned as nonresidential, Channel 2 Action News reported previously. The provisions that took effect Wednesday are the bills fourth, sixth and ninth sections. What does each section do? Section 4 Section 4 reads that the mailing address for election purposes of any person of this state who is homeless and without a permanent address shall be the registrars office of the county in which such person resides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More specifically, Proof of ownership or rental of a post office box or private mailbox service address within a particular jurisdiction shall not constitute sufficient grounds to establish a persons residency within that particular jurisdiction. That means that for Georgians who do not have a traditional residence, be that a house or apartment unit that they are paying for through rent, mortgage, etc., a rented post office box wont count to prove they lie where they say they do when it comes to voting. As pointed out by the organizations suing to block this provision of the law, college students registered to vote based on their dormitory addresses and others living in the state without a permanent address will not be able to vote in the jurisdiction they are staying in. This would apply to homeless shelters, potentially, as well as other temporary accommodations. Instead, these individuals would need to register to vote with their registrars office address for the county. Section 6 Section 6 says that for election superintendents can give electors physical ballots for special primaries, special elections, runoff elections or special elections to present a question to residents and states that these elections would need to be independent from statewide elections or presidential primaries. Section 9 Section 9 focuses on the methods officials may use to securely store absentee ballots and prevent tampering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the provision, boards of registrars and absentee ballot clerks will have to store absentee ballots, unopened, and in a way to prevent unauthorized access. While that was already in law, now officials will also have to document any authorized access to these ballots that occur before the day of the election to count votes. The law also says absentee ballots, once accepted, will be stored securely in either a sealed container or an appropriately secured room to prevent unauthorized access or tampering. Additionally, for ballots to be accessed at the now-required secured storage and sealed containers the law now requires at least three persons who are registrars, deputy registrars, poll workers or absentee ballot clerks shall be present. The law also requires that the containers be unsealed and verified for integrity while absentee ballot envelopes are opened and while they are being scanned for vote-counting purposes. Once all of the ballots are scanned, the scanned ballots will then have to be stored securely with multiple seals, which must be recorded in a chain of custody document, and signed for. Absentee ballot votes must also be counted and reported no later than 8 p.m. on the day of a primary election, general election or runoff election, or within one hour of all polls closing in the county, whichever happens first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 189 says that as ballots are counted, they must be placed into sealed boxes or bags that have to be witnessed and verified by those taking custody of them, who must also sign and date and time the moment they receive them. A similar process must be undertaken for rejected absentee ballots through a process specified by the Secretary of States Office. All such ballot boxes must come with chain of custody documentation and remain sealed if not in the direct control of poll officers or while being transferred to a different room or facility for vote counting. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A judge was found dead in a Georgia courtroom on what was to have been his last day on the job, authorities said Tuesday. Effingham County Sheriffs deputies found State Court Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, on Tuesday morning. He appears to have died by suicide, the sheriff's office said. Yekel, who was appointed to the bench two years ago by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, lost his election bid earlier this year. His term was scheduled to end Dec. 31, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The familys distraught, Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie told reporters Tuesday. Its supposed to be a happy time this time of year and now theyve got this. McDuffie said one of his deputies discovered Yekels body after authorities were dispatched to the courthouse on a report of a possible suicide at 10:20 a.m. It appears Yekel may have died Monday night, he said. Court was not in session Tuesday, the sheriff said, adding that Yekels autopsy will be conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Yekel was admitted to the state bar on June 14, 1976, and was in good standing at the time of his death, bar records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He presided over preliminary criminal matters and other cases in Springfield, roughly 26 miles north of Savannah. In a Dec. 2 letter to Kemp, Yekel pointed to his failed election effort and asked to resign, a copy of the note shows. Yekel won the initial round of voting in May but lost in a runoff. Yekel asked for the effective date of his resignation to be Dec. 30, one day before the end of his term, a copy of the note shows. "I feel that the office of State Court Judge of Effingham is too important to be decided by only 6% of the eligible voters of Effingham County," he said. Kemp rejected his request, saying the results of a fair election "should not be nullified on the basis of manufactured legal technicality." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Kemp declined to comment on the investigation, citing an open investigation, but said "Judge Yekels family and loved ones are in all our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time." If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A Georgia state judge has died by suicide after shooting himself in his own courtroom. Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, was found dead by a deputy on Tuesday, his last day on the bench, after he lost a bid for re-election, according to WSAV. Yekel was found inside the Effingham County State Courthouse around 10 a.m. Tuesday. But investigators believe he died sometime late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His death is being investigated by the Effingham County Sheriffs Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Yekel was appointed to the state court in 2022. He recently attempted to resign from his position, but was denied by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, according to WJCL. Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie offered his condolences to Yekels family. This is never good for anybody, the familys distraught. This is supposed to be a happy time this time of year, and now theyve got this. I cant imagine. If they have anything they need from us, well be available, he said. According to WTOC, he was also facing a lawsuit from court employee Lisa Crawford who claims she was wrongfully terminated from her position by Yekel. She claimed in the suit that Yekel fired her in order to bring in his own staff when he took office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yekel, a married father-of-four, was a former assistant district attorney in Chatham County and previously worked as a special agent for Georgias Alcohol & Tobacco Tax Unit. The Effingham County Board of Commissioners released a statement on Yekels death. The Effingham County Board of Commissioners and staff are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Judge Steve Yekel at the Effingham County Courthouse today and we offer our condolences to his family and loved ones. The courtroom has been closed since the judges body was found. It will resume normal business on January 2. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. In the UK, people having mental health crises can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org A court in Germany sparked outrage by handing a firefighter a lenient sentence for raping an unconscious friend, saying it was important that he kept his job. The Munich judges decision to sentence the 25-year-old Thomas B to 11 months probation has been widely condemned for setting a precedent that prioritises an offenders career over justice for the victim. This judgment sends a terrible signal, said Britta Zur, former police president of Gelsenkirchen, in a social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So many work tirelessly to combat physical violence and sexual abuse, and yet the judiciary does not follow through? The rape case revolves around an incident in February 2022 when the firefighter from Munich, assaulted his friend Jennifer L, whose name has been changed in line with German privacy laws. After drinking heavily at a party, Jennifer L invited him to her home, empathising with his distress following a separation from his wife. She fell asleep, only to wake up hours later to find her underwear had been forced down and Thomas B was inappropriately touching her. She confronted him immediately and demanded that he leave. An immature reaction The court heard a video testimony from Jennifer L, in which she described the profound emotional and psychological toll the incident had taken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The days after the crime were terrible, very terrible, she said. She also described her ongoing struggles with sleep, hypervigilance and discomfort around men resembling Thomas B. The judge acknowledged that the crime had been traumatic for the victim, and stated: She will not be the same for the rest of her life. But the court also described Thomas Bs act as an immature reaction to the separation from his wife. It also argued that Thomas B was still young at the time of the incident. And in its justification for this leniency, the court also stated that it would be a very great hardship if he were to lose his position because of this judgment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas B, who claimed to have no memory of the assault owing to alcohol, admitted his guilt and expressed remorse, saying he trusted the victims account. He was ultimately sentenced to 11 months probation. Under German law, rape is punishable by a minimum sentence of two years imprisonment, with up to 15 years for the most severe cases. Had Thomas B been sentenced to one year or more in prison, he would have lost his civil servant status, according to Bild newspaper. SZ newspaper reported that the judge considered this to be a very harsh outcome of the trial. Thomas B was also ordered to pay the victim roughly 5,000 in compensation and complete 80 hours of community service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecution has now announced plans to appeal the ruling, arguing it woefully fails to reflect the gravity of the crime. 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. Bison walking through deep snow near Tower Jct.; Jim Peaco; March 2008; Catalog #19246d; Original #IMG_8146 (National Park Service) A long-simmering battle between Yellowstone National Park officials and the Gianforte administration in Montana came to a head on Tuesday with state officials suing the park in federal court for its bison management plan. The new case, filed in federal court in Billings, argues that park officials have intentionally cut Montana out of management plans or ignored the parks own science in an effort to boost Yellowstone National Park bison numbers and skirt vaccinating them against brucellosis, a disease of concern to the states cattle-ranching industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court action follows public disputes and disagreements between the Gianforte administration and federal officials, including other members of the Interagency Bison Management Plan. While park officials manage the herds in Yellowstone National Park, at issue is what happens when the bison inevitably roam across the border of the park, often into Montana. Yearly bison hunting has also generated a fair amount of outrage as advocates for the nations official land mammal, the bison, decried what they said was a slaughtering line of hunters lined up on the Montana side of the parks border to hunt them as they crossed the boundaries. The heart of the lawsuit, filed by Gianfortes attorneys as well as attorneys for the Montana Department of Livestock and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, contends that Yellowstone Park officials have unlawfully disregarded a 2000 agreement to keep the Yellowstone Park bison herds at less than 3,000 animals, as well as a commitment by park officials to vaccinate bison against brucellosis. Instead, the lawsuit argues that a new environmental impact statement adopted by the National Park Service in 2024 arbitrarily changed those rules to allow an increase in bison numbers and no requirement for vaccination. State officials allege that Yellowstone National Park also adopted these new rules, saying that they were not materially different than current park practices, which the State of Montana disputes. Over the last 20 years, Yellowstone National Park has utterly failed to manage to the specified target population or implement critical elements of its plan, the lawsuit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State of Montana also claims in the lawsuit that it agreed to expand the areas the bison could wander into, known as tolerance zones, especially during the winter months, on the condition that the target herd population be kept at the same level and that officials would take every available opportunity to vaccinate the bison. They claim that the states expansion of area the bison could roam was a spatial increase, not permission to increase the bison herds target size. Furthermore, the State of Montana said that allowing more bison roaming could jeopardize its ability to certify that cattle raised within the states borders are brucellosis free. State officials claim in the lawsuit that they must protect the states cattle industry, and the new rules put that in jeopardy. State officials also said that the state may reconsider the areas the bison are allowed to roam without being hunted because of the changes made by park officials and the members of the Interagency management partners. Montanas 2015 tolerance expansion was a spatial expansion only, and did not create tolerance for increased population levels, the lawsuit said. In fact, the decision notice stated, multiple times, that even though the physical tolerance zone was increasing, the population target would remain unchanged at 3,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Montana officials demonstrated that park officials and bison managers let the population peak at 5,459 bison in 2017, despite the 2000 target of 3,000 and an actual population of 2,708 then. Montana told (the National Park Service) that the (new proposed rules) were all premised on the assumption that Montanas tolerance zones, expanded in 2011 and 2015, would continue to exist. Montana told Yellowstone National Park this was specious, given each alternatives commitment to increased population and reduced disease management conflicted with two key purposes for Montanas expanded tolerance, the lawsuit said. The (management plans) reliance on Montanas tolerance zone to sustain populations beyond 3,000 is an incorrect assumption at best, and a deliberately misleading misstatement at worst. Montana officials also say they have not been consulted, nor has there been any consensus about raising the number of bison beyond a population of 3,000. (The National Park Service) concluded that 3,000 was an appropriate target, as anything above that would likely lead to out-migration, the lawsuit said, quoting the 2000 record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit also said that without consulting Montana, the new management plans call for no vaccination under any of the scenarios it contemplated during the public comment and review in its most recent 2024 decision. Montana officials said this runs contrary to the original agreement with the state, which was to include vaccination of all bison to the best degree possible. Now, the lawsuit contends, officials have written out any vaccination. After 24 years, the defendants have not only failed to initiate a remote-vaccination program, but now state they have no intention of conducting any bison vaccination, remote or other, the lawsuit claims. Vaccination of bison is reflected in every annual operations plans from 2007-2022. Despite bison vaccination being a clear directive in existing management, each alternative in the Bison Management Plans Final Environmental Impact Statement drops vaccination, including the no action alternative. Part of the lawsuit details the changes and modifications that have been made since the original record of decision for bison management was adopted in 2000, serving as a sort of legal laundry list of concerns and challenges Montana officials say theyve had with Yellowstones overall management. It also alleges that park officials intentionally tried to limit Montanas access to information about the changes it planned, and ignored requests from state officials to meet and collaborate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2022, the state claims officials started changing management plans and rushed public comment. During that time, Montana said that it had explained its frustration at not being consulted or included in the National Park Services formulation of alternatives, especially given the contentious history surrounding bison management. Montana said that it asked National Park leadership to withdraw the slate of bison management plans then so other meetings could be held, but it took Yellowstone Park officials until June 2023 to finally (meet) with the states technical staff to discuss the substance of the alternatives and supporting science, or lack thereof, according to the lawsuit. Montana officials said that they were only given 11 days to review a draft of the environmental impact statement and provide comment, evidence the state claims of the park trying to rush the process. Montana officials said when the final environmental impact statement was prepared, it was only given 24 days to review it and meet with officials, an impossible timeline for the state, according to the lawsuit. Officials with Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday told the Daily Montanan that they had just become aware of the lawsuit and were still reviewing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Park Service has repeatedly and consistently failed to engage with the state in a meaningful and transparent manner as required by law throughout the planning process, said Gov. Greg Gianforte. The National Park Service has not given us a fair shake and has ignored concerns raised by the state. We will always defend our state from federal overreach. 241231-State-of-Montana-NPS-complaint Deusdedit Ruhangariyo Special to ICT Around the world: An Indigenous alliance spanning borders unites to protect the Amazon, Tibetans press British Museum for apology over Xizang' usage, and advocates demand closure of unit 18 in Western Australia. PERU: Alliance fights to protect Amazon Indigenous leaders and civil society organizations from Ecuador and Peru are working together to safeguard more than 35 million hectares (86.5 million acres) of the Amazon rainforest, Mongabay reported on Dec. 23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uyunkar Domingo Peas of Ecuadors Achuar and Wrays Perez of Perus Wampis traveled drought-stricken rivers to visit Kandozi and Kichwa communities, advancing efforts to safeguard 35 million hectares (86.5 million acres) of interconnected territories, home to 600,000 people across 30 Indigenous nationalities. These communities have long been connected by the rivers that sustain their lands and cultural traditions. Our belief is that the Amazon is a living being with a spiritual connection to Indigenous life, explains Uyunkar Domingo Peas Nampichkai, an Achuar leader from Ecuador. We must unite to confront the climate crisis that is threatening our world and our planet, or we will perish. Nampichkai and Wrays Perez Ramirez, a Wampis leader from Peru, have joined forces as president and vice president of the Sacred Headwaters Alliance. They share a deep connection rooted in their cultural and spiritual ties to the forest. Both have witnessed the growing threats to this transboundary region, including deforestation from oil drilling, mining, logging and drug trafficking, as well as the devastating impacts of climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I first met Wrays, we instantly connected, Nampichkai recalls. For us, the forest is a treasure trove of ancestral knowledge, and that shared understanding strengthens our fight. Domingo is a visionary, always looking to the past to guide the future. We both believe we must protect the Amazon before its too late. Their current journey underscores the urgent challenges they face. After engine trouble delayed their expedition, the leaders reached Lake Rimachi, a critical resource for the Kandozi people. The lake, one of the largest in the Amazon, is shrinking due to sediment buildup from years of drought. This threatens not only fish populations but also the broader ecosystem. This lake is the womb of the Earth, Perez Ramirez says, highlighting its role in supporting biodiversity, regulating water cycles and mitigating climate change. As they met with communities to discuss local environmental crises, the leaders also reflected on the spiritual connection Indigenous people have with their rivers. The river has wisdom; it carries a spirit, Nampichkai says. It connects me to my ancestors and my grandchildren. Perez Ramirez, too, emphasized the importance of involving the younger generation in their efforts. Everything we do is for them, he says. Back in Wampis territory, Perez Ramirez expressed concern about the rise of illegal gold mining along the Maranon and Santiago Rivers. Mining has destroyed forests and polluted water with mercury, endangering fish a key food source for local communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This area has been neglected by the state, he notes, pointing to the lack of government resources to combat illegal activity. In response, the Wampis have established their own monitoring systems to protect their land. We wont let this region turn into another disaster like Madre de Dios, Perez Ramirez says. Returning to his Achuar community, Nampichkai was greeted warmly but also faced the reality of climate change. A recent windstorm had uprooted trees and damaged farms an event previously unheard of in the area. Weve never seen anything like this before, said a local teacher. For both leaders, the link between preserving forests and combating the climate crisis is undeniable. At COP26 in Glasgow, they warned of the Amazons precarious state and called for global action. Despite commitments to halt deforestation, progress has been minimal. We must act now to protect our forests, Nampichkai urges. This is a fight for our future and for the survival of the planet. TIBET: Tibetans press British Museum for apology The British Museums labeling of Tibetan artifacts with the term Xizang in its Silk Roads exhibition has sparked strong criticism from Tibetans and human rights groups. They have demanded the removal of the Beijing-promoted term and a formal apology from the museum, Radio Free Asia reported on Dec. 24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using Xizang a term officially adopted by China in 2023 to refer to Tibet in all its documents aligns with Beijings efforts to diminish and erase Tibets cultural and historical identity, critics argue. Advocates insist that the British Museum should exclusively use the term Tibet. Earlier this year, Frances Musee du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac faced similar backlash for using Xizang in its exhibits. Following weeks of protests and petitions by Tibetans, the museum announced in October that it would revert to using Tibet. The British Museums Silk Roads exhibition, which delves into the history of the ancient trade route between 500 and 1000 AD, features over 300 artifacts from the museums collection as well as loans from at least 29 institutions. Open since late September, the exhibit is scheduled to run until Feb. 23, 2025. In its labels and catalogue materials for Tibetan artifacts, the museum employs the phrase Tibet or Xizang Autonomous Region. For instance, a Seventh Century silver vase, gifted by the Tibetan Empire under King Songtsen Gampo to Tang China, is labeled as originating from Tibet or Xizang Autonomous Region, China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tsering Passang, founder and chairman of the Global Alliance for Tibet and Persecuted Minorities, called the use of Xizang both inaccurate and deeply offensive to Tibetans. It reflects the Chinese Communist Partys agenda to erase Tibet from the global map, distort its history, and suppress its peaceful culture, Passang stated. Tibetan advocacy groups, including the Global Alliance for Tibet and Persecuted Minorities and the Tibetan Community in Britain, expressed their concerns to the British Museum in letters sent on Nov. 25 and Dec. 18, urging the institution to stop using the Beijing-promoted term. AUSTRALIA: Advocates seek youth justice reform A yarning circle has been introduced at Western Australias Unit 18 youth detention center, offering cultural programs for young detainees. However, justice experts argue the notorious facilitys closure is critical to addressing systemic issues and ensuring better outcomes for youth, the National Indigenous Times reported on Dec. 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move follows the opening of a cultural ground at Banksia Hill Detention Centre earlier this year. Aboriginal Services Manager Will Hayward described the initiative as part of efforts to create spaces for cultural healing. Weve been building and creating cultural spaces that young people can utilize in programs, cultural healing, and yarning with Elders, he said. Hayward added that the space would be used by Western Australia Department of Justice staff and Aboriginal service providers for regular activities. Despite these efforts, calls to shut down Unit 18 continue. Legal and human rights experts, including former and current Western Australia Children's Court presidents and the former Inspector of Custodial Services, have long advocated for its closure. Noongar human rights advocate and law academic Dr. Hannah McGlade expressed support for the cultural initiatives but maintained that Unit 18 must be closed. Two childrens deaths are linked to Unit 18, she said. Its use violates the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Australia has ratified. Children should never be incarcerated in adult prisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McGlade, a member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, called for trauma-informed care and criticized the state governments handling of youth incarceration. WA has the highest rate of Aboriginal youth incarceration in the nation. These systemic racial injustices must end, she said. Western Australia Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce defended the yarning circle, describing it as a way to support young detainees. Its important to give them their own space where they can share stories and reflect on their journey, he said. However, advocates remain critical of Unit 18s continued operation. Megan Krakouer, who works with youth detainees on a class action against the Western Australia government, argued the facility is beyond redemption. While a yarning circle is important, without practical solutions, new truths, and pathways for healing, this will not improve outcomes, she said. Unit 18 must be closed, consistent with the Cleveland Dodd inquest findings. Anything less is disgraceful. McGlade echoed these concerns, urging the state to invest in prevention and diversion programs. WA is a wealthy state with billions in surplus. Its time to redirect these funds to Aboriginal-led initiatives and end the systemic racism fueling this crisis, she said. My final thoughts My final thoughts are in Western Australia where Unit 18 stands as a glaring failure of youth justice, embodying the unacceptable practice of incarcerating children in facilities designed for adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This approach violates the fundamental rights of children and perpetuates systemic injustices. Its continued operation is a stain on the principles of care and protection owed to societys most vulnerable. Such facilities are incompatible with the developmental, cultural and rehabilitative needs of young people and must be unequivocally condemned. First, Unit 18 has been directly linked to the deaths of some children, highlighting its failure to provide a safe environment. Second, its existence violates international agreements such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Australia has committed to uphold. And third, the facility fosters further harm by failing to deliver trauma-informed care or effective rehabilitative services, instead reinforcing cycles of violence and marginalization. These reasons not only demand the closure of Unit 18 but also of all similar units globally. The practice of incarcerating children in adult-style facilities is not unique to Western Australia. Across the world, similar institutions expose children to conditions that exacerbate trauma, perpetuate social inequalities, and deny them the opportunity to heal and reintegrate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governments must take immediate steps to dismantle these facilities and replace them with community-based, culturally informed interventions that prioritize prevention, healing and rehabilitation. Closing such units would mark a profound shift in youth justice, reducing recidivism and creating pathways for young people to build meaningful lives. By investing in preventative programs and culturally grounded support systems, societies can address the root causes of youth crime, break cycles of systemic oppression, and foster stronger, more equitable communities. The closure of Unit 18 and similar facilities worldwide is not just a moral imperative but a vital step toward a just and compassionate future. Happy new year 2025. Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute $5 or $10 today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICTs free newsletter. Dozens of Sudanese protesters took to the streets of Port Sudan on Tuesday, December 31, to oppose the Governments decision to partially replace banknotes in areas under its control in the war-torn country. In response to the demonstrations, the Government extended the validity of the 500 and 1,000 Sudanese pound notes, initially set to be recalled, in one week. The war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), ongoing since April 2023, has left tens of thousands of dead, displaced over 12 million people, and severely damaged the countrys infrastructure. The conflict has also crippled the economy, with most banks shut down. The government, now based in Port Sudan, stated that the banknote replacement in army-controlled areas in the north and east aims to protect the national economy and combat criminal activities. However, the move has heightened concerns about further dividing the country. RSF-controlled regions, including much of Darfur in the west and large parts of the south and center, have rejected the new banknotes. The RSF has accused the army of attempting to divide the nation and banned the use of the new currency in territories under their control. In central Sudan, the capital Khartoum remains divided between the two forces. The previous exchange deadline caused disruptions in Port Sudan on Monday, as trade and transportation came to a halt. Bus drivers, gas stations, and shopkeepers refused to accept old notes, while banks provided only limited quantities of the new currency. Protesters on Tuesday waved bundles of expired banknotes, chanting, What are we going to do with them? The economic turmoil has drastically devalued the Sudanese pound. Before the war, one US dollar was equivalent to 500 pounds, compared to 2,500 pounds on the black market today. Sudanese Information Minister Khalid al-Aiser announced the extension of the deadline to January 6, stating that it aims to give citizens more time to complete the currency exchange process easily and smoothly. (KRON) Matthew Muller, the notorious convicted kidnapper in the Vallejo Gone Girl case has been charged in a series of home invasion sexual assaults reported 15 years ago in the San Francisco Bay Area. The incidents took place in Mountain View and Palo Alto, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorneys Office. More US and World News 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More US and World News 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. 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. 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. SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) Matthew Muller, the notorious rapist who was convicted of kidnapping Denise Huskins in Vallejo, recently confessed to carrying out more crimes against women around the Bay Area before the Huskins incident, court documents obtained by KRON4 on Tuesday revealed. In a series of prison letters written in 2024, Muller not only confessed to targeting more victims, he also explained why he did it, according to a Palo Alto Police Department report filed in Santa Clara County court. Muller, 47, was featured in a Netflix documentary, American Nightmare, that chronicled Huskins harrowing experience when Muller kidnapped her from her Vallejo home and held her for two days inside his South Lake Tahoe cabin in 2015. After Muller dropped Huskins off in Southern California and the missing woman was found, Vallejo police falsely accused her of faking her own kidnapping in a Gone Girl-inspired hoax. Denise Huskins attends the 2024 Critics Choice Real TV Awards on June 15, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Steve Granitz/FilmMagic) Earlier this year, Huskins began working with Seaside Police Chief Nick Borges on how to improve training for law enforcement officers handling sex assault cases. Borges said he had never heard of the unsolved 2009 South Bay cold cases until he watched American Nightmare. The cases were included in the documentary because of striking similarities to the Huskins case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his conversations with Huskins in March, Chief Borges began sending letters to Muller, who was an inmate at a federal prison in Arizona. On April 15 and May 6, 2024, Chief Borges received reply letters from Muller in which he confessed to victimizing Huskins in Vallejo, as well as a woman in Palo Alto, and a third woman in Mountain View, a 73-page long police report states. The letters were detailed in new court documents filed as part of a new criminal case against Muller in Santa Clara County. On Monday, the district attorney announced that new DNA evidence connected Muller to a 2009 home invasion and attempted rape in Mountain View, and a second 2009 home invasion in Palo Alto. In both incidents, the victims were young women who were tied up and drugged by a man who broke into their bedrooms. Timeline: Matthew Muller and Gone Girl Vallejo kidnapping case Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one prison letter, Muller explained why he first began breaking into the homes of young women with intentions to rape them, court documents state. Muller said his criminal life began with voyeurism. Over time, it escalated into home invasions, attempted rapes, and ultimately kidnapping a rape victim. Matthew Muller is seen in mugshots from 2015 and 2018. (Images via Solano County District Attorneys Office) Muller discussed the Mountain View crime. The idea to raid a home and rape a woman developed in August or September 2009 and he was in a manic state. His decision making was impaired and warped. He began taking late night walks and began watching people in their homes. (Muller) saw a woman undressing in a home and (this) was his first experience with voyeurism, court documents state. In reference to the Mountain View crime, Muller entered through the kitchen. He went upstairs, woke the victim, made her drink a combination of Nyquil and anxiolytic. He also bound the victim. Muller intended to rape the woman, but he did not want to. Muller described the victim as white, attractive, dark-haired, about 30, the police report writes. Muller continued late night walks and looking into houses. Muller took interest in Palo Altos College Terrace neighborhood, near Stanford University, the report states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a Palo Alto Police Department officer noticed Muller during one of his late night walks on Williams Street, Muller lied by claiming he was a Harvard University professor who was a visiting faculty member at Stanford. Muller had taught at Harvard, but he never had a job at Stanford, investigators said. On Oct. 18, 2009, Muller broke into a Palo Alto home, bound and gagged a woman in her 30s and made her drink Nyquil. He then began to assault her, before being persuaded to stop. Muller gave the victim crime prevention advice, then fled, prosecutors wrote. In his letters to Seaside Police Chief Borges, Muller admitted to carrying out the Palo Alto crime. In one handwritten letter from Muller dated May 23, 2024, Muller explained why he is now willing to cooperate with investigators to solve the 2009 South Bay cold cases. His change of heart was not caused by remorse, his mental health, or his born again Christian religious conversion, court records state. Instead, Muller claims he feels a common goal with police for protecting victims and strengthening laws for future potential victims, court records state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denise Huskins retells her American Nightmare at Seaside training event for cops Muller wrote another letter to the police chief on June 19, 2024, in which he describes how hes trying to redeem a terrible situation while he is locked in prison. Before the Huskins case made national headlines and was turned into the American Nightmare documentary, Muller served as a Marine, graduated from Harvard University, and worked as an attorney in California. In his June 2024 letter, Muller described how its strange that he used to protect and enable women, and was somehow driven to hurt them instead. Denise Huskins walks into a news conference in San Francisco on Sept. 29, 2016. (Photo By Paul Chinn/ The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images) Muller was locked up in federal prison for seven years after he was convicted in 2017 of kidnapping Huskins. During his 2017 sentencing, U.S. Attorney Phillip Talbert said, Muller had advantages in life that most people only dream of, yet he used his considerable intelligence to plan and execute the physical assault and psychological torture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seaside Police Chief Borges said he consulted with Huskins before he sent any letters to Muller. In July of 2024, Borges handed the notorious kidnappers alleged confession letters over to the police chiefs of Palo Alto and Mountain View. Borges explained to the chiefs that he became interested in their cold cases because of the Netflix documentary. Borges told the Palo Alto and Mountain View chiefs that Muller wants to confess all his past crimes. Borges decided to not reach out to the Vallejo Police Department, which, according to Huskins, never fully apologized for calling her kidnapping a hoax. Last week, Muller was transported from a federal prison to a county jail in San Jose to face new charges for the 2009 South Bay cold cases. Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said advances in DNA technology allowed investigators to make a DNA match from evidence found at the Palo Alto crime scene. Mullers DNA was detected on one of the bindings that was used to tie the victim up, Rosen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prison letters were included with new DNA evidence to prosecute Muller in Santa Clara County, court records show. On Monday afternoon, Muller briefly appeared in court and did not enter a plea. He is scheduled to be arraigned at the Hall of Justice on January 17. A judge ordered the high-profile inmate to remain locked in a San Jose jail cell with no bail. Rosen told reporters outside the courthouse, I think its fair to say that there were mistakes made in this investigation. What were proud to say now is that were able to bring this perpetrator to justice. Rosen added, The details of this persons violent crime spree seem scripted for Hollywood, but they are tragically real. 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. 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. Pima County deputies arrested two teenagers and one adult in connection with the murder of a man who was killed after helping someone at his home, according to the Pima County Sheriffs Department. Paul Clifford, 53, was found dead on Dec. 24 after he had gone out to help a man claiming he had car trouble. On Monday, a 16-year-old, 19-year-old Elmer Smith and 40-year-old Jack Upchurch barricaded themselves in a home near Benson Highway and Country Club Road when detectives and SWAT officers attempted to serve a search warrant, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Arizona Republic is not identifying the 16-year-old because it does not typically identify minors unless they are charged as adults. Eventually, all three people surrendered, and deputies booked them into the Pima County Adult Detention Center on felony arrest warrants, officials said. Cliffords body was discovered near a smoldering vehicle in the area of Redington and San Pedro River roads, according to the Pima County Sheriffs Department. Clifford's family had called law enforcement when he had not returned home after going out to help the man with car trouble. More about it: Man dead after person shows up asking for help, says Pima County Sheriff's Department This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 3 arrests made in good Samaritans Tucson-area death TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) This holiday season Good Samaritan Hospital announced that 161 children had a little something extra under the tree this year for Christmas, thanks to the hospitals Giving Tree program. For the past couple of weeks Good Samaritan employees have been purchasing toys, clothing, games, crafts and other necessities for less-fortunate children in the Vincennes Community, South Knox and North Knox elementary schools. Terre Haute tourism in 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President and CEO of Good Samaritan, Rob McLin, said that the program allows the hospital and its employees to assist families in need this holiday season. The overwhelming amount of support our caregivers provide for the children in our community is extraordinary, said McLin. Every year, our employees go the extra mile to ensure these kids have gifts to open on Christmas morning. Employees also donated 125 Christmas stockings to residents in local nursing homes. 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. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) could lose his bid to keep the gavel when the chamber votes later this week. Right now, I dont believe that he has the votes on Friday, and I think we need to have the conference get together so that we can get united, Roy told Fox Business host Ashley Webster on Tuesday. Johnsons hopes of retaining his leadership post rest on near unanimity among his party, with The Hill noting that just two GOP defections could be enough to sink his bid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has already said he will vote against Johnson, and several others havent committed to him, including Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.). Roy indicated that hes also not in Johnsons corner at least not yet. Victorias a good friend and Thomas is a good friend, and they raise reasonable concerns, Roy told Webster. I remain undecided, as do a number of my colleagues, because we saw so many of the failures last year that we are concerned about that might limit or inhibit our ability to advance the presidents agenda. President-elect Donald Trump endorsed Johnson, but that may not be enough to convince the holdouts, including Roy. Asked who might step up should Johnson get voted out, Roy suggested Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) or Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what we need to do is unite around a plan to deliver for the president, Roy said. Right now, I do not believe the conference has that. The House cannot conduct business until a speaker is selected, something thats been a struggle for the GOP since it took control of the chamber after the 2022 midterm elections. In January 2023, it took four days for Republicans to coalesce around Kevin McCarthy, who lost the gavel later that year when several members of his own conference turned against him. It took three weeks for Republicans to settle on Johnson as McCarthys replacement. See more of Roys interview on Fox Business below: RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) Before stepping down from the highest office in the state, N.C. Governor Roy Cooper (D) has taken actions of clemency, commutation and forgiveness on his last day in office. In total, he commuted 15 death penalties, commuted two other sentences and issued two pardons of forgiveness. The governors office said the moves come after thorough review by Cooper and experts from the Office of Executive Clemency and the Office of General Counsel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ensuring careful review of petitions for clemency is a responsibility I take seriously, said Governor Cooper. Each of these individuals is deserving of clemency as we continue our important work to protect our communities and improve the fairness of our criminal justice system. Commutations given to 2 convicted on murder charges The two who received commutations from Gov. Cooper were 54-year-old Brian Fuller and 63-year-old Joseph Bromfield. Fuller was convicted on two counts of second-degree murder in Rockingham County and has since served 27 years. According to the governors office, Fuller worked steadily while incarcerated and has also maintained a good disciplinary record. Bromfield was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in Cumberland County and has been incarcerated for the past 34 years. In this more than three-decade period, Bromfield completed a college degree, worked steadily, and maintained a good disciplinary record, the governors office added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Gov. Coopers commutation decision, both Fuller and Bromfield have become immediately parole eligible. Whether and when their parole is granted is to be determined by the N.C. Post Release Supervision and Parole Commission. 15 commutations for those facing death penalty Fifteen people on the states death row are no longer facing the possibility of an execution. With this decision, Gov. Cooper said, it is among the most difficult decisions a governor can make and the death penalty is the most severe sentence that the state can impose. Nearly $95k reward offered 43 years after young womans murder in Burke County After reviewing, reflecting and praying on it, Gov. Cooper came to the decision that the death sentence imposed on these 15 people should be commuted. Their sentences now become life in prison without the possibility of parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hasson Bacote, 38, convicted in Johnston County in 2009. Iziah Barden, 67, convicted in Sampson County in 1999. Nathan Bowie, 53, convicted in Catawba County in 1993. Rayford Burke, 66, convicted in Iredell County in 1993. Elrico Fowler, 49, convicted in Mecklenburg County in 1997. Cerron Hooks, 46, convicted in Forsyth County in 2000. Guy LeGrande, 65, convicted in Stanly County in 1996. James Little, 38, convicted in Forsyth County in 2008. Robbie Locklear, 52, convicted in Robeson County in 1996. Lawrence Peterson, 55, convicted in Richmond County in 1996. William Robinson, 41, convicted in Stanly County in 2011. Christopher Roseboro, 60, convicted in Gaston County in 1997. Darrell Strickland, 66, convicted in Union County in 1995. Timothy White, 47, convicted in Forsyth County in 2000. Vincent Wooten, 52, convicted in Pitt County in 1994. Abraham Bonowitz, co-founder of Death Penalty Action, called the death sentence commutations a powerful message. He said, We dont need executions to hold accountable people who have committed horrible crimes, or to be safe from them. Death by incarceration is a better way to frame the sentence these men now face, and that is indeed appropriate in most of these cases. Pardons of forgiveness granted for 2 with drug convictions Two men who were convicted in 1984 and 2007 for crimes involving drugs have received full pardons from the governor. John (Jack) Campbell, who is now 63 years old, was convicted of selling cocaine in Wake County in 1984. In these past four decades, he has earned a college degree, owned a small business and has been supporting his family while remaining crime-free, the governors office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brandon Wallace, 43, was convicted in Lee County on a charge of conspiracy to traffic cocaine and marijuana in 2007. In the 17 years since, Wallace has earned college and law degrees, been admitted to practice law and also served as president of his countys bar association. 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 Queen City News. BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) Gov. Jeff Landry has issued a state of emergency declaration for Louisiana ahead of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras season after a terrorist attack in New Orleans. On Wednesday, Jan. 1, a vehicle drove into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street, which left 14 people dead and many injured. This declaration will allow the state to use all of its resources before the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From day one, my commitment to the people of this state has been that we will not look the other way. We will not allow heinous acts of crime such as the one this morning to dampen the Louisiana spirit and ruin our way of life. This Administration will not tolerate one of the jewel cities of the State to remain with these conditions. This state of emergency is a necessity in order to ensure that every single person, place, and street across the city of New Orleans is the most safe and secure in the world, said Landry. Multiple dead, injured after car plowed into crowd on Bourbon Street in act of terrorism This declaration goes into effect immediately and operates through Monday, Jan. 27. 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 BRProud.com. Artificial intelligence promises to revolutionize health care by predicting illnesses, speeding diagnoses, selecting effective treatments and lightening doctors administrative loads but only if doctors trust that it wont harm their patients. The government is struggling with oversight of this rapidly evolving technology. But Dr. Brian Anderson, whose experience working long hours as a family doctor for low-income immigrants in Massachusetts inspired him to work on technology to make caring for patients easier, says he can. Andersons Coalition for Health AI, an alliance of tech giants and major hospital systems, plans to launch quality assurance labs to vet AI tools in 2025 that would effectively entrust the private sector with vetting the technology in the absence of government action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden administration officials have signaled support for the idea. The administrations top health tech official, who previously served on CHAIs board, endorsed the concept at a POLITICO event in September. Nearly three thousand industry partners have joined the effort, including the Mayo Clinic, Duke Health, Microsoft, Amazon and Google. Anderson, who went on to become a consultant to federal regulators on health tech after his time as a family doctor, is now trying to convince President-elect Donald Trump that the health AI industry should oversee itself. Anderson calls the current regulatory gaps a wonderful opportunity for industry to lead a bottoms-up effort. If Trumps team endorses Andersons effort, it could effectively establish the trajectory of AI regulation in health care going forward, ceding the principal role to the private sector. Critics worry it could advantage major companies and health systems over startups. And some doctors and patient advocates worry Andersons labs wont actually ensure safety. The critics say the certification process Anderson envisions isnt likely to pick up on how AI could steer doctors wrong while at the same time leading hospitals and physicians to more rapidly adopt tools that risk patient safety. Theyre concerned that CHAI will put industry interests ahead of patients. They would like to see the government do more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Dr. Robert Califf, who leads the governments regulation of health software at the Food and Drug Administration, says his agency cannot monitor all advanced AI tools without a doubling of his staff, a hard sell in Congress. His agency leaves many new AI tools, such as chatbots, entirely unregulated. Anderson is offering an answer and getting a welcome reception. Within a year of launching CHAI, he had recruited hundreds of industry members and convinced Califf deputy Troy Tazbaz and President Joe Bidens coordinator for health technology, Micky Tripathi, to serve as non-voting members of CHAIs board. Anderson has designed CHAIs initiatives to complement federal rules Tripathis office at the Department of Health and Human Services finalized in 2023. Those require AI developers to provide more information about how their tools work. CHAI offers model cards, a sort of nutrition label, that will help companies fulfill the requirement. But convincing Trump is not a given and without his buy-in the whole plan is under threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has pledged to rescind Bidens 2023 executive order on AI, which tasked agencies with developing safety measures. Trumps campaign platform derided Radical Leftwing ideas on the development of this technology while promising AI Development rooted in Free Speech and Human Flourishing. On the other hand, Trump takes advice from billionaire AI pioneer Elon Musk, who sees the technologys potential for harm and backed a California bill to regulate it in 2024. If Musk has clout, Trump could prefer stricter government oversight. Anderson touted his plan on Capitol Hill in November to a bipartisan crowd. Technologists in Trumps orbit, including Kev Coleman of the Paragon Health Institute, a Washington think tank with deep ties to the president-elect, and Eric Hargan, who was deputy secretary at HHS during Trumps first term, were there. So were key Democrats, including outgoing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who convened a bipartisan AI task force in 2023, and Tripathi, whos now HHS chief AI officer. Coleman has issued two reports on AI seeking to influence Trumps thinking. He says FDA should play the main role and that it should get the highly trained staff Califf says it needs. At the same time, Coleman warns against both ill-considered government regulation that could stymie the technologys growth and outsourcing AI oversight to self-interested AI developers in the private sector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allowing bureaucrats easily swayed by emotionally compelling and sensationalistic claims about AI could reduce the potential to use the tech to reduce health care costs, Coleman wrote. At the same time, handing oversight to the private sector could create a conflict of interest since many institutions qualified to evaluate medical AI are themselves AI developers. Leading House Republicans share that worry. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), chair of a bipartisan House task force considering Congress role in promoting and regulating AI, has written to top Biden officials three times warning that Andersons assurance labs could disadvantage startups. Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), whos the incoming chair of the House panel in charge of health policy, co-signed the letters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regulatory capture will only drive consolidation and lead to costlier health care for patients across the country, Obernolte and Guthrie wrote. Undeterred, Anderson met in November with Obernolte and other key Republicans, such as Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), who served on Schumers AI task force, and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), whos set to lead a Senate committee with broad powers over health care in 2025. CHAI plans to finish certifying its first assurance labs early in 2025. AI is moving incredibly fast, Anderson said. We need to develop these frameworks at the pace of this kind of innovation. CHAI is born Anderson has become a fixture in the halls of HHS through his work at MITRE, which runs federal research and development centers. For decades, the nonprofit, tucked away in the Washington suburbs, has advised government agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are required by law to not have commercial entanglements, Anderson said, referencing the groups original charter as a Pentagon-backed think tank. Because of its special status, MITRE employees are often in the room at the earliest stages of policy development and the nonprofit frequently partners with private-sector entities to help solve public problems. As the organizations former chief digital health physician, Anderson organized private-sector collaborations during the pandemic. In 2020, he helmed the Covid-19 Health Care Coalition, a group of tech and pharmaceutical companies and health systems that streamlined efforts to collect and distribute donated plasma to treat patients with severe cases of the virus. He also built the Vaccine Credential Initiative, which developed a digital tool so people could prove they were vaccinated. Both groups included large companies like Microsoft and Amazon and major academic medical centers like Mayo Clinic and Boston Childrens Hospital. In the pandemics waning days when the processing power needed to fuel AI was growing exponentially, he began thinking about how AI could transform disease surveillance and drug development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This could be used to save real lives, he said. That was the motivation. Anderson reached out to his mentor Dr. John Halamka, head of Mayo Clinics technology innovation center, to gather a team of academics and digital companies to establish AI guidelines in medicine. He also invited government officials, including HHS Tripathi, to join their meetings. The Coalition for Health AI was born. When the White House released its template for an AI Bill of Rights in fall 2022, health systems and tech companies reached out to CHAI, Anderson said: There were clear articulations about things like fairness, independent evaluations of models those things were clearly called out. By the end of 2022, CHAI had published a blueprint for trustworthy AI, which included so-called model cards essentially nutrition labels for AI products and assurance labs to vet AI tools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A year later, the coalition had 1,500 member organizations, which made it difficult for Anderson to manage while fulfilling his other duties at MITRE. Though he had hoped that MITRE could operate CHAI, the organization declined, citing potential conflicts with its mandate to represent the governments best interests. In March, Anderson left MITRE to become CEO of CHAI. The nonprofits annual membership fees range from $5,000 for small companies to $250,000 for larger firms. CHAI doesnt lobby or set standards, said Anderson, but policymakers have shown interest in its work. One of my fears, one of the fears, I think, of many folks within CHAI, is that the development, the balloting, the approval the normative process of creating a standard can take a long time, he said. If we rely on that process alone to develop some of these guidelines or guardrails within the innovation community, they wont be able to keep up with the pace of innovation and AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, CHAI published its model card as a way for tech developers to inform clients of their algorithms strengths and weaknesses. The cards are meant to complement a new HHS transparency rule slated to take effect at the end of 2024 requiring HHS-certified electronic health record companies to disclose 31 attributes of their decision-support tools to buyers. Access to CHAIs model card is free for new members and can be licensed by others. Anderson said CHAI is making available a free, open-source version on the tech developer platform GitHub. The organization is also certifying seven assurance labs that will evaluate algorithms. In June, Anderson said about 30 organizations had expressed interest in starting labs. Anderson wants to establish a national registry where all model card information will live. He has sought government funding from the federal innovation center he once advised, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, to develop AI evaluation tools. Washington influence CHAIs growing influence has attracted members who value the organizations perceived sway with regulators, something MITREs early involvement helped solidify. Not only are federal regulators members of CHAI working groups, but officials like Tripathi and Melanie Fontes Rainer, head of the HHS Office for Civil Rights, regularly appear at CHAI events as featured guests. Regulators, including Califf and HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm, have endorsed assurance labs as supplements to federal oversight. In backing the concept of assurance labs at a POLITICO event in September, Tripathi stopped short of endorsing CHAI and said HHS is monitoring several AI initiatives. Both Tripathi and Tazbaz resigned from their nonvoting federal liaison roles on CHAIs board in 2024 to avoid potential collisions between members interests and HHS policymaking. Still, they both feature prominently in a photo on CHAIs website titled Our Purpose. And regulators continue to praise CHAI. In November, a Tripathi deputy, Jeff Smith, touted CHAIs model card for compliance with the new transparency rule. But the incoming Trump administration with its new agency officials could pose a problem for Anderson. Some Republican legislators are concerned about Biden administration regulators relationships with CHAI. In June, four House lawmakers, Obernolte, Guthrie, Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) and Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), wrote to Jeff Shuren, then the head of the FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health, to oppose it. While we are ardent supporters of the use of third-party expertise for regulatory review, CHAI comprises legacy tech companies like Microsoft and Google in addition to large health care systems, which all have AI incubator businesses. Their inclusion presents a clear conflict of interest, they wrote. The group sent another letter to Tripathi in November, requesting clarity on how HHS would prevent assurance labs run by technology developers from controlling market access. Anderson said hes taking steps to assuage their concerns by setting operating rules for the labs. It might be that the final certification framework is not just disclosure [of a conflict of interest], but you cannot certify or you cannot evaluate a model with a CHAI report card where you have a commercial opportunity to benefit, he said. Assurance labs CHAIs broad membership masks an internal debate over how labs will function and whether they will provide the reassurance health systems need to adopt AI tools. At an October CHAI meeting in Las Vegas, members questioned whether assurance lab certification would increase the cost of AI products and adversely effect hospital budgets. Some questioned whether a one-time certification for assurance labs was the most effective way to assess potential for patient harm, given different technological set-ups and workflows among health institutions and AIs tendency to degrade. Our view of AI assurance is its got to be context-driven, meaning: Im assuring an AI for a particular purpose, used by a set of people, said Doug Robbins, vice president of engineering and prototyping at MITRE Labs. MITRE and UMass Chan Medical School are launching an assurance lab, separate from CHAI, that will focus on ensuring that AI can work in a specific hospital setting. Meanwhile, CHAI is certifying assurance labs for Mayo Clinic Platform, UMass Memorial Medical Center, and five startups. The startups will assess and verify the algorithms basic functions. Nigam Shah, chief data scientist for Stanford Health Care and a CHAI board member who wrote an influential paper on assurance labs, believes the labs must evolve into tools that can be rapidly deployed to vet AI inside of health systems. In the beginning, its a place, he said. After a while, the lab starts releasing parts of what they do as software. That approach should appeal to Paragon Health Institutes Coleman, who contends that working with assurance labs should be voluntary and agrees that using software is the way forward. This is actually an opportunity for AI to police themselves, he said. Even without consensus on how AI should be validated, Anderson is pushing ahead with his plan while appealing to Washington. In December, he spoke at HHS annual Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy Conference. Who will ultimately benefit from the assurance lab model remains uncertain and sources close to CHAI, Microsoft, Amazon and Google say the companies arent sure the model card concept works. Still, while some of CHAIs big tech members are not among the first to launch assurance labs, some are developing competing platforms. In 2024, Duke Health and Avanade, a joint venture between Microsoft and Accenture, announced a platform to help health systems account for all the AI they use. Eventually, it is supposed to evaluate and monitor AI performance. Anderson believes the market will determine how AI is best vetted, by assurance labs or otherwise: If the value that were trying to drive, in this case, is creating trust and transparency for safe and effective AI tools, Im OK with there being winners and losers. Dec. 31SANTA FE A defeated state lawmaker's bid to win appointment to a vacant House seat has hit turbulence. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday expressed misgivings over whether Rep. Harry Garcia, a Grants Democrat, is eligible to fill the House District 6 vacancy. Specifically, the governor asked Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver to investigate whether Garcia actually lives within the district boundaries, citing a state law that candidates can only have one official residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Given the myriad of conflicting statements by the nominee, as well as what appears to be confusion about one's ability to have more than one residence for election law, I am concerned that he is not eligible to hold the seat in House District 6," Lujan Grisham said in her letter. The legal inquiry comes after two county commissions McKinley and Cibola nominated Garcia to fill the vacant House seat. No other nominees were endorsed by the commissions. Per state law, it's up to the governor to pick from among a list of names submitted by county commissions when it comes to filling vacant legislative seats in districts that encompass more than one county. But Lujan Grisham does not face a statutory deadline to make an appointment, and her Tuesday letter indicates a resolution might not be imminent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia, a business owner and Vietnam War veteran, decided to apply for the vacant House seat after he lost his reelection bid for his House District 69 seat in the June primary election. He said last month he had changed his address on his voter registration after discussing the issue with Toulouse Oliver. Garcia also said he has "always had residences in both districts." The two House districts in question are adjacent, with the town of Grants split between them. However, Lujan Grisham in her Tuesday letter referred to a provision in the state's election code that says candidates cannot have more than one residence when it comes to determining their eligibility for elected office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State law also stipulates that a candidate's address on their voter registration serves as their official residence, provided they actually live there. In explaining his reasons for seeking the vacant House seat, Garcia has touted his legislative experience and familiarity with issues facing area residents. He was first appointed to the House in 2016 by former Gov. Susana Martinez. However, Garcia was defeated in the June primary election by fellow Democrat Michelle Abeyta. That came after he voted against several bills pushed by progressive Democrats, including a 2021 bill to repeal a long-dormant state abortion ban and a 2024 bill that would have created a state-run paid family leave program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the House District 6 seat had previously been held by Rep. Eliseo Alcon of Milan, but Alcon stepped down shortly after winning reelection in November due to health issues. The intrigue over filling the vacant House seat comes with the start of a new legislative session just weeks away. The 60-day session starts Jan. 21. CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) Governor Justice ordered all United States and West Virginia State flags on all State-owned facilities to be displayed at half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter. Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100 According to a press release, the flags will be flown at half-staff immediately until sunset on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 to honor and remember former President James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th President of the United States, who died on Sunday, December 29, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Jimmy Carter faithfully served his country with kindness and compassion. His life was well-lived, and he will be missed by all. Cathy and I send our prayers and condolences to the Carter family and ask all West Virginians to join with us. Governor Justice 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 WVNS. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain When the idea of price transparency first took hold outside purely academic circles, the pitch was simple: Coloradans would save themselves and the system money by shopping for health care the way they do for TVs or cars. But shopping for health care has proven more difficult than buying consumer goods. A poll released in August found about 69% of surveyed Coloradans who needed hospital care attempted to find out what it would cost them in advance, but only about 43% succeeded. And while health care costs might be higher if the federal and state governments had never required hospitals and insurance companies to post prices, the cost of covering a family with commercial insurance has gone up 24% nationwide since 2019, according to the nonprofit health care research group KFF. Colorado state agencies and others have pivoted their approach in the last few years. New tools, while available for individuals, focus on employers and communities to drive costs down, and insurers are giving patients more direct incentives to shop around. While not enough time has passed to know whether the next iteration of price transparency will be more successful than the one that proceeded it, a few examples suggest new tactics could work, under at least some circumstances. Colorado has made major strides in ensuring residents have transparent information, such as allowing patients to sue if a hospital that didn't post its prices pursues them aggressively for medical debt, and making it a "deceptive trade practice" not to publish that information, said Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera, whose office includes a division focused on health care costs. But those measures alone won't solve the problem of unfair variation in prices between hospitals, or even within the same hospital, she said. Insurance "carriers and employers can use this information to negotiate fairer prices," she said. "If you can save an employer money on health care costs, you ultimately save employees." The hopeful view of price transparency is that employers and third parties will be more successful in bringing down rates than individuals have been, either through negotiations or by steering patients toward the best value, said Gary Claxton, a senior vice president at KFF. But the data may not be clear enough to allow them to make informed decisions, and in some markets, cutting the most expensive hospitals out of an insurance network may not be feasible, he said. "There's always the question of whether any of this stuff works," he said. "How good is this information?" New price transparency tools Earlier this fall, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing unveiled a transparency tool that allows the public to search for rates by county, hospital, insurance company, plan type and procedure. In late October, Gov. Jared Polis announced a different tool, developed by the nonprofit group Patient Rights Advocate, which allows searching by hospital and procedure. Transparency is the first step toward a functioning health care market, Polis said. As is, people can pay significantly different amounts for the same procedure with the same doctors in the same hospital, he said. "Before our legislature passed the law to require transparency, nobody knew this," he said. The new tools haven't been around long enough to know if people will use them. A dashboard drawing from Colorado's All-Payer Claims Database gets about 2,000 views per month, though officials don't know how many individuals that represents or how they use the information, according to the Center for Improving Value in Health Care, which runs it. While the new Department of Health Care Policy tool can be useful to consumers, the bigger impact may come from employers, chambers of commerce, or even entire communities banding together to demand better rates if they see they're over-paying, said Kim Bimestefer, the department's executive director. "These tools are the next generation," she said. "For a family alone to change the whole infrastructure of health care, that is an unfair ask of a family." Generally, patients get the most accurate results by calling their hospital and their insurance company, rather than trying to figure it out on their own, said Cara Welch, spokeswoman for the Colorado Hospital Association. Tools focused on employers and insurance companies could be more useful, however, in partnering with hospitals to find the right prices, she said. "Colorado hospitals recognize that health care affordability and transparency can be confusing for consumers, which is why all hospitals not only comply with state and federal regulations but also offer consumer-friendly tools to help patients understand their specific financial impact based on their insurance and the procedure or care they need," she said in a statement. Price transparency tools show significant differences in what health plans pay to hospitals for common procedures, but those differences may not be meaningful for patients. What patients pay depends not only on the price of the services they use, but also on the structure of their insurance plan. For hospital-based care, a patient with commercial insurance will typically owe a percentage of the cost of their stay until they hit their out-of-pocket maximum. Under federal law, the maximum couldn't exceed $9,450 for an individual and $18,900 for a family in 2024. Say a hypothetical patient living in the Denver area needs a hip replacement and owes 20% of their hospital costs until they reach their out-of-pocket maximum. According to a price transparency tool recently unveiled by the state, the price of that surgery and the services that come with it range from about $12,000 to $51,000, depending on what type of insurance the patient has and what hospital they choose. If the patient has used very little care this year, that gap makes a significant difference: about $2,500 vs. more than $10,000. If they've already had a difficult year and racked up enough medical bills to come within a few thousand dollars of their out-of-pocket maximum, though, they would pay the same amount even if their care cost their insurance almost $40,000 more. A similar disconnect can also appear when the patient is responsible for a flat copay, rather than a percentage of their care costs. Connection between prices and your finances The state's employee health plan has tried to make the connection between prices and patients' finances more direct. In 2022, the state started giving employees financial incentivespartial rebates on their careif they chose providers that had above-average results at offering what the Health Care Blue Book, which ranks hospitals on a variety of services, deemed a "fair price." The state's Department of Personnel and Administration said at the time that it hoped to save about $1.50 for every $1 in incentives it paid out. In the first year, the state's employee health insurance program saved about $990,000, or roughly $2 for every dollar it spent on incentives, said Doug Platt, the department's spokesman. In the second year, it saved more than $1.8 million, or $3.50 for every dollar spent, he said. The department hasn't compiled numbers about outcomes, but anecdotally, employees appear to be missing fewer work days when they need medical care, Platt said. The state hasn't surveyed its workers, but participation increased in the second year, which suggests people were satisfied and recommended it to their coworkers, he said. "The first year we rolled it out, it was successful," he said. "The second year, it was even more successful." Colorado Worker for Innovative and New Solutions, the state employee union, has gotten generally positive feedback about the program, executive director Hilary Glasgow said. In general, workers are in favor of reducing health care costs in any way that doesn't decrease care quality, she said. "People have found it helpful," she said. "It's helped them save money or get a rebate." While the state employee plan has only offered carrots so far, other insurers have been less hesitant to pull out the sticks. UnitedHealthcare now has a set of plans, called Surest, that adjust patients' out-of-pocket costs based on an algorithm that factors in their provider's prices and quality scores. Mark Olson, vice president of UnitedHealthcare's Colorado branch, declined to share the number of people using the plans, but said about one in five of United's large multi-state customers will offer Surest as an option in 2025. Essentially, the Surest plan eliminates co-insurance and deductibles, so patients only pay a copay upfront. The copay is higher if the provider charges higher prices or has worse outcomes. Unlike typical insurance, where people pay a higher percentage of their health care costs before meeting their deductibles, the patient's share stays the same until they hit their out-of-pocket maximum. Employers saved about 11%, or $412 for each employee each month, Olson said. The average worker's out-of-pocket costs were roughly half what they had been under the old model, he said, and annual premium increases were smaller than in traditional plans. United has posted the prices it pays to doctors and hospitals for years, but customers rarely used it, either because they didn't know how to, or didn't see how it made a difference, Olson said. In some cases, people seemed to choose the expensive providers because they assumed the care would be better, he said. "With this, it's baked in," he said. 2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Dec. 31An appointment to fill a vacant seat in the state House of Representatives has turned into a political pressure cooker amid ongoing questions about the top nominee's residency. Here's the kicker: The person nominated to fill the vacancy is outgoing state Rep. Harry Garcia, who lost his reelection bid in a neighboring House district in June. Garcia, a Democrat from Grants, has represented House District 69 for four terms and was on his way out after losing to attorney Michelle Abeyta in the Democratic primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But after state Rep. Eliseo Alcon, D-Milan, announced he was resigning the District 6 seat in November to focus on his health as he battles cancer, Garcia changed his voter registration the same day and applied to fill the vacancy. Since House District 6 covers parts of both Cibola and McKinley counties in northwestern New Mexico, the county commissioners there are charged with recommending a replacement to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has the final say on who to appoint to fill the vacancy. Governor questions eligibility In a letter Tuesday to Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, the governor questioned whether Garcia is even eligible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter states the New Mexico Election Code "makes clear that an individual cannot have more than one residence," and cites media interviews in which Garcia claims he has residences in both districts. "Given the myriad of conflicting statements by the nominee, as well as what appears to be confusion about one's ability to have more than one residence for purposes of election law, I am concerned that he is not eligible to hold the seat in House District 6," Lujan Grisham wrote. "I am therefore requesting you conduct any due diligence within your authority to determine whether former Rep. Garcia does, in fact, now 'reside' in House District 6," the governor added. Lujan Grisham spokesman Michael Coleman declined to comment, writing in an email the Governor's Office would let the letter speak for itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cibola's commissioners nominated Garcia on a 4-0 vote. After initially postponing the decision, McKinley's commissioners recommended Garcia on a 2-1 vote during a special meeting Monday. In a telephone interview Tuesday that grew tense at times, Garcia defended his residency, saying he lives in both districts. "I didn't just go buy a house to change my voter registration," he said. "I've had that property for 15 years already. A lot of people are thinking that I just went and bought the property to gain voter registration, and that's very incorrect." Garcia said he "sometimes" lives in District 6 and "sometimes I live in my other residence" in District 69. He said he spoke with Toulouse Oliver beforehand to ensure he could fill the vacancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I didn't talk to staff," he said. "I talked to the secretary herself about this, and she didn't seem to have any problem." Alex Curtas, a spokesperson for the Secretary of State's Office, did not return messages seeking comment. Efforts to reach Toulouse Oliver were unsuccessful. Garcia defends residency Garcia also said he "probably" spends up to 60% of his time in House District 6. He said his home in House District 6 is part of a trailer park. "I own the whole trailer park," he said. "When I bought it, I bought 7 acres, OK, and the house is a piece of it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia scoffed and cussed when told The New Mexican had received pictures of his home in House District 69 and what appears to be a dilapidated mobile home in House District 6. "You guys are all screwed up," he said. "You guys should do your homework instead of saying I live in a trailer, OK? I have a [expletive] four-bedroom house [in District 6]. I don't live in a trailer." Garcia said he didn't know why he wouldn't meet the residency requirement to fill the remainder of Alcon's term. "What are the residency requirements?" he asked. "Do you have to be there 24 hours a day or what are we talking about? ... I have both residences." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked where he plans to live in the future, Garcia said both. "I have both places," he said. "They're both mine. Do I need to commit that I'm going to stay in that house [in District 6] 24 hours a day? Is that what you're asking me?" Garcia said he own multiple houses in House District 6 he could live in. "I have probably 20 places in District 6 that are my places," he said. "I have a whole bunch of them. ... Matter of fact, I bet you of the things that I own, I bet you 90% are in District 6." Garcia said he applied to fill the vacancy because "Cibola County has no representation at all" in the Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That's number one. Number two, our veterans need help," said Garcia, a former Marine who served as chair of the Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. Alcon, he noted, is also a veteran who served in the Army during the Vietnam War. "With [Alcon] being gone, we don't have much representation for our veterans there," he said. Follow Daniel J. Chacon on Twitter @danieljchacon. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A bill expanding the use of therapy dogs in Michigan courtrooms has been signed into law. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill Monday, records show. Its expected to take effect in the coming months. Bill would expand use of therapy dogs in Michigan courtrooms The bill was first passed by the Michigan Senate in June 2023 and then sent to the House of Representatives, where it languished in committee for months. The House passed it in November 2024, the Senate gave it final approval Dec. 12 and it was sent to Whitmers desk Dec. 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, court therapy dogs are only available to victims 15 years and younger, those with a developmental disability and vulnerable adults. Under the new law, they would be available to those 17 and younger. Bill to broaden use of therapy dogs in courtrooms heads to governors desk The changes also allow for any therapy dog program recognized by the American Kennel Club to take part in the program. A release from Whitmers office said 20 other states have similar laws. Therapy dogs have been allowed in courtrooms since September 2018, supporting victims who testify in cases of child abuse, sexual assault and other crimes specific to vulnerable adults. While other counties have used the dogs in criminal cases, in Kent County, they are currently only used for civil cases involving abuse and neglect, like family court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Kathleen Feeney, who spent decades serving in Kent County family court, advocated for the legislations passage. She says these emotional support dogs can make a huge difference for young people and vulnerable adults who have to talk about some of the worst trauma of their life. A lot of times these kids dont get the opportunity to share their story and deal with their trauma of being physically abused, sexually abused, emotionally abused and otherwise, Feeney said Wednesday. Think about how difficult it would be to have that happen to you and come in a courtroom where theres all these people watching you and the person who allegedly hurt you is sitting 10 to 15 feet away. If they dont have an opportunity to tell their story and to seek some justice for themselves, that trauma will haunt them for the rest of their lives, she added. All were talking about here is a tool, a courtroom support dog, a dog thats trained to sit and just quietly sit there while the child pets this dog so they can tell their story. Because the dogs handlers are volunteers, the cost of the program is low. 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 WOODTV.com. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The Entrepreneurial and Business Collaborative (E&BC) received four grants on Tuesday to aid local minority and women-owned businesses that have demonstrated progress in clean energy workforce development. The E&BC was awarded $315,000 by the Healey-Driscoll administration to allocate to businesses that are climate-conscious and community-oriented. Founder and CEO of E&BC Ron Molina-Brantley expressed his gratitude towards this partnership and said that aiding these businesses will make a positive impact in the state. Police exam open houses to be held in January by Springfield police department Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration in selecting us as grant recipients, Molina-Brantley said. This important work will drive research and planning efforts to help guide workforce development in clean energy. Collaborating with local organizations and entrepreneurs is part of our mission. We look forward to the future impact these grants will make on communities, climate change, reducing pollution, and job creation in Massachusetts. The four grants were distributed as follows: $100,000 grant To create a comprehensive program report to serve as a critical roadmap, delineating clear pathways for minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) to access capital within the clean energy sector. $35,000 grant To draft a plan to launch the Clean Start for Equal Energy Program, which guides MWBEs from concept to tangible reality of product development. $150,000 grant A grant in partnership with former E&BC Consolidated Accelerator Program participant and now MWBE grantee, Grounded Services, LLC . E&BC will focus on program design and adding the capacity needed to launch comprehensive training focused on renewable energy systems and modern electrical infrastructures with the goal of addressing the critical shortage of skilled electricians in Massachusetts. The program will target residents of environmental justice communities and combine industry-relevant courses, hands-on field training, and personalized case management. $30,000 grant Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) is currently working with E&BC to research employer demand, curriculum design, certification, and hands-on training needs to help prepare the workforce for the expanding clean energy sector. This grant plans for the growing demand for EV technicians to service and repair electric vehicles. Both the research and plan are important because Massachusetts is looking at workforce development as the State accelerates its transition to clean energy and the adoption of electric vehicles. E&BC has been aiding local businesses and supporting their success since 2021. For more information, visit their website here. 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. Huge swathes of unspoilt countryside in the heart of Wales are being threatened by Ed Milibands clean power plans, campaigners have warned. A string of high-voltage power lines are set to be built from the north of the country down to the south as part of a major upgrade of the electricity grid. The project has been identified as critical for handling energy from the wind turbines that Mr Miliband, the Energy Secretary, wants to deliver across Britain by 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But critics fear it will result in towering pylons wrecking views through some of the most untouched and picturesque landscapes in mid-Wales where there is a local outcry about a slew of proposed onshore wind farms. Jonathan Dean, of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, said: The places where these pylons will go are currently stunning, unspoilt areas of countryside that offer spectacular views. Up to this point, there has never been development like this because it has never been needed and it would still be unnecessary if it werent for all the wind farms being proposed. Mid-Wales will never need this much electricity but it is being forced on people so that Scotland can export power to the south. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed new power line has been included in a network plan by the National Energy System Operator (Neso), as well as in proposals announced by Mr Miliband. It has previously been described as an essential upgrade needed by 2030, but Neso said in November that it was unlikely to be delivered by then, with 2037 viewed as the most likely date. No detailed route has been confirmed for the power lines, which would be the first direct link between the transmission grids of North and South Wales and would transport electricity from Scottish wind farms to cities such as Swansea and Cardiff. However, they would probably connect a substation near either Bangor or Rhyl in North Wales to one near Carmarthen in the south. This means the line would have to pass through an area of the Cambrian Mountains known as the desert of Wales or Elenydd where several sites of special scientific interest are located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the 1960s, nature conservationists have repeatedly called for this region which sits between Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons to be designated a national park or area of outstanding natural beauty. Those efforts have yet to bear fruit, meaning the area lacks legal protections despite being a popular destination where walkers can hike the national trails of the Cambrian Way and Glyndwrs Way. Campaigners want Neso to bypass mid-Wales by building an undersea cable that would run between Anglesey and Pembroke, Mr Dean said. But that is likely to be viewed as less attractive by ministers who will have the final say because it would be more expensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has previously warned that spending extra money on burying electricity cables or other schemes to reduce their visual impact is not compatible with lowering household energy bills, arguing that voters must accept some trade-offs. Keir Starmer would likely deem an undersea power cable to protect Welsh landscapes too expensive - Camera Lucida / Alamy Stock Photo A spokesman for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: Securing Britains clean energy future will require improving infrastructure to get renewable electricity on the grid. Like all infrastructure, any proposals are subject to a rigorous planning permission process. Subsea cabling is more expensive than onshore overhead transmission lines and these additional costs are borne by the electricity bill payer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is important we take people with us and are considering ways to ensure communities who live near new, clean energy infrastructure can see the benefits of this and we will provide an update in due course. A spokesman for National Grid added that the companys assessments of possible routes was ongoing and that a range of options would be considered. They added: When we have completed our initial appraisals, we will share them with communities and stakeholders first, so we can listen to their views and obtain important feedback to help develop the proposals further. Communities in mid-Wales are already in uproar about a string of onshore wind farms proposed across the Elenydd uplands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, the proposed Esgair Galed Energy Park will feature up to 26 wind turbines each more than twice as tall as Big Ben built near the Glaslyn nature reserve, Gwynedd, and the Pumlumon Site of Special Scientific Interest in Powys. The Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, which manages both sites, has described the scheme as hugely worrying. 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. Gypsy Rose Blanchard, the woman who spent more than eight years in prison after pleading guilty to second degree murder for plotting to have her mother killed after years of abuse, says she won't be sharing photos of her new daughter, whose birth was announced earlier this month. Blanchard, 33, explained her decision in an Instagram story post Sunday, days after she and her partner Ken Urker announced the arrival of their first child on New Year's Day. "To everyone asking, No, I will not be posting pictures of Aurora," she wrote. "I understand everyone's excitement and we appreciate the support, but we value the privacy and safety of our daughter." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We continue to express love towards our supporters and thank you for following our journey ," she added. PHOTO: Gypsy-Rose Blanchard gave birth to her first child, according to an Instagram post shared by her partner, Ken Urker. (@kenurker/Instagram) Urker shared an Instagram photo on Jan. 1 announcing the birth of the couple's daughter. In the image, Blanchard is seen in a hospital bed holding the newborn as Urker stands alongside the bed with his hand on the baby. "Welcoming 2025 with the greatest gift of all ," Urker captioned the photo. A representative for Blanchard confirmed to ABC News at the time that Blanchard and the baby were "doing well." Blanchard first announced her pregnancy in July, sharing a photo collage on Instagram of her alongside Urker and holding an ultrasound picture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the caption, Blanchard wrote, "We are proud to announce we are expecting our first child in January 2025." Gypsy Rose Blanchard talks cosmetic surgery, social media, her marriage and more Blanchard shared more about her pregnancy in an interview with ABC News' Juju Chang in July. "I'm excited," she said at the time. "At first, I was very nervous. But I'm very excited." Blanchard's new role as a mother comes just over a year after she was released from prison in December 2023. PHOTO: Gypsy Rose Blanchard attends 'An Evening with Lifetime: Conversations On Controversies' FYC event at The Grove on May 01, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Phillip Faraone/Getty Images) Blanchard served more than eight years in prison after pleading guilty to second degree murder for plotting to have her mother, Clauddine "Dee Dee" Blanchard, killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dee Dee Blanchard allegedly abused her daughter for years by convincing Gypsy Blanchard and the public that her daughter was extremely sick when she wasn't. The case garnered national headlines and was even made into a Hulu streaming series titled "The Act" in 2019. Patricia Arquette won an Emmy for playing Dee Dee Blanchard in the series. Gypsy Blanchard's life in the first six months following her release from prison was captured on camera for a Lifetime docuseries titled "Gypsy Rose: Life After Lockup." Gypsy Rose Blanchard announces 1st pregnancy: 'Very excited to take on this new journey' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her July 2024 interview with Chang, Blanchard reflected on what she thought it would be like to become a mother. "I understand that with my past, there's gonna be a lot of people that kind of question if I even should be a mother or even have children in my care," Blanchard said. "I know that I'm not perfect. I know that I have made mistakes in the past. And I will probably make minor mistakes going forward," she continued. "But at the same time, I do know right from wrong. And learning from past mistakes is a growth that comes with time." Describing how she planned to raise her own child, whom she later announced would be a girl, Gypsy Blanchard added, ""My mother did not want to see me meet those milestones that every child should have, like going on a first date, a prom, you know, a bike ride." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All of those little milestone moments that make life worth living, I didn't get to have that," she said. "And so I want my child to have all of the things that he or she could ever want in life." The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ABC News and Hulu. Editor's note: This article has been updated to include a new statement from Gypsy Rose Blanchard about her daughter's privacy. Gypsy Rose Blanchard explains why she will not post photos of daughter originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com The sky lit up at 9 p.m. Tuesday in Old Sacramento on New Years Eve as the city celebrated the coming new year with a display of light and pyrotechnic effects. The show, put on by Pyro Spectaculars in partnership with Stage 9 Exhibits, was the climax of Countdown on the Cobblestones, an evening of music and other festivities in the citys historic center. Jenny and Raul Enriquez of Marysville listen to music on K Street in Old Sacramento at the New Years Eve celebration on Tuesday night. Sacramentos Poet Laureate Andre Defeye addresses the crowd at the New Years Eve celebration on K Street in Old Sacramento on Tuesday night. The Philharmonik performs at the New Years Eve celebration on K Street in Old Sacramento on Tuesday night. Erika Ard and James Jones, visiting from Douglasville, Ga., snuggle at the New Years Eve celebration on K Street in Old Sacramento on Tuesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Philharmonik performs at the New Years Eve celebration on K Street in Old Sacramento on Tuesday night. Alejandra Flores of Lodi dances to music played by DJ Epic at the New Years Eve celebration on K Street in Old Sacramento on Tuesday night. New York City started 2025 with back-to-back killings within six hours of the ball dropping in Times Square. As police cleared out Times Square so the city Department of Sanitation could sweep up all the New Years confetti, cops were called to W. 137th St. and Lenox Ave. in Harlem, where they found a man sprawled out on the ground with a slash wound to his neck at about 4:20 a.m. Wednesday. Medics rushed the victim to Harlem Hospital, but he couldnt be saved. Cops were still working to identify the man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A person of interest was taken into custody by cops but not immediately charged. An hour later two men were shot, one fatally, in the Bronx, police said. Gunshots rang out on E. 170th St. near Teller Ave., just across the street from Claremont Park, at about 5:20 a.m. First responders found 46-year-old Mario Fowler, who had been shot in both legs, inside his apartment building down the block from the shooting scene. Medics rushed him to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he died. One witness, who wanted to be unnamed, said he saw Fowler near the buildings steps laid out and bleeding while two police officers tried to render aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said he was not unresponsive, thats when I knew he was gone, the witness said. Everybody in the building knew him, he was a really good guy. A trail of blood was seen near the steps of the building. A next door neighbor to Fowler, Cielo Ortiz, 72, remembered him as a respectful person. He was a good family man, he had four kids, three of them grown, Ortiz said. Meanwhile, cops found a 23-year-old man with a graze wound to the chin in front of an apartment building about a block away on Clay Ave. Medics took him to Lincoln Hospital in stable condition. No arrests have been made in the second case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within the same hour in the Bronx, police responded to a fatal stabbing on Westchester Ave. and Manor Ave. in Soundview around 5 a.m., where a 32-year-old man was stabbed in the back of the neck and suffered trauma to his body. EMS transported the victim to Jacobi Medical Center where he was initially listed in stable condition but would later succumb to his injuries. His name was not immediately released. There were no arrests in the case. Earlier in the evening, in the last few hours of 2024, two men were shot and two others pistol-whipped during a crazed clash in Canarsie, Brooklyn, cops said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 23-year-old man was shot in the head and right foot and a 62-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the gut during the 7:15 p.m. shooting on E. 105th St. near Flatlands Second St., cops said. The gunman also struck two other men, 20 and 25, with his handgun before running off. All four men were taken to Brookdale University Hospital, where they were expected to recover. No arrests have been made. The NYPD ended 2024 with a 3% drop in homicides and a 7% drop in shootings citywide compared with the previous year. As of Sunday, NYPD detectives had investigated 375 homicides in 2024, 15 fewer than the year before. Cops responded to 899 shootings compared with 974 in 2023. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Single-topic pastoral letters, as theyre known, from a Roman Catholic bishop here are rare before this week, the last one came out in 2013. So theyre notable when they do emerge. Previous letters focused on timeless religious topics: Lent in the 2012 and 2013 letters from the late Bishop Joseph McFadden, or the earthly life as a pilgrimage to heaven in the 2009 letter from Bishop Kevin Rhoades. The topic of Bishop Timothy Seniors letter is contemporary and not at least not on the surface specifically Catholic. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter The topic: human trafficking. Why the dark, cross-cultural topic and why here, and why now? There are a number of social issues that are of concern to everyone, Senior said. And I think the church has to lead. Were not living our faith if were not doing so visibly. In the letter, Senior cites data from Pennsylvanias court system as reported by The (Pottstown, Pa.) Mercury identifying Lancaster and Dauphin counties as the No. 1 and No. 3 counties in the state for human trafficking cases. I was really shocked to realize how prevalent and how serious human trafficking is in this region, Senior said, adding the more he studied the issue, the more he understood some of the reasons: the logistical crossroads nature of the region, for example, which facilitates the movement of legitimate goods but also of illicit trade, including human beings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior said he spoke with district attorneys before releasing the letter. In the letter, he cites the Dauphin County district attorneys office (led by Fran Chardo) as providing helpful tips for recognizing signs of human trafficking (such as a person who appears malnourished, lives with their employer or has branding tattoos, such as male names on a female) and knowing what to do about it: call 911 (because yes, its an emergency). The letter coincides with the beginning of a once-every-quarter-century jubilee year for the Catholic church. Pope Francis chose Pilgrims of Hope as the years theme. Senior said the ostensibly-dour topic of human trafficking actually reconciles well with the theme. Thats the spirit of the jubilee year, that no one is beyond the power of Gods love and mercy, and we as people of faith need to be attentive to those who are most vulnerable, that are being so abused and taken advantage of, Senior said. 2025 can be a really wonderful year if we all recognize the goodness that God has placed in each of us and recognize that we can all be instruments of hope for other people. 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. HARTFORD, Conn (WTNH) Police are investigating a non-fatal shooting Tuesday evening after a victim arrived at the CT Childrens Medical Center. Around 7:28 p.m. police responded to the hospital where a male victim arrived for treatment following a report of gunfire. Police have said the area of the incident has not yet been determined. The victim, a male in his twenties, was alert and conscious upon arrival. Police said the victim was uncooperative with the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hartford Police Major Crimes and Crime Scene Divisions responded and assumed the 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 WTNH.com. A United Airlines plane headed for Kona, Hawaii, was forced to return to Los Angeles after experiencing a mechanical issue mid-flight Tuesday morning. Flight 2373 departed from LAX to Kona around 8:55 a.m., but it was forced to turn around and return to California due to the undisclosed mechanical issue. United Airlines confirmed that the Boeing 757-300 returned to LAX around 12:15 p.m., at which point the 226 passengers and seven crewmembers deplaned at a gate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have arranged for a different aircraft to take our customers to Kona this afternoon, a United spokesperson said. Investigation underway after planes nearly collide at LAX Neither the airline or LAX said what type of possible mechanical issue was to blame for the plane having to turn around. Los Angeles to Kona by plane takes about 5 hours and 10 minutes, according to travelmath.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 KTLA. Jan. 1Outgoing Gov. Roy Cooper handed out a Christmas gift of his own this year, commuting the sentence or pardoning 15 individuals of crimes previously committed. One such pardon came for a Haywood County man, who struck two deputy patrol cars and hit a deputy with his motorcycle well over a decade ago. In 2011, 19-year-old Dakota Bradshaw was convicted of assault on a government official and three counts of injury to personal property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The property damage was to two 2010 Dodge Chargers owned by the Haywood County Sheriff's Office, as well as a gun holster, a leather duty belt and other gear. He also pleaded guilty to striking a deputy with his motorcycle, causing the deputy to fall and racking up the assault on a government official charge. He also pleaded guilty to speeding at 91 miles-per-hour in a 50 mph zone, but that charge was not pardoned. Bradshaw was sentenced to 60 days in jail, but never served time behind bars and instead was given probation. Bradshaw is now 32 and seemingly righted the ship following the arrest over a decade ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Since that time, he has been crime free, earned a certificate from community college, and been gainfully employed," Cooper's press release states. Bradshaw got a "pardon of forgiveness," which is does not expunge the charges like a "pardon of innocence." Had the charges been felonies, the pardon would have meant he could vote and own a firearm again, but they were all misdemeanors. The charges theoretically would not look as bad on his record, however. Eight other individuals were given pardons of forgiveness for crimes ranging from drug possession to robbery. One 38-year-old from Rockingham County had his sentence for armed robbery commuted, while another had his sentence for an armed robbery and murder commuted. Both will be released on Jan. 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three others saw their life without parole sentences for murder commuted to allow the possibility of parole. "Ensuring careful review of cases while taking executive clemency action is a responsibility I take seriously," Cooper said in the press release. "All of these individuals are deserving of clemency and we will continue to work to protect our communities and improve the fairness of our criminal justice system." Jan. 1The Hunt County Sheriff's Office is again issuing a warning to local residents about an ongoing phone scam involving suspects posing as deputies to extort money. According to officials, the scammers typically claim the victim has missed a court date, failed to appear for jury duty, or has an overdue fine. The caller then threatens immediate arrest unless the victim makes an on-the-spot payment, often requesting large sums via gift cards or wire transfers. Residents are urged to hang up immediately if they receive such calls and to avoid sharing personal or financial information, especially under pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from our office and threatening arrest unless you pay, hang up immediately," read a statement from the sheriff's office. "It is a scam and we will never ask for money over the phone." The HCSO emphasized vigilance as the best defense against scams, reminding residents that legitimate law enforcement communication will never involve threats or demands for money. Anyone who has been targeted or has questions is encouraged to report the incident to the sheriff's office at (903) 457-2900. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Rhode Islands state health insurance marketplace, HealthSource RI (HSRI), will be expanding its call center hours to help people while the RIBridges system is unavailable. The RIBridges system is used for programs like Medicaid and SNAP. The IT system, managed by Deloitte, was hacked by cybercriminals late last year. RELATED: Hackers have posted some RIBridges data on the dark web, McKee says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Governor Dan McKee, the state has identified about 650,000 people whose personal information was stolen, including Social Security and bank account numbers. The RIBridges system has remained offline since Dec. 13, the day state leaders first disclosed the attack publicly. HSRI said its call center can help people who may need to enroll in a plan or make a payment. The call center, at 1-855-840-4774, is open: Thursday, January 2 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, January 3 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, January 4 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, January 5 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Usual open enrollment hours will resume on Monday. You can find more information about flexible enrollment options and call center hours here. State officials are urging anyone whose information may have been stolen to freeze and monitor their credit. You can find more tips to protect your personal data by here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup 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. One of Roy Coopers final acts as governor was to commute the sentences of 15 death row inmates. They will remain in prison for life without the possibility of parole. However, the decision does not sit well with a grieving family in Hickory. They said they felt the former governor went too far by changing the jurys decision. >>Click here for Coopers commutation order Some of the family members told Channel 9s Dave Faherty that they had no idea that was going to happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the men removed from death row was convicted of murdering two people more than 30 years ago. Donald Shuford and his wife said they will never forget the day Donalds brother, Nelson, was shot and killed here along 1st Street Southwest in Hickory. The victims sister-in-law, Ruby Shuford, told Channel she was home when she heard gunfire. Me and my daughter were sitting in the bedroom, and we heard a gunshot, and I saw Nelson and the other boy lying on the ground, and they were covered up, Shuford said. Nathan Bowie was one of two men convicted in this case in 1993. The jury sentenced both men to death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, now more than 30 years later, Bowie will be moved off death row after the governor signed this order commuting the sentence to life in prison without parole. I really dont know what to say. We wanted him to stay on there, but they took him off, Shuford said. Biden commutes sentences of 37 of 40 federal death row prisoners And while no one has been executed at the Central Prison in North Carolina since 2006. Cooper said he commuted the sentences after a thorough review of detailed petitions for clemency submitted by the defendants and input from district attorneys and the families of the victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Shufords said they got a visit from the District Attorneys Office but were not on board with the decision. I feel like they should have kept him on death row. Because my brother-in-law didnt have any chance, said Shuford. After a thorough review, reflection, and prayer, I concluded that the death sentence imposed on these 15 people should be commuted while ensuring they will spend the rest of their lives in prison, Cooper expressed. The people whose sentences were commuted to life without the possibility of parole are: FRIES, Va. (WFXR) Fries Fire and Rescue responded to a fire at the historic Washington Inn Hotel on the morning of January 1. Fire officials said around 10:22 a.m., crews responded after receiving a call stating there was smoking coming from the 3-story building. On the scene, firefighters confirmed there was smoke coming from the third floor and set up lines to begin battling the blaze. (Photo Credit: Fries Fire and Rescue) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews responded quickly and were able to extinguish the fire with an aggressive push. Officials said the fire was limited to the room it originated in and only left minor smoke damage to the remainder of the building. Two people, dozens of cats displaced after fire in Vinton Galax Fire Department Tower 11 also assisted in the response. No injuries have currently been reported. The Historic Washington Inn was built in 1902 and originally housed local mill workers. After a flood in the 1940s destroyed the back half of the building, it was repurposed into a restaurant, as well as an inn. Today, the inn has been remodeled with modern amenities while retaining its historic charm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A huge thanks to our mutual aid partners assisting us! This was as good of an outcome as possible, for the situation at hand to preserve one of many historical buildings within town limits!! Fries Fire and Rescue Photo Credit: Fries Fire and Rescue Photo Credit: Fries Fire and Rescue Photo Credit: Fries Fire and Rescue Photo Credit: Fries Fire and Rescue 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. (KTLA) Police are searching for a hit-and-run driver who left a woman hospitalized in Long Beach. On Dec. 26 at about 4:45 p.m., Long Beach police responded to a crash at the intersection of California Avenue and San Antonio Drive. The male suspect was driving eastbound on San Antonio Drive when it ran the red light and crashed into the victims car, police said. The man briefly stepped out of his car after the crash, but quickly got back in and drove away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arriving officers found the female driver injured in her vehicle. She was treated at a local hospital. The suspect remains at large. His vehicle is described as a tan-colored Toyota Avalon sedan. Surveillance video of the car shows notable front-end damage. Surveillance image shows the suspects tan-colored Toyota Avalon sedan with notable front-end damage. (Long Beach Police Department) Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information on the suspect is asked to call Long Beach police detective Ashley Van Holland at 562-570-7355. Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org. 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. Hoda Kotbs heart is with the people of New Orleans, even as she is busy hosting the New Years Day Rose Parade. The Today show anchor and herparade co-host Al Roker started the live broadcast of the annual event by acknowledging the horrific massacre on Bourbon Street in New Orleans popular French Quarter, which killed 10 people and sent around 35 more victims to local hospitals. Before we begin the festivities, we'd love to extend our deepest sympathies to all of those who are impacted by these tragic events occurring in New Orleans earlier this morning, Roker, 70, noted as NBC broadcast from Pasadena, Calif. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: New Orleans Eyewitness Recalls Seeing People 'Dead Right in Front of Us' After Unbelievable Attack Kotb, who lived and worked in New Orleans for the majority of the 90s and who has often expressed her NOLA pride, added, A lot of people woke up and saw the tragic news. And we just want to say that our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in New Orleans. New Orleans is my second home and my heart broke this morning. However, the Today anchor added that she planned to focus the Rose Parade broadcast on sharing positivity. We are going to try to bring some light today, so we're happy to be with you this morning, she shared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The loss of life in New Orleans occurred around 3:15 a.m. local time on New Years Day when a man driving a pickup truck plowed down Bourbon Street intentionally attacking pedestrians. The FBI confirmed that the driver was killed by police following an exchange, noting that it is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. MATTHEW HINTON/AFP via Getty Police investigators surround a white truck that has been crashed into a work lift in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 1, 2025 Police investigators surround a white truck that has been crashed into a work lift in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 1, 2025 Related: FBI Confirms New Orleans Driver That Killed 10 Is Dead, Will Treat Case as Act of Terrorism New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Chief Anne Kirkpatrick previously told reporters of the incident, It was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could. It was not a DUI situation. This is more complex and serious based on the information we have. Kirkpatrick called out the drivers intentional mindset, saying, This perpetrator, who went around our barricades in order to conduct this, he was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage he did. 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. Josh Brasted/Getty Hoda Kotb (R) attends Tulane University's commencement ceremony at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on May 14, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Hoda Kotb (R) attends Tulane University's commencement ceremony at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on May 14, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Prior to her time on the Today show, Kotb worked as an anchor and reporter for local New Orleans CBS affiliate WWL. She frequently shows her support for the New Orleans Saints and in 2016 gave the commencement speech at the local Tulane University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the closest to a hometown Ive ever felt, Kotb told Southern Living of New Orleans in June 2024. Theres a magnetism about New Orleans that grabs you right out the gate. Kotb is days away from stepping down from her role on Today to spend more time with family. Her last day as co-anchor of Today and co-host of Today with Hoda and Jenna is scheduled for Jan. 10. Read the original article on People New Year fair opens in Hangzhou, E China Xinhua) 09:17, January 01, 2025 A foreign student (1st L) tries block printing at a New Year fair in Shangcheng District of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 31, 2024. The fair opened here on Tuesday, with themed sections showcasing intangible cultural heritage, cultural and creative products, folk custom, and folk arts native to Hangzhou. Specialty food and deli are also made available there, adding a festive atmosphere to the city. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) Staff members work at a stall selling traditional food at a New Year fair in Shangcheng District of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 31, 2024. The fair opened here on Tuesday, with themed sections showcasing intangible cultural heritage, cultural and creative products, folk custom, and folk arts native to Hangzhou. Specialty food and deli are also made available there, adding a festive atmosphere to the city. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) People in traditional Hanfu attire participate in a parade at a New Year fair in Shangcheng District of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 31, 2024. The fair opened here on Tuesday, with themed sections showcasing intangible cultural heritage, cultural and creative products, folk custom, and folk arts native to Hangzhou. Specialty food and deli are also made available there, adding a festive atmosphere to the city. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) Dough sculpture works are presented at a booth at a New Year fair in Shangcheng District of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 31, 2024. The fair opened here on Tuesday, with themed sections showcasing intangible cultural heritage, cultural and creative products, folk custom, and folk arts native to Hangzhou. Specialty food and deli are also made available there, adding a festive atmosphere to the city. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) People watch lion dance at a New Year fair in Shangcheng District of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 31, 2024. The fair opened here on Tuesday, with themed sections showcasing intangible cultural heritage, cultural and creative products, folk custom, and folk arts native to Hangzhou. Specialty food and deli are also made available there, adding a festive atmosphere to the city. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) A lion dancer interacts with people at a New Year fair in Shangcheng District of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 31, 2024. The fair opened here on Tuesday, with themed sections showcasing intangible cultural heritage, cultural and creative products, folk custom, and folk arts native to Hangzhou. Specialty food and deli are also made available there, adding a festive atmosphere to the city. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) A staff member in costumes offers a calligraphy work of Chinese character "Fu", which means "good fortune," to a vendor at a New Year fair in Shangcheng District of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 31, 2024. The fair opened here on Tuesday, with themed sections showcasing intangible cultural heritage, cultural and creative products, folk custom, and folk arts native to Hangzhou. Specialty food and deli are also made available there, adding a festive atmosphere to the city. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu) Flash A blackout hit nearly all of Puerto Rico early Tuesday as the U.S. territory prepared to celebrate New Year's Eve, leaving more than 1.3 million clients without power, according to official source. "The outage hit at dawn, plunging the island into an eerie silence as electrical appliances and air conditioners shut down before those who could afford generators turned them on," said The Associated Press about the accident. Nearly 90 percent of 1.47 million clients across Puerto Rico were left in the dark, according to Luma Energy, a private company that oversees electricity transmission and distribution. The company said it was activating emergency operations to restore power and described the blackout as "systemwide," while restoring power could take up to two days. "Puerto Rico has faced a series of blackouts since 2017, when Hurricane Maria severely damaged the island, including its power grid," reported The New York Times. The blackout appeared to be significantly bigger than the outages this summer. A blackout in June left about 350,000 customers without power. In August, 700,000 lost power in the wake of Hurricane Ernesto. HONOLULU (KHON2) The City and County of Honolulus Department of Environmental Services is inviting residents to participate in two town hall meetings to discuss the proposed incremental sewer fee increases that take effect in July. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You These meetings serve to provide the public with the rationale behind the fee adjustments, the extent of the increases, a potential customer assistance program and an opportunity for resident feedback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meetings to discuss the 10-year plan to raise sewer fees by 115% will be on Jan. 3 at Aina Haina Community Park from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Jan. 6 at Kalanianaole Beach Park in the craft room at the same time. Honolulu sewer fees could double in 10-years The increase is necessary to address rising operational costs, as well as funding for critical projects, according to the City and County of Honolulu. To offset the effect on low-income households, the Department of Environmental Services plans to launch the Customer Assistance for Residential Environmental Services program. This program may allow eligible households earning less than 80% of the area median income to receive monthly credits up to $25 on their fixed sewer charges. For more information about the fee increases, assistance program and meetings, visit the departments 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 KHON2. As many of us contemplate what this new year will bring, we asked some local religious thought leaders if they would share what their hopes are for this new year. Many of them might seem familiar from the faith column that appears every week inside the Austin360 section. Here is what they wrote: Let's be grateful for 2024. In its passing, we can look forward to new opportunities and new possibilities in 2025. Each day will open the door to receive God's grace and mercy anew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each day will be a time to expect our hopes and dreams to come true. Spend each morning in meditation focusing on your intentions for that day. Intend to do good in everything. Give those intentions to God and watch miracles magically appear in 2025. Gerry J. Tucker, author and publisher of the SpiritWorks newsletter My hope for the new year is to begin and live each day with gratitude for the gift of life, one treasured a day at a time. I want to actively respect and listen to others, embrace my work and other activities as things that I get to do, enhance others and my personal well-being, and pay loving attention to my family and friends. Walt Shelton, a Bible study leader at the Church @ Highland Park Hope is expecting goodness. Its always there. Its up to us to keep looking for it and when we find it, shout Hallelujah!" Judy Knotts, former head of St. Gabriel's Catholic School and St. Michael's Catholic Academy Each individual affects the entire world this is not just a spiritual reality; it is physics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It starts with each one of us. When we, as individuals, overcome a particular struggle, choose to be authentic, when we love, have empathy, are generous, we lift up, not only ourselves, but all of humanity. Let us look towards 2025 with great hope and great faith faith in the inherent goodness of humanity and faith that each of our actions when aligned with goodness, beauty and truth has ripple effects felt across our Earth. The Rev. Corrin Gani, the Church of the Path Dennis Cordes of St. Martin's Lutheran Church's Move-In Ministry delivers furniture to a Season for Caring family. Many churches have their own ministries to help resolve inequity in our community. As the director of Austin City Lutherans, an organization that runs a busy food pantry and a weekly ministry supplying beds, furniture and household items for people exiting homelessness, I see firsthand how sharing takes some of the rough edges off the economic and social inequalities that threaten our overall communal well-being. My hope for 2025 even as inequality's stock continues to rise is that the redistribution of food and other basic necessities becomes less stigmatized. The "free market system," as it is today, is not supplying for everyone's needs. The Rev. T. Carlos "Tim" Anderson, Austin City Limits Lutherans This year I hope to be a human being, not a human doing. Several years ago, I trudged through London with an embarrassing amount of luggage. The humiliation prompted me to Google Rick Steves. I learned to pack all I needed in one carry-on and one backpack. This eliminated a good deal of hassle and created more time to be in the present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2025, its time to let go of my inner baggage, leaving worry, fear and regret behind. Ill carry only what I need open hands to accept lifes gifts, an open spirit to experience lifes synchronicities, and an open heart to fill with compassion. Diane Owens Prettyman, an essayist and novelist and a member of All Saints Episcopal Church My hope for the new year is that we remember we belong to each other and our sacred purpose on this Earth: To care for and uplift each other. We are united by our shared humanity, which is rich with goodness and beauty. This beauty is expressed through the diversity of our cultures, faiths, worldviews and communities. Our journey in this life is to fully embrace one another, discovering that the love we share is boundless. Simone Talma Flowers, executive director of Interfaith Action of Central Texas This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin's faithful share new year's messages More than 60 additional personnel were on-site to battle the Horton Fire burning over 1,000 acres of forest on the Mogollon Rim near Payson as containment slowed on Tuesday. Officials with the Tonto National Forest said the new personnel brought together 247 crew members to contain the fire that spread through 1,124 acres of forest, as authorities made the decision to close the nearby forest until late spring 2025. Danger related to the fire remained minimal, but some nearby communities remained on pre-evacuation status, and smoke was expected to linger in the area through New Year's Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the fire remained under investigation. Here's what you need to know about the Horton Fire and how to stay safe. Fire containment slows as growth is anticipated Tonto National Forest officials said the fire was 17% contained, a figure that had not changed since the weekend. However, the fire had grown only about 30 acres since Monday as firefighters attempting to work on containment were supported by new resources. Crews expected the blaze to grow as it moved through "dense fuels east and south along Promontory Point and east of Horton Springs," read the Tonto National Forest announcement on the social media platform X. Transfer of fire command means new resources to battle blaze On Tuesday morning, Tonto National Forest officials said the fire was transferred to the command of the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team is a joint effort between federal, Arizonan and New Mexican resources to help battle wildfires, according to the team's website. "The public can expect to see an increase in fire traffic across the area as additional resources continue arriving on-scene through the new year," read the Tonto National Forest announcement. Forest closure extended through 2025 Closure of the forest near the wildfire originally slated to end in January was extended to May 30, 2025, according to the announcement. The wildfire threatened the nearby communities of Tonto Creek Estates, Tonto Christian Camp, Tonto Fish Hatchery and Zane Grey Cabins, which were on a pre-evacuation "Set" status and must be prepared to leave at the notice of authorities. Smoke expected through New Year's Day While highway closures were not currently in place, the announcement said smoke from the fire could reduce visibility on State Route 260. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drivers were encouraged to check travel conditions on az511.com. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality said the fire dispersed smoke on Tuesday through much of the nearby Colorado Plateau, including Forest Lakes and Heber-Overgaard. Moderate smoke was expected overnight on nearby State Route 260 and Tonto Estates, with lighter smoke impacting Star Valley and Payson, according to an ADEQ forecast. Smoke on Wednesday would move north in the morning before dropping to the south, causing daytime smoke over Tonto Estates, Christopher Creek, Star Valley, Payson and State Route 260. Why are there still fires? Arizona wildfires in December are 'definitely not normal' This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What to know about new resources to fight the Horton Fire near Payson Marlena Pellegrino remembers well the day she and other St. Vincent Hospital nurses went on strike. What she didnt know at the time was that the walk-out would make history as the longest nurses strike to ever take place in Massachusetts. We went on strike March 8, 2021, she said. We were on strike 301 days. That strike was over working conditions. Nurses at St. Vincent wanted limits on the number of patients they were responsible for on each shift. The agreement, signed in January 2022, capped patient loads at five -- with fewer patients per nurse in such critical care areas as the ICU. But Pellegrino said the hospital violates those contract terms every single day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has been no labor peace at all in the entire three years since the strike ended, she said. That hospital, the building, the feeling is unrecognizable to any of us who have worked there for any amount of time. Its like a black hole. Theres no staff, the supplies are limited, there is barely any management at all. Pellegrino has been a nurse at St. Vincent for nearly 40 years and is a member of the Massachusetts Nurses Association negotiating team. Its a shell of what it once was, she said. It could make you cry every day. The MNA said what management remains at the hospital is hostile to its members -- and claimed that purposeful understaffing is putting patient outcomes in danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For months, we have been asking them to fix this, to get staff in there to care for these patients appropriately and theyve simply refused to do so, said Mary Sue Howlett, associate director of nursing for the MNA and a nurse practitioner herself. We have been trying to meet with management at St. Vincent for more than two years and they have refused to meet with the union. The MNA is fighting back. This month, it filed the sixth in a series of complaints about St. Vincent -- the latest one based on more than 500 unsafe staffing reports filed by nurses during the last four months. That complaint went to the state Department of Public Health as well as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and CMS -- the federal agency which administers Medicaid and Medicare. Howlett said the state DPH plans to meet with the MNA next week. The goal of this is really to notify management that things are unsafe, Howlett said. That nurses are unable to care for the patients the way theyre supposed to, want to and are licensed to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howlett said one dramatic example of understaffing happened in the St. Vincent Emergency Department on a recent overnight shift. Normally, 14 nurses are assigned to what is, arguably, the busiest and most hectic unit in the hospital. In that particular shift, there were four. The union also cited a surge in bedsores as proof that patients arent being timely repositioned because of a lack of staff -- and two deaths in the dialysis unit, possibly connected to a shortage of nurses. Pellegrino said she sees troubling evidence every time she works that Tenet Healthcare, the for-profit owner of St. Vincent, is putting patient safety second. I feel morally conflicted going to work every day, feeling that I may harm someone unintentionally, she said. They are understaffing us by design. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One recent night, Pellegrino said she walked into a ward of patients waiting for pain medications and waiting to be changed out of urine-soaked garments. Dressings not done, important medications, insulin given late, she said. Nebulizer treatments given late. Every medication given late. Would you want your family member treated this way? Tenet Healthcare tells Boston 25 News that the union is essentially engaging in a publicity stunt. Saint Vincent Hospital remains focused on providing high-quality as well as regionally and nationally recognized healthcare services for our community, said Shelly Weiss Friedberg, Director of Public Relations for Tenet Healthcare. The MNAs accusations are disrespectful to the dedicated nurses, physicians and staff who prioritize caring for our patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friedberg said theres no doubt the unfounded attacks are linked to upcoming negotiations between the union and the hospital, calling it a tactic the union commonly employs at contract negotiation time. 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 SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The minimum wage is increasing from $16.85 to $17.25 per hour for employees in the city of San Diego starting Wednesday. Thats higher than the state minimum wage. The state minimum wage is going up to $16.50, said Alan Gin, an economics professor at University of San Diego, on Tuesday. Gin said the sky-high cost of living in San Diego is the reason behind the higher wage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forget buying a house, but even rents are pretty high, said Gin. Its so hard to survive out here being the bills are expensive, gas is expensiveman, food is expensive, everythings expensive, said San Diego Trading Company supervisor, Sarafina Makiese. These new California laws are making changes for renters in 2025 She added while shes making above minimum wage, she sees friends and coworkers who are struggling. So its definitely going to help with peace, a peace of mind where you dont have to worry so much on how you will survive out here, said Makiese. Some residents are pleased with the increase, saying it will help foster community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a community, its going to bring everyone together to be able to at least stay where you are. We dont want people to be priced out of everything, said Denniell Caraballo, a resident. The increase in minimum wage will help low income residents afford the bare minimum, but consumers could soon be paying more for goods and services. These new California laws are making changes for renters in 2025 Businesses are going to have to pay their workers a higher wage and so as a result of that thats going to increase their costs, said Gin. According to San Diego officials, the minimum wage ordinance applies to all industries and businesses, except those where there is already a higher minimum wage at a state level like fast food and health care. Those outside city lines will also not be impacted. 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 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Republicans will make it harder to remove the speaker in the 119th Congress under a rules package unveiled Wednesday. The proposed rules package would require nine GOP members to back making a motion to vacate to trigger a vote on ousting the speaker. Thats an increase from the current rule, which allows any single GOP member to force a vote. The deal to increase the threshold was negotiated in November by members of the House Freedom Caucus and the small business-oriented Main Street Caucus last year an agreement that was first reported by POLITICO. Even after a vote is triggered, it still requires the support of a majority of the House in order for a speaker to be removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The release of the rules package, which includes proposed changes to the Houses general order of operations, comes ahead of Fridays start to the new Congress. Republicans will need to formally adopt the package on the House floor, which they cant do until they elect a speaker. In addition to the change to the motion to vacate, the rules package also tweaks the names of two House committees, allows committees to adopt rules on electronic voting, and tees up votes on 12 GOP bills including legislation related to immigration, voter ID and transgender student athletes. Inclusion of one of those bills, related to the International Criminal Court, is already drawing pushback from some members of the House GOP's right flank. Speaker Mike Johnson, during a recent Fox News interview, predicted that he will have the votes to become speaker despite his partys thin margin. But Johnson has yet to lock down the votes hell need from his conference. Republicans are expected to have a 219-215 majority at the start of the new Congress, meaning Johnson must have nearly unanimous support from GOP lawmakers to win the gavel. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) became the first Republican to vow to vote for another candidate though he hasnt said who and roughly a dozen others remain on the fence about if they will support him on Jan. 3. Johnson can afford to have only one House Republican vote for someone else, meaning any additional GOP lawmaker who joins Massie in supporting another candidate could derail the speakers race. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), a member of the Freedom Caucus, wrote on X on Wednesday that he remains undecided on the speaker vote but indicated that he isnt a hard no against Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reason I am still undecided on the Speaker vote (as opposed to hard no) is its not ALL the fault of [Johnson] & my desire is to give him grace & [Trump] room to deliver on a strong agenda for which we were elected. But something MUST change, Roy wrote online. Some holdouts have continued to float changes to the rules, or indicated they want commitments from Johnson particularly on spending, as they mull their speaker vote. Roy has also reached out to other GOP members to check the viability of Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and other possible candidates if Johnson cant win the gavel. Johnsons team and his allies are tracking roughly a dozen GOP holdouts ahead of Fridays vote, according to three people familiar with the conversations who were granted anonymity to discuss them. Johnson also told a Louisiana radio station that he would be meeting on Wednesday with President-elect Donald Trump, who recently reiterated his support for Johnsons speakership, to discuss strategy for 2025. Many of them are pretty soft holdouts, said one of the people familiar with the conversations. But, they added: Of course, it doesnt take very many hard holdouts to cause problems. ADEN, Yemen Yemen's Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam said that the country would continue to defend itself after several U.S. strikes targeted facilities in the capital Sanaa on Tuesday. The U.S. military said that it carried out strikes against Houthi targets in Sanaa and coastal locations in Yemen on Monday and Tuesday. More: Israel strikes Houthi targets in Yemen, airport hit as WHO chief boards flight Smoke rises after U.S. strikes in Sanaa, Yemen, December 31, 2024. "On Dec. 30 and 31, U.S. Navy ships and aircraft targeted a Houthi command and control facility and advanced conventional weapon (ACW) production and storage facilities that included missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV)," the U.S. military's Central Command said in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Yemen's Houthis claim responsibility for drone attack on Israel near U.S. diplomatic building The Iran-backed militant group in Yemen has been attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea for more than a year to try to enforce a naval blockade on Israel, saying they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Israel's year-long war in Gaza. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US hits Yemen targets, Iran-backed Houthis defiant Hungary will not receive 1.04 billion euros ($1.08 billion) in aid from the European Union due to violations of the rule of law, the German news agency DPA reported on Dec. 31, citing a European Commission spokesperson. The aid package was conditional on Hungary implementing reforms to bring the country into compliance with EU standards by the end of 2024. These included changes to laws on preventing conflicts of interest and fighting corruption. Budapest failed to meet the requirements, and thus lost funding, according to the European Commission. This was the EU's first such action against a bloc member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, the EU initiated a "conditionality" procedure against Hungary, seeking to block payments due to alleged violations of public procurement rules. EU accused the Hungarian government of "lack of control and transparency." According to EU assessments, Budapest was found to be neglecting the bloc's standards and fundamental values. Hungary agreed to implement reforms to unblock some funds, but 19 billion euros ($20 billion) remained frozen. In July, the European Commission said that Hungary did not meet EU democratic standards, particularly those regarding political financing, conflicts of interest, and media independence. According to the EU regulation on aid conditions, the "first tranche of suspended obligations" of 1.04 billion euros ($1.08 billion) would expire at the end of 2024 without lifting the suspension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hungary, broadly seen as the most Kremlin-proximate EU member, has repeatedly obstructed aid for Ukraine on account that it "prolongs" and "escalates" the ongoing war. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also told EU leaders he plans to wait until U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office before deciding on an extension of the bloc's sanctions against Russia, Bloomberg reported on Dec. 19, citing undisclosed sources. Read also: Poland assumes presidency of EU Council, calls security top priority Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Crime Stoppers of Mesa County and the Grand Junction Police Department are asking for information on a suspect who stole several items from Target at Mesa Mall. The suspect is described as a White female with short light brown hair, blue and red stars tattooed on the left side of her neck and was last seen wearing a green short sleeve shirt with light blue pants. GJPD Public Information Officer Kelly Clingman says, After she committed the crime and stole those items, that merchandise from the Target store, that she exited through the Mesa Mall entrance connecting Target to Mesa Mall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crime took place Dec. 5, shortly after 2:30 p.m. Crime Stoppers of Mesa County is offering an award of up to $1,000 for anyone with information on this case that leads to an arrest. Crime Stoppers of Mesa County can be reached at (970) 241-7867 or at www.241stop.com. Anyone submitting a tip will remain completely anonymous. 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 WesternSlopeNow.com. SPRUCE CREEK, Pa. (WTAJ) President Jimmy Carter, known to some as an avid fisherman, visited one Central Pennsylvania farm thousands of times, forming a friendship that would last decades with the owner. Wayne Harpster described the first time President Carter visited Evergreen Farms. Walking down, there were secret service along. And I had this fly vest all puffed out, and I didnt think about it then, but I thought about it later, I wonder why they didnt stop me because they never questioned me or nothing, you know, and I had this, all this couldve been hand grenades, Harpster said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, visited the farm for the first time in 1978 and would go on to return countless times to fish with Harpster until his health declined, preventing him from traveling. A guide to funeral services for former President Jimmy Carter After his first visit, Harpster commissioned a special fly fishing rod for President Carter in hopes he would return again, which he did the following year. Throughout his many trips, President Carter became more like family to the Harpsters. We had lunch, and he was the, I think he was the first guy who finished lunch. Im not a slow eater or anything, but anyway, he was the first guy. He jumped up and went over to the sink and he started washing the dishes. Now he was president of the United States, Harpster said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Carter showed that his character was great enough to surpass party politics. Well, with the first when he ran for president for the first time, I was a busy guy and I didnt pay much attention to politics and I did vote, though, I didnt vote for him, no. But the second trip, I did vote for him, Harpster said. And I also campaigned for him. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. While President Carter did not win a second term, he did win a friendship that would last the rest of his lifetime. 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. If the Idaho Legislature succeeds in pushing through a school voucher scheme this session, which starts next week, rural kids stand to be the ones who lose out the most. Only about one in 20 Idaho students goes to a private school, and in about half the counties in the state, there is zero private school enrollment, as Ryan Suppe of Idaho Education News recently reported. In a whole lot of other counties, private school access is very limited. The bulk of private schools exist in just a few of Idahos counties near its largest urban centers. But doesnt that mean that rural kids simply wont get the benefits of a voucher program? After all, proponents of vouchers have repeatedly asserted that a voucher program or a school choice initiative, if you prefer the propaganda term wont divert money from the states public education system. So rural school quality shouldnt degrade simply because a voucher system exists alongside it, right? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres the truth: Everything in the state budget is in competition with everything else. The government gets so much money in taxes, and each of those dollars can be used for only one thing. A dollar that goes to the State Brand Inspectors office cant go to roads and bridges, though these two government activities have basically nothing to do with one another. All attempts to wall off public school funding from voucher programs are ultimately futile. Using separate, dedicated funding streams for certain programs provides the appearance of insulating certain programs from the effects of others, but funding streams are redirected constantly. Within just a few years, the Legislature created sharply rising residential property taxes by freezing the homeowners exemption and repeatedly attempted to relieve this rising burden by diverting income tax dollars through a surplus eliminator. The surplus eliminator funding mechanism was originally dreamed up as a way of plugging the chronic hole in state transportation infrastructure funding, something with no relationship to property tax relief. All kinds of arcane things can and have been done to move money from one pot to another. Any assurance that one pot of money is safe from another should be treated like what it is: a politicians promise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So any voucher program will put public school funding in competition with private school funding (along with fraudsters who do things like claim vouchers for kids who dont exist.) The biggest losers will be in vast swaths of rural Idaho, especially eastern and central Idaho, which has exceedingly few private school options. The funding for their schools would be in competition with funding for expensive private schools in the western half of the state. And even if there is some private school option available in your local area, what if the only local private school is Lutheran and your family is Catholic? Now you have to choose between your kid receiving a religious education that goes against your beliefs and having no real access to this new voucher program. This is why a religiously neutral, quality public education system is far and away the best option. Even the recent poll from the Mountain States Policy Center, which advocates for school choice policies, shows most Idahoans think more money should be spent on Idahos public schools. And working to improve the public school system is the option most Idahoans seem to prefer, particularly in rural areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Education Chairman Dave Lent, R-Idaho Falls, pointed out at a Statesman legislative preview that the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee did a survey, and overwhelmingly that was not a priority for them. Theyre focused on things like quality of education, reading, writing and arithmetic and what can we do to better enable our public system to do that. This isnt just the case in Idaho. As ProPublica reported, opposition to vouchers from rural conservatives is growing around the nation. Thats because the push for vouchers isnt meant to benefit their children. Big, national dark money groups are not interested in maintaining the public education system in the long term. They know it would be politically disastrous to just yank the rug out from under everyone. So the idea is to start small and get the ball rolling. Whats at stake is not, as Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee Chair Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, asserted at a recent debate, the civil rights issue of our time. What an insult to actual civil rights. Whats at stake is a whole lot of money for whoever owns the schools receiving these vouchers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A privatized system will never be as good for students as a whole as a public one. The foundation of private school comparative success is the ability to exclude students in the greatest need. Any school that receives public funding should have no right to hand-pick its student body. Privatization also comes with bad incentives. Many private schools operate on a for-profit basis. So every dollar they dont spend on your kid they can give to their owners or shareholders. For-profit colleges have been, by and large, a national boondoggle, eating up huge swaths of federal education funding while providing often useless degrees to unsuspecting students. But they were very good at paying dividends to their shareholders. Imagine an entire primary and secondary education system built on the for-profit college model. And if youre in rural Idaho where there isnt a profit to be made off your kids? Expect that your kids will get to pick through the scraps left over after the fraudsters and shareholders have had their feast at the public trough. Bryan Clark is an opinion writer for the Idaho Statesman. Police in Illinois said video evidence helped identify 11 teens they arrested for beating two men they had lured using a gay dating app. Activists and police warn the attacks are part of a larger social media trend where straight teens and adults target and lure gay men for assault. Mount Prospect Police Chief Michael Eterno said the teens attacked the two men in two different incidents on the evening of July 8, 2024. The victims were two gay men, aged 41 and 23, who responded to ads placed on an unnamed gay dating app. After arriving at the locations, a combination gas station and convenience store parking lot and a residential street in a different part of town, the teens allegedly attacked the men and vandalized their cars. Both victims were able to escape and report the attacks to police. The charged teens were all aged 17 except for one boy aged 16. Police say all 11 participated in one or both attacks. Each was charged with either one or two felony counts each of Aggravated Battery, Criminal Damage to Property, and Mob Action. One of the 17-year-olds was also charged with two felony Hate Crime counts for yelling a racial and another derogatory term during the attacks. (@) The attacks are reportedly part of a wider trend where teens use gay dating apps to target adult gay men they say are attempting to hook up with underage males. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a worldwide phenomenon. Not just the United States, not just Australia, Andy Thayer of the Gay Liberation Network told local ABC affiliate WLS. Thayer said individuals use dating apps like Grindr to lie in wait for people and unfortunately attack them. Police Chief Eterno agreed the trend is real and problematic. We are asking parents to take these incidents as an opportunity to talk with their teenage children about the seriousness of actively participating in these types of trends they see on social media, Eterno said in a press release. The 11 teens all voluntarily surrendered for arrest between Nov. 11 and Nov. 20. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) A Lansing organization that focuses on education for Mid-Michigans newest residents was awarded more than $19,000 by the charity group 100 Women Who Care. 6 News spoke with the Global Institute of Lansing about their work in the community. Migrants and refugees come to Mid-Michigan from all over the world, some coming from war-torn areas, others escaping povertyand most are looking for a better life. Some of them never got the chance to finish their education in their home countries, and the Global Institute of Lansing is looking to change that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our students are in a high school completion program where theyre taking actual high school classes online, says Teya Dodge, who works with the institute. The organization offers education and language trainingand a way into the American Dream. So it sets them up as ready to go to college, do a trade, or maybe just advance in whatever job they currently have, says Dodge. As important as math and other classes might be, instructors say that conversations about citizenship and ethics are just as important. There was one time where a Male student from Afghanistan was having a conversation with a female student from Honduras and their views on women were quite different, said Dodge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students also get the chance to visit congressional sessions and local government meetings to learn what being an American is all about. I think teaching students and showing students these are the ways that people express their voices here because they come from countries where, you know, maybe there was war and thats a very different expression of how you resolve conflict, says Dodge. Instructors say the program has seen real success stories over the years. Almost all of their students used their diplomas to apply for college or enter advanced job training. INSTRUCTORS IN THE PROGRAM TELL ME THAT PROGRAM HAS SEEN REAL SUCCESS STORIES OVER THE YEARS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just exciting to know that our students have bigger goals, says Dodge. And theyre able to achieve them. 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 WLNS 6 News. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) The decision to increase the minimum wage in New York State goes into full effect in 2025. The state will see wages increase from $15 to $15.50, while New York City, Long Island and Westchester will see wages go from $16 to $16.50. Latest local news Its just so people can have a living wage right, said Syracuse Universitys Professor of Supply Chain Practice Patrick Penfield. You should be able to work, and pay your rent, and feed your family and be able to pay your bills. But Penfield warns consumers that prices may increase, as small businesses might be affected the most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyll have to raise prices to compensate for the increase in wages, said Penfield. Penfield says that small businesses might not be able to absorb the wages like larger corporate-owned businesses would be able to. This might lead to more cost-effective decisions. They can decrease their product offerings so instead of getting six chicken wings you get four chicken wings, said Penfield. However big businesses may still be affected and may take similar measures to ensure they make a profit. Itll either go up or youll see your offerings shrink, said Penfield. So, you wont get as much of a Big Mac as you did before. Or the prices will go up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Penfield also suggests these increases could happen within the next couple of weeks, with January being the best time for Businesses to increase prices. 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. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The class of 2024 represents the highest state graduation rate on record. According to a media release from the Indiana Department of Education, data shows that 90.23% of Indiana students graduated high school. That number is up from 88.98% in 2023. Over the past year, we have celebrated a number of successes in K-12 education, and there is urgency to continue this positive momentum for Indiana students, said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. As a state, we have seen literacy rates increase for the third consecutive year, chronic absenteeism rates improve for the second year in a row, and today, the highest state graduation rate on record. Thanks to the collaboration of educators, families and communities, these represent just a few examples of the improved student outcomes we are seeing across the state. Together, we must continue to keep our foot on the gas pedal in 2025, ensuring we keep improving our education system in Indiana and increasing opportunities for students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terre Haute tourism in 2024 According to the release, 2024 represents the highest graduation rate since Indiana began publishing data. The states second-highest graduation rate was recorded in 2014 at 90.06%. Due to differences between federal and state accountability equations and standards, the IDOE also released 2024 federal graduation rates. In 2024, Indianas federal graduation rate was 88.67%, up from 87.52% in 2023. Those numbers are compared in the chart below. Federal Graduation Rate State Graduation Rate Honors Diploma (Academic, Technical, or IB) Non-Waiver Rate 2024 88.67% 90.23% 37.81% 87.53% 2023 87.52% 88.98% 31.13% 84.92% 2022 85.12% 86.61% 38.71% 80.58% 2021 85.75% 86.69% 39.6% 78.78% 2020 87.0%* 87.69%* 40.3%* N/A** 2019 86.4% 87.29% 39.8% 76.73% 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. Five days after a Chicago-area teen was shot in the head in Mexico, the teen was being flown Wednesday to a U.S. hospital for treatment while his family continues to grieve the loss of his father and uncle who were killed in the shooting. Jason Pena, 14, has been in a coma in a Mexican hospital following the Friday night incident, when he was shot along with his father, uncle and another man along a dangerous road near Santiago Papasquiaro in the Mexican state of Durango, according to an immigration advocate working with the family, Julie Contreras with United Giving Hope. Contreras said the father, the teen and his younger brother had traveled from the Chicago area to Mexico to visit relatives over the holidays. An uncle from Chicago, Antonio Tony Fernandez, 44, had later joined the family in Mexico. The teens father, Vicente Pena Jr., 37, and uncle had decided to drive to get more food and drinks, along with another man, Jorge Eduardo Vargas Aguirre, 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Little Jason just jumped in the car with his dad, Contreras said. After the four hadnt returned, a search party was sent and found their bodies, she said. All had been shot, including the teen, who was shot in the back of the head, with the bullet exiting the front. Only the teen survived. The Penas and Fernandez were U.S. citizens, Contreras said, with Jason an eighth grader attending Prairie-Hills Junior High School in Markham. The U.S. State Department, when asked by the Tribune about the shooting, confirmed Wednesday that two U.S. citizens died and a minor was injured. The Mexican authorities are conducting an investigation at this time. We are closely monitoring the investigation by local authorities, an agency spokesperson wrote in response to the questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family does not know who shot the four, Contreras said. The State Department has listed Durango among a majority of states in Mexico with travel cautions, warning of violent crime and gang activity, with the western side of Durango, where the shooting occurred, considered so dangerous that U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there. After the shooting, Jason Penas mother, Ana Cabral, flew to Mexico to be with her sons and began working to get Jason flown to Texas Childrens Hospital in Houston for better care and to better ensure his safety, Contreras said. The family is spending roughly $25,000, she said, for the two-hour medical flight from the Mexican public hospital in Durango to the Houston facility, while raising money to offset the costs on the crowdfunding website Spotfund. Our priority is to get him here (in the United States), Contreras said Wednesday afternoon, before the flight, which God is allowing us to accomplish today. TOPEKA (KSNT) Police and firefighters are clearing the remains of a crash near a busy intersection in southwest Topeka on Wednesday. Topeka police told a 27 News reporter that two vehicles were involved in the crash near Southwest 29th Street and Southwest Fairlawn Road on Jan. 1. At least one individual was injured in the crash but not seriously. 27 News has reached out to the Topeka Police Department for more information regarding this crash. Additional details will be added here as they become available. (Photo By: Tim Schoepflin) (Photo By: Tim Schoepflin) (Photo By: Tim Schoepflin) 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 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. Angelina Jolie shifted her focus to seeking reform for those affected by domestic violence in the years since splitting with Brad Pitt. The actress filed for divorce from Pitt on Sept. 19, 2016, just days after a private plane flight on which he allegedly became drunkenly abusive toward her and their kids. She declined to press charges at the time, and after multiple investigations Pitt was not charged by authorities. He has denied allegations of abuse. A source close to Jolie tells PEOPLE that she wanted to "focus on changing laws over telling public stories" about her experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 20 years working with the UN Refugee Agency, Jolie, 49, departed her role as UNHCRs Special Envoy in December 2022 to focus on other humanitarian endeavors. Her advocacy work has included areas of domestic violence, including the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which seeks to prevent and respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. Jolie said in a March 2022 interview with NBC News' Kate Snow that the cause should be "personal to everyone everyone who cares about family, everyone who cares about children, everyone who cares about their own safety and the health of their community." "This country doesn't recognize what a serious domestic violence and child abuse problem it really has," the actress added at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Angelina Jolie's 8-Year Divorce Battle with Brad Pitt Has Been 'Horrendous' (Exclusive Source) 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. One of Jolie's six kids with Pitt, Zahara joined mom in Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers on several occasions when she was 17, including when VAWA was reauthorized into law by President Joe Biden in March 2022. VAWA added an initiative that Jolie helped push for: funding for technology that better detects bruising and injuries across skin tones and related training, highlighting a racial disparity. She wrote about this in a July 2023 op-ed published in the American Journal of Nursing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Medical research, imagery and training continue to center on white skin, not on how injuries present differently in patients with darker skin tone. As a result, medical professionals including nurses and forensic examiners often miss injuries depending on race and ethnicity," she wrote, sharing that Zahara, who is from Ethiopia, had a medical procedure where she was told to look for "pink near her incisions" to check for improper healing. "As the mother of children of multiple races, I have seen my children of color be misdiagnosed, at times in ways that endangered their health." Related: Why Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's Divorce Took 8 Years: Legal Experts Explain the 'Perfect Storm' (Exclusive) Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Angelina Jolie on Oct. 26, 2024 Angelina Jolie on Oct. 26, 2024 In a September 2021 interview with The Guardian, Jolie was asked about dealing with alleged abuse in her own home after years of humanitarian work for the rights of others. "Often you cannot recognize something in a personal way, especially if your focus is on the greatest global injustices, because everything else seems smaller. Its so hard," she said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Im not the kind of person who makes decisions like the decisions I had to make lightly," added Jolie at the time. "It took a lot for me to be in a position where I felt I had to separate from the father of my children." Details of the allegedly abusive plane trip were included in a 2022 cross-complaint submitted by Jolie's legal team in the exes' separate winery lawsuit. At the time a source close to Pitt, 61, said the filing included "completely untrue information." Jolie's lawyers alleged in a previous filing in that legal battle that Pitt's "history of physical abuse of Jolie started well before the familys September 2016 plane trip" and that the flight "marked the first time he turned his physical abuse on the children as well." A rep for Pitt declined to comment at the time, and a source said, "There was a lengthy custody trial that involved the entire history of their relationship, and a judge who heard all the evidence still granted him 50/50 custody." (A private judge overseeing their custody case was later disqualified by an appeals court and the ruling did not go into effect.) Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Brad Pitt on Feb. 24, 2023 A divorce lawyer for Pitt has also previously said that the actor accepted responsibility for some things in his past but that he would not accept responsibility for things he did not do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a wide-ranging 2017 GQ interview, Pitt revealed that he was sober and "just started therapy." The actor said at the time, "For me this period has really been about looking at my weaknesses and failures and owning my side of the street. Together Pitt and Jolie share six kids: Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16. As a source indicated in July 2024, Pitt has "virtually no contact" with their adult children, however, per an agreement with Jolie, "he has visitation with the younger kids." The distance from his kids pains him, a source previously told PEOPLE. He loves his children and misses them. Its very sad. 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 BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) Instead of the traditional boisterous street partying on New Year's Eve, tens of thousands of protesters led by university students gathered overnight in Belgrade and other Serbian cities to demand political reforms and justice in the Balkan country. The protesters have been actively demonstrating following the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy in the northern city of Novi Sads central train station on Nov. 1, which resulted in 15 fatalities. The tragedy has been attributed to corruption and substandard construction practices by the populist Serbian leadership, leading to a widespread public outcry and demands for accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students from various Belgrade universities have organized the protest under the slogan There is No New Year You Still Owe Us for the Old One. The loud crowd, chanting We Want Justice, went silent at 11:52 p.m. with 15 minutes to honor the victims of the Novi Sad tragedy. Many were holding banners with a red handprint, which has become a symbol of the antigovernment protests, telling the authorities that they have blood on their hands. Earlier, they marched past a state-sponsored concert where the crowd danced to folk music tunes. Police guarded the area where the concert was taking place and set up metal fences while directing the protesting crowd to other streets nearby to avoid contact between the two groups. The antigovernment protesters emphasized that, despite the festive season, their commitment to seeking justice remains unwavering. The student-led movement has garnered support from various societal groups, including professors, farmers and actors, reflecting broader discontent with autocratic President Aleksandar Vucic's leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of people also gathered in Novi Sad and the southern city of Nis for parallel gatherings also led by university students in those cities. In Belgrade, state-sponsored concerts and other New Year celebrations were organized in the city center and in a newly built high-rise Belgrade Waterfront neighborhood, which Vucic has claimed is his own project together with the United Arab Emirates investors. Belgrade has become a favorite partying destination for tourist on the New Year's Eve celebrations with street partying and huge fireworks. The crowds in Belgrade braved very cold weather and fog to join the students. The New Year's Eve protest comes just over a week after tens of thousands rallied together with the students in what was one of the biggest gatherings in recent years in the Serbian capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serbias public prosecutor on Monday indicted 13 people, including a former minister, over the collapse of the concrete canopy. The protesters say that is not enough as the indictment does not include charges of possible corrupt deals during a renovation of the the Novi Sad train station that was part of a wider deal with Chinese companies. Vucic earlier told pro-government Prva TV that all student demands have been fulfilled. I have always been ready to talk, I am asking them now but they wont talk to me, they have no arguments, the prosecutors fulfilled the last of their demands, all documents they wanted have been published and nothing happened, Vucic said, adding he won't be toppled by street protests. ___ Associated Press writer Jovana Gec contributed to this report. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Calling all fin-tastic artists! The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has begun their International Fish Art Contest for 2024-2025. This contest program is free to enter and open to kids in kindergarten through grade 12 anywhere in the world, with the option to enter in the international content or the Go Fish Georgia Award contest. By using art and writing, we hope that this art contest ignites childrens imagination and inspires them to discover more about fish and fishing, said Chrystal Sherwood, Educator at Georgia DNRs Go Fish Education Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those entering the International Fish Art Contest can choose to feature any wild fish in its habitat. Go Fish Georgia Award contest participants should portray a native or naturalized state fish species. DNR said that they will not allow any digital or AI entries. The deadline for entries is Feb. 28, 2025which can be submitted digitally or by mail to Chrystal Sherwood/Go Fish Education Center at 1255 Perry Parkway, Perry, Ga. 31069. For more information about the requirements and other categories, visit the DNR website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. DES MOINES In 2024, 351 people died on Iowas roads. The Iowa State Patrol has plans to lower that number in 2025. Sergeant Alex Dinkla, a Public Information Officer with the Iowa State Patrol, said that Iowa State Patrol will push lawmakers to pass a hands-free law this year banning using a cell phone while driving. Were going to be doing is were going to be pushing very hard to make Iowa a hands free state. We know that theres plenty of people out there that are driving with those, say, the devices, being distracted, driving down the road. We see it each and every day. Dinkla said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DMPD report 10% increase in calls during New Years Eve Dinkla said that other states have lowered the number of fatal crashes by passing hands-free legislation. Neighboring states have already done it. Theyve seen a huge reduction in their crashes. And we know that if we bring that to Iowa, were going to make Iowa a much safer place to drive. And, you know, so far this year, having 350 fatalities, thats 350 fatalities, too many. Dinkla said. To see the full report for 2024 visit the Iowa DOT website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) Israeli strikes killed at least 12 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, mostly women and children, officials said Wednesday, as the nearly 15-month war ground on into the new year. One strike hit a home in the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza, the most isolated and heavily destroyed part of the coastal territory, where Israel has waged a major operation since early October. Gazas Health Ministry said seven people were killed, including a woman and four children. Israel's military said it eliminated Hamas fighters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another strike overnight in the built-up Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza killed a woman and a child, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, which received the bodies. Are you celebrating? Enjoy as we die. For a year and a half, we have been dying, said a man carrying the body of a child in the flashing lights of emergency vehicles. Israel's military said militants fired rockets at Israel from the Bureij area overnight and that its forces responded with a strike targeting a militant. A third strike, in the southern city of Khan Younis, killed three people, according to Nasser Hospital and the European Hospital, which received the bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and abducting around 250. About 100 hostages are still held in Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned in a statement Wednesday that Hamas will suffer blows of a magnitude not seen in Gaza for a long time if it doesnt soon release the remaining hostages and stop firing at Israel. Israels air and ground offensive has killed over 45,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry. It says women and children make up more than half the dead but does not say how many of those killed were militants. The Israeli military says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because its fighters operate in dense residential areas. The army says it has killed 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war has caused widespread destruction and displaced some 90% of Gazas population of 2.3 million, many of them multiple times. Hundreds of thousands live in tents on the coast as winter brings rainstorms and temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. At least six infants and another person have died of hypothermia, according to the Health Ministry. Many displaced Palestinians in central Gaza rely on charity kitchens as their sole food provider amid restrictions on aid and skyrocketing prices. AP footage showed a long line of children waiting for rice, the only item served at the kitchen in Deir al-Balah on Wednesday. Some of those kitchens close because they dont receive aid, and others distribute little amounts of food and its not enough, said Umm Adham Shaheen, displaced from Gaza City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American and Arab mediators have spent nearly a year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release, but those efforts have repeatedly stalled. Hamas has demanded a lasting truce, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to keep fighting until total victory." Former defense minister leaves parliament Israels previous defense minister Yoav Gallant, fired nearly two months ago amid disagreements with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, resigned on Wednesday from parliament, citing a proposed law that would uphold controversial exemptions from the military draft for ultra-Orthodox men. Gallant called the proposed law contrary to the needs of the military and to the security of the state. I cannot be a part of that. Military service is compulsory for most Jews. Exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men to pursue studies has generated widespread resentment among the broader public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gallant's surprise firing in November sparked protests across Israel. He and Netanyahu were at odds over the war, with Gallant pushing for a diplomatic deal that would bring back the hostages while Netanyahu wanted more military pressure on Hamas. Netanyahu replaced Gallant with Katz, a longtime loyalist. In Wednesdays address, Gallant said he would remain a member of Netanyahu's Likud party. Israel sees net departure of citizens for a second year More than 82,000 Israelis moved abroad in 2024 and 33,000 people immigrated to the country, Israels Central Bureau of Statistics said. Another 23,000 Israelis returned after long periods abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the second straight year of net departures, a rare occurrence in the history of the country that actively encourages Jewish immigration. Many Israelis, looking for a break from the war, have moved abroad, leading to concern about whether it will drive a brain drain in sectors like medicine and technology. Last year, 15,000 fewer people immigrated to Israel than in 2023. In an event for the final day of Hanukkah, hostages released from Gaza and others called again for a peace deal to bring remaining hostages home. Until they return, we will not really be able to move on, said a relative, Yuval Haran. Palestinian Authority suspends Al Jazeera's work in the West Bank Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian Authority on Wednesday suspended the work of Al Jazeera in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, accusing it of broadcasting incitement and misleading reports. Israel had already ordered Al Jazeera to close in the West Bank, but the order had not been strictly enforced. Al Jazeera and other outlets have been covering the Palestinian Authority's crackdown in Jenin, where PA forces have clashed with local Palestinian militants in recent weeks, sparking one of the worst armed confrontations between Palestinians in years. ___ Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Tia Goldenberg and Natalie Melzer in Jerusalem contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who had often taken an independent line against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right government allies, said on Wednesday he was resigning from parliament. Gallant was fired from the government in November by Netanyahu, after months of disagreements over the conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza, but kept his seat as an elected member of the Knesset. "Just as it is on the battlefield, so it is in public service. There are moments in which one must stop, assess and choose a direction in order to achieve the goals," Gallant said in a televised statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gallant had often broken ranks with Netanyahu and his coalition allies of far-right and religious parties, including over exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from serving in the conscript military - a hot button issue. In March 2023, Netanyahu fired Gallant after he urged a halt to a highly contested government plan to cut the Supreme Court's powers. His dismissal triggered mass protests and Netanyahu backtracked. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Gallant and Netanyahu, along with a Hamas leader, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict, which Israel has contested. (This story has been refiled to correct the headline and say 'parliament' instead of ' politics') (Reporting by Maayan Lubell; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) Jimmy Carter and Columbus historic Springer Opera House go way back. It depends on who you ask just how far. Former President Jimmy Carter passed earlier this week at the age of 100 in his Plains, Ga., home. At the Springer, located just an hour away from Carters hometown, staff are remembering a man they knew for decades as a friend. He and his family have had a long relationship with the Springer Opera House, said Paul Pierce, the Springers senior adviser and former longtime artistic director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He recalled the Springers 100th anniversary in 1971, when then-Georgia Governor Carter named the opera house Georgias state theater. On another occasion nearly twenty years ago, Pierce found out Carters history with the Springer goes back even further than he knew. Pierce was standing with Carter inside the Springers dark wood saloon chatting when the then-artistic director noticed the former presidents wife Rosalynn eating at one of the many tables. She looked rather ravenous, in fact, and she was eating alone, Pierce said. And I said to President Carter, Im so glad that Miss Rosalynn had a break so that she could get something to eat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sitting inside the Springer just days after the news of Carters death broke, Pierce chuckled at the fond memory of what the longtime friend of the Springer told him next. He said, Well, to be honest, she never liked coming to the Springer. And I was surprised. And I said, Well, why? Pierce remembered. It was then that the nearly 80-year-old Carter made a confession. Years ago, during the 1940s when Carter was in the Naval Academy, he had dated a girl from Americus, Ga. One night, he took her on a date to the Springer to see a movie. Pierce said the former president told him, A few years ago, I mistakenly confessed that I kissed that girl in the balcony of the Springer Opera House and she hasnt liked coming to the Springer ever since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Carter never lost his love for the Springer, according to Pierce, who called the former president a neighbor and friend whose history [was] completely intertwined with the history of the local opera house. In 2003, the Springer Opera House put on a stage adaptation of Carters 1995 childrens book The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer. It was based off stories Carter used to tell his children when he returned from long naval deployments, fictional memories of what happened at sea. Carters daughter Amy originally illustrated the book for a course at the Memphis College of Art. When it came time for the stage production, Amy was invited to the Springer to create custom scenery for the show. Newspaper photos from back then show her doing just that. Pierce remembers taking photos on opening night, with his granddaughter standing alongside the former president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2006, Carter made his last visit to the Springer for a fundraiser that was held for the Historic Westville museum. He signed autographs and took photos with guests. Jimmy Carter brought stories into this building. He was a poet. He was a writer, humanitarian, a farmer, Pierce said. As Bob Dylan said, If you told me that he was a race car driver, I wouldnt be surprised. and he [was] someone who has great intellectual curiosity and a deep, deep love of his fellow human. Carters memory will continue to live on at the Springer. A star-shaped paver outside the theater bears the former presidents name. 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. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, export volumes surged from 218.84 million kg in 2019-20 to 315.51 million kg in 2023-24, bolstered by effective government policies and the Tobacco Board's relentless efforts.India, the second-largest tobacco producer globally, has maintained its dominance in the export market. Through crop planning and production regulation, the Board has effectively catered to both domestic and export demands, while extending crucial handholding assistance to farmers for producing high-quality tobacco that meets international standards. Tobacco exports have significantly contributed to the national exchequer, providing valuable foreign exchange. India now stands as the second-largest exporter of unmanufactured tobacco by quantity, following Brazil, and ranks fourth in Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco production globally. The Tobacco Board's initiatives have played a vital role in doubling the incomes of FCV tobacco farmers. The average earnings of farmers rose from Rs124 per kg in 2019-20 to Rs279.54 per kg in 2023-24, demonstrating the effectiveness of strategic market mechanisms, including the IT-enabled electronic auction system. In the 2023-24 FCV tobacco season, Andhra Pradesh witnessed a record-breaking production of 215.35 million kg, with farmers realizing an all-time high average price of Rs288.65 per kg. The auctions, conducted across 16 platforms, saw 43,021 growers participating, earning a collective Rs6,313.58 crore. The highest price recorded this season was Rs411 per kg, a significant increase from Rs289 per kg last year. The Board has extended welfare measures, including financial relief, to support farmers in challenging times. Penalty waivers for the sale of 76.84 million kg of excess tobacco saved farmers Rs184 crore. Additionally, the Board and growers contributed Rs92.70 lakh to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Relief Fund, aiding victims of recent cyclones. To ensure sustainable practices, the Board promotes developmental activities and environmentally responsible cultivation. By aligning with government policies, it continues to support farmers and enhance the industry's global competitiveness. (ANI) A generous description of former President Jimmy Carter's foreign policy track record during his four tumultuous years in the White House would be one defined by peaks and valleys. There were highlights. Many see Carter's role in brokering the Camp David Accords, a revolutionary set of treaties between Israel and Egypt that would forever change the diplomatic landscape of the Middle East, as the foreign policy apex of his presidency. But there were also stinging failures, including the Iran hostage crisis -- a 444-day chapter of Carter's term during which 53 American diplomats and private citizens were held captive inside the U.S. embassy in Tehran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, historians and analysts say understanding Carter's true impact requires looking far beyond the relatively short time he spent as leader of the free world, and that the former president -- once rejected as a failure -- has wielded an outsize influence on international affairs that will reverberate for years to come. MORE: How Jimmy Carter lost reelection and became a Nobel Prize-winning humanitarian PHOTO: Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, President Jimmy Carter and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin clasp hands on the north lawn of the White House after signing the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, Mar. 26, 1979, in Washington. (Bob Daugherty/AP) 'Fairness not force' When Carter left the White House in 1981, it was under a cloud of failure. In the wake of his punishing defeat by Ronald Reagan, Carter told one of his biographers that he was hopelessly distraught and wanted nothing more than to lie low in his native Georgia. That all changed, he said, when a cataclysmic event sent shockwaves through the Middle East: the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter had worked alongside Sadat to broker the Camp David Accords, and in the process, the world leaders forged a deep, personal bond. While Carter was celebrated for his part in the negotiations, Sadat was lambasted by his own countrymen. Carter said he viewed the Egyptian leader's death at the hands of jihadists as Sadat paying the ultimate price for peace they had brokered in the wooded mountains of Maryland. Carter later credited that sacrifice for pulling him from his despair and eventually leading him to found The Carter Presidential Center -- a multifaceted nonprofit aimed at promoting human rights, with missions as varied as election monitoring and eradicating parasitic diseases. However, Carter's focus on easing suffering around the world was not a post-presidential pursuit so much as a return to form. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the campaign trail in the mid-1970s, Carter had vowed to make advancing human rights a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy -- a significant shift for the time. "Because we are free, we can never be indifferent to the fate of freedom elsewhere. Our moral sense dictates a clear-cut preference for those societies which share with us an abiding respect for individual human rights," he declared in his inaugural address. PHOTO: People demonstrate against President-elect Donald Trump at Monument to the Martyrs of January 9th and the 'eternal flame' in Panama City, Dec. 31, 2024. (Arnulfo Franco/AFP via Getty Images) That sentiment is what drove Carter in 1979 to conclude negotiations with Panama aimed at giving the Central American nation control of the Panama Canal, administered by the U.S since construction began in 1904 (and now something President-elect Donald Trump is threatening to reassert). The State Department credits that development for enabling "the United States to defend itself from charges of imperialism made by Soviet-aligned states" and boosting cooperating between the U.S. and Panama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, despite Carter's intentions, he sometimes wavered, and the actions he took in pursuit of his self-described "fairness not force" doctrine were prone to backfire, according to Ray Takeyh, a senior fellow for Middle East studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. "Carter was a foreign policy neophyte, idealistic about efforts to achieve Middle East peace and driven by a Christian faith that informed his vocal but inconsistent focus on human rights," he said. Takeyh points to Carter's decision to turn a blind eye towards human rights abuses committed by the Iranian shah's government -- an influential partner in the fight against Soviet influence -- as an example of that inconsistency. Carter's critics say that blind spot also obscured the looming Iranian revolution and clouded his judgment of the newly installed regime, setting in motion a series of decisions that would foment the hostage crises and irreparably sour relations between Washington and Tehran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Carter was once again caught off-guard by the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, he "responded with increasingly hawkish actions," including "an aggressive national security strategy focused on the Persian Gulf and the wider Middle East" -- foreshadowing the decades of war in the region to come, according to Takeyh. MORE: Jimmy Carter leaves behind a global public health work legacy PHOTO: In this Nov. 4, 1979, file photo, taken on the first day of occupation of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, American hostages are paraded by their Iranian captors. (Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) A matter of timing However, other analysts argue that Carter's open embrace of human rights was actually a subtle success -- but one that took years to come fully into focus. Reagan, Carter's successor, is often credited with bringing about the collapse of the Soviet Union, and with it, the end of the Cold War. But Daniel Fried, a former U.S ambassador to Poland and distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council, argues that Carter's contributions are overlooked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Introducing human rights into U.S. bilateral relations meant that the default Cold War policy that a reliably anticommunist government could be embraced," Fried said, adding that it meant tolerating authoritarian rule was "no longer automatic." "By elevating human rights in the mix of U.S.-Soviet and U.S.-Soviet bloc relations, Carter put the United States on offense in the Cold War and on the side of the people of the region," he added. Leslie Vinjamuri, director of the U.S. and Americans program at Chatham House, describes Carter's elevation of human rights as "visionary." "It came at a time when the promotion of human rights was seen to be at odds with the more central priorities of a superpower during the Cold War," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vinjamuri says that approach continued to serve Carter in the four decades following his time in the White House as he pushed to advance peace and democracy around the world, orchestrating missions to Bosnia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Haiti. MORE: Jimmy Carter's grandson Jason speaks out on former president's life, legacy PHOTO: Jimmy Carter shakes hands with Chinese leader Deng Xiao Ping at the White House, in Washington, D.C., January, 1979. (Chuck Fishman/Getty Images, FILE) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No boundaries Still Carter's willingness to put people and personal relationships at the heart of foreign diplomacy can be seen as either a bug or a feature of his approach. Both during and after his presidency, Carter's willingness to meet face-to-face with communist leaders and deepen ties with the nations they led repeatedly sparked controversy. In 1979, Carter severed formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan -- choosing to recognize Beijing as the sole legal government of China, effectively creating Washington's "One China policy." Congress swiftly retaliated by passing the Taiwan Relations Act, requiring the U.S. to provide defensive arms to Taiwan -- legislation that Carter signed. The two steps, seemingly at odds, set the tone for the complicated and deeply consequential relationship between the powers that exists to this very day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than two decades later, Carter became the first president in or out of office to visit Cuba since the country's revolution in 1959. While some heralded the 2002 trip as a groundbreaking step to promote democracy that cemented Carter's status as an accomplished statesman, others slammed the former president -- accusing him of legitimizing Cuba's President Fidel Castro and his regime. But Carter's willingness to cross boundaries in pursuit of what he saw as global good did not end with world leaders. The same year Carter traveled to Cuba, he also journeyed to Africa -- visiting several countries where the AIDS/HIV epidemic was still ravaging populations and deeply stigmatizing. There, alongside former South African President Nelson Mandela, Carter cradled babies infected with the virus, lovingly holding the infants as cameras snapped pictures. Dr. Helene Gayle, the president of Spelmen College, who accompanied Mandela and Carter on the trip, says it's a scene she will never forget. "They wanted to show everyone that these babies were no harm to anyone, including world leaders," she said. Jimmy Carter's enduring diplomatic legacy: ANALYSIS originally appeared on abcnews.go.com What do we hope for 2025 and what do we fear? That's the question we asked eight Detroit Free Press opinion writers to answer. What they shared may surprise you. What do you hope, or fear, will happen this year? Tell us in a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, with the subject line "hopes and fears," and we may publish it online and in print. I'm afraid federal agents will knock on my door I fear that border agents will come knocking at my door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I live within miles of the U.S.-Canada border, in a largely Hispanic neighborhood. Though I was born in Michigan and am a U.S. citizen, in a mass deportation push, I may look "the type" to overenthusiastic federal agents. I fear for our basic civil liberties under a feverishly xenophobic push toward altering the make-up of the American population, undermining what it means to be an American, all of which could leave our workforce depleted and our cultural character homogenized. And most of all, I fear that if these things happen, too many of my fellow Americans won't care. I hope that our Constitution holds, I hope that those who are best equipped to defend our liberties and our promise are sufficiently mobilized to fight any horrors to come. I hope that I'm wrong, that my fellow Americans care. Khalil AlHajal, deputy editorial page editor America may be toast I worry that we've gone too far. I've always believed that the American people value good governance, and tend to reward political parties that deliver, and punish those that don't. The dysfunction in Lansing during the waning weeks of the legislative year dozens of Republican legislators and one Democratic refused to report for duty, essentially forestalling any policy making mirrored by U.S. Congress coming close to a another government shutdown; too often, it seems like our lawmakers care more about screwing the other guy than getting the people's work done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And worse still, outside of political circles, few Americans seem to care. We assume that the other side can't be trusted. We've become indifferent to the luxury and ease, unprecedented in human history, in which most of us live. We're profoundly cynical about our government, viewing "America" as somehow distinct from "American government," an appealing but fictitious notion. I fear that we've lost something important, that we cannot get it back, and that the experiment of American democracy may be drawing to a close. What I hope is that these fears are misplaced that this is the year we understand what is at stake, that we realize what we share in common with our neighbors, and that we learn again to value a nation that is still a destination for immigrants and tourists around the world. I hope that we can begin, somehow, the process of re-forging our connections as Americans, and an America that fulfills the promises this nation is built on. Nancy Kaffer, editorial page editor We can't collapse into chaos My fear is that after the results of 2024, too many of us may have given up. Seeing Donald Trump get re-elected despite everything, and seeing him escape the numerous charges against him may have convinced a few too many that true accountability is no longer possible in this country for those who can afford to avoid it. That level of depression, unintentional complicity and non-engagement could condemn us to a level of prolonged collapse from which we may never fully recover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope that those of us who supported Kamala Harris and democracy in 2024 will have sufficiently recovered from our disappointment and depression to recommit ourselves toward preserving democracy and preventing a potential collapse into national chaos by any means necessary. We can't afford to give up, because we are all that we have. Keith A. Owens, contributing columnist Despite everything, I'm an optimist Fear in politics is shaped by the scale and proximity of issues. Globally, I am deeply concerned about the war in Ukraine, which continues to cost lives and destabilize Europe. The conflict between Israel and Hamas also looms large, with implications for regional security, humanitarian crises, and the global geopolitical balance. These events extend beyond borders, influencing economies and individual safety. Adding to these fears is the resurgence of preventable diseases like polio, fueled by government officials questioning vaccines. This stark reminder highlights how science and public health have become political battlegrounds with consequences affecting millions. Community members rally for Ukraine at the St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church in Warren on Feb. 24, 2022. Locally, my concerns focus on Michigan, where the governor appears increasingly preoccupied with future ambitions, spending less time addressing pressing needs. State leadership is critical, and a governor disengaged from the day-to-day realities of constituents leaves challenges like infrastructure, education, and economic development unresolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These fears, though disparate, share a common thread: the need for leadership that is accountable, present, and dedicated to peoples well-being. Whether tackling international conflicts or state priorities, the stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction or distraction are profound. As an optimist about Michigan's political system, I hope that the extremes of both parties will wield less influence than in the past. My wish is for legislation that genuinely benefits a majority of Michigan voters to advance through committee, reach the floor for a vote, and ultimately become law. Over the past two years, Michigan has seen very little legislation that truly served its residents. Democrats, despite holding a trifecta, failed to deliver significant results and ultimately lost control of the state House as a consequence. Now, with a new Republican majority in place, I am cautiously optimistic that the legislation passing through the process will reflect better policy primarily because it will require bipartisan cooperation. The previous Democratic majority struggled to unify during their tenure in the Michigan House. Few bills advanced, and compromise between the parties was rare. A divided government, however, demands real conversation and negotiation between parties and branches of government a dynamic that could lead to more meaningful and widely supported legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My hope for 2025: a more effective and responsive government for Michigan. Andrea Bitely, contributing columnist Autocracy and Joe Rogan I fear that people will not seek out greater, more reliable sources of information, and continue to try and survive on lies and nonsense. In such a world, eventually puppies and kitties will show up on menus in an autocratic system. I hope that people will begin to pay greater attention to the nation and world, that beyond listening to Joe Rogan and reading whatever schnitzel their favorite hive mind sneezes, they begin to seek out more fact-verified, reliable sources of information. That will be especially true as the next administration undertakes worrying policies that could drastically affect public health, public finances and public security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Lindstrom, contributing columnist 2025 is a Detroit mayoral election year My biggest fear involves the potential demolition of the iconic Renaissance Center without the public being engaged in exploring highest and best future use. While it's true that the RenCen needs a new future, the symbol of our skyline and the environmental impact should be preserved by leveraging the very best of all Detroit stakeholders including city and state government, private industry and philanthropy. My largest hope for 2025 is a different type of political engagement as we embark on a consequential municipal election. The last 18 months have been as exhausting as they have been divisive. Remembering the old saying, "all politics are local" can perhaps highlight mayoral and city council elections that put to the forefront the vision and voice of the people of the city of Detroit. Michael Griffie, contributing columnist A never-ending siphon of public subsidy I fear the proposed RenCen deal will continue to set the tone for our urban development vision. A few hundred million in public money to a private owner for demolition, and then what? Another casino? How about an aquarium? Or a Museum of Science and Trucking? Maybe a new ballpark? Sounds crazy, but Turner Field in Atlanta had a 19-year lifespan. The Texas Rangers abandoned the Ballpark At Arlington after 26 years, roughly the current age of Comerica Park. Ford Field lacks a retractable roof like many newer domes. It feels like only a matter of time before we hear that at least one of the parks is starting to "show its age," and millions more in public money will be needed for a replacement. The Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit sits in the background as people walk along the Detroit RiverWalk on Thursday, March 11, 2021. The U.S. has a housing crisis. Supply is about 4 million to 7 million homes short of what we need. Detroit has wide swaths of open land and underused housing in residential neighborhoods. In 2025, I hope the national crisis can dovetail with the local opportunity. Make the city of Detroit a destination for affordable and "missing middle" housing. Single-family homes, condos, apartments, tiny homes, whatever. Flood Detroit with affordable units for locals, and anyone else who wants to live in this great American city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeff Wattrick, contributing columnist Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters and we may publish it online and in print. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Free Press Opinion staff share fears and dreams for 2025 JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) Dozens of victims of Joe Wood, the former construction company owner accused of leaving homeowners high and dry after taking large deposits and payments from them, will receive restitution within weeks, Woods lawyer says. I am pleased to report that I anticipate the victims identified as part of the governments case will receive their due funds, Woods lawyer, Lynette Byrd, wrote in response to a News Channel 11 email inquiry. Funds were due to be deposited into an escrow account by Dec. 30. Wood, who operated Wood Construction & Remodeling (WCR) from 2019-2021, reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors on federal wire fraud charges in June. As part of the deal, which would result in no more than 10 months jail time, a relative of Wood agreed to fund reimbursement for at least 64 victims whose cases met the requirements to fall under the wire fraud statute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several more qualifying victims were identified this summer and fall, which pushed the total restitution from just under $1.2 million to just over $1.4 million. Byrd wrote that the large amount of funds to be transferred required a few days past the Dec. 30 deadline, but court filings posted Tuesday by prosecutor Mac Heavener note that Byrd has provided evidence that the restitution funds have been wired to her firms account. Heaveners filing says both sides believe sentencing memoranda can be filed Jan. 6, which will keep Woods sentencing hearing on schedule for Jan. 16. That hearing will include victim impact statements as well as a message from Wood himself, whose company quit doing business in the fall of 2021 when he and his wife Cameron moved to the Charlotte, N.C. metro area. Wood Construction victims: No jail would be bitter pill Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate filing, Heavener requested the court set up a conference call for the hearing due to the large number of victims and the fact that they live over a geographic expanse ranging from Nashville to eastern North Carolina. Several victims have requested the ability to listen to the hearing over a conference call, Heavener wrote. Byrd provided the following statement: We appreciate the victims patience as this case has worked its way through the necessary channels for resolution. Mr. Wood is grateful to the government, especially prosecutor Mac Heavener, for handling this case with such professionalism, fairness, and compassion for all those involved. It has always been Mr. Woods intention and mine to see this case through to a fair and just resolution. Mr. Wood looks forward to making an additional statement at the time of his forthcoming sentencing. Woods company grew quickly, eventually doing business outside the Tri-Cities area in both Nashville and in North Carolina. The company, and Wood individually, still face potential civil suits including a case filed by the Tennessee Attorney Generals office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the original June 2024 plea deal, Wood admits guilt to what the agreement describes in detail as a small company that operated profitably in 2019 to a large one whose business practices ultimately victimized customers because it overpromised and underdelivered. By 2020, WCR began rapidly expanding and took in new sales of over $3.5 million, the agreement said. WCR expanded into North Carolina, Knoxville and Nashville, but it abandoned standard business practices, the agreement noted. Defendant, aided and abetted by others, scaled the company at a reckless and unrealistic pace by using an inexperienced sales force and use of customer deposits for working capital, the agreement said. It said by early fall 2020, WCR began experiencing dire financial difficulties. Sometime after that, Joe Wood and other executives at the company knowingly and intentionally, or through deliberate ignorance, continued to get WCR into construction contracts in Tennessee and North Carolina and take large deposits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was despite Wood and others knowing that the promised construction services would not be provided in accordance with the completion dates and requirements of the contracts Sentencing is set for 9 a.m. on Jan. 16 at U.S. District Court in Greeneville. 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. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) plans to meet with President-elect Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on New Years Day to discuss strategy, as the top House Republican prepares for Fridays Speaker election. Im going to be with him at Mar-a-Lago on New Years Day, Johnson told News Radio 710 KEEL in Shreveport, La., according to a report published Tuesday. Were going to map out some strategy. Johnson said the president-elect initially wanted to reveal his endorsement of the Speaker on New Years Day but moved it up to Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He wanted to take photos and do a big endorsement on that day, the Louisiana Republican said. I called him yesterday and said, Mr. President, lets go ahead and do that, so he did. Trump offered his Complete & Total endorsement of the Speaker in a Truth Social post. LETS NOT BLOW THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY WHICH WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN, the president-elect wrote. 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, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New Years Eve remarks at his Palm Beach resort, Trump also said he would make calls on Johnsons behalf if needed, according to The New York Times. The president-elect appeared confident the congressman would hold onto his Speakership, predicting that were going to get a successful vote. Johnson faces a tight vote Friday with a narrow House majority and at least one Republican lawmaker, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), vowing to vote against him. He can only afford to lose one GOP vote, assuming all members are present and voting for a candidate. However, several other Republicans, such as Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas), Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), Andy Harris (R-Md.) and Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), still appear to be on the fence. 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. Josh Stein sworn in as NCs 76th governor on New Years Day RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) A holiday which is symbolic of new beginnings already became a special occasion for Josh Stein, the newly elected governor of North Carolina. Stein was sworn in as the 76th governor of the state at 11 a.m. in Raleigh at the State Capitol. He takes on the role after North Carolinas previous governor Roy Cooper held down the position for eight years. PREVIOUSLY: NC Governor-elect Josh Stein announces new cabinet members Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, I will take the oath of office to serve as your Governor, said Governor-elect Josh Stein. I am honored beyond measure by your trust in me and ready to get to work for you. Stein was elected in November, defeating Republican opponent Mark Robinson with 54.9% of the states votes. Stein has been busy since November, selecting new cabinet members to assist him in the new role. Whether or not I earned your vote in the last election, I will work hard in the next four years to earn your trust, he continued in the video posted with the tweet. Steins inauguration on Wednesday is part of a Council of State inauguration, where newly elected state leaders are sworn into their offices. Included besides Stein today are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Superintendent Mo Green Attorney General Jeff Jackson State Auditor Dave Boliek Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey Following his swearing in, Gov. Stein made his first speech to the people of North Carolina as their governor. You can view the full speech in the video player below. Coming up on Jan. 11, there will also be a public, more ceremonious inauguration where Stein and others will address their plans as state leaders. 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. A Jackson County judge dealt the residents of Independence Towers a blow Monday by denying their request to join a lawsuit against the propertys owner, according to court documents. Based on the nature of the case as presented, case law and the arguments presented in the pleadings, the Court does not find that intervention is proper in this case, Judge Charles H. McKenzie said in a brief ruling. In his ruling, McKenzie said he did not determine the right of anyone to bring a lawsuit, nor was the order intended to comment on the tenants allegations. Instead, his ruling was based on existing precedents relating to the right to intervene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are disappointed the court did not grant our motion, but tenants remain committed to fighting for their homes, said Justin Stein, an organizer with KC Tenants. The only solution is a collectively bargained lease agreement as a condition of the sale of the building so tenants can finally secure a safe, healthy, and affordable place to live. Tenants will continue to organize to ensure they are treated as people, not just numbers on a spreadsheet. Stein added that while Independence Towers has been under receivership, Fannie Mae and Trigild have forced tenants to live without hot water, heat and air conditioning. The tenants continue to live with holes in their walls and ceilings, mold, cockroach infestations, and unsafe windows. The tenants had sought to intervene in a lawsuit filed earlier this year by Fannie Mae against the buildings owner, 728 N Jennings RD Partners LLC, which Parker Webb, the CEO of FTW Investments LLC, controls. Fannie Mae sought an emergency appointment of a receiver, contending that the limited liability company failed to maintain the building at 728 N. Jennings Road in Independence according to the loan agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, McKenzie appointed San Diego-based property management giant Trigild Inc. as receiver of the property, replacing the former building management, Tango Property Management LLC, which FTW Investments own. The buildings owner has since filed a counterclaim against Fannie Mae, accusing it of breach of contract and breach of good faith and fair dealing. In August, tenant Anna Heetmann asked the court for permission to intervene in the dispute on behalf of the tenants in the building. Heetmann contended that the court should allow her to intervene because neither Fannie Mae nor the buildings owner had the ability or legal right to protect her and the other tenants interests and rights. Attorneys for Fannie May and Webb opposed the intervention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Independence Towers residents unionized with KC Tenants in May after the buildings hot water system was down for two weeks, following months of serious plumbing, heating and cooling, and structural and pest control issues. An alleged arson in June damaged multiple units on the lower floors of the building. In July, 3-year-old Tidus Bass fell to his death out of an eight-story window at the apartment building. Moses Lee Bass, 31, and Destiny Lee Randle, 29, each were charged with first-degree child endangerment, a felony, in the boys death. Some of the tenants have been on a rent strike since October. The union authorized its third month on strike at the beginning of December. The union said 63 units were occupied at the time, and 68% of those residents were involved in the tenants union. Since the strike began, 57% of the households have been on rent strike. An upcoming trial in a federal court in Manhattan will determine if Rudy Giuliani can exempt his multi-million dollar Florida condominium from a list of property he must hand over to mother-and-daughter election workers trying to collect on their $150 million defamation judgment against him. The case has exploded into a lengthy legal back and forth, with dozens of court filings and briefings about the state of Giulianis assets and whether he has complied with court orders to turn them over to the election workers. Donald Trumps former attorney turned in a list of people he intends to call as witnesses at the trial which he tried to keep under seal, despite the fact that the court had neither directed nor permitted this list to be filed under seal, a judge wrote in response Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trial on January 16 will determine whether Giuliani can claim a homestead exemption for his Palm Beach condo, which he had previously claimed was his permanent property, and exempt from any court orders to hand the keys over to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. But attorneys for the defamed women have argued that Giuliani was treating the property as a vacation home, not a permanent residence, and have accused the former mayor of repeatedly dodging questions about it. Rudy Giuliani will face a mini-trial in federal court in January to determine if he can exempt his Florida condo from election workers trying to seize his assets to collect on the $150 million defamation verdict against him (Getty Images) Giulianis son, Andrew, is expected to appear at trial to also testify about the ownership of World Series rings he claims his father had gifted him. The elder Giuliani has already handed over a 1980 Mercedes Benz convertible, his New York penthouse apartment and other valuables locked up in a storage facility, among other items. The former New York City mayor is seeking to present several witnesses at the mini trial, including his friend Alan Placa, a retired priest who played a central role in the Catholic Churchs sexual abuse scandal in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giuliani also plans to call Maria Ryan, Ryan Medrano, and Michael Ragusa, who are expected to testify to Giulianis move to Florida. Ted Goodman, Giulianis current spokesperson, may also testify if the need arises. Giulianis latest mess joins a long list of courtroom rebukes and legal failures. The trial over the Florida property will follow a contempt hearing scheduled for January 3, when District Judge Lewis Liman will hear from Trumps former attorney why he should not face severe sanctions for repeatedly dodging court orders and deadlines in the case. In a filing last week, Judge Liman dismissed Giulianis defense and said he would be prepared to rule from the bench. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case stems from Trumps defeat in the 2020 election, when Giuliani falsely accused Freeman and Moss of manipulating election results in Georgia. They sued him for defamation in Washington, D.C., and in December 2023, a jury awarded them $148 million in damages. Giuliani then filed for bankruptcy. But after a protracted legal battle, that case was dismissed earlier this year to let Giuliani and his many creditors battle for control of his assets in separate courtrooms overseeing the lawsuits against him. Judge Liman is overseeing the turnover of Giulianis property. Giuliani will also face a contempt hearing in Washington, D.C., next month, after election workers accused him of repeatedly violating a court order that prevents him from repeating the same false statements about them. DOVER (KSNT) A local community center that serves residents in western Shawnee County is looking for answers after someone left a big mess in the building. 27 News got in touch with Debbi Childers, a spokeswoman for the Dover Community Center, who took to social media on Dec. 30 to air her frustrations after discovering the center was vandalized. Childers was called Monday about possible vandalism in the building and, upon entering, found a white dusty substance covering much of the interior. Man driving at 122 mph in Jackson County arrested after trying to lose deputies in fog Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just a disaster, Childers said. We discovered that it was our fire extinguisher that someone had taken and literally sprayed it all over the building from the gymnasium, down all the halls. Theres residue in every nook and cranny. The Dover Community Center, a former school, relies heavily on donations in order to stay in operation. Childers explained that this recent act of vandalism will set the center back financially as they will have to clean up the mess by using donations which were meant for improving the structure. This is what makes me angry, Childers said. Whoever felt the need to do this as we have such a generous community. We are a not for profit of 5013c we operate on donation. Once in a while we get a small grant from someone. But generally, its this community thats kept this building alive for 20 years. Kansas state offices to close for Day of Mourning, heres when (Photo By: Victoria Calhoun) (Photo By: Victoria Calhoun) (Photo By: Victoria Calhoun) (Photo By: Victoria Calhoun) (Photo By: Victoria Calhoun) (Photo By: Victoria Calhoun) (Photo By: Victoria Calhoun) (Photo Courtesy/Debbi Childers) Local volunteers turned out on Tuesday, Dec. 31 to help clean up the community center. People who have information to share with law enforcement regarding this act of vandalism can call 785-251-2200. You can also contact Shawnee County Crime Stoppers and leave an anonymous tip by calling 785-234-0007 or by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State troopers hit driver with almost $400 fine after 100 mph speeding violation 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. There was blood splatter everywhere. Inside of an apartment on the city's southside, a woman found her roommate dead with signs of trauma to the head behind a bedroom door. The woman called the police and told them two names of the men possibly involved in the killing. That could be her roommate's current boyfriend or the father of her child, identified in court documents as Regulus Baka, 22. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police arrested Baka arrested Tuesday for the killing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, at 5:43 a.m., police were called to the 7800 block of Ella Dobbs Lane on a report of a death investigation. When they arrived, they found a bloody towel on a porch. Inside of an apartment, they found a woman identified in court documents as Shanaiya McDonald. They also found blood splatter in the apartment and it looked like there had been a struggle. A plastic bag near McDonald's head was covered with blood and some clear plastic tape was also wrapped around the upper portion of her head. Woman strangled by ex-boyfriend: Brooke Raufeisen was more than how she was killed in Indy Evidence of what happened found A neighbor told police they heard a woman screaming for help around 4 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The apartment manager told detectives her maintenance workers found McDonald's cellphone in one of the dumpsters next to a laptop. When both devices were powered on, the phone had pictures of McDonald and her name was on the sign in screen for the laptop. Inside the dumpster, near the laptop, police found a piece of clear plastic tape with blood on it, similar to the tape that was wrapped around McDonald's head. Video surveillance from the complex showed a man walking from the apartment to the dumpster and throwing something inside before leaving in a vehicle. Regulus Baka arrested for the killing Police discovered that a black Ford Fusion registered to a family member of Baka was heading southbound on South Emerson Avenue from County Line at 4:33 a.m. when they looked at traffic cameras four miles from the crime scene. The car looked similar to the vehicle found in video footage at the complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were able to find the vehicle at a Greenwood complex later the same day, which is also where Baka's family member lived. Detectives served a search warrant for the apartment, but the family member said Baka was at his parent's house around the corner sleeping. Another warrant was obtained for a different address within the same complex and the department's SWAT team was called to the scene. They instructed for people inside to come out. Five people came out of the apartment complex and told police that Baka was still inside. He refused to come out until SWAT deployed a drone and distraction devices. He finally exited the apartment and when asked if he was hurt, he answered, "Only from last night," before being taken in custody. Language Barriers: Confronted with growing language barriers, Indy police struggle with interpretation 'I just wanted her dead' Indianapolis Metropolitan Police detectives had to use a French translator to make sure Baka understood his Miranda warning. The 22-year-old agreed to speak with police and insisted on using English during his interrogation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baka told police he had been dating McDonald for a while and that she was always mistreating and cheating on him. He also said that she threatened to kill his family and would often slap him in the face for no reason. According to court documents, on the night of Dec. 29 leading into the early morning hours of Dec. 30, he went to visit her because her birthday was Dec. 31. He said that everything was fine until she got mad at him and began slapping and threatening to call someone over to beat him up. She kept hitting him and he said that he finally hit her back, so they began fighting. He told police he had to defend himself because she was threatening to kill him. According to Baka, she grabbed a knife so he started punching her repeatedly in the head. He said she was screaming for help while he was beating her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court records, he picked up a space heater and struck her in the head with it four times while she was laying on the floor. He then said that he used a kitchen pan to hit her in the head some more. "I just wanted her dead," he told police. Court documents also state that he told detectives he wrapped tape around her nose so that she would stop breathing and also stabbed her with a knife. He then took her cellphone, laptop, the knife and roll of tape he used and threw them away in the dumpster outside before leaving. He's being preliminarily charged with murder and his first court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 3, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formally Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. Communities Reporter, Ryan Murphy, contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 'I just wanted her dead': Man arrested for Indy woman's beating death PNN New Delhi [India], January 1: In a world where healthy eating has become a lifestyle, one brand is making waves by bringing nutritious, traditional food products to the modern consumer in a fresh and attractive way. Boyo, the rapidly expanding healthy food start-up, is carving a niche in the market by offering an array of products that include dry fruits, berries, seeds, imported & exotic nuts, 100% natural honey, functional trail mixes, sugar free dry fruits barfi, peanut butter etc holding 100+ products portfolio under the brand--all carefully curated to appeal to Gen Z's growing demand for clean, nutritious and honest food options free from chemical, preservatives and any health hazard ingredients. Known for its digital-first approach, Boyo is now bringing its online success to the offline world with an ambitious retail expansion strategy. The company has already opened 20 stores across key locations ( Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Ambala and other key cities and has set an audacious goal to open 30 stores by March 2025 & 100 Stores within the next 180 days. This explosive growth is supported by a strategic partnership with Amrut Sugar (Sanjivani Group - A Maharashtra-based business conglomerate) and its visionary leader Shri Vivek Kolhe. Shri. Kolhe, part of the Leadership Board of Sanjivani, is the Chairman of SSSK Cooperative along with Board Members of prestigious association like IFFCO. Shri Vivek Kolhe is also Chairman of Kopargaon Industrial Estate and was the youngest member to be a Director in the State Sugar Association. Boyo's Digital-First Strategy and Gen Z Appeal Founded by Amar Choudhary ( An IIM Ahmedabad Alumni) with a vision to revolutionize how healthy foods are perceived and consumed, Boyo is redefining traditional snacks for a new generation of health-conscious consumers. The brand taps into the growing trend of wellness, offering a range of snacks that are not only healthy but also convenient and appealing to younger audiences. "We wanted to make healthy eating something that people actually look forward to, especially Gen Z, who are increasingly seeking out clean, natural alternatives to over processed and unhealthy easy snacks," says [Amar aka Daddy BoYo], the Founder & CEO of Boyo. "The challenge was how to make products like dry fruits, seeds, and peanut butter exciting, fun, and relatable to a generation that values convenience, taste, and sustainability. Our digital-first approach has allowed us to connect directly with consumers and understand their needs, preferences, and evolving lifestyles." Boyo's product offerings stand out in the crowded health food market with their playful & premium gift like packaging, flavour variations, and curated ingredient mixes. From exotic dried berries to protein-packed peanut butters and crunchy trail mixes, Boyo has transformed what was once considered "traditional" healthy food into a modern snacking experience. The brand's ability to blend the goodness of nature with trendy and Instagram-worthy aesthetics has made it a hit among health-conscious millennials and Gen Z consumers who are increasingly shopping online for products that align with their wellness goals. Impressive Online Growth: 1000% Increase in Business in FY 2023 One of the standout achievements for Boyo in the past year has been its incredible growth in online sales. In FY 2023-24, the brand saw a staggering 1000% increase in its online business, a testament to the strength of its digital-first strategy. This growth was driven by an expanding consumer base, effective digital marketing campaigns, and the rise of online shopping for health-conscious products. "We've seen overwhelming demand for our products online, and the numbers speak for themselves," says [Mr. Saddam, Asst. General Manager, BoYo]. "The online channel has proven to be a major growth engine for us. With the increased focus on e-commerce and more people turning to digital platforms for healthy food options, we've been able to scale rapidly and reach a much larger audience." Strategic Partnership with Sanjivani Group As Boyo moves forward with its aggressive retail expansion, the brand has secured a key strategic partner in the form Sanjivani Group, a group renowned for its philosophy of prioritizing farmer first business approach through consistent investment in rural India for last 60 years. (with a track record of a well-established investor with a track record of backing high-growth businesses). Amrut Sugar part of the larger Sanjivani Family has committed an undisclosed amount to the company through both equity funding rounds and an ongoing CCD round, providing Boyo with the financial backing it needs to scale operations and expand its footprint. Sanjivani Group's involvement is seen as a major endorsement of Boyo's vision and growth potential. "Boyo has demonstrated remarkable traction in the digital space and is now moving rapidly into offline retail," said [Shri Vivek Kolhe], Board Member at Sanjivani Group. "We believe the company is well-positioned to become a leader in the healthy food category, and we're excited to support their efforts as they scale their operations and introduce their products to more consumers across the country." This partnership not only provides Boyo with the capital necessary to expand but also brings valuable strategic expertise and industry connections that will help the brand navigate the competitive landscape of the retail sector. Expansion Plans: 100 Stores in 180 Days & 4x Growth on Online Channels With 20 stores already up and running, Boyo is now targeting an ambitious goal of launching 100 new locations within the next 180 days. This rapid expansion is a testament to the brand's growing popularity and the effectiveness of its business model. Boyo's stores are designed to reflect the brand's digital roots while providing a tactile experience for consumers. The stores offer a variety of healthy snacks, and wellness products, allowing customers to engage with the brand in a physical space. Each store is also equipped with interactive displays and a focus on educating consumers about the benefits of healthy eating, positioning Boyo as not just a brand, but a movement toward healthier living. "We believe that opening more stores will help us build deeper connections with our customers and provide them with the opportunity to explore and experience the brand in a new way," said [Amar Choudhary]. "The next 180 days are crucial for us as we work to make Boyo a household name, and we're thrilled to have the support of Sanjivani Group as we embark on this exciting phase of growth." A Call to Investors & Industry talent: Join Boyo's Journey As Boyo embarks on its rapid expansion journey, the brand is also inviting potential investors to join in on the opportunity. With a proven track record of success and a clear roadmap for growth, Boyo presents an exciting investment opportunity for those looking to be part of a brand poised to disrupt the healthy food and retail space. "We're on the lookout for investors and talent who are passionate about wellness and the potential of healthy food to transform lives," says Amar Choudhary. "This is an exciting time to be part of Boyo's journey as we expand across the country and beyond, and we invite you to be part of the movement." For more info kindly visit: www.theboyo.com (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) Justin Baldoni has filed a lawsuit against the New York Times over a story it wrote regarding the It Ends With Us director and Blake Lively. In the 87-page complaint obtained by Variety, Baldoni accused the Times of promissory fraud and breach of implied-in-fact contract. He also offered a scathing rebuttal to the 4,000-word piece titled We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine, which led to WME dropping him as a client just hours after it was published. One of those rebuttals was to the accusations that [Baldoni] repeatedly entered her makeup trailer uninvited while she was undressed, including when she was breastfeeding. Justin Baldoni filed the lawsuit on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images According to the lawsuit, on June 2, 2023, Lively sent Baldoni a text in which she blamed her assistant for not providing her with an updated batch of script pages for It Ends With Us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She didnt realize they were new, Lively wrote. New pages can always be sent to me as well please. The actress allegedly signed the message with an X the universal symbol for a kiss. Justin Baldoni served as Blake Livelys co-star and director for It Ends With Us. Sony Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Lively sued Baldoni earlier this month, claiming she faced sexual harassment and retaliation. Sony Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection She followed up by allegedly sending him another text shortly after, telling him, Im just pumping in my trailer if you wanna work out our lines, to which he responded, Copy. Eating with crew and will head that way. That discrepancy is one of the many claimed in Baldonis $250 million lawsuit filed on Tuesday afternoon, which included 10 plaintiffs. High-profile publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel are among the plaintiffs suing the Times for libel and false light invasion of privacy over the article published on Dec. 21. Publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel are among the plaintiffs suing the Times for libel and false light invasion of privacy over the article. WireImage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baldoni claims Lively was the one who allegedly embarked on a strategic and manipulative smear campaign. Christopher Peterson / SplashNews.com The Times piece painted Lively as a star who endured months of alleged sexual harassment from Baldoni, claiming she allegedly faced retaliation of a smear campaign when she voiced her concerns. However, the lawsuit states it was Lively who allegedly embarked on a strategic and manipulative smear campaign, using false sexual harassment allegations to assert unilateral control over every aspect of the production. Baldonis lawsuit also accuses Livelys husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, of allegedly berating him during a heated meeting at their Tribeca penthouse in New York, in which he accused the director of fat shaming his wife. Baldoni accuses Ryan Reynolds of berating him during a heated meeting at their Tribeca penthouse. Getty Images for WeWork Blake Livelys attorney denied the allegations in a statement to The Post. Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images He also claimed Reynolds pressured Baldonis agency, WME, to drop him allegedly during the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere in July, which took place before Baldoni hired his crisis PR team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A WME rep denied the accusations that Reynolds or Lively pressured the company to drop Baldoni as a client. He also claimed Reynolds pressured Baldonis agency, WME, to drop him as a client. Sony Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Livelys attorneys told The Post, Nothing in this lawsuit changes anything about the claims advanced in Ms. Livelys California Civil Rights Department Complaint, nor her federal complaint, filed earlier today. This lawsuit is based on the obviously false premise that Ms. Livelys administrative complaint against Wayfarer and others was a ruse based on a choice not to file a lawsuit against Baldoni, Wayfarer, and that litigation was never her ultimate goal. As demonstrated by the federal complaint filed by Ms. Lively earlier today, that frame of reference for the Wayfarer lawsuit is false. While we will not litigate this matter in the press, we do encourage people to read Ms. Livelys complaint in its entirety. We look forward to addressing each and every one of Wayfarers allegations in court. Attorney Bryan Freedman, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the plaintiffs, told Variety that the Times cowered to the wants and whims of two powerful untouchable Hollywood elites, disregarding journalistic practices and ethics once befitting of the revered publication by using doctored and manipulated texts and intentionally omitting texts which dispute their chosen PR narrative. A spokesperson for the Times said, The role of an independent news organization is to follow the facts where they lead. Our story was meticulously and responsibly reported. It was based on a review of thousands of pages of original documents, including the text messages and emails that we quote accurately and at length in the article. To date, Wayfarer Studios, Mr. Baldoni, the other subjects of the article and their representatives have not pointed to a single error. We published their full statement in response to the allegations in the article as well. We plan to vigorously defend against the lawsuit. On June 2, 2023, Blake Lively began a text exchange with her It Ends With Us director and co-star Justin Baldoni that blamed her assistant for not getting her an updated batch of script pages. She didnt realize they were new, Lively wrote. New pages can always be sent to me as well please. The actress signed the missive with an X the universal symbol for a kiss. Lively followed up with another text shortly thereafter. Im just pumping in my trailer if you wanna work out our lines. Baldoni responded: Copy. Eating with crew and will head that way. Eighteen months later, that interaction was depicted in a New York Times bombshell report in a far more sinister light. The Times wrote: [Baldoni] repeatedly entered her makeup trailer uninvited while she was undressed, including when she was breastfeeding. That discrepancy is one of many highlighted in a scathing $250 million lawsuit filed Tuesday afternoon by Baldoni against the Times in Los Angeles Superior Court. Baldoni is among a group of 10 plaintiffs that also includes publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel who are suing the newspaper for libel and false light invasion of privacy over the Dec. 21 article titled We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine. The parties, which also include It Ends With Us producers Jamey Heath and Steve Sarowitz, claim that the Times relied on cherry-picked and altered communications stripped of necessary context and deliberately spliced to mislead. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A New York Times spokesperson responded, The role of an independent news organization is to follow the facts where they lead. Our story was meticulously and responsibly reported. It was based on a review of thousands of pages of original documents, including the text messages and emails that we quote accurately and at length in the article. To date, Wayfarer Studios, Mr. Baldoni, the other subjects of the article and their representatives have not pointed to a single error. We published their full statement in response to the allegations in the article as well. We plan to vigorously defend against the lawsuit. The 87-page complaint, which also accuses the Times of promissory fraud and breach of implied-in-fact contract, offers a rebuttal of the narrative set forth in the 4,000-word article that has rocked Hollywood and led to WME dropping Baldoni as a client hours after publication. Written by Megan Twohey, Mike McIntire and Julie Tate, the piece painted Lively as an actress who allegedly endured months of sexual harassment from Baldoni and Heath and supposedly faced retaliation in the form of a smear campaign because she voiced her concerns. But according to the lawsuit, it was Lively who embarked on a strategic and manipulative smear campaign of her own and used false sexual harassment allegations to assert unilateral control over every aspect of the production. And according to the suit, Livelys husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, allegedly berated Baldoni in an aggressive manner during a heated meeting at their Tribeca penthouse in New York, accusing him of fat shaming his wife. The suit claims that the A-list actor also pressured Baldonis agency, WME, to drop the director during the Deadpool and Wolverine premiere in July, well before Baldoni enlisted crisis PR. A WME rep denies that there was any pressure from Reynolds or Lively to drop Baldoni as a client. Attorney Bryan Freedman, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the plaintiffs, tells Variety that the Times cowered to the wants and whims of two powerful untouchable Hollywood elites, disregarding journalistic practices and ethics once befitting of the revered publication by using doctored and manipulated texts and intentionally omitting texts which dispute their chosen PR narrative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Times reporting that Nathan and Abel planted negative stories about Lively with the press was bolstered by one particular text exchange in which the two appear to take a victory lap following a Daily Mail story about Lively that slammed her tone deaf promotion of the film about domestic violence and resurfaced embarrassing interviews from her past. You really outdid yourself with this piece, Abel wrote, prompting Nathan to reply: Thats why you hired me right? Im the best. But in its full context, it appears as though Nathan and Abel are jokingly taking credit for a story that emerged organically. The Times story omits a Nathan text that preceded the exchange in which she says she was uninvolved in the storys publication. Damn this is unfair because its also not me, she wrote. The Times also clipped Abels use of the upside-down smiley face emoji, which is typically used to convey sarcasm. The Times story relied almost entirely on Livelys unverified and self-serving narrative, lifting it nearly verbatim while disregarding an abundance of evidence that contradicted her claims and exposed her true motives, the suit says. Livelys side of the story was laid out in an 80-page letter filed Dec. 20 with the California Civil Rights Department, which the Times used as the bedrock for its story. Unlike a lawsuit, CRD complaints typically remain confidential unless they are leaked. In its previous reporting on the subject, Variety was unable to confirm that Lively even filed a letter, with the department declining to comment on the case. Notably, Lively chose not to file a lawsuit against Baldoni, Wayfarer, or any of the Plaintiffs a choice that spared her from the scrutiny of the discovery process, including answering questions under oath and producing her communications. This decision was no accident, the complaint says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats apparently no longer true, as just after the publication of this story, Livelys attorneys said they had filed a federal complaint against Wayfarer Studios, Baldoni et al in the Southern District of New York. Unfortunately, Ms. Livelys decision to speak out has resulted in further retaliation and attacks. As alleged in Ms. Livelys federal Complaint, Wayfarer and its associates have violated federal and California state law by retaliating against her for reporting sexual harassment and workplace safety concerns. Now, the defendants will answer for their conduct in federal court, read a statement from her legal team. The suit refers to Baldonis unconscionable conduct and accuses Baldoni and his associates of breach of contract. The plaintiffs also contend that the Times reporters overlooked text messages indicating that Livelys camp may have been waging its own PR war against Baldoni preemptively. The [Times] article also deliberately ignores that Livelys publicist, Leslie Sloane (Sloane), of Vision PR, once backed by Harvey Weinstein, seeded stories critical of Baldoni, including that Baldoni was a sexual predator, ahead of the films release. The complaint also states that Nathans firm was made aware of Sloane planting an unfavorable, false and defamatory story about Baldonis Bahai faith to Page Six and also planted a false story alleging that there were multiple HR complaints during production. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Nathan and Abel have come under intense scrutiny for their PR practices following the Times story, the lawsuit maintains that they were carrying out standard industry practice, with the two women merely preparing for worst case scenarios (based on Lively and Reynolds prior behavior) [and that] no aggressive tactics (e.g., astroturfing) were ever employed. TAG maintained this defensive position throughout its engagement, verifying facts and correcting misinformation without retaliation. By filing a lawsuit, Baldoni, Nathan and Abel appear ready to see the full contents of their text messages and inboxes laid bare in a discovery process. Another allegation made by Lively centered on Heath showing her a video of his naked wife. The Times compounded its journalistic failures by uncritically advancing Livelys unsubstantiated claims of sexual harassment against Heath and Baldoni. [with the] CRD complaint even labeling [that] footage as pornography. This claim is patently absurd, the lawsuit says. The video in question was a (non-pornographic) recording of Heaths wife during a home birth a deeply personal one with no sexual overtone. To distort this benign event into an act of sexual misconduct is outrageous and emblematic of the lengths to which Lively and her collaborators are willing to go to defame plaintiffs. The suit adds that the video in question was shown to Lively as part of a creative discussion regarding a birthing scene in It Ends With Us. As for the allegation that Baldoni inappropriately described Livelys characters attire as sexy, the suit calls that exaggerated and misleading. Text exchanges between Baldoni and Lively that are included in the complaint show the actress using the word herself when she wrote that her characters clothing should be much sexier. Will show you both ways but beanie is much sexier, she wrote in what appeared to be her advocating for a particular wardrobe option. Lively set the tone, a tone that Baldoni respectfully heeded during the creative process, the suit says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Baldoni et al complaint marks the latest development in a sprawling saga that has already generated an earlier lawsuit filed by Baldonis former publicist Stephanie Jones against Abel. How Livelys team came to possess the trove of text messages that became the basis for the Times article was initially a mystery. Livelys attorneys confirmed to Variety that they obtained the correspondence via a subpoena to Jones PR firm Jonesworks. Still, it is unclear on what grounds Jones would have been required to turn over correspondence involving former client Baldoni or former employee Abel given that no lawsuit had been filed. It is hardly coincidence that all of the communications on which Lively and the Times now rely were purportedly produced by Jones company, Jonesworks, LLC, pursuant to subpoena. The propriety of this alleged subpoena is unverified and, at a minimum, highly questionable given Jones involvement and the means by which Jones first obtained these confidential communications, the complaint notes. Abel, a former employee of Jonesworks, was forced to relinquish her electronic devices when confronted by a Jonesworks security guard and attorney upon her separation from the company. The Times article states that before shooting on It Ends With Us began in 2023, Lively objected to sex scenes Baldoni wanted to add that she considered gratuitous. In response, Baldonis Wayfarer Studios agreed to provide a full-time intimacy coordinator. But todays lawsuit offers an alternate version of events. In one text message sent by Lively before production included in the suit, she indicates that she is in no hurry to meet with the films intimacy coordinator. I feel good. I can meet her when we start :) thank you though! Baldonis lawsuit also references notes from the intimacy coordinator [that] included a suggestion that perhaps Ryle [played by Baldoni] chooses not to orgasm after he satisfied Lily [played by Lively]. According to the complaint, Lively personalizes this and states, Id be mortified if that happened to me, to which Baldoni, following Livelys lead in what seemed like an attempt to connect and develop their characters, says, Im not sure about you but those have been some of the most beautiful moments with [my wife] and I. The lawsuit also pushes back on a major component of Livelys CRD complaint and the Times reliance on it for its story. Its a list of 30 items that were allegedly agreed upon during a January meeting that included Baldoni, Heath, Lively and Reynolds and a Sony executive. But todays lawsuit claims that no such document was ever presented to Baldoni, the Wayfarer team, or, to their knowledge, anyone else whether during that meeting or at any other time and therefore, could not have been agreed to. The suit adds: In reality, many of these items were encountered for the first time in the CRD Complaint itself and include references to highly disturbing events that never occurred. The repeated use of the phrase no more before each demand falsely suggests that these alleged incidents had previously taken place and needed to cease. This implication is not only misleading but entirely untrue. As for the meeting at Lively and Reynolds penthouse apartment in Tribeca, everyone was in shock by Reynolds outburst, the lawsuit claims. According to the lawsuit, one of the films producers who was present said that in his 40-year career he had never seen anyone speak to someone like that in a meeting, [while] the Sony representative mentioned that she would often think of that meeting and her one regret is that she didnt stop Reynolds berating of Baldoni. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in August, when coverage of a mysterious feud between Lively and Baldoni began to spiral on social media and in the press, Variety inquired of Sony whether any HR complaints had been filed against Baldoni during production and was told no. Ultimately, the film became a breakout box-office hit, earning $351 million worldwide despite a $25 million budget. The prospect of a sequel became increasingly unlikely given the bad blood between the two main players. But the drama appeared to have died down until late December, when the Times story hit. The Times reached out to the plaintiffs for an on-the-record response at 9:46 p.m. on a Friday night, just as the towns agencies and law firms had shuttered for the holiday break. The Times said it would require on-the-record responses 14 hours later. The story published roughly two hours earlier than that deadline. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Justin Baldoni sued The New York Times for $250 million on Tuesday over its defamatory reporting on his alleged smear campaign against Blake Lively. The It Ends With Us director and star is one of 10 plaintiffs on the libel and invasion of privacy suit, which along with publicists Jennifer Abel and Melissa Nathan accuses the paper of relying on cherry-picked and altered communications stripped of necessary context and deliberately spliced to mislead in its bombshell Dec. 21 report, We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by attorney Bryan J. Freedman and obtained and reviewed by TheWrap, came just shy of two weeks after Lively, Baldonis It Ends With Us co-star, filed a sexual harassment complaint against the director on Dec. 20, leading to an ongoing media frenzy and swift professional fallout for the accused. Baldoni was quickly dropped by WME, rescinded a prestigious recognition of allyship from a prominent womens nonprofit, dumped by his podcast co-host and more as Hollywood figures lined up behind Lively against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Times story relied almost entirely on Livelys unverified and self-serving narrative, lifting it nearly verbatim while disregarding an abundance of evidence that contradicted her claims and exposed her true motives, the suit, which also accuses the paper of promissory fraud and breach of implied-in-fact contract, says. But libel claims especially against a journalistic bastion like the Times are notoriously hard to win in court. And in the case of Baldoni and the Times We Can Bury Anyone report, the paper based its reporting on the findings and text messages included within the legal claim filed by Lively. And according to the Times, Baldoni and his camp have yet to specifically provide a single error in its reporting, despite the suits claims. In a statement to TheWrap, a New York Times spokesperson said that the role of an independent news organization is to follow the facts where they lead. Our story was meticulously and responsibly reported. It was based on a review of thousands of pages of original documents, including the text messages and emails that we quote accurately and at length in the article, the spokesperson continued. To date, Wayfarer Studios, Mr. Baldoni, the other subjects of the article and their representatives have not pointed to a single error. We published their full statement in response to the allegations in the article as well. We plan to vigorously defend against the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays lawsuit accuses Times reporters Megan Twohey, Mike McIntire and Julie Tate of misleading their readers to believe, based on Livelys own complaint, that Baldoni, his publicists, and co-plaintiffs Jamey Heath and Steve Sarowitz, who produced the film, orchestrated a retaliatory public relations campaign against Lively for speaking out about sexual harassment allegations that they claim are categorically false and easily disproven. The suit points to the storys defamatory headline We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine as encapsulating the Times intent to mislead. Whereas Livelys Dec. 20 claim alleges Baldoni and his crisis PR team helmed a smear campaign against the actress in a preemptive retaliation to her allegations of sexual harassment, Tuesdays lawsuit argues Livelys claims were false and themselves part of a strategic and manipulative campaign against Baldoni. The suit also claims that Livelys husband, Ryan Reynolds, came to blows with her co-star and director on set, accusing Baldoni of fat-shaming her, and later pressured WME to drop their client. All was an effort to assert unilateral control over every aspect of the production, the suit says echoing the widespread public assumptions made of Lively around the release of It Ends With Us and the beginning of Baldonis alleged crisis PR campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this vicious smear campaign fully orchestrated by Blake Lively and her team, the New York Times cowered to the wants and whims of two powerful untouchable Hollywood elites, disregarding journalistic practices and ethics once befitting of the revered publication by using doctored and manipulated texts and intentionally omitting texts which dispute their chosen PR narrative, Freedman said in a statement to TheWrap. In doing so, they pre-determined the outcome of their story, and aided and abetted their own devastating PR smear campaign designed to revitalize Livelys self-induced floundering public image and counter the organic groundswell of criticism amongst the online public. The irony is rich. Make no mistake however, as we all unite to take down The NY Times by no longer allowing them to deceive the public, we will continue this campaign of authenticity by also suing those individuals who have abused their power to try and destroy the lives of my clients. While their side embraces partial truths, we embrace the full truth and have all of the communications to back it. The public will decide for themselves as they did when this first began. Baldonis libel lawsuit against the Times is just the latest legal development in this It Ends With Us behind-the-scenes saga. On Dec. 24, Baldonis former publicist Stephanie Jones of Jonesworks sued the director, his production company Wayfarer Studios and currently publicist team Abel and Nathan for breach of contract. The post Justin Baldoni Sues NY Times for $250 Million Over Defamatory Reporting on Blake Lively Smear Campaign appeared first on TheWrap. Originally appeared on E! Online Justin Baldoni is taking legal action. Days after his It Ends With Us costar Blake Lively filed a complaint accusing him of sexual harassment and participating in a smear campaign against her, the actoramong a group of 10 plaintiffshas filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times for their Dec. 21 report, which centered around Lively's allegations. Bryan Freedman, the attorney who filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court Dec. 31 on behalf of the plaintiffs, told E! News in a statement that the NYT cowered to the wants and whims of two powerful 'untouchable' Hollywood elites, disregarding journalistic practices and ethics once befitting of the revered publication by using doctored and manipulated texts and intentionally omitting texts which dispute their chosen PR narrative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, the NYT said in a statement, We plan to vigorously defend against the lawsuit. The role of an independent news organization is to follow the facts where they lead, the statement read. Our story was meticulously and responsibly reported. It was based on a review of thousands of pages of original documents, including the text messages and emails that we quote accurately and at length in the article. While Lively's initial complaintwhich listed Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer, colleague Jamey Heath, publicist Jennifer Abel and "crisis communications specialist" Melissa Nathan, among others, as defendantswas filed with the California Civil Rights Department, Lively's legal team also filed a formal lawsuit against the parties in the Southern District of New York on Dec. 31. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the lawsuit against the NYT, attorneys for Lively told E! News, Nothing in this lawsuit changes anything about the claims advanced in Ms. Livelys California Civil Rights Department Complaint, nor her federal complaint, filed earlier today." "While we will not litigate this matter in the press, we do encourage people to read Ms. Livelys complaint in its entirety," the statement concluded. "We look forward to addressing each and every one of Wayfarers allegations in court. Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin / GC Images / Robert Kamau / GC Images Freedman, a lawyer for Baldoni and his production company Wayfarer Studios, previously denied Lively's complaint allegations, calling it another desperate attempt to fix her negative reputation. These claims are completely false," he continued, "outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In both of the Gossip Girl alum's complaintsCalifornia Civil Rights Department complaint and her federal complaintshe detailed a meeting that took place in January 2024 to address "the hostile work environment that had nearly derailed production." AFF-USA/Shutterstock According to the documents, obtained by E! News, parties present at the meeting, including Lively, husband Ryan Reynolds, Baldoni, as well as Wayfarer exec and producer Heath, among others, "discussed in detail the inappropriate conduct that Ms. Lively, her employees and other cast and crew experienced at the hands of Mr. Baldoni and Mr. Heath." Among those details, per the complaint, were "showing nude videos or images of women, including producer's wife" to Lively or her employees, no more "mention of Mr. Baldoni's or Mr. Heath's previous 'pornography addiction'" or mentioning actress' late father Ernie Lively. As a result of the discussion, all parties present agreed that the "conduct would cease." And filming was able to be completed the following month. Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images Lively's complaints also allege that the smear campaign has impacted her family, including her and Reynolds' four kids: James, 10, Inez, 8, Betty, 5, and Olin, born in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worst of all, however, has been the impact on their young children, who have been traumatized, the complaint notes, and emotionally uprooted in ways that have substantially impacted their well-being. There are days when she has struggled to get out of bed, and she frequently chooses not to venture outside in public, the docs add of Lively. While she has fought to maintain her personal life and business interests, behind closed doors she has suffered from grief, fear, trauma, and extreme anxiety." Keep reading to the stars who've spoken out following Lively's complaint... Colleen Hoover After Blake Lively filed a legal complaint against It Ends With Us costar and director Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment on the film's set and for later taking part in a smear campaign against herclaims that he has since denied via his lawyerColleen Hoover, who wrote the book that the movie is based on, shared a message to the actress. "@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met," Colleen wrote on her Instagram Stories Dec. 21. "Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robyn Lively Blake's sister, fellow actress Robyn Lively, also weighed in. "I urge everyone to read The NY Times article in its entirety," Robyn wrote on Instagram Dec. 23, referencing the NYT piece that details Blake's complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department. "It calls out those behind the ruthless and nefarious smear campaign that aimed to take down my sister." The Teen Witch star went on to note that it also "highlights" what Blake allegedly experienced on the set of It Ends With Us. Paul Feig Blake's A Simple Favor director also came to her defense, writing on X Dec. 22, "Ive now made two movies with Blake and all I can say is shes one of the most professional, creative, collaborative, talented and kind people Ive ever worked with. She truly did not deserve any of this smear campaign against her. I think its awful she was put through this." Amy Schumer The comedian showed her support for the Gossip Girl alum, writing on her Instagram Story Dec. 22, "I believe Blake." Gwyneth Paltrow Shortly after Blake's complaint was made public, the Goop founder shared a photo of The Town star's hair company, Blake Brown, on her Instagram Story, writing, "Just added to my Christmas wish list." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn & America Ferrera Blake's BFFs and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants costars penned a joint message, posted to Instagram Dec. 22, stating they "stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation." Bart Johnson Bart Johnson shared an impassioned defense of his sister-in-law in the comments section of a New York Times Instagram post detailing the filing and its own investigation into the behind-the-scenes turmoil. Her complained were filed during the filming, the High School Musical alum, who is married to Blake's sister Robyn, wrote. On record. Long before the public conflict. The cast unfollowed him for a reason. Read this article before spitting ignorance. His PR team was stellar. Gross and disgusting but highly effective. Read the article, their text message exchanges and his PR campaign strategy to bury her by any means necessary. No one is with out faults. But the public got played." He later added on X of Baldoni, "Hes a fraud. He puts on the 'costume' of a hero, man bun and all. Used all of the trendy catchphrases & buzz words for his podcasts. None of its genuine. Its all theater. And everyone fell for it. For years. Rewatch his videos with a more critical eye and watch him compliment and praise himself with faux humility and self deprecation. What a performance." Shawn Levy Ryan Reynolds' frequent collaborator Shawn Levy shared the New York Times investigation into the smear campaign on his Instagram Stories, writing, "Proud to call @blakelively a friend." Amber Heard Days after Lively's filing was made public, Amber Heard reflected on her own experience facing relentless vitriol online amid ex Johnny Depp's defamation trial against her. Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on, the Aquaman star expressed in a statement to NBC News Dec. 23. I saw this firsthand and up close. Its as horrifying as it is destructive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brandon Sklenar Brandon Sklenar, who played Blake's love interest Atlas Corrigan in It Ends With Us, had a simple, pointed message of support. Sharing a screenshot of the Gossip Girl alum's full complaint against Baldoni on his Instagram Stories Dec. 23, he wrote over a link to the text, "For the love of God read this." He followed up by tagging her with a heart emoji. Jenny Slate Jenny Slate, who played Baldoni's sister and Blake's BFF in the film, shared her thoughts on the "disturbing" allegations. As Blake Livelys castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation, Slate said in a Dec. 23 statement to Today. Blake is a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her. What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening," the Parks and Recreation alum continued. "I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side. Michele Morrone The actor, who stars alongside Lively in the upcoming sequel to A Simple Favor, sent his love to her on Instagram Story Dec. 23, adding that he felt her "pain" as they filmed together earlier this year. This story was updated on Jan. 1, 2025, at 8:21 a.m. PT to include The New York Times' statement. Justin Baldoni; Blake Lively - Credit: James Devaney/GC Images; Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Justin Baldoni is suing the New York Times after it published a story about Blake Livelys sexual harassment and smear campaign allegations against him. On Tuesday, Baldoni and nine other plaintiffs, including publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel sued the newspaper for libel and false light invasion of privacy, among other claims, over the article, and is seeking $250 million in damages. The Times story was based on a pre-lawsuit, California Civil Rights Department filing from Lively against the It Ends With Us director. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Article advances its false narrative by cherry-picking out-of-context (and in some cases doctored) private communications never intended for public disclosure or consumption to advance a highly inflammatory, one-sided narrative plainly designed to villainize Plaintiffs, reads Baldonis 87-page lawsuit, obtained by Rolling Stone and first reported by Variety. The new complaint accuses the Times of promissory fraud and breach of implied-in-fact contract. The Times story relied almost entirely on Livelys unverified and self-serving narrative, lifting it nearly verbatim while disregarding an abundance of evidence that contradicted her claims and exposed her true motives, the suit alleges. In a statement to Rolling Stone, a Times spokesperson defended the article as being meticulously and responsibly reported and based on thousands of pages of documents, texts, and emails we quote accurately and at length in the article. To date, Wayfarer Studios, Mr. Baldoni, the other subjects of the article, and their representatives have not pointed to a single error. We published their full statement in response to the allegations in the article as well, read the Times statement. We plan to vigorously defend against the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outlet added, in an updated statement on Jan. 2, that the reporters on the story sought comment from Baldoni and others, which included references to specific text messages and asked them to identify inaccuracies in the reporting. Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer and the other subjects chose not to have any conversations with The Times or address any of the specific text messages or documents and instead emailed a joint response, which was published in full, the updated statement added. Livelys attorneys addressed the Times lawsuit in a separate statement to Rolling Stone, stating: Nothing in this lawsuit changes anything about the claims advanced in Ms. Livelys California Civil Rights Department Complaint, nor her federal complaint, filed earlier today. Among the claims countered in Baldonis complaint is one where Livelys suit alleged to the Times that Baldoni repeatedly entered her makeup trailer uninvited while she was undressed, including when she was breastfeeding. In the lawsuit filed Tuesday, Baldonis attorney refers to purported texts sent by Lively in which she allegedly blamed her assistant for not sending her updated script pages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She didnt realize they were new, Lively allegedly wrote in a text to Baldoni, according to the suit. New pages can always be sent to me as well please. According to the complaint, Lively allegedly signed the text with an X, and in a follow-up message, wrote: Im just pumping in my trailer if you wanna work out our lines. The original Times story, which included alleged screenshots of conversations between Baldonis publicists, focused on claims of a smear campaign built against Lively online. In Baldonis suit, he accuses Lively of doing her own strategic and manipulative campaign and using false sexual harassment allegations to assert unilateral control over every aspect of the production. The lawsuit claims that Baldonis publicist Nathan was made aware of Livelys publicist planting an unfavorable, false and defamatory story about Baldonis Bahai faith to Page Six and a false story alleging that there were multiple HR complaints during production. Among the allegations in the lawsuit is one that Livelys husband Ryan Reynolds allegedly berated Baldoni during one encounter in New York and that Lively pressured his WME agent to drop him back in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baldonis attorney Bryan Freedman had warned about a coming lawsuit in a statement to People over the weekend, saying it was not a response or countersuit its a deliberate pursuit of truth. In a statement, Freedman claimed that the Times cowered to the wants and whims of two powerful untouchable Hollywood elites, disregarding journalistic practices and ethics once befitting of the revered publication by using doctored and manipulated texts and intentionally omitting texts which dispute their chosen PR narrative. Lively filed her own lawsuit in federal court today on Tuesday in the Southern District of New York, based on her original California Civil Rights Department complaint alleging retaliation by Wayfarer Studios and others in response to her bringing forward allegations of sexual harassment. Her attorneys claimed Baldonis suit against the Times was based on the obviously false premise that Ms. Livelys administrative complaint against Wayfarer and others was a ruse based on a choice not to file a lawsuit against Baldoni, Wayfarer, and that litigation was never her ultimate goal.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Livelys lawyers told Rolling Stone, As demonstrated by the federal complaint filed by Ms. Lively earlier today, that frame of reference for the Wayfarer lawsuit is false. Reps for Baldoni did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This story was updated on Jan. 2 at 7:30 p.m. ET to include an updated statement from the New York Times. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Justin Baldoni attends a benefit event in Beverly Hills in 2017. He's suing the New York Times over an article about allegations against him. (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press) In the latest twist in the "It Ends With Us" legal drama, director and actor Justin Baldoni has filed a lawsuit against the New York Times accusing the news outlet of publishing a "false and defamatory article" about his co-star Blake Lively's allegations against him. The complaint, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that the New York Times relied on "Livelys unverified and self-serving narrative" and disregarded "an abundance of evidence that contradicted her claims" in its Dec. 21 article on the lawsuit Lively filed. "Given the breadth of the article and the coordinated drop, it is readily apparent that The Times had been quietly working in concert with Lively's team for weeks or months," the suit states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lively has accused Baldoni of engaging in sexual harassment on the set of the Sony Pictures movie and mounting a smear campaign against her in the media. Baldoni's lawsuit, first reported by Variety, was filed Tuesday against the New York Times for libel, false light invasion of privacy, promissory fraud and breach of implied-in-fact contract. There are nine other plaintiffs in the suit, including several of Baldoni's publicists, It Ends With Us producers Jamey Heath and Steve Sarowitz and the production company behind the movie, Wayfarer Studios. They are seeking at least $250 million for damage caused to their reputation, work and well-being. A spokesperson for the New York Times said in a statement shared with the L.A. Times that the company stands by its journalism and intends to vigorously defend against the lawsuit in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Dec. 20, Lively filed a legal complaint against Baldoni accusing him, as well as a producer on the film, of inappropriate behavior including sexual remarks and physical touching without consent. Lively says she was pressured into performing more nudity than agreed upon. She also accused him of enlisting a crisis PR team to wage a retaliatory smear campaign against her. Read more: Blake Lively accuses director, co-star of 'It Ends With Us' of sexual harassment, smear campaign On Dec. 24, Baldoni's former publicist Stephanie Jones filed a lawsuit of her own, accusing the actors crisis PR team of working to undermine her and deflect blame for a smear campaign against Lively. The New York Times' article, headlined "'We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine," relied heavily on text messages between Baldoni and his PR team that were used as evidence in Lively's complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new lawsuit filed by Baldoni accuses the New York Times of cherry-picking texts, stripping them of context and deliberately splicing them to mislead readers. "If the Times truly reviewed the thousands of private communications it claimed to have obtained, its reporters would have seen incontrovertible evidence that it was Lively, not Plaintiffs, who engaged in a calculated smear campaign," states Baldoni's complaint. A spokesperson for the New York Times shared a statement with the L.A. Times saying its story was "meticulously and responsibly reported." "It was based on a review of thousands of pages of original documents, including the text messages and emails that we quote accurately and at length in the article," stated the spokesperson. "To date, Wayfarer Studios, Mr. Baldoni, the other subjects of the article and their representatives have not pointed to a single error. We published their full statement in response to the allegations in the article as well." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baldoni's lawsuit includes evidence presenting a counter-narrative to the portrayal of several of Lively's accusations that were included in the New York Times article. For example, the New York Times reported that Lively alleged Baldoni would enter her trailer on set without invitation while she was undressed or breastfeeding. Baldoni's complaint, however, includes text messages it says are from Lively inviting him to practice lines in her trailer while she was pumping. Baldoni also accuses the New York Times of failing to include key texts when discussing the smear campaign allegations. The lawsuit highlights a section of the article where the New York Times describes an exchange about an unflattering story about Lively that appeared in the Daily Mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Times included texts from publicists such as: "You really outdid yourself with this piece," but the lawsuit says the publication failed to include texts that hinted at sarcasm, such as, "Damn. This is not fair because its also not me." 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Two juveniles were injured after a shooting in the Mount Vernon neighborhood on New Years Eve. Authorities responded to the scene in the 400 block of Trevitt Street at 11:41 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the Columbus Division of Police. Officers found two juvenile victims suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims were transported to a local hospital and are expected to survive their injuries. The incident is under investigation and police are asking those with information to call 614-645-4141. 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A Kansas City man was sentenced this week for killing his wife in January of 2020. Jackson County Judge Sarah Castle on Monday sentenced 40-year-old Brandon Petsch to 21 years in prison. Earlier this month, Petsch pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder. An armed criminal action charge was dismissed. According to charging documents, a man called police on Jan. 11, 2020, and asked them to perform a welfare check at his sons home along West 98th Street near Wornall Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Independence replacing most bus service with rideshare starting January 1 That man told police he was concerned his son may try to take his own life. He also said that his son and daughter-in-law were not answering their phones, which caused more concern. According to the probable cause statement, the man who called 911 forced his way into the home and noticed blood. First responders found Petsch unresponsive in his bed. He was taken to an area hospital. Investigators also found a second person, later identified as Petschs wife, Georgia, dead in another bedroom and rolled up in an area rug. Georgia Petsch Officials also found two firearms at the scene and a 34-page handwritten note, which according to court documents was written by a male about his female spouse and the events that took place in their residence over an extended period of time that ended with her death at his hands. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. What should be a happy New Years Eve holiday comes with an appeal from police for safety. Kansas City police officers are reminding the public about the dangers of celebratory gunfire. The reckless practice of firing a gun into the air to celebrate has proven to be deadly at times. Street racing leads to deadly crash in south Kansas City New Years Eve is the first party-driven holiday since celebratory gunfire became unlawful in Missouri. Police officers across the Kansas City metro will have their eyes and ears open in case parties get out of control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, Show-Me-State lawmakers signed Blairs Law into effect, making it a more serious offense with stronger penalties for violators. Its passage comes as welcome news to the mother of a young victim of someone elses dangerous move during a party. 11-year-old Blair Shanahan Lanes memory is alive for her loved ones in Cass County. Shed be almost 25 years old if not for her untimely death in 2011. (Celebratory gunfire) is just not something you do, Michele Shanahan DeMoss, Blairs mother, said on Tuesday. DeMoss approaches New Years Eve 2024 with optimism. She celebrated on Aug. 28, when Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed Blairs Law into effect, making it unlawful in Missouri to fire a gun into the air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blairs family had worked for roughly a decade to make that happen. Lane was killed on July 4, 2011, when she was hit by random gunfire stemming from a nearby party. Aaron Sullivan, 50, was later convicted for the crime. He served three years behind bars for the offense. I hope anybody whos at a party realizes how stupid it is for somebody to have a gun. If youre having a party and theres alcohol, a gun shouldnt be there anyway, DeMoss said on Tuesday. But Blairs family, as well as metro police departments, are aware it will likely happen on New Years Eve. It did on January 1st, 2022, when Brandon Keith recorded action from his balcony at a Northland apartment complex. Numerous gunshots can be heard in his video clip. Keith said those shots came from partiers outside his home. I started hearing gunshots right after 12. Rapid fire gunshots, non-stop, Keith said. New Years Eve in Kansas City: 12 events to ring in 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keith called the police, and waited, amid worries one of those falling shells would hurt someone, or perhaps pierce his homes walls or roof and kill him. When you watch the news, and you hear of homicides or property damage, and all this stuff. Theres no need for it, Keith told FOX4. 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. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said Tuesday she was still in the process of reviewing a report released by an advisory board for the Jackson County Prosecutors Office that called for the firing of an officer who killed three people and faces other excessive force allegations. The report released by Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker Friday in the waning days of her time in office was crafted based on the work of prosecutors office staff and a community advisory board that examined the killing of 47-year-old Donnie Sanders and other police shootings in recent years. The report called for the department to fire Blayne Newton, who fatally shot Sanders in 2020, to ensure that this officer no longer poses a risk to public safety, and also made a handful of other policy and training recommendations for police and prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newton was not charged in the shooting. Among those recommendations were limiting pretextual stops, discouraging officers from foot pursuits and establishing a liaison officer to assist families of people killed by officers. At a year-end press conference Tuesday, Graves said she had not yet read the 55-page report and said she wanted to spend some time giving thoughtful reflection to it. She said she was made aware of the report in mid-December, and at one point was sent a couple of points to review, but said she did not have a role in its writing. False narratives When asked about a lengthy section of the report critical of false narratives it said had been pushed by police, Graves said she would have to review the report, but said it was dangerous to say that officers are involved in false narratives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think a broad statement of saying that officers provide false narratives is concerning, she said. I think thats concerning to say that about the men and women that dedicate their lives and their service to the people of Kansas City. I work amongst them and they are dedicated to the betterment and safety of Kansas City. The report pointed to the 2013 shooting of Ryan Stokes and the 2019 killing of Cameron Lamb by officers in the department, and the false narratives the report said police pushed in the wake of those shootings. A renewed focus should be placed on maintaining an independent and neutral investigative team and identifying ways to enhance that process, the report said. It can be appropriate to provide an early briefing to the public of the officer-involved shooting in consultation with the prosecutor similar to how these partners would manage a mass shooting in their communities. Only trusted and vetted information can go out and concern must be clearly and equally shared for both the officer and the victim of the shooting. Prosecutor-elect Melesa Johnson told reporters she found immense value in the work of community advisory boards, and said she planned to continue to employ one as she takes office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am fully committed to keeping that entity and relying on them to evaluate different instances and things in our community as a form of checks and balances for my administration, she said. I would like to see more direct engagement with the departments in question and make sure that we are having those conversations directly about proposed changes that could be made to different policies and training protocols. The Stars Robert Cronkleton contributed reporting to this story. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for extension of One-time Special Package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate beyond the NBS subsidy at the rate of Rs 3,500 per MT for the period from January 1 this year till further orders to ensure sustainable availability of DAP at affordable prices to the farmers. The tentative budgetary requirement for above would be approximately upto Rs. 3,850 crore. Briefing reporters after a meeting of the union cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that farmers will continue to get DAP at Rs 1,350 per 50 kg bag, which costs more than Rs 3,000 in other countries. "This package will cost about Rs 3,850 crore... Since 2014, PM Modiji has ensured that farmers do not have to bear the brunt of market fluctuations... Fertiliser subsidy from 2014-24 was Rs 11.9 lakh crore which is more than double the subsidy given from 2004-14," he said. According to an official release, 28 grades of P&K fertilizers are made available to farmers at subsidized prices through fertilizer manufacturers/importers. The subsidy on P&K fertilizers is governed by the NBS Scheme with effect from April 1, 2010. "Continuing topmost priority in keeping farmers' welfare in firm focus, Government of India has extended a massive relief to farmers in keeping the price of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer unchanged. In spite of geo-political constraints and volatility of global market conditions, Government kept its commitment towards farmer-friendly approach by ensuring availability of DAP to farmers at affordable prices for Kharif and Rabi 2024-25," the release said. The Cabinet in July 2024 had approved a one-time Special Package on DAP beyond the NBS subsidy @ Rs 3,500 per MT from April 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024, with an approximate financial implication of Rs 2,625 crore. The Cabinet in its meeting held today has approved extension of the Special Package on DAP with approximate financial implication upto Rs. 3850 crore. With this, the total amount of special package approved for DAP since April 2024 would be more than Rs. 6,475 crore to ensure availability of DAP at affordable price to farmers. (ANI) 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. Editors note: This story contains graphic details of violence. Newly filed court documents detail the gruesome scene investigators discovered when a Kansas City woman was found dead in her Martin City apartment the day after Christmas, hours after her 16-year-old daughter reported she heard sounds of a confrontation between the woman and her boyfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eddie Jerome Covington Jr., of Kansas City, faces charges in the killing of Tiffany Chrisman. The probable cause statement laying out an initial case against Covington also raises questions about the response by Kansas City police, who failed to enter Chrismans apartment in their initial stop there about six hours before her body was found. Prosecutors charged Covington with second-degree murder and armed criminal action Friday in Jackson County Circuit Court. A judge ordered that he remain in custody without bond. On Thursday, he was also charged in Clay County with aggravated fleeing a stop or detention and first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle. Late Wednesday, on Christmas Day, Kansas City police responded to the initial report from Chrismans daughter. She said there had been a disturbance in the apartment that had become physical and that her mother told her to run from the residence in the 900 block of East 134th Street. Police did not enter the apartment after attempts to contact someone there were unsuccessful, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chrismans boyfriend, Covington, was first arrested Thursday on less serious charges and released from police custody on a promise to appear in court. Shortly after his release, he was found at a bus stop early Thursday next to the Kansas City Police Departments Metro Patrol Division, police said. He was then booked on an investigative hold for the murder, according to court documents. Court records dont list a defense attorney assigned to Covingtons cases. In an email Monday, Sgt. Phil DiMartino, a KCPD spokesman, declined to answer questions from The Star seeking clarity about why officers did not enter Chrismans apartment based on the initial call. He also would not comment on why Covington was briefly released from custody, saying police were still investigating. An argument allegedly leads to violence In a news release about the homicide Thursday, Kansas City police only noted their follow-up visit to the womans apartment early that morning, after a friend went to her home to check on her and found blood. Police responded to the apartment again and found Chrismans body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But police first responded to the apartment the night before around 10:40 p.m. Wednesday after Chrismans teenage daughter ran from the apartment when she heard sounds of a confrontation coming from a bedroom and heard her mother telling her to run, according to court documents. She told police later that she was staying at the apartment with her mother and Covington for Christmas. One person told police Chrisman was a property manager at the site. The teen said the two adults had been in an argument and went into a back bedroom where she heard sounds indicating the confrontation had become physical, a police detective wrote in court documents. After being told by her mom to run, the girl said she fled the apartment and called someone in Iowa for help. The identity of that person is redacted in court documents. Officers responded to the apartment but said no one answered the door or responded by phone. The detective wrote that officers didnt enter the apartment at that point, saying the door was secured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers were unable to determine a crime had occurred or sounds of a disturbance, the detective wrote. Several hours later, early Thursday morning, Chrismans body was found inside the apartment, according to court documents. A friend who had prior permission to be in the apartment responded with a key to check on Chrisman, the detective wrote. The friend found blood inside and called police, who arrived around 4:30 a.m. and found Chrismans body with a severe laceration. Police said her neck was mostly severed. A kitchen knife covered in blood was also found in the apartment. A few hours later during an interview with police, Chrismans daughter said she had spent Christmas with her mother and Covington, and at one point that afternoon, the adults had argued and Covington was told he needed to leave. The girl heard the sounds of a commotion coming from a bedroom and could hear her mother yelling and pleading, a detective wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the girl went to the room to check on her mother, she saw Covington look back at her from inside the room before he shut and locked the door, court documents said. She said she then heard her mother tell her to run, the detective wrote. Vehicle tracked, suspect arrested and released Before Chrismans body was found, an apartment manager contacted police and told them a vehicle associated with Chrismans apartment and equipped with a GPS tracking system had been missing, but was located in Dearborn, north of Kansas City, according to the detective in court documents. Police responded and attempted to stop the vehicle in Platte County, but the driver refused to stop. Police pursued the vehicle, but eventually stopped the pursuit. They then found it in Clay County with the assistance of the tracking system. Covington was found near the vehicle hiding behind a dumpster and was taken to the Kansas City Police Departments Metro Patrol Division, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially, he was arrested on charges of tampering with a stolen vehicle and felony eluding and for a pair of city warrants, a detective wrote, noting that the tampering and eluding charges were rescinded, and he was booked on the city warrants. He was released on a signature bond. When officers discovered Covington, who was now a suspect in Chrismans killing, had been allowed to walk free, police began canvassing the area around the patrol division. Covington was found nearby at a bus stop at the intersection of 75th Street and Prospect Avenue around 4:45 a.m., police said. He was then booked on an investigative hold for a murder charge. Covington did not give a statement to police and requested an attorney, according to court documents. An amazing human A GoFundMe established by a friend raising money for Chrismans children had drawn more than $5,000 in contributions as of mid-day Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Never did I think I would ever be the one to start a GoFundMe but here I am, Cat Smith, who described herself as a close friend, wrote on the page. Today my best friends life was taken, stolen from her children, her family, and her friends. Tiffany was an amazing human who would do anything to help someone in need. Now she is the one in need. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly designated Jan. 9 as a day of mourning and that flags be flown at half-staff until Jan. 28 to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at age 100. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA Gov. Laura Kelly signed an executive order declaring a day of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter and she directed flags throughout the state be flown at half-staff. The governor said state of Kansas offices would be closed Jan. 9 in observance of funeral services for Carter in Washington, D.C., and in conjunction with the National Day of Mourning authorized by a proclamation signed by President Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly said state government offices in Kansas would resume normal operations Jan. 10. The governor said flags in Kansas would be at half-staff until sunset Jan. 28. Former President Jimmy Carter was a truly moral man, Kelly said. 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. Biden directed the U.S. flag be displayed at half-staff at the White House, on public buildings and grounds, at military posts and naval stations, and 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. Carter, the 39th president, a peanut farmer and recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, died Sunday at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the Kansas Supreme Court directed that state courts close Jan. 9 to observe Carters death. No oral arguments were scheduled that day with the state Supreme Court or Kansas Court of Appeals. The Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka will be closed. Supreme Court justices granted the states 31 judicial districts the discretion to conduct court proceedings Jan. 9 if they are in the best interest of justice. Anyone scheduled to be in state court on that date should check with the court to verify whether the proceeding will take place. An Indiana school bus driver is accused of operating her bus while drunk, with more than 30 students on board. The accusations against Kayla Pier, 38, date back to September 20, when the LaPorta County Sheriff's Office alleges that students on a bus she was driving began making reports "regarding the driving behaviors and mannerisms of Pier." The LaPorte Community School Corporation said in a Facebook post that students "demonstrated exceptional judgment and courage by reporting concerning behavior from their driver to school administrators." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident was reported to police on October 21, after the school corporation received a toxicology report that Pier had submitted, the sheriff's office 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. La Porte County Sheriff's Office Kayla Pier Kayla Pier Pier was removed from the bus by officials and resigned the same day, the sheriff's office said. She was arrested after surrendering to police on Dec. 27, following a months-long investigation. Pier was charged with "operating while intoxicated and neglect of a dependent," according to the sheriff's office. It is not immediately clear if she pleaded guilty or if she has retained an attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courageous students aboard the bus who reported the behaviors of the accused are publicly commended," police captain Derek Allen said in a statement. "Their attention to detail and prompt actions may have prevented a tragedy from occurring." Read the original article on People Kinetic is offering a $10,000 reward to solve copper thefts in the area. The service provider will award the money to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of people involved in copper thefts on its lines. Kinetic Spokesperson David Faggard shared that copper theft is a pressing issue for Kinetic and other service providers at this time, as the value of copper is subject to market fluctuations and is currently higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, though the value has increased, Faggard noted that the profit is still a relatively small amount of money considering how challenging the task of stealing it is. According to Faggard, the cutting of telecommunications cables in Manchester recently led to an outage effecting over 50 residential and business customers throughout the area on Christmas day. Services impacted include phones, internet, and televisions. Thieves must remember that vandalizing or stealing telecommunications cables is not a victimless crime, Faggard said on the matter. This crime impacts the very same people who reside in the community. From loved ones to first responders, the direct community impact is significant. The Kinetic team encourages residents to report promptly, urging them to be on the lookout for unusual activities near telecommunications infrastructure, such as unmarked vehicles parked near cables or utilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Criminals will not have proper identification or proper company logos. We ask that residents and businesses be on the lookout for suspicious behavior, especially at night. All Kinetic utility trucks, equipment, and people will be badged, and vehicles will be marked, said Jason Dudley, director of operations. Reporting suspicious activity early on can prevent potential safety hazards, such as exposed wires or downed lines, as they can be addressed sooner. Dudley urged, If it looks suspicious, report it. If you see something, say something. To report suspicious activity, residents may contact local authorities, such as the Laurel County Sheriffs Office and London Police Department, or Kinetic at 1-855-268-2211, Option 1. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the New Orleans terror suspect who died in a shootout with police after allegedly killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens more in a vehicular New Years attack, had had previous run-ins with police. On Wednesday, the FBI issued a statement confirming that 42-year-0ld was a U.S. citizen, that the truck was a rental, that an ISIS flag was on the vehicle and that IEDs and weapons were in the vehicle. Newsweek reported that the Houston, Texas, resident, a former U.S. Army reservist, was charged with misdemeanor theft in 2002 and driving with a suspended license in 2005. The outlet also reported that one of his two wives obtained a temporary restraining order against him, but no date is mentioned. A new FBI statement confirms details on the New Orleans attack: Suspect is 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar U.S. citizen Ford truck was rented ISIS flag was on the vehicle IEDs and weapons were in the vehicle pic.twitter.com/1Wgd6b17gN AG (@AGHamilton29) January 1, 2025 Little is known about Jabbars politics, except that he was registered as a Democrat in 2012, when he lived in North Carolina. His Texas voter registration has no party affiliation, according to Newsweek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FBI special agent Alethea Duncan said on Wednesday that investigators do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible for the attack. We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates, she added. According to CBS News, the FBI is examining surveillance video to see if Jabbar had accomplices who helped him place IEDs on the scene. The Associated Press reported that footage showed three men and a woman placing the explosives. Jabbar was declared dead after exchanging gunfire with the New Orleans Police Department, according to an official statement. Two officers were hit by gunfire but were listed as being in stable condition. Although Jabbars LinkedIn page has since been deleted, portions of if have been shared on social media, as has a video, in which Jabbar identifies himself as a property manager at Blue Meadow Homes of Howe, Texas, which appears to be part of The Midas Group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TheWrap reached out to the company and has not been able to verify the veracity of the video, although Newsweek reported that it dates back to 2020. Politico journalist Jacqueline Sweet shared ghost remnants to X from Jabbars LinkedIn profile before it was deleted. His current job was listed as Information Technology Team Chief at U.S. Army Reserve, with past jobs including Data Entry Clerk at United States Postal Service. According to Sweet, Jabbar earned a Bachelors of Business Administration from Georgia State University and graduated from Fort Gordon NCO Academy with a Bachelors Degree. Following the deadly attack, the Sugar Bowl, which is traditionally held in New Orleans on New Years Day, was postponed to Thursday. The post What We Know About New Orleans Terror Suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar appeared first on TheWrap. Law enforcement sources have identified Shamsud-Din Jabbar as the man who drove a truck into crowds on New Orleans' Bourbon Street early Wednesday, killing at least 10 and injuring at least 30 others. The attacker He is 42 years old and from Houston, law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times. He served in the U.S. Army, according to the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the news media. Few details about his military record were immediately available. The FBI said at a news conference that he was honorably discharged. Alethea Duncan, the FBI assistant special agent in charge for New Orleans, said investigators believe Jabbar was not solely responsible for the the attack and are looking for other possible associates. The FBI is working to determine the subjects potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations, she said. He drove a Ford pickup truck that had an Islamic State flag on it, Duncan said at the news conference. Local media in Houston said authorities were swarming a Harris County property apparently linked to him. The Houston Chronicle reported he worked in the real estate industry. On a video on YouTube, Jabbar said he was born in Beaumont, Texas, and worked in human resources and information technology while in the Army. He described himself as a property manager and real estate agent. Read more: Driver expressed desire to kill before ramming New Orleans revelers, Biden says; 15 dead in attack The attack Bourbon Street was packed with New Year's revelers when Jabbar arrived. It was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to run over as many people as he could, said New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick. New Orleans police said he was able to evade some barriers installed on the street by driving onto the sidewalk. Some "potential" improvised explosives were found at the scene, authorities said. After the vehicle stopped, the driver emerged and opened fire on responding officers, police said. Officers returned fire, killing him, the Associated Press reported. Law enforcement sources told The Times he was wearing body armor and had a long gun. More than 30 people were wounded, many critically, and the death toll is likely to rise, according to authorities. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Read more: Heightened security, moment of silence mark Rose Parade following Louisiana terror attack Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. President-elect Donald Trump has boasted on social media about taking over Greenland, making Canada the 51st state, and wresting control of the Panama Canal. His expansionist rhetoric has worried allies but elated enemies, with Russians viewing the statements as evidence that Trump isnt opposed to foreign wars of conquest, as is the Kremlin, despite what he has otherwise stated. To Russian President Vladimir Putins top propagandists, Trumps statements have revealed that he would blithely invade a country unable to fight back, according to Julia Davis, an observer of Russian media and columnist at The Daily Beast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elect would expect a victory parade, like after Russias 2014 seizure of Crimea from Ukraine, which Trump called genius and savvy. Putin tried and failed to take the whole of Ukraine in 2022, with Kremlin insiders believing that Trump only disapproved of the war because it grew in length and cost. The top Kremlin supporters in Russia believe that Trump can be convinced to back Russias expansionist goals if Putin gets a chance to influence him. Theyre strongly opposed to the notion of negotiating with Trumps Ukraine envoy, retired Lieutenant-General Keith Kellogg. The ultimate scenario for them would be to make the Russian invasion of Ukraine appear legitimate, and the recognition of their territorial requirements. They view Trumps statements about Greenland, Canada, and Panama as validating Russias current and future acquisitions. Host Dmitry Kiselyov of Vesti Nedeli, or The Weekly News, used part of his Sunday broadcast to outline American expansionism under Trump. President-elect Donald Trump speaks during Turning Point USA's AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center last week in Phoenix, Arizona. Russian propagandists believe his expansionist statements are helpful to Putin (Getty Images) Trump isnt joking. He is determined to expand American territorial possessions. Personally, I am convinced that he will succeed, said Kiselyov, according to a translation by Davis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump will grab strategically important parts of the world for America ... What is funny is to see whether anyone in the Old World will try to sanction the United States in response to its territorial expansion. This is when we will find out how principled the lovers of sanctions truly are, he added. Think about it. If Trump gets away with all of this, inspired by his success, he might look at the rest of the globe, focus on vulnerable spots, and keep going. Where will he stop? Doesnt it mean that others can do the same? Kiselyov asked. Pundits on The Evening With Vladimir Solovyov spent most of last Thursdays broadcast celebrating how the world will change under Trump. Trump politely announced that the U.S. will be expanding its borders, Soloyov pointed out, though many in the U.S. would take issue with politely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrey Lugovoy is a member of the State Duma and was involved in the lethal poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko. He noted on the program: It feels like we spent the last four years in Bidens madhouse and now were gradually transitioning to Trumps circus, though he added that its unclear if Trump is joking when he speaks about Canada, Greenland, and Panama. These are awesome statements! No, he is not joking ... of course he isnt joking! Solovyov responded. Do you think Im kidding when I say that Finland, Warsaw, the Baltics, Moldova, and Tallinn should come back home? Do you think Im joking? No! They should all rejoin the Russian Empire. Followed by Alaska, by the way. Give it back. The way he is rationalizing it is tremendous. We should follow his example and quietly take everything back, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lugovoy indicated how Trumps takeover threats should embolden Russias violent aggression in the Ukraine. My friends, Trumps insane statements show that there should not be any ceasefire. Why would we need a ceasefire when were confidently moving forward? Lugovoy asked. Solyov added: By taking Canada, Trump is basically saying, Russians, you can take the Baltics. He underscored: I believe that what Trump is doing benefits us greatly. Trump is totally destroying any illusions that anyone might have still had about the summit of democracies, about respecting the opinions of NATO allies. Professor Dmitry Evstafiev argued that with his approach of geographical enlargement Trump has buried the entire collective West. There is no collective West, and it will never be united again. Military expert Mikhail Khodaryonok said in the wake of Trumps statements about Canada, Greenland, and Panama, we can now consider special military operations as the norm for resolving arguments between countries. HILO, Hawaii (KHON2) KTA Super Stores is opening their first stand-alone pharmacy in Hilo at Ka Waena Lapaau Medical Center. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The KTA Pharmacy, Ponahawai, will offer services including prescription transfers, immunizations, diabetes management classes, meals and other personal items. The pharmacy was built with community service as their goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our local communitys health has always been a cornerstone of KTAs mission, said Megan Arbles, director of pharmacy operations. KTA Pharmacy, Ponahawai, expands on that legacy by offering not only essential pharmacy services but also a space to promote healthy living through educational and local collaboration. Big Island Mayor Kimo Alameda outlines priorities for islands future The location of the new pharmacy is surrounded by doctors offices, laboratory services and a radiology clinic, allowing for patients to complete all of their healthcare tasks in one trip. The locations convenience further supports the health of Hilos community by creating a more accessible healthcare hub, Arbles said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are four in-store pharmacies across the Big Island. This new stand-alone pharmacy will expand KTAs dedication to providing healthcare options to underserved areas of the island. Our team is excited to provide a space where health and wellness meet convenience, backed by the trusted service KTA is known for, said Necole Miyazaki, leader of the new pharmacy. KTA Pharmacy, Ponahawai is located at 670 Ponahawai Street, Suite 211 in Hilo. The convenience store will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the pharmacy being open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments for services can be booked through the KTA Pharmacy app. 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. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) recorded an extraordinary 129 per cent year-on-year growth in sanctions, amounting to Rs 31,087 crore, while disbursements surged by 41 per cent to Rs 7,236 crore, as per the provisional Q3 figures for FY 2024-25. IREDA Chairman and Managing Director Pradip Kumar Das addressed employees via video conferencing on the New Year's Day on Wednesday and emphasized IREDA's untiring commitment to renewable energy financing. He highlighted IREDA's leadership in driving market innovations, by offering first-to-market support for green ammonia, and pumped storage hydropower projects as well as de-centralized generation projects under solar rooftop and PM KUSUM. Highlighting expansion efforts, Das mentioned the provisional registration of IREDA's wholly owned subsidiary at GIFT City, aimed at promoting green hydrogen and renewable energy equipment manufacturing through foreign currency financing. He also shared details about the in-principle approval received to establish a retail subsidiary. This subsidiary will focus on handling retail business under the PM-Suryaghar (Rooftop Solar) and PM-KUSUM schemes, as well as emerging B2C segments in renewable energy, including electric vehicles, energy storage, green technologies, and energy efficiency, an official release said. "As per provisional Q3 figures, he underlined IREDA's stellar performance, surging 129 per cent year-on-year to Rs 31,087 crore and disbursements up 41 per cent to Rs 17,236 crore. The outstanding loan book grew 36 per cent reaching Rs 69,000 crore. Cumulatively, IREDA has sanctioned over Rs 2.39 lakh crore and disbursed more than Rs 1.52 lakh crore," the release said. Das also recapped IREDA's key milestones from the past year, including attaining Navratna status, receiving an international sovereign-equivalent BBB-(Stable) rating from S&P Global, and maintaining domestic AAA ratings. He noted IREDA's record-setting publication of FY23-24 financial results in just 19 days and hosting India's earliest AGM on June 24, 2024, the release said. Additionally, IREDA has been recognized as one of the top five wealth creators in India for the period November 2023 to November 2024, securing the prestigious second position by the leading business newspapers, the release said. Notably, it is the only public sector enterprise on this top five wealth creators list. Das praised the employees for their commitment and dedication, urging them to continue driving innovation and excellence in India's green energy mission. He also extended his appreciation to the family members of IREDA employees, acknowledging their crucial role in supporting the workforce behind the company's success. Wishing all employees Happy New Year, he encouraged them to strive for even greater accomplishments in 2025. (ANI) Bryan Mann, an associate professor at University of Kansas, led research that found growing student diversity in predominantly white suburban schools but more racial isolation among students of color in urban schools from 2000 to 2022. (Screen capture from University of Kansas) TOPEKA Scouring of 2000 and 2020 U.S. Census Bureau reports and national school enrollment data revealed predominantly white suburban districts became more integrated and the isolation of students of color in urban districts intensified during the 20-year span. Researchers at the University of Kansas School of Education and Human Services said the findings could assist professionals or politicians keen to address inequities in educational opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the biggest findings is suburban districts, which are typically viewed as white-flight districts, are clearly seeing more diversity. But students of color in urban districts are seeing more isolation, said Bryan Mann, associate professor of education leadership and policy studies at KU. Typically, conversations about equity and equality focus on urban areas, Mann said. I think its important that we dont just consider inequality as an urban issue. Work by Mann and colleagues showed the proportion of suburban districts with 90% white student enrollment declined from 91.3% in 2000 to 80.2% in 2020. More than 56% of majority-white districts experienced 10% growth among students of color over the two decades. Meanwhile, researchers said, the roster of urban districts with 90% or more students of color expanded from 8.6% in 2000 to 16.7% in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study, co-written with KU doctoral students Daniah Hammouda and Ryan Fitzpatrick, was published in the journal American Educational Research Association Open. The central objective was to better understand how school demographics and segregation changed in the first two decades of the 20th century. In Kansas and other states, a portion of white families transitioned to suburban districts following the landmark 1954 school desegregation decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. White flight was a direct challenge to the Supreme Courts conclusion that separating children in public schools based on race violated the U.S. Constitution. The KU study explored Census data to compare the demographic makeup of communities with ethnic and racial data from schools. With an assist from geographic information system technology, the KU researchers connected data to a map so it could be analyzed for patterns or relationships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the researchers relied on a technique that held school district boundaries consistent during the 20-year period. All data in the KU study was associated with elementary school districts. It didnt include information from Tennessee, Alaska and Hawaii because data to make comparisons wasnt available. Mann said the study could be useful to individuals striving to understand the makeup of U.S. schools and develop policy to help students gain better access to equitable educational opportunities. There are different reasons in different states for changing demographics, but it is happening nearly everywhere, he said. This can motivate more research that can break out the data into more detail. We know these patterns are happening for a lot of reasons, and I think examining them further will be the next big step in educational research. Los Angeles County officials are set to vote on a motion to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100. L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger and Supervisor Hilda Solis have introduced the motion to declare Thursday, Jan. 9, a countywide day of mourning. President Joe Biden previously called for a National Day of Mourning on that day; all federal offices will be closed out of respect for the longest-living president in U.S. history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion introduced by Barger and Solis aligns with the federal observance and the countys honoring of late President George H.W. Bush with a similar action in 2018. A man of rare character: California and national politicians remember Jimmy Carter If passed, all non-emergency and non-essential county offices, agencies and entities will close on Jan. 9, which allows for area residents and L.A. County employees to reflect on Carters contributions to the nation. All essential services including public safety and emergency operations will not close. President Jimmy Carters lifelong commitment to public service, human rights and global peace exemplified the highest ideals of leadership, Barger said in a press release. Its fitting that Los Angeles County joins the nation in paying tribute to the extraordinary legacy by observing a day of mourning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board is set to vote on the motion at their upcoming meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7. 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. Ollie, a labradoodle, died when he was 9 months old, two months after being mauled at a pet care facility in Massachusetts. He was the inspiration for Ollies Law, a new state statute designed to protect pets in kennels. Business owners worry the regulations may be too expensive. (Submitted by Amy Baxter) The death of Ollie, a 9-month-old labradoodle mauled at a Massachusetts pet care facility in 2020, led the state this October to enact the stringent Ollies Law, tightening regulations on the care and housing of pets at boarding and training kennels. The new Massachusetts law mandates the timely reporting of such incidents to local authorities. It also empowers state regulators to come up with new rules that may require that dogs be housed with similarly sized animals and not be left without human supervision, as Ollie was, according to his owner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few other states including Colorado and Iowa have regulations in place, but most states rely on local rules or have no regulations at all for pet care facilities, according to Jeremy Cohen, an attorney who founded Boston Dog Lawyers. His firm represents pet owners in cases ranging from custody in a divorce, to injury and wrongful deaths, to defense of dogs that bit someone. (He did not represent Ollies owner, who did not file a suit.) Opponents of new regulations say the rules may make it more expensive to operate the facilities and could hurt small businesses. Facing such opposition, recent legislative efforts to tighten rules have failed to advance in other states, including Kansas and Washington. That leaves some pet owners without assurances that the facilities they trust to care for their pets are operating under certain standards, said Cohen, who pushed for the new Massachusetts law. Pet owners dont know until something happens, he said. And they are shocked to find out there are no regulations. (Pet care facilities) can stay under the radar until something happens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the situation facing Ollies owner, Amy Baxter. She dropped off Ollie, who was 7 months old, at a doggie day care center in East Longmeadow and later received a call that her pet had been hurt in a dog fight, she said in an interview. The center, which she said was unlicensed and which has since closed, did not notify local authorities of the incident nor immediately take Ollie to a vet. He died two months later after multiple surgeries. Baxter, a former legislative aide in New York state, gathered a coalition of pet owners, kennel operators and animal protection groups and spent several years lobbying the Massachusetts legislature for new rules. Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Maura Healey signed Ollies Law in October. The law, which goes into effect Thursday, limits the number of dogs that can be cared for in a single facility and requires recordkeeping, inspections and reporting of pet injuries and deaths. The precise rules on staff-to-animal ratios, dog group sizes and supervision, emergency planning, minimum housing and care requirements, and staff training and insurance will be written by the states Department of Agricultural Resources over the next 18 months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Humane Education Society said the Massachusetts law sets a new standard in kennel regulation and safety for pets. In an interview, Baxter said the most important part of the new law is that pet injuries are now required to be reported to the local licensing authority and that investigation results be made publicly available if enforcement action is taken. If I hadnt gone to the police, no one would have heard of Ollie, she said. There should never be just one employee at a facility, she argued. If one worker is at the front desk taking payments, whos in the back taking care of the animals? Its an animal protection issue, its a consumer protection issue, its also an employee protection issue. Linda Wood, operator of Pawsitively Pets, a pet care facility in Bolton, Mass., and Emmet, a mini-labradoodle she cares for. (Submitted by Linda Wood) Extra staff and precautions cost money, and pet kennel owners are concerned about how the new rules will affect them, said Linda Wood, owner of Pawsitively Pets boarding and day care center in Bolton, Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wood, who has owned her business for 20 years, said she fully supports the new law because it will give animal control officers better guidance on how to inspect facilities, as well as require training for kennel employees, such as the courses she provides her own workers. Kennels that dont measure up are dangerous, she said. She limits the number of animals she takes at one time. But, she added, the extra steps will be costly for pet boarding facilities and owners. They are going to have to hire more employees. This will make it difficult for business. The prices are going to have to go up. Its necessary, but how is the public going to handle it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breeder concerns The American Kennel Club, which represents dog breeders, is skeptical of new regulations such as the Massachusetts law, which it says would impede breeders. The bill originally included new rules for breeders, but after pushback from the group, lawmakers stripped that part and the organization dropped its opposition to the legislation. Kennels care for customers dogs intermittently, while breeding operations raise puppies to be sold. In a statement to Stateline, Phil Guidry, the American Kennel Clubs director of policy analysis, said that while it is important that pets in day cares and kennels get proper care, including personal breeder kennels under the bill was unnecessary and went too far. The original legislation could have allowed inspectors into breeders homes and attempted to limit the number of dogs breeders own, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Colorado, state regulations set cage dimensions and worker-to-dog ratios and requires facility license holders to be trained, among other provisions. The Iowa kennel regulations require specific recordkeeping on all animals housed at the kennel and lay out standards of cleanliness. For dog day care centers, the rules require, among other things, that dog owners sign a waiver acknowledging that grouping dogs together involves inherent risks. Safety costs Recent efforts to tighten pet boarding regulations failed in other states. Argo, Wallaby and Paluka check out the snow from the windows at Pawsitively Pets in Bolton, Mass. (Submitted by Linda Wood) In Washington state, the cost of the new safety measures was one of the issues raised at a legislative hearing on a bill that would have required a fire alarm system or a sprinkler system in kennels but that didnt make it out of committee this year. The bill had been filed after two separate fires at Seattle dog day care and boarding facilities in 2023, during one of which a dog died after it ran from the burning kennel and into traffic on Interstate 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire safety experts and animal activists supported the bill. But Sam McEntire pointed out at the hearing that the fires happened at two locations of the same business, and suggested that the problem is not widespread. I dont think anyone would oppose having some standards and safety measure systems, but some of these would devastate small-business owners having to implement hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of systems to these buildings, he testified, adding that while the state doesnt have a lot of regulation of this industry, cities and counties do. The bill died in committee in January. Its lead sponsor, Democratic state Rep. Darya Farivar, may reintroduce it next year. In Kansas, a 2022 bill that would have regulated dog kennels and breeders died in committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, the Kansas Pet Animal Advisory Board, an arm of the state Agriculture Department, considered new safety regulations designed to make pet boarding and day care facilities safer. A family in Olathe had lost both their dogs while boarding them at a kennel called Lucky Paws KC. In that case, two small dogs, a Pomeranian mix and a mini-labradoodle, were killed after being put in an outdoor area with more than a dozen large dogs. An employee was inside the facility with a door propped open to monitor conditions outside, according to KCTV. Instead of passing new rules, though, the advisory board instead decided to increase education efforts on the current rules, said Heather Lansdowne, communications director for the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The concerns would best be addressed by increased education and enforcement, Lansdowne said. Thats better than additional regulations, which can sometimes be burdensome in a way that backfires and causes problems for the good facilities. She said the department would be sending out reminders to kennels that they should house dogs of similar sizes together and monitor their behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of that is, how do you help those facilities work through decisions about which pets can be housed together? she said. You have to understand animal signs and signals. Stateline, a States Newsroom affiliate, produced this report. LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) Several people were injured in a gunfight in Lafayette that included an officer-involved shooting early New Years Day, authorities said. Lafayette Police Department responded at approximately 2:30 a.m. Wednesday to the 2100 block of NE Evangeline Thruway following reports of multiple gunshots. Upon arrival, an officer encountered two groups of individuals actively exchanging gunfire. The officer discharged their firearm in response to the threat, officials said. Several people were transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the incident. State Police said the person shot by police was taken to a local hospital for treatment, where they remain in stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Louisiana State Police has been asked to conduct an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Lafayette Police Department, the Louisiana State Police or Lafayette Crime Stoppers at (337) 232-TIPS (8477). You can also submit tips anonymously through the following channels: Download the LPD App and use the Submit a Tip feature. Download the P3 Tips Mobile App. Dial TIPS (8477) from your mobile device. The incident remains under investigation. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A new year means new laws taking effect in Tennessee. While some are already being challenged, others could have a big impact on some of the problems we face here in Memphis, especially when it comes to landlord issues. Problem properties in Memphis have been front and center, even for state lawmakers like Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis). We constantly get complaints where people are saying, listen, you know Im having these horrible issues, and I cannot get in touch with a landlord, or we have code enforcement saying, we have people who are out of compliance, and we dont know who owns this property, and theyre renting it, Akbari said. But a new Landlord/Tenant Transparency law taking effect in 2025 will make in clearer who owns property and how to reach them. (See full text of House Bill 1814) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It says contact information for property managers, owners and maintenance services must be given to potential renters before they sign a lease. Thats whats needed to make sure the properties in Memphis are one livable and are up to code. And also it helps beautify the city, said state Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis). New TN laws going into effect at start of new year One controversial new Tennessee law is already being challenged in court, after a federal judge said it may be unconstitutional: The Protect Tennessee Minors Act requires people to upload a photo I.D. and verify their age hourly to access pornographic websites. (See text of House Bill 1614) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its designed to keep kids from accessing adult sites, but a federal judge says it raises privacy concerns and First Amendment rights. I think we just have to have a balance between violating that persons privacy rights and also making sure that people are protected, Akbari said. Other laws would require more alcohol training for servers and bartenders, require social media companies to verify the age of those who sign up for accounts and allow a doctor to write a 12-month prescription for someone who wants to get birth control or contraception. Thats something that myself and Karen Camper passed, Akbari said. Thats really important for women who are dealing with a host of issues, or its more difficult for them to get to a doctor. But the new year will also mean back to unresolved issues, like holding those who commit crimes accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had some partial successes legislatively with the community terrorism bill, Rep. G.A. Hardaway (D-Memphis) said. It passed out of the House, but it got sidetracked in the Senate. We are gonna run that again. 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. EAST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) New Years Eve is here, a time to celebrate the last year and look forward to the next. One East Lansing bar has big plans to welcome in the new year. A buffet, and were gonna do a champagne toast at midnight, also were doing some live music here as well so it should be pretty exciting, says Rudy Richmond, assistant general manager of Jolly Pumpkin. This is our first year being open for New Years Eve, so its kind of exciting for us. New Years Eve isnt just a big day for the customers. Richmond says his business counts on the day in a financial sense, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Actually, this is usually the last hurrah before January starts because of everybodys New Years resolutions, says Richmond. This is our one to put in the bank, big night to put in the bank, so we try to do what we can. (WLNS) (WLNS) While there will be plenty of partying, thats not everyones cup of tea. Some prefer a quieter celebration. I do not like going out, and Im not going out in this weather definitely, says Ash Gregg, an East Lansing resident. My plan is to stay in, eat a bunch of junk food and then pass out at midnight. For those who are planning on braving the elements, having a good time is ok, but drunk driving isntand the Lansing Police Department will be cracking down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So we are going to have increased patrols on New Years Eve, specifically to address people that are driving under the influence, to make sure that those who make those poor decisions are gonna be held accountable, says Rob Backus, chief of the Lansing Police Department. Richmond agrees that safety comes first. You dont ever wanna start a new year off with like a tragedy or anything like that so its always nice to plan ahead, says Richmond. Our thing is we want everybody to have a safe, fun time and that includes getting home as well. If youre planning on drinking, use a ride-share app like Uber or Lyft to get home, or have a designated driver. 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 WLNS 6 News. Las Cruces couple dead after alleged murder-suicide EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) is investigating an alleged murder-suicide after a couple was found dead inside their home. LCPD said a local couple was found dead at about 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29 in their home at the 4000 Block of Gila Trail. Evidence suggests the incident was a murder-suicide, LCPD said. LCPD said the male suspect, Dennis Wyatts, was 77 and the female victim, Renate Wyatts, was 83. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LCPD did confirm the couple died to injuries sustained from a gunshot wound. The incident is still under investigation. This is a developing story and we will update once we learn more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A father was arrested for allegedly fatally stabbing his son with a kitchen knife and the weapon was found behind an ice cooler outside their Las Vegas apartment, according to police. On Dec. 22, at around 1 p.m., the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to a report of an unresponsive man with apparent stab wounds to the chest near Pebble Road and Maryland Parkway. Medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but Nelson Garcia-Leon was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said upon arrival, officers discovered a fifteen-inch kitchen knife with visible blood outside the apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 4 p.m., the LVMPD reported that detectives conducted an audio interview with Garcia-Leons girlfriend. She stated she had been dating Garcia-Leon for one month but knew him and his father, Juan Garcia-Hernandez, 81, for a longer period. The girlfriend recounted that before Garcia-Leons passing, she had briefly gone to the store and returned home to start cooking. Afterward, she took a shower and was in her room getting dressed while listening to music. She said she did not hear anything unusual during that time, according to documents. When she exited her room, she saw Garcia-Leon standing near the kitchen and acting strangely. She then noticed he appeared to have blood coming from his chest. Rushing toward Garcia-Leon to provide aid, she asked Garcia-Hernandez about the knife on the ground. Police said Garcia-Hernandez reportedly told her that Garcia-Leon had fallen on the knife and injured himself. The girlfriend said she tried calling 9-1-1 four times but accidentally dialed an extra number each time, according to the arrest report. She eventually called a friend to contact 9-1-1. She also told police that Garcia-Hernandez who was doing nothing to help, was instructed to get help, prompting him to leave the apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police interviewed Garcia-Hernandez, he claimed that Garcia-Leon had been drinking, leading to an argument. Documents said he told his son to stop drinking due to recent brain and liver surgeries, for which doctors had advised against alcohol. Police said according to Garcia-Hernandez, he called for help when Garcia-Leon collapsed. He claimed that he and the girlfriend moved Garcia-Leon to his bedroom. Garcia-Hernandez said he left the apartment to seek help and went to the office multiple times, but it was closed, police said. He then found a neighbor which he brought to the apartment, where they called the police after seeing Garcia-Leon. Police said when questioned about an injury to his nose and the blood on it, Garcia-Hernandez claimed he had hit a tree branch three days earlier. However, police noted inconsistencies in his account, including where he was before Garcia-Leons collapse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if he had accidentally stabbed Garcia-Leon, Garcia-Hernandez denied it, police said. Police said the neighbor who called 9-1-1 explained that Garcia-Hernandez said his son fell on a knife and was bleeding, but that Garcia-Hernandez didnt seem stressed at all, according to court documents. Police determined that there was reasonable evidence to believe Garcia-Hernandez had used a knife to harm Garcia-Leon. Police said the bloodstained knife was found outside the apartment, hastily hidden behind an ice cooler. Additionally, police records showed that Garcia-Hernandez had been arrested on May 18, 2024, for assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence. During that incident, multiple videos captured him threatening and chasing people with a kitchen knife, according to documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia-Hernandez was arrested and charged with open murder with the use of a deadly weapon, court records 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. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) The New Years Eve holiday is one of the busiest times of the year for law enforcement officers. People are going to be celebrating, said Johnson City Police Officer, Nicholas Lyons. DUIs are one of our big things, we try to keep impaired drivers off the streets. An increase of traffic is expected in downtown cities as people come out to celebrate the start of 2025, because of this reason, more officers will be out patrolling the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will have an increase of patrols throughout the year and throughout the holidays because of the campaign of booze and lose it, said Lyons. Were going to have a lot of officers out here doing patrols, specifically looking out for impaired drivers. Bristol Virginia Patrol Officer Josh Glover said they are trained to see the signs of impaired drivers. We have to go through pretty intensive training as far as how to detect DUI or possible DUIs and thats not just alcohol, Its also, you know, narcotics as well, said Glover. I feel like the police department here, at least in Bristol, Virginia, does a pretty good job of catching them and then taking care of them before they get to be fatal accidents, things like that. Law enforcement officers encourage everyone to enjoy the holidays but to do it safely. 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. The Assam government signed MoUs with the State Bank of India (SBI) and Union Bank of India (UBI) to provide insurance benefits to state government employees. During a state cabinet meeting held in North Lakhimpur, the State Finance Department was authorized to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) to provide zero-premium insurance coverage to all permanent or regular employees of the state government, totaling over four lakh employees. The Finance Department soon after discussed with all the SCBs to identify the best options for the employees. As a first step, the Finance Department has signed MoUs with the State Bank of India (SBI) and Union Bank of India (UBI). Under this arranegment, the state government employees will get benefits at zero cost that includes minimum Rs 10 lakh for Term Life Insurance (coverage for employees in the event of natural death, including death due to illness or accident), minimum Rs 1 crore for accidental death, upto Rs 1 crore for Permanent Total Disability, upto Rs 80 lakh for Permanent Partial Disability, minimum Rs 2 crore for Air Accidental Insurance (coverage for employees in case of death due to an air crash). Additionally, health insurance will be available at highly affordable rates for those employees who chose to avail the same from these banks. The Terms and Conditions will, however, be decided by the banks. Employees can submit an application form to the nearest branch of their current bank or any other empaneled bank where they are maintaining their salary bank accounts. They must also ensure that their accounts are categorized as salary accounts by updating their passbooks at the nearest branch. The MoUs will be effective forthwith, and a detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SoP) are being issued to ensure smooth roll out of these MoUs and maximum benefits to the employees. The Treasury Officer of each district headquarters will serve as the Nodal Officer for coordination and grievance redressal, liaising with banks, ensuring smooth implementation of salary benefits, and assisting with claim submissions. Further, each empaneled Bank will nominate a Nodal Officer. The contact details of such Nodal Officer will be included in the SOP issued by the Finance Department. A quarterly report on case status and disposal will be submitted to the Finance Department for timely resolution. (ANI) TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) A new year means new laws on the books. In 2024, Florida legislators passed laws covering everything from kids and social media to property taxes. Legislators at the statehouse in Tallahassee battled some hot topics in 2024 from social media bans to public safety issues. And with nine bills going into effect on Jan. 1, it leaves the question if all nine will cross the finish line. Here are 5 hot-button laws taking effect in 2025 The new laws that will kick off the new year deal with issues like financial protections for vulnerable adults and party affiliations for Florida voters. Individuals were having their registration changed whether it was Democrat or Republican to NPA without their knowledge, said State Sen. Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 135 looks to fix the error, requiring a voters consent in writing before any future party changes can happen. Along with a number of other bills set to be enacted, only half of House Bill 3 will be the law of the land come 2025. Another Florida state representative switches from Democrat to Republican Signed by the Governor, House Bill 3 aims to ban social media accounts for children 13 and younger, requiring parental permission for 14- and 15-year-olds. For children under 16, to protect them, create a place for them to be kids, and to grow up without some of the harm that is being placed on these platforms, said Former House Speaker, Paul Renner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first part of the bill will take effect on New Years Day. That part requires age verification to protect Florida minors from adult content online. However, the second part of the bill, dubbed the social media ban for kids, is held up due to lawsuits and legal challenges. We think that the government should not be in charge of telling families what media they are and are not allowed to consume. Thats one reason why we, alongside CCIA, have sued against this law to stop it from taking effect, said Robert Winterton, Vice President of Public Affairs Netchoice. St. Pete hospital welcomes first baby of the new year Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netchoice, an organization championing online freedom awaits the Feb. 28 hearing on the issue. That will decide whether the law will be enforced. As we ring in the new year, not all bills meant to go into effect will. Half of House Bill 3 still needs to be taken up by the judge. NEW LAWS THAT WILL TAKE EFFECT 2025 HB 3: Online Protections for Minors SB 184: Impeding, Threatening, or Harassing First Responders HB 135: Voter Registration Applications HB 267: Building Regulations HJR 7017: Annual Adjustment to Homestead Exemption Value SB 7054: Private Activity Bonds SB 892: Dental Insurance Claims SB 556: Protection of Specified Adults SB 362: Medical Treatment Under the Workers Compensation Law 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. (Getty Images) NEW ORLEANS At least 10 people were killed and 35 injured early Wednesday after a pickup truck tore through Bourbon Street where crowds were celebrating the arrival of the new year. The driver of the truck was killed after a shootout with police in which two officers were wounded, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said. It was very intentional behavior, Kirkpatrick said. This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could. It was not a DUI situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police officers who were shot were taken to a local hospital and were in stable condition, according to the police chief. At around 3:15 a.m., the driver of the truck steered around a police barricade at Canal Street meant to keep vehicles off of Bourbon Street and sped into a crowd, Kirkpatrick said. It appears the truck was able to travel three blocks before colliding with a lift vehicle near Conti Street. He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did, the police said. Bollards that rise from the street are installed along and near Bourbon Street, but it wasnt immediately clear whether they were deployed on the stretch in question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI is leading the investigation and looking into what they believe to be improvised explosive devices, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan said. The federal agency is investigating the incident as a possible act of terrorism. An eight-block stretch of Bourbon Street remains closed to traffic, and some hotels in the French Quarter have been evacuated as a precautionary measure, WVUE-TV Fox 8 is reporting. The public is being asked to avoid a large portion of the historic neighborhood, which typically sees crowds larger than typical weekends for New Years Eve. Hospitality and service industry employees reporting for work Wednesday morning were being turned away from cordoned-off areas. New Orleans is hosting fans of the University of Georgia and Notre Dame for the Sugar Bowl, scheduled for Wednesday night at the Superdome. Representatives with the event have said they are speaking with local, state and federal authorities to keep apprised of developments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city will also host Super Bowl LIX in early February. Cantrell said she has contacted Gov. Jeff Landry and the White House to inform them about the incident. A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning, Landry posted on X. Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene. The NOPD is asking anyone trying to connect with family who they believe were in the area to call 311, and not 911, for more information. This story is republished from the Louisiana Illuminator, a sister publication to the Kentucky Lantern and part of the nonprofit States Newsroom network. Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies work the scene on Bourbon Street after at least 10 were killed when a person allegedly drove into the crowd in the early morning hours of New Year's Day 2025 in New Orleans. (Michael DeMocker/Getty Images) NEW ORLEANS The death toll from a suspected terror attack on Bourbon Street was updated to 15 Wednesday afternoon after a pickup truck tore through Bourbon Street where crowds were celebrating the arrival of the New Year in the early hours of the day. The number of people killed was increased from initial reports of 10 after the Orleans Parish Coroners Office confirmed additional fatalities with local hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another 35 people were injured, some of them critically, according to authorities. The driver of the truck, who the FBI identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar of Texas, was killed after a shootout with police in which two officers were wounded, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said. The NOPD officers who were shot were taken to University Medical Center and were in stable condition, according to the police chief. She said the same facility is also treating 26 of the injured people, and the remainder have been taken to other local hospitals. Weapons and a potential IED, or improvised explosive device, were founding inside the truck, and an Islamic State flag was placed atop a pole on the trucks trailer hitch, according to the FBI. More updates For the latest information from New Orleans, visit the website of South Dakota Searchlights fellow States Newsroom outlet, the Louisiana Illuminator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At around 3:15 a.m., the FBI said Jabbar steered whats believed to be a rental truck around a police barricade at Canal Street meant to keep vehicles off of Bourbon Street and sped into a crowd. The truck sped through nearly three blocks before colliding with a lift vehicle near Conti Street. He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did, Kirkpatrick said. Alethea Duncan, the FBIs assistant special agent in charge for the New Orleans district, said it is believed Jabbar did not act alone, and agents are looking into possible accomplices. A small fire at a house in the St. Roch neighborhood, about 2 miles away from the French Quarter, is being investigated in connection with the terror attack, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill told WDSU-TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Joe Biden addressed the New Orleans terror attack Wednesday evening in a nationwide broadcast from Camp David. He vowed to provide all federal resources necessary to assist in the investigation. Jabbar posted videos on social media mere hours before the attack indicating he had been inspired by ISIS, Biden said the FBI informed him. The Bourbon Street incident is not believed to be connected to the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, the president said. A person inside the vehicle was killed and seven people nearby were injured. Law enforcement officials in Las Vegas have yet to label the explosion a terrorist act but said late Wednesday they have not ruled out a possible link to what occurred in New Orleans. Police there consider it an isolated incident. They have determined the name of the person killed but are not releasing it yet. Some victims identified One of the people killed has been identified as 18-year-old Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux of Gulfport, Mississippi, The Times-Picayune reported. She had accompanied her cousin and friend to the French Quarter for New Years Eve, her mother said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KLFY-TV in Lafayette has confirmed that Martin Tiger Bech, 28, also died in the terror attack. Bech is a graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic High School who played football at Princeton University. His brother Jack, who played for LSU before transferring to Texas Tech, confirmed his death in an X post. Reggie Hunter, 37, of Baton Rouge was also among the fatalities, WAFB-TV reported. The father of three made a last-minute decision to travel to the French Quarter with his cousin, who was also struck by the truck and injured. Nicole Perez, 27, of Metairie was also killed. The Times-Picayune reported she was the mother of a 4-year-old son and was recently promoted to a manager at the deli where she worked. Protective bollards werent deployed Steel bollards that can block vehicle access were installed along and near Bourbon Street in 2017 to protect pedestrians, but they were not deployed and are in the process of being replaced according to the citys Department of Public Works website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said the bollards were being replaced in advance of the Super Bowl, which New Orleans will host Feb. 9. Kirkpatrick said police vehicles were in place at the bollard sites, but Jabbar was able to drive on the sidewalk around those barriers. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. Bomb squad personnel were seen entering the French Quarter, where the FBI said other potential explosive devices were located. Several small booms were heard blocks away, which City Council members said were controlled detonations to clear possible IEDs. An eight-block stretch of Bourbon Street remains closed to traffic, and some hotels in the French Quarter have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. The public is being asked to avoid a large portion of the historic neighborhood, which typically sees crowds larger than typical weekends for New Years Eve. Hospitality and service industry employees reporting for work Wednesday morning were being turned away from cordoned-off areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Orleans is hosting fans of the University of Georgia and Notre Dame for the Sugar Bowl. The college football playoff quarterfinal was scheduled for Wednesday night at the Superdome, but the game has been postponed until 3 p.m. Thursday. Landry said he planned to attend the Sugar Bowl, emphasizing the event will be held safely, and he will order flags at state buildings flown at half staff in memory of the lives lost Wednesday morning. University of Georgia President Jere Morehead confirmed on social media that a student. from the school was critically injured in the attack and is receiving medical treatment. Multiple news sources reported the Superdome was locked down Wednesday morning for a security sweep. The venue will also host Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a news conference Wednesday afternoon in New Orleans, Gov. Jeff Landry said he has signed an executive order to declare an emergency in order to expedite state resources to New Orleans to assist local and federal investigators. A military police company of 100 soldiers from the Louisiana National Guard is also being assigned to New Orleans, the governor said. Texas authorities respond Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick confirmed that Jabbar has been living in the Houston area, the Texas Tribune reported. In a statement, the FBIs Houston office said it was conducting law enforcement activity with the Harris County Sheriffs Office near the intersection of Hugh Road and Crescent Peak Drive, the north Houston intersection where Jabbars most recent known address was located. Last update: 7:17 p.m. Central, 1/1/25 This story was originally published by Louisiana Illuminator. Like South Dakota Searchlight, its part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com. At least 10 people were killed and 35 injured when a pickup truck was driven into a crowd on Bourbon Street early Jan. 1, 2025, near the intersection of Conti Street. (Photo by Theron Sapp/Courtesy WVUE-TV) NEW ORLEANS The death toll from a suspected terror attack on Bourbon Street was updated to 15 Wednesday afternoon after a pickup truck tore through Bourbon Street where crowds were celebrating the arrival of the New Year in the early hours of the day. Another 35 people were injured, some of them critically, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the truck, who the FBI identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar of Texas, was killed after a shootout with police in which two officers were wounded, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said. The NOPD officers who were shot were taken to University Medical Center and were in stable condition, according to the police chief. She said the same facility is also treating 26 of the injured people, and the remainder have been taken to other local hospitals. Weapons and a potential IED, or improvised explosive device, were founding inside the truck, and an Islamic State flag was placed atop a pole on the trucks trailer hitch, according to the FBI. At around 3:15 a.m., the FBI said Jabbar steered whats believed to be a rental truck around a police barricade at Canal Street meant to keep vehicles off of Bourbon Street and sped into a crowd. The truck sped through nearly three blocks before colliding with a lift vehicle near Conti Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did, Kirkpatrick said. Alethea Duncan, the FBIs assistant special agent in charge for the New Orleans district, said it is believed Jabbar did not act alone, and agents are looking into possible accomplices. A small fire at a house in the St. Roch neighborhood, about 2 miles away from the French Quarter, is being investigated in connection with the terror attack, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill told WDSU-TV. President Joe Biden addressed the New Orleans terror attack Wednesday evening in a nationwide broadcast from Camp David. He vowed to provide all federal resources necessary to assist in the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bourbon Street incident is not believed to be connected to the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, the president said. A person inside the vehicle was killed and seven people nearby were injured. Law enforcement officials in Las Vegas have yet to label the explosion a terrorist act but said late Wednesday they have not ruled out a possible link to what occurred in New Orleans. Police there consider it an isolated incident. They have determined the name of the person killed but are not releasing it yet. Some victims identified One of the people killed has been identified as 18-year-old Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux of Gulfport, Mississippi, The Times-Picayune reported. She had accompanied her cousin and friend to the French Quarter for New Years Eve, her mother said. KLFY-TV in Lafayette has confirmed that Tiger Bech, 28, also died in the terror attack. Bech is a graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic High School who played football at Princeton University. His brother Jack, who played for LSU before transferring to Texas Tech, confirmed his death in an X post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reggie Hunter, 37, of Baton Rouge was also among the fatalities, WAFB-TV reported. The father of three made a last-minute decision to travel to the French Quarter with his cousin, who was also struck by the truck and injured. Protective bollards werent deployed Steel bollards that rise from the street were installed along and near Bourbon Street in 2017 to protect pedestrians, but they were not deployed and are in the process of being replaced according to the citys Department of Public Works website. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said the bollards were being replaced in advance of the Super Bowl, which New Orleans will host Feb. 9. Kirkpatrick said police vehicles were in place at the bollard sites, but Jabbar was able to drive on the sidewalk around those barriers. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. Bomb squad personnel were seen entering the French Quarter, where the FBI said other potential explosive devices were located. Several small booms were heard blocks away, which City Council members said were controlled detonations to clear possible IEDs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An eight-block stretch of Bourbon Street remains closed to traffic, and some hotels in the French Quarter have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. The public is being asked to avoid a large portion of the historic neighborhood, which typically sees crowds larger than typical weekends for New Years Eve. Hospitality and service industry employees reporting for work Wednesday morning were being turned away from cordoned-off areas. New Orleans is hosting fans of the University of Georgia and Notre Dame for the Sugar Bowl. The college football playoff quarterfinal was scheduled for 7:45 p.m. Wednesday night at the Superdome, but the game has been postponed for 24 hours, Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley said. Landry said he planned to attend the Sugar Bowl, emphasizing the event will be held safely, and he will order flags at state buildings flown at half staff in memory of the lives lost Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement University of Georgia President Jere Morehead confirmed on social media that a student. from the school was critically injured in the attack and is receiving medical treatment. Multiple news sources reported the Superdome was locked down Wednesday morning for a security sweep. The venue will also host Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9. At a news conference Wednesday afternoon in New Orleans, Gov. Jeff Landry said he has signed an executive order to declare an emergency in order to expedite state resources to New Orleans to assist local and federal investigators. A military police company of 100 soldiers from the Louisiana National Guard is also being assigned to New Orleans, the governor said. Texas authorities respond Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick confirmed that Jabbar has been living in the Houston area, the Texas Tribune reported. In a statement, the FBIs Houston office said it was conducting law enforcement activity with the Harris County Sheriffs Office near the intersection of Hugh Road and Crescent Peak Drive, the north Houston intersection where Jabbars most recent known address was located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story was updated at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 1, 2025 with new details. Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com. Police cordon off the intersection of Canal Street and Bourbon Street in New Orleans. - Credit: AFP via Getty Images At least 15 people have died and dozens have been injured after a truck struck a crowd of revelers early on New Years Day in New Orleans. The suspect officials have described as trying to run over as many people as he possibly could after driving a vehicle into a crowd during New Years celebrations, has been identified as Texas resident Shamsud Din Jabbar. Jabbar, 42, was an army veteran, authorities said. Officials also announced that the federal government is now in charge of the investigation, which they are investigating as a terrorist act. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible. We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates. Thats why we need the publics help, FBI New Orleans special agent-in-charge Alethea Duncan said during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon. An ISIS flag was located on the trailer hitch of the vehicle. The FBI is working to determine the subjects potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations, weapons, and potential improvised explosive devices, Duncan added. IEDs [improvised explosive devices] were located in the subjects vehicle, other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter. As of now, two IEDs have been found and rendered safe. The death toll rose on Wednesday evening from early reports of 10 to 15 people killed, according to an official statement from New Orleans Coroner Dr. Dwight McKenna, via CNN. More than 30 others were injured in New Orleans after a vehicle was purposely driven into a crowd during New Years celebrations, per authorities. In a statement on its website, the City of New Orleans confirmed the mass casualty incident involving a vehicle that drove into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street. After driving into the crowd, the suspect opened fire and shot two police officers, who are in stable condition at a local hospital. The FBI confirmed this morning that the driver responsible is now dead, according to NBC, and the agency will investigate the crime as an act of terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do know that the city of New Orleans was impacted by a terrorist attack, Mayor LaToya Cantrell said at a morning news conference. Anne Kirkpatrick, superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department, said the suspect, who drove a pickup truck, traveled down Bourbon Street with the intent of causing mass casualties. He was hellbent on creating carnage, Kirkpatrick said, adding that the suspect drove around barricades meant to stop cars from entering the area. This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could. It was not a DUI situation, she said. Both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump made statements on the incident. I am grateful for the brave and swift response of local law enforcement in preventing even greater death and injury, Biden said. I have directed my team to ensure every resource is available as federal, state, and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat of any kind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Truth Social, Trump called the crime an act of true evil and railed against criminals crossing the border. When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true, Trump said. The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before. Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department. The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil! This article was updated to include the name of the suspect, per authorities, details about the ongoing investigation, and the coroner confirming 15 people have died as of Wednesday evening. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. UPDATED, with new death toll The FBI has identified the driver of a Ford pickup truck who rammed the vehicle through New Years Day crowds along New Orleans Bourbon Street. The coroner said that 15 people were killed, per the AP, and authorities said more than 30 people were injured. The driver, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen from Texas, is now dead, the FBI said. He also was a U.S. Army veteran and the FBI believes he was honorably discharged. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weapons and a potential improvised explosive device were located in the vehicle, and other potential IEDs were located in the French Quarter the FBI said. Federal law enforcement is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. An ISIS flag was located on the vehicle, and the FBI is working to determine the subjects potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations, the FBI said. The FBI is seeking information and video on a tip line, as they suspect that he had one or more associates who helped him carry out the attack. We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible, Alethea Duncan, FBI assistant special agent in charge, told reporters this afternoon. We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Images of the scene showed authorities surrounding a white Ford F-150 pickup truck that crashed into a fork lift after it was driven through the crowd. At about 3:15 a.m., a man drove a pickup truck down Bourbon Street at a very fast pace, and it was very intentional behavior, said New Orleans Police Department Supt. Ann Kirkpatrick. This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could. It was not a DUI situation. This is more complex and more serious based on the information we have right now. She said that the driver went around police barricades, and that he was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The perpetrator fired on New Orleans officers from his vehicle when he crashed his vehicle, Kirkpatrick said. Law enforcement returned fire, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Two officers were shot and they are in stable condition, she said. She said that more than 300 officers were deployed in the area last night. President Joe Biden was briefed this morning on the news, and said that the FBI has taken the lead on the investigation. I have directed my team to ensure every resource is available as federal, state, and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat of any kind, Biden said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president said that my heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nations communities. He later was asked whether the suspect was foreign or domestic, but told reporters, Im not going to say anything until I get all the facts. He said that his reaction upon hearing about the attack was one of anger and frustration. All of the broadcast networks went to special reports along with cable news coverage, pushing lighter segments from morning shows. Lester Holt will anchor NBC Nightly News from Los Angeles this evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was some confusion earlier in the day, as New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the incident as a terrorist attack to reporters, but The FBIs Duncan initially appeared to dismiss that claim. The incident took place just hours before the start of the Sugar Bowl at the citys Superdome. On NBC News, a witness, Jimmy Cothran, described seeing eight bodies that had been mowed over, as he and others were in lockdown in a nightclub. One man had tired tracks across his back and stomach. The incident quickly drew comparisons to a vehicle attack on a Christmas market last month in Magdeburg, Germany. A suspect, a psychiatrist from Saudi Arabia with a history of anti-Islamic rhetoric, was arrested, but Germanys interior minister said this week that they cannot jump to conclusions as to a motive, according to Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the drivers identity was publicly released, President-elect Donald Trump weighed in with his own conclusions on Truth Social, writing, When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true. The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before. Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department. While media attention has spotlighted brazen acts of violence over the past year, the most recent FBI statistics showed the crime rate falling in 2023, while New Orleans reported significant drops in violent crime, outpacing other cities. Fox News had reported that the truck used in the attack had crossed the border two days ago, but later revised that piece of reporting to say that the truck was in the border town of Eagle Pass, TX in mid-November, while the suspect is believed to have rented the vehicle via the Turo app, per The New York Times. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The megastar's presence was a special moment for his fans who celebrated the arrival of 2025. Meanwhile, other celebrities also took to social media platforms to extend their New Year wishes to fans. Earlier on 12 December, Rajinikanth celebrated his 74th birthday, with an outpouring of love from fans and fellow celebrities. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan shared a heartfelt tribute to the legendary actor. SRK posted a throwback picture with Rajinikanth, reminiscing about a time when the two icons enjoyed an event together. In the post, Shah Rukh Khan described Rajinikanth as "the coolest of the cool" and "the bossest of all the bosses." "To the man, the legend, and an absolutely remarkably simple man, despite being the Superest of Stars!! Thank you for inspiring us," SRK wrote. He also wished Rajinikanth continued health and happiness, saying, "Be healthy and know you are respected and loved too much. Have a great birthday @rajinikanth sir." Rajinikanth's influence extends beyond his on-screen roles. With a career that spans over four decades, the actor has not only graced Tamil cinema but has also appeared in Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and even English films. His signature style, unmatched charisma, and larger-than-life characters have made him a household name across India and abroad. As part of the celebrations for his 74th birthday, a statue of Rajinikanth was unveiled at the "Arulmigu Sri Rajini Temple" in Thirumangalam, Madurai, on December 11, just ahead of his birthday. The statue depicts Rajinikanth in his iconic role from the 1989 film Mappillai. (ANI) JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM An investigator examines the scene of the deadly fireworks explosion on Keaka Drive in Aiiamanu this morning. 1 /2 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM An investigator examines the scene of the deadly fireworks explosion on Keaka Drive in Aiiamanu this morning. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Gov. Josh Green views the scene of the deadly fireworks explosion on Keaka Drive in Aiiamanu this morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 /2 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Gov. Josh Green views the scene of the deadly fireworks explosion on Keaka Drive in Aiiamanu this morning. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM An investigator examines the scene of the deadly fireworks explosion on Keaka Drive in Aiiamanu this morning. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Gov. Josh Green views the scene of the deadly fireworks explosion on Keaka Drive in Aiiamanu this morning. At least three people are dead and over 20 wounded after a fireworks cache exploded around midnight in Aliamanu. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services said personnel responded at 12 :01 a.m.today to Keaka Drive to an explosion with multiple patients injured from an apparent firework blast. Multiple ambulance crews and Field Operations Supervisors responded. Paramedics on scene were able to identify a total of 22 patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the 22 patients, 2 were pronounced dead on scene and 20 were transported in serious or critical condition to various hospitals throughout the island, according to EMS. Mayor Rick Blangiardi issued a written statement this morning saying that at least three people were killed. It is with both frustration and sorrow that I address the tragedy that occurred last night in Salt Lake just after midnight on New Years Eve, he said. A massive explosion caused by what appears to be illegal fireworks claimed at least three lives and left over 20 others critically injured. This incident is a painful reminder of the danger posed by illegal fireworks, which put lives at risk, drain our first responder resources, and disrupt our communities. Honolulu police and firefighters also responded to the explosion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Honolulu Police Department said in a social media post at 1 :45 am., Major Incident in the Salt Lake area. This is a fireworks-related incident with multiple casualties. HPD, HFD, and EMS are on the scene providing care and security. Please avoid the area, read a tweet from the Honolulu Police Department at 1 :45 am. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HPD told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser early this morning that the casualty numbers are not confirmed and investigators remained at the scene on Keaka Drive. Honolulu Fire Department officials said in a news released that they received a 911 call at 11 :59 p.m. and responded to a medical emergency at 4137 Keaka Drive in Aliamanu with one unit and four personnel. The first unit arrived on scene at 12 :07 a.m., at the same time as Emergency Medical Services, to find multiple people injured due to a fireworks explosion at the exterior of the residence. An additional eight HFD units were requested. HFD personnel found that there was no fire, assessed the structure, conducted a search and assisted EMS with patient triage, treatment and transport to the awaiting ambulance units. Tragically, there were two fatalities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HFD said the American Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced resident and that an investigation has begun to determine the cause of the explosion and to provide damage estimates. In other fireworks-related incidents around midnight, EMS said crews responded :To Lukela Lane in Kalihi at 11 :04 p.m. Tuesday for a 19-year-old man with multiple traumatic injuries, including a severe arm injury, from a suspected firework blast. He was treated and taken in critical condition to a hospital.At 11 :27 p.m. for a patient who suffered a traumatic hand injury from a suspected fireworks blast. The patient had been driven to a Honolulu Fire Department station in Nanakuli where paramedics treated him then took him in serious condition to a hospital.To Linapuni Street in Kalihi at 12 :04 a.m for a male who suffered an extensive hand injury from an apparent firework explosion. Paramedics treated him and transported him in serious condition to a trauma center.At 12 :06 a.m to Kuhia Place in Ewa where a 59-year-old woman and a 72-year-old man suffered minor burn injuries to their legs in a firework-related incident. Paramedics treated the patients and took them in minor condition to a hospital. Year after year, a minority of individuals recklessly endanger us all. This is absurd and unacceptable, Blangiardi said in his statement. My administration remains committed to working with federal and state agencies to shut down this illegal firework trade once and for all. We will push for stronger enforcement, tougher penalties, new technologies, and a united effort to stop the import of illegal fireworks. Our communities deserve better. We cannot allow this senseless danger to persist, and we will take decisive action to ensure the safety and well-being of Oahu residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate statement, Gov. Josh Green offered condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed, and expressed his gratitude to EMS, HPD and HFD for acting swiftly and heroically to provide care under extremely difficult circumstances. Because combating illegal fireworks has been a priority, we established the Illegal Fireworks Task Force in 2023 to identify and disrupt supply chains, Green said. It has seized 227, 000 pounds of illegal fireworks to date, but incidents like this remind us of the ongoing challenges we face. We must continue to work together to prevent tragedies. I urge residents to report illegal activity and to prioritize safety. My administration remains committed to protecting our communities and preventing further loss. 249 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . At least 10 people have been killed and 30 more injured after a vehicle was driven into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in central New Orleans in the early hours of the morning. The driver then got out of the vehicle and started firing a weapon, a CBS news reporter said, adding that police returned fire. There are unconfirmed reports that the alleged shooter used an assault rifle and was wearing body armour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple people were seen on the ground in unverified videos posted to social media in the immediate aftermath. One witness told CNN: All I seen was a truck slamming into everyone on the left side of Bourbon sidewalk. A body came flying at me, he added. A cordon was set up around the area of the incident on Bourbon Street Videos from Bourbon Street posted earlier in the evening showed the narrow thoroughfare packed with party-goers celebrating New Year, and a live jazz band playing outside a bar. The incident is said to have happened at around 3.15am local time, at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Iberville. Ambulances and vehicles were filmed arriving on Bourbon Street, which is a major nightlife hotspot in the US citys French Quarter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CCTV footage showed police sealing off the area with tape as officers on horseback guarded the street. The New Orleans Police Department has not specified how many people were killed, local media reported. Ambulances and emergency vehicles were filmed arriving on Bourbon Street Multiple people are feared dead following the incident Footage showed numerous emergency vehicles with lights flashing as camera crews set up to film the scene. Jim Mowrer, a US Army veteran, said he was on Bourbon Street with his wife at the time of the incident. He posted on X that he saw an SUV speeding and running people over. Mr Mower added that he estimated double digit deaths. His claim could not be immediately verified. As many as 10 people may have been killed, a reporter for a local TV station said, citing a New Orleans police source. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A New Orleans police spokesman said: Initial reports show a car may have ploughed into a group of people. Injuries are unknown but there are reported fatalities. This is a breaking news story. More to follow 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. As the clock strikes midnight, Fort Worth residents may hear fireworks or celebratory gunfire to help ring in 2025. While residents will find several New Years Eve events around Fort Worth, many are likely to celebrate at home with family and friends. Those staying at home may be tempted to fire off a firework, or perhaps even take aim at the sky above with a gun. However, before lighting the fuse or loading up on ammunition, residents may want to brush up on the legalities of these two celebrations. Heres what to know. More trending stories from our newsroom: Snow potentially in the mix for Fort Worth in early 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What Mike McCarthy had to say about 2025 They found a tunnel in the Armour building in the Stockyards Is it legal to shoot fireworks off within Fort Worth city limits? No. The sale, possession or use of fireworks is illegal in Fort Worth and carries a fine of up to $2000, according to a Fort Worth city ordinance. Fireworks are also illegal in Tarrant County unless you live in an unincorporated area. Most cities prohibit fireworks within 2,000 to 5,000 feet of the city limits. Sparklers are also illegal within the city limits, according to the Tarrant County Sheriffs Office. The Fort Worth Police Department is asking residents to not call 911 to report illegal fireworks, but to instead: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Report on the MyFW App Call 817-392-4444 Report online Is celebratory gunfire legal in Fort Worth? No. Under Texas Penal Code 42.12 it is illegal to recklessly discharge a firearm inside the corporate limits of a municipality having a population of 100,000 or more. An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor, which could include a fine of up to $4,000 and up to a year in jail. To the editor: The most important thing that I would wish for in 2025 is truthfulness. Columnist Anita Chabria expressed that sentiment in her New Year's resolution, "I generally don't care about Republican or Democrat, but I do care about writing with compassion and truth." ("After a bruising election year in America what will 2025 bring?" column, Dec. 29) I gathered with my aunt and cousins on Christmas Day; we did not mention politics once. Instead we reveled in our family ties and traditions of good food and camaraderie. We were not naive about the politics that could have divided us, but we put them aside in our caring and respect for each other. There are going to be many reasons for division in our country in the coming years. And I am fearful that suppression and alteration of the truth will be our constant companion. We absolutely cannot compromise when it comes to seeking the truth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we all focus on that one objective, maybe we can bring some stability and unity back to our lives. Lynn Lorenz, Newport Beach .. To the editor: "Happy New Year!" we hear that over and over when the calendar turns over once a year. What does it really mean? I've pondered that. I hear people complain that if only this or that would happen, they could be happy. It is as if some unseen external event would be responsible for them to be happy. Well, have I got a newsflash: Real happiness is not some imaginary goal to strive for, but is instead a road that one travels. To put it simply, you and you alone are responsible for your own happiness. It is something that you can decide, to be happy or not. It comes from within. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No matter what team prevails or who wins or loses an election, you can decide to be happy. You can wake up each day and say to yourself, "I am happy." The choice is yours. Happy New Year! Robert G. Brewer, Sherman Oaks This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Dec. 31LIMA It is official. By the time people read these words etched in ink on newsprint, the entirety of 2024 will be a memory. While the changing of the calendar has provided ample opportunities for evaluations and retrospectives, a number of area officials in the realms of government, business and education took this opportunity to both look back on the year that was while also looking ahead to what the Lima region can anticipate as we complete this first quarter of the 21st Century. City of Lima For Lima city administrators, 2024 was a year of new beginnings. Some, like the investiture of Lima Police Chief Jim Baker, succeeding former Chief Angel Cortes, are only for a season, as Baker has announced his plans to retire on July 7. Other beginnings are already taking shape, including the soon-to-be-opened Lima Community Aquatic Park, with the shelter framework already visible near Lima Stadium Park and the facility set to open this spring. Others are still so new that we have not yet seen what the final outcome will look like, such as the city's purchase of the VFW Post 1275 on East Elm Street after the previous purchase of the nearby Riverfront One property in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unveiling of the plans for that final project, which could include a public market, is one of the key projects to which Mayor Sharetta Smith is looking forward in 2025. "We are using the feedback from our city stakeholders, along with expert advice from developers and market consultants, to craft a plan for this block that meets the diverse needs and desires of our community," she said in a submitted statement. "Adding the VFW property opens several doors to make an even greater impact on that block while also opening the door to further development opportunities further south on Main Street." Other key 2025 events noted by city administration include the completion of the state's largest floating solar installation at the Twin Lakes Reservoir, the launch of a neighborhood traffic safety initiative that will aim to reduce speeding and crashes while also encouraging walking and biking and the announcement of investments through the Arctaris-Lima Opportunity Zone Fund. Allen County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Motorists and pedestrians in downtown Lima have already seen one of the more significant projects the Allen County Board of Commissioners has taken on in recent memory with the recent demolitions of multiple buildings at the intersection of Main and North Streets, including the one housing the Hofeller, Hiatt and Clark men's wear store, making way for a new county administration building, set to be completed in 2026. "Seeing the administration building take physical shape, I think, is going to be pretty exciting," Commissioner Beth Seibert said. The completion of that building will allow multiple county offices to move in, opening the courthouse up for future renovation and restoration. Commissioner Cory Noonan reflected on what turned out to be unsuccessful talks with Microsoft about a potential data center in Perry Township, saying that despite the outcome, the work behind the scenes that led up to that point show a productive public-private sector working relationship that set the county up well for 2025 and beyond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When you see our existing businesses continue to grow and you see the new development happening, I think it's important for our local governments to work together," he said. "I think it's important for economic development to continue to work with our partners at the state level because we are very fortunate here in Allen County to have the crossroads and the infrastructure that we have. Anytime you have an entity like [Microsoft] looking at us like that, you want to continue that momentum." Business Allen County is not the only area where business investment is taking place, according to Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rosemary Buerger. "Reflecting on 2024, the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce witnessed growth in the addition of several new businesses to the area," she said in a statement. "In 2025, we are looking forward to watching our community grow and thrive. We look forward to watching our area businesses grow and thrive with more visitors coming to Putnam County." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wapakoneta Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsey Young also expressed optimism regarding the business outlook in that region. For 2025, the chamber's focus will be centered on continuing to foster growth in local businesses, finding new ways to connect businesses with residents and invest in more workforce development programs, such as leadership and management training events. "Wapakoneta's unique charm and strong sense of community give us momentum to tackle 2025 with confidence and enthusiasm," she said in a submitted statement. Education When it comes to looking ahead, that is second nature to educators as they constantly have their eye on the future as they work to help the next generation reach the fullness of their potential. For Lima schools, that work has included the opening of the district's new Agriculture and Outdoor Occupations campus at the site of the former Emerson school. For 2025, however, the district will make a nod to the past as administrators anticipate they will break ground on the new Veterans Wall of Honor outside Lima Senior High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are excited to honor our Lima Senior, Central and South graduates who served our country," Lima schools Communication Coordinator Beth Jokinen said in a statement. At Shawnee schools, the district is working to continue to provide a top-value education while navigating a tight budget for 2025, according to Superintendent Don Diglia. "Because of these challenges, we will continue to secure grants and focus on innovative cost-saving measures," he said in a statement. "Contract negotiations will take place this spring and the board is looking forward to reaching agreements with the Shawnee Education Association and the Shawnee Classified Employees Association that balance district needs with fair compensation and working conditions." As far as post-secondary education, Ohio State University-Lima Dean and Director Margaret Young expressed pride in what the institution was able to accomplish in 2024, pointing to the first cohort of students graduating with the new Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degree at OSU-Lima and the new pathway for OSU-Lima and Rhodes State College to work together in educating new social workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The support we've received from our community this past year as been so heartening," she said in a statement. "As we ring in the new year, I am comforted by the knowledge that our faculty and staff remain committed to providing innovating and transformational learning experiences for our students." At Bluffton University, 2025 will bring a celebration of the 500th anniversary of the start of the Anabaptist movement in Christianity, the movement that birthed the Mennonite Church, with which the university is affiliated. Additionally, the university plans to send its application in May to the Higher Learning Commission for its merger with the University of Findlay, "with hopes to see completion of phase one of the merger complete by December 2025," Content Manager and Alumni Relations Coordinator Noah Heiling said in a statement. Featured Local Savings LEWISBURG, WV (WVNS) Friends and family gathered at Rhema Christian Center to celebrate the life and legacy of a former mayor of White Sulphur Springs. In Memoriam: Those we lost in 2024 Former White Sulphur Springs Mayor, Lloyd Haynes, passed away on December 17, 2024. He was a major piece of the White Sulphur Springs Community. Haynes was instrumental in turning his town around after the major flooding that took place in 2016 even while he was in the midst of his own hardship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He found himself in a situation where we were not only planning his wife [Garnetts] funeral and our moms funeral, but also dealing with the immediate disaster of the flood. So it was really hard, but that just showed his resilience about how he was able to help and pull through that as as our dad and also as the mayor, said Tim Haynes, one of his sons. Haynes not only served as mayor of White Sulphur Springs, but he later also served as the city manager, working a part-time position for nearly full-time hours. He helped the mayor who followed his term, Bruce Bowling transition into office as mayor. Bowling would then turn around and give Haynes the position of city manager. Kathy Glover, the current mayor of White Sulphur Springs also worked extensively with Haynes. She told 59News that he was a big help for her in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Carters 1978 visit to West Virginia He was also a deacon at his home church, First Baptist Church of White Sulphur Springs. His fellow church members said they will miss how much he helped his church. Friends, family, and coworkers all agreed that Haynes always put his neighbors and family above himself. [Lloyd Haynes] said, I was the very first Haynes man to live past 50. He got us to make sure our medical stuff was done and he gave us time with our families because all of us made it past 50. He set a good example for us to teach all the rest of our family to make sure you take care of yourself and give back to other people, said another of Haynes sons, Daniel Haynes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was my friend and I am going to miss him tremendously, said former White Sulphur Springs mayor, Bruce Bowling. I [would] say [this is] my second time in the Rhema Christian Center first for his wife and now for Lloyd, and I really miss both, said Charlie Friedman, a friend of Haynes. White Sulphur Springs remembers 2016 as flooding strikes southern WV Rest in peace, my brother, added his pastor, Greg Scott of the First Baptist Church of White Sulphur Springs. Lloyd Haynes passed away at the age of 85 at CAMC Memorial Hospital. 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 WVNS. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A local funeral home is giving people a place to pay their respects to former president Jimmy Carter. Carter was the longest-lived president in our nations history. He was 100 years old when he passed away Sunday. A memorial for Carter has been set up inside Staton-Borowski Funeral Home on North Road in Warren. Retired funeral home director Russ Teffner brought the idea to Warren after doing something similar while he was working in Virginia for former President George H.W. Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its a very fitting way to pay tribute to a former president, said funeral director Jim Baer. Complete with the presidential seal, Carters picture, memorial cards, and a guestbook, this tribute is giving people in the Mahoning Valley a place to express their condolences. He happened to live a long time. He had a good career as president, he had a good career after president. Hes one of three presidents who went to one of our service academies so its very well worth honoring him, Baer said. Retired Funeral Director Russ Teffner just put up the memorial Monday and already, people have stopped in to sign the guestbook. Its some way that they can take part in the services and remembrances for President Carter and I think thats a very positive thing for basically, for any American in any community, Baer said. The guestbook will be on display through at least Jan. 9, the day of Carters service at the Washington National Cathedral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Itll be sent to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. I know that the family and the Carter library will be thrilled to see it when it comes and to think that there was a community in America someplace that thought enough to do this, said Baer. 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Its officially 2025 and the Miami Valley has welcomed its newest residents on New Years Day. Premier Health welcomed their first baby at exactly midnight at Atrium Medical Center in Middletown. Rilyn Greenwood was born to Amie and James, weighing 8 pounds 5 ounces. A spokesperson for the medical center says mom and baby are doing well. (Photo/Premier Health) Over in Springfield, Mercy Health welcomed its first baby at 2:59 a.m. Addison-Jo Dooley was born at Springfield Regional Medical Center, weighing 7 pounds, 14 ounces. Addison-Jo is doing well with her parents Valarie and Casey, with a big sister waiting at home to meet her. (Photo/Mercy Health) Soin Medical Center welcomed Kettering Healths first baby of the year at 4:04 a.m. Levi Cook was born weighing 6 pounds 10 ounces to first-time parents Jennifer and Jason. He is officially the first member of the 2025 Bengals Babies draft class for Kettering Health. (Photo/Kettering Health) 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. Jan. 1A local Chickasha community leader and political advocate remembers being asked to the White House for a meeting with President Jimmy Carter in 1979. Loretta Jackson is a Chickasha native who worked in real estate starting in 1967. Outside of her career, Jackson has spent more than 45 years working in leadership and service to the community, especially as an advocate for civil rights in Grady County and Oklahoma. According to an online biography on Uncrowned Community Builders, she was the first African-American elected as a Democratic Party official in Grady County and the first African American to work in the election polls as a counter, judge and more. Jackson also said she was the first African American president of the Oklahoma Federation of Democratic Women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And her political work is what Jackson believes brought her to the White House on May 8, 1979 as part of Carter's Conference on Black Community Concerns. "I was invited to the White House to discuss improving the quality of life for Black Americans with (President Jimmy Carter)," Jackson said. Jackson, who was about 45 at the time, said the conference gave her and many others the opportunity to speak with Carter and express the concerns of the black community, specifically better jobs and better housing. " It was a thrill, but it was a challenge," she said. " It was a discussion and it was all about improving the quality of life." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson said the President was very receptive, adding that he was very concerned and believed he could help address the issues. A letter thanking Jackson for her attendance landed in her mailbox about a month later. The letter said it was "very gratifying and valuable" to hear comments, suggestions and criticisms. "I look forward to staying in close touch with you on our mutual concerns of improving the quality of life for Black Americans," the letter read. Jackson said she has tried to stay in contact with Carter and reached out to send "goodwill" when she learned Carter and his wife Rosalynn were having health issues in 2023. " I've stayed sort of in touch with them for a while," she said "It wasn't just a one-time thing. It's that I have tried to stay in touch with him over the years because he was concerned. And so I was concerned about him because I knew that he would help if he could." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Jackson heard Carter had died Dec. 31, she said she "felt really down" but to live to be 100 years old means he lived a good life. She said she would like to send condolences to the family but knows it could be difficult. " I'm still going to try to call my congressman or something (to ask how) I can get some condolences for him or send a card," she said. "If I just sent the card, that would be a relief for me." After years of legal battles, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have officially finalized their divorce, ending an eight-year saga that began when Jolie filed for separation in September 2016. However, despite reaching a divorce settlement, tensions between the two remain high with ongoing disputes casting a shadow over their post-divorce lives. As per People magazine, on December 30, both parties signed off on the divorce, marking the end of a protracted legal ordeal. Jolie's attorney, James Simon, noted the actress's relief at the resolution. "Angelina is exhausted but relieved this one part is over. She remains focused on finding peace and healing for their family," Simon said, according to People magazine. Jolie is reportedly hoping that her ex-husband, Brad Pitt, will use this turning point to focus on healing. "Brad has used his power and privilege to punish Angelina for leaving and to paint her as the reason for his strained relationship with the children. Angelina hopes the finalization of their divorce will encourage him to move on, stop attacking her, and help their family heal," a source close to Jolie shared, as per People magazine. A source close to Pitt rejected Jolie's claims, stating, "For the past eight years, there have been one-sided attacks, including a distortion of facts and projecting behaviour onto others, which has caused tremendous collateral damage to the family." Pitt declined to comment on the finalization of the divorce through his representatives, as per People magazine. Despite the divorce settlement, the former couple remains locked in a separate lawsuit over Chateau Miraval, the French winery they once co-owned. Pitt sued Jolie after she sold her share of the property for USD 67 million in October 2021, alleging a breach of their agreement. Jolie's legal team argued in June 2024 that Pitt should drop the lawsuit to prioritize their family's well-being. A source close to Jolie reiterated this sentiment, saying, "Until he ends the Miraval lawsuit, this family will not have the peace and healing they deserve. Angelina will continue to stand up to him." Conversely, a source close to Pitt described Miraval as a prime example of Jolie's approach to their disputes. "Brad built an extraordinary business, but instead of completing negotiations for him to buy her out and keeping Miraval in the family, she sold her share to a stranger, disregarding their agreement to punish him," the source said, as per People magazine. Jolie and Pitt share six children, and both have publicly expressed a desire to prioritize their well-being. (ANI) Dec. 31ANDERSON Local residents are remembering former President Jimmy Carter as an example of caring for others. Carter served one term as president from 1977 to 1981, but after leaving office was an advocate for Habitat for Humanity and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his humanitarian efforts around the world. "We at Habitat for Humanity of Madison County join with millions to mourn the death of President Jimmy Carter," said Jan Miller, executive director of Madison County Habitat for Humanity. "The world has lost a man of faith and service that is incomparable. The world is a little less bright today." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller said at the same time, his passing should serve as a reminder of the true meaning of service. "We know he would want all of us to continue the good fight," she said. "Thank you, President Carter, for your tireless commitment to justice and for your voice in the campaign for affordable housing throughout the world." Former State Sen. Tim Lanane said Carter's was a life well-lived. "He is an example to all of us and is a tremendous example of caring for each other," he said. Lanane said Carter had a difficult presidency, but did accomplish some things including being leader on the environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Carter accomplished a great deal after leaving the White House, choosing not to be passive and dedicating the rest of his life to dealing with problems in society. "He was the national face for Habitat for Humanity by building homes and stressing the need for affordable housing," Lanane said. Terri Austin, chairperson of the Madison County Democratic Party, worked on a Habitat for Humanity house with Carter in 2012. Austin was a delegate to the party's national convention and volunteered to work on the project. "I loved it," she said. "(Carter) was such a very kind person and was warm and genuine with everyone." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austin said Carter led a remarkable life, and his intellect and humanity are qualities to which all presidents should aspire. "His greatest work came after he concluded his presidency," she said. "There was never a doubt about his character. He was a great role model." More than four decades after leaving office, Carter's political legacy remains complicated, according to Michael Frank, a professor of political science at Anderson University. He said Carter's failures as president including the Iranian hostage crisis and drastic energy shortages are balanced by successes for which he likely has not received enough credit. "I think in his post-presidency, Jimmy Carter demonstrated what true statesmanship looks like," Frank said. "He maintained a public service mindset throughout the remainder of his lifetime, working locally and nationally to help make our society a better place." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russ Willis, chairman of the Madison County Republican Party, said Carter was one of the most honest presidents in history. "His Christian faith commitment motivated him to serve others," Willis said. "He worked to improve people's lives around the world through peace initiatives, health improvement projects and Habitat for Humanity home building for thousands of families." David Baird has been a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in Madison County for the past 25 years. "Jimmy Carter encouraged people to utilize their talents to benefit others," Baird said. "He was a great spokesman for a great organization." News editor Andy Knight contributed to this story. There is an unintentionally hilarious episode of Radio 4s In Our Time in which Melvyn Bragg is driven half mad discussing London. The writers Peter Ackroyd and Iain Sinclair insist that London is an organic entity, a city that has moods and areas where darkness prevails. It is, they say, a city of blood and fire. Bragg gets more and more crotchety about this psychogeography, which he sees as snake oil. To me, it makes a lot of sense. London has always been my home and I have deep roots here. But as those of us who live and work in the capital now face the darkest of Januarys, its very tempting to buy into the most pessimistic interpretation of that theory. London feels more discontented and dangerous than it has for a long time. The biggest cities have always been seen as the least hospitable places to live with the most impolite inhabitants. Its how most Americans feel about New York, or the French see Paris (its how the whole world sees Paris). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So it is with London, which the rest of the country views, at best, as a soulless town where people are rude to each other or at worst, a hellscape of dizzying animosity where potential danger lurks around every wrongly taken corner. As Alan Partridge puts it: Go to London, I guarantee youll either be mugged or not appreciated. Catch the train to London, stopping at Rejection, Disappointment, Backstabbing Central and Shattered Dreams Parkway. There were 938,020 crimes recorded in London in 2023-24, the highest in the past decade. The number of frontline police is the same as it was 10 years ago and less than it was in 2010. Under-resourced, the Met faces accusations of two-tier policing and that it has simply given up investigating burglary and car crime. Shoplifting has become normalised, a symptom and symbol of our helplessness. If we have stopped trying to stop people stealing, we are also saying to those of an antisocial disposition that the rules have changed in their favour. But crime blights many areas of the UK and London cannot claim to have a problem distinct from the rest of the country, even when it comes to knife crime, for which it is now rightly notorious. The sense of pessimism in the capital is certainly echoed around much of the UK, from crime to housing, on abandoned high streets and NHS waiting lists. Where it does differ, and where famously London-averse northerners may have a point, is that it is becoming a nastier place to live and work, and its the little things that count. For those of us who commute, January is a bleak prospect indeed. Yes, we will likely be suffering from a Vitamin D deficiency, but that notwithstanding, it feels like the city is getting even less friendly and that the will to fight back is ebbing away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you take the train every day you will notice how few people give up their seats for the elderly or pregnant women. Occasionally a good soul under no obligation will make way, while those who should react shut their eyes to avoid being challenged. But these rare acts of kindness draw attention to the prevailing rudeness. The swines who put cases on the next seat to block off space for themselves are only storing up trouble, because they create another angry passenger who must insist they move it. One bad turn deserves another. Even queuing, for which Britons were mocked but was actually a sign of our civility, has fallen into abeyance in London. Only losers queue now, it seems. Despite the success of the ban which came in 17 years ago, people have begun openly drinking on public transport again, not just on the vomit comets after midnight, but during the commute. The homeless walk up and down the carriages telling their life stories and being ignored, while those on their way to and from their good jobs internalise their shame. For the past year, commuters will have noticed the ever-expanding numbers of people broadcasting their phones in train carriages and on buses. If only Mr Spocks Vulcan nerve pinch were real, those of us with any sense of civic duty could use it on these vandals. This selfishness is committed by young and old, men and women, from people of every ethnicity and in every language. It can be anything from a business meeting to a Romanian soap opera to Angry Birds at full volume. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bad manners may seem trivial, but when they become ubiquitous they speak of something more serious, a kind of sickness with which we have given up on even the pretence that we have any connection or obligation to those around us. After Covid there was a spate of self-satisfied people reporting how delighted they were that they had moved out of London. I dont intend to be one of those. One has to accept a certain amount of dirt in the rat race. But it isnt just that January makes everything seem worse. Its that everything just seems worse, period. It sometimes feels like Londoners and much of the rest of the country have been sapped of the will to stand up for whats right or wrong in their public spaces or that some dont even know the difference anymore. Im just thankful London has all those great restaurants, theatres, parks, shops, pubs, museums and galleries. Otherwise it would be unbearable. And its still not as rude as Paris. 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. Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) and Sen. Sarah K. Elfreth (D-Anne Arundel), right, using protective glasses to look at the partial solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Photo by Danielle J. Brown. The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed. Joe Biden became a one-term president and Donald Trump became a two-term president in a resounding victory that, again, left pollsters flat-footed and Democrats shell-shocked. Violent crime was down, but the cost of eggs was up. A quarter of the way through the 21st century it was somehow still news that a Black woman could win election to the U.S. Senate, much less two Black women, one of whom was elected from Maryland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The king of Jordan came for a visit and longshoremen briefly walked out. There was a solar eclipse and a ferocious hurricane season that mostly spared Maryland. Former Baltimore City States Attorney Marilyn Mosby was sentenced to home detention and accused murderer Adnan Syed was freed after years of doubts about his prosecution. The carousel of elected officials continued to spin at the local, state and federal levels, with some expected departures and some surprising ones. To no ones surprise, Maryland voters gave overwhelming approval to a measure adding a reproductive rights amendment to the Maryland Constitution. Before we move on to 2025, here is a look back at just some of the stories from 2024, as seen through the lenses of cameras wielded by Maryland Matters reporters and a few others. There is no particular rhyme or reason; some are here for news value, some are just here because we liked the photos and hope you do, too. January Del. Anne Kaiser and her daughter AJ before the opening of the 2024 Maryland General Assembly session. Photo by Bryan P. Sears. Maryland Budget Secretary Helene Grady and Gov. Wes Moore (D). Photo by Bryan P. Sears. The Maryland State House after a snowstorm Jan. 19 left several inches across various regions of the state. Photo by Bryan P. Sears. February House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County) testifies on a juvenile justice reform bill in a rare appearance before the House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 8, 2024. Jones is sitting beside Del. Luke Clippinger (D-Baltimore), chair of the committee. Photo by William J. Ford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a similarly rare appearance, Gov. Wes Moore (D) goes over notes ahead of his testimony in support of his affordable housing legislative package on Feb. 20, 2024. Photo by Danielle J. Brown March Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich (D) criticizes the Senates reluctance to act on corporate tax bill drawing a rebuke on the floor the next day from the Senate president. Photo by Bryan P. Sears. The cargo ship Dali sits in the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which it hit on March 26, 2024, killing six workers who were on the bridge and severing a key route for East Coast truck traffic and about 30,000 motorists a day. The crash also cut off access to the Port of Baltimore for a little more than two months. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. Gov. Wes Moore (D) speaks during a Capitol Hill news conference about the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Also pictured are U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, left, and members of the states congressional delegation. Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement April Left to right: Sens. Mary Washington, Benjamin Brooks and Mary Beth Carozza gaze into the sky watching the solar eclipse outside the Maryland State House on April 8, 2024. Photo by William J. Ford. Balloons and confetti litter the Senate chamber floor following the close of the 2024 Maryland General Assembly session. Photo by Bryan P. Sears. May Congressional candidate, and former U.S. Capitol Police officer, Harry Dunn addresses a house party in Severna Park. Photo by Josh Kurtz. Police were called to the State House in response to a bomb threat on afternoon of May 14, one of several in 2024 that led to the evacuation of the building. Photo by Steve Crane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Baltimore City States Attorney Marilyn Mosby with supporter Ben Crump outside the U.S. District Court in Greenbelt after Mosbys sentencing May 23, 2024. Photo by Bryan Sears. June Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, left, raising her hand with Vice President Kamala Harris who traveled to Alsobrooks jurisdiction June 7, 2024, to officially endorse the county executive for United States Senate. Photo by William J. Ford. Sen. Sara Love (D-Montgomery), center, receives a group hug from her mother, Marcie Love, and son, Kenneth Love-Fabrizio, following a Thursday swearing in ceremony in Annapolis. Photo by Bryan P. Sears. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to reproductive rights supporters on June 24, 2024, the second anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. Photo by Danielle J. Brown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement July A standing-room-only crowd filled a room to attend Harford County Board of Education meeting July 15. The majority of people who spoke requested the board to reverse a previous decision to get rid of an Advanced Placement African American studies course for the 2024-25 school year. Photo by William J. Ford. Del. Andre Johnson (D-Harford) calls the meeting of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland to order July 25, the first time the caucus had ever met in Harford County. Photo by William J. Ford. Zach Cole, a member of the Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians Inc. performs a smudging ritual following the unveiling of a new highway marker recognizing the last colonial-era reservation for Indigenous people in Maryland. Photo by Bryan P. Sears. August Gov. Wes Moore (D) called for refining the states Blueprint for Marylands Future education plan in a speech to the Maryland Association of Counties in Ocean City. The governor also offered a somber assessment of the states fiscal picture to local officials in attendance. Photo by Bryan P. Sears. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Wes Moore (D), in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) enjoy a Chicago-style hot dog Thursday as Illinois first lady Mary Kathryn Muenster looks on. Photo by Josh Kurtz. September Gov. Wes Moore (D) and his wife Dawn Moore watch the final moments of the 2024 legislative session from the Senate gallery. Moore got good news in September, when he saw a bump in his job approval numbers in a Sept. 3 poll released by Gonzales Research & Media. Photo by Bryan P. Sears. Maria Del Carmen Castellon, widow of a construction worker who died in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, called for better working conditions for workers on Sept. 17, 2024. Photo By Danielle Brown. Catherine and Isiah Leggett arrive on a golf cart to the building named after them at Montgomery College. A ceremony took place Sept. 19 outside the newly named Catherine and Isiah Leggett Math & Science Building. Photo by William J. Ford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two Maryland Capitol Police officers stand guard in front of the State House doors in Annapolis before the king of Jordan arrives Sept. 25. Photo by William J. Ford. His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan and Gov. Wes Moore sit at a roundtable discussion in the Maryland State House on Sept. 25, 2024. Photo by Danielle J. Brown October Longshoremen walk a picket line outside the Dundalk Marine Terminal in Baltimore on Oct. 1, 2024, the first day of a brief International Longshoremens Association strike against East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. The walkout was called off after a few days, but no contract has been reached and a January deadline looms. Photo by Danielle Brown. University of Maryland Medical System President Mohan Suntha, Gov. Wes Moore, Sen. Johnny Mautz, Sen. Steve Hershey and Shore Regional Hospital President Ken Kozel take part in a ground-breaking ceremony for a new hospital facility to serve the Mid-shore region on Oct. 21, 2024. Photo by Danielle J. Brown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters line up outside the College Park Community Center on Oct. 24, 2024, waiting for the doors to open at 7 a.m. so they can get inside and vote during early voting for the Nov. 5 elections. Photo by William J. Ford. President Joe Biden (D) visited Port of Baltimore to announce federal grants totaling $3 billion for clean energy updates to Americas ports, including the Port of Baltimore, on Oct. 29, 2024. Photo by Danielle J. Brown. November Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrook gives s thumbs-up next to her daughter, Alex, second from right, and fellow Democratic officials to celebrate her election night victory to win the U.S. Senate seat and defeat former Gov. Larry Hogan (R). Photo by William J. Ford. Larry Hogan (R) speaks to supporters in Annapolis following a speech in which he conceded the U.S. Senate campaign to his opponent, Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D). Photo by Bryan P. Sears. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fan of Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) at her Nov. 5 victory celebration. Photo by Josh Kurtz. December Marylands presidential electors are sworn in on Dec. 7 prior to officially casting the states 10 Electoral College votes for Vice President Kamala, the Democratic presidential nominee who won the state but lost the election to Donald Trump. Photo by Bryan P. Sears. State Center in midtown Baltimore, with the Fifth Regiment Armory in the background on Dec. 3, 2024. State Center offices continued to be plagued by Legionella bacteria this fall. Photo by Danielle J. Brown. In the time warp that COVID-19 created in most of our lives, it's hard to believe it's been five years since any of us first heard of a mysterious illness making people sick in China. But it was Dec. 31, 2019 that the World Health Organization in China was first notified of a cluster of cases of a pneumonia-like illness in a city of 11 million people called Wuhan. The next morning, the first day of the new year, public health officials around the world woke up to the news. Most of the patients, whose severe shortness of breath and high fever did not respond to standard treatments, had some connection to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market before falling ill in early- to mid-December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a timeline of some key events from those first four months of the resulting pandemic, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Members of staff of the Wuhan Hygiene Emergency Response Team drive their vehicle as they leave the closed Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in the city of Wuhan, in Hubei, Province on January 11, 2020, where the Wuhan health commission said that the man who died from a respiratory illness had purchased goods. China said on January 11, 2020 that a 61-year-old man had become the first person to die from a respiratory illness believed to be caused by a new virus from the same family as SARS (Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which claimed hundreds of lives more than a decade ago. Forty-one people with pneumonia-like symptoms have so far been diagnosed with the new virus in Wuhan, with one of the victims dying on January 8, 2020, the central Chinese city's health commission said on its website. January 2020 Jan. 1: The Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market was closed amid worries in China of a reprise of the 20022004 SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus or SARS-CoV-1) outbreak. Jan. 5: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began to investigate this novel pneumonia. Jan. 7: Public health officials in China said the outbreak was caused by a novel coronavirus. Jan. 10: WHO began using the phrase 2019 Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV to refer to the disease. Jan. 11: China reported the first death from the new virus and its genetic sequence was made publicly available online. Jan. 20: CDC reported the first laboratory-confirmed case of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus in the U.S. from samples taken on Jan. 18 in Washington state. Jan. 23: Wuhan was placed under strict lockdown. Jan. 24: CDC confirmed a travel-related infection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Illinois, bringing the total number of cases in the U.S. to two. Jan. 28: The U.S. government relocated U.S. citizens from Wuhan back to the U.S. Jan. 29: A team of CDC medical officers met a flight carrying U.S. citizens from Wuhan at the March Air Reserve Base in California to screen passengers for symptoms. Jan. 31: WHO declared the 2019 Novel Coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Alex Azar, declared the outbreak a public health emergency. People dressed in protective clothes disinfect an area in Wuhan, in Hubei province on January 30, 2020. Personnel in protective clothing approach an aircraft, chartered by the U.S. State Department to evacuate government employees and other Americans from the novel coronavirus threat in the Chinese city of Wuhan, after it arrived at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County, California, U.S., January 29, 2020. U.S. President Donald Trump holds news conference on the coronavirus outbreak next to Vice President Mike Pence and Dr. Anne Schuchat, Principal Deputy Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at the White House in Washington, U.S., February 26, 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement February 2020 Feb. 10: Worldwide deaths from the 2019 Novel Coronavirus exceeded 1,000, topping the number killed by the 2002-2003 outbreak of SARS. Feb. 11: WHO announced the official name for the disease as COVID-19, an abbreviated version of Coronavirus Disease 2019. Feb. 13: CDC confirmed the 15th case of COVID-19 in the U.S. February 18: Passengers and crew of the Diamond Princess cruise ship, all of whom had potentially been infected, were quarantined off the coast of Japan, placed under travel restrictions, and prevented from returning to the U.S. for at least 14 days after leaving the ship. Feb. 23: As Italy became a global COVID-19 hotspot, the Italian government effectively locked down the country. Feb. 25: CDC official, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, warned the country in a televised briefing that the U.S might face school closings, workplace shutdowns, and the canceling of large gatherings and public events, because of the virus, saying that the disruption to everyday life may be severe. Feb. 29: CDC and the Washington Department of Public Health reported the first death of someone with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in the U.S.: a man in his 50s. A view shows a closed carousel for children on March 19, 2020 in Rome, during the country's lockdown within the new coronavirus pandemic. A morning aerial photo taken on March 30, 2020 shows deserted streets and the Colosseum monument in Rome during the country's lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 infection, caused by the novel coronavirus. March 2020 A traveler wearing a mask is pictured as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks on a television screen at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as he declares a national emergency over the coronavirus, in SeaTac, Washington, U.S. March 13, 2020. March 3: CDC reported 60 cases of COVID-19 across Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin. March 11: After more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries and 4,291 deaths, the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic. March 13: The Trump Administration declared a nationwide emergency and issued a travel ban on non-U.S. citizens traveling from 26 European countries due to COVID-19. March 14: CDC issued a no sail order for all cruise ships calling for them to cease activity in all waters the U.S. holds jurisdiction over. March 15: States began to implement shutdowns to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The New York City public school system the largest school system in the U.S., with 1.1 million students shut down, while Ohio called for restaurants and bars to close. March 16: Moderna Therapeutics dosed the first person in its trial of a vaccine to protect against COVID-19 at a research facility in Seattle, Washington. March 27: President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law. The act includes funding for $1,200 per adult (with expanded payments for families with children), expanded unemployment benefits, forgivable small business loans, loans to major industries and corporations, and expanded funding to state and local governments in response to the economic crisis caused by COVID-19. April 2020 April 3: CDC announced new mask-wearing guidelines and recommended people wear a mask when outside of the home. April 4: More than 1 million cases of COVID-19 confirmed worldwide, a more than ten-fold increase in less than a month. April 10: With over 18,600 confirmed deaths and more than 500,000 confirmed cases in under four months, the U.S. became the country with the most reported COVID-19 cases and deaths, surpassing Italy and Spain as a global hot-spot for the virus. April 16: The Trump Administration released a plan outlining how states should reopen, calling for states or metropolitan areas to meet benchmarks like reducing COVID-19 cases or deaths before reopening or stopping mitigation strategies, like required masking. April 24: Georgia, Alaska, and Oklahoma began to partially reopen their states despite concerns from health experts saying it was too early. April 30: The Trump Administration launched Operation Warp Speed to produce a vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus as quickly as possible. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Five years ago: Key moments from the first months of COVID-19 Jan. 1At the start of 2025, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the year just past, and highlight some of the stories that had the biggest impact on the county. Thanksgiving weekend storm and its impact On Nov. 29, snow started to fall along the coast of Lake Erie. By the time it stopped, the northern portions of Ashtabula County had received more than four feet of snow. The storm had numerous impacts on the area, but the largest was the collapse of Lakeside High School's roof. It rendered the school unsafe, and has forced the district to scramble to find a new place for students to attend class. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students are expected to return to in-person learning after the Christmas break. In addition to the damage to Lakeside, roofs at a number of local businesses collapsed under the weight of the snow as well. Total solar eclipse In April, county residents and numerous visitors witnessed a rare celestial event, a total solar eclipse that passed almost directly above Ashtabula County. Thousands of people came to the area to see the the eclipse, the first visible in the state for more than 200 years. When the moon eclipsed the sun, temperatures dropped, streetlights turned on, and wildlife began behaving strangely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A man from the Netherlands proposed to his girlfriend during the eclipse. ARMC opens new patient care tower, changes name For more than a century, the Ashtabula County Medical Center has treated patients from the area. Starting earlier this year, the hospital continues to do so, under a new name, the Ashtabula Regional Medical Center. The hospital also opened its new patient care tower. The tower is four stories tall and 115,000 square feet. It has 55 patient rooms and 24 emergency department rooms. Appalachian Community grant program In May, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine paid a visit to Geneva and announced $5.4 million in grants for the cities of Ashtabula and Geneva, the village of Geneva-on-the-Lake and the Conneaut Township Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ashtabula and Geneva both received funds for downtown revitalization projects. Geneva-on-the-Lake received a grant for shoreline erosion, and Conneaut Township Park was awarded funding for a kayak trail on Conneaut Creek. The funds were from $500 million directed by DeWine to the state's Appalachian counties. Comp Dairy Farm fire On the night of Sept. 22, dozens of firefighters from multiple counties in Ohio and Pennsylvania responded to a fire at the Comp Dairy Farm. While firefighters were still working to extinguish the blaze in the farm's milking parlor and barn, local residents and farmers from around the region were responding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Good Samaritans brought food and coffee for the firefighters and the farm workers, while farmers brought trailers to haul cows to temporary homes all over the region. The work of relocating cows lasted into Sept. 23. Work repairing the damage from the fire has been ongoing, and 400-500 cows have been brought back to the farm. Others are still at their temporary homes while repairs continue. A number of entities from around the county hosted fundraisers to help pay for expenses caused by the fire. A-Tech expansion In June, officials gathered in Jefferson Township to break ground for an expansion to A-Tech's campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The $12 million project includes new space for the school's public safety academy and advanced manufacturing program. A-Tech received $6 million in grant funds from the state for the project. The expansion, expected to be complete in time for the 2025-26 school year, will double the capacity of the public safety academy, and increase the capacity of the advanced manufacturing program. New hotels A pair of new hotels were opened in Ashtabula County in 2024. The first, in May, was at SPIRE Academy in May, with the new TownPlace Suites Geneva opening adjacent to Interstate 90 and Route 534. It is one of a number of improvements that have been made in recent years on SPIRE Academy's grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second was Riverbend Hotel in the Ashtabula Harbor. The hotel, located on Goodwill Drive, has a view of the Ashtabula River. Court consolidation Over the summer, DeWine signed a bill that will lead to the consolidation of the eastern and western county courts under a single full-time judge. The bill will also expand the jurisdiction of the Conneaut Municipal Court to include the surrounding municipalities. State Representative Sarah Fowler Arthur, whose district includes the county's lakeshore communities, and County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski spearheaded the legislation. New VSC offices In November, the Ashtabula County Veterans Service Commission moved into its new office on Route 20 in Ashtabula Township. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The office is much larger than where the commission was previously located on Lake Avenue. With the new offices, two new service officers will be hired to help local veterans. VSC Director Ben Schwartfigure previously said a ribbon-cutting will take place later this year. Keenan murder In early January, police responded to State Road in Ashtabula Township, finding that Kristyna Keenan had been killed. The suspect in the case, Ashley Ginette Keenan, fled. to Canada, then turned herself in. She has been charged in the Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas with two counts of aggravated murder and one count of murder, unclassified felonies, and one count of felonious assault, a second-degree felony. The extradition process is ongoing. BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) The FBI is investigating after 10 people were killed and 35 were injured in the French Quarter on Wednesday, Jan. 1. They are investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. The New Orleans Police Department reported that a vehicle drove into a group of people on Bourbon Street. According to the FBI, police killed the driver of a vehicle in a firefighter on Bourbon Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders from Louisiana have reacted to this incident on New Years Day. Gov. Jeff Landry said on X, formerly known as Twitter, A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene. I urge all near the scene to avoid the area. Sen. John Kennedy said, the attack on Bourbon Street this morning was evil. Im praying for every victim of this violence and am grateful to all the first responders who rushed toward danger to help the innocent today. Every resource that law enforcement needs to get answers about this barbaric act should be made available. Sen. Bill Cassidy posted about keeping those that were hurt and killed in our thoughts. He said, So tragic. Give thanks for the police officers responding. Remember the wounded and dead and their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressman Steve Scalise also highlighted those that responded to the scene. Please join me in praying for the victims and their families, as well as our first responders, in the wake of this horrific act of violence on Bourbon Street, Scalise said. Congressman Troy Carter posted this message on X, I have spoken personally with Secretary Mayorkas and the White House regarding last nights unspeakable act of violence and will continue to receive updates. My heart is with the victims, their families, and everyone who witnessed this horrific attack during what should have been a joyful New Years celebration. Representative Garret Graves said, to go from the joy of celebrating the New Year in the French Quarter to the devastation of a terrorist attack that injured and killed scores is a disgusting tragedy that is impossible to comprehend. The greatest country in the world without safety and security is not great. Attorney General Liz Murrill offered prayers on X, Many of us woke up this morning to devastating news of the brutal intentional slaughter of innocent people celebrating the New Year in New Orleans. Im praying for the victims and their families and will ensure they get justice for this appalling act. Please avoid the immediate area at this time and listen to the law enforcement officers who are still on the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EBR Mayor-President-elect Sid Edwards released this statement. He said, Our hearts are heavy as we learn of the violent attack that occurred last night in New Orleans. This senseless act of violence is a stark reminder of the challenges we face in ensuring safety and security for all our communities. On behalf of the people of Baton Rouge, I extend our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and the entire New Orleans community. We stand in solidarity with Mayor Cantrell, local law enforcement, and first responders who are working tirelessly to address this tragedy and bring those responsible to justice. Violence has no place in our cities or our society. As leaders, we are committed to fostering safe, thriving communities where everyone can live free from fear. Let this be a moment for us all to come together, not just to grieve but to take action in addressing the root causes of violence. Baton Rouge stands ready to assist in any way we can during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with New Orleans today. The Baton Rouge Police Department has offered assistance to local law enforcement officials. The East Baton Rouge Parish School Superintendent LaMont Cole released a statement regarding the tragic incident. He said, As we begin this new year, our hearts are heavy with sorrow in light of the tragic events that unfolded in New Orleans on New Years Eve. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends affected by this devastating incident. The loss of life and the impact on our neighboring community remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of coming together in times of crisis. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted, including those in law enforcement and first responders who courageously serve our neighborhoods. In East Baton Rouge Parish, we stand united with the people of New Orleans during this difficult time. Let us honor those who have been lost by fostering compassion, understanding, and support within our own community. We encourage all members of our school family to reach out to one another, offer assistance where possible, and keep those affected in our thoughts. As we move forward into this new year, let us remain vigilant in promoting safety, kindness, and respect for one another. Together, we can build a brighter and more compassionate future for all. 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 BRProud.com. [UPDATE: The protest planned for this Saturday is back on.] [UPDATE: Due to weather forecasts, the march has been rescheduled to Jan. 25 at 11:30 a.m. in the Big Lots parking lot.] A march is being planned this weekend for a man killed in a Dec. 23 officer-involved shooting. The shooting is under investigation by the Kentucky State Police, whose Post 11 in London was requested by London Police Department at 11:53 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23 to investigate an officer-involved shooting at 511 Vanzant Road in the Lily community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KSP shared that the preliminary investigation indicates London Police Department officers were following up on an investigation with an attempt to execute a search warrant. LPD announced Thursday that the still-unnamed officer who shot the 63-year-old Douglas Harless of Lily has been placed on administrative leave. The post said the officer had done so after the occupant of the residence produced a firearm and pointed it at officers during the search warrant. That release also stated that the investigation had originated within city limits. Laurel County Coroner Doug Bowling identified Harless upon KSPs announcement of the investigation. Though life-saving measures were performed on scene, according to KSP, Harless succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Bowlings office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No other injuries were reported. Dispatch audio released Friday evening by WKYT suggests that the shooting occurred at an incorrect address, raising concerns within the community. Though the address 489 Vanzant Road is mentioned several times in the recording as the address for a search warrant, 511 Vanzant Road is the address at which Kentucky State Police reported the shooting actually occurred. In the dispatch audio, one individual can be heard stating, Units on scene attempted to serve a search warrant. Calling on the radio for assistance. Shots fired. 489 Vanzant Road. The station later obtained a neighbors surveillance footage from the night of the shooting. The video begins at 11:50 p.m. Monday, with the police banging on Harless door and announcing themselves. Shortly thereafter, officers can be seen scattering throughout the yard before five gunshots are fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers then radioed for assistance. This is when the inconsistent address is stated multiple times. Several residents have been voicing their opinions on the incident. Among those individuals is Gary Lawson, who has organized a march to urge justice for Harless. The protest is set to begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Big Lots parking lot located in Carnaby Square. Protesters will walk from the store along Main Street to Town Center Park, before then returning to Big Lots. Lawson encourages attendees to wear black attire to the march. Updates regarding the event will be posted to the Facebook event page titled Justice for Doug. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement London Mayor Randall Weddle made public comment on the incident last week after LPD shared its release, stating, My heart goes out to everyone affected by this incident. The family and friends of the individual remain in our thoughts and prayers, as well as the officers involved. Mayor Weddle went on to clarify that he is limited in what he can say at this time, as the investigation is ongoing. Some members of London City Council have expressed concerns regarding the situation as well. I requested all documents related to the incident that occurred, Council Member Stacy Benge commented. Benge verified that the request had been received, though he had not attained a response at press time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sentinel-Echo filed an open records request Friday to view the search warrant, but had not received a response at press time. KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the commonwealth as requested by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. To protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation, the agency has shared that it is standard operating procedure not to release specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts have been gathered. Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case. The maniac accused of randomly pushing a Big Apple straphanger onto Manhattan subway tracks Tuesday afternoon was charged with attempted murder, cops said. Kamel Hawkins, 23, was also charged with second-degree assault after he allegedly shoved a complete stranger onto the tracks at the 18th Street station shortly after 1:30 p.m., according to police. The terrifying ordeal, which was captured on chilling video footage obtained by The Post, showed the hooded brute roaming the edge of the platform while the victim appeared to be looking at his phone as the train pulled into the station. Kamel Hawkins was charged with attempted murder. Sam Costanza Without warning, the suspect pushed the man onto the tracks, with the unsuspecting straphanger disappearing under the train. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim, an unidentified 45-year-old man, was struck by an incoming 1 train and miraculously survived the harrowing afternoon assault with just a head injury, cops said. Hes alive! Hes alive! one relieved bystander can be heard shouting as firefighters worked to pull the injured man from between subway cars, the footage showed. According to police, the shove was a random attack. Obtained by the NY Post The attack occurred around 1:30 p.m. Paul Martinka Hawkins, who has had several run-ins with the NYPD, was busted hours later above ground near Columbus Circle, cops said. The accused shover was charged with assault in June 2019 after slamming a cop to the ground on Flushing Avenue when the officer spotted him acting disorderly, leaving the cop with a back injury, according to sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who attacks a cop in full uniform is capable of doing far worse to defenseless civilians, Police Benevolent Association president Patrick Hendry told The Post. Every time our justice system drops the ball on an assault on a police officer, it puts every New Yorker in danger, said Henry. Hawkins also has an open case in Brooklyn on assault, harassment and weapons possession charges for an incident on Oct. 12. Hawkins has had several run-ins with the NYPD. Obtained by the NY Post Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was shoved into the path of a moving 1 train. Paul Martinka Sources said he was released without bail in another case in 2020 despite prosecutors asking that he be held, though it remains unclear what the charges were in that case. Tuesdays incident is the latest in a series of startling transit attacks in New York City, including two slashings on Sunday and the gruesome Dec. 22 torching death of a sleeping straphanger on an F train in Brooklyn. Concerns over subway violence resulted in Gov. Kathy Hochul deploying more than 1,000 National Guardsmen into the transit system for the holiday season and beyond. The spike in violence also prompted the Guardian Angels to begin patrolling the subways for the first time since 2020. The group, founded in 1979 by former mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, began the patrols on Sunday and said three-member Angel teams will patrol troublesome subway lines around the clock. When eight central European countries joined the EU in 2004, expectations of a migrant invasion were officially largely discounted. Not only did the Home Office predict an upper limit of 13,000 per annum arriving to work in the UK, but most academic studies concluded that there would be no mass movement of labour. They were wrong. More than one million Poles and other nationals from the old Warsaw Pact nations came to Britain principally because ours was the only major economy to open its doors immediately after enlargement. Germany, France and other old EU countries restricted access to the labour market in place for seven years. Perhaps this could be brushed off as the failure of well-intentioned ministers fully to appreciate what might happen. But as Cabinet papers from the time show, Tony Blair was warned that this would see the UK become a magnet for central European labour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The then foreign secretary Jack Straw pointed out that Britain was alone among the bigger EU members in offering a concession, while deputy prime minister John Prescott was extremely concerned about the impact on social housing. They were overruled by the prime minister and home secretary David Blunkett, arguing that migrant workers were needed to boost the economy. But they feared the public would resist. The Labour government went out of its way to deny what everyone was saying would occur if the UK alone were to ignore the moratorium. Yet it now transpires it was a deliberate policy. Essentially, the country was lied to, however it is dressed up now. Is it any wonder that so many voters no longer take seriously the promises and pledges that are made in this area. 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. Emmanuel Macron has admitted that his decision to dissolve the National Assembly last year was a failure. I have to admit this evening that, for the moment, the dissolution has brought more divisions to the Assembly than solutions for the French people, the French president said in his annual New Years Eve address to the country. French media described the 11-minute speech, his shortest New Years Eve address since being elected in 2017, as a rare moment of humility for Mr Macron, who acknowledged that his decision to call snap legislative elections last summer had proved a disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I decided to dissolve the Assembly in order to give you back your say, to restore clarity and avoid the immobility that was threatening, he said. But lucidity and humility demand that we recognise that, at this time, this decision has produced more instability than serenity, and I take full responsibility for this. Mr Macrons decision to call snap elections on the eve of the Paris Olympics backfired spectacularly. Michel Barnier became the shortest-serving prime minister in the French Fifth Republic - TERESA SUAREZ/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The presidents own party lost its majority and Michel Barnier went down in history as the shortest-serving prime minister in the French Fifth Republic. French MPs toppled his government over his cost-cutting budget after only three months in power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the latest polls, the presidents latest prime minister, Francois Bayrou, leader of the centrist MoDem party, has also failed to inspire confidence. Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the radical Left party France Unbowed, has vowed to demand a vote of no-confidence as early as Jan 16, while polls show that nearly half (49 per cent) of French people are in favour of toppling Mr Bayrous government as well. Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the France Unbowed, has vowed to demand a vote of no-confidence - SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP/Getty Images In the Toluna Harris Interactive poll for French news channel LCI, the new prime ministers public approval rating is far below his predecessor, sitting at 32 per cent compared with 44 per cent for Mr Barnier. In his New Years Eve speech, which broke with the traditional format and included a short highlights reel of the last year, Mr Macron promised to consult the French people in 2025 on everything from the economy and democracy to security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will also ask you to decide on some of these key issues, he said. Because each of you will have a role to play. Though he fell short of providing more details, public consultations could take the form of citizen conventions or referendums. 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. Flash Of all the rich and powerful people cozying up to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, few have rushed to Mar-a-Lago faster than the crowned heads of big tech, including California's own chiefs of Google and Meta, reported the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday. "And few have a stronger motive to curry Trump's favor than Silicon Valley: the fate of the H-1B visa program that permits foreign-born computer scientists, engineers and other highly skilled workers to migrate to the United States hangs in the balance," noted the report. Support for retaining H-1B from Elon Musk, the incoming president's new closest associate, has stirred rage through much of Trump's MAGA base, which is against immigration in almost any form. But keeping the pipeline open for tech and other skilled workers is seen by many business leaders as critical for the American economy, especially in California, it said. The state is by far the biggest user of the H-1B. More than 9,600 employers in California sought clearance for at least one H-1B worker in fiscal 2024, with 78,860 visa applications for new and continuing employment being approved, according to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). "They include all kinds of skilled work in various industries, including nurses and science teachers. But the top 10 beneficiaries of H-1B visas in California -- accounting for almost one-third of all the approvals -- were dominated by tech giants, most of them in the Bay Area," it added. On Wednesday, Kapoor took to Instagram to post a video montage recapping his achievements from the past year. The carousel of images and clips showcased his professional milestones, including his projects and accomplishments. In the caption accompanying the post, Kapoor wrote, "2024 was all about grit, grind, and growth. Purpose and perseverance have always led my way, and I aim to be intentional about amping the energy up and dreaming bigger... Let's rage 2025!" https://www.instagram.com/reel/DESj8kxttFw/?igsh=dzZzd2M0cm1xODln The actor also had a major announcement in December. On the occasion of his 68th birthday, the makers of his upcoming action thriller, 'Subedaar', unveiled its first look teaser. The teaser, shared by Prime Video India, revealed Kapoor in a gritty avatar. Dressed in a striped white shirt, beige trousers, and slippers, his character is shown locked in a dark room as a group of men outside threaten to break in. Kapoor's character, referred to as "subedaar" and "chacha," appears prepared for a confrontation. Sitting on a wooden chair in front of the door, he signals holding a gun. The weapon then materializes in his hands as he loads it, ready for a fight. As the teaser concludes, Kapoor's voice declares, "Fauji taiyar (the soldier is ready)." https://www.instagram.com/reel/DD8o_SAIEJv/?igsh=MW4zenlicDlreW5vZw== 'Subedaar' features Radhikka Madan as Shyama, the daughter of Anil Kapoor's character, Subedaar Arjun Maurya. The film is directed by Suresh Triveni, who previously directed T-Series' comedy-drama 'Tumhari Sulu' (2017) and 'Jalsa', both headlined by Vidya Balan. 'Subedaar' is a joint production by Opening Image Films and Anil Kapoor Film and Communication Network (AKFCN), with Vikram Malhotra, Anil Kapoor, and Suresh Triveni as producers. (ANI) (Bloomberg) -- French President Emmanuel Macron admitted that his decision to dissolve parliament last summer had backfired, leading to more division and political turmoil, while he called for greater unity to meet the nations challenges. Most Read from Bloomberg Lucidity and humility require the recognition that at this time this decision has produced more instability than serenity, Macron said during his annual New Years Eve address on Tuesday. And I take my full share of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president said he hopes the new year will be one of collective recovery, bringing stability and the right compromises to make the right decisions in the service of the French, because we cannot afford to wait. The first step will be to adopt a budget for 2025, he added. He also broached the possibility of referendums on topics ranging from the economy to security. The presidents speech came after his popularity sank to its lowest level since he took office in 2017. His approval rating dropped in 2024 to a record low of 21%, according to a poll by Elabe published by Les Echos last week. Much of the decline is driven by the political chaos that followed his decision to dissolve the lower house of parliament in June. He made the move in what he said was an effort to bring clarity to French politics after the National Rally triumphed in European elections. The gamble instead delivered a National Assembly split into three irreconcilable blocs a leftist alliance, a shrunken center backing Macron, and a strengthened far-right party led by Marine Le Pen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Macron took two months to appoint Michel Barnier as prime minister following the legislative elections, hoping the man who led the Brexit negotiations on behalf of the European Union could narrow the deep divisions. But the negotiations around the 2025 budget bill exacerbated tensions, and when the premier used a constitutional tool to bypass a vote on a related bill, Le Pen joined forces with the left to support a no-confidence motion that brought down the government. Francois Bayrou, a longtime centrist figure, was then appointed premier to replace Barnier, becoming Frances fourth prime minister in a year. Crafting the budget bill for 2025 that can win parliamentary support will be his most urgent task at the start of the new year, and also the most challenging given the nations fractious parliamentary landscape. Economic indicators for France, meanwhile, are pointing downward amid the political uncertainty, which has pushed investors to sell French assets, driving up the countrys borrowing costs compared with European peers. Macron, in his speech, said its essential for France to stay on the leading edge of technologies, such as artificial intelligence, that are shaping the world. He also pushed for the country, and Europe, to take a bigger role in their own defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There can be no prosperity without security, he said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. A South Korean airplane carrying 181 passengers exploded in a ball of flames after experiencing what appeared to be a mechanical failure as it attempted to land on Sunday morning. The only survivors were two crew members. The cause of the crash, which was the deadliest air disaster ever on South Korean soil, is still uncertain. Videos showed that neither the front or back landing gear had descended. Flaps used to decelerate the plane were also inactive. And, unusually, only one engine had deployed its thrust reverser. Investigators are looking to birds as a possible culprit for the strange landing that resulted in a tragic collision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four minutes before the fatal crash, the airplane pilot issued a distress signal and reported a bird strike. The report came just two minutes after ground control sent a message warning of birds in the area. Moments before the plane skidded along the runway and crashed into a concrete fence, one passenger said in a phone call, We cant land because a bird (or birds) caught in our wing, CNN reported. The planes flight path was located near multiple bird feeding and roosting areas. However, a final answer to why the plane crashed will likely take months to uncover as investigators analyze data from the planes two black boxes. A Red-tailed Hawk eyes the low cut grass areas near one of the runways at the Salt Lake City International Airport on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. The airports wildlife mitigation team is working hard to minimize strikes. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Do bird strikes happen in Utah? Bird strikes are a normal occurrence in aviation, including in Utah. But they rarely cause any damage, let alone cause a plane to crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The highest profile bird strike in recent memory happened in 2021 when the Utah Jazzs charter flight was forced to return to the Salt Lake airport after colliding with a flock of birds during takeoff. The bird strike damaged the left engine, producing a small explosion and leaving the engine completely dysfunctional. Bird strikes are common, according to Alex Blanchard. They just dont cause damage because a lot of the birds that are hit by our aircraft are the smaller birds. Blanchard runs the Air Ops wildlife department at the Salt Lake airport, where she has worked for two years. Her team of five runs a 24/7 surveillance operation across a 5-mile radius surrounding the airport, including thousands of acres of grasslands and dozens of buildings. Their mission: bird strike mitigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Salt Lake International Airport is located to the south of the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve, an important nesting ground for hundreds of species of birds, and the airport sits right in the middle of wetlands, multiple duck-hunting clubs, a seagull-covered landfill and multiple migratory bird routes in the spring and fall. This location makes the Salt Lake airport a hotspot for bird strikes. There were 418 reported bird strikes at the Salt Lake airport in 2024, 294 in 2023, and 311 in 2022. With approximately 219,000 flights going in and out of Salt Lake City every year, this averages out to roughly one bird strike every 524 arrivals and departures. A Southwest plane lifts off during a tour with the wildlife mitigation team as they discuss efforts at the Salt Lake City International Airport to minimize bird strikes on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News What kind of birds collide with planes? Of the 418 bird strikes, 48 involved raptors, 64 involved waterfowl, 16 involved gulls and 290 involved other birds. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) wildlife strike database shows that the majority of bird strikes at the Salt Lake airport involve small species of birds, like swallows, larks and sparrows, but the list also includes bats. Smaller birds almost never cause any damage, Blanchard said. This year, 14 bird strikes resulted in damage to the aircraft, according to the official SLC Wildlife Strike Review, and 20 other bird strikes were categorized as triggering, which means they involved multiple strikes at once or a major event like engine ingestion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FAA data shows that some of these damaging bird strikes were caused by California gull, White-headed gull, Swainsons Hawk, Sora, American robin and Green-winged teal. In most cases, a plane damaged by a bird strike can still complete its flight or make an emergency landing, even if a bird gets ingested into one of the engines, Blanchard said. But even minimal damage can have high costs. If a bird damages an engine, it can take as much as $2 million to repair, Blanchard said. Even fixing damage to the skin of the aircraft can cost upwards of half a million dollars. And so its our job to make sure were out there doing what we do, constant patrolling, constant mitigating, to make sure that we reduce the likelihood of any of that, Blanchard said. A trap that is in the active space of the airport as the wildlife mitigation team show some of their ways of minimizing bird strikes at the Salt Lake City International Airport on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News How do they decrease bird strikes? From their headquarters just north of the SLC Air Traffic Control Tower, Blanchard and her wildlife mitigation team coordinate with airport authorities and airfield specialists to make sure aircraft steer clear of hard-to-reach flocks of birds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wildlife mitigation department pays meticulous attention to migration patterns, and have constant eyes on the sky allowing them to create heat maps representing the areas most likely to have bird traffic, Blanchard said. Blanchard and her team spend their days scouring the land surrounding the airport and inspecting the buildings on airport grounds looking for birds to scare away, or haze. Birds that stay put are captured for relocation. The tools at Blanchards disposal to keep birds from interfering with flights include various pyrotechnics that shoot up to 300 or 1,000 feet and emit loud noises to scare away large groups of high-flying birds like pelicans or geese. But much of the work that is done is to prevent flocks from wanting to pass near the airport in the first place. Blanchards team works with the airports landscaping crew to keep surrounding grasslands cut short and to plant grasses that do not seed or flower so as to not attract grasshoppers and other bugs that birds feed on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wildlife mitigation team also recently started disking the airports surrounding fields six inches deep to remove the presence of voles, which also serve as food for some birds. Since making this change in the last year, Blanchards team has trapped 20% fewer birds in the field, she said. To protect larger birds, like owls, hawks and eagles, the airports wildlife mitigation department has constructed their own traps six large traps around their inspection perimeter and six more mobile traps that are moved daily within their inspection interior that have small birds or homegrown mice as bait. Once these large birds are intercepted, they are immediately brought back to the headquarters where they are measured, tagged and relocated to different areas, depending on the bird species, within about two hours of the airport. At the height of the migratory season, Blanchard said her team relocates multiple birds every day. They must do so within 24 hours, according to federal regulations. Planes line up on the taxi way before takeoff, during a tour with wildlife mitigation workers as they discuss their efforts at the Salt Lake City International Airport to minimize bird strikes on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bird leg bands that are placed on birds that are caught and then relocated in an effort to reduce bird strikes at the Salt Lake City International Airport on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News A canal that runs through the property is one of the areas the wildlife mitigation team monitors in their efforts at the Salt Lake City International Airport to minimize bird strikes on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Raptor hoods hang on the wall in the offices of the wildlife mitigation team at the Salt Lake City International Airport on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News A Red-tailed Hawk eyes the low cut grass areas near one of the runways at the Salt Lake City International Airport on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. The airports wildlife mitigation team is working hard to minimize strikes. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Red-tailed Hawk flies past the radar antenna at the Salt Lake City International Airport in on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. The airports wildlife mitigation team is working hard to minimize strikes. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News A 24-year-old man has been arrested after the bodies of his mother and four sisters were found inside a hotel room on Wednesday, Jan. 1. The man named only as Arshad by authorities was detained after he reportedly admitted killing his family amid a New Year's Eve dispute in the city of Lucknow, reported multiple outlets including Asian News International (ANI) and the Deccan Herald. According to authorities, the murdered women have been identified as the man's sisters Aliya, 9, Aqsa, 16, Rehmeen, 18, and Alsiha, 19, and his mother, per multiple outlets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Today, the bodies of five people were found in a room of Hotel Sharan Jeet," deputy police commissioner Raveena Tyagi told ANI. "The local police reached the spot, and a person named Arshad, around 24 years old, a resident of Agra, was detained." Related: 'Um, I Just Shot My Daughter': How a Disturbing 911 Call Revealed a Family Murder-Suicide Spanning 3 Generations Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. "In the preliminary interrogation itself, he said that due to a family dispute, he had killed his four sisters and mother. Further interrogation is being done," Tyagi added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Inquiry is also being conducted with nearby hotel staff," joint commissioner of police Babloo Kumar added to reporters, per the Deccan Herald. "Regarding the bodies recovered, some show signs of injuries on the wrist of one, on the neck of another. Based on these marks, statements from witnesses and the post-mortem report, we are conducting a detailed investigation into the matter," he added. Dheeraj Dhawan/Hindustan Times via Getty Commuters in Lucknow, India Commuters in Lucknow, India Related: 'Multiple' Family Members Killed in Wash. Home, 15-Year-Old Son in Custody: 'You Thought They Were Perfect' According to The Hindustan Times, the family arrived at the hotel on Tuesday, Dec. 30 to celebrate the New Year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It added that Arshad allegedly served his family food and drinks containing an unspecified drug before he killed them. An investigation is underway, Kumar added in a video posted by the Press Trust of India. "There are some open wounds on the body. We are finding out everything and will inform." Read the original article on People A man is in the Rock Island County Jail after police say he fired a handgun towards someone and their vehicle this morning, according to a news release from the Rock Island Police Department. Donovan Cartwright-Nye (Rock Island Police Department) Officers with the Rock Island Police Department responded to reports of gunshots being fired in the 3100 block of 9th Street on December 31 at about 9:19 a.m., the release said. Officers investigated and found a silver car that had been abandoned after it crashed into a power pole in the 1500 block of 31st Avenue. Deputies found the vehicles owner, identified as Donovan J. Cartwright-Nye, 24, walking in the area and detained him. 1500 block of 31st Ave., Rock Island (Mike Colon, OurQuadCities.com) Officers determined that Cartwright-Nye had fired a handgun towards another person and their vehicle. A loaded handgun with a defaced serial number was found inside his vehicle. There were no injuries but the victims vehicle was damaged. Cartwright-Nye was charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, defacing identification marks of a firearm and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. He was taken to the Rock Island County Jail where he is awaiting an initial court appearance. 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. HOLMES COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) A man has been charged with murder after a shooting at a Holmes County bar. Holmes County Sheriff Willie March said Michael Stewart, Jr., 18, shot and killed Jameon Crockwell, 33, at The Hole in the Wall. Teen arrested, 4 others wanted after Jackson crime spree According to March, Crockwell was involved in an altercation with another person before Stewart intervened. Crockwall was shot multiple times, and his body was sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for an autopsy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stewart is expected to appear in court on Thursday, January 2. The sheriff said The Hole in the Wall will remain open. 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. JACKSON COUNTY (KSNT) Deputies in Jackson County arrested a northeast Kansas man who was allegedly driving more than 50 mph over the speed limit. The Jackson County Sheriffs Office announced that a deputy was patrolling around 10 p.m. on Dec. 27 on northbound U.S. 75 near where it meets 302nd Road when a vehicle passed by heading south on the highway at 122 mph in a 65 mph zone. The deputy began following the vehicle and tried to pull it over but it refused to stop. Deputies lost track of the vehicle after its lights were shut off and it disappeared into the fog. Law enforcement later found the vehicle through the use of a license plate reader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State troopers hit driver with almost $400 fine after 100 mph speeding violation The driver of the vehicle, a 39-year-old man from Horton, was arrested around 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 28 and booked into the Jackson County Jail. He was arrested on charges of fleeing and eluding law enforcement, reckless driving and other traffic-related violations. For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf 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. Dec. 31Firefighters found a man dead in a small structure that caught fire Tuesday morning on College Hill, according to the Pullman Fire Department. Fire crews were called shortly before 7 a.m. for a report of smoke coming from the structure located in the 400 block of Northeast Maple Street, according to a department news release. Firefighters discovered the body of a man inside. Pullman fire Chief Mike Heston said the fire destroyed the inside of the building, which Heston described as a garage converted into living quarters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initial investigation indicated the man who was living in the structure was not of college age and not connected with Washington State University, the fire department said. A neighbor in a nearby apartment building reported smelling burning plastic and saw smoke coming from the structure before calling 911, the release said. Pullman Fire Marshal Darren Jones said in the release that fire crews encountered extensive debris in the building and that made it difficult for firefighters to force open the door. He said crews also found a number of discarded cigarettes and electrical extension cords in the building. Glenn Johnson, fire department spokesman, said the cause of the fire was undetermined because Jones couldn't rule out "smoking" or "electrical" as the cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters contained the fire shortly after they arrived and kept it from damaging nearby apartment buildings, including one building that was about 2 feet away. Fire officials said they will check with city building inspectors to determine if the structure was approved to be living in, according to the release. The Pullman Police Department and Whitman County Coroner Annie Pillers are investigating the death, the fire department said. The coroner's office will release the man's identity and cause and manner of death. [See violent crime statistics in the player above.] MAPLE HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW) Maple Heights police are investigating a fatal shooting on Tuesday evening. Police responded at about 6:30 p.m. to Convenience Food Mart, 5514 Dunham Road, for a report of a two gunshots fired in the area, according to a Tuesday night news release. I TEAM: WatchNearly a half-hour wait for Cleveland Police to get to bad crash downtown Officers arrived to find a man lying in the parking lot with a gunshot wound, according to the release. He was transported to a local hospital, where he died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mans identity is being withheld pending notification of family members. Bird flu suspected of killing local geese, swans Police are now investigating the circumstances of the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to call detectives at 216-587-9624 or email detectives@mhpd-ohio.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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. KANSAS CITY, Mo. One man is dead, and another is hurt after a shooting at a New Years Eve gathering in Kansas City. According to Kansas City police, around 2:45 a.m. Wednesday officers were sent to a reported shooting on Elmwood Avenue near 31st Street in Kansas City. When they arrived at a home on Elmwood, officers found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. EMS responded and pronounced the victim deceased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man who died has been identified as Calvin Bushnell, a 40-year-old Black man. View the latest headlines from Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas at fox4kc.com Police also found another shooting victim. He is also an adult man. He was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. According to KCPD, a preliminary investigation revealed there were several people gathered at a home before shots were fired. Investigators are trying to determine what led up to the victims being shot, per KCPD. Crime scene personnel are gathering evidence from the area. If anyone has any information, contact homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. 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. Congress MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, reacting to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader KT Rama Rao's comments, said that former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao had "deceived" Dalits by not giving them the Chief Minister's post as promised during the formation of Telangana. Earlier, in a statement, KT Rama Rao said, "Deception, Destruction, and Distraction are the 3D summary of Congress governance in 2024." "Deception is done by BRS as before the formation of Telangana, as per the promise KCR don't want to have any power and want it to be given to Dalits. So, not giving CM posts to Dalits is a deception. They also promised 2 lakh jobs and that is also the prime agenda for the formation of Telangana, not fulfilling this is also a Deception," Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy said while speaking to ANI. "Second is Destruction, so the Polavaram Project is destruction, they send one and a half lakh crore without expert advice, this is destruction. Third is distraction, At that time Telangana CM was not seen even 10 times in the secretariat as he was staying in the farmhouse, this is called distraction," Kiran Kumar added. Earlier, KT Rama Rao urged the state government to persuade the central government to establish a memorial for former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao in the national capital. Rao said, "Dr Manmohan Singh was a great economist and is respected across party lines. Our party supported the resolution passed in the Assembly today. We also appreciate the government's move to install a statue of Dr Singh here. However, we remind the Congress government in Telangana that the only Prime Minister who served India honourably and brought in significant reforms was PV Narasimha Rao. "Unfortunately, he is the only late Prime Minister who does not have a memorial in the national capital. We have demanded that the state government also pass a resolution in the Assembly to honour PV Narasimha Rao and urge the Union government to set up a memorial for him," he added. (ANI) A Canton man died on New Years Eve when a car fell onto his moving car. According to the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office, Phillip Ziegler, 62, was driving on Union Hill Road near Windflower Court on Tuesday at approximately 2:30 p.m. when a tree fell on his vehicle. Ziegler was taken to North Fulton Hospital where he later died from his injuries. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Deputies say he was the only person in the vehicle. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] CHICAGO An investigation is underway on Wednesday after a man was critically injured in an armed robbery at a business on the citys Far South Side. Chicago police said the incident unfolded just after 12:30 p.m. inside a business in the 7500 block of South Racine Avenue in Auburn Gresham. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland According to police, the victim, a 51-year-old man, was inside the business when two unknown offenders entered and one of them pulled out a gun and began demanding his property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers said amid the robbery, one of the offenders opened fire on the victim, striking him in the chest and right leg. The victim was later taken to the hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. Authorities said no arrests have been made in connection with the incident, and an investigation is currently underway. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact CPD Area Two Detectives at 312-747-8273 or dial 911. Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously. 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 WGN-TV. Dec. 31A 37-year-old man was shot in Portland early Tuesday morning near the intersection of Oxford and Portland streets. Portland police responded to a report of a gunshot around 2:30 a.m., and the man was taken to Maine Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the police department. Police did not identify the injured man. This marks the third shooting in Portland in five days, but police say this shooting was isolated and unrelated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A parked car on Washington Avenue was riddled with bullet holes on Sunday night. And more than 3 miles away, over a dozen shots were fired into a Cumberland Avenue apartment building Thursday. No one was injured at either of those shootings, but the cases remain under investigation, according to Portland police. Also on Sunday night, multiple bullets were fired through the front door of a home in South Portland within the Redbank Village campus. There were no injuries there, either. Portland police are asking anyone with information about Tuesday's shooting to call 207-874-8575, or to text "PPDME" and a message to 847411. Copy the Story Link A man wanted in connection with an international investigation spanning several years has been apprehended, according to the Union County Sheriffs Office. In 2020, Baldomero Hernandez-Jimenez was charged with multiple serious sexual offenses, including several counts of statutory rape, statutory sexual offense, and indecent liberties with a child during an extensive assault investigation. In October of that year, Hernandez-Jimenez was arrested and placed under a $500,000 secured bond. He would later bond out and fail to appear for his court date, causing a warrant to be issued for his arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With assistance from the U.S. Marshals and the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, Hernandez-Jimenez was located in Mexico and taken into custody. ALSO READ: Suspect accused of returning to same place to attack more women Deputies said Hernandez-Jimenez was then extradited to the United States and processed at the Union County Detention Center. He is being held under a new secured bond of $300,000. A hold has also been issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to prevent his release. This case underscores our steadfast commitment to justice and accountability. No matter how far an offender runs or how long it takes, we will pursue them relentlessly to ensure they are held accountable for their crimes, said Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey. VIDEO: More women come forward after man charged with sexual battery Dec. 31Manchester Police are asking for the public's help in finding a missing woman, Nicole Wise, 29, who was last seen on Christmas Eve at her home on Orange Street. Wise left without a cellphone or wallet and her family has not heard from her since, according to police. Wise is approximately 5-foot-4 and weighs about 115 pounds. She has long brown hair and hazel eyes. She also has chain-link tattoos on both wrists. Anyone who has information can call Manchester Police Department at 603-668-8711. Wild pheasant populations have plummeted in New York (as they have in much of the East) over the last few decades, leading the state Department of Environmental Conservation to stock thousands of pen-raised birds each year. These pen-raised pheasants are not meant to bolster wild bird numbers but simply to give bird hunters in New York an opportunity to chase roosters on public lands. But now some state legislators are aiming to end that stocking program under the argument that raising birds and then releasing them for hunters to shoot is state-sponsored cruelty, as a recent article in the New York Times details. Its absurd, and it makes New York State complicit in the slaughter of animals, Linda B. Rosenthal, a Democratic Assembly member from Manhattan and the author of an incoming bill that would end the program, told the Times. Theres no reason the state needs to engage in this practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The article alleges that hunting pen-raised birds isnt challenging and that many of the released birds are killed by predators or cars. An animal-welfare activist interviewed for the story claims that the pheasants are tame and want to be held. While the Times story paints an unpleasant and unfair picture of a put-and-take pheasant stocking program (for the record I have never seen a pheasant, pen-raised or otherwise, that wanted to be held by a human), it also hits on an unfortunate fact within the upland bird hunting community. In a lot of places, pen-raised pheasants are the only game bird in town. And, these stocking programs have some philosophical flaws that make them easy targets for anti-hunters. Rooster Realities According to the New York DEC, pheasants are among the states most popular small game animals and approximately 23,000 hunters harvest more than 50,000 pheasants each year. This year the stocking program had a $1.4 million budget that accounted for 65,000 birds hunting licenses and Pittman-Robertson dollars fund the program, according to the Times. While there are huntable numbers of wild birds in the western part of the state, the pheasant population overall has declined by 90 percent since the 1970s. This is due almost entirely to habitat loss. There is much less farmland and feral fields and much more forested land these days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wild pheasant situation is so bleak that without propagation and release programs by DEC and private entities, pheasant hunting opportunities would not exist in New York State, according to the DEC website. (You can read a detailed outline of the program, here.) There are several states in the East with similar stories. For example, Pennsylvania hunters would regularly harvest more than one million pheasants annually in the early 1970s, according to the PA Game Commission. Today, Pennsylvania hunters harvest about 110,000 (mostly planted) birds each year. Pen-Raised Pros The New York DEC makes clear that the stocking program is meant to create hunting opportunities. It states that the program is geared toward kids and new hunters. Any experienced bird hunter should be able to see the value in this. Its unrealistic for an aspiring hunter in the East to plan a trip to South Dakota to hunt wild pheasants on public ground. But if they can find a place near home to chase some planted birds and get an idea of what pheasant hunting is like, well, maybe theyll eventually grow into a dedicated bird hunter one day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have a buddy who is traveling down this very path right now. Hes a new hunter living in the Detroit suburbs who has started hunting planted pheasants at a nearby wildlife management area. It took him a couple outings of tagging along with experienced hunters before he ever got a shot at a rooster. He had to be the dog and bust brush for the old guys. He had to contend with groups of other hunters on every outing. But when he finally made a perfect shot on a crossing rooster, he got hooked. I would not be surprised if, after another season or two of chasing pen-raised birds, hell want to experience the real thing. After that, hell probably get a bird dog puppy and join Pheasants Forever. Before too long hell have his truck loaded up for rooster road trips out West. In short, hell become one of us, thanks to the gateway bird that is a pen-raised pheasant. Pen-Raised Problems Its naive to ignore the fact that there are some serious philosophical flaws with pheasant stocking programs. First, its well established that releasing pen-raised birds wont help improve wild bird populations. The only way to do that reliably is by increasing and improving habitat. To be fair, these stocking programs arent meant to help wild birds at least not directly. They are meant to create bird-hunting opportunities. And thats where we slide into a debate around the ethics of hunting pen-raised birds thats hard to win with the non-hunting public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As hunters, we like to explain hunting as a sustainable fair-chase endeavor that manages wild game populations, funds wildlife habitat, and puts healthy meat on the table. If were being totally honest, that explanation doesnt hold up fully when were hunting birds that were raised in a pen and then released specifically so that we can shoot them. Read Next: Its Time for a Reality Check on South Dakota Pheasant Hunting Even with our own bird hunting community, folks will argue about whether chasing pen-raised birds is challenging enough to be considered hunting, or whether its really just shooting. Ive hunted both wild birds and pen-raised birds all over the country and can say that it really all depends on the situation. If you were to ask my buddy from Detroit, bagging that one planted rooster on pressured public ground was plenty challenging. Ive also hunted planted areas without ever firing a shot. In many places, released birds mix with wild birds (even on public ground), and its tough to tell the difference between the two when hunting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the flip side, Ive been on some private outfitted hunts for planted birds where the pheasants barely flushed my Lab ended up catching most of them. It all comes down to how good the habitat is, how long the birds have been living in that habitat before the hunting starts, and how spooky the birds act in response to hunting pressure. But those nuances are all but impossible to explain to a non-hunter, especially when the anti-hunting side is alleging state-sponsored slaughter. So it makes sense that anti-hunters and animal welfare folks would come after stocking programs like the one in New York. Why Weve Got to Fight to Keep Stocking Programs CRP lands are key to pheasant production and walk-in areas are critical for hunter access. Alex Robinson It might be easy for a wild pheasant hunter in the Midwest or West to ignore the plight of pen-raised bird hunters in the East. The mission is to put more upland habitat and more wild birds on the landscape. We dont hunt pen-raised birds, or even if we do, theres no chance that the practice would ever be banned in our state so who cares? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem with this line of thinking is that it doesnt acknowledge the reality that we need more hunters and hunting advocates, especially in blue states with large metropolitan areas like New York. We need pheasant hunters to advocate for and fund upland habitat in order to restore wild bird populations. And its impossible to recruit those hunters in places like New York or Pennsylvania if they dont have any pheasants to hunt. For an immediate example, look no further than the recently passed Farm Bill extension, which includes defunding the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Initiative program in 2025 (thats the Walk-in Access program you know and love). For a long-term example of eroding hunting opportunities, read our coverage on the anti-hunting infiltration within wildlife commissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If New York ends its stocking program, you can bet many of those 23,000 hunters will phase out of pheasant hunting. That likely means fewer conservation funding dollars, fewer PF members, and fewer folks willing to write their senator petitioning for upland habitat conservation and bird hunting access. You can also bet that metropolitan legislators in other Eastern states will consider similar bills. And ultimately, fewer hunting opportunities for some of us means fewer opportunities for all of us. AUSTIN (KXAN) A Manor Independent School District student accused of stabbing and killing another student was found mentally incompetent to stand trial, according to Travis County court documents obtained by KXAN on Tuesday. Mac Brown Mbanwei, 18, was charged with murder in the death of 18-year-old Darrin Loving after police say he stabbed Loving multiple times with a kitchen knife in a restroom at Manor Senior High School on Oct. 29, according to an arrest affidavit. Court records allege Manor student fatally stabbed classmate in school restroom Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The affidavit said a Manor ISD school resource officer found Loving near the lunch area of the school. He was pronounced dead on the scene, police said. As opposed to standing trial soon, Mbanwei will instead be committed to a mental health or residential facility for no more than 120 days, according to court documents. Criminal defense attorney Alan Bennett told KXAN in November that an incompetency determination does not mean anyone is walking away from a case. Central Texas shooting spree suspect found mentally incompetent Within 120 days, Mbanwei will have another hearing to go over the mental health evaluation and a judge will determine the next steps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KXAN has extensively reported on how the state hospital system has dealt with extended wait times for people to reach beds. Those who are charged with crimes and found incompetent to stand trial are put on a waitlist, which is split into two main groups a maximum-security list and a non-maximum-security list. KXAN has done multiple investigations on how that wait can impact mentally ill suspects in jail while on the waitlist. The court ordered any documents including reports of each expert, psychiatric, psychological or social work related to his mental condition will need to be provided to state attorneys or the attorney representing him, court documents 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. HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) The Maryland Office of the Attorney General (OAG) announced Tuesday that it is delaying the release of bodycam footage after a man died during a standoff with police in Laurel last month. According to the OAG, on Nov. 30, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) officers responded to a home in Laurel shortly after 3 p.m. for a domestic incident. Police said the 911 call reported a man banging on the front door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once on scene, officers learned that a man, later identified as 29-year-old Tyree Winslow of College Park, Md., fired several shotgun rounds at the front door of the home before entering through a window. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man found dead after standoff with Howard County police identified Winslow allegedly did not comply with commands from police on the scene, and two officers exchanged gunfire with him. Officers then established a barricade but were unable to make contact with Winslow. Around 5:40 p.m., police entered the home, where they found him with apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police noted that officers recovered several loaded guns and a knife near Winslow. Authorities did not specify whether he died from the officers gunfire or his own. The OAG said the delay in the release is due to the need for additional time to allow the involved parties to view the video before it is released to the public. Per protocol, the OAGs Independent Investigations Division (IID) generally releases bodycam footage within 20 business days after an incident; however, factors such as the need for more witness interviews, technical delays or allowing family members or involved officers to view the video before it is released the public, may cause a delay. The OAG did not specify when the footage will be released. 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. A new training program offered by the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the University of Maryland, Baltimore is expanding the pool of health care providers with reproductive health care skills. (Getty Images) This story originally appeared on KFF Health News. In the two counties around nurse practitioner Samantha Marsees clinic in rural northeastern Maryland, theres not a single clinic that provides abortions. And until recently, Marsee herself wasnt trained to treat patients who wanted to end a pregnancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt really have a lot of knowledge about abortion care, she said. After Roe v. Wade was overturned, she watched state after state ban abortion, and Marsee decided to take part in the first class of a new training program offered by the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Marsee learned how to administer medication abortion pills, procedural abortions and highly effective birth control methods, including hormonal implants and intrauterine devices. She cares for patients with all sorts of everyday ailments and health conditions, including pregnancy. I do have patients who come in for confirmation of pregnancies and then disclose they dont want to continue with the pregnancy for whatever reason, Marsee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, with her new training, she can help. I want people to know Im here, but I dont want to cause too much outrage and attention, says Samantha Marsee, a nurse practitioner in rural northeastern Maryland who recently received medical training to provide abortion care. (Samantha Marsee) Expanding the pool of health care providers with reproductive health care skills outside of the states urban centers is vital, said Mary Jo Bondy, associate dean of the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She helped create the new training program. In 2022, Maryland lawmakers passed the Abortion Care Access Act, expanding the type of medical care nurse practitioners, physician assistants and certified nurse-midwives could offer, including abortion, and the training program prioritized that group, Bondy said. Those types of professionals have long provided abortions to rural patients in other states, Bondy said, and we have proof that receiving this care from an advanced practice clinician is safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As many as 120 health care providers will be trained over the next two years. Some participants have said they are returning to communities that are hostile to abortion rights. On Nov. 5, voters approved a ballot measure to protect reproductive rights in the Maryland Constitution, by an overwhelming margin, preliminary results show. The state is widely considered a safe haven for patients who live in states with abortion bans. The number of abortions in Maryland increased 29% from 2019 to 2023, driven largely by out-of-state residents. But one training participant, a family physician from the Eastern Shore, said providing abortions makes her concerned for her physical safety and asked not to be identified. The rural catchment and politics really drive it either out or at least into the quiet, she said of abortion availability where she lives. She worries that her employer will question the prescriptions she writes for medication abortion pills and said pharmacists often refuse to give the medication to her patients. Even in Maryland, pharmacists are allowed to refuse to dispense medication abortion pills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As more health care providers are trained in abortion care, they need help from the states medical schools and health officials to overcome these barriers, the family physician said. She wants help with access to medication and pushing in some ways the hand of our employers, or normalizing. This is just health care. For Marsee, the next step is to figure out how to let her patients know she can provide abortions. She plans to tell her current patients and hopes theyll tell others. Im working on a way to let people know that Im here and can provide it, Marsee said. This is a conservative area, so its walking that line. I want people to know Im here, but I dont want to cause too much outrage and attention. 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. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Maharashtra BJP President and state Revenue Minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday, where he sought the Prime Minister's blessings and extended an invitation for him to visit Koradi for the darshan of Aai Jagdamba. During the meeting, Bawankule also presented a wooden sculpture of Goddess Mahalakshmi Jagdamba from Koradi to PM Modi. "It was an honor to meet our beloved Prime Minister, the visionary leader, Honorable Shri @narendramodiJi, in New Delhi to seek his blessings. On this occasion, a wooden sculpture of Goddess Mahalakshmi Jagdamba from Koradi was presented to the Honorable Prime Minister," Bawankule said in a post on X. "I also extended an invitation to him to visit Koradi for the darshan of Aai Jagdamba," he added. Bawankule stated that PM Modi had provided "valuable guidance" on strengthening the party organization and improving the governance of Maharashtra. "With the strong support of the people of Maharashtra, the BJP-Mahayuti government has been re-established in the state. Honorable Modi Ji provided valuable guidance on strengthening the party organization and improving the governance of Maharashtra," he said. "I reassured him that the Maharashtra government will operate with greater transparency and efficiency in the future. Meeting Honorable Modi Ji and receiving his guidance is always a source of renewed energy. Today was no exception," he added. In the recently held Maharashtra Assembly election, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance came back to power with a landslide majority. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats in the 280-member Maharashtra Assembly, while its allies--the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar--won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. (ANI) Massachusetts General Hospital welcomed the first baby born in Boston in 2025 early New Years morning. Leah James Lombardi was born at 12:14 a.m., weighing 8 pounds, 7 ounces, and measuring 20.5 inches long, according to the hospital. Leah was born to Jessica and Michael Lombardi, of Saugus. She is the couples second child. The hospital said both the mother and baby are doing well. Leahs arrival marked the first time since 2015 that MGH welcomed the first Boston baby. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Authorities in Massachusetts are on high alert following a tragic and senseless pickup truck attack in New Orleans on New Years left at least 10 people dead and dozens injured. Suspect in New Orleans truck attack that killed 10 identified. FBI says ISIS flag was recovered The Massachusetts State Police grieve the tragic and senseless loss of life early this morning in New Orleans, a spokesperson for the law enforcement agency said in a statement. We offer our deepest condolences to the grieving families and all those affected by these attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say a drive hell-bent on creating the carnage rammed a pickup truck into a crowd of New Years revelers in New Orleans famed French Quarter before being shot to death by police. The FBI identified the driver as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen from Texas, and said it is working to determine Jabbars potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations. Massachusetts State Police confirmed they have been in close contact with federal, state, and local partners to monitor new information and ensure the safety of Bay State communities. The Commonwealth Fusion Center, the states primary intelligence function, briefed Colonel Noble this morning and will keep Governor Healey and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security apprised of any developments, the state police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While officials noted that there is no known connection or any direct threat to Massachusetts, state police urged residents to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. To report suspicious activity or behaviors, call the Massachusetts State Police Fusion Center at 1-888-872-5458 or email fusion@pol.state.ma.us. 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 Reality Check is a Herald series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at tips@miamiherald.com. In the wake of a bombshell congressional report released last week finding that former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz broke Florida laws for statutory rape and prostitution while serving in Congress, local police and prosecutors say they dont expect to investigate further, with one key agency saying too much time has elapsed since the alleged crimes to bring any charges. The House Ethics Committee found substantial evidence that Gaetz paid regularly for sex between 2017 and 2020, documenting payments to women recruited online, text messages about arranging meet-ups and sexual encounters around Florida, primarily in the Orlando area. The most serious accusation is that Gaetz, now 42, paid for sex with a 17-year-old high school student on ecstasy at a house party in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representative Gaetz took advantage of the economic vulnerability of young women to lure them into sexual activity, the report concluded. But despite the findings, Gaetz who denies all allegations may not face any further inquiries. Federal authorities informed him in 2023 following a years-long investigation that they did not intend to bring charges, and local police and prosecutors so far say they arent taking actions in response to the Ethics Committees report. Police in Seminole County, where the alleged 2017 incident with a minor occurred, told the Miami Herald that the window to charge Gaetz under state law closed while he was under federal investigation. The sheriffs office opened the initial investigation that led federal authorities to begin looking into sex-trafficking allegations against Gaetz. Since the statute of limitations for these alleged crimes has expired and no victim or sworn affidavit has been provided, we are unable to conduct an independent investigation, a spokesperson for the Seminole County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for police in Lake Mary, where the then-17-year-old girl said she had sex twice with Gaetz at a former Florida lawmakers home, said the department does not have an open investigation. The office for State Attorney Phil Archer, who oversees prosecutions in Seminole County, confirmed the office is not conducting its own investigation. Police in other local Florida jurisdictions mentioned in the report as places where Gaetz may have engaged in prostitution either did not respond to questions or said they had no active investigation. When asked if Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody was taking any action related to the report, Statewide Prosecutor Nick Cox said that allegations would be investigated by law enforcement in the appropriate jurisdiction. Attempts to reach representatives for Gaetz were unsuccessful. But Gaetz, who resigned from his North Florida congressional seat after being briefly nominated to serve as attorney general by President-elect Donald Trump, has publicly denied that he was at the 2017 party mentioned in the report, or ever took illicit drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to the committee on Sept. 26, Gaetz wrote that the lawful, consensual, sexual activities of adults are not the business of Congress. He has characterized money payments as gifts, writing on Dec. 25 X: I provided financial support to about a dozen women I dated over half a decade in my mid 30s. Every investigation into me ends the same way, Gaetz wrote on X in June 2024. My exoneration. Florida Law While the report does not appear to have motivated local authorities in Florida to investigate the politician further, attorneys and experts who spoke to the Herald said that Gaetzs legal troubles may not be over and that Florida law offers narrow windows that could allow future prosecution. They agreed that the window within which prosecutors can bring charges against a suspect in Florida for soliciting prostitution and unlawful sexual activity with minors 16 or 17 years of age has expired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But experts are divided on whether or not other laws including those governing sex trafficking may apply in the 2017 incident with a minor described in the report. The committee found insufficient evidence that Gaetz violated federal human trafficking laws, but in Florida law, paying for sex with a minor can be considered sex trafficking, and cases can be pursued at any time. Even if she wanted to, she couldnt consent, said Robert Malove, a Florida criminal trial lawyer who said that the 2017 incident could fall under human trafficking. Eighteen or younger, the law presumes youre incapable of consent. The report does not address potential violations of state human-trafficking laws. Others said that testimony cited in the report that drugs were present in the 2017 incident could potentially support a sexual-battery charge against Gaetz. Prosecutors have an 8-year-window to bring charges for cases involving alleged actions between 2015 and 2020. Marci Hamilton, the founder of Child USA, a non-profit organization focused on child abuse, said that would be the most generous reading of Florida law in this case and would give prosecutors until 2025 to bring charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All we know is what were hearing through this report, said Hamilton. It really does depend in the end on facts the report may not include. But Joshua Monteiro, a partner of Sammis Law Firm, said that its unlikely, given the information in the report, that the alleged incident described would constitute sexual battery. The Ethics Committee report notes that all of the women interviewed described the sex as consensual. Unless she alleges some kind of force or coercion, they wouldnt be able to prosecute him under the statute of limitations, he said. I feel violated. Attorneys and advocates generally agreed that, while the clock had run out on bringing charges for most of the allegations laid out in the report, the accusations related to paying for sex with a minor could still lead to further investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 15, 2017, according to the Ethics Committees report, a 17-year-old girl attended a party at former Florida Rep. Chris Dorworths house in Lake Mary, Seminole County, where she said she had sex with Gaetz twice. The woman, identified in the report as Victim A, told Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid her $400 that evening. At the time, she was a junior in high school, and said she was under the influence of ecstasy. While the committee found that Gaetz was unaware she was a minor, the law does not view that as a defense. The committee said that after Gaetz learned her age over a month later, he maintained contact and paid her for sex again less than six months after she turned 18. Joel Greenberg, a former Seminole County tax collector who, according to the Ethics Committee report, helped recruit and pay women for Gaetz and himself, is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence for crimes that include sex trafficking the same woman while she was a minor. [Gaetz] would make me feel bad about not having sex with him or Joel Greenberg, the woman told investigators with the Ethics Committee. [W]hen I look back on certain moments, I feel violated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report acknowledged that Greenbergs credibility has been called into question, after he was found to have forged letters falsely accusing a political opponent of having a sexual relationship with a high schooler. It noted the committee decided to not rely exclusively on information provided by Mr. Greenberg in making any findings. Dorworth, who is not accused in the report of any criminal behavior, previously resolved a federal defamation lawsuit he brought against Victim A referenced in his lawsuit as A.B. and Greenberg for alleged defamation. He called the report a congressional hit job and said it contained material inaccuracies about his testimony. Dorworth referenced a gate log for visitors to his house that night that does not include Gaetz. He also says he was on a boat while the party was ongoing and was not at the house. Alex Andrade, an attorney representing Dorworth, told the Herald that he viewed the report as coming to the complete opposite conclusion as the DOJ, with less evidence. He said that Dorworth is continuing to pursue legal action against Greenberg in state court for witness tampering, spoliation of evidence and fraudulent transfers of assets to avoid financial liabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attempts to reach attorneys for Victim A were unsuccessful. Testimony from at least seven women who say they had sex with Gaetz is included in the report, along with descriptions of 12 women in addition to Victim A who received payments from him. The payments ranged from $200 to a woman in 2018 to over $63,000 paid to his former girlfriend, whom he paid an additional $50,025 for attorneys at the onset of federal investigation, according to the report. One woman, who had previously had sex with Gaetz, told the Committee that she asked Gaetz to help with her tuition when she was 21-years-old, according to the report. He agreed, she said, but when she went to meet him at a hotel, Greenberg and a 20-year-old woman were also present. They had sex, and Gaetz gave her a $750 check with tuition reimbursement in the memo line, the report states. The Committee reports that she received over $4,000 from Gaetz between 2018 and 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She told the Committee that the encounter could potentially be a form of coercion because I really needed the money. Experts told the Herald that, if there was alleged coercion or force in Gaetzs interactions with the women cited, that could open other avenues to prosecution, such as sex trafficking or sexual battery. I think about it all the time, said another woman, who received over $5,000 from Gaetz in the same time frame, according to the report. I still see him when I turn on the tv and theres nothing anyone can do. Its frustrating to know I lived a reality that he denies. This story was produced with financial support from the Esserman Family Foundation in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Tuesday marks Mayor Ted Wheelers last day serving the City of Portland, eight years after he was elected to represent Oregons largest city. Wheeler took to social media to bid the city farewell after nearly 18 years in elective office. LIST: These new Oregon laws will take effect in January 2025 Farewell, Portland. I am filled with optimism today as I leave office. The next chapter is just beginning, and the potential for progress is limitless, he said. Lets stay the course, work together, and ensure that the future of Portland is as bright as we know it can be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday, Jan. 1 marks incoming mayor Keith Wilsons first day on the job after winning Portlands first attempt at ranked choice voting by setting a foundation to solve the citys ongoing homeless and drug crisis. The start of the new year also marks the citys transition into a new form of government, which will maintain four geographic districts each with elected three council members and effectively expand Portland City Council from five to 12 members. Throughout preparations, Wheeler said that Wilson has sat in on meetings and been a part of the transition to take up the role seamlessly on day one. From my perspective, hes asking all the right questions, Wheeler said during a press conference in early December. Hes being thoughtful, his questions were focused, hes demonstrating intellectual curiosity and how we can work not only collaboratively as a community but how we can work better. And he has demonstrated in my mind a significant commitment to our citys services working better for all Portlanders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vancouver hit-run suspects booked on gun, sex charges A sixth-generation Oregonian, Mayor Wheelers great-grandfather, a lumber industry executive, founded the town of Wheeler on the northern Oregon coast. He was the Oregon State Treasurer and chair of the Multnomah County Commission before he was elected as Portlands mayor, a position he held for eight years before he announced his intent not to run for a third term. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, September 14, 2024 (KOIN) Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler vows to reduce homelessness as part of task force plan Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler at a Montavilla Town Hall about a Safe Park Village, March 18, 2023 (KOIN) Wheeler recently joined KOIN 6s Eye on Northwest Politics to reflect on his tenure through a turbulent period in Portlands history. The citys reputation and, by extension, Wheelers reputation as mayor, took a big hit in 2020 during the George Floyd demonstrations. President Trump targeted Portland as a place where liberals destroyed the city. As a result, federal troops were sent in to restore order against the wishes of local officials like Wheeler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NW Natural requests rate hike for Oregon customers starting in late 2025 Despite the political climate, Wheeler claimed his decision not to run for a third term is a personal one. I am burned out. I need time away. I need to recharge my batteries, he told KOIN 6. Ill still be involved in the community, but I think its time for me to turn this over to a next generation of people who have more energy, more ideas, who want to build on the work that weve done and take it potentially in new and exciting directions. 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. The mayors of seven Pittsburgh communities sat down with Channel 11 on Tuesday to voice their concerns over a potential deal between U.S. Steel and Japans Nippon Steel, fearing the economic consequences for their towns if the agreement falls through. Weve been down this road before, said Markus Adams, mayor of East Pittsburgh, referring to the impact on the region when Westinghouse shut down years ago. East Pittsburgh has never recovered from it. The Edgar Thomson Plant, a key facility for U.S. Steel, was built at the heart of these communities. Local leaders worry that a failure to reach a deal could lead to plant closures or downsizing, devastating the already struggling area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For every steel workers job its estimated that five to seven jobs are created by the work there. Thats the restaurants, hotels, the welders, the fabricators, its imperative we continue to fight for this, said Chris Kelly whos the mayor of West Mifflin. Mayors from nearly two dozen communities who are part of the newly formed Mayors Charitable Fund sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to consider the jobs and economic stability the steel industry provides. Thats what I would tell him, Mr. President these are your people dont put them out of work, Kelly said. The main opposition to the sale comes from the United Steelworkers Union and politicians who want the company to remain domestically owned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our union has been calling for strict government scrutiny of the sale since it was announced. Now its up to President Biden to determine the best path forward, said USW International President David McCall. The U.S. governments committee on foreign investments has referred the decision to President Biden, who now has until Tuesday to approve or reject the deal. The mayors are hoping Biden will back their communities and prevent further economic decline. We are here to resolve and save our communities, said Cletus Lee, mayor of North Braddock. As the deadline approaches, the mayors are urging the president to act in the best interest of local workers and families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the Mon Valley falls, the rest of us fall, said Coletta Perry, mayor of Crafton. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee announced Tuesday that Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Chevalier will serve as the states 45th Adjutant General and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard. Chevalier, a Rhode Island native who graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School and the University of Rhode Island, currently oversees the operations of more than 3,100 R.I. National Guard members as Director of the Joint Staff. In a statement, McKee called Chevalier a well-rounded, proven leader with a track record of excellence in planning, management, and logistics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chevalier will replace Maj. Gen. Christopher P. Callahan upon the major generals retirement in January. Major General Callahan is a remarkable leader, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come, Chevalier said. I am truly honored to be selected as the 45th Rhode Island Adjutant General and look forward to serving with and commanding the incredible men and women of the Rhode Island National Guard. The official transfer of authority will take place at The Veterans Auditorium in Providence on Jan. 31, 2025. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup 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. For the second time in three days a flight was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Dayton International Airport due to a declared air emergency. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] An American Airlines flight, operated by Air Wisconsin, that departed Dayton International Airport for Philadelphia was forced to return back to Dayton shortly after takeoff, a spokesperson for the airport told News Center 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flight was forced to return back after the pilot reported a vibration, the spokesperson said. The flight landed safely and no injuries were reported. The flight was described as a ferry flight and only two people were on board, the airport spokesperson said. Both of those people on board were crew members and there were no passengers on the flight, a spokesperson for American Airlines told News Center 7. >>RELATED: Plane diverted to Dayton International Airport due to smoke in cockpit TRENDING STORIES: Wednesdays flight diversion comes just two days after smoke in the cockpit forced a SkyWest flight to make an emergency landing in Dayton. The flight originated from Charleston, West Virginia and was heading to Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Just said a prayer; Passengers describe emergency landing at Dayton airport after smoke on plane That flight also landed safely. Additional details were not available. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Medical marijuana is legal in Kentucky as of Jan. 1, 2025, with qualifying patients able to purchase cannabis products in several Kentucky counties. In the lead up to Jan. 1, the state Office of Medical Cannabis, alongside Gov. Andy Beshear, have held several lotteries to award licenses to cultivators and dispensaries. Beshear, alongside Sam Flynn, the executive director of the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis, have reiterated the program is aimed at providing speedy access to patients in need. "Our system has been set up with two goals, first, to ensure patients get access quickly, that we don't get caught up in court, that those who are suffering are able to secure medical cannabis in the commonwealth as soon as possible, and second, that the system operates safely," Beshear said at a press conference Dec. 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about medical marijuana and access in Kentucky as it becomes legal on Jan. 1, 2025: Kentucky cannabis program Legal access to medical marijuana is long overdue in Kentucky | Letters When did medical marijuana become legal in Kentucky? Medical marijuana was signed into law by Beshear in March of 2023 with the program launching on Jan. 1, 2025. Prior to the official legislation creating a pathway for operation in Kentucky, Beshear signed an executive order in November 2022 that legalized the possession and use of medical marijuana by certain eligible individuals in the state, so long as it was purchased legally outside Kentucky and amounts to less than eight ounces, the Courier Journal previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While medical marijuana can legally be sold at dispensaries starting in January, it remains unclear if products will immediately be available on shelves as the law requires product to be grown and processed in Kentucky. Cultivators were awarded business licenses in October. "The executive order will remain in effect that ultimately protects people from prosecution ... and ultimately now have to go to another state to get it like they are right now, until these dispensaries come online, so we'll leave those protections in place, so individuals are able to get the help they need," Beshear said. Is recreational marijuana legal in Kentucky? No. Recreational marijuana remains illegal in the commonwealth. What is medical marijuana? Medical marijuana is a prescribed product from a licensed physician containing THC a psychoactive found in the cannabis plant used to ease symptoms of certain medical conditions, including forms of cancer, PTSD, epilepsy and other seizure disorders and chronic and severe pain. Where can I find a doctor to prescribe medical marijuana in Kentucky? The Office of Medical Cannabis offers an authorized practitioner directory on its website where potential medical card applicants can search for a certified doctor by city, county, zip code or specialty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Jefferson County, there are 65 authorized practitioners in the state database as of Dec. 18. Who can apply and how to get a medical marijuana card in Kentucky According to the Office of Medical Cannabis, applicants who could qualify for medical marijuana must be a state resident (with a few exceptions), be 18 or older, have no felony record, have a qualifying medical condition and have visited a licensed practitioner and received a written certification to use medical cannabis. Patients under the age of 18 are eligible for medical cannabis if they meet criteria including being a Kentucky resident, having a qualifying condition, having no disqualifying felony convictions, obtain proper documentation from a medical professional, and have a custodial parent or legal guardian who agrees in writing to allow the minor to use medical cannabis and serve as their designated caregiver. A registry identification card application form with a $25 fee has to be submitted on the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program website where it'll be reviewed for approval. The Kentucky General Assembly says the cabinet will acknowledge receiving a first-time or renewal application within 15 days and approve or deny it within 30 days through written notification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Licenses will be valid for a year and require renewal upon expiration. Learn more from The Courier Journal. Medical Marijuana in Kentucky Apply for a medical marijuana card in Kentucky: Here's how and when you can do it. Where can I purchase medical marijuana in Louisville, surrounding areas? Medical marijuana can be purchased at a licensed medical dispensary in Kentucky, with most counties approved for one location and Jefferson and Fayette counties approved for two. See the license winners, selected through a lottery system, below. What cannabis products are available in Kentucky dispensaries? According to Senate Bill 47 from 2023, products available at dispensaries for medical marijuana consumption include edibles, oils, tinctures, vapes and raw plant material. How much weed can I purchase at a Kentucky medical dispensary? Cardholders can possess up to a 30-day supply, with 10-day supplies also available. A 30-day supply consists of up to 112 grams of raw plant material, 28 grams of concentrates and 3,900 milligrams of TCH-infused products such as edibles, oils and beverages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 10-day supply is up to 37.5 grams of raw plant material, 9.5 grams of concentrates and 1,300 milligrams of TCH-infused products. Where can I smoke medical marijuana? The Office of Medical Cannabis says vape products will only be available to those 21 years or older, and all raw plant material will be labeled with "not intended for consumption by smoking," as smoking the product is strictly prohibited. Vaping is also prohibited in public spaces, along with growing marijuana without a business license. Can I drive with medical marijuana products in Kentucky? Yes. Medical marijuana cardholders can transport marijuana to and from their home. It's illegal to operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of medical cannabis, consume cannabis while operating a vehicle and keep medical cannabis within arm's reach when operating machinery. Are you able to fly with medical marijuana products? No. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airports and TSA are subject to federal regulations and flying with marijuana, including for medical reasons, is prohibited. Can my Kentucky employer drug test me for consuming medical marijuana? Matthew Bratcher, executive director of Kentucky NORML, a cannabis advocacy organization, said employers in the commonwealth are still able to enforce drug-free workplace policies, including testing for THC. "Patients should check with their employer to understand their specific policies before consuming medical marijuana," he said. "There are no worker protections in place at this time." Complete list of medical marijuana dispensaries in the commonwealth Region 1 - Bluegrass Canntucky Ventures LLC in Franklin County Garry Kort in Madison County Robert Hoogendyk in Madison County Thriveblue LLC in Scott County Fayette County DHK KY LLC ZenLeaf, Inc. Region 2 - Kentuckiana DNP-DH KY, LLC in Bullitt County KY PRISTINE VISTAS LLC in Bullitt County DJS KY LLC in Shelby County Pinnacle Path LLC in Bullitt County Jefferson County Chung Woo Kim, LLC Upward Innovations Region 3 - Northeast RTZ 20 LLC in Boyd County Boarder Construction LLC in Boyd County Southern Green Wellness LLC in Montgomery County Bluegrass Blooms LLC in Boyd County Region 4 - South Central Zeus Agoraios LLC in Simpson County AR-MO-KY-MS Cannabis Ventures LLC in Warren County PROMO PULSE LLC in Warren County FLOWER RADAR LLC in Warren County Region 5 - Cumberland REED KY DISPENSARY LLC in Pulaski County ERH KY LLC in Pulaski County JM Medicinals LLC Russell County No 1 Boundary LLC in Whitley County Region 6 - Mountain BSRKY APP LLC in Floyd County HYE Property Management LLC in Powell County Kentuckyzen LLC in Pike County REED KY DISPENSARY LLC in Pike County Region 7 - Pennyrile Mallard Club LLC in Christian County ARKY Capital Investments LLC in Lyon County River City Relief House LLC in Lyon County DPDMJF Cannabis Holdings LLC in Holding County Region 8 - West Kentucky OM MED LLC in McCracken County KY-CannCo LLC in McCracken County Green4U LLC in Graves County Leiber Canna II LLC in McCracken County Region 9 - Lincoln Trail Barrio Capital Partners LLC in Hardin County Thoroughtrek LLC in Hardin County NGHKC in Hardin County Wynn Win LLC in Hardin County Region 10 - North Kentucky YELLOW FLOWERS LLC in Kenton County Nicole Tirella in Campbell County Bluegrass Cannacare LLC in Boone County GREEN GRASS CANNABIS LLC in Kenton County Region 11 - Green River OTC KY 3 LLC in Henderson County Bungalow House LLC in Daviess County Tree Soft LLC in Henderson County CP INVESTMENT LLC in Daviess County Contact reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com and reporter Marina Johnson at marina.johnson@courier-journal.com. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky medical marijuana: Guide to navigating the cannabis program Nathan Cao and his wife, Scarlet Le-Cao, have become the most visible figures in the effort to revitalize Oklahoma City's Asian District and, more broadly, to improve opportunities for Asians throughout the entire metropolitan area. Nathan is a director of the Asian District Cultural Association and on the advisory board of the Greater OKC Asian Chamber of Commerce. Scarlet is past president and an advisory board member of the chamber organization. The Vietnamese couple met in Oklahoma City and became partners in both marriage and business. They are the co-owners of Omega Investments, a real estate and development company that owns and operates a mix of residential and commercial properties scattered in and around Oklahoma City. Their newest project is a 36-unit apartment building called New Saigon on NW 26 in the heart of the Asian District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others, like Tri and Kim Luong, who opened the Super Cao Nguyen market, and the late Loc Le and Ban Nguyen, who expanded the Jimmy's Egg breakfast restaurant chain, were instrumental in getting the Asian District established. In addition, San Nguyen, who became a Catholic deacon, helped many Vietnamese refugees who moved to Oklahoma City from Fort Chaffee in Arkansas under a government relocation program following the fall of Saigon in 1975. Nathan and Scarlet were later arrivals, but their vision is a transformation of the Asian presence in the community. Q: You both are natives of Vietnam. How did you end up together in Oklahoma City? Nathan: My family came here in 1996 under a generous government program that gave us visas and green cards. My father knew someone here, so we ended up in the Asian District, on 27th street. There were four of us, one bedroom. No air conditioning, just a floor furnace. I remember walking to school, Harding Middle School. It was a challenging time for sure. But my dad had another friend on the southwest side, so we moved to a nicer apartment in the Moore school district. My dad wanted me to go to a good school. I was 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scarlet: I was born and raised in Vietnam and came to the U.S. in 2006 through Oklahoma State University as an international student. I got my bachelor's and master's degrees there. We met in Oklahoma City in 2009. We had a mutual friend. Q: You mentioned moving to Moore because the schools were better there. Do you feel that's changed now? Are the schools better now in the Asian District? Nathan: The answer is no. Asian parents have two options. If their kid can qualify, they can get into an advanced school or they move out to the suburbs or into some private Christian school or some charter school option. The inner city school is still a challenge. Q: Why are the schools so bad? What is needed to make a difference? Nathan: That's the big question. It's very complex, I think. We're not experts in that field. New Saigon is a 36-unit apartment building on NW 26 in the heart of the Asian District. Q: Do you feel that the school district understands that improvement is needed. Is it devoting enough resources to schools in the area? Nathan: We support investment in the schools in bond issues as real estate owners. It's an investment in the future. Some would say 'no, we want lower taxes,' and I get that, but the investment is going to return well for everybody. Q: Do you feel that, like your family, many Asians choose not to live in the district because of the schools? Nathan: When the Vietnamese first came, they started businesses in the Asian District. They took over dilapidated buildings and opened grocery stores, restaurants, haircuts, all those places and over the years kept growing and growing. Older people still live here, they've been here 20, 30 years. But the younger, more established Vietnamese, they move away, for better schools, better homes, etc. So, the Asian District on the residential side has not been developed. Many Asians work here, but don't live here. Part of our vision is to develop the Asian District into a place where we can live well, work and play. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scarlet: I want to jump into that a little bit more. We want to break through the boundaries, not drill into the Asian District alone. This is our origin, our heart, but the Asian community has been spreading throughout all the OKC metro area. We have a big supermarket on the south side, and we have some Asian markets in the Edmond area, as well. The Asian community is strong. We have a high level of education and very strong family values. Scarlet Le-Cao and Nathan Cao are pictured Dec. 19 at New Saigon in Oklahoma City. The couple are the co-owners of Omega Investments, a real estate and development company that owns and operates a mix of residential and commercial properties scattered in and around Oklahoma City. Q: With that in mind, is there still value in having a specific Asian district where businesses and cultural activities are concentrated? Or would it be better if everyone was homogenized throughout the whole city? Nathan: I think obviously you have to have an identity. You have to have a place we can see, feel and experience. But we don't want to limit ourselves to growth. No. Q: Do you feel that for Asians Oklahoma City is a desirable place to work and live? Nathan: I think in the '90s, the early 2000s there was a talent flight. You had two major universities close to Oklahoma City, but for graduates, the opportunities to work were not here; they were in Dallas or Houston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scarlet: And I think the young generation in the Asian community has the chance to build our city and our state to be a better place. Nathan: Our immigration story started with the Boat People, the refugees. They were risking their lives for personal freedom and business opportunities. Half of them died in the sea. Scarlet: Yes, 200,000-400,000. Nathan: Those who survived were risk-takers and very entrepreneurial. Now we have here about 60,000 ... Scarlet: 68,000 Asians in the metro area, and over 8,000 businesses. Nathan: Which is incredible, right? It's a concentration of like-minded, highly motivated people that came here. The first generation was limited in what businesses they could open. It will be interesting to see what the second generation will do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scarlet: And we have people in the Asian chamber opening health clinics, dentist offices, law firms, investment and real estate firms. It's a very diverse community. The New Saigon apartments are pictured Dec. 19 in Oklahoma City's Asian District. Q: Is the city providing the support needed to enhance the Asian District and expand opportunities for Asians in the community? Nathan: Recently the city passed the Classen Corridor improvement plan, which includes the Asian District. I think that's a great step forward. Definitely very good leadership from the city. Classen was designed as a highway. People are driving through at 45 miles per hour. It would be great to develop Classen into a more pedestrian-friendly, walkable area. . This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: How OKC's Asian District can grow according to these business owners The Meloni government has blocked nearly 200,000 migrants from crossing the Mediterranean to Italy since coming to power two years ago, the countrys interior minister has said. Italy has given hundreds of millions of euros in aid, trade and investment to Tunisia and Libya, in return for which both countries have endeavoured to stop migrant boats from leaving their shores. The accords are highly controversial from a human rights point of view. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campaigners have accused Tunisia of rounding up sub-Saharan migrants and dumping them in the desert, while Libya has been accused of keeping them in filthy holding centres where they are subjected to torture and beatings. But the strategy appears to have been successful in drastically reducing the number of migrants and refugees who reach Italy. It is a positive picture and the numbers bear that out, said Matteo Piantedosi, the interior minister in the Right-wing government led by Giorgia Meloni. He told La Stampa newspaper: In 2024, we reduced the number of irregular arrivals by 60 per cent compared to the year before and by 38 per cent compared to 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of rejected asylum seekers who were sent back to their home countries increased by 16 per cent. He said: These are the result of targeted policies including close cooperation with the police forces of countries of origin and transit, which in two years have resulted in blocking the departure of 192,000 irregular migrants from Libya and Tunisia who were hoping to reach our shores. Giorgia Meloni and Matteo Piantedosi have reduced the number of migrants reaching Italy - Mondadori Portfolio Italy was also helping transit countries, including Libya and Tunisia, to send migrants back to their home countries, with more than 21,000 repatriations in 2024. Ms Meloni came to power two years ago with a pledge to cut the number of boats crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of that policy, her government has been at the forefront of a deal brokered by the EU to provide more than a billion euros in financial aid to Tunisia, including help in better policing the countrys land and sea borders. Since then, the Tunisian coast guard has said that it has intercepted tens of thousands of migrants and refugees, stopping them from setting out on the dangerous sea crossing to Italy. Human rights groups have criticised the deal as blackmail, saying that it has worsened the treatment of the tens of thousands of migrants who are stuck in Tunisia hoping to reach Europe. The EU has also been criticised for working with Kais Saied, Tunisias autocratic president, who has accused sub-Saharan migrants of being part of a shadowy plot to erase his countrys cultural and ethnic identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Libya, which has been wracked by chaos since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, there have long been accusations by human rights groups that the coast guard is corrupt, brutal and complicit in the exploitation of the tens of thousands of migrants who try to reach Italy each year. Money pledged to other African countries The EU has also pledged money to other African countries, including Egypt and Mauritania, for aid projects and improved border security to tackle the trafficking of migrants. Despite the crackdown, many boats still leave the coast of North Africa and migrants continue to lose their lives when the vessels capsize and sink. On Tuesday, two Tunisian migrants, one of them a five-year-old child, died after their boat broke down off the countrys northern coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another 17 migrants were rescued. They were probably trying to reach the Italian island of Lampedusa, which is just 90 miles from the Tunisian coast. There has been a spate of recent shipwrecks on the route. On Dec 18, at least 20 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa died in a shipwreck off the city of Sfax, with five others missing. The coast guard rescued 27 African migrants north of Sfax, but 15 were reported dead or missing a week before. Around 700 migrants died in Tunisian waters in 2024, while more than 1,300 lost their lives in 2023, according to Tunisian human rights groups. Albania project Italy hopes to further discourage migrants from trying to reach its shores with the construction of two holding centres in Albania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project, intended to act as a deterrent to economic migrants, was supposed to be up and running several months ago but has been challenged by European and Italian courts. For now, the detention centres lie empty, with opposition MPs in Italy accusing the government of wasting hundreds of millions of euros of taxpayers money. Ms Meloni has said she remains confident that the legal challenges can be overcome and that the two centres will be able to start processing thousands of migrants in the next few months. The Albania scheme has attracted the interest of other European countries, including Britain, which are struggling to prevent unauthorised migration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The centres are an important part of our strategy of fighting irregular immigration, said Mr Piantedosi, who insisted that the courts would eventually decide in Italys favour and allow the Albania plan to resume. Another migrant boat sank in the Mediterranean on Tuesday. Seven people were rescued but at least 20 others are missing at sea, including five women and three children. Survivors were brought to the island of Lampedusa. Among them was an eight-year-old Syrian boy. His mother was feared to have drowned. They were reportedly hoping to join her husband and the boys father, who lives in Germany. Filippo Mannino, the mayor of Lampedusa, said: They didnt make it to shore. Knowing that these poor souls were so close, but couldnt make it is even more heartbreaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boat had departed from the Libyan town of Zuwara late on Monday but got into difficulty in the early hours of Tuesday and capsized. Last year, 66,000 migrants reached Italy by sea. That compares with 157,000 in 2023 and 105,000 in 2022. 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. Mallikarjun Kharge extended his New Year greetings along with a message urging individuals to reaffirm their commitment to inclusive progress, unity in diversity, social justice, equality, and the protection of the Constitution. "My dear fellow citizens, as we enter 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment to inclusive progress, unity in diversity, social justice, equality, and the protection of our Constitution with unwavering resolve. Wishing everyone a #HappyNewYear filled with hope, joy, and prosperity. Let there be peace and amity all around. Jai Hind," Kharge said in a post on X. Earlier, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, wished everyone a Happy New Year, hoping it would bring new enthusiasm, joy, and happiness as the nation welcomed 2025. "Happy New Year to all of you. I hope this year brings new enthusiasm, joy, and happiness to your life. Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!" Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X. President Droupadi Murmu also extended her greetings to the nation on the eve of the New Year. In her message, she said, "On the joyous occasion of the New Year, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all Indians, both in India and abroad. The coming of the New Year marks the beginning of new hopes, dreams, and aspirations in our lives. Let us welcome the New Year with joy and enthusiasm and take our society and nation further on the path of unity and excellence." Meanwhile, India welcomed the year 2025 with celebrations across the country, as people in various cities marked the occasion with joy and enthusiasm. New Year celebrations began in many cities with parties, cultural events, live music performances, and themed decorations. In Delhi, famous spots like Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, and Lajpat Nagar were filled with large crowds celebrating the New Year. To ensure a safe celebration, Delhi Police made prior security arrangements. In Punjab's Amritsar, people gathered at the Golden Temple to welcome the New Year. Hotels in many cities also hosted special celebrations for the occasion. In Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, people were seen dancing in the streets as they welcomed 2025. Similarly, in Lucknow, people danced and celebrated as the clock struck midnight. As the New Year arrived, many cities witnessed spectacular fireworks displays. In Mumbai, beaches like Juhu Beach, Chowpatty Beach, and Versova Beach were packed with revelers. People also gathered at Marine Drive to watch the fireworks. Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh's Manali, a popular tourist destination, crowds danced and cheered in the streets. In West Bengal, people celebrated with lights flashing from their mobile phones. In Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, fireworks lit up the sky, marking the arrival of the New Year. In Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam, people also celebrated by cutting cakes. In Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore, percussion instruments were played in the streets, while Chennai witnessed a huge crowd celebrating the occasion. (ANI) The sound of helicopters over the High Desert usually means a Mercy Air crew is on a lifesaving mission. Mercy Air officials recently gathered at the Apple Valley Airport to celebrate 35 years of serving the people of California and Nevada, according to Air Methods officials. Guests at the event met with the Mercy Air crew, toured the aircraft, checked out specialized medical equipment, and learned how the air medical program provides critical lifesaving air medical care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recognition of the air medical programs 35 years Mercy Air Base 2 Victorville, Base 22 Hesperia, Base 66 Barstow and Base H285 Big Bear brought together first responders and others to celebrate the companys milestone. Mercy Air officials recently gathered at the Apple Valley Airport to celebrate 35 years of serving the people of California and Nevada. Luke Haas During the Dec. 14 event, former pediatric patient Luke Haas and his family reunited with members of the air medical team, who provided his critical care over two years ago. In June 2022, Luke was riding his bike and crashed causing him to need emergency medical care. After ground first responders assessed Lukes condition, they determined the young boy needed urgent, higher-level care and transported him to the Mercy Air 22 base in Hesperia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mercy Air critical care team flew Luke to a level 1 trauma hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with C2 and C4 spinal injuries, causing paralysis from the neck down. Despite the challenges he faces, Luke, 15, continues to show incredible strength and determination, Air Methods officials said. Thank you for being first responders, said Lukes mother, Sommer Haas, as she addressed Flight Paramedic Ken Sexton and Flight Nurse Michael Lentz. Were grateful to have this opportunity to reunite with you and thank you for the care you provided Luke that day. It was great to be able to share our anniversary with our community and partners, and what made it even more special was to reunite with Luke, Sexton said. Former pediatric patient Luke Haas and his family reunited with members of the Mercy Air medical team who provided him with critical care after he was injured over two years ago. The reunion occurred on Dec. 14, 2024, during the company's 35th anniversary celebration at the Apple Valley Airport. Providing critical care The Mercy Air program has been a crucial part of the local healthcare system that provides critical care for patients through 911 calls, requests from first responder agencies, and interfacility transfers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each flight crew includes a seasoned pilot, a nurse, and a paramedic, all equipped to stabilize and transport patients swiftly and efficiently. The team is also equipped to administer blood during flights, enhancing patient outcomes. "We have a great working relationship with Mercy Air, said Apple Valley Fire Protection Capt. Mark Milson, who highlighted Mercy Airs success in building strong partnerships with local agencies. We were happy to take part in Mercy Airs 35th anniversary." Former pediatric patient Luke Haas and his family reunited with members of the Mercy Air medical team who provided him with critical care after he was injured over two years ago. The reunion occurred on Dec. 14, 2024, during the company's 35th anniversary celebration at the Apple Valley Airport. Mercy Air takes flight Since its inception in 1989, Mercy Air has expanded throughout California and Nevada, offering critical care to underserved rural areas without requiring memberships. The four Mercy Air locations opened between 2007 and 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Operations began at the Rialto Municipal Airport with a Bell Helicopter BHT 412 and staffed with a pilot, flight registered nurse, and flight paramedic a staffing standard still held today. Air Methods acquired the Mercy Air program in 1997 and has since continued to advance and enhance the program in the region, providing lifesaving care to those who need it most. Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Mercy Air celebrates 35 years of lifesaving service in California The U.S. Department of Treasury was breached by someone officials say was sponsored by China in December. Now, a metro Atlanta company has confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that its software was breached, leading to the data access. A spokesperson for the U.S. Treasury told ABC News that the major breach happened when a third-party cybersecurity service used by the agency was accessed. That service was Johns Creek-based BeyondTrusts Remote Support service. While the hack was discovered on Dec. 8, according to officials, Treasury staff did not inform members of U.S. Congress until a letter sent to the Senate Banking Committee on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Treasury told ABC News they are no longer using the companys service after the incident. ABC News reported China-sponsored threat actor was able to override the services security, remotely access certain Treasury DO user workstations, and access certain unclassified documents maintained by those users, according to the letter given to members of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The compromised BeyondTrust service has been taken offline and there is no evidence indicating the threat actor has continued access to Treasury systems or information, a Treasury Department spokesperson told ABC News. The Treasury told the Associated Press on Monday that during the breach, Department workstations and unclassified documents were access after the third-party software was compromised. Treasury takes very seriously all threats against our systems, and the data it holds, a department spokesperson said in a separate statement to the Associated Press. 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. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding to questions from the Associated Press, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson in Beijing gave what the Associated Press said was the ministrys standard answer. We have repeatedly stated our position on such groundless accusations that lack evidence, Mao Ning said at a daily briefing, the press organization reported. China consistently opposes all forms of hacking, and we are even more opposed to the dissemination of false information against China for political purposes. Addressing the data breach, a spokesperson from BeyondTrust told Channel 2 Action News that theyd taken measures to address the security incident in early December. In a statement, the company said that BeyondTrust notified the limited number of customers who were involved, and it has been working to support those customers since then. No other BeyondTrust products were involved. Law enforcement was notified and BeyondTrust has been supporting the investigative efforts. BeyondTrust posted information regarding the incident and the on-going investigation on its website on December 8, 2024, including a summary, timeline, and indicators. The security advisory has been updated since then as part of BeyondTrusts commitment to updating customers through the completion of this matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon further questioning by Channel 2 Action News, the company confirmed the U.S. Treasury Department was among those in the limited number of customers impacted by the breach. The Treasury Department told the Associated Press that the compromised service had been taken offline and other was no evidence that hackers still have access to department information, which they said was also in the letter given to the U.S. Senate. While it did not elaborate, the U.S. Treasury said they were working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and others to continue their investigation into the hack and its impacts. U.S. Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock of Georgia is a member of the Senate Banking Committee. Channel 2 Action News has reached out to his office, as well as the U.S. Treasury, for a copy of the letter and more information on the data breach. We are waiting for their responses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press and ABC News contributed to this report. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Dec. 31Drug busts in the Miami Valley were among $92 million in illegal drugs seized in Ohio over 2024, according to a release from the Ohio Attorney General's Office. The attorney general's office said that in addition to the drugs, task forces organized under the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission confiscated 560 firearms and $4.7 million in currency. According to the release, the drugs seized this year include 139 pounds of fentanyl, 1,140 pounds of meth, 4,886 pounds of marijuana, 303 pounds of cocaine, 54 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms and 26,471 prescription pills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney general's office said that the amount of methamphetamines seized surged in 2024, and there was a notable increase psilocybin mushrooms seized. Among other drug seizures, the attorney general's office mentioned two traffic stops in the Miami Valley by the Miami Valley Major Drug Interdiction Task Force. In February, police stopped a vehicle in Englewood where they seized nine kilograms of methamphetamine and five kilograms of cocaine. In August, agencies arrested two people traveling in the area in a vehicle that law enforcement knew was crossing the U.S. southern border frequently. After surveillance, agents conducted a traffic stop and seized 70 pounds of marijuana, about 450 THC vape cartridges, a firearm and $10,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Miami Valley task force includes sheriff's offices in Montgomery and Clark counties, as well as the Vandalia and Butler Twp. police departments, the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations and the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine credited the task forces with helping reduce the number of overdose deaths in the state. "My administration is proud to support these major drug interdiction task forces as part of our comprehensive plan to save lives, fight drug addiction, and hold traffickers accountable," he said. As the overheating of our planet causes more frequent and more intense extreme weather events, insurance companies are facing more situations where they may have to actually pay out claims instead of just taking people's money and keeping it. As a result, these companies are, in many cases, simply refusing to insure Americans who live in areas threatened by wildfire and other extreme weather events. The New York Times recently dived into the growing problem. What's happening? In theory, insurance works by pooling risk. Everyone pays money into a pool, and if disaster strikes one person (or several), they get to pull from that pool to pay for the damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the actual insurance industry, which is concerned solely with the profits of shareholders, the math is a little different: You pay them money, they keep the money, and now they have more money than they did previously. That means that in the areas where people most need insurance, companies like State Farm, Travelers, and others are simply refusing to provide coverage. Not only that, but they are taking coverage away from existing clients that they deem to be too big of a risk. The Times reported that more than 1.9 million home insurance contracts in the United States have been abruptly dropped since 2018. It put together an interactive map to show the seriousness of the problem, especially for coastal areas, in stark visuals. Photo Credit: Instagram Why is insurance important? As the Times laid out, insurance is about more than having peace of mind in case of catastrophe (although it's certainly about that as well). "Without insurance, you can't get a mortgage; without a mortgage, most Americans can't buy a home," reporter Christopher Flavelle wrote. "Communities that are deemed too dangerous to insure face the risk of falling property values, which means less tax revenue for schools, police, and other basic services. As insurers pull back, they can destabilize the communities left behind." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the country, we've been seeing reports of insurance premiums rising to fully unaffordable levels, essentially forcing people off their plans, or of people being denied coverage entirely. Younger homeowners have been especially impacted, with more than half of homeowners in the 18-34 age bracket having had their policies canceled between 2021 and 2024, according to one report. What's being done about insurance companies? Some states have state-run insurance programs for those deemed too risky for for-profit companies. However, those programs are often more expensive and offer less coverage. Do you think America is in a housing crisis? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind Unfortunately, although more stringent regulations are likely needed in order to force the insurance industry to stick with riskier clients, things seem to be moving in the opposite direction. In Louisiana, lawmakers recently moved to deregulate the industry, allowing companies to pay out even fewer claims than they already do. The one possible silver lining here is that at least information on how these companies operate is becoming more public, which could potentially lead to the type of public outcry that creates changes somewhere down the line. 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. Nearly 3 million people could receive a boost in Social Security payments under legislation set for a final Senate vote in the coming days. The Social Security Fairness Act would end longtime provisions that reduce the federal benefit for people who are also eligible for other pensions. The policies have heavily affected people who worked in state, local and federal government jobs, as well as teachers, firefighters and police officers, according to lawmakers and advocates. The bill has bipartisan support but has drawn some criticism from some conservatives. The House approved the measure in November by a vote of 327-75 and the bill easily cleared its first hurdle in the Senate on Wednesday. Its backers hope the Senate will vote to send the legislation to President Joe Biden before lawmakers lame-duck session gives way to the new Congress in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is more on what the bill would mean: What would the measure do? The bill would repeal two provisions that limit Social Security benefits for certain recipients based on retirement payments they get from other sources most often, but not exclusively, a public retirement program of a state or local government. The Windfall Elimination Provision modifies the usual benefit formula for retirees or disabled workers who are entitled to pension payments based on earnings from jobs that were not covered by Social Security. The details vary person to person but the idea, broadly, is that a monthly benefit is reduced by an amount tied to how much that person is receiving from a pension program in which they enrolled in lieu of paying Social Security payroll taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Government Pension Offset follows a similar principle. It limits Social Security spousal benefits (those paid to a spouse based on their living spouses work and payroll tax history) and the widows or widowers benefits (paid after a spouses death). Reductions are based on pension benefits for a retired federal, state or local government worker who opted out of some or all Social Security taxes and instead paid into another public retirement insurance program. Current law establishes the offset at two-thirds of an alternative pension payment. Under that standard, for example, a retired public health nurse might receive a $1,500 monthly disbursement from a state retirement system that does not participate in Social Security. Then, if that person becomes eligible to receive a spouses Social Security benefit after the spouses death, that survivors Social Security benefit would be reduced by $1,000 each month. Who is affected? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social Security is commonly understood as a universal system in which everyone participates by paying Social Security payroll taxes and later getting benefits. But federal law has carved out exceptions. Generally, there are a few job categories that can be exempted and, thus, trigger benefit offsets: Civilian federal employees hired before 1984 are covered under the Civil Service Retirement System instead of Social Security. Federal workers hired since 1984 are covered under a different federal retirement structure that requires those employees participate in Social Security. State and local government employees who participate in their jurisdictions retirement systems that allow them to opt out of Social Security. Railroad workers who are covered under a separate federal insurance program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some clergy who can opt out. The Congressional Research Service estimates that in December 2023, there were 745,679 people, about 1% of all Social Security beneficiaries, who had their benefits reduced by the Government Pension Offset. About 2.1 million people, or about 3% of all beneficiaries, were affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision. The largest category of existing workers whose future benefits could be affected are the state and local government employees. There are additional people still in the workforce whose future benefits would be affected. CRS estimated that in 2022, about 6.6 million, or 28% of the nations state and local government workers, were not covered in the Social Security system. So as those people retire they could become eligible to get money from Social Security that they would not receive without the changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When would changes go into effect? The current proposal calls for changes to payments for January 2024 and beyond. If Congress sticks to that timeline, that means the Social Security Administration would owe back-dated payments. How much money is involved? The Congressional Budget Office estimates that eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision would boost monthly payments to the affected beneficiaries by an average of $360 by December 2025. The CBO estimates that ending the Government Pension Offset would increase monthly benefits in December 2025 by an average of $700 for 380,000 recipients getting benefits based on living spouses. The increase would be an average of $1,190 for 390,000 or surviving spouses getting a widow or widower benefit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All those amounts would increase over time with Social Securitys regular cost-of-living adjustments. For the Social Security program, the expected net spending increase from 2024-34 is about $198 billion. Separately, the changes would yield an estimated $2 billion in savings for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program because those food aid payments would be reduced for some households whose Social Security income increases. That would mean added fiscal strain on the Social Security Trust funds, which already were estimated to be unable to pay full benefits beginning in 2035. The cost was a reason some House conservatives tried to block the bill. Supporters acknowledged the fiscal impact but said it was a matter of fairness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Would a beneficiary have to take action to get increased benefits? It depends. The proposals moving on Capitol Hill are straightforward: The Commissioner of Social Security shall adjust primary insurance amounts to the extent necessary to take into account changes in the law. And the Social Security Administration, through income tax filings, has everyones earnings history used to calculate monthly benefit payments under the laws and formulas that Congress sets. But its not immediately clear how easily the Social Security Administration could adjust payments for a few million people whether it could be managed mostly by automated systems recalculating or whether it would require federal employees individually reviewing individual cases with beneficiaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the proposed changes to the spousal benefits could create newly eligible beneficiaries who are not currently getting such payments and could have to apply specifically for the benefit. The CBO estimates about 70,000 new beneficiaries by the end of 2033. Also, recipients with complicated formulas including those that change as Congress tinkers with the law can sometimes see errors in their payments when they have been automatically recalculated. Backdated payments can be especially problematic. The Social Security Administration has extensive Q&As and recipient services on its website: ssa.gov. For example, one can calculate how their additional pensions can affect their benefits under current law using this tool. But the agency has not yet addressed the pending legislation publicly. The agency also operates a toll-free hotline 1-800-772-1213 and will schedule in-person meetings at one of hundreds of Social Security offices around the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Social Security Administration has a diminished staff after Congress has for years declined to fund the agency at its requested levels, even as the baby boomer generation ages and adds to the workload. Complex changes from Congress could create or exacerbate backlogs for recipients trying to get the precise benefits required under the law. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The Milwaukee Fire Department turns 150 years old on Jan. 1. Its history spans from the days of "bucket brigades" to modern innovations in firefighting equipment and life-saving techniques. The department's roots date before 1875 to Milwaukee's earliest days as a village in the 1830s. Local firefighter historians shared their insights on some of the most consequential moments over that time. Before MFD was a full-time, paid organization, who fought fires in Milwaukee? Milwaukee's first organized firefighting crew was a volunteer effort that began in 1837, with equipment and firehouses funded by donors or the volunteers themselves, according to a historic preservation report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Grateful storekeepers and hotel managers would frequently feed the volunteers during bouts of fire fighting. Members were also expected to help quiet civil disturbances when called upon," the report said. Those first volunteers used an old wagon with buckets and ladders on it, said Jim Ley, a retired deputy fire chief who is curator of the Milwaukee Fire Department's museum and historical society. By the late 1850s, Milwaukee had expanded to include several engines, Ley said. But the updated equipment brought its own challenges. Crews pulled hand-operated pumps over unpaved roads cobblestone, dirt or gravel and used their strength to pump water from a nearby source, like a river or pond. There were no hydrants at that time. Fires were more common and tended to be larger than today because buildings were mostly wood-framed, without firestops built into them, and building fire codes and protections weren't in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A lot of it grew out of disaster," said Dan Rode, museum secretary and battalion chief for the Milwaukee Fire Department. "We adapted our tactics and strategies to address the emergencies that came after that." By 1861, a more formalized department was created where firefighters would hold regular daytime jobs but remain on standby for emergencies. That came around the same time as the onset of steam engines, which required trained staff to operate, Ley said. Then, on Jan. 1, 1875, a full-time, paid fire department was created. The tools firefighters used over the years have evolved "leaps and bounds" since then, Rode said: from horses pulling steam engines to the first motorized vehicles in the 1910s. Today's fire engines carry 500 gallons of water on the truck and can pump 1,500 gallons per minute. And the fire department now has specialized teams handling dive rescues, hazardous materials (HazMat), and "heavy urban rescues" in confined spaces, collapsed structures and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Dangerous wiring in neglected homes can spark fires. This Milwaukee program seeks to fix that. What was the largest fire in Milwaukee history? Two fires are among the most notable. The Newhall House Hotel fire in 1883, which killed about 71 people, is the deadliest. The luxury six-story hotel burned for 26 hours after a fire started in its wooden elevator shaft. And the Third Ward fire in 1892 was one of the most widespread. At least twenty blocks were either partially or completely burned out, and more than 440 buildings burned, leaving almost 2,500 people homeless, according to the Encyclopedia of Milwaukee. Almost all of them were Irish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two firefighters and three civilians were killed. Once the Third Ward was rebuilt, the Irish residents had moved to other neighborhoods, and it became an Italian enclave. The fire spread quickly through wooden homes, and Rode said it prompted the Milwaukee Fire Department to think seriously about adding motorized vehicles to its fleet to reach fires faster. More: Six years after devastating fire, Trinity Lutheran Church approaches Christmas with thanks More: Milwaukee's holiday spirit vibrant at Salvation Army meal and as firefighters greet kids When did the first woman firefighter join the force? In 1984, nine years after a federal court ordered the Milwaukee Fire Department to try to hire women, the Milwaukee Journal reported only one woman had passed the training to become a firefighter. Several others were fired or dropped out of the training program. Some of the women said their firings reinforced the court ruling that the fire department was engaging in discriminatory practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first woman to pass the training, Debra Pross, graduated in 1983. It was the tipping point in a years-long debate over women's role on the force, which included a moment the department hired female civilian paramedics since no women were passing the training program. Ley graduated in the same class as Pross. Today, he said, over 100 women are working at nearly all ranks of the department. Firefighters Gerald Pepp, left, and Kenneth Cork, were emergency medical technicians, or EMTs, with the Milwaukee Fire Department. They posed with some of their equipment carried on their ambulance in 1975. When did the fire department add paramedics and EMTs? Before the mid-1970s, ambulances were generally operated by the Milwaukee Police Department with the simple goal of getting to the hospital as quickly as possible. Patients didn't receive medical treatment on the drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the addition of Emergency Medical Services, or EMS, transformed how firefighters responded to scenes. All Milwaukee firefighters are now trained as emergency medical technicians, and most are paramedics. About 85% of calls are now for EMS, Ley said. Although EMS is a relatively new innovation, in Milwaukee it has its roots in a post-World War I rescue squad, Ley said. The crew of firefighters worked to revive certain victims with a sort of air pump that had been used for soldiers exposed to poisonous gases. Public attention grew over whether crashes, shootings and other emergencies could become less deadly with faster treatment. By 1973, a Milwaukee Journal article noted that a proposed paramedic program was operating successfully in Los Angeles and Seattle already. "Through radio communication with a physician, the rescue squad would administer on the scene emergency treatment, particularly to heart attack victims but also to persons losing large amounts of blood or in shock, while they were being transported to the hospital," the article said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Milwaukee County ambulances are adding blood supplies. It could help keep trauma patients alive Firefighters in training practice carrying a victim through a smoke-filled basement wearing gas masks in 1938. What was a key innovation that transformed firefighting? Ley and Rode both agreed that the breathing apparatus, or respirator, was one of the most important innovations in firefighting. It allows firefighters to go into burning buildings and breathe clean oxygen instead of smoke and the toxic, cancer-causing chemicals released from furniture and household items. Rode recalls photos from 100 years ago of firefighters with bushy mustaches they'd use as a sort of filter against the smoke. Even when Rode joined the force in the year 2000, masks weren't necessarily the norm, and firefighters would cough up black phlegm in the days after a fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ley sees the respirator and other specialized clothing as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows today's crews to reach places that firefighters in the past never could have. "That's a big benefit, but it can also be more hazardous, because you're getting in maybe somewhere where you shouldn't be," he said. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about Milwaukee Fire Department history at 150th birthday MINDEN, La. (KTAL/KMSS) This month, you can find a gathering of men in kilts and good Scotch whiskey in Minden, Louisiana. Out and About in the SBC The annual Burns Supper celebrates the life of the poet laureate of Scotland, Robert Burns. Attendees can dance, drink, enjoy poetry, and celebrate the regions Scottish heritage. An Address to a Haggis will be given after dinner and toasts with music provided by Emerald Accent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event is on January 25 inside the Minden Civic Center. It is cocktail attire, but men are encouraged to wear kilts and jackets. Tickets are available by reservation only and can be purchased online. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Headlines Burns is known for the famous poem Auld Lang Syne, meaning for old times sake or old long since. It is a traditional part of New Years celebrations about old friends reconnecting over drinks and reminiscing about past adventures. Burns is also known for his famous To a Mouse poem. Many will recognize the quote, The best-laid schemes of mice and men go oft awry. 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 KTALnews.com. The Lakshadweep Yuva Morcha, the BJP's youth wing, has alleged that the recent directive issued by the Deputy Collector of Agatti, instructing Praveg Limited to halt construction activities in the disputed area of Thinnakara Island, has brought to light the "true nature of the ongoing political games played by opposition parties." The Yuva Morcha accused the Opposition parties including the Congress of misleading the people of Lakshadweep. "The letter cites a recent order by the Sub Court at Amini (OS 10/2024, dated 20th December 2024), which has clearly directed that the status quo be maintained in the area, while also emphasizing that the construction work be stopped until further instructions are issued," Yuva Morcha said in a press release. "A Revenue team had already visited the disputed area on 24th December 2024, where they orally instructed the cessation of all construction activities. Despite these developments, opposition parties like the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) (NCP SP) have been misleading the people of Lakshadweep, accusing the Lakshadweep Administration of disrespecting the Court's orders," it added. The party alleged that the Opposition's narrative is nothing more than a political tool, aimed at stirring unrest and scoring points ahead of the upcoming Panchayat and parliamentary elections, without regard for the island's actual development needs. Mohammed Salih PM, President of Yuva Morcha Lakshadweep,said, "The opposition parties in Lakshadweep, in their desperation to win the next elections, have conveniently forgotten their own responsibility during their time in power. If they were truly concerned about the welfare of Lakshadweep and its people, they had ample time to address such issues, including the Thinnakara land dispute, when they held power. Their failure to act when they had the opportunity is now being used as an excuse to mislead the public." He added, "Rather than creating political drama and misleading the people with false claims, these opposition parties should focus on supporting the legal process and respect the decisions of the Court. The administration is working within the framework of the law, ensuring that the rule of law prevails and that justice is served. The claims of the opposition only serve to undermine this process and are motivated by electoral calculations, not the genuine development of Lakshadweep." Salih underlined that the administration's actions are in full compliance with the Court's order, and the people of Lakshadweep must not fall victim to political misrepresentation. He urged all parties to work together for the long-term development and prosperity of the islands, rather than engaging in divisive politics. (ANI) ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) After a five-year dispute with the City of Rockford, Miss Carlys has officially closed its doors. One board member said if another nonprofit is created, it will not be in Rockford. If we decide to do something in the future, its going to be outside the city. Its the city of Rockford that shut us down, said Miss Carlys Board Member Thomas Lindquist. That actually makes it very difficult to do business as a charity around here. So theyve talked about it. Maybe, [we] look on the outskirts, one of the other smaller cities and try to start something back up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rockfords Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) voted to void a Special Use Permit (SUP) for Miss Carlys, saying the nonprofit was not complying with rules and regulations in late November. Miss Carlys and the City of Rockford have been disputing since 2019 when the organization was first granted an SUP to operate as a live-work non-profit, assisting the homeless. In July of this year, the citys Zoning Director determined that Miss Carlys, at 1125 5th Avenue, was no longer operating as a live-work organization because the owners had abandoned the site and lived elsewhere. Because of this, a hearing was held at Tuesdays ZBA meeting, allowing Carly Rice, her attorney, and a city attorney to present their arguments on the matter. The citys Legal Director Nick Meyer said the SUP isnt the only complication the city has faced with the organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We all have rules we have to live by, Meyer said. We are building codes because there are life and safety issues there for the protection of people who live places or visit places. When those arent addressed, theres a concern that something bad could happen to somebody. We werent able to get them [Miss Carlys] to move on those items. The November meeting ended with a motion to affirm the Zoning Directors void of the permit, meaning Miss Carlys must cease operations immediately. Other similar organizations, like Carpenters Place, said the homeless shouldnt have to worry about their needs being met. I think we serve in the same population, or at least a very similar population, so the individuals that are getting services there would certainly have needs that may go unmet, Executive Director of Carpenters Place Alberto Carrion said. Carpenters Place is here to serve anyone who has needs, whether theyre homeless or at risk of homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meyer said the city has given Miss Carlys multiple opportunities to comply with city standards, but these are the necessary steps to take to move forward. I dont think he was essentially a special treatment based on who they are, its just a matter of each step of our process not achieving compliance, and thats us having to elevate and go to another step, Meyer said. Miss Carlys cited a dip in donations as a reason for their closure. The nonprofit said funds were so low that they were unable to serve lunches leading up to their closure. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Even though Mississippi is solidly red, voter demographics indicate that there is still blue in the state. One may think that the states electorate is as red as its statewide leadership and Congressional delegation. Only one of those politicians, U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), goes against the Republican mold. However, data from the Independent Voter Project indicated that the party affiliation of Mississippis 2.1 million voters is more diverse than its elected officials. About 52.5% of the states registered voters aligned with the Republican Party. However, roughly one-third (33.1%) of all voters in Mississippi are Democrats. Another 12.8% of all Mississippians are unaffiliated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the state may arguably be a reddish hue of purple, Democrats in Mississippi have struggled in elections for statewide office. Republicans have held control of the governors mansion and state legislature since 2012. The last Democrat to hold any statewide office was four-term Attorney General Jim Hood. He left office after an unsuccessful bid for governor in 2019. Other parties also have an even weaker hold in politics statewide. About 1.6% of Mississippians identify with another political party. Steve McCluskey, the Libertarian mayor of McLain, is perhaps one of the only politicians who is a member of a third political party in Mississippi. Still, independent politicians have appeal in some local communities. For instance, Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker successfully defeated a four-term Democratic incumbent in 2017. Citizens reelected him to a second term in 2021. There are two independent representatives in the Mississippi Legislature; both are in the Mississippi House. 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 WJTV. AURORA, Mo. New details are released, and charges are filed against an Aurora man accused of having bomb-making materials in his home. Prosecutors charged Lance Bishop, 56, with multiple weapons violations, making a terrorist threat, resisting arrest, and assault. Officers were called to an Aurora apartment complex after a woman reported Bishop acting aggressively and threatening her with a machete. When police arrived, they say he appeared to be agitated for no apparent reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point during the incident, officers say Bishop approached them brandishing a three-foot-long machete in a threatening manner. They also say he yelled at them to leave the area or they would regret it. Thats when they say he went into his apartment. After what police describe as a long negotiation, Bishop re-emerged from his residence and reportedly told officers he had a kill switch and would use it if they tried anything. Court records say Bishop had five machetes, a gas mask, and multiple firearms and ammunition inside his residence. Authorities say he also has a felony record out of Arizona. He remains jailed without 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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A 17-year-old has been charged with multiple counts of attempted criminal homicide by a Juvenile Court after Nashville authorities said he wounded his two younger sisters. Police searching for wanted man connected to Madison murder The 17-year-old reportedly opened fire on a vehicle in Antioch Park at about 5 a.m. Wednesday, wounding his 12- and 13-year-old sisters in the process, though their wounds were not critical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) said the first call originated from TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center when the sisters arrived by private vehicle. The 17-year-old arrived at Southern Hills Medical Center after learning his sisters had been wounded. Man charged for deadly 2023 shooting near I-65 in North Nashville He reportedly admitted to authorities that he shot at the car, saying he thought it had been involved in multiple area vehicle burglaries. He also told police he did not know his sisters were in the car, and a preliminary investigation showed seven people were inside the vehicle when shots were fired. The investigation is ongoing, Metro police added. 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 WKRN News 2. Moldova's state-owned energy company Energocom will import electricity from Romania and Ukraine to cover the shortfall caused by Russia's halt of gas supplies, NewsMaker media outlet reported on Jan. 1. Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom suspended gas supplies to Moldova on Jan. 1, allegedly because of the debt of the Moldovagaz gas transportation company. The halt of gas supplies resulted in a heating outage in Moldova's Russian-controlled region of Transnistria, prompting Chisinau to seek alternative sources of electricity. While the EU has made efforts to reduce dependency on Russian fossil fuels following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, some countries, including Moldova, Slovakia, and Hungary, have remained reliant on Russian gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of Moldova's electricity needs, 62%, will be covered by imports from Romania, which Chisinau will start receiving in January. About 30% will be covered by thermal power plants and local renewable energy producers, according to NewsMaker. Moldova will also import electricity from Ukraine. Energocom told the media it would import electricity from Ukraine's state nuclear energy operator, Energoatom, at night when consumption is lower and there is a surplus of resources. In mid-December, a state of emergency was declared in Moldova, partly due to uncertainty over further Russian gas supplies in 2025. The Russian state-owned energy giant Gazprom has supplied 5.7 million cubic meters of gas to Moldova since the end of 2022. The entire volume of gas was sent to the Russian-controlled region of Transnistria, where it was used for domestic needs and to generate electricity at the Moldovan hydroelectric power plant, which powered both banks of the Dnister River. Gazprom suspended gas supplies to Moldova on Jan. 1, allegedly because of the debt of the Moldovagaz, which was not confirmed by an international audit, according to NewsMaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to Moscow's decision, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean accused the Kremlin of using energy as a "political weapon." In a separate move on Jan. 1, Ukraine terminated the transit of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory. Kyiv has repeatedly warned that it would not extend the transit agreement when it expires at the end of 2024 because it did not want to finance Russia's war. President Volodymyr Zelensky called the termination of gas transfer "one of Moscow's biggest defeats" on Jan. 1. Zelensky added that one of the main European allies' current tasks is to support Moldova in its energy transformation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The more gas from Europe's true partners is available on the market, the sooner the last negative consequences of European energy dependence on Russia will be overcome," Zelensky said. Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries, lies between Ukraine and EU member Romania. As an EU candidate, it aims for membership by 2030 but remains committed to its neutral status. Moldova does not intend to join NATO but plans to strengthen partnerships with various countries and international organizations to bolster its defense capabilities. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 heightened Moldova's security concerns, with drone fragments landing on its territory and missiles targeting Ukraine passing through its airspace. Pro-Western President Maia Sandu, re-elected last month, albeit with a narrower margin than expected, accused Russia of attempting to destabilize her government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russia buys acceptance with cash, plunging economy into uncertainty Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. CHISINAU (Reuters) - Moldovan President Maia Sandu's dog, notorious for biting the Austrian president, was safely home in the official residence on Wednesday after going missing on New Year's Eve. Codrut, which means small forest in Moldova's official language of Romanian, bolted during fireworks. Capital residents rallied, posting sightings of the golden-haired pet on social media, and he was brought home hours later. "Our good friend Codrut had an unpleasant experience," presidential press secretary Igor Zaharov wrote on social media. "He is safe at home." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mixed breed canine, who is missing a leg, was adopted by Sandu in 2023 after he was hit by a car. Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen suffered a minor hand wound when Codrut bit him during a November 2023 state visit. Codrut is not the only presidential dog with a biting problem. U.S. President Joe Biden successively banished two German Shepherd pets from the White House due to biting. (Reporting by Alexander Tanas, Writing by Ron Popeski; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) LINDEN, N.C. (WNCN) Authorities in Harnett County said a woman in the Linden area was arrested on a murder charge for killing her daughter in a shooting Saturday. The incident happened around 2 p.m. at a home along Rainmaker Street in a small neighborhood just off Will Lucas Road about three miles west of Linden, according to an arrest warrant. Concord woman arrested, charged with nieces murder after argument: Police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victoria Natasha Crosby, 45, of Rainmaker Street, was charged with murder and was being held without bond in the Harnett County Jail, according to jail arrest records. Deputies said that Crosby killed Tiffani Dominique Crosby, whose last name was spelled incorrectly in a warrant as Cossey. Officials said Tiffani Crosby, 23, and her mother had a dispute before the shooting. During the altercation Victoria Crosby shot Tiffany Crosby, a Sunday news release from the Harnett County Sheriffs Office said. The slain daughter was found dead in a vehicle in the driveway, deputies said. Harnett County Sheriffs Office deputies were at the scene for hours on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies began leaving the home shortly before 9 p.m. The investigation is continuing into the events around the incident, deputies said 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 Queen City News. GAITHERSBURG, Md. (DC News Now) The New Year is off to a fresh and busy start at two Adventist HealthCare hospitals in Maryland as families welcome their new bundles of joy into the world. Adventist HealthCare said that just 13 minutes into 2025, the Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center welcomed its first baby. The baby boy was born into a family from Rockville and weighed 8 lbs. Up close look at Richmonds new baby Pygmy hippo Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rockville family said they are sticking with their familys tradition, sharing the babys name at a later time. A family from Rockville welcomed their new bundle of joy into the world, the first baby born at the Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center in 2025. (Photo Courtesy: Adventist HealthCare) This time of year holds a special place in our hearts at Shady Grove Medical Center, said Amber Richter, Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Centers director of Womens and Infants Services. It is both a joy and a privilege for our dedicated team to be part of the excitement and love that comes with welcoming new life into the world. About two hours later, around 2:35 a.m. in Silver Spring, the Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center also greeted its first baby of the new year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Annie, the first baby born in 2025 at Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center. (Photo Courtesy: Adventist HealthCare) The new baby girl, Annie, weighed 8 lbs and 17 ounces. Her family is from Lanham. Welcoming a baby is always a moment of pure joy and excitement for our entire team, said James Rost, MD, a neonatologist and vice president and chief medical officer of White Oak Medical Center, which welcomes just over 1,850 babies a year. We are delighted to be part of this familys special moment as we bring in the New Year together. The New Years babies and their families received a gift basket filled with books, toys and essentials to help celebrate their arrival. 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Morningside senior Joey Skoff was named the GPAC Offensive Player of the Week. In his game against Mayville State, Skoff put up 27 points shooting over 70% from the floor and .500 from beyond the arc. The Omaha native is currently 3rd in the GPAC with 23 points per game and finished last season second with 701 points. This is the third time Skoff has received one of the leagues weekly honors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skoff and the Mustangs will be back in action with GPCA play on Saturday against Doane. 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. District Education of Office (DEO) Nasir Hussain has ordered the private schools affiliated with Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board in Bihar's Kishanjganj district to teach Urdu. The DEO issued a letter to all private schools, notifying them to teach Urdu in the "minority-dominated district." DEO Hussain further said that the private schools being operated in the district must ensure necessary arrangements are in place for students to study Urdu. They have been asked to provide compliance report to Bihar Education Project Office, as per the order. "All the private schools in Kishanganj district, recognized by CBSE Board, are requested to ensure the necessary arrangements for the study of Urdu to the willing students and provide the relevant compliance report to Bihar Education Project Office, Kishanganj," the order dated December 12, 2024, read. This decision comes after the meeting of District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) which was held in October, 2024, where Congress MP Javed Azad and Congress MLA Izharul Hussain noted that Urdu was not being taught in private schools in the district. Meanwhile, Bihar Education Minister Sunil Kumar on Monday said that the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) will probe the complaints raised by the aspirants over the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), 2024. Speaking to media persons, Kumar said, "They can say what they want; it is their right, but the Commission will probe this and will take an appropriate decision..." 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. On Sunday, Bihar police lathi-charged and used water cannons 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 Kishor, for unauthorised gatherings, instigating people, and creating law and order issues in Gandhi Maidan. (ANI) MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) Readers of a Mount Pleasant news and lifestyle magazine named News 2 and its team among the best in 2025. Mount Pleasant Magazine released its annual Best Of for 2025, highlighting businesses, leaders, people, and organizations within the community. The magazines readers say they can count on Carolyn Murray and News 2 for their daily news and Rob Fowler for his daily forecasts. You can view a digital version of the magazine by clicking here. Carolyn Murray Best Local Television Anchor Carolyn Murray delivered trusted, engaging news coverage with professionalism and heart, making her a favorite among Lowcountry viewers, the magazine wrote. Rob Fowler Best Local Television Meteorologist Rob Fowler keeps the Lowcountry informed and prepared with expert forecasts and a deep commitment to the community during every weather event, the publication said. WCBD News 2 Best Local Television Station WCBD Channel 2 stands out for its reliable reporting, community focus and exceptional programming, earning its place as the Lowcountrys preferred news source, wrote Mount Pleasant Magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you, Mount Pleasant Magazine and readers for trusting us and Counting on 2! 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. Ryan Pamplin moved to Puerto Rico four years ago for the entrepreneurial scene. He and his family love the island, but he's frustrated with its ailing power infrastructure. A massive blackout plunged the island into darkness on Tuesday, and it could take days to restore. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ryan Pamplin, a 36-year-old who moved to Puerto Rico from the mainland US four years ago. Pamplin is the founder and CEO of BlendJet, a brand of portable blenders sold online and in more than 30,000 retail stores in 40 countries. He lives in Dorado with his wife and infant. Pamplin was affected by Tuesday's near-total blackout in Puerto Rico, which left millions of residents across the island without power. Officials have said it could take days to restore service. In recent years, Puerto Rico has seen a rise in entrepreneurs moving there. Government incentives like tax breaks combined with the draw of an island lifestyle have made it an attractive place for startups and new businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following has been edited for length and clarity. I'm originally from Santa Monica, California, and then I moved a couple different times. I lived in New York, I lived in Florida, and most recently in the San Francisco Bay area. And then about four years ago, a good friend of mine who's a really successful entrepreneur just said, "Hey, you got to check out Puerto Rico. There's something really interesting happening here. There's a lot of entrepreneurs moving there." And I ended up talking to 30 different people on Zoom, during COVID who have moved here. Then I planned a whole trip to Puerto Rico with my cofounder and our wives, and we fell in love with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We met locals, we met people who had relocated here, and we just felt like, "Wow, what a cool place to go during Covid." And then we just never left. We ended up having our son here and built a house here. We are in Dorado, which is about 30 minutes to the west of San Juan, and there's a really big community of people who have relocated from the mainland, a lot of entrepreneurs. It's a good mixture of us and locals all mixed together. I have a son who's 19 months old, and there are just tons of other kids to play with all the time. You see kids ride around on bikes by themselves. It's really safe. Pamplin, here with his son, says Puerto Rico is an amazing place to live. Ryan Pamplin The community is amazing and it's a great place to live aside from the infrastructure. I've never been anywhere in the world where people are so passionate about electricity that they protest in the streets about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we moved here, there would be people driving tons of cars, just like a parade, with all kinds of megaphones and noisemakers and honking to protest the power company because it's really unreliable and it's expensive. That's happened many times since we've lived here. People are mad because they keep increasing the rates but the service doesn't improve. Backup power is a necessity if you can swing it You need backup energy in Puerto Rico because we have outages constantly, so I have four portable power stations and two backup batteries. In a two-week period recently, we experienced 14 outages. Most of the time it's an entire city or multiple cities. Sometimes the outages are short, but generally they last five-plus hours, and sometimes they last 18 to 24 hours. That's a problem for so many people, and for restaurants and local businesses, because the food in their fridge goes bad. And ice sells out super quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And it's not just power loss. Sometimes you get weird voltage drops, so then it fries all your electronics. You might not even be able to get it fixed, you just have to buy a new one. That happens so frequently. It's happened to me. It's happened to all my friends. The stoplights were out and most buildings were unlit in San Juan on Tuesday as a massive power outage swept Puerto Rico. RICARDO ARDUENGO/AFP via Getty Images And then the gas generators break too. These generators are terrible environmentally they're burning all this fuel, and they're super inefficient. It's terrible for the air quality surrounding your home. The really difficult thing is it's really hot here all the time so not having AC could be deadly. I don't have enough battery backup for the ACs, so when the power goes off, I usually wake up in the middle of the night because I get hot. And then I put a fan next to our bed. Then we sneak into the baby's room, trying not wake him up, and put a fan next to his bed. If we don't, he can't sleep at all without a fan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday's power outage is definitely the worst that I've seen in four years of living here. That's because it's not isolated to one city or one area. It's the entire island. I don't know a single person that has power right now. The only people that have power are people that have generators or they have powerwalls. I've also never seen the water pressure drop so low. Right now, my water pressure is so bad, not just because my pump is off, but whatever pumps happen at the water company, those pumps aren't working. So if I turn on my faucet, no water comes out. It's crazy to live in a place that's part of the United States that just has an unbelievably unreliable grid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have a lot of really talented people who come here, or are born here, or live here that are just incredibly frustrated because of such a basic thing as not having reliable power. And then they leave, and that hurts the economy. Making the most of a New Year's Eve with no power As for New Year's Eve on Tuesday, the power outage will probably inspire everyone to go stand in the street at midnight instead of standing in their homes. People are probably more likely to turn it into a block party and have a really good time. I'm sure we're going to see all the stars and we're going to see the fireworks. It'll be beautiful. (Luma, the privately owned power provider, hasn't responded to a request for comment from Business Insider. The company earlier said in a statement that it's working to track down the source of the outage. "We understand the deep frustration that the power outage situation on a day like today is causing our customers and families in the country," the company said in a translated statement on X.) Read the original article on Business Insider NEW YORK (PIX11) A federal judge in New Jersey issued a 72-page ruling on congestion pricing on Monday. The State of New Jersey and others had filed suit in April to stop congestion pricing. More Local News All sides are still reviewing the documents, but it seems as if the judge did not block the start date for congestion pricing. The judge has ordered the MTA and Federal Highway Administration to provide more information about the impact of congestion pricing in New Jersey and the Bronx and mitigation efforts in impacted areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge wants additional information by Jan. 17 with other responses later in the month. The plaintiffs will be responding to the update. More Congestion Pricing News The judge was asking for a higher level of detail for the efforts in New Jersey. It does not say you cant do this. That means go, said Lisa Daglian, the executive director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA. The State of New Jersey and other parties say the program will have a negative environmental impact on communities in certain parts of the region. More than $130 million has been dedicated to mitigation efforts in the program to address some traffic and clean air concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of now, it appears the program will be able to start on Sunday, Jan. 5 as the MTA addresses the mitigation issues raised by the New Jersey court. Were gratified that on virtually every issue, Judge Gordon agreed with the New York federal court and rejected New Jerseys claim that the Environmental Assessment approved 18 months ago was deficient. Most important, the decision does not interfere with the programs scheduled implementation this coming Sunday, January 5. On the two remaining issues where the Judge requested that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provide additional data information that was not yet before the Court in this proceeding were confident that the subsequent Federal actions, including the approval of the revised, reduced toll rates, did put those issues to rest, said MTA Chairman Janno Lieber. Opponents say they are reviewing the ruling and point to the judges statements on funding and impact. It is scheduled to begin Sunday at midnight. Its the first time that a judge actually recognized their environmental issues that need to be addressed, which is what we have been saying all along. We say put on the brakes. Theres no mitigation plan to start on January 5 and thats where the irreparable harm is, said Valerie Mason with New Yorkers Against Congestion Pricing Tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some other cases are still pending, including on Long Island. Earlier this month, two judges in New York heard cases and did not issue injunctions. A group is suing in Manhattan federal court on the grounds that the state violated the procedure. 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. Troopers arrested five men and a teenager and seized six trucks during what authorities called an illegal street takeover near Lake Norman in Mooresville on Monday. It was the latest in a string of the gatherings across the area the past several days, including in Charlotte, where an officer was injured. Street takeovers typically involve people blocking traffic at an intersection while cars do burnouts and donuts. These dangerous activities not only disrupt our neighborhoods but also endanger lives, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said in a statement. We remain committed to keeping our streets safe and will continue to crack down on illegal street takeovers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding to reports of careless and reckless driving, troopers on Monday found the 400 block of Barfield Road completely blocked at 5:10 p.m. by the takeover, according to a North Carolina State Highway Patrol news release. Troopers arrested and filed charges of careless and reckless driving, street takeover and injury to real property against Eli Chance Pharr, 18, of Stony Point; Gage Myquea Angel Jr., 20, of Cleveland; Isaiah Antonio Villegas, 27, of Statesville; Nicholas James Lufkin, 20, of Mooresville; Nathaniel Madison Harris, 27, of Statesville; and the teen. The Highway Patrol thanked the Iredell County Sheriffs Office for its assistance. Charlotte street takeovers The arrests followed 10 street takeover pop-up events across Charlotte over the weekend, according to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department news release on the social media site X late Monday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A TikTok video with about 500,000 views by the user @chanelle_e33 appeared to show one such takeover in uptown, with a car doing donuts as fireworks shot off. The person who posted the video said the street takeover lasted about 20 minutes before police showed up. An officer was hurt trying to stop a driver leaving one of the takeovers, police said. Charlotte firefighters treated the officer at the scene, and the officer kept working, CMPD said. Police arrested two people on possession of stolen vehicle charges and one person on a charge of resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer. Police seized a firearm, a stolen car and two other vehicles in the takeovers and issued four citations for spectating a street takeover and one citation for for participating in a street takeover. The driver fleeing one of the takeovers caused minor damage to two patrol cars, police said. Further details about the Charlotte takeovers werent released. Atlanta police are investigating a shooting where one man died and two others were injured in a parking lot outside of a nightclub. According to Atlanta Police Homicide Unit Commander Lt. Andrew Smith, a fight started inside the Lacuna Bar and Bistro at 1919 Metropolitan Parkway early Wednesday. A security guard from the club ejected the men from the club into the parking lot. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The fight continued in the parking lot and escalated into a shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two men in their 40s and 50s were injured. One of the men injured was the security guard. A third man in his early 30s was shot and taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. Smith said police believe there were three shooters as there were three different areas with shell casings. Multiple vehicles in the parking lot were damaged by gunfire during the shooting. Police are reviewing security cameras inside and outside the club to determine who was involved in the fight and what happened. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A Minneapolis man accused of fatally stabbed another man near a Nicollet Mall bus shelter last week claimed he'd been parrying with the knife when the victim "essentially impaled himself," according to a new murder charge. The criminal complaint charging 58-year-old Joseph Eugene Davis with 2nd-degree murder alleges surveillance footage from the scene tells a different story. The incident happened around 11:50 p.m. on Dec. 23 at 5th Street South and Nicollet Mall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the charge, a man found unresponsive at the scene died at the hospital days later due to a stab wound to his right carotid artery. Davis allegedly told police the victim had aggressively approached a woman at the bus shelter and he'd stepped in with his knife in attempts to scare the man away. According to the complaint, Davis said he "never once came at" the man and claimed the man struck him in the dead with a metal object. Davis told investigators he stabbed the victim when the victim attempted to hit him a second time, claiming he'd tried to "parry" with his knife and the victim "essentially impaled himself." Courtesy of Hennepin County Jail. Surveillance footage allegedly shows Davis approach the victim inside the bus shelter and swing at his face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim backed out of the shelter and pushes Davis back as Davis pursues him. The charge states the footage shows the victim in the street in a defensive posture. The victim then strikes Davis with an object he's holding and then attempts to retrieve some items from next to the bus shelter. Davis allegedly lunged forward and cut off the victim, who is last seen on camera continuing to back away. Moments later, Davis comes back into view and runs to his bike. The victim stumbles back into view of the camera and eventually collapses, the charge states. By David Shepardson, Karen Brettell and Ronda Churchill LAS VEGAS (Reuters) -A Tesla Cybertruck exploded in flames outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas on Wednesday, killing the driver and injuring seven others, and the FBI was investigating whether the blast was an act of terrorism, officials said. Videos taken by witnesses inside and outside the hotel showed the vehicle exploding and flames pouring out of it, as it sat outside the hotel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident occurred just hours after a man drove a truck into crowds of New Year's Day revelers in New Orleans, killing 15. The Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas is part of the Trump Organization, the company of President-elect Donald Trump, who will return to the White House on Jan. 20. Tesla CEO Elon Musk was a key backer of Trump in his 2024 presidential campaign and is also an adviser to the incoming president. "Obviously a Cybertruck, the Trump hotel - there's lots of questions that we have to answer," Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said at an afternoon press conference. FBI special agent in charge Jeremy Schwartz later told reporters that it was not yet clear whether the blast was an act of terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I know everybody's interested in that word, and trying to see if we can say, 'Hey, this is a terrorist attack.' That is our goal, and that's what we're trying to do," Schwartz said. He added that the FBI had identified the person driving the vehicle, which had been rented in Colorado, but was not yet ready to publicly identify the driver. Musk said the blast was unrelated to the Cybertruck itself. "We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself," Musk said in a post on X. "All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Telemetry involves the automatic collection of data from remote sources, transmitting it back to a central source so it can later be analyzed. A person was found dead inside the 2024 model-year Cybertruck and seven people sustained minor injuries from the explosion, McMahill said. He added that both the Cybertruck and the vehicle used in the New Orleans attack had been rented through car-sharing service Turo. A Turo spokesperson said the company did not believe either of the renters of the vehicles involved in the Las Vegas and New Orleans attacks had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat. "We are actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents," the spokesperson added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahill said the Cybertruck pulled up to the Trump building at 8:40 a.m. local time (1640 GMT). He said police were mindful of the New Orleans attack that occurred earlier on Wednesday. The FBI said a potential explosive device was found in the vehicle used in the New Orleans attack. Las Vegas firefighters responded four minutes after the vehicle fire was reported and extinguished it. Two of the injured people were transported to hospitals with minor injuries. The Trump Hotel was evacuated after the incident and most of the visitors were moved to another hotel. Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization and a son of President-elect Trump, posted about the incident on X. "Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochere of Trump Las Vegas," he wrote, referring to the building's covered entrance area. (Reporting by Ronda Churchill in Las Vegas, Harshita Meenaktshi in Bengaluru, Karen Brettell in New York and David Shepardson, Jasper Ward and Ismail Shakil in Washington; Additonal reporting by Devika Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Scott Malone, Leslie Adler and Jamie Freed) The mystery of strange radio signals coming from space may have been solved by scientists. Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are millisecond-long pulses of radio waves that are so powerful they can travel billions of light years and be picked up on Earth. They were first discovered in 2007 and theoretical physicists like Prof Avi Loeb, from the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics, have suggested they could emanate from alien civilisations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have pinpointed the origins of one FRB and found it to be suspiciously close to a neutron star an ultra-dense collapsed star that is just the size of a city but has the mass of the Sun. The star is around 200 million light years away and is surrounded by a dense magnetic field that scientists believe is the source of the radio burst. Dr Kiyoshi Masui, associate professor of physics at MIT, said: Around these highly magnetic neutron stars, also known as magnetars, atoms cant exist they would just get torn apart by the magnetic fields. The exciting thing here is, we find that the energy stored in those magnetic fields, close to the source, is twisting and reconfiguring such that it can be released as radio waves that we can see halfway across the universe. Suggestion of alien civilisations Previously, Prof Loeb had suggested that the energy busts could be a powerful radio beam created by alien civilisations and used for military purposes. He said they might be generated to push a light sail to launch cargo close to the speed of light. Prof Avi Loeb had previously suggested the energy busts could be a powerful radio beam created by alien civilisations - Jake Belcher However, many scientists believe they have more natural origins and to find out, researchers studied one particular FRB that was detected in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They determined the precise location of the radio signal by analysing its scintillation similar to how stars twinkle in the night sky. The smaller or the farther away an object is, the more it twinkles. The light from larger or closer objects, such as planets in our own solar system, experience less bending, and therefore do not appear to twinkle. Similarly radio waves twinkle, or scintillate, as they pass through interstellar medium, giving scientists an idea of where they originated. The team estimates that the burst exploded from a region that is very near to a rotating neutron star, around 6,000 miles away less than the distance between London and Chicago and extremely close in space terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The distance puts it within the stars magnetic field, the first conclusive evidence that a fast radio burst can originate from the magnetosphere. Limits of what universe can produce Kenzie Nimmo, the lead author and a postdoctoral research fellow in MITs Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, said: In these environments of neutron stars, the magnetic fields are really at the limits of what the universe can produce. She continued: Theres been a lot of debate about whether this bright radio emission could even escape from that extreme plasma. Since the first fast radio burst, astronomers have detected thousands of FRBs, whose locations range from within our own galaxy to as far as 8 billion light years away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The burst studied by the MIT team was detected in 2022 by the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (Chime) radio telescope. The research was published in the journal Nature. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Americas have started their journey into the new year. New York City took the United States into 2025 with the traditional "ball drop" in Times Square as thick confetti, and rain, fell on hundreds of thousands in the crowd. Huge crowds welcomed the New Year with fireworks and music in the Brazilian metropolis of Rio de Janeiro as the clock struck midnight. A traditional 12-minute fireworks display began at midnight, fired from 10 rafts in front of the world-famous Copacabana beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, Europe, Asia and parts of the Pacific entered 2025 with spectacular shows and outdoor gatherings. Some 60,000 revellers gathered in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, as fireworks lit the sky with colour. In Paris, a large fireworks display at the Champs-Elysees drew an estimated crowd of about 1 million people. The United Arab Emirates welcomed the year with fireworks from the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. In Beijing, celebrations were held at a former steelworks on the city's western outskirts, while in Shanghai, crowds gathered to admire light displays along the world-renowned river promenade and other locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese special administrative region of Hong Kong hosted a grand fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. New Year's Eve is not as widely celebrated in China as elsewhere, with the Chinese New Year, based on the lunar calendar, seen as far more significant. In 2025, it will fall on January 29. In Taiwan, a six-minute fireworks show was performed for thousands of spectators at the country's landmark Taipei 101 building, which is 509 metres tall. For the first time, the display also included a light show, organizers said. Kiritimati, a Pacific Ocean atoll home to about 5,000 people, was the first inhabited place to welcome the New Year - as it does every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Auckland was the first major international centre to welcome in the New Year, with the landmarks of New Zealand's largest city lighting up at midnight. Seven songs made up a "midnight moment" soundtrack, synchronized with the lights, lasers and fireworks. Two hours later, Sydney rang in the New Year with its world-famous fireworks show above the harbour, watched by millions at home and abroad. The Australian city's fireworks display was set against the backdrop of the Harbour Bridge and the iconic Opera House. Fireworks also exploded over other major Australian cities, including Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide at midnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Bangkok, one of the best ways to take in the show was from a party boat on the Chao Phraya River. Thailand, which follows the Buddhist calendar, began the year 2568. In Singapore, crowds of onlookers gathered to watch the fireworks at Marina Bay, with a view of the skyline. American Samoa and Niue will be the last countries to ring in 2025, a full 24-hours after New Zealand. A projection mapping is displayed on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building during the 'Happy New Year Tokyo 2025' countdown event, as people gather outside to celebrate the upcoming New Year. Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa People from all over the country gathered in large numbers in temples and churches to mark the new year. Whether it was Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Mathura, Varanasi, Ajmer, Tirupati, or Guwahati, people flocked to iconic religious spots to celebrate the day. Amid inclement weather conditions in the national capital Delhi, people commenced their day with morning prayers and 'aarti' at the famous Pracheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place. Similar visuals were there from the Jhandewalan temple in the capital city. Devotees thronged in large numbers to the Kalkaji temple while Chhatarpur temple and Birla Mandir witnessed a mesmerising morning aarti. Visuals from Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh showed a huge large number of people visiting Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple to offer their prayers on the very first day of 2025. The holy city Varanasi and its residents started their day with majestic Ganga Aarti which was performed at Assi Ghat. A significant number of people flocked to Mathura's Banke Bihari Temple to celebrate the day. Prayers were also held at San Thome Church in Chennai, on the very first day of the year. Devotees gathered in huge numbers at Khwaja Gareeb Nawaz Dargah in Ajmer after Jannati Gate opened on the first day of the year. The iconic Sri Venkateshwara Swamy temple in Tirupati and Meenakshi Temple in Madurai witness a huge throng of devotees as the day commenced. Devotees also thronged at Mata Mansa Devi Temple in Panchkula, Haryana and Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam to offer their prayers. In Haridwar, Uttarakhand, devotees took a dip in the Ganga river to initiate their first day of 2025. India welcomed the year 2025 with celebrations across the country, as people in various cities marked the occasion with joy and enthusiasm. New Year celebrations began in many cities with parties, cultural events, live music performances, and themed decorations. In Delhi, famous spots like Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, and Lajpat Nagar were filled with large crowds celebrating the New Year. To ensure a safe celebration, Delhi Police made prior security arrangements. In Punjab's Amritsar, people gathered at the Golden Temple to welcome the New Year. Hotels in many cities also hosted special celebrations for the occasion. In Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, people were seen dancing in the streets as they welcomed 2025. Similarly, in Lucknow, people danced and celebrated as the clock struck midnight. As the New Year arrived, many cities witnessed spectacular fireworks displays. In Mumbai, beaches like Juhu Beach, Chowpatty Beach, and Versova Beach were packed with revellers. People also gathered at Marine Drive to watch the fireworks. Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh's Manali, a popular tourist destination, crowds danced and cheered in the streets. In West Bengal, people celebrated with lights flashing from their mobile phones. In Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, fireworks lit up the sky, marking the arrival of the New Year. In Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam, people also celebrated by cutting cakes. In Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore, percussion instruments were played in the streets, while Chennai witnessed a huge crowd celebrating the occasion. (ANI) Berlin and many other cities have welcomed the New Year with spectacular shows and outdoor gatherings. Tens of thousands of revellers gathered in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, as fireworks lit the sky with colour. In Paris, a large fireworks display at the Champs-Elysees drew an estimated crowd of about 1 million people. Nations across Asia and the Pacific were among the first to ring in the New Year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United Arab Emirates welcomed the year with fireworks from the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. China and Taiwan celebrated with light shows in several major cities, hours after similar scenes in Australia and New Zealand. In Beijing, celebrations were held at a former steelworks on the city's western outskirts, while in Shanghai, crowds gathered to admire light displays along the world-renowned river promenade and other locations. The Chinese special administrative region of Hong Kong hosted a grand fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. New Year's Eve is not as widely celebrated in China as elsewhere, with the Chinese New Year, based on the lunar calendar, seen as far more significant. In 2025, it will fall on January 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Taiwan, a six-minute fireworks show was performed for thousands of spectators at the country's landmark Taipei 101 building, which is 509 metres tall. For the first time, the display also included a light show, organizers said. Kiritimati, a Pacific Ocean atoll home to about 5,000 people, was the first inhabited place to welcome the New Year - as it does every year. Auckland was the first major international centre to welcome in the New Year, with the landmarks of New Zealand's largest city lighting up at midnight. Seven songs made up a "midnight moment" soundtrack, synchronized with the lights, lasers and fireworks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two hours later, Sydney rang in the New Year with its world-famous fireworks show above the harbour, watched by millions at home and abroad. The Australian city's fireworks display was set against the backdrop of the Harbour Bridge and the iconic Opera House. Fireworks also exploded over other major Australian cities, including Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide at midnight. In Bangkok, one of the best ways to take in the show was from a party boat on the Chao Phraya River. Thailand, which follows the Buddhist calendar, began the year 2568. In Singapore, crowds of onlookers gathered to watch the fireworks at Marina Bay, with a view of the skyline. The Americas wrap up the festivities, with a big turn-out expected in New York's Times Square. American Samoa will be the last country to ring in 2025. A projection mapping is displayed on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building during the 'Happy New Year Tokyo 2025' countdown event, as people gather outside to celebrate the upcoming New Year. Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Time to study up, Illinois. When the clock hits midnight on New Years Day, 293 new state laws will take effect. Those include some of the defining bills of the 2024 legislative session and others that will change how people get IDs, evaluate job postings and even cancel gym memberships. In addition to the laws taking effect on Jan. 1, the states minimum wage will rise to $15 to complete a ramp up initiated during Gov. JB Pritzkers first month in office in 2019. Digital drivers licenses The secretary of state can begin creating a process to issue digital drivers licenses and state IDs beginning in the new year after Pritzker signed House Bill 4592. Residents will still be required to receive a physical ID and agencies or private entities will not be required to accept digital IDs in place of physical IDs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Providing a phone to police to show a digital ID also doesnt give police consent to search a persons cell phone. Salary transparency Employers with 15 or more employees must include information about benefits and the salary range on job postings, according to House Bill 3129. The law will also apply to businesses hiring for remote work positions in Illinois. When employers arent transparent about pay, gender and racial wage gaps widen, costing women and people of color valuable compensation, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said in a news release. Illinois new Pay Transparency law is a resounding win for the working people who call our state home. Junk health insurance Short-term, limited duration health insurance plans will be illegal in Illinois beginning Jan. 1. The plans, often called junk insurance by critics, do not meet the minimum standards of the federal Affordable Care Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ban outlined in House Bill 2499 was part of Pritzkers health insurance overhaul that lawmakers passed in the spring. It was aimed at reducing barriers to care for patients and making health care more affordable by expanding coverage requirements for insurance companies. Short-term insurance plans are typically for people who have a lapse in health insurance coverage such as when they lose or change jobs, but they are different from COBRA benefits, which most employers are required to offer under federal law. Supporters of the bill argued the plans are deceptive and stick consumers with huge out-of-pocket costs, but others said the plans provide consumers with an affordable option to fill a gap in coverage. Caregiver discrimination House Bill 2161 adds family responsibilities to the list of categories protected from discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. The new law prevents employers from taking adverse action against employees because of their responsibilities as a caregiver for a family member, which could cause them to miss work. Bill sponsor Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, told a House committee in April that pregnant women are a good example of who the bill is designed to help. He said pregnant women shouldnt be passed up for a promotion or face other consequences at work in anticipation that they will be taking time off to care for their baby. Guzzardi stressed the bill does not protect employees who fail to meet job performance requirements. AI regulations New laws governing artificial intelligence take effect Jan. 1. It will be illegal to generate child pornography using AI, according to House Bill 4623. Supporters of the bill, including the Illinois Attorney Generals Office, said it is becoming more difficult to distinguish between real and AI-generated images. They said updating Illinois child pornography laws was a necessary to step allow law enforcement to identify and prosecute child pornography cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House bill 4875 also adds new protections to prohibit using AI to recreate a persons voice, image or likeness for commercial purposes without the persons consent. Recording artists can seek damages for violations of the law. Politics and religion at work Employees cant be required to sit through work meetings discussing religion or politics starting Jan. 1. Senate Bill 3649, an initiative of the Illinois AFL-CIO, creates new protections for employees who skip out on such meetings and prevents employers from retaliating against them. The law does not prohibit discussing religion or politics at work, but employees are not required to participate in the discussions if such activities are not part of their job. The law excludes non-profit and advocacy groups where politics or religion may be part of job. Coming later in 2025 Pritzkers signature health reform package goes into effect on Jan. 1, but most provisions dont have to be implemented until the beginning of 2026. House Bill 5395 bans step therapy, which requires patients to try and fail treatments preferred by insurance companies before they can receive the treatment recommended by their doctor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also bans insurance companies from requiring prior authorization for emergency in-patient mental health treatment, requires insurers to keep up-to-date lists of in-network providers and expands the power of the Illinois Department of Insurance to regulate premium rates. Many hotels in Illinois will no longer be allowed to provide customers with single-use plastic soap and shampoo beginning July 1 under Senate Bill 2960. The move is designed to cut down on waste from single-use products. The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association supported the change. Hotels with fewer than 50 rooms have until 2026 to make the change. Other new laws NIL money: Student athletes at NCAA universities can earn name, image and likeness money directly from their universities. House Bill 307 was an initiative of the University of Illinois. Hearing aids: Insurance providers must cover medically prescribed hearing aids for all people under House Bill 2443. Coverage was previously only required for those under 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gym memberships: House Bill 4911 requires gyms and fitness centers to accept multiple ways for people to cancel their membership. Physical fitness locations also must now allow customers to cancel their membership by email or online. Customers will also be allowed to submit written notice for canceling their membership by mail. Subscription renewals: Businesses that offer a free trial or promotional period for their product or service must notify customers at least three days before the subscription automatically renews at a paid rate under Senate Bill 2764. The law only applies to subscriptions longer than 15 days. Crime victim DNA: DNA evidence collected from a person who is the victim of a crime to aid a criminal investigation cannot be entered into a DNA database, according to House Bill 1168. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. A natural gas explosion Tuesday afternoon injured three people at a Gulfport apartment complex and left more than a dozen shaken residents scrambling to find a place to stay while the fire department investigates, authorities said. Two people in critical condition were flown to a burn center in Mobile, Gulfport Fire Chief Billy Kelley said. A third person was injured but not in critical condition and will be flown to a burn center in New Orleans out of precaution. Authorities were called just after 2 p.m. to the explosion at 28th Street and 26th Avenue and found the building burning and the air filled with thick smoke, Kelley said. Residents of the 14-unit Evergreen Apartments said they fled and tried to help injured neighbors, then waited on curbs for hours Tuesday afternoon as officials closed two blocks on 28th Street and extinguished the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was horrible, said Ashley Vaughn, who moved in two months ago. You just heard boom. It is unclear what caused the explosion, but Kelley said the fire department is investigating whether there was a gas leak. He said the property owner had been installing natural gas lines and recently started connecting them to units. The property owner did not immediately return phone calls to the Sun Herald. Three people were hurt Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, during a natural gas explosion in Gulfport. The apartment building was seriously damaged. Gulfport Fire Department and Police Department responded to the area west of U.S. 49. The explosion began in one unit and apparently blew the wall out of another. The three people injured were staying together in Unit 13, where Kelley said the explosion hit. Firefighters at the scene went in and out of a door that had been burned black. Much of the buildings siding and roof was mangled. Vaughn was outside when she heard the explosion. She said she saw smoke and flames and kept trying to get neighbors out of the building before firefighters arrived. One disoriented person climbed out a window, she said. She helped two people into an ambulance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vaughn said her husband tried to comfort a neighbors injured dog, whose back and nose was burned. Im basically just heartbroken, she said as she stood in a nearby parking lot, waiting for news and holding her whimpering Yorkipoo named Millie. Its traumatizing. The Evergreen Apartments at 2524 28th St. in Gulfport were built in 1940 and are valued at $623,900, according to Zillow. Residents said the one bedroom, one bath units hold up to three people each. It is unclear how many people currently live there. Gulfport Fire Department works inside Evergreen Apartments Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 after an explosion that injured three people. Patrick Treadaway, who lives in Unit 10, said he had just returned from Circle K and started watching LSU play Baylor in the Texas Bowl when he heard the boom. He jumped up and called 911, then rushed outside and started helping his neighbors leave. He said he wrapped a towel around an injured neighbors arm in the chaos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the street, Thuy Tran was serving customers at Blazin Cajun Seafood when the explosion echoed through the restaurant. Everyone turned and looked at the apartments. Authorities soon asked customers to evacuate. It was really crazy, she said. Treadaway, 62, was standing on the street for hours until authorities told him and other residents after 4:30 p.m. that they could retrieve their belongings. He said he would probably spend the night with family nearby. Kelley said the Red Cross was helping other neighbors find places to stay. Kelley said two units are total losses and one is badly damaged with smoke. Authorities shut the power and gas off at the property. Kelley said Center Point Energy is sending a forensics team Wednesday morning and authorities expect most units will be habitable later in the day. This photo from Gulfport Fire Department shows the damage to one of the 14 units at Evergreen Apartments on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. Treadaway said he had lived at the Evergreen Apartments for five years. He does not know if he wants to return. The whole place couldve went, he said. I dont think its safe. The 14-unit apartment building in Gulfport was having natural gas lines installed when an explosion tore apart some of the building on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Three people were injured . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Newfane Town Board unanimously approved a policy Monday on public access to records, in keeping with changes made in New York State law earlier in 2024. The policy addresses provisions in the state Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) to notify current and former public employees in writing after providing their disciplinary records in response to a records request. The law maintains that the public has a right to review documents, files, reports, maps, photos, and a variety of other records held or produced by government entities. Prior to 2024, government employers were not required to notify a public employee that their disciplinary records were included in a FOIL request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The towns policy states that the definition for disciplinary records found in the Public Officers Law will be used for both law enforcement and non-law enforcement employees. This may include counseling memos. The town clerk will provide the employee with any records released. Councilwoman Susan Neidlinger said it is not unusual for community members to request information on town planning, particularly when they have concerns about their own neighborhood. Neidlinger said the town clerks office is helpful in providing guidance on how the request process works. According to New Yorks Open Government web page, The peoples right to know the process of government decision making and the documents and statistics leading to determinations is basic to our society. The New York State Defenders Association said, FOIL requests for police records, particularly those seeking disciplinary records once shielded from disclosure ... are an important part of efforts to evaluate and challenge current policing practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The towns policy states that an acknowledgment letter will be sent by the town clerk to all FOIL requesters within five business days. Newfanes town clerk or deputy clerk will make decisions regarding approving or denying a FOIL request. Under FOIL, categories of information not subject to release by government bodies include but are not limited to, ongoing investigations; bids and contracts under negotiation; disclosures resulting in unwarranted invasion of privacy or business/competition enterprises; names of sex crime victims; and some law enforcement records and inter/intra-agency materials. A request that is not specific enough in scope may also be denied, or clarification requested. While inspecting records is free, government bodies, including the Town of Newfane, can charge fees for copying. For more information, go to www.ny.gov/programs/open-foil-ny. The News & Observer stayed true to its investigative journalism traditions in 2024, uncovering hidden truths and holding people in power to account throughout the year. Several themes dominated the reporting this year, including the many ways that state legislative leaders use the state budget to devote taxpayer dollars to causes that helped themselves or their allies with little public disclosure. House Speaker Tim Moore points to heavy traffic at the I-85-I-485 intersection in western Mecklenburg County at a press event announcing $45 million funding to add new lanes to reduce a bottleneck. The investigative series Power & Secrecy, led by Dan Kane, revealed unusual money awards to nonprofits, businesses and elsewhere. In one case, outgoing state House Speaker Tim Moore committed some $45 million from an expanded state slush fund to help fix a traffic bottleneck in the newly formed congressional district where he was on the ballot. Moore announced the funding hours before his campaign confirmed his successful run for Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some appropriations, identified with help from David Raynor, have drawn the attention of a federal grand jury, which has issued subpoenas to at least one state agency, a UNC campus, Dare County, and six county commissioners. Isaac Horton IV, owner of Oak City Fish and Chips restaurants and food trucks, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city after he and his business partner were arrested in front of a nightclub in 2014. The charges were dismissed and Raleigh paid the men $50,000 in 2016. Virginia Bridges reported evidence of police misconduct in two projects. Her Police Payouts project detailed costly settlements with people accusing Raleigh officers of mistreatment, many of them not previously disclosed to the public. Bridges also revealed how some North Carolina police have misused Tasers in ways that exceed limits imposed by a federal court. Vehicles and machinery sit underneath debris near the North Toe River in Avery County on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, days after Hurricane Helene brought heavy rain and flooding to the North Carolina mountains. After remnants of Hurricane Helene brought jaw-dropping destruction and a historic death toll to Western North Carolina, misinformation about recovery efforts bloomed across social media. As part of joint coverage with The Charlotte Observer, N&O reporters fact-checked extreme claims, exposing falsehoods regarding the governments ability to create destructive storms, exaggerated estimates of the number of people missing after the storm and moves by government officials to evict people from temporary housing. Below are more examples of The N&Os most memorable accountability reporting from 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police surveillance in NC In his Private Eyes investigation, Tyler Dukes revealed that North Carolina police have installed a growing number of privately owned cameras along public roads. They collect data on every vehicle that drives by, frequently allowing law enforcement from out of state access that data with no warrant required. These cameras have helped solve crimes. They have also helped misidentify citizens as criminal suspects. Election watchdogs Kyle Ingram and Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan detailed why GOP governor candidate Mark Robinsons wife was ordered to pay $132,000 to the state as part of an investigation into her nonprofit. Ingram reported on the state GOP chairmans silence about a party primary candidate with a history of white supremacist and antisemitic statements and ties to a neo-Nazi organization. Data analysis by Ingram revealed that North Carolina Black voters were twice as likely to have their ballots challenged in a dispute over a state Supreme Court race. State government missteps Its no secret to North Carolina residents who have endured long and sometimes fruitless waits outside Division of Motor Vehicles offices that the agency lacks capacity to provide required services. Richard Stradlings investigation into persistent staffing shortages revealed why. Supervisor Tanika Williams check drivers paperwork outside the NCDMV driver license office on New Bern Avenue in Raleigh on Thursday, August. 29, 2024. As the states population grew by 2.4 million since 2003, the number of approved drivers license examiners hasnt changed, the Division of Motor Vehicles says. In the home insurance realm, state residents are dealing with rising costs, claim denials and policy nonrenewals. Chantal Allams reporting showed why residents feel they are being left out of decisions about the industrys push for higher rates. Delores Miller boards a canoe after checking on her elderly mothers home in downtown Lumberton after Hurricane Matthew caused downed trees, power outages and massive flooding along the Lumber River in Lumberton in October 2016 . Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi revealed that nearly 2,000 North Carolinians were still waiting on repairs to their homes following flooding and damage from hurricanes Matthew and Florence more than five years ago. More state secrecy Avi Bajpai documented effects from a hurriedly passed provision that essentially exempted state legislators from public records laws. After requesting copies of state legislators emails for just one day, Bajpai received nothing from the majority of the elected officials. Stephen Shipps, right, was sentenced in federal court to five years in prison for trafficking an underage student for sex. A settled lawsuit accused the former UNC School of Arts instructor and others of abusing students at the North Carolina campus. Bridges and Dukes documented how another last-minute budget provision from state lawmakers eliminated the publics ability to see documents detailing why the state settles lawsuits alleging misconduct. Included is a memo on a settled lawsuit accusing campus and state system officials of turning a willful blind eye to teachers abusing and exploiting students over decades at UNC School of the Arts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perez Uribe and Ingram detailed ways that a proposed state bill would cut state oversight of political committees and corporate campaign contributions. A laser show with the Eiffel Tower as seen from the Trocadero during the Opening Ceremony for the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games along the Seine River on July 26, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kane documented the secrecy cloaking who pays for trips attended by state legislators and lobbyists. And negative impacts from reduced public access to information about state Board of Elections investigations into complaints alleging violations of laws governing state political campaign donations. Inside the UNC System Korie Dean detailed how some of UNC Chapel Hills 15 trustees routinely messaged university officials over the 2023-24 admissions cycle, seeking updates on prospective students application and admission status including whether applicants might be admitted off a waitlist. UNC Board of Trustees member Jennifer Lloyd, left, was among trustees who messaged university administrators about applicants. Dean and Bridges revealed that UNC-Chapel Hill police obtained a warrant to review private Instagram account information for a student group that organized a May commencement day protest on campus. The application explicitly asked that the student group be kept in the dark. Dean also showed discrepancies in how the UNC Systems repeal of diversity, equity and inclusion requirements was implemented at the states 16 public universities. East Carolina University, for instance, was the only campus to require its Faculty Senate to scrub a committees ties to DEI despite faculty activities being pretty much exempt from the systems new policy. U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxxs house is nestled at the base of Grandfather Mountain. People with power Danielle Battaglia reported how devastation from Helene and a locked gate escalated a feud between U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx and her Western North Carolina neighbors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kane, Ingram and Raynor documented questionable behavior by North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, including his agency paying his friend and donor a high wage to drive him on state business. Some of 12 out-of-state road trips funded by DOI, they reported, took Causey to a small city in New Mexico, near where the commissioner has had family ties. Causeys cross-country road trips Ingram reported how a flag with connections to the Jan. 6 insurrection that was at the center of a controversy involving a U.S. Supreme Court justice was flown outside a beach home owned by N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newbys wife. The Appeal to Heaven flag flying outside a Carteret County beach home owned by Macon Newby, the wife of North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby, on May 23, 2024. Taking care of business Brian Gordon reported on how businesses follow the letter of the law when advertising jobs they can fill with foreign workers but in a way that makes it unlikely anyone will apply. Gordon also held North Carolina officials accountable for optimistic claims about the value of business incentive programs, including his reporting that India-based Infosys Ltd. failed to achieve its target of hiring 2,000 people in Raleigh. Missteps in Durham Mary Helen Moore documented multiple stumbles by Durham government officials during 2024, including paying $37,000 to bring the artist Monica to a festival she said she was never contacted or booked for, evidence that Board of Education members broke state law by closing meetings to the public while coping with a crisis following errors calculating the cost of employee raises and lack of public disclosure about a countys managers long paid leave. Tiffani Holloway holds up a print of her grandson, Karter, while at her home in Raleigh on Jan 26, 2024. Karter, 5, died in a hospital on Jan. 1 after being assaulted and abused. Karters father, Amir Hines, was arrested and charged with murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children at risk When Tammy Grubb and Colleen Hammond dug into why the parents were charged in the deaths of three young children in Wake County, they discovered that the official count of children dying from abuse or neglect had increased since 2018 in North Carolina. This occurred at a time when the child protective offices across the state faced staffing shortages. Bridges was first to reveal that the state was isolating incarcerated youth in locked rooms sometimes for 23 hours a day. It wasnt behavior that prompted the confinements, it was largely due to staffing shortages. More police accountability Josh Shaffer reported how a pastor settled his lawsuit with a North Carolina town after he served eight years in prison for a robbery he did not commit. The settlement amount: $4.4 million. The Raleigh Police Department is investigating after an alleged screenshot shows a Raleigh police officer calling Juneteenth a made up holiday. Bridges broke the news that a Raleigh officer investigated after a post on his social media account called Juneteenth a made-up holiday was quietly suspended and then quietly retired, after collecting two raises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bridges was also first to report that North Carolina sheriffs may abandon a new rule requiring their deputies to complete training before getting to work. The North Carolina Sheriffs Education and Training and Standards Commission delayed an expected vote after the story was published. School matters When T. Keung Hui fact-checked an influential state lawmakers comments on North Carolina expanding funding for a private-school voucher program, he documented mistakes. In one, state Rep. Tricia Cotham said school choice is needed because a predominance of our public schools that are rated with Ds and Fs. North Carolina public schools do get A through F performance grades each. But only 33.5% of schools had D or F grades at that time. Rep. Tricia Cotham speaks about funding for private school vouchers prior to a vote to override Gov. Roy Coopers veto of a budget bill in the House at the General Assembly in Raleigh on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. After receiving an anonymous tip, Grubb confirmed that an Orange County Schools Board of Education member did not hold a doctorate degree despite a former superintendents announcement that she did years prior. Board member Jennifer Moore, who resigned, was referred to as Dr. Moore on the boards website and at meetings. Editors note: This article was updated to clarify where the posts were made. (NewsNation) California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is under fire from Republican State Senate leaders after posting on X celebrating that the state has dramatically slowed homelessness growth and continues to lead the charge in getting people off the streets. State Republican leaders say the numbers show a different picture. State Senator Brian Jones argued in a post that with the states $27 billion dollar investment, Californians should not be seeing any increase in homelessness, and that Newsoms touted 3.1% increase in homelessness in the state is unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This also comes as Chicago prepares to implement a new program in which the mayor will combine services for migrants and those experiencing homelessness in hopes of saving money. How many people are homeless? Heres why its hard to track Newsoms post came the same day as the Department of Housing and Urban Developments major homelessness report, which showed a nationwide increase of more than 18%. In Los Angeles and other cities in California, the homelessness crisis is hard to miss, despite the rate of growth being smaller than the national average at 3%. Still, the state has the largest homeless population in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly a third of all people in the snapshot this year are in California, totaling nearly 188,000. Thats roughly 30,000 more than New York and dramatically more than the rest of the top five states. Newsom has been hands on in dealing with the problem and since the Supreme Court decision on homeless encampments, he has pushed local leaders to be more aggressive in clearing encampments and housing people. According to a study from Stanford University, California has spent $24 billion on homelessness since 2018 but the population still increased by about 30,000. Chicago takes next step toward combining migrant, homeless services Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationwide, 40 states saw a larger increases in homelessness than California. Newsoms post has generated a backlash of responses from people calling it misleading. One Californian said the numbers are hardly a victory and accused Newsom of tossing tiny fixes at a huge crisis and calling it progress. In a statement to NewsNation, Newsoms office said the critics are commenting on something the tweet does not claim in an effort to continue a narrative that is not supported by the data. The number of homeless veterans in California is also down by 8%, the biggest decrease of all the states but the population remains the largest in the U.S., at around 33,00. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September, Newsom signed a package of bills to support veterans, including new assistance for housing and education. 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. NEWTON COUNTY, Mo. Newton County Prosecutor William Lynch sued the county commissioners on Monday saying they violated the Missouri Sunshine Law during the December 12 commission meeting. During that meeting, the commissioners announced an addition to their agenda adding a discussion and vote on the reallocation of ARPA funds totaling nearly $140,000. Lynch says commissioners Alan Cook and David Osborn both voted to put the funds back into road and bridge, and capital expenditure accounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that change would obligate the taxpayers to that same amount of money for what he called potential pet projects of the commission to the tune of nearly $140,000 and would cause immediate and irreparable damage. Today, Newton County Judge Kevin Selby issued a temporary restraining order preventing the commissioners from reallocating those funds. A hearing on the case is set for January 14. 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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. DUBAI (Reuters) - The next round of nuclear talks between Iran and three European countries will take place on Jan. 13 in Geneva, Iran's semi-official ISNA news agency cited the country's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi as saying on Wednesday. Iran held talks about its disputed nuclear programme in November, 2024 with Britain, France and Germany. Those discussions, the first since the U.S. election, came after Tehran was angered by a European-backed resolution that accused Iran of poor cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tehran reacted to the resolution by informing the IAEA watchdog that it plans to install more uranium-enriching centrifuges at its enrichment plants. U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi told Reuters in December that Iran is "dramatically" accelerating its enrichment of uranium to up to 60% purity, closer to the roughly 90% level that is weapons grade. Tehran denies pursuing nuclear weapons and says its programme is peaceful. In 2018, the then administration of Donald Trump exited Iran's 2015 nuclear pact with six major powers and reimposed harsh sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to violate the pact's nuclear limits, with moves such as rebuilding stockpiles of enriched uranium, refining it to higher fissile purity and installing advanced centrifuges to speed up output. Indirect talks between U.S. President Joe Biden's administration and Tehran to try to revive the pact have failed, but Trump said during his election campaign in September: "We have to make a deal, because the consequences are impossible. We have to make a deal". (Reporting by Elwely Elwelly; Editing by Andrew Heavens) Delhi police have identified more than 25 "illegal" immigrants from Bangladesh and have started the process to deport them to their home country, an official said, adding that the police have also managed to crackdown on a racket in connection with issuing fake Aadhar cards. Special Commission of Police (Spl. CP) Law and Order Madhup Tiwari said that the drive to identify "illegal" immigrants from Bangladesh was being carried out on the orders of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. "Following the LG's direction, we have launched a campaign in which we have started identifying illegal immigrants and deporting them. In Zone 2 Southern zone, we have identified more than 25 such illegal immigrants so far and have also started the work of deporting them. At the same time, we had a big success in the South district where we busted a racket in which we not only saw their route to come to India but also caught the people involved in it, who used to make their Aadhar cards here illegally," Tiwari told ANI. The Spl. CP said that they had to take the help of human intelligence and technical surveillance in order to carry out a drive against "illegal" immigrants. Many of them have Bangladesh ID cards and they have also made voter IDs here, Tiwari added. "We had to take the help of human intelligence as well as technical surveillance and we are very excited with the success we have got so far... We have found many of them with Bangladesh ID cards and they have also made voter ID cards here. So we have also arrested such people...We ensure that we are deporting the right person and also have to ensure that none of our Indian citizens gets trapped in this," Tiwari said. Speaking about the racket busted by Delhi police, the Spl. CP explained that the immigrants infiltrate India through borders surrounding Meghalaya and reach Delhi via Rajdhani Express. "In the racket that we had caught, these people used to come from Bangladesh, enter Meghalaya because it is a porous border and after that, they used to come mostly in Rajdhani Express and in second AC. Then they were given a fake Aadhar card, whose data when we checked, the entire Aadhar card was fake...So we faced a lot of challenges in this, but till now, we have ensured that legitimate citizens are not harassed... When we conduct such drives, they flee from the area. This definitely helps in reducing crime in that area," Tiwari said. "We will continue this drive, there is no doubt about it. Now elections are coming in Delhi. At that time, since most of our forces get busy in election-related activities, it is possible that the pressure on this drive may reduce a bit, but still, this drive will not stop, I assure you that," he added. Earlier, Delhi Police detained 12 Bangladesh nationals who were living in different areas of south Delhi without any identification, an official said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) South East Ravi Kumar Singh said that these people were caught from areas including Nizamuddin, Kalindi Kunj, Shaheen Bagh, and Sarita Vihar. They have been sent to detention camp, he added. "So far, we have caught 12 Bangladeshis, from different areas like Nizamuddin, Kalindi Kunj, Shaheen Bagh, and Sarita Vihar. We have detained them and they have been sent to the detention camp. All the Bangladeshis that we have met were without identities and some people had been living for a long time. We are investigating further. We have a Bangladeshi cell, a specialised unit, which works on this. We have verified close to 1,200 people and will do so in the future as well as information will come," Singh told ANI. Meanwhile, in another case, Delhi Police arrested six people while taking action against complaints over fake identification cards, an official said. The Electoral registration officer had submitted two complaints against eight people in connection with this matter. DCP (South East) Singh said that upon receiving complaints they filed two FIRs against those involved. The cyber cafe owner along with five others including two middlemen were arrested. (ANI) Dec. 31Several new business openings in 2024 added variety to the choices of customers in St. Joseph, but two in particular generated big interest among residents. The McBee's Coffee N Carwash opening in August and looking ahead to the opening of the new QuikTrip building set for Jan. on Frederick Boulevard have been the talk of the town for several months. McBee's, located at 3016 N. Belt Highway, offers facilities to not only wash vehicles but also dogs, all while enjoying a cup of coffee. The business has eight locations in the Kansas City metropolitan area, and there are tentative plans to build a second location on the South Belt Highway. St. Joseph's first QuikTrip location, which was among 2023's top stories when plans for the convenience store and gas station were announced, continued to generate high interest as construction got underway in 2024. The location on the southeast corner of Frederick and Interstate 29 is complete, and company officials told News-Press NOW residents can expect the doors to open in mid-January. Dec. 31St. Joseph will welcome two new leaders in 2025 after the city manager and school superintendent both announced plans to leave their positions last year. City Manager Bryan Carter announced plans to return to a job in the private sector in August, after serving in the role since January 2021 following the resignation of then-city manager Gary Edwards. Carter's resignation took effect on Sept. 6, and the St. Joseph City Council launched a search for his replacement, ultimately narrowing down the field to four finalists who came to St. Joseph for interviews and to meet the community in December. With just two weeks remaining in the year, officials announced Mike Schumacher as St. Joseph's new city manager. He most recently served as city administrator in Lebanon, Missouri, and before that, he was an assistant city manager in Kansas City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pending the execution of a contract by the City Council on Jan. 6, Schumacher's first day with the city will be Jan. 21. His salary will be $190,000. Gabe Edgar, superintendent of the St. Joseph School District, also announced in the summer of 2024 that he plans to step down from his job. Edgar will retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year. After a nationwide search, the Board of Education announced its four finalists for superintendent on Dec. 16. Two of the candidates were current district employees, with a third having previously worked in the St. Joseph schools. The school board announced its selection of current Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services Ashly McGinnis as the district's next leader on Dec. 18. HUGHES, Ark. It appears 2024 will end without definitive answers about an officer-involved shooting that left a woman dead on Christmas Eve. The victim is 26-year-old Allie Kundert, a mother from Cross County, authorities and family members said. Woman killed in officer-involved shooting in Hughes, AR Allie Kundert (courtesy Shauna Borman-Kundert) But details of exactly what led to a Hughes Police Officer to fire his weapon are still not exactly clear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Arkansas State Police, the agency investigating this incident, Kundert was armed and causing a disturbance outside the Hughes Church of God on Main Street. A Hughes Police officer encountered Kundert and discharged his weapon, striking the woman. She died nearby. ASP has not said what kind of weapon, if any, Kundert had or how many shots were fired by the officer. Neither the mayor of Hughes nor the chief of police was available to comment Tuesday on the status of the officer involved. Kunderts family declined to comment. Clifton Harris was rehabbing a house a couple of blocks away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It really bothered me, man, for anybody to get killed, Harris said. If you got any kind of heart or any kind of religion, it will bother you for someone to get killed. The womans body was taken to the state crime lab for an autopsy, state police said. Investigators will prepare a file for the Saint Francis County prosecuting attorney, who will determine whether the use of deadly force was justified. 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. To finish out 2024 and celebrate the New Year, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and his wife, Britainy, sat down to respond to some tweets directed toward the couple throughout the year. The sketch is a twist on late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel's "Mean Tweets" segment, where celebrities often read negative, but funny tweets directed toward them on Twitter now called X. The tradition dates back to 2020 for the commonwealth couple. Some tweeters on X had words for Britainy and the Beshears' dog, Winnie, who the couple agrees prefers her mom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Andy loves the First Lady very much, look how he's looking at her...and she loves Winnie," one tweet said. For the governor, comments were directed at his photo at a Circle K, his Shady Rays sunglasses and lack of abs. "Andy, I love you but you have zero aura," one tweet said, prompting a phone call to the couple's son, Will, for a translation. "That is a very bad thing dad," Will said, explaining it as a lack of "coolness." "But he does love me," the governor joked. The couple laughed the comments off, before reflecting on 2024 and looking ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To everybody out there, another great year, a historic year for Kentucky where good things are happening," Gov. Beshear said. "We are honored to continue to serve you and going to continue to do it for the next two years and 340-something days." More: Gov. Andy Beshear talks about Democratic party and moving forward in New York Times op-ed Contact breaking news reporter Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Andy Beshear, Britainy Beshear celebrate 2024 by reading mean tweets Amid the suspension of Russian gas supplies via Ukraine, Leonore Gewessler, Austria's Minister for Climate and Energy, has announced that her country is no longer reliant on Russian gas, adding, "and thats a good thing". Source: the ministry's press office on 1 January, citing Gewessler, as reported by European Pravda Details: The transit of Russian gas through Ukraine was halted on the night of 31 December 2024-1 January 2025, following the expiration of the transit contract. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austrias Energy Ministry emphasised that this decision had been announced well in advance. To ensure a continuous and reliable gas supply, market participants turned to alternative sources, successfully compensating for the loss of Russian gas and securing supply stability. Quote: "Ukraine made it clear early on that it would not renew the transit contract with the aggressor state, Russia. We prepared thoroughly for this scenario and were ready," said Gewessler. "Domestic energy companies shifted to alternative, non-Russian suppliers. OMV, for instance, ended its long-standing cooperation with Russias Gazprom. Austria is no longer reliant on Russian gas and thats a positive step," Gewessler added. Background: The Slovak government stated that the country was well prepared for the cessation of the Russian gas supplies it had been receiving in transit through Ukraine. However, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said in his New Years address that the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine would have significant repercussions for European Union member states, though not for Russia. In contrast, Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski welcomed Ukraines decision to suspend Russian gas transit on 1 January. Support UP or become our patron! Corrections officers at the state prison where their co-worker was slain on Christmas are turning off their body cameras and retaliating against inmates, denying them showers and serving them only peanut butter sandwiches, several family members of inmates have said. "We have no reason to believe that staff at Ross (prison) are retaliating against the inmate population," JoEllen Smith, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction spokeswoman, said in an email. She said the department is "monitoring" officers' use of their body-worn cameras and that all security cameras are functioning at Ross Correctional Institution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith added the prison remains on "restricted movement" in the wake of the fatal attack on Andrew Lansing. Inmate Rashawn Cannon, is accused of killing Lansing on Christmas Day. "Given the tragic impact Officer Lansings death has had on the staff at that facility, Ross remains in restricted movement status," Smith said. "This is to allow the staff the appropriate and necessary time to process and grieve the loss of their co-worker." Andrew Lansing with his wife, Elmond Chun Lansing. Andrew Lansing, a correction officer at Ross Correctional Institution was killed on Christmas Day by an inmate. That means the recreation yard is closed, but incarcerated people have access to medical services, phone calls and emails and showers. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and other items were served on Christmas Day and Saturday when a prison-wide search was conducted. The regular menu has been in place otherwise, Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Slain Ohio prison officer wrote 2 misconduct reports on suspect in 2024 In 2022, Ohio outfitted corrections officers with body cameras to document interactions and quickly cut through claims of abuse and misconduct. Ohio has 45,000 incarcerated adults and 11,700 staff, including 6,200 corrections officers and 530 parole officers. Department policy requires officers to wear the cameras as part of their uniform and activate them during uses of force, emergency responses and critical incidents. The Ohio Civil Service Employees Association, the union that represents the bulk of prison workers, said it is aware of officers turning off their cameras on a "very limited basis." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holli Schulte said she is in contact with her boyfriend and his cellmate at Ross. They report that regular showers have not been available, peanut butter sandwiches continue to be served and officers are turning off their cameras and using force against inmates, she said. "Something is going to happen on both sides. Innocent COs, innocent inmates, someone is going to get hurt," Schulte said. Gabe Davis, CEO of the Ohio Justice & Policy Center, called the killing of Lansing "appalling and tragic" but said retaliation would make the the prison less safe for officers and incarcerated people. "Any form of retaliation is concerning. And turning off body cameras is concerning for a number of reasons." Davis, who noted that he doesn't know if retaliation is occurring, encourages people with information to call the Ohio Justice & Policy Center. Union asks DeWine to fire prison director The employees association called on Gov. Mike DeWine to suspend Ross Correctional Institution Warden Bill Cool and Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Annette Chambers-Smith while Lansing's death is investigated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now the union is running a letter-writing campaign to DeWine, urging him to fire Chambers-Smith. Chambers-Smith has led the department since DeWine became governor in January 2019. During her tenure, the department has struggled to hire and retain officers a problem in prisons nationwide and two employees have been killed on the job in 2024 Lansing and Lt. Rodney Osborne, who was fatally shot by a firearms instructor during a training class. Davis said Chambers-Smith's introduction of body cameras and pushing for a culture of mutual respect has made the prison system safer for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laura Bischoff is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Rumors of retaliation at Ross Correctional prison in Ohio run rampant Editors note: This report has been corrected to specify that the sentences in North Carolina were commuted. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) on Tuesday commuted the death sentences of 15 inmates to life in prison without the possibility of parole, coinciding with New Years Eve and his final day in office. These reviews are among the most difficult decisions a Governor can make, and the death penalty is the most severe sentence that the state can impose, Cooper released in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No inmate has been executed in the state since 2006 due to ongoing litigation. After thorough review, reflection, and prayer, I concluded that the death sentence imposed on these 15 people should be commuted, while ensuring they will spend the rest of their lives in prison. The inmates or representatives petition for clemency following complicated convictions. The state currently has 136 offenders on death row, and the Governors Clemency Office received petitions for clemency from 89 of them. Many of those inmates petitioned under the Racial Justice Act of 2009, which allowed inmates to seek resentencing in cases of racial bias demonstrated in legal proceedings leading to a death penalty conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cooper said he selected a small group of inmates for commutations due to various factors, including a defendants mental capacity at the time of the crime, behavior while incarcerated and legal representation offered, amid other factors. His decision comes days after President Biden commuted the sentence of federal inmates on death row. The North Carolina inmates whose sentences were commuted included: Hasson Bacote, 38, convicted in Johnston County in 2009 Iziah Barden, 67, convicted in Sampson County in 1999 Nathan Bowie, 53, convicted in Catawba County in 1993 Rayford Burke, 66, convicted in Iredell County in 1993 Elrico Fowler, 49, convicted in Mecklenburg County in 1997 Cerron Hooks, 46, convicted in Forsyth County in 2000 Guy LeGrande, 65, convicted in Stanly County in 1996 James Little, 38, convicted in Forsyth County in 2008 Robbie Locklear, 52, convicted in Robeson County in 1996 Lawrence Peterson, 55, convicted in Richmond County in 1996 William Robinson, 41, convicted in Stanly County in 2011 Christopher Roseboro, 60, convicted in Gaston County in 1997 Darrell Strickland, 66, convicted in Union County in 1995 Timothy White, 47, convicted in Forsyth County in 2000 Vincent Wooten, 52, convicted in Pitt County in 1994. Updated on Jan. 2 at 5:50 a.m. EST 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. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, on his last day in office Tuesday, commuted the death sentences of 15 inmates to life in prison without parole. One of the prisoners receiving clemency was convicted murderer Hasson Bacote, a Black man who had challenged his sentence under the Racial Justice Act of 2009, a groundbreaking state law that allows condemned inmates to seek resentencing if they can show racial bias played a role in their cases. The reprieves came as Superior Court Judge Wayland Sermons Jr. was considering the case of Bacote, who was sentenced to death in 2009 by 10 white and two Black jurors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These reviews are among the most difficult decisions a Governor can make and the death penalty is the most severe sentence that the state can impose, Cooper said in a statement. After thorough review, reflection, and prayer, I concluded that the death sentence imposed on these 15 people should be commuted, while ensuring they will spend the rest of their lives in prison. While Cooper insisted that "no single factor was determinative in the decision on any one case," among the factors considered were "potential influence of race, such as the race of the defendant and victim, composition of the jury pool and the final jury." Death penalty opponents had been urging Cooper to commute the sentences of all 136 prisoners currently on death row in North Carolina. While the Democratic governor stopped short of that, no prisoner has been executed by the state since 2006. Cooper's move was applauded by the American Civil Liberties Union, the Legal Defense Fund, the Center for Death Penalty Litigation, and others working to overturn the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This decision is a historic step towards ending the death penalty in North Carolina, Cassandra Stubbs, director of the ACLUs Capital Punishment Project said in a statement. The other inmates whose sentences were commuted are: Iziah Barden, 67, convicted in Sampson County in 1999; Nathan Bowie, 53, convicted in Catawba County in 1993; Rayford Burke, 66, convicted in Iredell County in 1993; Elrico Fowler, 49, convicted in Mecklenburg County in 1997; Cerron Hooks, 46, convicted in Forsyth County in 2000; Guy LeGrande, 65, convicted in Stanly County in 1996; James Little, 38, convicted in Forsyth County in 2008; Robbie Locklear, 52, convicted in Robeson County in 1996; Lawrence Peterson, 55, convicted in Richmond County in 1996; William Robinson, 41, convicted in Stanly County in 2011; Christopher Roseboro, 60, convicted in Gaston County in 1997; Darrell Strickland, 66, convicted in Union County in 1995; Timothy White, 47, convicted in Forsyth County in 2000; Vincent Wooten, 52, convicted in Pitt County in 1994. Sermons began reviewing the Bacote case in February, after the ACLU and other groups filed a challenge on behalf of the condemned man from Johnston County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now 38, Bacote has been held in a Raleigh prison as death sentences in North Carolina remain on hold, in part, due to legal disputes and difficulties obtaining lethal injection drugs. The law that Bacote used to challenge his sentence was passed in 2009. But in 2013, then-Gov. Pat McCrory, a Republican, repealed the law, arguing that it created a judicial loophole to avoid the death penalty and not a path to justice. But the state Supreme Court in 2020 ruled in favor of many of the inmates, allowing those who, like Bacote, had already filed challenges in their cases, to move ahead. At the time, nearly every person on death row, including both Black and white prisoners, filed for reviews under the Racial Justice Act, according to The Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Bacote's two-week trial court hearing, several historians, social scientists, statisticians and others testified that the jury selection process in Johnston County, a majority-white suburban area near Raleigh that prominently displayed Ku Klux Klan billboards during the Jim Crow era, had long been infected by racism. In court filings, Bacotes lawyers suggested that local prosecutors at the time of his trial were nearly two times more likely to exclude people of color from jury service than to exclude whites." In Bacotes case, prosecutors chose to strike prospective Black jurors from the jury pool at more than three times the rate of prospective white jurors, the lawyers argued. Bacotes legal team also provided evidence that indicated that in Johnston County, the death penalty was 1 times more likely to be sought and imposed on a Black defendant and two times more likely in cases with minority defendants. The office of North Carolina's then-attorney general, Josh Stein, had sought to delay Bacotes hearing. They argued in a court filing that the claims made by Bacotes lawyers were based, in part, on a Michigan State University study that the North Carolina Supreme Court had already found last year to be unreliable and fatally flawed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the AGs office said in its court filing that racial bias in jury selection is "abhorrent," the office added that a claim of racial discrimination cannot be presumed based on the mere assertion of a defendant; it must be proved. Stein, a Democrat, is the governor-elect of North Carolina. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) North Carolina's latest Democratic governor was sworn into office on Wednesday, as Josh Stein succeeded Roy Cooper in a top elected position for the second time in eight years. During a small ceremony inside the old Senate chamber of the 1840 Capitol building, Stein took the oath from Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby. His wife, Anna, family and friends and state officials watched, including Cooper. Today I stand before you humbled by this responsibility, grateful for this opportunity and ready to get to work for you, the people of North Carolina, Stein said in a speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By defeating GOP Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson in November by almost 15 percentage points, Stein continued a run of Democrats leading the executive branch in the nation's ninth-largest state, even as Republicans have recently dominated the General Assembly and appellate courts. Democrats have won eight of the last nine gubernatorial elections since 1992. Stein had been attorney general for the past eight years, following Cooper in the elected law-enforcement post. Cooper was barred by the state constitution from seeking a third consecutive gubernatorial term. Cooper, who delivered opening remarks, said to his successor: Governor, this will be the best job you have ever had. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stein's powers have already been challenged by Republican lawmakers, who last month overrode a Cooper veto of a wide-ranging measure that erodes the governor's authority to manage elections, fill appellate court vacancies and pick his own Highway Patrol commander. Cooper and Stein sued recently to block the Highway Patrol and state election board changes. Stein made no direct references to the legal battles Wednesday. He praised Cooper's leadership and urged bipartisanship and the rejection of the politics of division, fear and hate that keep us from finding common ground" to succeed in priorities that he highlighted. The time is now to build a safer, stronger North Carolina, where our economy continues to grow and works for more people, where our public schools are excellent and our teachers are well paid, where our neighborhoods are safe and our personal freedoms are protected, Stein said. He also said the state must act with urgency to help western North Carolina recover from the historic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in September, particularly with housing, small businesses and infrastructure. Congress last month approved legislation that will bring at least $9 billion more in storm aid to North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stein planned Thursday to announce in Asheville executive orders to support Helene recovery efforts. Stein, 58, grew up in Charlotte and Chapel Hill, the son of a noted civil rights lawyer. He graduated from Harvard Law School and gained notice as the campaign manager for John Edwards when he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1998. He also served as a Raleigh-area senator before being elected attorney general for the first time in 2016. Stein, who is the states first Jewish governor, placed his hand for the oath Wednesday on an 1891 edition of the Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible provided by a woman whose ancestors settled in Charlotte and later in Statesville in the 1850s, according to Steins office. Stein and Cooper then participated in the formal transfer of an historic embossing device that creates the state seal a symbol of the governor's authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesdays ceremony of close to 100 people was livestreamed. A larger, outdoor inauguration for Stein and other elected members of the Council of State is set for Jan. 11. Since the state constitution says their terms begin Jan. 1, many council members took formal oaths Wednesday including new Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt, State Auditor Dave Boliek and Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green. SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Ju Ae attended New Year's celebrations including fireworks and an ice dancing display, state media KCNA reported on Wednesday. Senior North Korean officials joined them in watching the events, state media photos showed. There was no mention of any speech by Kim. KCNA also said that Kim received New Year's cards from many heads of state including the Chinese President, although it did not mention Xi Jinping by name nor disclose further details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also did not mention if Kim sent greetings to Xi. The terse state media message contrasted with KCNA's description of Kim's exchange with Russian President Vladimir Putin the previous day, which said Kim had pledged to solidify the country's comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a letter to Putin. (Reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Andrew Heavens, Kirsten Donovan) Uttar Pradesh's Minister of Panchayati Raj Om Prakash Rajbhar and SBSP National Chief General Secretary Arvind Rajbhar met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the PM residence in New Delhi on the eve of New Year 2025. The discussions focused on key development initiatives for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The topics included the implementation of the Ayushman Card for all, the One Country-One Education Policy, and the inclusion of the Rajbhar caste in the Scheduled Tribe category. On a social media platform on X, Om Prakash Rajbhar said, "On the eve of New Year, I met the successful Prime Minister of the country, Shri Narendra Modi ji at the Prime Minister's residence, in New Delhi along with SBSP National Chief General Secretary Hon. Dr Arvind Rajbhar ji and wished him a Happy New Year 2025." Rajbhar further added, "During this, the social, economic and educational upliftment of the deprived sections, poor, youth and women of Uttar Pradesh was discussed. Mainly implementation of Ayushman Card for all, bringing one country-one education policy, the inclusion of Rajbhar caste in Scheduled Tribe (ST) and one country-one election policy were discussed." "There was also a discussion with the Prime Minister on raising awareness about the rights of the poor in Bihar and reaching the government schemes to the last person. The reports of the Rohini Commission and the Social Justice Committee were also discussed. Under the guidance of the Honourable Prime Minister, we will continue to work for the development of all sections of society. Happy New Year 2025 to all of you!" the post added on X. Meanwhile, As the world steps into 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended his heartfelt wishes for a prosperous year ahead. Taking to X, PM Modi emphasises the importance of new opportunities, personal growth, and collective well-being as the guiding principles for the year. "Happy 2025! May this year bring everyone new opportunities, success, and endless joy. May everybody be blessed with wonderful health and prosperity," PM Modi said on X.(ANI) NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) North Myrtle Beach government and civic leaders on Wednesday will gather in front of the police station to honor the citys only officer to die in the line of duty. Sgt. Gordon Best was 30 when he died in a New Years Day car accident in 2021. He was traveling along Highway 17 responding to shots fired call at Barefoot Resort when he lost control of his vehicle on rain-slicked roads and struck a utility pole. A popular and well-liked officer, Best joined the department and 2013 and was promote to sergeant six years later. Tributes to best over the years have included fundraisers and ribbon hangings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And two weeks ago, city leaders said their new K-9 was being named in memory of Best. Handler Scott St. Clair came through the same criminal justice academy class as Best, and both were hired by North Myrtle Beach in 2013. The memorial is set for 5:30 p.m. * * * 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 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. Jan. 1The Nourish New York program has now distributed 100 million meals to families across the state. According to a news release from Hochul's office, the initiative, which was launched as an emergency relief program during the COVID-19 pandemic, connects families in need across the state with surplus agricultural products grown by New York farmers. Hochul codified the program into state law in November 2021. "This milestone comes amid the holiday season, reaffirming New York's commitment to providing support to those facing food insecurity across the state," the release stated. This week, Hochul also signed legislation to clarify that whole milk, two percent fat milk, and other milk products are eligible for the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Over the last four years, the impact of Nourish New York has skyrocketed, distributing more than 100 million meals to those facing food insecurity while also supporting New York's farms," Hochul said. "There's no better time to share this incredible milestone and reaffirm my commitment to providing critical support to those in need than during the holiday season, and I look forward to seeing even more New Yorkers benefit from this critical initiative in the years to come." The Nourish New York initiative reroutes New York's surplus agricultural products to the state's food banks. The program "also provided much-needed support for the food producers and farmers who lost markets due to the pandemic by allowing the state's food banks to buy agricultural products directly from New York farmers and food processors," the release stated. The program provides the funding directly to the state's emergency food providers to help them buy surplus products from the state's farmers and producers and distribute them to New York consumers at drive-through food distributions, and through food box and school meal programs. Since the program's launch in May 2020, more than $175 million has been committed to Nourish NY. Through nine rounds of the program, New York's food banks have purchased more than 118 million pounds of New York food products, "which equates to over 100 million meals distributed to families in need and positively impacting 4,472 farms and agribusinesses across the state, many of which lost markets for their products during the pandemic," the release stated. State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball added, "The Nourish NY program was created to serve as a critical pipeline getting food from our farms to people in need during the pandemic through our network of emergency food providers. Since it launched, it has continued to be a resounding success and just goes to show how big of an impact we can make when we all work together." An Oahu grand jury indicted a 38-year-old man today for murder in the death of Maylila Pulu, 45, and for attempted murder in the stabbing of a second woman early Sunday morning at a Halawa park. Reggie Lautalo, the ex-boyfriend of Pulu, was seen allegedly stabbing Pulu multiple times, the Honolulu Prosecutors Office said in a news release. Lautalo was indicted on second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder, which both carry a sentence of life with the possibility of parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If convicted, he could face a sentence of life without the possibility of parole as he is subject to extended sentencing as a multiple and persistent offender. Police were called to Kalaloa Street at 12 :30 a.m. Sunday and found Pulu unconscious, lying on the ground, bleeding from stab wounds. She was taken to the hospital, where she died at 2 :55 a.m. Sunday. Meki Lautalo, 33, was also found at the scene, bleeding from stab wounds to her leg. She was also taken to the hospital, where she was treated and released. 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 ! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. This tragic death due to domestic violence has no place in our community, Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm said in a written statement. Domestic violence can impact anyone regardless of age, race or economic level. We will do everything to secure a conviction in this case. Reggie Lautalo is being held without bail at the Oahu Community Correctional Center. The Honolulu Prosecutors Office encourages anyone who is a victim of domestic violence to reach out for help by contacting :The National Domestic Violence Hotline, or by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233 ).The Domestic Violence Action Center of Hawaii, or call 808-531-3771 or 800-690-6200. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are in immediate danger, call 911. 1 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (WATE) With much of East Tennessee under a wind advisory, organizers have decided to cancel a New Years Eve event in Oak Ridge. Organizers announced Tuesday that the New Years Eve Countdown at A.K. Bissell Park in Oak Ridge has been canceled due to high winds. The Free Medical Clinic, the events sponsor, wrote on social media that the event stage would take about four hours to build and organizers were unable to begin building the set until wind gusts were below 30 MPH. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gatlinburg road closures for New Years Eve celebration In consideration of the health and safety of our attendees, vendors, partners, staff, and community. remain our top priority, and after careful consideration, the difficult decision to cancel the event was made, the cancellation announcement stated. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. The National Weather Service has issued a moderate wind advisory for much of East Tennessee until 7 p.m. 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. CLEVELAND (WJW) Another round of winter weather is on the way. Select weather alerts will take effect Wednesday morning where significant snowfall is possible. Once again, the Ohio Department of Transportation is getting ready to clear the roads. Area campaign aims to keep drunk drivers off the road this holiday season Starting here tonight, New Years Eve through the rest of the week, primarily, itll be a snow belt storm, ODOT District 12 Public Information Officer Brent Kovacs said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With rain preceding the snowfall, roads could become hazardous and messy. Combining winter weather with a holiday known to produce more impaired drivers could be a recipe for increased accidents. This is going to be rain to snow, Kovacs said. So, its really going to depend on what time youre driving if you get rain or if you get snow overnight tonight. So please use common sense. Dont drink and drive. Slow down, make sure you have a designated driver or use a rideshare program. ODOT will have 250 plow trucks working in 12 hours shift rotations through the weekend, Kovacs said. ODOT is also counting on motorists to help do their part by being responsible. Follow all the rules of the road by putting your phone down, Kovacs said. Dont drink and drive. You need to go below the posted speed limit. Its not an expectation when you get a bunch of snow to drive the speed limit. So please slow down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes leaving plenty of room for the plows to operate. Nearly all of Puerto Rico is without power on New Years Eve Our trucks are going well below the posted speed limit, Kovacs said. So, you have to use extreme caution when youre driving around them. Kovacs said if you are in the primary areas where snowfall is expected to be the heaviest, you may want to consider staying inside, only leaving home if its necessary. 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. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Golden Empire Transit announced it will offer free rides on New Years Eve to help people get to festivities and back home safely. GET said beginning at 6 p.m. rides on its fixed route and GET-A-LIFT paratransit buses will be free for riders on New Years Eve. Celebrate 2025 around Bakersfield In a release, officials said Tuesdays offer is designed to help the community safely celebrate the holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on routes call 661-869-2GET (2438) or visit getbus.org. You can view realtime route information using this site. 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. JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) As the Holiday Festival of Lights closes for its last night, it will feature a fireworks celebration. However, for those celebrating at home, officials have safety tips if youre using fireworks. For local hospitals like the MUSC Health University Medical Center, it is the busiest night of the year. Medical officials said they see six or seven times the amount of patients regularly admitted to the burn unit, which comes from firework injuries. Dr. Steven Kahn, chief of burn surgery at MUSC, gave several safety tips. Everyone except the person whos lighting should be 10 to 20 feet back, particularly children. If the firework doesnt go off never ever ever lean over it. Make sure you have your glasses on, Dr. Kahn said. The safest thing to do is actually hit it with a hose or pour water on, but never ever ever lean over any kind of firework. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While typically seen as smaller sized fireworks, sparklers can cause major injuries. Sparklers seem harmless at first, but theyre very dangerous. Theyre number one there could be eye injuries but number two what we see happen is people holding many sparklers in their hand and they light them all at once. That can actually light a jet of flame that several hundred, several thousand of degrees and metal can shoot on their hand or away from the sparkler that can injure them or somebody else, said Dr. Kahn. The Town of Mount Pleasant sent out a press release ahead of New Years Eve, telling residents it cannot control firework use. The ability to use fireworks is expressly granted by state law to all South Carolina citizens and therefore cannot be regulated by the Town of Mount Pleasant. We urge our residents to be courteous neighbors and refrain from setting off fireworks too late in the evening, or on multiple nights. The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by trained professionals, said Mike Mixon, fire chief of Mount Pleasant. 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. Celebrating a new year means more than noisemakers and champagne to some metro Detroit moms. For them, it means celebrating a new child, some of the first babies of 2025. Hospital facilities around metro Detroit alerted the Free Press to the precious new bundles of joy who arrived at the stroke of midnight New Year's Day or shortly thereafter. At Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital, Chiquita Anthony, 29, of Harper Woods, gave birth to a baby girl, the first baby of 2025 within the Corewell system and perhaps the first metro Detroit baby of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amarah arrived at midnight on New Year's Day. She weighed 6 pounds 15 ounces and measured 20.5 inches long. Anthony's due date was Dec. 30. This is Anthony's second child. Amina, her oldest, is 6 and was born Jan. 29, 2018. Anthony's birthday is Jan. 24, so mom and her two daughters all have January birthdays. "I wanted her (Amarah) to be a January baby but didn't know she would be a New Year's baby," Anthony said. "It's something special and she's going to have a special birthday every year. Every time she sees fireworks, it will be a celebration for her."Anthony said big sister Amina is over the moon about her little sister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She wants to share her toys and feed her oatmeal," Anthony said. Celebrating Amarah's New Year's Day birth, Corewell Health gifted Anthony with a basket of sparkling cider with two glasses and a basket of items for baby Amarah. At Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital in Ypsilanti, Christopher Gray-Walker was born shortly after midnight on New Year's Day to Ciara Gray-Walker, 30, of Ypsilanti. The baby boy arrived at 12:18 a.m., weighing 6 pounds 9 ounces and measuring 19.3 inches long. Ciara Gray-Walker, 30, of Ypsilanti, and her daughter Camora Gray-Walker, 5, welcomed her son and Camoras new brother, Christopher Gray-Walker, born at Trinity Health Ann Arbor at 12:18 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Christopher Gray-Walker weighed in at 6 pounds 9 ounces at the hospitals birthing center that was very busy to start the new year with 11 other newborns born between midnight and 1 p.m. Christopher is named after Gray-Walker's father, who passed away in 2022, she said. "I was shocked and excited that he was born on New Year's and thought he was coming in December," Gray-Walker said. "But the ball dropped and he was ready to come out." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The baby's due date was Jan. 6. More: Joe Rogan, the RenCen and ICE: Free Press columnists share fears, hopes for 2025 | Opinion More: Detroit makes Travel + Leisure list of top travel destinations for 2025 "My grandmother (Hazell Thompson) thought he was coming on New Year's and she was right," Gray-Walker said. It's the second child for Gray-Walker. Christopher's older sister is 5-year-old Camora Gray-Walker. Camora, her mother said, wants to hold him and said she can't stop staring at him because he's so beautiful." "We are very happy he is here and at peace now that he's here," Gray-Walker said. Christopher Gray-Walker was born to Ciara Gray-Walker, 30, of Ypsilanti, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor at 12:18 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Christopher Gray-Walker weighed in at 6 pounds 9 ounces at the hospitals birthing center that was very busy to start the new year with 11 other newborns born between midnight and 1 p.m. While Gray-Walker's baby was the first of 2025 at Trinity Health Ann Arbor, it was a busy baby night for the facility's birthing center. On New Year's Day from midnight to 1 p.m., the facility welcomed 12 babies, according to a Trinity Health Michigan spokesman. Each year, the birthing center facility welcomes upwards of 4,000 babies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are a couple of the babies born at Trinity Health Michigan facilities in southeastern Michigan: Ella Wilson, born to Meghan Wilson, of New Baltimore, on New Year's Day 2025. At Trinity Health Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, the first baby of 2025 was a girl, Ella Wilson, born 39 minutes after midnight to Meghan Wilson, of New Baltimore. Baby Ella weighed 5 pounds 9 ounces and is a little sister to two older siblings. Julia and Tyler Loveall, of Berkley, welcomed their first child, Cooper, at 8:36 a.m. at the Trinity Health Livonia Birthing Center. Cooper weighed 6 pounds 15 ounces. Here's a look at babies who were born on New Year's Day at other metro Detroit health facilities: Ashwini Udayasekar gave birth to a baby girl at 4:15 a.m. on New Year's Day 2025 at Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital, a baby girl was born at 4:15 a.m. to Ashwini Udayasekar and Rahul Prakash, of Farmington. Three other babies were also born at several other Henry Ford Health hospitals in metro Detroit. Michigan Health said its first baby of 2025 was born at 2:04 a.m. New Year's Day at the University of Michigan Health Von Voigtlander Womens Hospital. Anastasia Liao Falk was born to Ziyue Liao and weighed 8 pounds, 4.6 ounces and was 20 inches long. Detroit Medical Centers (DMC) first baby, a girl, Sala Mousa-Abdo Nagi Alshoga, was born at DMC Hutzel Womens Hospital in Detroit at 6:28 a.m. and weighed 6 pounds, 1 ounce and was 19 inches long. Her parents are Asma Mosleh and Mousa Alshoga, of Detroit. Sala Mousa-Abdo Nagi Alshoga, was born at DMC Hutzel Womens Hospital in Detroit at 6:28 a.m. and weighed 6 pounds, 1 ounce and was 19 inches long, to parents Asma Mosleh and Mousa Alshoga, of Detroit. 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: Oh, baby! Say hello to metro Detroit's New Year's babies of 2025 To mark the New Year 2025, a large number of devotees thronged the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is one of the most visited religious sites in the nation. It attracts millions of devotees annually. Speaking to ANI, one of the devotees, Mahalakshmi extended greetings on the New Year. "We came yesterday for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. The darshan was very good. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year," Mahalaxmi said. Another devotee Chaitanya stated that he comes to Tirumala Mandir every New Year to celebrate the day and offer prayers. "Every year, I used to come here for darshan during the New Year. There are usually a lot of people, but this time, the crowd was less. The darshan was completed quickly. The facilities here are good, and the SSD tokens were available quickly. I will visit the local temple and then return," Chaitanya said. Chiranjeevi stated, "I came from Hyderabad for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. The facilities are good in the area where 3 to 5 lakh devotees can gather. I came for the darshan on New Year. The darshan was completed well in 3 hours." Meanwhile, people from all over the country gathered in large numbers in temples and churches to mark the new year, whether it was Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Mathura, Varanasi, Ajmer, Tirupati, or Guwahati, people flocked to iconic religious spots to celebrate the day. Amid inclement weather conditions in the national capital Delhi, people commenced their day with morning prayers and 'aarti' at the famous Pracheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place. Similar visuals were there from the Jhandewalan temple in the capital city. Devotees thronged in large numbers to the Kalkaji temple while Chhatarpur temple and Birla Mandir witnessed a mesmerising morning aarti. In Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh showed a huge large number of people visiting Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple to offer their prayers on the very first day of 2025. The holy city Varanasi and its residents started their day with majestic Ganga Aarti which was performed at Assi Ghat. India welcomed 2025 with celebrations across the country, as people in various cities marked the occasion with joy and enthusiasm. New Year celebrations began in many cities with parties, cultural events, live music performances, and themed decorations. In Delhi, famous spots like Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, and Lajpat Nagar were filled with large crowds celebrating the New Year. To ensure a safe celebration, Delhi Police made prior security arrangements. (ANI) SCIOTO COUNTY State legislation making various state funding appropriations over the next two years is on its way to Gov. Mike DeWine. Funding for operating appropriations for Fiscal Year 2025 and capital appropriations for FY 2025-26 are included. Senate Bill 54, which includes a measure to create the Ohio River Commission, is on its way to the Governors desk for a signature into law, said State Rep. Justin Pizzulli, R-Franklin Furnace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More specifically, the bill will create the nine-member Ohio River Commission within the Department of Development to promote economic development, marine cargo terminal operations, and travel and tourism on the Ohio River and its tributaries. The Ohio River is an invaluable asset to my community and the state as a whole, said Pizzulli. Im confident this commission will protect and maximize its benefit to all Ohioans. According to the text of the bill, the Ohio River Commission willbe within the Ohio Department of Development to develop and promote economic development, marine cargo terminal operations, and travel and tourism on the Ohio River and its tributaries. The bill is sponsored by Sens. Michele Reynolds and Vernon Sykes. It passed the Ohio House of Representatives Dec. 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also specifies membership will include: -The Director of Development or their designee to serve as chair; -The Director of Transportation or their designee; -The Director of Natural Resources or their designee; and -Six members, who are Ohio residents or a designee of a business licensed in Ohio, representing the general public three appointed by the Senate President and three appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The appointed members may represent private industry associated or affiliated with marine cargo terminal operations on the Ohio River and private industry possessing experience in marine cargo terminal operations or travel and tourism on the Ohio River. Also in the bill are appropriations for $600,000 for the Pike County Capital Case as well as $10 million for disbursement to soil and water districts for 2024 drought relief. (NewsNation) Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRoses office has changed declaration forms to help prevent transgender candidates from being disqualified for not disclosing their deadname. The change came after Vanessa Joy, a transgender woman, was disqualified from running as a Democratic candidate for Ohios House District 50 after failing to list all legal names used within the prior five years on her signature petition, WEWS-TV. reported. Dead names refer to the former names of transgender people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite legally changing her name and providing her updated birth certificate to the county board, a little-known 1990s law blocked her candidacy when her name was changed. The law requires candidates to list any name changes from the past five years on their signature petitions. Joy expressed frustration about not being informed of this requirement when submitting her petition. According to WEWS, the instructions werent on the petition form and the secretary of states 2024 candidate guide at the time. A revised form now includes instructions to list prior names from the last five years, except those from marriage. Its available on the secretary of states website for 2025 candidates, Dan Lusheck, spokesperson for Secretary of State Frank LaRose told Cleveland.com. Republicans sought to pass legislation addressing the issue in December before the holiday recess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 71 required candidates to list any name changes within the last five years, but mandated that official forms include a designated space for this information, similar to updates already made by LaRose. The bill was amended during the December 18 session to require candidates to list all legal name changes from the past five years on their candidacy petitions. Critics argued these changes disproportionately impacted transgender candidates. SB 71 failed to pass in the House before the holiday break. In May 2024, Democrats introduced HB 467 to exempt candidates from disclosing name changes within the past five years, but the measure failed to gain traction in the Ohio House. 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. Dec. 31The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said two people were killed Monday during a crash in LeFlore County Troopers said James R. Alford, 80, was driving on OK-82, one mile west of Talihina, around 11:07 a.m. and was involved in a crash with Jaden C. Jackson, 26, and an unoccupied truck. Both Alford and Jackson were pronounced dead on scene. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation said Jackson was an operator who had worked for ODOT's District 2 in southeast Oklahoma for 10 months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The loss of such a hard-working, dedicated ODOT employee is felt by each of his coworkers statewide," the agency said in a statement. "ODOT deeply appreciates the kind words and support of Oklahomans during this most difficult time and asks for their continued support for the family and those who worked directly with Jaden." The cause of the accident remains under investigation, according to OHP. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Oklahoma City manager Craig Freeman outlined whats next in a use of force review that could determine if an officer will be disciplined for an October traffic stop. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Asian community, former AG react to officer assault charges in use-of-force case The October 27 incident left 71-year-old Lich Vu with a brain bleed and broken bones. It occurred after Oklahoma City Police Sgt. Joseph Gibson issued Vu a traffic citation. Vu and Gibson are seen on the officers body camera video arguing back and forth, Vu tells Gibson to shut up, Vu touches Gibson and Gibson slams Vu on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement December 27, Attorney General Gentner Drummond made the decision to take over prosecution of Gibsons case after Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna charged Gibson with aggravated assault and battery. Drummond dismissed the charge, saying that Gibson adhered to his training and that Vu shouldnt have put his hands on Gibson. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: AG Drummond drops charge against OKCPD officer accused of using excessive force Tuesday, Oklahoma City leaders held a city council meeting where multiple supporters people spoke on Vus behalf, demanding action and accountability. In order for the family to seek justice we want to make sure that our police officer is reprimanded appropriately, said Thuan Nguyen, President-Elect of the Vietnamese American Community of Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After public comment concluded, Oklahoma City Ward 2 Councilmember James Cooper asked the city attorney and City Manager Craig Freeman to provide clarification on the police departments internal review. Freeman noted that, since Drummond had already made a decision on any potential criminal element surrounding the case, things are likely to begin to move forward internally. Typically the police department will hold back on initiating their administrative review until the criminal questions have been responded, have been answered, said Freeman. Freeman said the departments Office of Professional Standards will now conduct its own investigation and decide whether or not to make recommendations of discipline to Chief of Police Ron Bacy. However, News 4 reported earlier this month that court documents said an officer in the Office of Professional Standards had conducted an initial follow-up investigation into the incident in October. That officer stated in the document that they had spoken with department de-escalation instructors who believed the amount of force Gibson used was not reasonable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police chief will then make a decision, said Freeman. The city managers office ultimately has responsibility for any discipline or anything else that happens within the organization. Freeman said the incident will also be reviewed the Public Safety Community Advisory Board. That board wont be a part of the dialogue on potential disciplinary action towards Gibson, but Freeman says they could make other recommendations. Those recommendations could include de-escalation, procedural, or training changes that the board believes are needed as a result of the incident. Regardless, Freeman says, under a collective bargaining agreement with the local Fraternal Order of Police, Gibson will receive due process rights to respond to allegations prior to any decision being man. If city leaders decide to punish Gibson, he also has the option to challenge it through an arbitration process. A decision in that case would be made by a neutral third-party. We want to see accountability that the powers that be make the right decisions that is just and fair for all parties involved, said Nguyen. 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. (Getty Images) (This image cannot be republished unless you have a Getty subscription.) There were a lot of notable stories that came out of our states capital in 2024. But here are the ones that were most read on Oklahoma Voices website over the past year. Our most read story explored state Superintendent Ryan Walters switch from excited to disgusted over Oklahomas social studies standards. Walters was once a strong supporter of the standards, but has said hes seeking a complete overhaul of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second most read story of the year came from States Newsrooms D.C. Bureau. Readers couldnt get enough of the coverage of porn star Stormy Daniels testimony in the hush money trial involving now President-elect Donald Trump. Daniels testified in granular detail about her alleged sexual encounter with Trump. Oklahoma Voices free November 2024 Voter Guide took the third most read spot. Oklahomans turned to our nonpartisan guide to get the 411 on state questions 833 and 834 along with the facts about the Oklahoma Supreme Court judicial retention elections. Oklahomans are closely following the fallout from Winter Storm Uri and the impact it continues to have on their utility bills. A story about the states Supreme Court reversing a Corporation Commission order was a must-read for many Oklahomans. The decision could potentially result in additional costs for consumers. Oklahomans read in great numbers about the state education departments decision to quietly lower the proficiency bar, which caused big jumps in test scores. While changing testing proficiency standards is not uncommon, the agency did not communicate that to parents, teachers and district leaders until Oklahoma Voice broke the story. The lack of communication led to a false perception that students were doing much better than they actually were performing. Oklahoma Voices follow up coverage on the issue, including that Walters confirmed the new student test results are very different, and a guest column from an education expert exploring how officials have undermined the integrity of the student testing system, also landed among the most read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walters effort to force schools to show a video of him praying for Trump to students as young as 3, and the pushback that idea received from the states attorney general was another top read story. Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced that Walters had no power to make schools show it. Another top read story highlighted the candidates campaigning for an open Corporation Commission seat in November. A column exploring Oklahoma GOP leaders continuing to banish their constituents to education board loser lounges was a favorite. The column criticized that Oklahoma education board meetings continue to have more people seeking to attend them than space. Instead of addressing the issue by moving to a larger venue, Oklahomans are being forced to sit in overflow rooms. Another favorite was a story exploring the travels of the governor and first lady, and that flight logs, which are public under Oklahoma law, conceal the governors aircraft travel information in an apparent flouting of state law Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And finally, Oklahomans have been captivated over the brouhaha involving Gov. Kevin Stitt firing a cabinet secretary for attending a court hearing in a poultry pollution lawsuit. The cabinet secretary was a plaintiff in the litigation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE One person was injured in a robbery at Earls Premier restaurant in Kansas Citys Brookside neighborhood late Saturday night, police said. The robbery happened at the restaurants 651 E. 59th St. location around 11 p.m. Saturday, police said. In an initial statement about the incident on Monday, Sgt. Phil DiMartino, a spokesman for the Kansas City Police Department, said officers had determined both the business and patrons were robbed as two men entered the restaurant and demanded money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But after the restaurant released a statement Tuesday saying no guests were injured or present during the robbery, DiMartino said investigators were working to clarify details about the incident. In a social media post Tuesday, the restaurant said no guests were present but a staff member suffered a minor injury during the incident. That person didnt need to go to a hospital and was recovering, the restaurant said. The safety and comfort of our guests, along with the incredible staff we have the privilege to work with every day, remain our top priorities, restaurant ownership said. As a locally owned establishment, we value the strong connections we share with the Kansas City community. In response to this incident, we are actively evaluating our security measures and working closely with law enforcement and city officials, whose assistance has been invaluable as we move forward. Thank you again for your continued support. Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year in 2025! COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A man was injured after a shooting with Columbus police in north Columbus on New Years Eve. Authorities responded to the scene in the 1200 block of Northridge Road at 10:44 p.m. on Tuesday on a possible domestic violence call, according to the Columbus Division of Police. Officers found a woman inside the home who said she had been assaulted by a 40-year-old man named Richard Tatum. When officers located Tatum inside the homes basement and asked him to come up, Tatum appeared at the bottom of the stairs with a firearm and began verbally threatening the officers. Police said multiple officers discharged their firearm and hit Tatum when he came up the stairs toward them with his firearm in hand. After the shooting, Tatum went back down into the basement and refused to come back up. A short time passed and the officers were able to get Tatum to come upstairs, where they took him into custody and provided medical aid. He was then transported to a local hospital where he is in stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the incident, and that Tatum will be charged with felonious assault, domestic violence, and assault. As the investigation progresses, he may face additional charges. 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. Stopping Russian gas transit through Ukraine is "one of Moscow's biggest defeats," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 1 on his Telegram channel. Ukraine terminated Russian natural gas transit through its territory on Jan. 1. Kyiv has repeatedly warned that it would not extend the agreement when it expires at the end of 2024 because it did not want to finance Russia's war. "When Putin was handed power in Russia over 25 years ago, the annual gas pumping through Ukraine to Europe stood at over 130 billion cubic meters. Today, the transit of Russian gas is 0. This is one of Moscow's biggest defeats," Zelensky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Turning energy into a weapon and cynical energy blackmail of partners is what deprived Russia of its most attractive and geographically accessible market." According to Zelensky, most European countries "have adapted" to the termination of Russian gas transit. Zelensky added that the allies' common task now is to support Moldova, dependent on Russian supplies, in its energy transformation. Zelensky said he believes that U.S. gas supplies and other partners will make energy market prices more favorable. "The more gas from Europe's true partners is available on the market, the sooner the last negative consequences of European energy dependence on Russia will be overcome," Zelensky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that it will also be necessary "to withstand the hysteria of some European politicians who prefer mafia schemes with Moscow to transparent energy policy." Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico have been among some of the most vocal opponents of Ukraine's decision to stop Russian gas transit. Despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Orban and Fico have continued to maintain friendly ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, meet with him, and promote pro-Russian narratives in Europe. In his New Year's address, Fico said that stopping Russian gas transit through Ukraine would have "radical consequences" for everyone in the European Union, but not for Russia. Fico claimed that gas and electricity prices in Europe would rise. Fico previously threatened to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine amid increasing blackouts due to Russian attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the EU has made efforts to reduce dependency on Russian fossil fuels following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many countries, including Slovakia and Hungary, remain reliant on Russian gas. Slovakia has a long-term contract with Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom and estimates alternative arrangements could cost an additional 220 million euro ($228.73 million) in transit fees. Read also: Russia buys acceptance with cash, plunging economy into uncertainty Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. On Dec. 23, Japans Honda and Nissan announced they would work toward a merger. If the effort is successful, the pair will form the worlds third-largest car company by sales. The two companies also announced that Nissans alliance partner, Mitsubishi Motors, will join the consolidation talks. China was one of the important factors pushing the three firms to contemplate a merger. This year has been troubling for almost all foreign carmakers in that country, which boasts the worlds largest car market. Honda and Nissan believe that together they can cut costs and pool resources to catch up to companies such as BYD of China and Americas Tesla, with its gigafactory in Shanghai, as they devour market share. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Japanese companies are not the only ones concerned about being devoured. For a quarter century, General Motors competed with Volkswagen for the No. 1 spot in China. Now, that iconic American brand is in 16th place. GMs sales in China have entered a death spiral, falling 42.5 percent in the first 11 months of this year, the New York Times reported. The company took a $5 billion charge against profits last month due to what the paper termed a dizzying collapse of its China business. GM lost $347 million in China over the first three quarters of this year. Volkswagen is not in much better shape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese consumers see VW as the king of yesteryear, an era when global brands reigned supreme, Michael Dunne, an automotive consultant in China since the 1990s, told Autoblog, which in November suggested the German giant might not survive in the Chinese market. Other foreign carmakers also have problems. Most notably, the joint venture that made Jeeps with Europes Stellantis filed for bankruptcy in 2022. As Jeff Schuster of auto researcher GlobalData told CNN, Every international brand is suffering in China. In five years, Chinese brands went from 38 percent of the Chinese car market to about 70 percent now. There is no mystery about how foreign brands lost their way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice President Al Gore traveled to Beijing in March 1997 to witness the inking of a joint venture agreement for General Motors to build 100,000 Buicks a year, Washington, D.C.-based trade analyst Alan Tonelson told me. Then, everyone thought the Chinese would be content to merely buy American parts and assemble them. That view proved to be disastrously wrong. Moreover, Chinese rules forced technology transfers from foreign companies to joint ventures. Then, Chinese joint venture partners took the tech and started building vehicles of their own. That is exactly what Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp., GMs partner to make Buicks in 1997, did. SAIC, as GMs Chinese partner is known, transferred engineers working for its joint venture with GM to its own operations to build SAIC-branded vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese carmakers also got help from the government when it became clear that, despite everything, they could not compete with foreign brands in building gasoline-powered vehicles. Beijing simply changed the rules, effectively mandating a switch to EVs and plug-in hybrids. The foreigners were slow to make the change their fault but Chinas officials made sure they fell behind. Beijing limited or blocked government subsidies for cars built by foreign companies, the New York Times reports. Furthermore, Chinas state-owned banks and local governments heavily subsidized domestic makers, further tilting the scales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local help to local companies has been substantial. According to Autoblog, Chinese firms like BYD can sell their cars at prices 50 percent below production costs. Dunne believes that most Western brands will be forced to exit the market in the next five years if not sooner. Losing China would be catastrophic for any automotive enterprise, Bill Russo of the Shanghai-based advisory Automobility told CNN. That assessment at first glance looks correct. After all, which company could afford not to be in a market that had 30.1 million unit sales in 2023? Nonetheless, being forced out of the China market will probably not be as bad as everyone believes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For one thing, competition will be gruesome for quite some time. The most recent EV price war has lasted almost two years, and there is no end in sight. Xi Jinping does not believe deflation is a bad thing Dont people like it when things are cheaper? he asked advisors according to the Wall Street Journal so he will continue to support policies resulting in price reductions. BYD, by far and away the largest seller of EVs and plug-in hybrids in China, is profitable, but the price war has taken its toll. Consultancy Alixpartners predicts only 19 of the current 137 Chinese EV brands will be in the black by the end of this decade. So the profit outlook for most foreign companies Tesla may be an exception is not good. Moreover, no car company in China, domestic or foreign, should count on using China as a manufacturing base for other markets. For all Chinas EV success in its own market, its strategy of stoking overcapacity and profiting from exports is running into deep trouble, as major economies from the United States to the European Union, to India, and to Canada are either raising trade barriers to these Chinese vehicles or mulling such measures, said Tonelson, who blogs on trade and geopolitical matters at RealityChek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Countries are fast putting up barriers. The Biden administration, for instance, has effectively blocked Chinese EVs with its 100 percent Section 301 tariffs imposed in May and its proposed Commerce Department rule, announced in September, banning key Chinese hardware and software in connected vehicles. The European Union in October imposed tariffs of up to 35.3 percent on Chinese EVs. Even Global South countries are moving to keep out Chinese EVs. In June, Turkey placed an additional 40 percent tariff on vehicles from China, and in September it imposed restrictions on Chinese plug-in hybrids. As a result of these actions, the value of Chinas EV exports fell 42 percent in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Countries are not going to allow China, with its predatory and criminal practices, to decimate local industries. Chinese companies, to get around trade barriers, are now building factories in countries that are parties to trade agreements with the U.S. and Europe. Yet going abroad is not a sure-fire strategy. Authorities in Brazils northeastern state of Bahia just stopped construction on a BYD plant due to worker conditions comparable to slavery. Honda and Nissan hope to complete their merger and list on the Tokyo Stock Exchange by August 2026. Perhaps by then no foreign car company will want to remain in China. Gordon G. Chang is the author of Plan Red: Chinas Project to Destroy America and The Coming Collapse of China. Follow him on X @GordonGChang . 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. Flash U.S. investigators have learned the name of a woman who was burned alive and beyond recognizability aboard a Brooklyn train last week in New York City, reported The New York Times on Tuesday. The police identified the woman as Debrina Kawam, 61, of Toms River, New Jersey. She was the victim of an apparently random attack captured in videos that showed her bracing herself against the doorway of an F train in Coney Island, her body engulfed by flames. Hours later, Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, the 33-year-old man accused of attacking Kawam, was charged with first-degree murder and arson. Investigators were using every means possible to identify the woman, Eric Gonzalez, the Brooklyn district attorney, said at a news conference last week. They took her fingerprints and collected DNA evidence. They gathered surveillance footage from the subways, hoping to find a clear image of the woman's face before the fire. "It's a priority for me, for my office, for the Police Department to identify this woman, so we can notify her family of what had happened to her," Gonzalez said. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday extended greetings on the occasion of the New Year and stated that they will make this year a historic year with new achievements. CM Dhami stated that Uttarakhand would become completely young this year as the state will mark its 25th year since its formation, adding that the young state will get new momentum with full enthusiasm and zeal. Speaking to ANI, Dhami said, "I wish everyone a very happy new year... We all have to make this decade the decade of Uttarakhand with the inspiration of the Prime Minister. Every resident of Uttarakhand will contribute to ensure that Uttarakhand leads in every field...The new year will be for new achievements and our resolution will be fulfilled and we will achieve many achievements in the silver jubilee year of the state." "All our government departments will also work wholeheartedly in this. We will make this year a historic year with new achievements because we have entered the 25th year and 25-year-old Uttarakhand has become completely young today and the youth will get new momentum with full enthusiasm and zeal," he added. India welcomed the year 2025 with celebrations across the country, as people in various cities marked the occasion with joy and enthusiasm. New Year celebrations began in many cities with parties, cultural events, live music performances, and themed decorations. In Delhi, famous spots like Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, and Lajpat Nagar were filled with large crowds celebrating the New Year. To ensure a safe celebration, Delhi Police made prior security arrangements. In Punjab's Amritsar, people gathered at the Golden Temple to welcome the New Year. Hotels in many cities also hosted special celebrations for the occasion. In Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, people were seen dancing in the streets as they welcomed 2025. Similarly, in Lucknow, people danced and celebrated as the clock struck midnight. As the New Year arrived, many cities witnessed spectacular fireworks displays. In Mumbai, beaches like Juhu Beach, Chowpatty Beach, and Versova Beach were packed with revellers. People also gathered at Marine Drive to watch the fireworks. Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh's Manali, a popular tourist destination, crowds danced and cheered in the streets. In West Bengal, people celebrated with lights flashing from their mobile phones. In Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, fireworks lit up the sky, marking the arrival of the New Year. (ANI) Sensible Americans consider the Equal Rights Amendment a long-dead relic, but its supporters, incredibly, are still trying to revive it. Congress proposed the ERA in March 1972, and it expired when its ratification deadline passed with insufficient state support. No one likes to lose, but ERA advocates, who appeared to have advanced through the stages of grief to acceptance, have regressed to the first one: denial. They just wont take dead for an answer. In their latest gambit, they want President Joe Biden to put the 1972 ERA in the Constitution by ordering the Archivist of the United States to say it is so. The Archivist has already refused and this is another embarrassing swing-and-a-miss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Martha Griffiths (D-Mich.) introduced House Joint Resolution 208 in 1971 to propose this constitutional amendment: Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. With the support of womens groups, Griffiths included a seven-year ratification deadline to increase congressional support, while predicting that the states would ratify the ERA within two years. She was wrong. By March 1979, 35 states had ratified the 1972 ERA, but five of them had rescinded their approval. No new states joined, even after Congress extended the deadline until June 1982. The deadline was binding, and ERA advocates came up short. The 1972 ERA is not on life support, hibernating or in suspended animation. Everyone knew that the deadline was valid and binding and that the 1972 ERA expired when that deadline passed without ratification by three-fourths of the states. When feminist leader Gloria Steinem appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show in January 1986, she explained that it now has to start the process over again be passed by the House and Senate and go through all of the states ratification process. Steinem was right. But anything can happen in the world of make-believe. Three states Nevada in 2017, Illinois in 2019 and Virginia in 2020 passed resolutions ratifying the 1972 ERA that was no longer pending before them. Ignoring the five pre-deadline ratification rescissions, and counting these post-deadline ratifications, ERA advocates say, means that the 38-state threshold has been reached and the 1972 ERA is now part of the Constitution. But they cant seem to get anyone in charge to agree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court has effectively decided, without saying so explicitly, that the 1972 ERA is no longer pending before the states. After the 1972 ERAs original deadline passed, Idaho and Arizona sued for a declaratory judgment that the measure had failed. The Supreme Court dismissed the suit in 1982, after the extended deadline passed, as moot after considering a memorandum by the acting solicitor general that the Amendment has failed of adoption and was no longer pending before the states. After passing their faux ratification resolutions, Nevada, Illinois and Virginia sued, hoping to force the archivist to certify and publish the 1972 ERA as part of the Constitution. The Biden Justice Department defended the archivist in this litigation and, in a brief filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in March 2022, argued that the states have not identified any relevant legal authority requiring the Archivist to certify the adoption of an amendment ratified after a deadline imposed by Congress. A panel of judges appointed by Presidents Obama, Trump and Biden, unanimously agreed. In fact, every court to consider the issue has concluded that the 1972 ERA is no longer pending before the states. In 2020, then-Archivist David Ferriero sought an opinion from the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel. Based on that advice, he said that the 1972 ERA could not be certified. Undeterred, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and 45 fellow Democrats have now written President Joe Biden, asking that he direct the archivist of the United States to certify and publish the Equal rights Amendment (ERA) as the 28th Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To their credit, Colleen Shogan and William J. Bosanko, the current archivist and deputy archivist of the United States, have already issued a statement that the 1972 ERA cannot be certified as part of the Constitution due to established legal, judicial, and procedural decisions. But, insisted Gillibrand in a post on X, ERA advocates have the support of legal experts and the League of Women Voters. (Heres my analysis of the legal experts arguments.) As for the League of Women Voters, which initially led ERA opposition for decades, they fully supported Griffithss addition of a binding ratification deadline to the 1972 ERA. They gambled, and they lost. They cannot now try to have it both ways. The ERAs original objectives of eliminating discriminatory laws and putting the equality principle in the Constitution have been achieved without it. The states long ago rejected putting the 1972 ERA in the Constitution. The jaws of defeat are closed and locked. Advocates should accept dead for an answer and move on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas Jipping is a Senior Legal Fellow in the Meese Center for Legal and Judicial Studies at The Heritage Foundation. 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. Last month, Donald Trump was selected as Time magazines Person of the Year the individual who, for better or for worse, did the most to shape the world and the headlines over the past 12 months. The designation proclaims no judgment on whether the nominees historic role is for good or ill, just that it is consequential. Adolf Hitler was named Man of the Year in 1938. By 1999, Time recognized that women could also be consequential, and the award was changed to Person of the Year. Trump will soon begin his second four-year term as commander in chief, and will have the potential in that compressed time frame to earn the title of Person of the Century (at least, of the first quarter of the century). That his term will be significant is a virtual certainty, given the need for a response to the international challenges pressing in on the United States today from the new Axis of Evil: China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. Whether Trumps tenure will be for Americas and the worlds benefit or detriment will depend on how he responds to those external forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump will either grasp the opportunity history has thrust upon him to change the world for the better, or he will let it pass by and watch the downward slide into chaos continue. His historical reputation will be set by the strategic choices he makes now. If one or more of the four tyrannical regimes long plaguing the world has not been either removed from power or dramatically changed in its behavior, war and chaos will beckon and will forever stain his legacy. Or, his presidency can be honored by an appreciative global public and embellished with a Nobel Peace Prize. The prospects for reform vary substantially among the four regimes and none of the possible outcomes is foreseeable with any degree of certainty. But each can be affected by courageous and prudent U.S. policy combining rewards with punishment, and can be nudged along the path of significant reform. Some observers feared that Americas unsteady foreign policy, especially on Afghanistan and Ukraine, projected an image of confusion and weakness that invites even further overreaching by our adversaries. As history has shown, strategic miscalculation can lead to major conflict. The specter of World War III was already bruited about by both of Americas initial 2024 presidential candidates, though with differing rationales. President Biden had warned in February 2022 that Vladimir Putin, having successfully seized Eastern Ukraine and Crimea in 2014 during the Obama-Biden administration, was planning to launch the next phase of his Ukraine invasion. When asked if the U.S. would intervene militarily even with a minimal no-fly zone over Ukraine, he quickly rejected the possibility, declaring, Thats World War III. He repeated his horrified reaction over the next three years of the war whenever asked about a more vigorous U.S. response to Russias aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, for his part, criticized Biden more than once for even the moderate level of weapons support he has provided Ukraine, accusing him of leading us into World War III. In announcing its selection of Trump as the worlds most significant person for this period, Time described his foreign policy approach: Trump promises to attack the sources abroad that he blames for the countrys malaise: economic interdependence, transnational criminals, traditional allies he sees as free riders on Americas long-running global beneficence. Willing to upend the nations postwar role as a bulwark against authoritarianism, he promises to usher in a foreign policy rooted in America First transactionalism. Nothing in that litany of international challenges or Trumps likely response would deter further aggressive behavior by Americas proclaimed enemies. With the right U.S. approach in support of the Iranian people, the regime in Teheran is the most likely to undergo change, from clerical authoritarianism to political tolerance and democratic reform. The Iranian population demonstrated its commitment to political change during the widespread demonstrations in 2009, when the mostly young Iranian protestors fervently appealed for American support. The Obama-Biden administration spurned U.S. involvement but the incoming Trump team may be more inclined to help. Trump vigorously opposed the Obama-Biden nuclear deal and terminated it in his first term. Bidens faltering efforts to revive it still allow time for its demise on behalf of the international community before the final screw is turned on its nuclear weapons program. As administration spokesman John Kirby stated, President Biden has made clear that Iran will not have that capability. We had tried to do this through diplomacy. Obviously, that didnt work, because the Iranians were not willing to negotiate in good faith. All other options remain available to the President. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those options have widened thanks to the serious undermining of Irans security situation over the past year. Israels major diminishment of Teherans allies and proxies in Hamas and Hezbollah, and lately the Houthis punctuated by its devastating response to Irans missile attacks on Israel have left Iran exposed and vulnerable to a coup de grace by a joint Israel-U.S. strike. With minimal external involvement beyond destruction of Irans nuclear weapons program, the Iranian people can take care of the domestic governance problem. The challenge of regime change in communist China, while more of a long-term project than Irans, may well be abbreviated by the trade and economic measures Trump is already contemplating, an activist policy he began to implement in his first term. U.S. and international support for much-needed governance reform in Russia and North Korea is warranted by their joint international aggression in Ukraine. It will need to be initiated by the populations of those countries and will require different forms of international support attuned to their own particular circumstances, especially in the area of strategic communications. The Iran precedent can help show the way. Joseph Bosco served as China country director for the secretary of Defense from 2005 to 2006 and as Asia-Pacific director of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief from 2009 to 2010. He is a nonresident fellow at the Institute for Corean-American Studies, a member of the advisory board of the Global Taiwan Institute and member of the advisory board of The Vandenberg Coalition. 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. NEW ORLEANS (AP) Seven years ago, New Orleans officials began installing adjustable barriers at intersections in the famed French Quarter to temporarily prevent vehicles from entering the tourist area where the narrow streets are typically teeming with pedestrians every night. But the steel columns known as bollards were in the process of being replaced and were not engaged early on New Year's Day when a motorist rammed a pickup truck through a crowd of revelers, killing at least 15 people. The project to remove and replace the bollards along about eight blocks of bustling Bourbon Street, from St. Ann Street to Canal Street, began Nov. 18, city records show. Temporary asphalt patches were installed in the spots where the steel columns were removed, according to the documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City officials have not confirmed whether the intersection the truck sped through was actively under construction or said if the replacement project created a vulnerability. Some of the old bollards had proved unreliable and have been non-operational, the city said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. In the interim, white gate barriers have been used in these areas, managed by the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) to secure the street and regulate vehicle access for safety purposes. One day before New Years Eve, New Orleans officials issued a traffic advisory about its vehicle barrier replacement project, stating that crews would work until 2 p.m. on Monday and try to minimize road closures as much as possible to reduce impacts" during the celebration. Currently, Bourbon Street is fully open from Canal Street to Toulouse Street, the city said in its Dec. 30 advisory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The intersection of Bourbon and Canal is where the pickup swerved around a police blockade and rammed into the mass of people. The driver was shot to death by police and the FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, authorities said. As vehicle attacks have increased in recent decades, cities around the world have installed bollards in pedestrian-heavy areas. New York City has put up similar retractable steel columns around Times Square, City Hall and Wall Street. They are also a common sight in other large cities such as London, Paris and Tokyo. There have been proposals over the years to turn much of Bourbon Street into a pedestrian plaza managed by a team focused on making it safe, Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser said Wednesday. He told The Associated Press that its important to examine every aspect of safety following the New Years Day carnage. You cant prevent something like this when someone wants to kill people, Nungesser said, but Im hoping we take a hard look at what we do because there will be another one, whether its in New Orleans or elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Addressing the removal of the bollards, Nungesser said, How does that happen for a major event? Initially installed beginning in Dec. 2017 as part of a $40 million safety plan, the New Orleans' bollards system consisted of four sets of barriers placed at either side of Bourbon Street intersections. The inner two columns can be pushed back when unlocked by a ground-level control panel, allowing for a roughly 13-foot (4-meter) berth for vehicles to navigate through, NOLA.com reported when construction began. Aaron Miller, director of the citys Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, said at the time that the bollards would go up nightly in keeping with city rules that close off stretches of the popular French Quarter boulevard exclusively to pedestrians. Otherwise, they would only be used to block intersections either by a city ordinance or during special events, he said. The barriers were designed to mitigate against what we believe the risk is for pedestrians" in a part of the city he said was an iconic or symbolic target, Miller said in Dec. 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesdays rampage happened amid the ongoing Bourbon Street Bollard Assessment and Replacement Project, which includes removing the old bollards, replacing concrete pavement, constructing concrete bases, installing metal sleeves for the new bollards, and repouring the roadway, according to the city's Wednesday statement. So far, 11 of the 16 bollard locations have been replaced, the statement said. Daily inspections monitor progress, and testing reports issued today confirm the required material strength has been achieved. On Dec. 10, the city posted a photo on social media of a torn-up street in the French Quarter, with two bollards sitting atop a pallet. Work was scheduled to be completed by early Feb. 2025, when New Orleans will host the Super Bowl, city records show. The project includes replacing old bollards with new removable stainless-steel bollards and sidewalk repairs at various locations, a Department of Public Works document states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Nov. 26 update, city officials said work including concrete pouring was occurring on both sides of Bourbon Street without closing intersections to vehicle traffic. ___ Weber reported from Los Angeles and Martin from Atlanta. Associated Press writer Jim Mustian in Black Mountain, North Carolina, contributed. One New Orleans man is sharing his eyewitness account of the horrific scene that took place on Bourbon Street early in the morning on New Years Day. After the driver of a pickup truck drove down Bourbon Street, killing 10 and injuring around 35 people in the citys popular French Quarter, the driver was killed in a subsequent shooting exchange with police. Jimmy Cothran, a New Orleans resident who was in a nearby nightclub at the time of the incident, spoke with NBC News about the horrors he and others witnessed. Sharing that he and friends noticed a lot of commotion at the end of Bourbon Street, Cothran said he ducked into the nightclub going up onto a balcony to see what had happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We got to the balcony and it was not what we expected, Cothran said. Dead right in front of us was someones mother, twisted, obviously deceased. We counted eight just from a couple of seconds of standing there, eight bodies. Related: FBI Confirms New Orleans Driver That Killed 10 Is Dead, Will Treat Case as Act of Terrorism MATTHEW HINTON/AFP via Getty Police investigators surround a white truck that has been crashed into a work lift in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 1, 2025 Police investigators surround a white truck that has been crashed into a work lift in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 1, 2025 Describing several of the victims on the ground as being graphically deceased, Cothran said he saw a man with tire tracks across his back and stomach clearly crushed. The mother that was in front of us, she was horribly disfigured, he continued. A little girl that we had seen dancing as we were walking up the street, she was just as a flat as a pillow. It just kept going. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calling the scene unbelievable, Cothran said, We were held prisoner with those sights and carnage and memory inside that club for over an hour and a half with no one telling us anything. He also highlighted the fact that the sturdy barricades typically up on Bourbon Street were not in place at the time of the crash. When we got there, me and my friend were surprised they hadnt put this up because usually you can walk safely in the middle of Bourbon once you hit Bourbon, he said. There were no barricades on Bourbon up. They had the flimsy triangle-style orange and white barricades, thats what they had. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Related: 2 Officers Shot During New Orleans New Year's Event Now in 'Stable' Condition, Police Chief Says AP Photo/Gerald Herbert New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell makes a statement after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell makes a statement after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. The incident on Bourbon Street took place at 3:15 a.m. local time on Jan. 1, according to police. The FBI has confirmed that the suspect is dead and that it is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Chief Anne Kirkpatrick previously told reporters of the incident, It was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could. It was not a DUI situation. This is more complex and serious based on the information we have. Kirkpatrick called out the drivers intentional mindset, saying, This perpetrator, who went around our barricades in order to conduct this, he was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage he did. Police have not released the identity of the deceased suspect. Police are set to have another press conference for further updates at 11 a.m. local time. Read the original article on People A driver wrought carnage on New Orleans famed French Quarter early on New Years Day, killing at least 10 people as he steered around a police blockade and rammed a pickup truck into a crowd before being shot to death by police, authorities said. Emergency services attend the scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) The scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) A mounted police officer arrives on Canal Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd earlier in New Orleans, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Kevin McGill) Investigators work the scene after a person drove a vehicle into a crowd killing several, earlier on Canal and Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Investigators work the scene after a person drove a vehicle into a crowd killing several, earlier on Canal and Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Investigators work the scene after a person drove a vehicle into a crowd earlier on Canal and Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell makes a statement after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Security personnel gather at the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) The FBI investigates the area on Orleans St and Bourbon Street by St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter where a suspicious package was detonated after a person drove a truck into a crowd earlier on Bourbon Street on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton) Security personnel gather at the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Security personnel gather at the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) A police barricade near the scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) A coroners van is parked on the corner of Bourbon St. and Canal St, after a vehicle raced into a crowd of revelers early on New Years Day, in New Orleans on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Brook) The FBI investigates the area on Orleans St and Bourbon Street by St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter where a suspicious package was detonated after a person drove a truck into a crowd earlier on Bourbon Street on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton) From left, US Rep. Troy Carter addresses media as Gov. Jeff Landry,center and mayor LaToya Cantrell listen in New Orleans on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Kevin McGill) The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism and said it does not believe the driver acted alone. An Islamic State group flag was found on the vehicles trailer hitch, the FBI said. The FBI identified the driver as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran from Texas and said it is working to determine Jabbars potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations. 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. A man has been stabbed after being attacked with a machete on Oxford Street, in London, in the early hours of New Years Day. The 25-year-old man is in hospital after witnesses said he was attacked during a fight involving knives. Police attended the scene along the stretch outside Bond Street underground station following reports of a group of men who were armed with knives in the area. Paramedics arrived within four minutes and found the man wounded and he was taken to hospital. So far there have been no arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bond Street station was closed following the incident and buses were also diverted. A witness told The Sun: It was terrifying people were screaming and running. The area was swarming with police and paramedics within minutes. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: At 4.04am on Wednesday, January 1, police were called to Oxford Street, just outside Bond Street underground station, following reports of men armed with knives. Officers attended and at the junction of Oxford Street and South Malton Street they found a 25-year-old man with a stab wound. He has been taken to hospital and we await an update on his condition. An investigation is underway and a crime scene remains in place. At this early stage there have been no arrests. Oxford Street has been closed as the police continue their investigation - George Cracknell Wright The stabbing comes after Sir Sadiq Khans knighthood was described as an insult to the families of knife crime victims, with violent crime in London having risen sharply during his tenure as Mayor of London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campaigners say Sir Sadiq has completely ignored the pleas of victims families to take more action to reduce stabbings, despite a 38 per cent rise in knife crime in the capital since he took office. A London Ambulance Service spokesman said of the incident: We sent resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, a paramedic in a fast response car, a member of our Tactical Response Unit and Londons Air Ambulance. The first of our crews arrived in four minutes. Our crews treated a man at the scene, before taking him to hospital. The incident came after a 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after a hit-and-run in which two revellers were injured. A 25-year-old man has been taken to hospital owing to the attack - George Cracknell Wright Met Police officers were called to the junction of Regents Park Road and Primrose Hill in north London shortly after midnight, following reports of a vehicle crashing into a pedestrian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver failed to stop and made off along Primrose Hill Road, where a second pedestrian was struck. Police confirmed a 21-year-old man suffered minor injuries that did not require medical treatment. The second pedestrian, a 59-year-old man, was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital where his injuries were assessed as non-life-changing. A 40-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, causing grievous bodily harm and possession of controlled drugs. A police spokesman said officers located the vehicle a short distance away at the junction of Primrose Hill Road and King Henrys Road. 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. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Virendraa Sachdeva on Wednesday hit out at Aam Aami Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal over the letter he wrote to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief, saying that he has no status or standing to even talk to Mohan Bhagwat. "Apki aukaat nahi hai ki aap Sarsanghchalak ji se baat bhi kar sake (You have no status (or standing) to even talk to the RSS chief). Forget about taking his name. Stay on the topic and tell how you have worked to loot Delhi. Apologise from the people of Delhi for the same," Sachdeva, who is Delhi BJP chief, told ANI. Reacting to the letter written by Kejriwal to Bhagwat, the Delhi BJP president accused the AAP convener of taking money from "terrorists" in Canada. He said that Kejriwal's work was to betray and deviate from the issues. "I want to just say this to Kejriwal that you should not deviate from the issue. When you take money from the Ford Foundation or terrorists in Canada, do you ask the RSS chief? Did you ask anyone when you betrayed the mothers and sisters in Punjab and Delhi by not giving them a penny in the name of Mahila Samman Yojana? Your work is to betray and deviate from the issues," Sachdeva said. He further added that Kejriwal allows "illegal immigrants" to stay in Delhi. Sachdeva accused the former Delhi Chief Minister of "murdering" the constitution and democracy. "You allow illegal immigrants from Bangladesh to stay in Delhi. You allow illegal Rohingyas. Do you ask anyone? You murder the constitution and democracy, day and night, jis tarah aap desh ke tukde karne ki baat karte hain (when you talk about breaking the country into pieces). Do you ask the RSS chief about this? Taking a dig at Kejriwal, the BJP leader said that he has asked the former CM to focus on the resolutions suggested by him so that his life improves. "On the first day of the New Year, I wrote a letter to Arvind Kejriwal because people resolve to leave their bad habits. I have also asked Kejriwal to focus on the five resolutions suggested by me. I told him if he focuses on these resolutions, his life will improve," Sachdeva said. Sachdeva on Wednesday wrote a letter to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal, asking him to give up his "bad habits of lying and cheating." "All of us, since our childhood, take a resolution on New Year's Day to give up bad habits and do something good and new. Today, on the first day of New Year 2025, all the people of Delhi hope that you will bring about meaningful change in yourself by giving up your bad habits of lying and cheating," Sachdeva, Delhi BJP chief, wrote in his letter. He asked Kejriwal to take five resolutions, demanding an apology from the people of Delhi for promoting liquor in Delhi. The BJP leader also asked Kejriwal to stop making "false" promises and stop playing with the sentiments of women, elderly and religious people. "I trust you will never swear falsely on your children again. You will publicly apologise for the false assurances given regarding the cleaning of Mother Yamuna and the unpardonable crime of corruption. You will pledge not to meet donations from anti-national forces or take donations for political gains," Sachdeva wrote. Meanwhile, AAP leader Sanjay Singh slammed the BJP and said that their words should not be taken seriously. He said that people would laugh at the BJP for questioning Kejriwal who gave free electricity, water, education, and treatment to the people of Delhi. (ANI) ISLAMABAD (AP) Pakistan and India on Wednesday exchanged lists of their nuclear assets as part of a bilateral pact that bars them from attacking each others nuclear facilities. The two sides exchange such lists on the first day of January every year. In a statement on Wednesday, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the lists were simultaneously handed over through their respective diplomats in Islamabad and New Delhi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exchange is part of the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities pact, which was signed by the two countries in December 1988. It was implemented in January 1991. Pakistan and India have had strained relations since their independence from colonial British rule in 1947 over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir. They have fought three wars, built up their armies and developed nuclear weapons. India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974, with Pakistan carrying out its first test in 1988. The city of Palatka is bringing its first-ever light show using drones to celebrate the start of 2025. It hired Utah-based drone company, Open Sky Productions, to pilot 200 drones over the water at the riverfront park. But not long before the start of the show, the company putting it together decided to ramp up its safety measures after learning about the 7-year-old boy taken to the hospital after a drone fell on him during Orlandos holiday drone show. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We did have the safety zone a little closer to the initial setup, but weve since expanded it to add more safety precautions, said Erin Hewes, director of Blue Crab Productions, the company behind the drone show in Palatka. Blue Crab Productions tells Action News Jax it decided to move its viewing area for the audience further away from the St. Johns River than it was originally set. It says its also working crowd control around the time of the show to make sure everyone is at a safe distance. Its going to be a giant show, so you dont want to be that close anyway. For safety and the view, youre going to want to be further back, Hewes said. Open Sky Productions, the company piloting Palatkas drone show, is not the same company that flew Orlandos drone show. That company is called Sky Elements, which is now being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Action News Jax told you earlier this month when several drones in its show crashed into each other and fell to the ground. The 7-year-old boy put into emergency surgery after being hit by one of the falling drones has since been released from the hospital. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Action News Jaxs Finn Carlin spoke with Alex Fisher, founder of Jacksonville-based drone company Wavepilot Aerial, about what goes into putting on a safe drone show. Failures during drone shows are rare, Fisher said, I think its even more rare when theres a dysfunction or malfunction that sends a drone in the direction of the audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fisher says drone operators, like himself, have to prove to the FAA that they can safely fly hundreds of drones at once and have a safety plan in place in case they stop working all before being able to put on a drone show. He adds that, in his more than two decades of experience, seeing a show fail like the one in Orlando has almost never happened. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] I would, still, never hesitate to go see a show, said Fisher, the most dangerous part of the drone show is going to be driving in my automobile to go see it. Action News Jax looked into Open Sky Productions compliance with the FAAs regulations. Earlier this year, the agency gave them a waiver allowing the company to pilot multiple drones at the same time, allowing them the clearance to pilot Palatkas show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The show is set to start right around midnight at Palatkas riverfront park. Safety barriers will be put up around the park about two hours before to get the audience at a safe distance away from the drones. 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. Palatkas city leaders are meeting with neighbors this week to respond to recent violence in the area, specifically the deadly shooting on Christmas night not far from downtown. The city of Palatka shared a post on Facebook saying city commissioner Justin Campbell, Sr. will be holding a town hall on Thursday to allow people to share concerns over violence and possible ways to curb crime. But not everyone living in the city knows where to begin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Crimes getting worse on a daily basis. Its just getting worse and worse, said Steven Hill, a New York native who owns a second home in Palatka with his wife, Hilda. The Hill family are just some of the people living in the city who are wondering what exactly can be done to prevent future violence. I used to say, at least were not as bad as Jacksonville, said Hilda Hill, but maybe Putnam is becoming like Jacksonville? I dont know. The new steps from the city to respond to violence were announced less than a week after the Palatka Police Department said two people were shot and killed on Christmas night. Police say shots were fired into a large crowd gathered in the parking lot of the Palatka Daily News building on St. Johns Avenue at around 9:40 PM. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say Tyree Gilyard, from Crescent City, and 17-year-old Dorrion McKinnon, from Palatka, were killed in the shooting. Dazail Dennis, from Crescent City, was taken to the hospital in critical condition. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Longtime locals like Matthew Clements say shootings like these arent a shock after 26 years of living in the city. I think there needs to be a curfew, honestly. If there was a curfew, a bunch of this stuff wouldnt happen, Clements said. Palatka police still havent named any possible shooters or made any arrests in the Christmas night shooting. The city of Palatka says the town hall going over the violence is being held on Thursday night at 6 p.m. at the Price Martin Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Action News Jax reached out to the city to learn more about the meeting, but we didnt hear back by the time this story was published. [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. Jan. 1 (UPI) -- The new year brought more death for civilians in Gaza as Israel Defense Forces airstrikes resulted in 17 killed on Wednesday, according to Palestinian accounts. Israeli airstrikes on the al-Bureij refugee camp and Jabalia in central and northern Gaza at dawn on Wednesday killed at least 17 and injured many others, the Palestinian-run WAFA News Agency reported. At least 15 were killed when IDF aircraft targeted a house in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, which killed at least 15, most of whom were children, WAFA reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IDF officials said the strike in al-Bureij targeted Hamas militants who had fired rockets into Israel from that location. It claimed to have warned civilians to evacuate the area prior to the airstrike. "Hamas continues to threaten our civilians and just fired two rockets, triggering sirens in southern Israel," IDF officials said Wednesday in a post on X. "We will continue operating to bring our 100 remaining hostages home and dismantle Hamas," Another IDF aircraft struck a home in the al-Bureij refugee camp, which killed two civilians during the dawn airstrikes in Gaza, the Palestinians said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although some reports say the military strikes killed 17, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said at least 23 were killed in morning attacks by the IDF in Gaza, the Turkish Anadolu Agency reported. The latest military actions by the IDF raised the death toll to at least 45,514 in Gaza, Palestinian medical officials said. Palestinian sources do not differentiate between civilian and Hamas militants when issuing casualty reports in Gaza. Hamas, which the United States in 1997 designated a foreign terrorist organization, killed more than 1,200 Israeli civilians and captured more than 250 hostages on Oct. 7, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A U.N. report released in March concluded "victims first subjected to rape were then killed" during the Hamas attack on Israel and cited at least two incidents of Hamas militants sexually assaulting women's corpses, NBC News reported. The U.N. report also says "there are reasonable grounds" to believe "rape and gang-rape" occurred across multiple locations in Israel during the Hamas attack. The International Criminal Court has issued warrants to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the leaders of Hamas for alleged violations of international law. Critics have accused Israel of engaging in genocide, which Netanyahu has denied and cited more births than deaths in Gaza as proof. He also said Hamas uses civilians, schools and hospitals as shields against military reprisals in violation of international law and does not allow civilians to use its tunnel network for shelter. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The passengers on a United Express plane that made an emergency landing are now on their way to their intended destination, hours later. 2 NEWS had the opportunity to speak with one of the passengers, who recounts what happened. Dozens of passengers left Charleston, West Virginia for Chicago Monday night, but they had to make an unexpected stop just before 8 p.m. The plane made an emergency landing at Dayton International Airport due to smoke in the cockpit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plane makes emergency landing at Dayton airport after smoke That was a very scary experience, said one passenger on the flight. All 52 passengers and crew left West Virginia International Airport just before 7 p.m. on Dec. 30, about an hour later than the original departure time. One passenger who wishes to remain anonymous says though possibly unrelated, they started experiencing problems even before they left West Virginia. There was a weight distribution issue, and then they asked a volunteer to get off the plane, said the passenger. So this girl volunteered to get off the plane, and then that didnt solve the problem, so they moved some of the luggage from the overhead down to the bottom of the plane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sitting near the front of the plane, the passenger we spoke with said she was on her way to spend the new year with family. But about 30 minutes into the flight, she started to smell something burning. Immediately my body just kind of went to that shocked, like, oh, this is bad, said the passenger. And I turned to the person beside me, and I said, hey, do you smell that? and hes like, yeah, I smell that.' In the next 10 minutes, crew announced they would make an emergency landing at Dayton International Airport. Once on the ground, rescue and fire crews arrived to handle the situation. In a statement from SkyWest, they say it was a mechanical issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SkyWest Flight 4644 diverted to Dayton, Ohio due to a mechanical indication last night. The flight landed safely and we are working to help customers resume their travels as quickly as possible. SkyWest statement The airline organized overnight accommodation, food vouchers and flights for their travelers, but the passenger we spoke with said she rented a car to just drive back to Charleston. There was kind of that moment that kind of puts everything in perspective, like, are you going to die? said the passenger. Which is a lot to experience, and to just hop back on a plane and, you know, I just feel like that would be triggering, especially like the next morning. Officials report no one was hurt. 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. CHESTERFIELD COUNTY. S.C. (WBTW) A Cheraw police officer died Monday days after being involved in an off-duty wreck, the departments chief said. Dwight Marshall was headed back into town the night of Dec. 28 when the incident happened. He died at McLeod Trauma Center in Florence. To all that knew him, and who have ever met him, you can understand why I say that Dwight just somehow made your day better when you talked to him, Chief Julius K. Riley said in a Facebook post. His humble smile, his gentle and steady positive nature just made the room feel better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marshall, who Riley was said was one of the towns youngest and brightest stars, joined the Chesterfield County towns department in early September. While we are hurting and grieving deeply, we will continue to strive to make Cheraw as safe as possible while honoring our fallen brother, Riley said. * * * 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 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. GREENE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) An inmate at SCI Greene died more than three weeks after being found unresponsive in his cell. Joseph Taylor, 48, was found unresponsive on Dec. 5 and rushed to a local hospital, SCI Greenes Superintendent Randy Evans said. On Dec. 30, hospital staff pronounced Taylor dead at 5:17 p.m. Taylor was serving a 9-20 year sentence for robbery out of Delaware County, Evans said. He was at SCI Greene since Nov. 13, 2023. 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. State police are currently investigating. Taylors cause of death will be determined by the Greene County Coroners 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Kumar Jha on Wednesday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, "Enough is enough," he should visit Manipur at least once. He accused the Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh of living in "denial" and said that the apology issued by him should have come earlier. The Prime Minister's visit to Manipur will help with the healing, Jha said, adding that restoration of normalcy and peace was urgently required today. "This sorry should have come earlier. Repentance is a good value to have, but you lived in denial. After nearly 19 to 20 months, you are just saying sorry. How will it help the ruptured relationships? Restoration of normalcy and peace are urgently required today. I would also appeal to the Prime Minister of India that enough is enough, he must at least visit (Manipur) once. I am saying again and again that PM's visit will help heal. Why are you denying this to the people?" Jha, who is RJD MP in Rajya Sabha, told ANI. The RJD leader said that Justice remains an important component for the restoration of normalcy and peace. People heal will when they see justice being served and when it is served, Jha added. "I will be straight with you...Justice is a very important thing for the restoration of normalcy and peace. When justice happens and when people see it happening, it helps heal. However, the government there and the central government have failed in this," the RJD leader said. "Apologising" for the ongoing crisis in the state in which around 200 people have died and many left their homes, Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday asked people to "forget the past" and start a new life for peaceful and prosperous Manipur. The violence in Manipur between the Meitei and the Kuki communities erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3, 2023, following the Manipur High Court order directing the state to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list. Reflecting on the crisis, the Manipur CM said, "This entire year has been very unfortunate. I feel regret and I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what is happening till today, since last May 3." "Many people lost their loved ones. Many people left their homes. I really feel regret. I would like to apologise," he added. Singh further appealed to the various communities in the state to "forget past mistakes and start a new life". (ANI) PICKERINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) After months of community input, Pickerington Local School District has narrowed its options for new school start times. In collaboration with a committee of parents, teachers, support staff and community members, the district is in its final stages of determining what the start and end times will be next school year. It began seeking community feedback on proposed schedule changes in July, months after community members said they felt left out of the discussion to possibly adjust the schedules. According to the district, its weighing concerns from teachers, research about best practices and the impact on families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How Ohios minimum wage is changing on New Years Day The district is considering four options and invited community feedback through in-person sessions, remote options and online forms. Feedback portals closed on Dec. 22, and the stakeholder committee will present its final proposal to the school board in late January. Courtesy photo / PLSD The first option keeps the current schedule and would cost the district $1.3 million more in annual operating expenses. It would take a year of planning and would add between eight and 10 new bus routes to improve efficiency. According to the district, the plan is the cheapest and would change the least, but it does not address some teachers concerns about changing the times. The second option would be the most drastic change. The district said it would adjust the bus schedule and require hiring 87 new bus drivers. This option would be the most expensive, requiring two years of preparing and costing the district $11.5 million annually. This option prioritizes adolescent sleep research but could complicate afterschool childcare as older students would get out of school after younger students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most popular, unusual dog names in Franklin County The third option would combine the junior high and high school bus routes, changing the busing system. Older students would still be out before younger students, addressing childcare concerns, and the district said it would likely grant more time for extracurriculars. Finally, option four would maintain the current busing system and would address teacher concerns about younger students starting school too late. Younger students would also not have to travel to school in the dark under the fourth option, and it still allows for afterschool childcare. The district said it has not made its decision and is not advocating for or against any of the options. Stacy Simera is a volunteer with nonprofit Start Schools Later, chair of the Sleep Committee with Ohio Adolescent Health Partnership, clinical social worker and mother. In August, she said that kids are healthier, safer and more productive when they get the sleep they need. Biological effects of puberty adjust when kids are able to sleep productively, and later school start times are often linked with better performance for older students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stakeholder committee will present its final proposal in late January at a board of education meeting. The dates for 2025 board meetings have not yet been announced, but the districts website states meetings are typically held twice a month on Mondays at 5 p.m. 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 Nebraska State Capitol. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN Gov. Jim Pillen announced Tuesday that he has appointed Katie Thurber as interim commissioner for the Nebraska Department of Labor. She steps into the top labor spot John Albin left when he retired Dec. 20, after serving the state Labor Department in a variety of roles over 35 years. Thurber joined the Labor Department in 2012 as an administrative hearing officer and was soon named legal counsel. She has been the general counsel since 2017 and in 2023 also became deputy commissioner of operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to the Labor Department, Thurber was an attorney with the firm of Simmons Olsen in Scottsbluff. She earned a bachelors degree in mathematics from Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama before graduating from the University of Nebraska College of Law. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Dec. 31The Public Service Company of New Mexico is seeking at least 900 megawatts of new energy resources to come online between 2029 and 2032. The electric utility issued a request for proposals on Monday to meet its 2032 capacity range of 900-2,900 megawatts, per its 2023 Integrated Resource Plan filed with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. PNM in 2031 plans to exit its minority ownership from the coal-fired Four Corners Power Plant, according to the company, so the RFP will help identify potential replacement resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proposed resources to replace the power plant must get approval from the PRC in a separate application, according to PNM. The utility's 2024 power portfolio was 72% carbon-free and had a capacity of 4,268 megawatts. Bidders can find more information online at bids.sciquest.com/apps/Router/PublicEvent?CustomerOrg=PNMResources. Poland has assumed its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union on Jan. 1. Poland takes over the presidency from Hungary, one of Russia's closest allies in Europe, which has repeatedly blocked EU aid to Ukraine. Hungarian presidency was boycotted in protest of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's foreign policy, which is at odds with the EU. "This presidency will be groundbreaking in many ways. It begins during a challenging time marked by conflicts, and our task will be to convince all 27 EU member states that Europe can continue to be the safest, most stable place on Earth," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said, adding that security will be "a top priority" during the upcoming six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tusk said that Warsaw would continue to aid Kyiv, adding that the EU must also strive to strengthen its borders and counter the instrumentalization of migration. "We will do everything to ensure that Europe's security is a reality, not just an aspiration. I hope Poland will lead efforts that result in peace," Tusk said. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on X that Ukraine relies on "Polish leadership, principled stance, and determination." Sybiha expressed hope for new initiatives to provide military assistance to Ukraine and for a swift EU accession process. "We aim for a dynamic process of Ukraine's EU accession, including the opening of Cluster 1 and other clusters based on the results of the screening process," the minister added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky previously said that the 2025 presidency of Poland and Denmark, some of Ukraine's staunchest supporters, will be "historic for Ukraine." Zelensky added that in 2025, Ukraine would do its best in EU access negotiations and the development of relations with EU partners. The president also hopes that in 2025, Ukraine will open at least two clusters in the EU accession talks. Two EU accession clusters for Ukraine are expected to open during the first half of 2025 under Poland's presidency of the EU Council, a high-ranking EU official told the Kyiv Independent on Dec. 18. The EU's Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, said that Ukraine could potentially join the bloc by 2029 if it successfully implements necessary reforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine was granted EU candidate status in June 2022, with the European Council approving the launch of accession talks in December 2023. Read also: 2024 was hard-won and free, Zelensky says in New Years Eve message Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski has welcomed Ukraine's suspension of Russian gas transit. Source: Sikorski on (X) Twitter, as reported by European Pravda Details: Sikorski said that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin had "spent billions" on the construction of the Nord Stream pipeline to "circumvent Ukraine and blackmail Eastern Europe with the threat of cutting off gas supplies". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Today Ukraine cut off his ability to export gas direct to the EU. Another victory after the enlargement of NATO by Finland and Sweden," the Polish foreign minister said. Background: On 1 January, Ukraine stopped the transit of Russian gas, which several EU countries and unrecognised Transnistria in Moldova had continued to receive. Over the past week, the gas issue has been the subject of sharp statements by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who until recently had hoped that Ukraine would extend the agreement or agree to the idea of transiting Azerbaijani gas, which would mean that Azerbaijan would buy the necessary volumes from Russia. Fico also threatened to retaliate against Ukraine by cutting off electricity imports, which is important for Ukraine in the context of Russia's constant attacks on energy system facilities. The Ukrainian government believes that Bratislava will not take this step, as it would "absolutely contradict" EU rules. Meanwhile, the Slovak government stated that the country was well prepared for the cessation of the Russian gas supplies it had been receiving in transit through Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Poland's Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski has reacted ironically to the end of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. Source: Sikorski on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: "Putin spent billions building Nordstream to circumvent Ukraine and blackmail Eastern Europe with the threat of cutting off gas supplies. Today Ukraine cut off his ability to export gas direct to the EU. Whoever digs a hole for others [will fall into it himself]...," the Polish foreign minister tweeted. Background: The agreement between Ukraine and Russia on the transit of Russian gas expired in 2024. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine was not considering renewing the transit agreement with Russian energy giant Gazprom 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 sharply criticised Zelenskyy, sent a letter to EU leaders expressing dissatisfaction with Kyiv's actions, and threatened to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine. The European Commission, on the other hand, emphasised that the EU is ready for Ukraine to stop transiting Russian gas. Support UP or become our patron! Time to bundle up, Big Apple. A polar vortex moving across the eastern half of the United States is set to bring shockingly cold temps to New York City along with a potential snowstorm. Were expecting high temperatures in the New York City area to be falling as we get into the start of 2025, Fox Forecast Center meteorologist Christopher Tate told The Post. By the time we get into next week, we may not be escaping the 30s, Tate said, later adding, Its going to be chilly, for sure. A polar vortex moving across the eastern half of the country will bring shockingly low temps to New York City. FOX Weather While its still too early to tell exactly what the polar vortex has in store for New York City, there is potential for a storm to develop in the first half of next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any storm track that changes, even just 50 miles to the north of the South, will have a significant impact on whether we get snow, ice or rain in the metro. Its a very fine line that we have to walk to get a bona fide snowstorm here in New York City, Tate said. Current projections suggest the polar vortex will last at least through the first week of January, with temperatures evening out by the second week of the month. People lined up down 6th avenue on December 31, 2024. Billy Becerra / NY Post Angela Gallardo 42 year old from The Bronx is seating at 46th Street and Duffy Square since 4 AM waiting for the New Years Eve Ball to drop tonight ate 11:59 PM to celebrate 2025. G.N.Miller/NYPost A polar vortex is set to bring frigid temps to NYC. FOX Weather Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fred and Teresa Pankey, of Huntsville, Alabama, buy 2025 eyewear ahead of the new year at Times Square on Monday, December 30, 2024 in New York, N.Y. James Keivom Forecasters say theres a potential for a snowstorm to develop during the first week of January. FOX Weather The Climate Prediction Center at NOAA is still forecasting a likelier chance of below-average temperatures for pretty much everybody east of the Mississippi through mid-January, Tate said. Based on long-range data, January has the potential to be the coldest across the US since 2014, forecasters told The Post on Monday. Temperatures are expected to begin dropping from the Rocky Mountains to the East Coast around Thursday, but the real plunge will set in sometime between seven and 14 days from now. The system will bring wind chills across the Midwest dipping below zero and temperatures down to 20 degrees below average in some places, and freezing conditions setting in as far south as the Gulf Coast and even into Florida though it is still too early to forecast exact temperatures. While most polar vortexes are unpredictable, this upcoming system will likely push persistent cold air into the region through January, with relief finally coming in February. ALTAVISTA, Va. (WFXR) On December 31, the Altavista Police Department said a man was arrested on multiple felony charges in connection to a shooting investigation after an incident in Altavista. According to police, late afternoon on Tuesday, officers and members of the Campbell County Sheriffs Office Special Response Team arrested 21-year-old Shaquan Obrian Clifton Dews of Altavista in connection to a shooting that occurred on December 28. RPD release charges and suspect identity after morning barricade situation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dews is charged with Aggravated Malicious Wounding, Attempted Robbery, Grand Larceny, Use of a Firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is currently being held at the Blue Ridge Regional Jail in Rustburg without bond. Police said the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be pending. Chief Merricks would like to thank Sheriff Clark the Campbell County Sheriffs office and the Virginia State Police for their assistance in this 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 WFXRtv. NCP-SCP spokesperson Clyde Crasto called for the Maharashtra government to take swift and decisive action following the surrender of Walmik Karad. Crasto also highlights the proximity of Walmik Karad and Dhananjay Munde is well known. Speaking to ANI, Crasto said, "The Maharashtra government, led by the Bhartiya Janata Party, should take this issue very seriously. Arrest should have been made, and now that the person (Walmik Karad) has surrendered, this issue has to be dealt with seriously, and appropriate punishment has to be given." "The close proximity of Walmik Karad and Dhananjay Munde is well known. Once the details come out, he (latter) should not be in the government. He should resign because of the close proximity," Crasto told ANI. Crasto further added,"Action has to be taken. Once they take action, we will believe what Devendra Fadnavis is saying. Until then, we will not believe what he says." Earlier today, Shiv Sena leader and former Cabinet Minister, Deepak Kesarkar said that Walmik Karad, the accused in the Beed Sarpanch murder case, had no choice but to surrender as his bank accounts were frozen and his relatives were detained, dismissing the ongoing protests as baseless. Speaking to ANI, Kesarkar said, "...He had no other option but to surrender because all his accounts had been seized and his relatives had been arrested... People who are opposing this, their protest is baseless." Notably, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserted that none of the accused in the Beed sarpanch murder case would be spared, underlining that he does not wish to engage in the politics surrounding the matter. "We will not spare any accused. We will find them. Today, I discussed the matter with Santosh Deshmukh's brother over the phone and assured him that the police will identify the guilty and ensure they are punished. The police will act based on evidence, and those against whom evidence is found will not be spared. I do not wish to be involved in the politics surrounding this case," the Maharashtra CM said. He further added, "I have said earlier as well that if anyone has evidence against any individual, they should provide it to us. My priority is to ensure that Santosh Deshmukh's murderer is punished. Our role is clear--justice must be served for Santosh Deshmukh." Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, Maharashtra, was murdered on December 9 after he allegedly opposed an extortion attempt targeting an energy firm installing windmills in the village. (ANI) Police in New Orleans are investigating a possible home-made flag strapped to the rear of the truck used to carry out an attack in the early hours of New Years Day. Ten people were killed and at least 35 injured when a man ploughed the white Ford truck into people on Bourbon Street. The man then exited the vehicle and fired a weapon before he was killed by police in a shoot-out. Images from the scene showed a plastic rod attached to the rear of the vehicle, with grey material wrapped around it. Police officers surround the pick-up on Bourbon Street following the attack - X Sources told US media police were investigating markings on the cloth or flag. US media also reported that police were investigating possible links with Islamic State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One report said the pick-up, which had Texas licence plates, was registered to a 42-year-old Houston man. The suspect has since been named as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, of the same age. At the same time, other reports said the attacker had a local connection, so it was not immediately clear if the person to whom the truck was registered was responsible for the slaughter in the French Quarter of New Orleans. US media said federal and local investigators were looking into whether there was any link to IS or other terror group, even though the suspected attacker appears to have been a US citizen. Officials also said there was not believed to be any ongoing threat, suggesting the attack was not linked to a broader plot. An aerial view of the truck following the attack - Gerald Herbert/AP Photo Juliette Kayyem, a former assistant secretary at the United States Department of Homeland Security, told CNN: There are aspects to this that are tactics of foreign terrorism, but there are aspects to this that look like things that might be domestic terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fox News reported that the truck crossed the southern border into the US from Mexico at Eagle Pass, Texas, two days ago. To be clear we dont 100 per cent know that this man and we do know the suspect is a man was the person driving that crossed the border, a Fox News reporter told viewers. We just know that the actual licence plate was picked up by a reader at that border station in Eagle Pass, Texas, two days ago. Donald Trump, the incoming president, reacted to the attack by suggesting foreign criminals were to blame. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Police have released the name of a man who was stabbed and killed in Dupont Circle on Monday. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said that officers responded to Dupont Circle around 4 p.m. for a stabbing. There, officers found 36-year-old Dominique Ratiff who had been stabbed. DC police: Suspects used stun guns in attempted robbery, escaped on Metrobus He was taken to a nearby hospital, but he died there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with any information should call (202) 727-9099 or text 50411. 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. Authorities are investigating a Tesla Cybertruck explosion on Wednesday outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel in Nevada as a possible act of terror, law enforcement officials said. Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department told reporters that investigators were looking into any possible connections to the deadly attack in New Orleans earlier Wednesday but had not yet discovered any. The driver of the Cybertruck pulled into the valet area of the hotel and the vehicle exploded, according to an official. The driver was killed and, so far, is the only fatality from the incident. Seven bystanders had minor injuries, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahill said the truck was in front of the hotel for 15 to 20 seconds before it exploded. He said that it was rented in Colorado and license plate readers caught it arriving in Las Vegas Wednesday morning. Federal sources confirmed to ABC News Wednesday night that the FBI is conducting operations and searches in Colorado Springs, Colorado in relation to the Cybertruck explosion, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). PHOTO: Authorities are investigating a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel in Nevada, Jan. 1, 2025. (Obtained by ABC News) The sheriff said Tesla CEO Elon Musk helped the investigation by having the truck unlocked after it auto-locked in the blast and giving investigators video of the suspect at charging stations along its route from Colorado to Las Vegas. Video played at the news conference showed a load of fireworks-style mortars, gasoline cans and camping fuel canisters in the back of the truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple law enforcement sources told ABC News that the Cybertruck that exploded in Las Vegas was rented on Turo -- the same app sources said was used to rent the pickup truck used in the deadly attack in New Orleans. "We are heartbroken by the violence perpetrated in New Orleans and Las Vegas, and our prayers are with the victims and families," a Turo spokesperson said in a statement in response to an ABC News request for comment. "We are actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents." "We do not believe that either renter involved in the Las Vegas and New Orleans attacks had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat," the statement continued. "We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards in risk management, thanks to our world-class trust and safety technologies and teams that include experienced former law enforcement professionals." PHOTO: Video showing burned gas cans, camping canisters, and fireworks mortars in the back of a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel in Nevada, Jan. 1, 2025, is shown at a press conference by Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill. (Las Vegas Sheriff's Office) As police continue to investigate, McMahill said police the explosion was an isolated incident and that there is no further threat to the community. He also said police do not believe anyone was helping the Las Vegas suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We believe everything is safe now," McMahill said. The property is the subject of frequent threats and heightened security given its connection to President-elect Donald Trump. Musk, a close ally of Trump, said on Wednesday afternoon that the "whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now." "Will post more information as soon as we learn anything," Musk wrote on X, which he also owns. "Weve never seen anything like this." Musk later posted on X: "We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself." It's not known if Musk's claim has been independently verified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An official briefed on the investigation told ABC News this was not a lithium battery blast, as some have speculated online. There have been instances in the past of battery compartments in Tesla vehicles spontaneously catching fire. PHOTO: Authorities are investigating a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel in Nevada, Jan. 1, 2025. (Obtained by ABC News) Trump's son Eric Trump, the executive vice president of the Trump Organization, posted on social media about the incident. "Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochere of Trump Las Vegas," he wrote. "The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism." The hotel also issued a statement on X suggesting the car involved was electric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Earlier today a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochere of Trump Las Vegas," the hotel wrote. "The safety & well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response." President Joe Biden has been briefed on the fire and explosion near the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas and has directed his team to offer any federal assistance needed, the White House said. Las Vegas police looking for links between Cybertruck blast and New Orleans attack originally appeared on abcnews.go.com About $1,360 worth of copper wire was found stolen from a property in Delano Twp., according to state police at Frackville. Police said that various gauges of bare copper wire, totaling 800 feet in length, were stolen from a tool container at 78 Industrial Park Road. A Milwaukee M18 band saw, valued at $227, was also taken from the container, police said. The items belonged to Haugland Energy Group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The theft occurred sometime between Dec. 24 and 27, according to police said. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Trooper Greg Monaghan at 570-874-5300. Man arrested on animal charges A 41-year-old New Philadelphia man was charged with dog law violations after police said he failed to confine his German Shepherd. According to state police at Frackville, Jeffrey Whitleys dog escaped from Whitleys property Dec. 23 and bit a 27-year-old New Philadelphia man in the arm. Police located Whitley and, upon further investigation, found that the German Shepherd was not licensed or vaccinated for rabies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitley was cited for violation of confinement of dogs, failure to license a dog and proof of vaccination, police said. Man faces assault charge A 32-year-old Philadelphia man faces charges after he assaulted a 66-year-old Ashland, state police at Frackville said. On Dec. 21, police were called to an address on Centre Street in Ashland, where the victim had sustained bodily injuries. The defendant, Peter Alba, had fled the scene prior, police said. Police charged Alba with harassment and simple assault. Drugs under investigation at Blue Mountain State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a report of drug possession at Blue Mountain High School. Police said they were called to the school around 9:30 a.m. Dec. 20 for the report. LATTA, S.C. (WBTW) Latta police are looking for four men they say are connected to a drive-by shooting that injured three people, including one critically, on Monday. Authorities have charged Darius Treymahd Boatwright, 24, Tyzhe Razier Graves, 23 and Jakim Jaleesa Dials, 23, all of Dillon, and Niheem Omarion Ashaud Johnson, 22, of Lumberton, with attempted murder. From left: Darius Boatwright, Jakim Dials, Tyzhe Graves and Niheem Johnson / Photos courtesy of Latta Police Department All are considered armed and dangerous. Police said three people were shot at. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Latta police along with the Dillon County Sheriffs Office and Dillon Police Department searched for a suspect vehicle, which was located in the Newtown area of Dillon. Officers tried to stop the vehicle, leading to a brief pursuit and suspects fleeing on foot. One person was arrested on site. Anyone with information about the suspects is asked to call 843-841-3707 or 843-752-4718. * * * 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 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. BRIDGEPORT, Conn (WTNH) Police in Bridgeport are investigating a shooting Tuesday night at Central High School. A call of shots fired came in at 7:05 p.m. A victim was transported to the hospital with a chest wound, according to a spokesperson with the city. No further information was given. News 8 will update this story once more is provided. 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. (WHTM) Officers will be on the lookout for public intoxication and DUIs following New Year celebrations. There are discounts on rideshare apps to encourage people to take a safe and sober ride home. The Decide to Ride program is offering up to 3 $5 uber vouchers in the Harrisburg, Lancaster, Shippensburg, and Lebanon areas. The Sober Ride Home program is offering up to $40 off a ride from a bar or restaurant in Cumberland, Dauphin or Perry counties. Karma opened on Third Street in Harrisburg three months ago just in time to ring in the New Year. General Manager Nelson Mena says theyre expecting around 300 people to dance the night away at their New Years Eve Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Make sure that at 12 a.m. that when January 1 arrives, you are in the best condition, youre going to be happy, safe and in control of yourself, Mena says. If you drink a little too much tonight, please dont drive. Lets use this amazing resource. Mena says Karma tells its customers about the rideshare app discount programs and can help them scan the QR code to use the vouchers. Derry Township Police Chief Garth Warner says calling an Uber or Lyft is far cheaper than getting a DUI. Its going to cost a lot less for them to accept that ride and get a ride home if theyre intoxicated rather than drive down the road, be involved in a crash, where theyre possibly going to be injured or injure somebody else, Chief Warner says. 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 ABC27. Police in Manchester are asking for the publics help in finding a 29-year-old woman who has been missing since Christmas Eve. Nicole Wise was last seen on the evening of Dec. 24 at her Manchester home, police said Wednesday. Police said she left without a cell phone or wallet and her family has not heard from her since. Police described Wise as standing 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighing about 115 pounds, with long brown hair and hazel eyes. She also has chain link tattoos on both wrists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who has information about Wises whereabouts is urged to call Manchester Police at 603-668-8711. 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 Jan. 1Scott Pell will join the Boone County Commissioners for their first meeting of the year on Monday. He replaces Jeff Wolfe on the board. Commissioners are working with other county officials and professionals to safeguard croplands as the Indiana Economic Development Corp. pushes for large-scale, high tech commercial development on 9,000 acres of formerly residential and agricultural land. The business district is called the LEAP Innovation and Research District. LEAP stands for Limitless Exploration Advanced Pace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scale of LEAP was not anticipated on the county's developmental master plan. And commissioners began a new planning process when they became aware of the project in spring of 2022. But the state moved the goal and the county had to readjust on the fly. The IEDC asked the City of Lebanon to annex more than 7,000 acres in several installments, rather than going through the county's planning and zoning process. That put Lebanon in control of development of formerly unincorporated areas of the county. It also pitted a group of rural home and property owners against the state, the city of Lebanon, and county commissioners. Commissioners are expected to take further steps this year to protect and control the remainder of the county's unincorporated areas. Another political newcomer, Jason Plunkett, will join the Boone County Council for the first meeting of 2025 on Jan. 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioners and the council are expected to elect a president, and the council will also elect a vice president, during their first meetings. Plunkett replaces former Council President Ken Hedge on the council. Aaron Williams was last year's council vice president. Other council members are Dan Lamar, Shari Richey, Jennifer Hostetter, John Riner and Kevin Van Horn. Commissioners also oversee the county's daily operations and employ county staff. They work with department heads to maintain the county's assets, such as roads and bridges. They maintain the Boone County Courthouse and Boone County Jail and are overseeing the building of a $59 million justice center which includes the jail and expands it to include other services, such as the coroner's and probation offices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elected officials seek approval from commissioners for budget and procedural changes and requests to add new positions to their departments. The council is the fiscal arm of county government. It controls the county's tax dollars and any other income. It determines what to fund and how to fund it. The council approved funding for the justice center and works with elected officials to set their annual budgets. Commissioners must seek council approval to spend outside of their budget. Commissioners meet at 9 a.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month. The council meets at 8:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. The meetings are open to the public and held in the Connie Lamar Meeting Room of the Boone County Annex building at 116 W. Washington St., Lebanon. A national chain of auto parts stores is closing more than 700 locations including four Fresno-area stores after a drop in sales. Advance Auto Parts net sales for the third quarter of 2024 totaled $2.1 billion, down 2.3% from the previous years third quarter, according to a quarterly report. In addition to shutting more than 150 stores in California, the company is closing several distribution centers in Bakersfield and San Bernardino, the Palm Springs Desert Sun reported in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what you need to know: Advance Auto Parts on McHenry Avenue in Modesto, Tuesday Dec. 31, 2024. What is Advance Auto Parts? Founded as Advance Stores in 1929, Advance Auto Parts, Inc., bills itself as your source for quality auto parts, advice and accessories. As of Oct. 5, the North Carolina-based company operated a total of 4,781 stores in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to the report. Advance Auto Parts also served 1,125 Carquest stores across those locations as well as Mexico and various Caribbean islands, the company said on its website. According to the report, Advance Auto Parts plan to improve business performance focuses on three categories: store operations, merchandising and the supply chain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company sold automotive parts wholesaler Worldpac for $1.5 billion on Nov. 1, the report said, reflecting a strategic shift in its business. Where are stores closing in Fresno area? Advance Auto Parts plans to close a total of 523 corporate stores as well as 204 independent locations and four distribution centers, according to the report. That includes the following Advance Auto Parts locations: 693 West Shaw Ave., Clovis 51633 East Fedora Ave.. Fresno 5619 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno Also affected is this Carquest Auto Parts location: 3515 East Tulare St., Fresno It was unclear Tuesday exactly when the Fresno-area locations will be closing their doors. What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com. Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, on the occasion of New Year, extended his greetings to the people of the state and the nation from Agartala, emphasizing the government's commitment to the vision of "Ek Tripura, Shreshtha Tripura" and "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat" while urging youth and women to utilize government schemes for self-reliance and empowerment. Speaking to ANI, Saha said, "I wish a Happy New Year to all the people of Tripura and the country...We are trying to make 'Ek Tripura, Shreshtha Tripura, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. So this will be possible only if we stay together with everyone. We will continue to work for the development of the state." Saha added, "I would like to tell the youth that they are the centre of power. Take advantage of all our schemes and become self-reliant, we also have many schemes for women." "We are working for women's empowerment and development... Our effort is to create 'Ek Tripura- Shreshtha Tripura'," Saha told ANI. Earlier today, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also extended greetings on the occasion of the New Year and stated that they will make this year a historic year with new achievements. CM Dhami stated that Uttarakhand would become completely young this year as the state will mark its 25th year since its formation, adding that the young state will get new momentum with full enthusiasm and zeal. Speaking to ANI, Dhami said, "I wish everyone a very happy new year... We all have to make this decade the decade of Uttarakhand with the inspiration of the Prime Minister. Every resident of Uttarakhand will contribute to ensure that Uttarakhand leads in every field...The new year will be for new achievements and our resolution will be fulfilled and we will achieve many achievements in the silver jubilee year of the state." All our government departments will also work wholeheartedly on this. We will make this year a historic year with new achievements because we have entered the 25th year and 25-year-old Uttarakhand has become completely young today and the youth will get new momentum with full enthusiasm and zeal," he added. India welcomed the year 2025 with celebrations across the country, as people in various cities marked the occasion with joy and enthusiasm. New Year celebrations began in many cities with parties, cultural events, live music performances, and themed decorations. (ANI) GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) The final day of the year is a time to reflect on 2024. At Guilford Metro 911, theyre reflecting with a lot of feedback for the first time. The department implemented a new system that asks the caller about feedback after the call. It went into place about a year ago, and the positive comments have overwhelmed the team of call-takers. She was helpful and made me feel safe until help arrived, said one of the comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Very professional and calm, another comment said. Thousands and thousands of people left a message to say, Thank you. The call taker is very professional. Asked and verified the pertinent information and showed care and concern for the community. This is very much appreciated, another comment said. Some of the comments are detailed. Jordan was very kind and provided a calming presence during a very stressful situation. I am very thankful for help, a comment read. Other comments are short. Great was one of the comments. Some are straight to the point. She did her job just fine, said Melanie Jones, the Guilford Metro 911 executive director, as she read the comment out loud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I like that, Jones said. Words like professional, helpful and efficient pop up on the screen over and over. The positive comments just kind of uplift you and makes you proud of your service or confirm you are doing a good job, said Lisa Bunch, a telecommunicator. The comments roll on a loop in the lobby. It is a big morale booster for a majority of our employees, Jones said. The call takers also get an email at the end of each week. I really do like to take the moment to look back at them, said Tamera Thomas, an emergency communications specialist. At the end of each call, the person who called 911 gets a link to share their feedback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we get anything negative then they are addressed by the supervisors as soon as we get it, and we appreciate those as well. Everybody has the opportunity to improve, Jones said. Nearly 80 percent of people who call 911 have taken the time to fill out the form. It is overwhelmingly positive, Jones said. That positivity spreads straight back to the call takers to read themselves. She was very pleasant and caring I just hope the little lady was OK and taken care of, Bunch said as she read the comment. That was mine. A few letters on your keypad go a long way in making someones day. I am glad to be there for them, Thomas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guilford Metro 911 Deputy Director Christine Moore was the one who came up with this idea. It has worked so well that they plan to continue into the new year. If you ever call 911, they ask that you take a few minutes to fill out the survey to share your thoughts on the call. 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. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) 2024 brought us both good and bad news for the national real estate market. Supply was up, but homes took a lot longer to sell than usual. So, what does 2025 have in store specifically for Oklahoma? Economist expect home prices in the OKC metro to grow by more than 6% and home sales to grow by more than 8% in 2025. However, Oklahoma has had the second largest decline in homeownership since 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Economist we spoke with tell us the reasoning behind that, and why he expects more people to come to Oklahoma in the new year. Medicares new drug price cap kicks in Jan. 1 Oklahoma City, on the other hand, is going to vastly outperform our national forecast, Ralph McLaughlin, economist said. The metro is expected to see a population boom heading into the new year led by the housing market. Were expecting home sales in Oklahoma City to rise by about 8.5% and home prices to rise by about 6.5%, McLaughlin said. As for the reasons why, he gives a few. The primary reason for that is, you know, we do think that a president elect Trump administration is going to be very, very positive for the oil and gas industry, McLaughlin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He adds, the Oklahoma economy has been strong for years. GDP in Oklahoma has been jostling amongst the top three with Texas and Alaska being the other two GDP juggernauts, McLaughlin said. Mortgage rates on the other hand look to remain around the same. We dont think theyre going to come down as much as most folks were expecting, you know, even in the middle of this this year, but we do expect them to come down to around 6.2% to 6.3%, McLaughlin said. He says thats because income is predicted to rise across the nation. While things seem positive, another study shows Oklahoma City as having the second largest decline in homeownership since 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McLaughlin says that could be for two reasons. One, it can go down because there are homeowners that are selling their house and converting to becoming renters, McLaughlin said. He says the other is kids moving out of their parents house and becoming renters too. Neither is necessarily bad for the housing market, but he says a combination of both is affecting it. Its more likely thats whats going on in Oklahoma City, then, you know, say, a collapse in homeownership like we saw during the Great Recession, McLaughlin said. This is why he is expecting big things for the OKC metro in 2025. Lawmaker files school bill for tax-free weekend requesting additional school supplies Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a pro-development, pro-business community in Oklahoma City that is supportive of development means, McLaughlin said. There is likely a lot more options in Oklahoma City than there are in, say, other similarly sized metro areas on the expensive coasts. McLaughlin adds that it is a good thing there is an increasing amount of renters even if homeownership is decreasing, because when the renters are ready to own, the metro will be able to handle the demand. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Some news headlines might make you sad or frustrated. SDSU hires Dan Jackson as new head coach But theres also a lot of good news to report in KELOLAND. 2024 started out on a festive note when Bill Pattison of Sioux Falls was named an inductee to the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame. While Pattison may be known for wearing a classic red suit, he used to wear a badge. If you wouldve asked me when I was a police officer if I would consider being a Santa I wouldve said no way. I dont have the personality for it. I didnt want to think I would have the build for it, but apparently I do, Pattison said in January of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, Positively KELOLAND took you to Sonia Sotomayor Elementary, where students dressed in their best for Dapper Day at school. The special day was inspired by 1st grader Louis Lemke whos known to wear sport coats and carry a briefcase. Lemke told KELOLAND News dressing up at school makes him feel good. This summer two dog statues went up outside the Mitchell Fire Department thanks to a young girls determination. Lakynn Eldeen wanted to see a dalmation statue in front of the station so she wrote a letter to the department. She wrote that letter all by herself. She mailed it by herself, Lakynns mom Tyann said in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fundraiser helped add two statues named Sparky and Tommy. Sirens and music rang out in September as people celebrated USD student Miles Krajewski. The Yankton-native won silver in mixed-doubles badminton in the Paralympic Games. Its crazy just to know that this many people want to support me throughout my journey and have my back through my ups and downs. It means so much to me, Krajewski told KELOLAND News in September. 12 runners, including KELOLANDs Dan Santella, embarked on the 437 Project, a run across the state of South Dakota to raise money and awareness for suicide prevention. The group raised over $315,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My favorite parts of the 437 project across the state was working together as a team, supporting each other and meeting so many fantastic people along the way, said Aberdeen runner Susan Kornder in September. A Sioux Falls boy may be forecasting your weather someday. Kindergartener London Beckman dressed up as a meteorologist for Halloween. Kelli Volk: Why do you like weather? Beckman: Because I want to teach people whats happening. A young girl fulfilled her birthday wish of raising money for the Disabled American Veterans organization and planting a field of flags in a Sioux Falls Park on Veterans Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lorelei Aughenbaugh and her family set up over 140 flags to honor veterans, including her late grandpa. As an eight-year-old girl, I mean, thats just amazing. The work that her family has done, the legacy theyve left for her grandpa is amazing. I mean, hes living on through this and through Lorelei today, which is just incredible, DAV South Dakota State Commander Kim Hubers said in November. Political signs took over yards in KELOLAND during election season, but a different collection of signs encouraged people to vote for beautiful words. The artists behind the signs? Kids. Bostyn Percival created a sign that said smile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smile is an important word because it can bring happiness to your life, and it can show kindness, Percival told KELOLAND News in November. On New Years Eve a Sioux Falls woman will put away the combs and curlers for good. 86-year-old Betty Burns will retire after more than 60 years as a hairdresser. Its a good business. You can make a good living at it if you want to work hard. And it is hard work, very hard work, but its enjoyable, Burns said in December. To see more uplifting stories, head to the Positively KELOLAND page. 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. The Post Office has been accused of wasting millions of pounds on lawyers involved in a much-delayed compensation scheme for victims of the Horizon scandal. A total of 136m has been spent on legal fees relating to redress schemes for Horizon, a bug-ridden IT system that resulted in a string of sub-postmasters wrongly being jailed for fraud. This is equivalent to more than one-quarter of the 499m so far paid out to victims, according to MPs on the Business and Trade Committee. A total of 82m has gone to just one law firm, Herbert Smith Freehills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time thousands of sub-postmasters are yet to receive the compensation they are owed and less than one third of the 1.8bn allocated has so far been paid out due to an arduous claims process, said Liam Byrne, chairman of the Committee. He said: Years on from the biggest miscarriage of justice in British legal history, thousands of Post Office Horizon victims still dont have the redress to which theyre entitled for the shatter and ruin of their lives. Ours is a nation that believes in fair play and the rule of law. Yet victims told us that seeking the redress to which they are entitled is akin to a second trial. Payments are so slow that people are dying before they get justice. But the lawyers are walking away with millions. This is quite simply, wrong, wrong, wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Byrne said the excessive complexity of the process has added to the expense. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, and I think the lawyers were given much too much latitude to design a platinum-plated process, he said. The report has been published precisely a year after the broadcast of ITVs dramatisation of the events, titled Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, which brought the scandal of mistreatment and convictions of sub-postmasters to wider public attention. In an extraordinarily widespread miscarriage of justice, faults with Horizon falsely showed shortfalls in accounts, leading the Post Office to pursue sub-postmasters for the apparent losses, and to bring prosecutions against innocent workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alan Bates, a former sub-postmaster and a leading campaigner, has subsequently received a knighthood but has not yet reached a settlement over compensation. Sir Alan Bates, one of the most vocal campaigners in the pursuit of justice for sub-postmasters, has yet to receive compensation - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images The MPs on the Business and Trade Committee called for the Government to take over the handling of all compensation schemes instead of leaving some of them in the hands of the Post Office. They also demanded a simpler and quicker system, criticising the gold-plated legalistic process used currently which places an enormous administrative burden on victims. The committee said: Swift action must be taken to deal with the thousands of claimants who still have not been given the redress that is owed to them. Sub-postmasters do not want Post Office Ltd to deal with redress and neither does Post Office Ltd itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Post Office Ltd should not be deciding on what financial redress is owed to victims of its own scandal. The Government must finish the job in hand and remove Post Office Ltd from the Horizon Shortfall Scheme. The committee also said hard deadlines should be imposed to pay claims, with extra compensation given to victims if these are missed. Mr Byrne said: The new Government has made important improvements. Payments are faster and the redress scheme is at last fully funded with more money. But we cant go on like this. Justice delayed is justice denied. So today, were setting out a practical, common-sense plan to reboot the redress system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victims should have upfront legal advice to help make sure they get whats fair. We need hard deadlines for government lawyers to approve the claims with financial penalties for taking too long. Crucially, we need the Post Office, which caused this scandal in the first place, taken out of the picture. The Post Office said much of the legal bill was incurred in setting up the compensation schemes. A spokesman said: Working alongside government, we are focused on paying redress as swiftly as possible. The Governments introduction of fixed-sum options without the need for postmasters to submit formal claims has helped greatly in accelerating settlements. Our spend with external law firms is kept under constant review with a significant portion having been spent on establishing the Horizon Shortfall Scheme and Overturned Convictions redress process, thus enabling us to pay redress to victims of the scandal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our Chair said at the Public Inquiry in October that redress schemes administered by us should be transferred to the Government and we will support the Department for Business and Trade on any decisions they may take regarding this matter. Other schemes are run by the Government. They are the group litigation scheme, which as of November had only fully paid out 47pc of claims, and the convictions redress scheme, which is still struggling to contact several dozen individuals whose convictions have been quashed. A government spokesman said: Since entering government, we have worked tirelessly to speed up the process of providing the victims of the Horizon Scandal with full and fair redress including by launching the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme earlier this year. We are settling claims at a faster rate than ever before with the amount of redress paid doubling since July, with almost 500m being paid to over 3,300 claimants as of the end of November. We will respond to the Committees report in due course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Herbert Smith Freehills said it has immense sympathy for the victims. A spokesman said: Herbert Smith Freehills work has been complex and wide-ranging, involving hundreds of our staff over several years. We are confident that our fee levels are in line with norms for highly complex matters such as this. 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. EVANSVILLE, In (WEHT) A Hanukkah celebration was held Sunday night in Evansville. Visionary Ministries held a potluck featuring jelly-filled doughnuts, latkes and other kosher foods. Hanukkah is the Jewish eight-day wintertime Festival of Lights celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. Its important for, every modern Christian to know and understand that we have a history, that includes the Hebrew people, the Jewish people, but also includes also this is our history. And those who dont know their history are destined to repeat it, said Steve Airy, Visionary Ministries Pastor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, Hanukkah started on December 25 and runs through January 2. 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). ADDISON, Ill. Pre-trial release has been denied for two suburban teens accused of carjacking a couple outside of a movie theater in Addison before leading police on a chase on Sunday evening. The two suspects, a 16-year-old boy from Willowbrook and a 17-year-old boy from Bensenville, who have not been identified due to their age, have each been charged with one count of aggravated vehicular hijacking with a firearm and one felony count of armed robbery with a firearm, DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin announced Tuesday. The charges stemmed from the duos alleged role in a carjacking that unfolded just before 8 p.m. on Sunday outside of Marcus Cinema in the 1500 block of West Lake Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines According to police, the victims, a man and a woman, had just parked their 2014 white Infinity when the man exited and walked around the side of the car to open the door for the second victim, who was in the passenger seat. Prosecutors said as the victim was opening the door, two masked individuals, who are believed to be the suspects, allegedly approached him on foot after exiting their grey Dodge Challenger that was parked nearby. One of the suspects then allegedly demanded the victims keys and instructed him to empty his pockets while the second suspect entered the vehicle and forced the second victim out at gunpoint, prosecutors said Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After getting inside, the suspects and an unnamed third individual allegedly drove off in the victims Infinity and in the Challenger they arrived in. Authorities quickly located the stolen Infinity as it was allegedly traveling eastbound on Lake Street near Villa Avenue. Officers attempted a traffic stop but the suspects allegedly continued driving and eventually got onto I-290 before officers ended the pursuit. Prosecutors said Addison officers then located the Challenger just after 8:30 p.m. as it traveled westbound along I-290 near Austin Boulevard. Addison and Elmhurst officers followed the vehicle as it exited I-290 at 17th Avenue and they attempted to box the driver in at Roosevelt Road and Harlem Avenue, but the Dodge allegedly struck an unmarked squad card and continued to flee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two teens were arrested after officers were able to box the Challeenger in on the exit ramp of I-290 at 1st Avenue. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland The stolen infinity was found abandoned a little over five minutes later in Maywood. According to prosecutors, officers executed a search warrant on the Dodge and located a Glock handgun with a defaced serial number and a switch to make it fully automatic, a Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine that was loaded with twenty-three bullets and had a round in the chamber, and a Smith & Wesson M & P 40 9 mm handgun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two teens appeared in court this week where Judge Chantelle Porter ordered that they be detained until at least their next court appearance. The brazen, armed carjacking allegedly committed by these two juvenile defendants at a popular movie theater is unconscionable, Berlin said. Violent crimes such as alleged in this case have an incredibly crippling effect on not just the immediate victims, but the entire community as well leaving entire neighborhoods fearful for their personal safety. This type of behavior has no place in a civilized society and will not be tolerated in DuPage County. I applaud the Addison Police Department for their truly outstanding work in quickly and safely apprehending the defendants in this case. I thank the Elmhurst Police Department and other assisting agencies for their much-appreciated assistance. I also thank Assistant States Attorneys Nick Catizone and Jennifer Nielsen for their efforts in securing charges against these defendants. Both teens are set to return to court on Thursday, Jan. 9. Prosecutors said an investigation into the incident is ongoing. 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 WGN-TV. Of all the legacies of Jimmy Carter, his engagement with the Middle East might have been the most complex and consequential and perhaps the most painfully incomplete. At its heart is a landmark peace accord that has endured, improbably, for half a century. A man of profound religious faith, Carter had a passionate attachment to a troubled land that he viewed, in the truest sense of the word, as holy. But as the decades passed, he became increasingly disillusioned over what he saw as a wrenching imbalance of power and its corrosive effects on two peoples. Former President Carter being interviewed for "The Presidents' Gatekeepers" project at the Carter Center in Atlanta in 2011. (David Hume Kennerly / Getty Images) The former president, who died Sunday at the age of 100, prompting a tsunami of tributes from around the world, could sometimes seem awkwardly out of place in the corridors of power. He was much more at home in the presence of the afflicted and downtrodden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the long and productive afterlife of his presidency, however, the clear-eyed prescience and innate decency Carter brought to matters like global public health and conflict resolution did not readily translate into a formula for finding peace, let alone keeping it, between Israel and its neighbors. A prophet in the wilderness, his biographer Kai Bird called him. And prophets, Bird observed, are often unpopular. : : The groundbreaking peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, then the unquestioned leader of the Arab world, very nearly foundered at Camp David, the presidential retreat in the Catoctin Mountains of Maryland, for which the accord would be named. Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, left, President Carter, center, and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin clasp hands outside the White House after signing a peace treaty on March 26, 1979. (Associated Press) There, in September 1978, with Carter serving as broker, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat held a dozen days of grueling talks. In the telling of diplomat and Carter advisor Stuart Eizenstat, acrimony grew to the point that Begin was angrily packing his bags to leave when a simple and heartfelt gesture stayed his hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter, Eizenstat wrote, individually inscribed a photo of the three leaders to each of the Israeli prime ministers eight beloved grandchildren. The implicit message: Any sacrifices offered up in that moment, in service of peace, would be intended for them. Begin remained at Camp David. The accords were signed, and the following year Egypt recognized Israel as a sovereign state the first of its sworn enemies to do so. The Sinai Peninsula, seized by Israel in 1967, was returned to Egypt in 1982 the year after Carter, by then a widely mocked figure in the United States, left office. Read more: Breakfast with Jimmy Carter in a tense Khartoum Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat greet each other at Camp David on Sept. 6, 1978. (Hum Images / Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Carter and those around him hoped that the accords would eventually pave the way to a wider regional peace, centered on a covenant between Israel and the Palestinians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But over the years, occasional and fitful progress was halted by bouts of bloodletting that reached a brutal apogee a generation later, when Hamas killed 1,200 Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israel retaliated with an invasion of Gaza that authorities there say has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians. "He regretted that the comprehensive deal he sought was never completed," said Aaron David Miller, a longtime Middle East negotiator and frequent interlocutor of Carter. Begin and Sadat were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1978 an accolade Carter himself would receive in 2002 for his peace and human rights efforts around the world. Miller said he believed that history would bear out the view that in the annals of Mideast peace efforts, "not a single president's negotiated agreement was ever topped" by what Carter achieved at Camp David. : It was nearly three decades after that diplomatic triumph that Carter, with his customary deliberative calm, detonated a 288-page bombshell into the Mideast debate. Former President Carter holds a copy of his book "Palestine: Peace, Not Apartheid" at a book signing in Tempe, Ariz., in 2006. (Paul Connors / Associated Press) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 2006 book titled Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, the former president drew a direct equivalence between Israels military occupation of the West Bank and the racially based system of legal segregation and repression in South Africa. Harking back to the searing everyday racial injustice he witnessed in his childhood days in rural Georgia, Carter wrote that Israel had created a system whereby Jewish settlers, backed by Israels powerful military, ruled over a Palestinian majority that was systematically deprived of basic human and civil rights. Carters image as a kindly elder statesman, friend to world Jewry and bulwark of Israels security took an immediate beating. American supporters of Israel recoiled, arguing that Carter had lost the objectivity that had guided him at Camp David. More than a dozen eminent members of the advisory board for the Carter Center, the nonprofit he founded with his wife, Rosalynn, stepped down in protest. The former president was undeterred. In a 2007 interview with the nonprofit group Democracy Now!, he called the word apartheid which means "apartness" in Afrikaans exactly accurate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Jimmy Carter, nation's 39th president who became influential human rights advocate, dies Palestinians cant even ride on the same roads that the Israelis have created or built in Palestinian territory," he said. "The Israelis never see a Palestinian, except the Israeli soldiers. The Palestinians never see an Israeli, except at a distance, except the Israeli soldiers. So, within Palestinian territory, they are absolutely and totally separated, much worse than they were in South Africa. Former President Carter appears to promote his book "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid" at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena on Dec. 11, 2006. (David McNew / Getty Images) According to the classic definition of apartheid, Carter added, "one side dominates the other. And the Israelis completely dominate the life of the Palestinian people. Bird, his biographer, saw a through line from Carters intense personal involvement with the Camp David talks to his decision to throw his weight behind a comparison that critics and some Israeli officials labeled the worst kind of antisemitism and for which some conservatives are pillorying him now, after his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to "PBS NewsHour" the day after Carter died, Bird hailed the Camp David accords as an extraordinary episode in personal diplomacy but said the former president was disappointed that Begin, who died in 1992, failed to follow through on the principal expectation underpinning the pact: movement toward self-determination for the Palestinians. Sadat was assassinated in October 1981, a scant three years after that historic parley. Regional tensions rose again, and yet another war this one between Israel and Lebanon broke out in 1982. Carter consciously devoted the final decades of his life to "warning the Israelis that they were going down a road toward apartheid" if settlement-building in the West Bank continued, Bird said. But it would be years before that view and the word apartheid made its way into mainstream political discourse about the Middle East. : : Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, left, shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin as President Carter looks on at Camp David on Sept. 7, 1978. (Associated Press) The Israeli government's official reaction to Carters death was notable in the narrowness of its scope. The 40-plus years of his post-presidential era went unremarked upon, with the long-ago breakthrough in the mountains of Maryland the primary focus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will always remember President Carters role in forging the first Arab-Israeli peace treaty ... a peace treaty that has held for nearly half a century and offers hope for future generations, wrote Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli President Isaac Herzog called Carter a brave leader who forged a peace between Israel and Egypt that remains an anchor of stability throughout the Middle East and North Africa many decades later. Egypt, too, offered a respectful if somewhat anodyne assessment. He will be remembered as one of the worlds most prominent leaders in service to humanity, President Abdel Fattah Sisi said in a statement. Some Israeli media commentaries made note of the lingering fury over the apartheid accusation. In the Haaretz newspaper, an assessment of the former presidents legacy by Alon Pinkas, Israels onetime consul general in New York, was headlined: Jimmy Carter was resented by Israels leaders for holding a mirror they didnt want to look at. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Is Israel's treatment of Palestinians a form of apartheid? The outbreak of the current war in Gaza has accelerated the shift in the vocabulary of the international legal community and human rights groups. Early this year, Human Rights Watch concluded that Israel's treatment and "dispossession and subjugation" of nearly 5 million Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories of the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip represent "deprivations ... so severe that they amount to the crimes against humanity of apartheid and persecution." Miller, now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that Carter was stunned by the depth of resentment from many American Jews over his criticism of Israel, and that the quarrel left lasting wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Carter never got over the feeling of betrayal and abandonment by the Jewish community" that he felt he had helped with the Camp David accords but for whom he had "become a bogeyman," Miller said. Still, the former president remained steadfast in his judgment. "This is Jimmy Carter," biographer Bird said in the PBS interview. "He just was relentless." In his native Georgia and in the U.S. capital, much of the next week is expected to be filled with ceremonial homage to Carter. Former President George H.W. Bush, President-elect Barack Obama, President George W. Bush, and former Presidents Clinton and Carter pose together in the Oval Office at the White House on Jan. 7, 2009. This was only the fifth time that five presidents have appeared together. (David Hume Kennerly / Getty Images) The five living presidents who succeeded him, whose own Mideast peace efforts sometimes bore brief fruit but more often foundered, have all paid public tribute to him, in their own ways. Carter's body will lie in state next Tuesday and Wednesday in the Capitol Rotunda. His funeral ceremony at the National Cathedral will be held the following day which President Biden has decreed a national day of mourning followed by a private interment in his Georgia hometown, Plains. Eulogies will probably dwell on a humble peanut farmer turned president, a tireless humanitarian, a striving and sometimes flawed man. And on what was perhaps his most difficult role, with the most elusive of prizes that of peacemaker. King and Wilkinson are both former Los Angeles Times bureau chiefs in Jerusalem. 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. SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) Former U.S. Senator Larry Pressler had political differences with the late Jimmy Carter during their time in Washington, yet Pressler considers the former president a role model. How South Dakotas minimum wage increase stacks up Larry Pressler was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives when Jimmy Carter was elected president. And he was always fair to me. We were in the opposite parties but I always got along well with him, Pressler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Carter and Pressler came into office in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal that had rocked the national political landscape. I think he was kind of a rebound politician, as I was, too. People wanted someone new, somebody different, Pressler said. Pressler credits Carter, a former peanut farmer, for standing up for ag interests during his presidency. He worked hard on trying to influence farm prices. He wasnt always successful, but his heart was in the right place, Pressler said. Pressler opposed Carter when he enacted a grain embargo against the then-Soviet Union in response to the Soviets invasion of Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And I made the motion on the senate floor to lift the grain embargo and it passed the senate. Of course, they didnt lift it, but that was a signal to the White House that we wanted that grain embargo lifted, especially it was good for South Dakota ranchers and farmers to lift that grain embargo, Pressler said. Pressler was a Vietnam veteran who opposed Carters pardon of Vietnam War draft evaders. I didnt like it at the time because I served in Vietnam in the U.S. Army, two tours of duty. But that doesnt mean Im right. But I rather he wouldnt have done that, Pressler said. Pressler says Carters years of public service following his presidency were an inspiration to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was kind of a model for me in how to behave as a former public official, Pressler said. Now, Carters death has Pressler reflecting upon his own mortality. Im hearing a lot of my friends die these days. Im hearing about them. But you just got to accept that time moves on and time and tide waits for no man, Pressler said. Pressler says he also admired Carters religious convictions and how his faith guided many of his policy decisions. 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. Following the death of a 40-year-old business owner who died by suicide on Tuesday in Delhi's Model Town area, the family of the deceased, identified as Puneet Khurana, accused his wife and her family of mentally torturing and harassing Puneet. According to the sister of the deceased, Puneet's wife, along with her sister and parents, was mentally torturing and harassing him, and Puneet had also recorded a video in which he mentioned the details of the harassment he had faced. "She, her sister, and her parents mentally tortured and harassed him. There is a video recording of around 59 minutes, in which Puneet has mentioned details of harassment he faced. The woman had even hacked Puneet's social media account," the sister said. Meanwhile, Puneet's mother said, "She (Puneet's wife) used to keep torturing him...I want justice for him." According to the official police statement, the information about the incident was received by the authorities on Tuesday, at around 4:20 pm. Upon reaching the spot, the police stated that the body of Puneet was found lying on a bed in an unresponsive state with a ligature mark over the neck. Police later stated that he died by hanging. Following this, Puneet's body was taken to BJRM Hospital and was preserved for the purpose of post-mortem. According to the police, Puneet had spoken to his wife on the night of December 30, a recording of which is now with the cops. The couple were speaking of a divorce and a share in the property. The family of the victim have claimed that priors to dying by suicide Puneet had recorded a 59-minute video on his phone in which he has alleged that his wife and her family were harassing him. Sources have told ANI, that the couple married in 2016 and began having difference with two years of the marriage and they had initiated divorce proceeding through mutual consent and the matter was in court. Trilok Nath Khurana, father of the deceased, produced one mobile phone, and the family had levelled allegations of harassment against the wife and in-laws of the deceased, the police stated. The mobile phone of the deceased and other related articles were taken into police possession, and an autopsy on the body will be done today. Further investigation is in process. (ANI) Pro-Palestinian groups in the U.S. are staring down a new challenge: Donald Trump and Republicans. The movement has tended to focus its efforts on who controls the White House and Democrats, whom its leaders view as more persuadable to soften support for Israel. But 15 months into the war in the Middle East, as the GOP trifecta prepares to control the White House and Congress, leaders in the movement find themselves with far less leverage and much more to lose. The Palestinian rights movement is very clear eyed in understanding that it is very likely that this Trump administration will mean that things get much worse for Palestinians, said Beth Miller, the political director for Jewish Voice for Peace Action, a left-wing advocacy organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This administration will likely be coming very quickly to try to take down the Palestinian rights movement, she added. Support for Israel is largely bipartisan, but Republicans have led the charge in criticizing the broader pro-Palestinian movement. A Republican-led House panel has sunk three Ivy League presidents over allegations of antisemitism around pro-Palestinian protests on their campuses. And last month, the House passed a bill that jeopardizes the tax-exempt status of any group the Treasury secretary deems a terrorist supporting organization, which movement leaders fear will chill pro-Palestinian speech. Palestine is, in many ways, the canary in the coal mine, said Sandra Tamari, the executive director of Adalah Justice Project. And so our organizations are under more threats, because what all those authoritarian forces would love to do is to shut down any dissent in the country. A spokesperson for Trumps transition did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump himself is a staunch ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and has a number of pro-Israel backers, including megadonor Miriam Adelson, an Israeli billionaire on whom Trump bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2018. During his 2024 campaign, Trump called Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who is Jewish, a proud member of Hamas because he refused to shake the Israeli prime ministers hand. I'm pretty sure you will see real concern around legislative efforts to silence speech, to control demonstrations and actions of that sort, said James Zogby, the founder of the Arab American Institute and Democratic National Committee veteran currently running to be its vice chair. We don't know how off the rails Trump will go with acceding to Netanyahus plans. From the onset of the war, pro-Palestinian groups across the U.S. hit Democrats hard. They launched the uncommitted campaign against President Joe Biden in the primary, marched en masse on the Democratic National Convention in August and often held out on full endorsements of Vice President Kamala Harris even as they acknowledged Trump would likely be worse for their cause. I don't know what we could have done to push harder, said uncommitted co-founder Layla Elabed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That strategy seemed to be working. Some of the lefts progressive stars, like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), have been outspoken critics of Netanyahu. When he addressed a joint session of Congress this summer, dozens of Democrats including Harris refused to show up. And last month, 17 Democratic and two independent senators backed a resolution brought by Sanders to block weapons transfers to Israel even as the chamber at large slapped it down by an overwhelming margin. But the movement also ultimately undermined Harris campaign. She lost Michigan, a state with about 400,000 Arab-Americans, including Arab-majority Dearborn, where support for the Democrat slipped by 33 points compared to Biden in 2020. And youth support for Harris, coming off a season of pro-Palestinian protests that ignited college campuses nationwide, slipped by over 20 points compared to Biden in 2020, according to CIRCLE. Some self-criticism is due in the pro-Palestinian movement because they boxed themselves into a corner following the convention by not enabling themselves to support Harris, Zogby said. Uncommitted, for example, said in September that Harris unwillingness to shift on unconditional weapons policy or to even make a clear campaign statement in support of upholding existing U.S. and international human rights law has made it impossible for us to endorse her even as it also urged its supporters to register anti-Trump votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really regret that Harris and the Harris campaign and the leaders of the Democrats didn't listen to us, said Elabed, when asked if she had any regrets that the movement could have contributed to Trumps victory. Harris didn't lose just because of Uncommitted or because she was unwilling to shift on Biden's Gaza policy, Elabed added. But she could have really possibly won if she had turned the page away from Bidens policy and brought in those voters, especially young voters, who were withholding their vote, or decided to do a protest vote in the general election because of that policy. Still, movement leaders said they see the most opportunities for inroads with Democrats, a party whose leadership, they say, is out of touch with its voter base. Right now, the greatest pressure point exists within the Democratic Party because of the massive gap between what the Democratic voters are demanding and how removed the Democratic Party leadership is from what their own constituency is calling for, said Miller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller said her main focus would be to force Democratic members of Congress to be on record publicly supporting and calling for a halt to weapons to the Israeli government while working to block legislative attempts to attack the Palestinian rights movement and to attack our constitutional rights and our free speech. And with less leverage in Washington, Miller, Tamari and Elabed said the movement would also shift to more local political tactics, including economic pressure campaigns like boycotts, supporting protests and community organizing. Websites of several French cities were taken down after being attacked by pro-Russian hackers on 31 December. Source: European Pravda, citing AFP Details: Several French city websites and at least one departmental website were unavailable on Tuesday. In particular, the websites of Marseille and Tarbes, as well as the website of the Haute-Garonne department, were down. The attacks were carried out by a hacker group calling itself NoName, which claimed the attacks were in retaliation for Frances support of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In posts on their X (Twitter) account, the hackers also claimed responsibility for targeting the websites of cities such as Nantes, Bordeaux, Poitiers, Pau, Nimes, Nice, Angers, Le Havre and Montpellier, as well as the departments of Landes, French Polynesia and New Caledonia. However, all of these sites remained operational on Tuesday. Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi confirmed that the city's website had been attacked. Marseilles city hall informed AFP that the servers hosting the citys websites had been attacked, prompting them to implement protective measures that resulted in the sites unavailability. The cities of Pau and Angers, along with the Landes department, reported no incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benoit Grunemwald, a cybersecurity expert at ESET, suggested that the goal of the attacks seemed to be to create a sense of digital insecurity for propaganda purposes. Background: Several Italian government and airport websites were targeted in a cyberattack claimed by a pro-Russian hacker group on 28 December. At the same time, the UK government warned that Russia is poised to launch a "wave of cyberattacks" against the UK, and it can "turn the lights off for millions of people". Support UP or become our patron! The two victims killed in Russia's Jan. 1 drone strike on Kyiv were a married couple who both worked as scientists, Education and Science Minister Oksen Lisovyi announced. Prominent neurobiologist Ihor Zyma and doctor of biological sciences Olesia Sokur were killed in the attack, Lisovyi said on Facebook. Zyma and Sokur were married. "The family devoted almost their entire lives to science," Lisovyi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zyma was a senior researcher and associate professor at the Institute for Biology and Medicine at the Taras Shevchenko National University in Kyiv. Sokur also worked at the Institute as a deputy director of scientific work and a member of the Academic Council. "My sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of the deceased, as well as to all who suffered from today's morning terror," Lisovyi said. Russia launched a drone attack on Kyiv on the morning of Jan. 1, killing two people and injuring six others, including two pregnant women. The attack also damaged a building of the National Bank of Ukraine. Russia's full-scale invasion has taken a severe toll on Ukraine's scientific community. According to a study published by the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) on Dec. 11, 23.5 percent of scientists still living in Ukraine have lost access to critical input for their research, and 20.8 percent cannot physically access their institution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 18% of Ukraine's scientists have fled the country amid Russia's ongoing war. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia attacks Kyiv on first day of 2025, killing 2, injuring 6 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Move over Simpsons. A Christian prophet who claims to see visions from God has prophecized that there will be war in 2025, which he claims will be a very bittersweet year. God showed me that these conflicts (Gaza and Ukraine) would have the potential to spark into something wider that might pull in America and other nations, preacher Joshua Giles, a founder of Kingdom Embassy Worship Center in Minneapolis, told the DailyMail.com. I believe that theres going to be more darkness or evil on the rise, warned Giles. Joshua Giles/Baker Publishing Group In other words, this could be the advent of a third world war, per the so-called seer, who reportedly been contacted by the government over his dystopian divinations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The self-proclaimed oracle says been receiving messages, dreams and visions from the Almighty ever since he was a kid, like some sort of celestial interpreter. In 2020, three years before the Israel-Hamas conflict in the wake of the October 7 terror attacks, Giles said he saw an outbreak again of violence and war in Israel and the Middle East. The devout divinator said that his grim visions which came to him five years ago during prayer, foretold that 2025 would have the potential to be an entrance into an era of war for the world. Yemens Houthi followers brandish weapons and chant slogans as they take part in a protest against the Israeli air strikes on Yemen on December 27, 2024, in Sanaa, Yemen. Getty Images I know what weve seen in Ukraine and in Israel, but I did see a widening of those conflicts in certain areas, said the prayerful prognosticator, who believes America and other nations could be increasingly roped in as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This prediction comes after Russias foreign minister rejected a proposal by President-elect Donald Trump to end the war in Ukraine Monday. Ukrainian rescuers working at the site of a drone attack on a residential building in Kyiv, Ukraine, 01 January 2025. STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock That same day, President Biden announced a new $2.5 billion military aid package for Kyiv the last of the congressionally-approved Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds before leaving office this month. Giles bestselling book When God Speaks: Thrive in Uncertain Times and Gain Confidence for Your Future. Joshua Giles/Baker Publishing Group Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His God goggles also foresaw an increase in terrorist activity on US soil a fear thats been echoed by US Border Patrol experts, who blame the Biden-Harris administrations flimsy border policy. One of the recent prophecies that I shared was about rising terror attacks that I saw against the United States, warned Giles. So I really do believe that this is just an era of that, that were just kind of coming into I believe that theres going to be more darkness or evil on the rise. The preacher, who authored the self-help book When God Speaks: Thrive in Uncertain Times and Gain Confidence for Your Future, added that he was praying for peace and believing that some of these things can be averted. Giles forecast for the future hasnt all been doom and gloom, particularly when it comes to medicine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I saw certain cures that would come for common diseases that people have thought would be incurable, and doctors have said were incurable, declared the Minnesotan. I saw us coming into a period of advancement in medicine and technology where there would be certain cancers that would be cured and other diseases that would be cured, he said. And while the Devines so-called plan might seem overwhelmingly bleak, Giles urged people to focus on the good, because there is a lot of good in the world. I believe that God will give us all wisdom and peace to navigate when challenges do arise, like some of these visions that Ive shared, he said. Prosecutors are fighting to keep a Virginia man behind bars after they say investigators found what could be the largest number of finished explosive devices in FBI history at his 20-acre home near Norfolk. The man, Brad Spafford, was arrested earlier this month on one charge of possessing an illegal unregistered short-barrel rifle. During the arrest, the FBI including bomb technicians executed a search warrant on his property and found a stockpile of more than 150 apparent pipe bombs, which were x-rayed on the scene, according to prosecutors. Some were allegedly marked lethal. Prosecutors say the pipe bombs were found in a backpack, a detached garage, and that a few were preloaded into an apparent wearable vest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court filings arguing that Spafford should remain jailed, prosecutors allege that Spafford used pictures of President Joe Biden for target practice, expressed support for political assassinations, and recently sought qualifications in sniper-rifle shooting at a local range. After the assassination attempt on President-elect Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, prosecutors wrote that Spafford stated that he hoped the shooter doesnt miss Kamala in an apparent reference to the vice president in communications with his neighbor. The investigation into Spafford started when his neighbor reported that he was allegedly stockpiling weapons and homemade ammo and had lost three fingers on his right hand in 2021 working with a homemade explosive device, prosecutors say. Prosecutors say more than 150 apparent pipe bombs were found at a Virginia mans home in what could be FBIs largest-ever seizure of "finished explosive devices." - District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia In a filing Tuesday asking for the release of their client, Spaffords attorneys noted he was only charged with a single count of possession of an unlawful firearm, that there is no evidence Spafford ever used the weapon and that he has no criminal record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His attorneys also wrote that professionally trained explosive technicians had to rig the devices to explode them and that there was no evidence that he had the ability to explode the devices himself. The government argues that Mr. Spafford should be detained because he poses a danger to the community in spite of the fact that the government has been investigating and carefully watching Mr. Spafford for approximately two years through the use of a confidential human source who was a friend and confidant of Mr. Spafford, his attorneys wrote. During all of that time, there is no evidence or allegation that Mr. Spafford committed or attempted to commit any act of violence. His attorneys also said that using the likeness of a political leader at a shooting range is common practice and that his alleged ill-advised comments about the government and political leaders are constitutionally protected. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) With 2025 upon us, local officials want property owners to double-check the status of their homes and buildings, as deed fraud and other scams have increased over the past year. 2 NEWS reporter Aaliyah Seabrooks has been following quit claim deed fraud for several months. Before 2025 arrives, she spoke with officials to learn more about how property owners can protect their homes. Local leaders looking for solutions to quit claim deed fraud Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local leaders want families to make sure their properties are not being targeted by scammers, as well as verifying important information like the bounds of your property. You know, number one, make sure that you are not a current victim of deed fraud, said John McManus, Montgomery County treasurer. Montgomery County Treasurer John McManus says there has been a statewide uptick in property fraud cases involving quit claim deeds over the past year. He says homeowners should make it a habit to check the county clerk, auditor, and treasurers websites to check for any new filings regarding the ownership of your home, especially if you do not reside at the property full time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can pull that up, make sure that your house is still in your name. Thats really important. Theres been a lot of deed fraud going on in the state of Ohio lately, said McManus. He says criminals target properties that they think are abandoned or forgotten, adding that some property owners say they were completely unaware of what was happening as fraudulent documents were filed against their properties. Many criminals attempt to quickly re-sell the stolen home to another buyer before the rightful owner can become aware. McManus also encourages homeowners to verify the bounds of their property lines, as there may be updates on houses that are recently bought or gained through inheritances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The countys Fraud Alert Notification system is free to register your property with. The FAN system will send you an alert as soon as any new documents are filed against your property. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. A menorah was found vandalized in Uptown Gig Harbor at the start of Hanukkah, sparking an investigation of the incident as a malicious mischief offense and potential hate crime, according to police. Light bulbs were broken off and the structure was partially bent, one volunteer for the Chabad of Pierce County Center for Jewish Life discovered on Dec. 25, the first day of Hanukkah this year. The menorah, which was set up the day before, is one of six public menorahs the organization set up across the county this year, according to Rabbi Mendel Kesselman, director of Chabad of Pierce County. Police were aware something had happened but didnt receive a report until Monday afternoon, after which they opened an investigation which remains ongoing, according to Gig Harbor Police Lt. Fred Douglas. The light bulbs broken off of the public menorah in Uptown Gig Harbor following a vandalism incident, pictured on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. Kesselman said they werent able to file the report right away because of a packed schedule in the days following, with four other Hanukkah celebrations to lead across Pierce County between then and Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kitsap Sun reported that the first public menorah lighting in Gig Harbor occurred Dec. 16, 2009 in the Uptown Gig Harbor outdoor pavilion. Chabad of Pierce County has continued the tradition in Gig Harbor for several years. At the Sunday evening menorah lighting in Skansie Brothers Park, Kesselman felt the support of the Gig Harbor community for their Jewish neighbors with a larger crowd of attendees than usual. It seemed to me there was definitely a push from the community to come out and support goodness and kindness, and send a message that we dont allow hatred in the community, he said. He emphasized his desire to focus on the positive in keeping with the meaning of Hanukkah, which is also called the Festival of Lights. The eight-day winter holiday commemorates the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every one of us is a candle and our job is to make this world a brighter place . . . One small candle pushes away much darkness, Kesselman said. We need to constantly remember that. (Left to right) Rabbi Mendel Kesselman, incoming state Rep. Adison Richards, state Rep. Michelle Caldier, Pierce County Council member Robyn Denson and Gig Harbor Mayor Mary Barber attended the public menorah lighting led by Chabad of Pierce County at Skansie Brothers Park Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Gig Harbor Mayor Mary Barber was also at the Skansie Brothers Park menorah lighting event. She told The News Tribune via phone Tuesday that she doesnt want the vandalism incident to negate the support that the vast majority of the community has for each other and for the Jewish community. When I first heard (about the incident), I was horrified that something like this could happen in our community, because I consider Gig Harbor and the surrounding areas to be an extremely welcoming community and hate has no place anywhere, Barber said. Given the targeting of a religious symbol, the incident could be considered a hate crime if police identify a suspect and determine that they acted because of their perception of another persons religion, Gig Harbor Police Lt. Douglas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its definitely in consideration, he said. Asked if police have any good leads, Douglas said police dont have any clear information about the suspect at this time. A police officer checked the area around the vandalized menorah to see if any surveillance video could have captured the suspect or a suspect vehicle, but there arent any cameras covering that spot, according to Douglas. Rabbi Mendel Kesselman, director of Chabad of Pierce County, lights the menorah on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024 in front of the Pantages Theater in downtown Tacoma. Police are looking for any witnesses who saw the incident to come forward. If someone has information, we would be anxious to get that information, he said, and anyone who does can call the police department to be directed to the detective working on the case. The Revised Code of Washingtons definition of a hate crime includes causing physical damage to or destruction of the property of another because of a perception of another persons race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or mental, physical, or sensory disability. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has directed the Russian government and Sberbank, the country's largest bank, to enhance cooperation with China in the development of artificial intelligence. Source: Reuters Details: Putin's order was published on the Kremlin's website on 1 January, three weeks after the announcement that Russia would unite with BRICS partners and other nations to advance AI technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He tasked the government and Sberbank, which leads Russia's AI efforts, to "ensure further cooperation with the Peoples Republic of China in technological research and development in the field of artificial intelligence". Global microchip producers have ceased exports to Russia due to sanctions, severely limiting the country's AI ambitions. In 2023, Sberbank CEO German Gref acknowledged that graphics processors, which are essential for the development of AI, are one the most challenging types of tech for Russia to replace. By collaborating with non-Western nations, Russia aims to challenge US dominance in one of the most pivotal technologies of the 21st century. Background: On 11 December, Putin announced the creation of a new AI Alliance Network, aimed at bringing together specialists from BRICS nations and other interested states. Currently, Russia ranks 31st out of 83 countries in the Global AI Index, which measures AI adoption, innovation and investment. Support UP or become our patron! Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed the Russian government and the state-owned bank Sberbank to develop artificial intelligence (AI) technology partnerships with China, according to instructions published on the Kremlin web portal on Jan. 1. Moscow's alliance with Beijing has helped Russia gain access to technology and equipment that have been blocked by Western sanctions due to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Putin told the government and Sberbank to "ensure further cooperation with the People's Republic of China in technological research and development in the field of artificial intelligence." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sberbank has been tasked with leading Russia's AI development effort. International sanctions have limited Russia's ability to develop its AI industry. Major producers of microchips no longer ship to Russia due to restrictions, though the country still obtains products via third-party sellers in other countries. Graphics processing units (GPUs), microchips essential for AI development, have been difficult for Russia to replace, Sberbank CEO German Gref said in 2023. Putin said on Dec. 11 that he wanted to develop a new AI Alliance Network with members of BRICS and other interested countries. Sberbank claimed that AI associations from Brazil, China, India, and South Africa had already joined the network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BRICS is a bloc of emerging economies often portrayed as a counterweight to the Western-led world. China has deepened its ties with Russia since the start of the Kremlin's full-scale war against Ukraine, although Beijing has denied accusations of supporting Russia's military efforts. Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged New Year greetings with Putin on Dec. 31, saying "the political mutual trust and strategic coordination between the two sides have continuously marched to a higher level under the strategic guidance of the two leaders." Read also: Chinas Xi Jinping to visit Russia next year, Kremlins Beijing ambassador says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Throughout his time campaigning and in his time as president, the late Jimmy Carter visited the Quad Cities. One of his first moves to get on the map was winning the Iowa caucus in 1976. (Doug House) He was able to get people, at the local level, at the grassroots level, to get excited about him and to help in his campaign that gave him the ability to get 27% of the caucus vote and he became recognized, said former Davenport mayor Bill Gluba. He got his ticket punch, as they say politically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gluba attributes Carters success in Iowa to local volunteer Mary Ellen Chamberlin, who was a contact for Carter during his time campaigning in Davenport. His win in Iowa would drastically launch his campaign forward and by the time the National Democratic Convention came six months later, he was the democratic candidate. I was supporting a fellow named Fred Harris, who was a democratic populist, a lot like Bernie Sanders, and in 1976 I went to the national convention, but by then Jimmy Carter had wrapped it up, and so those of us who were there for other candidates obviously swung our support over, said Gluba. It wouldnt be the only time President Carter visited the Quad Cities. Carter visited Davenport a second time in 1979, to speak with citizens over the radio. The program director recalls his brief moment with the former president. I effectively was the producer of the show, so I got the calls once they were made, because the league of women voters and secret service originated the calls, and then I put them through to the president, who was sitting right next to me, said Jim OHara, a former program director at KSTT. (Jim OHara) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 45 minutes, Carter spoke with 13 callers. I think thats the thing that came off the most obviously in the talk show was he was just a regular guy, said OHara. Another former Iowa state representative from Davenport worked directly with President Carter. When he got elected I joined his administration, said former Iowa state representative Thomas Higgins. I started at what was then called the department of health education and welfare, and I became the regional director for the Midwest. Then I went to the white house and I served on the senior staff of the White House and deputy secretary to the cabinet and I stayed to the very last day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Higgins says Carter was an honest man with high expectations. I think it was fair to say we all felt honored to have the responsibility, but also to be honest, a little fearful that we might do something that would take away from or detract, said Higgins. President Carter was a demanding president, and I mean that in the best possible way. 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. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party after a Dalit girl died by suicide after she was allegedly pressurised by the college authorities over "unpaid college fee" in Haryana. Haryana Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Bedi alleged that the college was run by a Congress politician in Fartia Bhima village under the Loharu assembly constituency in the Bhiwani district of the state. Bedi stated that the director of the college, where the girl studied, was a relative of the Congress MLA Rajbir Fartia. He said that Fartia won elections after running "propaganda" that fees won't be taken from SC students and their transport services will be waived. Speaking to ANI, Krishan Bedi said, "In a college run by a Congress politician in village Fartia Bhima under Loharu constituency, a girl from the Dalit community committed suicide because the Director's son Rahul and daughter, and the Principal pressurised the girl to have physical relations with Rahul to get her college fee waived. She was so distressed that she took her life." The Minister further accused Congress leaders Kumari Selja and Randeep Singh Surjewala for "hiding" these facts and changing the angle of the issue. Referring to the tweets of Congress leaders Kumari Selja and Randeep Singh Surjewala where they slammed the BJP-led Haryana government for the incident and Surjewala called the incident "shameful", the minister claimed that both Congress leaders have tried to change the angle of the issue. He further demanded the Congress leaders to take down their social media posts and apologise. Bedi said, "Two politicians from Congress hid these facts and instead tweeted that the Haryana government is trying to hide the case of a Dalit girl's suicide due to her inability to pay college fees. The truth is that Congress MLA Rajbir Fartia, a relative of the college's Director, won the Haryana assembly elections after running propaganda that he would not take fees from SC students and give free transport services." "Selja Kumari and Randeep Singh Surjewala should have demanded the arrest of the culprits instead of tweeting... They don't remember the time when under Bhupinder Singh Hooda's government, a Dalit girl and her grandfather from Mirchpur were burned alive in broad daylight... Both Selja and Surjewala should take their tweets down and apologise..." he added. Speaking on the incident, Haryana Minister Anil Vij lashed out at the opposition Congress, saying that they need to understand the whole situation as the deceased girl had "levelled allegations" against a relative of a Congress MLA. Furthermore, Vij asserted that the government will ensure that she gets justice. Anil Vij said, "The Opposition always does politics...The deceased girl had levelled allegations against a relative of a Congress MLA. Congress needs to understand the whole situation...We will ensure she gets justice..." This comes amid the row over the death of a Dalit girl in Haryana, who allegedly died by suicide for being 'pressurised' for paying fees. Randeep Surjewala and Kumari Selja attacked the BJP over the incident and demanded justice for the victim girl. https://x.com/rssurjewala/status/1873945169478762725 In a social media post on X, Surjewala wrote, "The preamble of our Constitution talks about equality, liberty, fraternity and justice. But it is sad that in Haryana a Dalit girl has to commit suicide due to not being able to pay the examination fees. This incident is not only sad but also extremely shameful. The victim's family should get justice and this case should be thoroughly investigated." https://x.com/Kumari_Selja/status/1873981465186210065 "A promising daughter of Haryana, committed suicide because she was not allowed to sit for the exam, her only fault was that she was poor and from a Dalit family. Will education now be determined by money and caste? Will the BJP government, which gave the slogan of 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao', now answer how long will daughters be crushed under the burden of poverty and caste? Is BJP's development limited to only a select few? Or do the dreams of Dalit and poor children have no value anymore?" read a social media post on X from Kumari Selja. (ANI) COURTESY OF HNA / MAY 31 Nurses at the Queens Medical Center hold a March on the Boss event during negotiations with The Queens Health System. COURTESY OF HNA / MAY 31 Nurses at the Queens Medical Center hold a March on the Boss event during negotiations with The Queens Health System. The unionized nurses of The Queens Health System have voted to authorize a strike. The Hawaii Nurses Association, the union representing more than 1, 900 nurses at Queens Punchbowl and West campuses, said in a news release today that 90 % voted in favor of authorizing a strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voting began Thursday and ended at 5 p.m. today. The nurses have been working without a contract since June 30. Negotiations have been ongoing since April, but reached a stalemate over issues including staffing, pay increases, and the scheduling of paid time off. Safe staffing to provide quality patient care is our primary concern, HNA President Rosalee Agas-Yuu said in the release. The employer offered safe nurse-to-patient staffing ratios and we thought we were making progress toward an agreement, but in the next bargaining session what they offered us was suddenly no longer on the table. This is a blatant, textbook case of regressive bargaining, an unfair labor practice. It was the last straw for many of the nurses. Representatives from Queens did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. HNA said the dates for a strike have not been set, and that Queens has agreed to meet again on Jan. 7. The vote to authorize a strike comes less than three months after HNA and Kapi olani Medical Center for Women and Children covering about 600 nurses in October. That agreement came after the union held two strikes over more than a year of negotiations and management locked out the nurses, leading to the arrest of 10 activists who sat down in the medical centers driveway to block the arrival of temporary staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After federal mediators stepped in for a second time, an agreement between the two parties was reached. Agas-Yuu said the nurses at Queens, as well as Wilcox Medical Center, are also rallying over safe staffing ratios. The 159 union nurses at Wilcox are also voting whether to authorize a strike through 8 p.m. Wednesday. Their contract expired on Aug. 31. 4 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) It could soon all be quiet on the Wasatch Front. After months of trains with the Utah Transit Authority and Union Pacific sounding their horns at railroad crossings throughout the state, Utahs Quiet Zones could be reinstated. The quiet zones were paused in October after an investigation by the Federal Railroad Administration found multiple zones, which have been in place since 2008, were now out of compliance. Certain repairs and corrections needed to be made before the quiet zones could be reinstated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a joint press release, Union Pacific and the Utah Transit Authority said trains would be required to sound their horns at the crossing during the suspension of the quiet zones as a means to keep people safe in areas where safety measures dont meet FRA quiet zone standards. Flavored vape restrictions wont go into effect as scheduled Heres why By November, all but one train crossing had been corrected. An inspection from the FRA found that one public crossing at 1700 South in Salt Lake City failed to meet the safety requirements due to its proximity to a commercial driveway. Unfortunately for Wasatch Front residents, that crossing needed to be fixed before quiet zones throughout the state could be reinstated. According to Provo City, the issue has been fixed and the Federal Railroad Administration is expected to provide another inspection later this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once inspected and approved, notice will be sent to the railroads that the quiet zone has been reinstated, Provo City officials said. The railroads will have one week to implement not sounding the horns. 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. In an impassioned speech outside the North Carolina Legislative Building on Tuesday, the president of the Raleigh-Apex NAACP called for a federal investigation into a Holly Springs mans lengthy sentence in a Wake County case. Henderson Atwater, 48, was sentenced in July to a minimum of 49 years and a maximum of 75 years in prison by Wake County Superior Court Judge Keith Gregory on multiple charges tied to pellet gun shootings throughout the county, court records show. The case has received extensive local coverage tied to Atwater and his attorneys claims that evidence in the case is flimsy and that prosecutors ignored potentially exculpatory evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a hung jury led to a mistrial in 2023, Atwater was retried this summer and found guilty on a slew of charges, including shooting into an occupied dwelling/motor vehicle and injury to personal property, by a Wake County jury. Prosecutors dismissed dozens of other similar charges in August and September because Atwater had already received a lengthy sentence in this case, court records show. In Tuesdays news conference, Mark S. Vasconcellos accused Holly Springs police of fabricating evidence against Atwater and urged the U.S. Department of Justices Public Integrity Section to investigate his conviction. Dr. Mark S. Vasconcellos, President Raleigh-Apex NAACP, addresses the conviction of Henderson Atwater during a press briefing outside the North Carolina General Assembly on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 in Raleigh, N.C. Vasconcellos called for an investigation into the prosecution of Atwater, a Holly Springs man who maintains his innocence, but was a convicted in a series of pellet gun shootings in 2020- 2021. This case is more than a tragedy for Mr. Atwater, Vasconcellos said. It is an indictment of a system that failed at every turn. Vasconcellos alleged the only video evidence presented by the Holly Springs Police Department did not show Atwater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nowhere in this four-minute video [do] you find Mr. Atwater, he said. If theres anyone in Raleigh, in Wake County, in North Carolina, in the United States of America, of the 8 billion people on this planet if theres one person who can look at this four-minute video and say they see Mr. Atwater, let me know who you are. Furthermore, witnesses in the case described a white man as the shooter, Vasconcellos said. Atwater is Black. The same officer that turned over the only video that was used to prosecute and convict Henderson said in his report that the subject in the video is a white man, Vasconcellos said. The owner of the establishment said the person in the vehicle was a white man. ... Even a victim whose vehicle was shot, she said she turned around and she saw the shooter and it was a white male. Expert witnesses who testified at Atwaters trial disputed evidence provided by prosecutors, according to Vasconcellos. That includes a firearms instructor who said a pellet gun seized from Atwater could not have been the weapon used in the shootings and an expert who alleged police altered geolocation data on Atwaters phone, Vasconcellos said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vasconcellos also alleged a judge he didnt specify if it was Judge Paul Ridgeway, who oversaw Atwaters first trial, or Judge Gregory, who oversaw the second trial biased the jury against Atwater by reprimanding him for yawning in court. This case is one of the greatest injustices in recent history, Vasconcellos said. An innocent man will die in prison for a crime he did not commit. Vasconcellos urged anyone with information in the shootings to contact him via email at dr.mark.naacp@gmail.com. Help this innocent man, he said. Otherwise, he will die in prison for a crime he could not have committed. Vasconcellos declined to answer questions after the news conference. New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) makes a pad save during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes) New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin is going on injured reserve, according to a person with knowledge of the decision. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the moved had not been announced. The person said Shesterkin has an upper-body injury. Shesterkin is being sidelined while the Rangers are in the midst of a four-game losing streak. Theyve lost seven of eight and 15 of their past 19 games to fall from a solid playoff position to last place in the Metropolitan Division and just ahead of the Buffalo Sabres at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. The 29-year-old Shesterkin, who recently signed a $92 million extension through the 2032-33 season, is 11-15-1 with a 3.10 goals-against average and .906 save percentage through 27 games. The 2022 Vezina Trophy winner as the leagues top netminder had a 2.58 GAA and .912 save percentage last season when he helped the Rangers win the Presidents Trophy for the leagues top regular-season record. Shesterkin also backstopped them to the Eastern Conference final before losing to eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida. Shesterkin landing on IR comes after Rangers general manager Chris Drury traded captain Jacob Trouba to Anaheim and winger Kaapo Kakko to Seattle earlier this month in moves aimed to turn his teams performance around. ___ AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl Justin Baldoni sued The New York Times over its story on Blake Lively's sexual-harassment claims. The Times stood by its reporting and said it would defend against the lawsuit. Lively also filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of retaliation for her harassment claims. Justin Baldoni is taking legal action against The New York Times after the paper reported about his costar Blake Lively's allegations of misconduct against him. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in the Los Angeles Superior Court, named Baldoni, his publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel, and the "It Ends With Us" producers Jamey Heath and Steve Sarowitz as plaintiffs. The lawsuit, obtained by Business Insider, accused the Times of relying "almost entirely" on what it described as "Lively's unverified and self-serving narrative" and said the newspaper disregarded "an abundance of evidence that contradicted her claims and exposed her true motives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit, embedded in full below, included screenshots of messages that it said contradicted the Times' reporting. The lawsuit said the plaintiffs suffered damages that amounted to at least $250 million. In a statement provided to BI, a Times spokesperson said the outlet stood by the reporting and would "vigorously defend against the lawsuit." "Our story was meticulously and responsibly reported. It was based on a review of thousands of pages of original documents, including the text messages and emails that we quote accurately and at length in the article," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson also said the paper published Baldoni's full response statement to its story and said he and other subjects "have not pointed to a single error" in its reporting. Lawyers for Lively said in a statement provided to BI: "Nothing in this lawsuit changes anything about the claims advanced in Ms. Lively's California Civil Rights Department Complaint, nor her federal complaint, filed earlier today." The federal suit, also reviewed by Business Insider, named Baldoni and members of his PR team. It was based on the California civil-rights complaint and accused Baldoni and others of orchestrating a campaign to retaliate against her for speaking up about what she said was sexual misconduct. The lawyers also said they encourage everyone to read Lively's full lawsuit, which is embedded below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives for Baldoni did not address Lively's lawsuit directly when reached by BI. Bryan Freedman, a lawyer for Baldoni and the other plaintiffs suing the Times, told BI in a statement that Lively and her team had orchestrated a "vicious smear campaign" against his clients and that the Times had "cowered to the wants and whims of two powerful 'untouchable' Hollywood elites." The Times' bombshell story, "'We Can Bury Anyone': Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine," was published December 21 and detailed messages exchanged between Baldoni and his PR team. Lively filed a legal complaint against Baldoni at about the same time, where she accused him of sexual harassment and of coordinating a smear campaign to tarnish her reputation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baldoni's lawyers argued in their complaint Tuesday that the Times' story was based on "a premise that is categorically false and easily disproven," saying the Times had access to messages proving that Lively and not Baldoni was at fault. Read Baldoni's lawsuit against the Times: Read Lively's lawsuit against Baldoni and others: Read the original article on Business Insider An elegy for a noble statesman and human being Manhattan: A man for all seasons / Full of grace and dignity / We lost President Jimmy Carter Sunday / Decency, kindness, integrity / He led a life of service / With many accomplishments / A man of faith and charity / Deserving of accolades and compliments / He lived for 100 years / A true gentleman and patriot / A loving husband, father, granddad, friend / With a legacy thats radiant. The pride of Plains, Ga. / The 39th president of the United States / Christian values, warm and charming / He was one of the greats / From a peanut farmer to governor / Elected president / A firm advocate of human rights / His love for all mankind was evident / He volunteered for Habitat for Humanity / Building houses for the poor / Working tirelessly alongside his beloved Rosalynn / He was always prepared and eager to do more. A Nobel Peace Prize winner / He taught Sunday school / Jimmy Carter was a shining example / Of how to live each day following the golden rule / A true statesman and humanitarian / We mourn his loss today / But the legacy of this man of purpose and principle / Grows more meaningful with every passing day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So a fond farewell, President Carter / As you join Rosalynn, your best friend and wife / You will be missed and remembered / For the gracious and unselfish way you lived your life / As the world says goodbye to President James Earl Carter / We will always honor, remember and celebrate / This man of wisdom, goodness and love / Who worked his whole life to make our country great. Phoebe Celentano Christ-like Bronx: President Jimmy Carter. What a man. He was the epitome of loyalty, faithfulness, decency and kindness. He was not a schoolyard bully. The amount of good he did in the world after his presidency is unparalleled. The most impactful thing was work to eradicate the guinea worm in Africa, which affected millions of people, mostly children. He saved countless lives by doing this. He paired up with Habitat for Humanity to build houses for the poor with his own two hands. He was a carpenter. Jesus was a carpenter. He was what I understand a true Christian to be selfless, humble, kind. RIP, Jimmy Carter. Dont know if we will ever see your kind again. Give a hug to your beautiful and faithful wife Rosalynn for me. Pauline Graham Binder One to emulate Swarthmore, Pa.: Jimmy Carter, our 39th president, died on Sunday in his beloved hometown of Plains, Ga. Carter rose from an impoverished and humble upbringing to reach the pinnacle of power and prestige, but he never forgot who he was. He held on to the values of his faith and his humanity throughout his long 100 years of life. The merits of his presidency can be debated, and some historians feel that it has been underestimated, but there is no mistaking the greatness and productivity of his post-presidential life. Above all, Carter exemplified a life well-lived, built around kindness, decency and service to others in need. He was the ultimate mensch, a good and decent person. In todays political era when these characteristics feel so lacking, let us keep in mind how he realized the American dream and did it in a manner that was inspiring and beyond reproach. Ken Derow Help and get help Brooklyn: The new year needs expectations that people recognize the importance of their health (mental and physical) and the health of humanity. Non-violence needs to be at the top of the list in the family, in the community environment, schools, the world and importantly, within the self. The number 988 is to be remembered, as it is there to call for helping yourself when needed, or others. We must find a way, and appropriate communication is a good beginning. Bring back love in thinking. Louis Cohen Keep writing Bayside: Thanks to Voicer Bob Pascarella for his many common-sense letters. It is sad that the VOP allows numerous personal attacks upon him. I would like to inform all his detractors to keep your hatred to yourselves. No one cares for your negativity and nasty comments. Thanks again, Bob. Hoping for future letters from you in the new year. Timothy Collins Buckle up Manhattan: My hope for all of my fellow Voicers, if youre not at that point in your life already, is to prepare diligently for the tough times ahead because a majority of government officials do not care about the public. It will get worse in the world moving forward. Cheers to 2025 to those who dont drink the Kool-Aid! Omar Branch The people have spoken Manhattan: To Voicer Martin Sandok: Want to see a Kool-Aid drinker? Got a mirror handy? When will you liberals accept the fact that mainstream America rejected your agenda? Get over it and zip it already. Enough is enough. Robert Zatz Played for pork Brentwood, L.I.: Why hasnt the media covered the real reason that a continuing resolution was even needed (House passes 11th hour funding bill, Dec. 21)? The House of Representatives passed all the standard annual appropriations and sent them to the Senate, where Chuck Schumer would not bring them up for a vote. He knew that doing it the normal way wouldnt let the Democrats add their pork projects. So instead, he forced the need for a continuing resolution. I ask you: Why is Schumer not being blamed? W. J. Van Sickle Report them Manhattan: New York has finally joined many other states and banned the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores very welcome news because there is much suffering in this industry. The recent op-ed N.Y. bans the sale of puppy mill pets (Dec. 29) failed to mention an important amendment, Intro 1018a. It prohibits backyard breeding: Animals shall not be sold or held for sale in a dwelling in which a person lives or at any other location that is not licensed thereof. This means it is now illegal for people to breed their cats or dogs and sell them without a license on social media or the street. This includes bodega owners who refuse to spay their cats so they can sell their kittens to make money. If you become aware of this, get proof and report it to the NYPD. Elizabeth Forel Unpunished Rochdale Village: Jordan Neely got no jail time for breaking a 67-year-old womans jaw? What? Holy cow, and the suits, pols and hand-wringing, woke progressives wonder how to properly fund public transportation? Which would explain why they dont go after the almost $1 billion in uncollected fares annually it wouldnt be woke! And Im a lifelong Dem lib. Saul Rothenberg Moved the line Long Island City: Janno Liebers tolling plan was changed near the finish line to include the few blocks from 57th St., the original northern border for the congestion tolling Midtown Manhattan northern border, to 60th St. The why was apparently a need for more money from those drivers leaving north of Midtown to cross the 59th St. bridge back to Queens. Its a bridge toll. Fiendishly, there is no toll when driving from Queens over the same bridge when exiting at 62nd St. So, I and other outpatients can visit their physicians uptown toll-free, but cant flee er, exit Manhattan to Queens without the troll er, toll. D. Ohlmeyer Missed the point Bronx: Voicer Nick Smith states that pro-Palestinian protesters were yelling at Zionists on college campuses. He ignores that Jewish students were threatened, assaulted and prevented from going to class. His hatred of Israel prevents him from relating to the facts. Michael Abbey No fun New Milford, Conn.: I have been a loyal reader of the Daily News for the past 55 years. Whats up with the TV Crossword by Ricky Cruz? He has made it so difficult! It used to be challenging but fun to do. Please return to the old format. Dan Carriero Just trash New Rochelle, N.Y.: I have been a regular customer for more than 29 years. I always do the crossword puzzles, Word Search and Find the Difference. I have seen other people complain about Ricky Cruz. I am adding my name to that list. His crossword puzzles are horrible. Please get him off the crosswords. When I see his puzzles, I rip them out of the page and throw them away. Nancy Peterkin TAZEWELL, Tenn. (WATE) Two investigations are underway this week for law enforcement officers who were involved in shootings in East Tennessee. Two officers in Tazewell were fired at responding to a suspected prowler Thursday, and a Monroe County deputy was taken to the hospital Sunday for a gunshot wound. While the two officers in Tazewell never suffered any injuries Thursday, Tazewell Police Chief Jeremy Myers said it reiterates that law enforcement can be a dangerous job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wish that I could say that it wasnt or that it was a new trend, but its not, said Myers. When it comes to working in law enforcement, Myers said you never fully know what situations you might walk into. Every call that we go to, we never know how thats going to turn out. This agency alone, this year-to-date is over 5,800 calls, 66 of those were domestic violence calls, and thats typically the most dangerous call for a law enforcement officer, said Myers. Over 260 calls this year have been prowler calls or suspicious person or suspicious vehicle, and you just never know how those will turn out. Despite the unknown, he said each officer in their department goes through extensive training to have the tools to know what to do in a dangerous situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a multitude of experience. But we push training hardcore at our agency because we feel the better that were trained, the better we can properly respond to our community, he said. Even with that training, Myers said he thinks violence against officers is increasing. This year alone, as of today, we have 149 officers killed in the line of duty in the United States, 49 of those were gunfire, said Myers. So, you know, its always a concern for us always. We want our officers to go home to their families. Given how close they are to states like Kentucky and Virginia, he also said you never know what the next call could bring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a lot of people who come through here and you never know what kind of people are going to show up or come through here or what kind of situation you may end up dealing with out here or those people, he said. Its good if you know the people in the community. Its a little harder if you dont. See more top stories on WATE.com Since there are so many people moving through Tazewell at a time, he said they will continue to prepare themselves for any situation. We try to do the best we can with what we have. I feel like we have very well-trained police officers here and the state of Tennessee has some of the best law enforcement in the country in my opinion. 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 WATE 6 On Your Side. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Born in Plains Georgia in 1924 Jimmy Carter rose from humble beginnings to become the 39th president of the United States. Serving from 1977 to 1981, his time in office was marked by a commitment to human rights, peace, and environmental sustainability. But what many people will remember most about Carter is his post-presidency decades, which redefined what it means to be a former head of state. He wanted me to start traveling with him to developing countries throughout Central Africa. And that took me overseas with him into some war-torn areas where we were trying to stop civil wars, help poor farmers grow their food more efficiently, and to eradicate a disease called Guinea worm, past personal aide and friend to Jimmy Carter Chris Michell said. Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Panhandle local Chris Mitchell met former President Carter at Sunday school in Plains Georgia at Maranatha Baptist Church in 1981, he knew they would become great friends and partners. My first position when I got to the Carter Center was to oversee the replication of the Oval Office as a permanent exhibit in the Museum of the Jimmy Carter Library. The Carter Presidential Center is comprised of where his office would be on a nonprofit foundation side and the other side was granted to the American people. Thats his library, Mitchell said. Mitchell then took on bigger roles for Carter. He became his Director of Correspondence, overseeing all of his incoming mail and drafting official responses. But I had to learn by going through his speeches that were transcribed and in books and any subject that came up, I would look to see what he said about it, and I would use that and type those words into a letter I was drafting for him and then take that in and have him sign it, Mitchell continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing Mitchell wont forget is former President Jimmy Carters humility. So even if it comes to eradicating disease or helping a poor farmer grow their food more efficiently, it was about empowerment. So that rubbed off on me. That word empowerment meant everything to me. So, in everything that I have ever done since leaving the Carter Center has always been how am I helping to improve the lives of somebody else to help them take care of themselves, Mitchell said. There were many things Carter didnt take credit for, that still have a global impact. Such as the creation of FEMA, the Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Energy. RiverCamps subdivision experiences cross-contamination issue Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was the one who got a Panama Canal treaty signed with the country of Panama. So, and he was the one who got the Camp David Accords, and he broke a peace agreement in the Middle East. And its still in effect to this day has never been broken between Egypt and Israel, Mitchell said. A moment many Panhandle residents wont forget is when Mrs. Carter visited BASIC in Panama City to lead a family caregiving service. And she still has the Rosalynn Carter even though shes gone, the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Family Caregivers still exists at her alma mater, Georgia Southwestern State University, which is also mine, Mitchell continued. Even though Jimmy Carter did not get re-elected for a second term his impact on the world will always remain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of us are going to be, you know, we boo hoo because hes passed at age 100. We also have to reflect on he made it to a hundred and Mrs. Carter made it to what, 96 years old. They lived great, healthy lives, Mitchell 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. Germany is set to introduce paid leave for women who experience miscarriages, following a cross-party agreement between Chancellor Olaf Scholz's minority government and opposition lawmakers. Media reports on Wednesday suggest a corresponding bill has received support from Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD), his Green coalition partners, the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and the pro-business Free Democrats. SPD lawmaker Leni Breymeier recently said in an interview with the Spiegel magazine that the law could potentially be passed in the Bundestag, or lower house of parliament, in January, ahead of the upcoming elections set for February 23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, paid maternity leave in Germany does not apply to miscarriages, which are medically considered as the premature end of a pregnancy up to the 24th week. A new staggered regulation is planned to start significantly earlier. Family Minister Lisa Paus, from the Greens, supports extending maternity protection to women who suffer a miscarriage from the 15th week of pregnancy, while the conservative Christian Democratic Union advocates for a regulation from the 13th week. "I welcome very much that a broad cross-party agreement for staggered maternity protection in the case of miscarriages is now emerging," Paus told Tagesspiegel newspaper. She noted that a miscarriage can be a traumatic experience and that staggered maternity protection offers affected women the opportunity to recover and avoid possible health complications. Special CP Traffic Ajay Chaudhary said Delhi witnessed a New Year's Eve without any fatal accidents for the first time in years, as strict police arrangements and increased public adherence to advisories ensured safety on the night of December 31. Speaking to ANI, Special CP (Traffic) Ajay Chaudhary said, "This is the first time after many years that no fatal accident was reported in the entire Delhi on the night of December 31. Police arrangements were very strict and people are also following the police advisory, their sense of responsibility has increased." Ahead of New Year celebrations, Delhi Police had made elaborate security arrangements across the national capital. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Devesh Kumar Mahala, emphasized that more than 600 police personnel were deployed to ensure a safe environment for revellers. The authorities had also mobilized several companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to bolster security. Speaking to ANI, DCP Mahala said, "We had made extensive arrangements this time given the New Year. More than 600 policemen were deployed, and several companies of CAPF were also deployed..." "Special attention had also been given to women's safety. Women police personnel were stationed at key locations to address concerns and ensure a secure atmosphere for all citizens. Women personnel were also deployed for women's safety," he added. Meanwhile, ahead of New Year, the South West District Police of Delhi had rolled out extensive security measures to ensure public safety and maintain order for New Year's Eve. With large gatherings anticipated, the police intensified vigilance, focusing on crowd management and swift response capabilities, according to a press release. Surendra Choudhary, IPS, informed that the key security initiatives included 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 were stationed at strategic locations for rapid response. "Special attention was given to 35 celebration venues and 15 popular spots, including malls, motels, and cinema halls, which were under strict surveillance. Security staff were also deployed at 21 bus stops, on 60 motorcycles patrolling vulnerable routes, and in eight prominent hotels. Hauz Khas Village, a popular party destination, saw a high-visibility police presence to ensure safety," stated an official release. (ANI) Amanda Zurawski, Josh Zurawski, Kaitlyn Joshua and Hadley Duvall speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 19, 2024. (Andrew Roth for Michigan Advance) Galvanized by a pivotal election almost two years after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned federal abortion protections, patients, doctors, and activists in 2024 fought for renewed and expanded reproductive rights, while others pushed for more restrictions. These are some of the people and organizations that impacted reproductive health law and abortion access this year. Women with wanted pregnancies affected by abortion bans In state legislatures, before Congress, in court, in presidential campaign ads, and on stage at the Democratic National Convention, women all over the country have been reliving some of the worst moments of their lives in an effort to roll back abortion restrictions that have changed reproductive health care in America. 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. Rescuers in Ottawa ended 2024 on a high note, springing into action to save "Tika," a golden retriever who fell through the ice on the Ottawa River on Monday, Dec. 30. According to a release, Ottawa Fire Services received a 911 call at approximately 2:55 p.m. local time from the owners, who reported that their dog was at the end of an ice shelf near a boat launch in the river. OFS Photographer Jean Lalonde A rescuer aboard a fortuna reaches "Tika" a golden retriever who fell through the ice in the Ottawa River. A rescuer aboard a fortuna reaches "Tika" a golden retriever who fell through the ice in the Ottawa River. Related: Senior Dog Searching for Home Again After Pet's Owners-To-Be Cancel Just Before Christmas Adoption When ice rescuers arrived on the scene, they found the dog about 30 feet from the shore, struggling to keep its head above the water and afloat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using a fortuna, a type of rapid deployment rescue craft, the ice rescue technicians were able to reach the dog in the water and bring it safely to shore at around 3:20 p.m. In the news release posted to X, Ottawa Fire Services commended Tika's owners for not attempting to rescue the pet themselves. "Credit to the owners who did exactly what we always preach if this happens: Called 9-1-1, stayed on land, and didnt try to make the rescue themselves," the release read. OFS Photographer Jean Lalonde A rescuer helps "Tika" the golden retriever onto dry land. A rescuer helps "Tika" the golden retriever onto dry land. Related: Deaf Senior Dog Left Chained Outside in Freezing Weather on Christmas Eve Is Now 'Doing Really Well' (Exclusive) "Our response times are fast, and our Ice Rescue Teams are highly trained and equipped with the appropriate equipment. Doing this will always keep you safe and is your pets best chance for survival." According to a Dec. 8 article from CTV News Ottawa, Ottawa Fire Services responded to three calls about dogs navigating ice the previous week. Our Ice Rescue Teams successfully rescued a dog who went through the ice and was unable to get out this afternoon near the Blair Rd Boat Launch. At approx. 14:55, the Ottawa Fire Services Communications Division received a 9-1-1 call from the dogs owners who reported that dog pic.twitter.com/UVtQPbHS6k Ottawa Fire Services (@OttFire) December 30, 2024 Among the rescues was an elderly woman who fell into a pond in Stittsville, Ontario, after trying to pull her dog from the water. The woman received treatment for hypothermia symptoms and was transported to a hospital with serious injuries, paramedics said at the time. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. OFS Photographer Jean Lalonde Ottawa Fire Services deploy rescue crafts to reach a dog stuck in the Ottawa River. Ottawa Fire Services deploy rescue crafts to reach a dog stuck in the Ottawa River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If your dog does go through the ice, never go in and try to rescue them. Call 911 and try your best to get a visual signal on your pet," Ottawa fire spokesperson Nick Defazio said in the article. According to the Canadian Red Cross, ice should be at least 15 centimeters for a single person or 20 centimeters for a group to stand on the ice. Ottawa Fire Services recommends that pet owners keep their pets on a leash at all times when near bodies of water to prevent the need for rescues. Read the original article on People Tahlequah, the killer whale who carried her dead calf and swam with him for 17 days in 2018, has likely suffered another loss. Per The Seattle Times, researchers believe the mother orca's newborn calf, who the Center for Whale Research discovered the calf on Friday, Dec. 20, and given the alpha-numeric designation J61, has died. The outlet reports that Brad Hanson, a biologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Northwest Region in Seattle, was "on the water with other researchers for a health survey of the endangered southern resident orcas and confirmed the news." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Three of the four of us had been on the boat last week and were all very concerned about its viability then," Hanson wrote in an email about J61, according to The Seattle Times. "So while today's observations didn't come as a complete surprise, the general feeling was one of profound sadness, not only for J35 (Tahlequah) knowing her history, but also knowing what the loss of a female means to the potential for SRKW (southern resident killer whale) recovery." Dave Ellifrit/Center for Whale Research Orca whales J47, calf J57 and Tahlequah J35. Orca whales J47, calf J57 and Tahlequah J35. The outlet added that researchers discovered a new calf, different from the late J61, had been born in J Pod, a group of orcas that includes Tahlequah. Researchers have not yet determined the sex of the new calf or the baby whale's mother. Related: Tahlequah, the Grieving Orca Who Carried Her Dead Newborn 1,000 Miles, Gives Birth to a New Calf On Monday, Dec. 23, a team of researchers, including scientists and multiple experienced killer whale researchers from NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center, conducted longer-term observations that allowed them to confirm the newborn calf's mother as J35 (Tahlequah's designation number). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team was also able to confirm that J61 was a female, according to a Facebook post by the Center for Whale Research. The post noted that researchers were "eager to conduct follow-up observations" and that J35 is an experienced mother, but there were still some concerns about J61's survival. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! In a Dec. 21 Facebook post, the Center for Whale Research also shared that orca whales need "ample access to their food supply, mainly salmon" to survive. "Every single birth counts and these whales need enough fish to be able to support themselves and their calves," the post reads. "We continue to advocate for salmon recovery through habitat restoration, removal of dams, and rational management of fisheries in the Pacific Northwest." 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. Tahlequah first made headlines in 2018 when she was observed grieving her deceased calf by swimming with it on her back for 1,000 miles over 17 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The orca gave birth to another calf on Sept. 4, 2020, a male who was named J57. The Center for Whale Research described the newborn as "healthy and precocious, swimming vigorously alongside its mother in its second day of free-swimming life." Per the Orca Conservancy, J61 Tahlequah gave birth to two previous calves. Her oldest, J47, also known as "Notch," was born in 2010, and her second, J57, who became known as "Phoenix," was born in 2020. Read the original article on People Like most species, bees have a circadian rhythm that affects their internal functions and behaviors, such as their sleep cycles. When humans don't get enough restful sleep, it can create problems such as poor cognition, inflammation, weight gain, and depression. As Earth.com reports, UC San Diego researchers have discovered that honeybees also have sensitivities that affect their sleep namely, exposure to artificial light. What's happening? So far, it's hard to define what effect constant light exposure has on honeybees, but as Ashley Kim, a UC San Diego Ph.D. student in biology, told Earth.com about their research studies testing light exposure on honeybee sleep: "Even without analyzing the data, you can tell that there was something going on." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the world's population and technological advances increase, so does the use of artificial light on Earth. This light can be as small as a mobile phone's blue light to as large as the constantly lit skyscrapers and advertising signs at night. It has gotten to the point where there is light pollution the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial light at night. According to a study in Science Advances, a whopping 83% of the world's population and over 99% of the United States and Europe live under constant light pollution. A recent research study from UC San Diego's biology team shows that honeybees sleep less under such exposure and seek darker areas for rest. So, what happens if they fail to find a dark area to rest? Why are interrupted honeybee sleep patterns concerning? Honeybees are the most important pollinators. By dispersing pollen between plants, honeybees help them reproduce and keep the food chain going. Sleep can help them remember where food is as they work together to communicate these locations by using a "waggle dance." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they can't sleep, it can impair normal behavior patterns like navigation and memory and lower hive survival rates from stress. In other words, it can become difficult to pollinate plants if they don't remember where they are or are too lethargic to search. What's being done about honeybee light exposure? Ashley Kim told Earth.com: "The effects of light pollution on biological systems is fairly unknown and something people normally don't think about, which is why it's a rapidly evolving field." Do you worry about the quality of the air inside your home? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind Scientists studying the effects of too much light may fare well for analysis, but what can help bees now? Instead of keeping outdoor lights on all night, use motion detectors to turn them on only when someone approaches. Use LED lights outside and keep curtains closed at night to keep indoor light inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can also support and spread the word about organizations like the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation that protect bees and other pollinators. 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Hundreds of residents living in a public housing project will be forced to move soon with vacate notices expected to go out in the next few weeks. Marble Manor, located near Washington Avenue and H Street, first opened in 1953 in the Historic Westside. It is getting a multi-million-dollar facelift and that means everyone living there must move. This is in order to help revitalize a rather aging site and bring it up to current codes, Ric Gross of KME Architects with Brineshore Development said at a Dec. 10 Las Vegas Planning Commission meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The projects total cost is estimated at $326 million. Residents in Las Vegas Historic Westside worry about redevelopment, moving plans Rick Kinsey lives along the constructions first phase. Its a little confusing. We dont know whats going on, we dont know when were moving, Kinsey said. Kinsey shared with 8 News Now a letter taped to his front door dated Dec. 16. It states since hes in the first phase, Kinsey can do a voluntary transfer to other apartments within the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority. Marble Manor, located along Washington and H Streets, first opened in 1953 in the Historic Westside. It is getting a multi-million-dollar facelift and that means everyone living there must move. (KLAS) Marble Manor, located along Washington and H Streets, first opened in 1953 in the Historic Westside. It is getting a multi-million-dollar facelift and that means everyone living there must move. (KLAS) Marble Manor, located along Washington and H Streets, first opened in 1953 in the Historic Westside. It is getting a multi-million-dollar facelift and that means everyone living there must move. (KLAS) Marble Manor, located along Washington and H Streets, first opened in 1953 in the Historic Westside. It is getting a multi-million-dollar facelift and that means everyone living there must move. (KLAS) Marble Manor, located along Washington and H Streets, first opened in 1953 in the Historic Westside. It is getting a multi-million-dollar facelift and that means everyone living there must move. (KLAS) I think there should be more communication for us to know more about what were supposed to do. Theyre just going to tell us we got to move and then were supposed to pack up. I dont know. Its just a little confusing to me, Kinsey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 56 units will be demolished as part of phase one, but 138 new units will be built. Since the project was announced, some residents have pushed back. 8 News Now Anchor John Langeler spoke with a few of them back in July. Where are you going to put the people? You have to try and replace them somewhere. Then you say, youre going to give them an opportunity to come back but who is going to move after two years? Madelyn Rhodes said on July 24. According to the developers plans, phase one construction is set to start in the second quarter of 2025 and finish in the third quarter of 2025. It doesnt state when those residents can return. Were talking about very, very old, antiquated but again habitable buildings, Lewis Jordan, the executive director of Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority, told 8 News Now on July 24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, Marble Manor has 235 units with over 450 residents. More than 600 units are expected to be built by 2033. According to the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority, each resident is anticipated to receive in mid- to late January, a 90-day notice to vacate. A relocation team will also be working with each resident during the 90-day notice to help them identify housing options and provide ongoing 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 KLAS. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) 2025 is just hours away, and many people are saying no to New Years resolutions this year. A WMBD reporter spoke with multiple people on Tuesday, most of whom said they didnt have any resolutions this year. Instead, many had goals and others were just hoping to get through 2025 stress-free. The most common resolutions or goals for the new year were to eat healthier, exercise more and to quit an addiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Central Illinoisan said its easier to stay committed to a resolution if youre doing it with a friend or group of people. Its kind of that pack thought process, right? Like doing it by yourself. A lot of people cant have that sense of like, oh, Im doing it by myself. I have to put all that work in by myself. No, find a group of friends that have the same thoughts, have the same aspirations as you, and you will go a lot further, said Ethan Buss. Baylor College of Medicine conducted a study that said 88% of people who make New Years resolutions abandon them within the first two weeks. 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 CIProud.com. Sunset on the Chesapeake Bay. Photo courtesy The Nature Conservancy. At the dawn of the year, with hope in the air, Marylanders dreamed of a future so fair. Clean energy goals, bold and bright, Guided our hearts through the years first light. While visions of forests and bays danced around, The Chesapeake called us with beauty profound. With love for our neighbors, for nature so dear, We resolved to protect it this promising year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But hark! On the horizon, a troubling fight, Threats to our progress loomed big in the night. The climate, at risk from destructive delay, Needed bold action without further sway. Your opinion matters Maryland Matters welcomes guest commentary submissions at editor@marylandmatters.org. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Views of writers are their own. Then what to our wondering eyes should appear, A summit to launch our resolve this year! The 6th Annual Legislative Summit for Climate and Environment, A free two-day online eventwhat excitement it sent! January 4th and 5th, 2025, the dates to save, A chance for Marylanders to be bold and brave. Join us! they called, From the comfort of home, Learn how to advocateno need to roam. With captioning provided, its easy for all, An invitation for action, a rallying call! From policies and training to tools youll retain, This summit equips you to lead and sustain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now RENEW Act, now Better Buildings, now coal harms to mend! On Transparency! Ratepayer fairness to defend! To cleaner transportation, to net-zero goals! Onward to futures where green progress rolls! Workshops and sessions to sharpen your voice, Guiding your passion, your purpose, your choice. From speaking at hearings to crafting a plan, This summit empowers every woman and man. No actions too small; your role is immense Each letter, each call, makes a difference. Civic engagement, the heart of our fight, Turns care into power to champion whats right. Cleaner air, better jobs, and energy savings, Public health benefits, the future were craving. This is Marylands momentso rise to the call, Your voice can make progress for one and for all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, this New Year, resolve to engage, To protect our future, to turn a new page. Sign up for the summit, take action today, Together, for Maryland, well lead the way. To neighbors, to forests, to bays wide and free, This fight is for alland for you and for me. So, Happy New Year! Lets turn love into might, And fight for our future with all of our light! HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) It was an active year for the Tennessee Valley between a January ice storm and a tornado outbreak in May. Along with tracking the weather this year, the Weather Authority welcomed a new member to the team! Meteorologist Pooja Simpson has been with News since 2020 as a director but earlier this year she became the weekend evening meteorologist. She has always had a passion for severe weather but became even more interested after the April 2011 tornado event across Alabama. Having lived in Huntsville and experiencing the tragedy firsthand, she realized she wanted to do something that could help those in her community. A total of 20 tornadoes confirmed from May 8-9 storm system The weather was certainly active this year, especially during January and May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service (NWS) Office in Huntsville covers 11 counties in North Alabama and 3 counties in Tennessee. There were 27 tornadoes within the NWS forecast area; 20 in Alabama and 7 in Tennessee. The ten-year average, from 2014-2023, for the Alabama counties is 14 tornadoes. There were a total of 20 tornadoes this year, the majority of these occurring during the May 8-9 tornado outbreak. On the evening of May 8, supercell thunderstorms started rapidly developing along and north of the Tennessee River. Supercells are rotating thunderstorms and have the greatest chance of producing a tornado. We will build back: Cleanup continues after tornado hits downtown Athens Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were two EF3, one EF2, 13 EF1, and four EF0 tornadoes that formed during this outbreak. One EF3 tornado impacted the Brigadoon community while the second impacted the Henagar community. (Photo: City of Athens) (Photo: City of Athens, Facebook) The final tornado of 2024 was an EF1 with maximum winds of 100 mph. This tornado tore through downtown Athens, leading to significant damage near the Athens Square. Many buildings near the square sustained damage to the roofs, including the Limestone County Courthouse. The over 100-year-old tree that stood outside the courthouse came down in the storm. Damage was also reported at the Veterans Memorial Museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with the 20 tornadoes in North Alabama, in early August a microburst produced significant damage in Marshall County. NWS Confirms Grant Microburst peak winds of 95 mph Peak winds associated with the microburst were 95 mph and a roof was destroyed on a home that was under construction. Numerous powerlines, poles, and trees were down in the Grant area. An arctic blast, measurable snow, and ice led to a standstill in mid-January. Roads were iced over for a week and some people were unable to leave their homes. Schools, businesses, and some roads were closed during that time as well. People abandoned their cars after getting stuck trying to get up over the mountain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can count on the Weather Authority in 2025 to keep you updated when severe weather threatens the area. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. WARWICK, RI. (WWLP) A man from Warwick, Rhode Island was in court Tuesday after he barricaded himself in his home with a shotgun. Three arrested after loaded firearms, cocaine seized from Springfield apartment Jonathan Leamy, 38, is charged with illegal firearm possession, domestic disorderly conduct, and threatening a public official, according to WPRI. The incident happened Monday when police received a report of a domestic disturbance at the residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A family member was inside the house during the incident but got out before police arrived. Leamy surrendered about 3 hours later, and no one was hurt. His bail is $10,000 and he is due back in court in March. 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. Some MARTA riders are voicing safety concerns at some of the transit stations. On Monday, Channel 2 Action News reported the connector in Downtown Atlanta had to be shut down after a man was standing on the ledge of the MARTA station that runs over the highway. Youre going to encounter problems at every station, one MARTA rider told Channel 2 investigative reporter Ashli Lincoln. We just want to go to work and come home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rider asked not to be identified for safety concerns but told Lincoln on a daily shes had to look over her shoulder with every commute. Ive never been so scared just to go back and forth to work, she told Lincoln. Having to travel from Decatur to College Park on MARTA transit she said its the connecting hub at the Five Points Station downtown that gives her the most pause. Thats where it gets really bad. Thats where you have to constantly look over your shoulder, its something out of a Wild West book, she said. TRENDING STORIES: She said shes witnessed stabbings, people jumping in front of trains, drug activity, and even homicide investigations in the last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On its website, the transit authority reported a significant reduction in violent crimes in 2022. In a statement, MARTA said. Safety is MARTAs top priority. The MARTA Police Department (MPD) is committed to maintaining a secure environment across our transit system. We have a comprehensive safety plan in place, with sworn officers, Field Protective Specialists, and K-9 units providing 24/7 patrols across stations, trains, buses, and parking lots. Our Special Operations Unit, including SWAT and undercover officers, conducts targeted crime suppression details, and dedicated train patrols further enhance security throughout the system. MARTAs network is equipped with thousands of cameras monitored in real-time from our operations center. By summer 2025, we will launch a fully operational Real-Time Crime Center to strengthen our ability to prevent and respond to incidents using advanced technology integrated with our CCTV system. We encourage customers to use the MARTA See & Say app to report crimes or suspicious activity anonymously. The app allows users to send photos, videos, and messages directly to our dispatchers. Riders can also use the blue and white emergency phones in stations or contact MPD at 404-848-4911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MPD works closely with the Atlanta Police Departments Zone 2 and Zone 5 to further enhance safety in and around our transit system. We are committed to continuously evaluating and improving our security measures to ensure a safe transit experience for all. MARTA told Lincoln that its encouraging riders to use their app to report crimes. The transit agency said by the summer of 2025, it plans to launch a fully operational real crime center. With a career spanning over three decades, Air Marshal Mishra was commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in December 1986 and has accumulated more than 3000 flying hours throughout his career. A graduate of the National Defence Academy in Pune, Mishra has also attended several esteemed institutions, including the Air Force Test Pilots School in Bangalore, the Air Command and Staff College in the USA, and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the UK. Known for his exceptional skills, Air Marshal Mishra is a Fighter Combat Leader and an experimental Test Pilot. The Western Air Command, which is one of the IAF's most strategically important formations, is tasked with defending India's western frontier and providing support during times of conflict. In his service career spanning over 38 years, the Air Marshal has tenanted important command and staff appointments. These include the Commanding Officer of a Fighter Squadron, Chief Test Pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Air Officer Commanding two frontline air bases, Director (Operational Planning and Assessment Group), Principal Director (ASR) and assistant chief of Air Staff (Projects) at Air HQ (VB), Commandant ASTE and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine, Organisation and Training). He was Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) before taking over his present appointment. The Air Officer is a recipient of the 'Ati Vishisht Seva Medal' and 'Vishisht Seva Medal'. Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra succeeds Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha who superannuated on December 31, 2024 after putting in more than 39 years of distinguished service in the IAF. (ANI) SPRINGFIELD, Mo. The new year begins in just a few short hours, and bars and restaurants across Springfield are preparing for one of the biggest nights of celebration. Bars, nightclubs and restaurants across Springfield are hosting New Years Eve celebrations to ring in the new year Tuesday night. The Springfield Police Department also has plans to be out. We will have our downtown squads as well as some additional officers from our community services section, SPDs Cris Swaters said. As far as citywide, it is operations as usual with our squads that are on patrol tonight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twelve venues, including Dublins Pass, are participating in the 2025 Queen City Pub Crawl in downtown Springfield. Big Slice Arcade originally planned to participate but was unable to due to a miscommunication. We are ready to have a good time and make sure everybody has the best time. A safe time, Makhala Tevebaugh said. Springfield gyms preparing for influx of new members Tevebaugh also explained that pub crawls are a way for these businesses to connect and offer a fun and safe night. Its all these bars together to get collectively want to do this thing for everybody, Tevebaugh said. Its kind of like an inclusive thing for all like college kids, even adults who just want to have more fun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tevebaugh has worked at Dublins for nearly six months and says celebrating in Springfield offers a sense of friendship. You have a friend in almost everyone, your server, your bartender, all of it, Tevebaugh said. Everyones just always there for you and ready to have a good time. Its, its a great experience. But with the fun comes the risk of drunk drivers. Free rides offered on New Years Eve Breakthru Beverage Missouri and Absolut Vodka partnered this New Years Eve to offer 500 free Lyft rides to those across Missouri, including right here in Springfield, as part of their Safe Home After Every Occasion program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Go ahead and take a rideshare downtown or wherever youre going and schedule that pick up for 1:30 when those establishments close, Swaters said. Get home safely. Dont drink and drive. Dont get behind the wheel. You can use code BBGMONYE24 for a free Lyft ride up to $30 until 2 a.m. or until all of the free rides are redeemed. 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. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) OSF Saint Anthony in Rockford and KSB Hospital in Dixon are now recommending patients, visitors and employees to wear masks in response to an increase in respiratory illness in the state. OSF is also enacting a temporary visitor restriction that allows only two people 18 or older to be with a patient at a time. Exceptions will be made for special circumstances. Illinois health officials are warning the whole state of the rise in respiratory illnesses, specifically COVID-19, the flu and RSV. Officials said respiratory illnesses account for nearly 17% of all hospital admissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That number is expected to continue rising into the winter months. Local health experts said if you are feeling sick, protecting others around you is important. If youre unable to avoid people, wearing a mask is really important. Getting tested is important too, so you can see exactly what you have and how to reduce exposure, said OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center APRN Mary OMera. [You] probably shouldnt be going to work, or work remotely, things like that, even with a mild illness, OMera continued. Whats mild for you doesnt necessarily mean it would be mild for someone thats, doesnt have the same immune system to fight things off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If anyone needs to get tested for COVID-19, you find take-home tests at your local Walgreens or CVS. You can also schedule an appointment with a local medical center or local drug stores. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. Dec. 31GRAND FORKS A rural highway near Mayville, North Dakota, is temporarily closed after a train derailed on Tuesday, Dec. 31. According to the North Dakota Department of Transportation, state Highway 200 is blocked due to the derailment, which occurred east of the intersection of Highway 200 and Highway 18. The NDDOT, at approximately 4:15 p.m., said the closure was expected to last approximately three hours. Traffic from Highway 200 is being detoured through Mayville. Dec. 31ROCHESTER A Rochester man is facing charges involving possessing and disseminating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) after Rochester police investigated a cybertip in October, according to charges filed on Monday, Dec. 30. Joel Alan Ashbacher, 44, is charged with one count of disseminating pornographic work, three counts of possessing CSAM and one count of prostitution, all felonies. A warrant was issued for Ashbacher on Monday. As of Dec. 31, no hearings have been scheduled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the criminal complaint, the Rochester Police Department received a cybertip on Oct. 18, 2024, alleging that a man solicited minors. The tip provided the name of a minor who was solicited and Ashbacher's phone number. Police were aware that Ashbacher was associated with a 2022 cybertip relating to CSAM that did not result in criminal charges. In November, police stopped him as he left his northwest Rochester residence, the complaint said. Ashbacher provided officers with his email addresses and phone number, which matched the number provided in the cybertip. He denied knowing the minor named in the tip. Ashbacher told police it had been awhile since he asked people to send him sexually explicit photos or videos, but that he used Grindr or Scruff, two social applications. He then denied asking a minor to send photos or videos or offering people money in exchange for nude photos and videos. According to the complaint, Ashbacher said he had sex at his residence with one young male whom he believed was 18. Ashbacher said he did not give the person money for sex, but he did give him money for food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police searched Ashbacher's residence and electronics, they found 117 images and videos containing CSAM. An officer then found numerous chats between Ashbacher and other individuals. Ashbacher told one user that he knew the male was under 18 and that he still had sex with him. In early December, officers made contact with the male in the cybertip. He told police that Ashbacher paid him $150 to $300 and occasionally offered $500 for different kinds of sex, the complaint said. Ashbacher also asked the male if he knew of younger boys who would engage in sex acts. The state requested a warrant because Ashbacher had only been seen at his home once since the search warrant for Ashbacher's person, residence, vehicle and electronics was executed. "It is believed that Ashbacher is a flight risk and that he poses a threat to public safety, especially young children," the complaint says. Romania and Bulgaria have become full members of the European Unions border-free Schengen area after scrapping land border controls in the bloc. The expansion was officially introduced at midnight on Wednesday and was marked by celebrations at some of the countries border posts. Welcome to Schengen, Bulgaria and Romania! the European Parliament wrote in a post on X Wednesday. As of today, there will be no more checks when travelling across land borders between Bulgaria or Romania and any Schengen member country, it added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the stroke of midnight, the Bulgarian and Romanian interior ministers symbolically raised a barrier of the Danube Bridge, Reuters reported. That crossing, also known as the Friendship Bridge, connects the two countries and is a key transit point for international trade. Fireworks were also set off close to the Bulgarian border town of Ruse, where the bridge enters the country. The two former communist countries partially joined the Schengen area in March when they lifted checks on traveling by air and sea. However, discussions over the land border controls continued. The final barrier to full membership was removed last month, when Austria dropped a veto it had maintained on the grounds that more was needed to stop irregular migration, Reuters reported. The European Commission has previously welcomed the expanded Schengen area, describing it as making the EU stronger as a Union, internally and on the global stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The area now encompasses 25 of the 27 EU member states, excluding Cyprus and Ireland. It also covers Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. According to the European Commission, it enables the free movement of more than 425 million EU citizens, as well as non-EU nationals living in the bloc or visiting. It also enables citizens in the bloc to travel, work and live without special formalities. The Schengen zone is the largest area of free movement in the world, according to the commission. The scheme has occasionally caused friction among its member states, including over flashpoint issues such as security and migration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September, Germany chose to temporarily reintroduce controls along all its land borders as part of a crackdown on migration. Member states have the ability to temporarily reintroduce border control at internal borders in the event of a serious threat to public policy or internal security. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (WHTM) People in Harrisburg were taking steps to promote peace to ring in the New Year today. Rotarians laced up their sneakers and met on 3rd and Forster Streets for Rotary Internationals mile-long walk or run past the Capitol. The goal was to start the new year off on the right foot by showing your neighbors that youre there for them. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Alerts Coming out here and seeing that people will stand and people will walk and people will try to raise awareness makes a huge difference for us here, said Darfur survivor Hagir Elsheikh. It will tell people that central Pennsylvania is right there with you it doesnt matter where you are in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrisburgs Rotary Chapter will have three events in the upcoming year for people interested in service: January 28 During Human Rights Day, both the WACH and District 7390 will host a Great Decision Session forum introducing the Concepts of Positive Peace and Eight Pillars of Peace presented by a member of the District 7390 leadership. The public-invited session will be monitored by WACH President/CEO Joyce M. Davis and Rotary District Governor Paul Thompson. The location and time of this forum will be announced soon. March 15 District 7390 will host a public-invited positive peace community workshop for groups of local leaders and Rotarians. The community workshop, location, and time will be announced soon April 5 During a multi-rotary district conference rotary positive piece activator Dr. Hortitz will again present an overview of positive peace. The public will be invited to attend at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey at 4:00 p.m. on April 5th, 2025 the public is invited to attend. No registration is required To learn more, 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 ABC27. At least two explosions were heard in the city of Zaporizhzhia during an air raid two hours before midnight on New Years Eve. The attack has caused a fire in a residential area. Source: Ukraine's Air Force; Suspilne, Ukrainian public broadcaster; Ivan Fedorov, Head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration Details: The military reported that Russian forces launched attack drones on Zaporizhzhia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, the oblast was attacked with guided bombs. This marked the sixth air-raid warning in the oblast on 31 December. Updated: Fedorov reported that several houses were burning in a settlement in the oblast due to a Russian attack at around 01:00 on 1 January. Rescue workers managed to save a woman. Support UP or become our patron! By Vladimir Soldatkin and Dan Peleschuk MOSCOW/KYIV (Reuters) -Russian gas exports via Soviet-era pipelines running through Ukraine came to a halt on New Year's Day, marking the end of decades of Moscow's dominance over Europe's energy markets. The gas had kept flowing despite nearly three years of war, but Russia's gas firm Gazprom said it had stopped at 0500 GMT after Ukraine refused to renew a transit agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The widely expected stoppage will not impact prices for consumers in the European Union - unlike in 2022, when falling supplies from Russia sent prices to record highs, worsened a cost-of-living crisis and hit the bloc's competitiveness. The last remaining EU buyers of Russian gas via Ukraine, such as Slovakia and Austria, have arranged alternative supply, while Hungary will keep receiving Russian gas via the TurkStream pipeline under the Black Sea. But Transdniestria, a breakaway pro-Russian region of Ukraine's neighbour Moldova also reliant on the transit flows, cut off heating and hot water supplies to households early on Wednesday. Local energy company Tirasteploenergo urged residents to dress warmly, hang blankets or thick curtains over windows and balcony doors, and use electric heaters. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said the end of gas transit through his country to Europe was "one of Moscow's biggest defeats" and urged the U.S. to supply more gas to Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The more there is on the market from Europe's real partners, the faster we will overcome the last negative consequences of European energy dependence on Russia," he wrote. Europe's "joint task" now, he wrote, was to support ex-Soviet Moldova "in this period of energy transformation". The European Commission said the EU had prepared for the cut-off. "The European gas infrastructure is flexible enough to provide gas of non-Russian origin," a spokesperson for the Commission said. "It has been reinforced with significant new LNG (liquefied natural gas) import capacities since 2022." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia and the former Soviet Union spent half a century building up a major share of the European gas market, which at its peak stood at around 35%. But the EU has slashed its dependence on Russian energy since the start of the war in Ukraine by buying more piped gas from Norway and LNG from Qatar and the United States. Ukraine, which refused to extend the transit deal, said Europe had already made the decision to abandon Russian gas. "We stopped the transit of Russian gas. This is a historic event. Russia is losing its markets, it will suffer financial losses," Ukraine's Energy Minister German Galushchenko said in a statement. ALTERNATIVE SUPPLIES Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine will lose up to $1 billion a year in transit fees from Russia. To help offset the impact, it will quadruple gas transmission tariffs for domestic consumers from Wednesday, which could cost the country's industry more than 1.6 billion hryvnias ($38.2 million) a year. Gazprom will lose close to $5 billion in gas sales. The company halted supply to Austria's OMV in mid-November over a contractual dispute but in recent weeks Russian gas has been reaching Austria via Slovakia at a rate of around 200 gigawatt hours (GWh) per day. For Jan. 1, only about 7 GWh per day is expected to flow from Slovakia to Austria, Austrian energy regulator E-Control said. Slovakia's main gas buyer SPP said it would supply its customers mainly via pipelines from Germany and also Hungary, but would face additional transit costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combined pipeline routes from Russia delivered a record high 201 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas to Europe in 2018. The Nord Stream route across the Baltic Sea to Germany was blown up in 2022 and the Yamal-Europe pipeline via Belarus has also shut. Russia shipped about 15 bcm of gas via Ukraine in 2023, down from 65 bcm when the last five-year contract began in 2020. ($1 = 41.9000 hryvnias) (Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin in Moscow and Dan Peleschuk in Kyiv, additional reporting by Sabine Siebold, Mark Trevelyan in London, Dave Graham in Zurich, Jan Lopatka in Prague and Ron Popeski; Writing by Nina Chestney; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Christina Fincher) Congress MLA Nitin Raut has sharply criticized the state government over a violent clash between two groups in Paladhi village, Jalgaon, accusing them of mishandling law and order. Raut, addressing the media, said, "The law and order in the state is not going on the way it should. The government is not paying attention to it and it is involved in making people fight in the name of religion and caste." He further stated that such conflicts were being used as a diversion tactic. "They want people to be busy with such issues so that they won't demand development from the government. This is the failure of the government," Raut added, emphasizing that the government's inaction is leading to a breakdown in law and order across the state. On the violent clash between two groups in Paladhi village of Jalgaon, NCP-SCP leader Jitendra Awhad held Minister Gulab Rao Patil "responsible" for the chaos. "That also has a political background. Minister Gulab Rao Patil is responsible for that chaos," Awhad said. Shiv Sena MLC and party spokesperson Manisha Kayande demanded a thorough investigation into the incident. "A thorough investigation should be done to ascertain facts and find out if there was any mischief to harm the life of state Minister Gulab Rao Patil and his family. I am sure Maharashtra Police will do its job," Kayande said. Dharangaon Tahsildar, Mahendra Suryavanshi said that the security was heightened in Jalgaon after the violent clash."Police and Local administration are deployed in Paldhi village. Panchnama proceedings have been done for 15 shops and vehicles damaged in this incident," Suryavanshi said. A shopkeeper Shakil from Paladhi village claimed that his shop suffered damages in the clash last night."I have filed a complaint. I have suffered losses of around Rs 3 lakhs. I have been running this shop for the last 2 years," the shopkeeper said. Meanwhile, a curfew has been imposed in violence-hit Paladhi village of Maharashtra's Jalgaon district after the violent clash broke out between two groups on Tuesday night. (ANI) The Russian army has lost over 38,000 troops and more than 1,000 pieces of equipment since the beginning of Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Jan. 1. Syrskyi's statement comes after his visit to Russia's Kursk Oblast to reward the Ukrainian military serving in the area. Over 700 servicemen from the Russian military were captured during the Ukrainian incursion, the general added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will continue to destroy the invaders. It doesn't matter whether they have Russian or North Korean passports. The battle continues," Syrskyi said. Ukraine began its surprise incursion into Kursk Oblast on Aug. 6, capturing about 1,300 square kilometers of territory, according to Kyiv. Ukrainian forces have lost control of about half of the initially captured territory as intense fighting continues in the region. Kyiv hopes to use the occupied Russian territory as a bargaining chip in future negotiations with Russia. Russia has also stationed approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers in the region since August to assist in ousting Ukrainian forces. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 23 that more than 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured since their deployment in Kursk Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their casualties have been linked to their lack of knowledge of the terrain and modern drone warfare, according to South Korean MP Lee Sung-kwon. 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 officials warned of severe environmental damage Wednesday as thousands of people came out to clean up tons of fuel oil that spilled out of two storm-stricken tankers more than two weeks ago in the Kerch Strait, near Moscow-occupied Crimea. More than 10,000 people, largely volunteers, raced to rescue wildlife and remove tons of sand saturated with mazut, a heavy, low-quality oil product, according to Russian news reports. Authorities in Russias southern Krasnodar region last week announced a region-wide emergency, as the fuel oil continued washing up on the coastline 10 days after one tanker ran aground and the other was left damaged and adrift on Dec. 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move came days after Russian President Vladimir Putin called the oil spill an ecological disaster. On Wednesday, New Years Day, Krasnodar officials said the oil kept on surfacing on the beaches of Anapa, a popular local resort. More than 71,000 tons of contaminated sand and soil had been removed along 56 kilometers (35 miles) of shoreline since the original spill, Russias emergencies ministry reported on Wednesday morning. On Dec. 23, the ministry estimated that up to 200,000 tons in total may have been contaminated. Some Russian media critical of the Kremlin cited Russian volunteers as saying that state support has been inadequate as they grapple with the consequences of the spill. Some said they experienced headaches, nausea and vomiting after spending hours inhaling toxic fumes, and complained of insufficient equipment and protective measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others called for international specialists to be sent in, citing the scale of the spill and the likely extent of the impact. Photos circulating on social media and local news channels showed seabirds coated in black fuel oil. The spill may have killed more than 20 dolphins, the local Delfa dolphin rescue centre said, adding tests were ongoing to ascertain the cause of the deaths. The Kerch Strait separates the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula from Russia and is an important global shipping route, providing passage from the inland Sea of Azov to the Black Sea. It has also been a key point of conflict between Russia and Ukraine after Moscow annexed the peninsula in 2014. In 2016, Ukraine took Moscow to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, where it accused Russia of trying to seize control of the area illegally. In 2021, Russia closed the strait for several months. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, last month described the oil spill as a large-scale environmental disaster and called for additional sanctions on Russian tankers. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans, commenting on Russia's latest drone attack, has emphasised the necessity of unwavering support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. Source: European Pravda, citing Brekelmans on X (Twitter) Quote: "Russia began the new year by launching over 100 drones into Ukraine. This only reinforces the good intentions for 2025: Unwaveringly support Ukraine against Russian aggression. And at the same time, rapidly and significantly strengthen our armed forces in Europe." Rusland luidde het nieuwe jaar in door meer dan 100 drones naar Oekraine te lanceren. Het versterkt alleen maar de goede voornemens voor 2025: Oekraine onverminderd steunen tegen de Russische agressie. En tegelijk onze krijgsmachten in Europa snel en fors versterken. pic.twitter.com/8Zxbh3xfnG Ruben Brekelmans (@DefensieMin) January 1, 2025 Background: On the morning of 1 January, debris from a Russian drone struck a residential building in Kyiv's Pechersk district, partially destroying the top two floors and causing a fire. Two people were killed in the attack. Starting on the evening of 31 December, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with strike drones from both the south and the north.. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky also reacted to the Russian attack. Support UP or become our patron! Russia launched a drone attack on Kyiv on the morning of Jan. 1, killing two people, the Kyiv city military administration said on Telegram, citing its head Tymur Tkachenko. At least six people were injured in the attack, Ukraine's State Emergency Service said. The Prosecutor General's Office said on Telegram that the injured included two pregnant women. The National Bank of Ukraine said that one of its buildings in Kyiv's Pechersk District had been damaged by falling debris. The central bank's main building is located near the President's Office on Bankova Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the NBU's (National Bank of Ukraine) operating systems and services are fully operational and unaffected, the central bank said in a statement posted on Facebook, adding that windows on the upper floors were damaged. Russia launched 111 drones, including Shahed ones, against Ukraine overnight on Jan. 1, Ukraines Air Force reported on its Telegram channel on Jan. 1. Air defense shot down 63 drones over 10 oblasts, while another 46 drones did not reach their targets, the Air Force said. Even on New Year's Eve, Russia was only concerned with hurting Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a statement posted on his Telegram channel on Jan. 1. My condolences to the families and friends (of the victims)." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also thanked the army, doctors and emergency services for their work. Russia has not slowed down its attacks on Ukraine over the holiday period. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 29 that Moscow had escalated its aerial assaults on Ukraine. On Dec. 25, Russia conducted a large-scale Christmas attack, firing 78 missiles and 106 drones against multiple cities. Read also: Ukraine war latest: In world first, Ukrainian sea drone downs Russian helicopter Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Russian drone attack killed two residents in Kyiv during the first hours of 2025, hours before Moscows gas transit to Europe via Ukraine was cut off. Wednesdays midnight attack a rare strike on the heart of the Ukrainian capital followed Mr Zelensky vowing in a new years message that he would do everything possible to bring the war to an end over the next 12 months. He later described the end of Moscows gas exports via Soviet-era pipelines running through Ukraine as one of Moscows biggest defeats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines state emergency services said two people were killed, six wounded and four pulled from the rubble after the Russian drones were fired towards Kyiv as the country rang in the new year under the cloud of war for a third time since Russias 2022 invasion. Journalists in the city heard multiple powerful explosions early on Wednesday morning. Local officials said the damage was caused by falling debris, suggesting the drones had been intercepted. A total of 111 Russian drones were fired at Ukraine in the early hours of New Years Day - Ukrainian State Emergency Service/AFP via Getty Images Ukrainian officials said the Russian drones targeted the capitals Pechersky district, home to the presidential palace and government quarter. Apartment blocks were hit and Ukraines central bank said one of its buildings in the city centre was damaged in the attack. Even on new years night, Russia only cares about hurting Ukraine, Mr Zelensky said in a Telegram post in the wake of the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 111 Russian drones were fired at Ukraine overnight, with 109 either shot down or disabled by Ukraines air defence systems, the Ukrainian air force said. Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, has repeatedly threatened to strike at the heart of Kyiv in recent weeks an attack he said would be a response to Ukraine firing US-supplied long-range weapons on Russian territory. Both sides have ramped up their aerial attacks over the last two months, seeking to gain an upper hand in the conflict ahead of US president-elect Donald Trump entering the White House on Jan 20. The incoming Republican has claimed he can strike a peace deal within a matter of hours, stoking fears in Kyiv that it could be forced to accept terms favourable to Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesdays strikes targeted Kyiv hours before Russian ceased to flow through Ukraine, ending decades of Moscows dominance over Europes energy markets. The gas had kept flowing despite nearly three years of war, but Russias gas firm Gazprom said it had stopped at 0500 GMT after Ukraine refused to renew a transit agreement. The widely expected stoppage will not impact prices for consumers in the European Union unlike in 2022, when falling supplies from Russia sent prices to record highs, worsened a cost-of-living crisis and hit the blocs competitiveness. The last remaining EU buyers of Russian gas via Ukraine, such as Slovakia and Austria, have arranged alternative supply, while Hungary will keep receiving Russian gas via the TurkStream pipeline under the Black Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Transnistria, a breakaway pro-Russian region of Ukraines neighbour Moldova also reliant on the transit flows, cut off heating and hot water supplies to households early on Wednesday. Local energy company Tirasteploenergo urged residents to dress warmly, hang blankets or thick curtains over windows and balcony doors, and use electric heaters. The more there is on the market from Europes real partners, the faster we will overcome the last negative consequences of European energy dependence on Russia, the Ukrainian president wrote on Telegram. Europes joint task now, he wrote, was to support ex-Soviet Moldova in this period of energy transformation. Russian gas has been supplied to Europe via pipelines crossing Ukraine since the end of the Soviet Union in 1991. Moscow spent half a century building up a major share of the European gas market, which at its peak stood at around 35 per cent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrangement earned revenues for Moscow from the gas and for Kyiv from the transit fees, but the latest transit contract expired on Wednesday, with Ukraine opting not to extend the deal following Russias 2022 invasion. This is despite the fact Ukraine will lose $1 billion (800 million) a year in transit fees from Russia. Kyiv hailed the end of Russian gas transit as a historic event, and said it would deal a blow to Russias finances and its war machine. But Moscow casts it as Ukraine shooting itself in the foot and frustrating its partners in eastern Europe that rely on Russian supplies. Slovakia, one of those countries, has slammed the move, but it has been welcomed by others inside the EU, including Poland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The European Commission said the EU had prepared for the cut-off. The EU has slashed its dependence on Russian energy since the start of the war in Ukraine by buying more piped gas from Norway and LNG from Qatar and the US. To help offset the impact, it will quadruple gas transmission tariffs for domestic consumers from Wednesday, which could cost the countrys industry more than 1.6 billion hryvnias (30 million) a year. 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. One person was killed and least six others, including a pregnant woman, were injured in Kyiv as Russia launched more than 100 drones in an overnight strike into New Year's Day, Ukrainian military and civilian officials said. "In war, there are no holidays, and for Russia, nothing is sacred or inviolable," Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. "It spares no one, killing people even amidst New Year celebrations, starting a deadly countdown from the very first day. The world must not allow tyranny and dictatorship to go unpunished or endorsed in the new year." Ukraine's air force said at least 111 attack drones were launched toward 10 regions throughout Ukraine, including the capital. Ukraine shot down 63 of the drones and another 46 failed to strike a target, the military said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As the world marks the first day of the New Year, Russia launched 111 drones at the people of Ukraine," U.S. Ambassador Ambassador Bridget A. Brink said on social media. "We are thankful for the air defenders and first responders whose tireless heroism protects us all." PHOTO: In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Services on Jan. 1, 2025, a residential building is seen damaged by a Russian drone strike in the city center of Kyiv, Ukraine. (Ukrainian Emergency Service/AP) MORE: Christmas blackouts in Ukraine after 'massive' Russian strike Ukraine began the new year under "another massive air attack," said Ruslan Stefanchuk, the chair of Ukraine's parliament. "These inhumans decided to give us a hot start to the year and, like real weaklings and cowards, continued to hit civilians," Stefanchuk said on social media. "I wish the victims a speedy recovery." PHOTO: Smoke from a residential building damaged during a Russian drone strike rises over the city, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Jan. 1, 2025. (Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters) Air raid sirens began blaring before sunrise in Kyiv, urging people to make their way to shelters, the Kyiv City State Administration said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the injured were in the city's central Pecherskyi neighborhood, where the strike started a fire in an apartment building, Vitali Klitschko, Kyiv's mayor, said in a post in Ukrainian on the Telegram messaging app. PHOTO: Firefighters work at a site of a building damaged during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in central Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 1, 2025. (State Emergency Service of Ukraine via Reuters) "Two of them were hospitalized. Two were treated on the spot by doctors," Klitschko said. A pregnant woman was among the injured, the city administration said in a statement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said one person had been killed in that strike on a residential building. Falling debris also broke windows, started a fire in a garage and damaged trams in the western Sviatoshynskyi neighborhood, Klitschko added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units, mobile fire groups of the Air Force and the Defense Forces of Ukraine," the air force said. Russia launches 111 drones at Ukraine in deadly New Year's attack, Kyiv says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Ukraine's National Resistance Center (NRC) has reported that Russian authorities in the occupied territories of Ukraine have banned any mention of St Nicholas in educational institutions, as well as carolling and nativity scenes. Source: NRC Quote: "The administrations of pre-schools and educational institutions in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine have been instructed to ban even the mention of St Nicholas. At all events, only Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden [traditional Russian characters] must be present. In addition, a complete ban on carols and nativity scenes has been introduced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The invaders recently held preventative discussions with the children to discredit Santa Claus and other fairy-tale figures from Western cultures." Background: Earlier media reports indicated that the Belarusian authorities have banned Santa Claus, Christmas songs in English and traditional carols in schools, recommending adherence to Russian New Year traditions instead. Support UP or become our patron! A Russian attack on Donetsk Oblast killed one civilian on 31 December. Source: Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "Russia is killing civilians. On 31 December, Russians killed a resident of the village of Uspenivka in Donetsk Oblast. Details: Filashkin also emphasised that this data is not complete, as it does not take into account the casualties of Russian attacks in the temporarily occupied cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha. Support UP or become our patron! Russia lost over 420,000 soldiers while advancing in Ukraine and Kursk Oblast in 2024, capturing only 4,168 square kilometres of territory, mostly consisting of fields and small settlements. Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Details: ISW reported that Russia lost an average of 102 personnel for every square kilometre of territory gained in 2024. The most significant Russian advances occurred between September and November 2024, during which Russia secured 56.5% of its territorial gains, losing approximately 125,800 personnel in the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "The Russian military command likely tolerated record levels of personnel casualties from September through November 2024 to facilitate larger territorial gains, but it remains unclear if the Russian military command will be willing to sustain such casualties if Russian forces' rate of advance continues to decline as Russian forces continue to advance on more heavily defended settlements such as Pokrovsk." Details: The Russian offensive slowed in December 2024. Geolocation data indicates that Russian forces captured only 593 sq. km, averaging 18.1 sq. km per day. Meanwhile, daily Russian troop losses remained high, with an average of 1,585 personnel per day, marking the fourth-highest historical daily loss rate for Russia. Quote: "Russian Security Council Deputy Chairperson Dmitry Medvedev claimed on 24 December that 440,000 recruits signed military service contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2024, suggesting that Russia is likely recruiting just enough military personnel to replace its recently high casualty rates one for one." To quote the ISW's Key Takeaways on 31 December: Russian forces gained 4,168 sq. km, largely comprised of fields and small settlements in Ukraine and Kursk Oblast, at a reported cost of over 420,000 casualties in 2024. The Russian military command largely prioritised efforts to seize the remainder of Donetsk Oblast and establish a buffer zone in northern Kharkiv Oblast in 2024 but failed to accomplish these goals. Russian forces have seized four mid-sized settlements Avdiivka, Selydove, Vuhledar and Kurakhove in all of 2024, the largest of which had a pre-war population of just over 31,000 people. Russian forces would require just over two years to seize the remainder of Donetsk Oblast at their 2024 rates of advance, assuming that all their advances were confined to Donetsk, that they can seize large urban areas as easily as small villages and fields, and that the Ukrainians do not conduct any significant counterattacks in Donetsk. Ukrainian forces have yet to stop Russian forces from advancing in their priority sectors, however, and Western aid remains critical to Ukraine's ability to stabilise the frontline in 2025. Russian leader Vladimir Putin officially declared 2025 the "Year of the Defender of the Fatherland" during his New Years' address on 31 December signalling the Kremlin's continued efforts to militarise Russian society and maintain regime stability by appeasing the growing Russian veteran community. Ukrainian naval drones reportedly downed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter near occupied Cape Tarkhankut, Crimea, reportedly marking the first time that a naval drone has shot down an air target. Ukrainian forces struck the Yarsevskaya oil depot in Smolensk Oblast and a building used by the Russian military in Lgov, Kursk Oblast on 30 and 31 December. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Kreminna and in Kursk Oblast, and Russian forces recently advanced near Kreminna, Siversk, Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. The Russian government will deprive prisoners who volunteer to fight in Ukraine of the one-time enlistment bonus starting 1 January 2025, marking another instance of Russia trying to cut the mounting short- and long-term costs of war. Support UP or become our patron! Back in early 2023, the Sacramento City Council voted 7-2 to use a federal grant to buy its police department a Rook, a heavily armored vehicle that moves on tracks and can load officers as gunners onto a moveable platform. The purchase was approved despite numerous objections from residents and community activists. People who are not military experts could be viably confused about what terminology to use when faced with such a vehicle, but the city emphatically insisted it was not a tank, it was a tractor with a shield and a platform. (They say potato, I say po-tank-o.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion But as it turns out, in the nearly two years since the police department bought it https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/crime/article297187329.html#campaignName=sacramento_breaking_newsletter According to the police, the Rook vehicle they bought 23 months ago is still being outfitted by the citys fleet services, and we are not yet in possession of it, Sgt. Dan Wiseman, a police spokesman, said in an email to The Bee. Additionally, there is supplemental equipment associated with the Rook that is also undergoing work, including the vehicle(s) used to transport it. So, not only did we use $439,894 for a massive, militarized, glorified ladder on tank treads but it didnt even come ready to use? What a lemon. History of controversy That council vote back in February 2023 was a particularly elucidating moment for many voters, particularly in District 5, who had recently elected Councilmember Caity Maple to office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 2021, Hannah Holzer of The Bee Editorial board quoted Maple saying that Militarizing the police force has become normal, [and] the more normal it becomes, the more equipment they add on. Maple then shared the quote and Holzers column on social media site, X. When she ran for office in 2022, Maples opposition to further militarizing the police was a deciding factor in her landing The Bees endorsement. So imagine our surprise when she turned around and voted to approve the military-style vehicle despite everything she had said before; especially when authorizing The Rook did not even require her vote to pass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do not support tanks being used by our police force, and I purposely chose not to accept law enforcement contributions on the campaign trail because I wanted the community to know that I would make unbiased decisions related to the police, Maple wrote in an explanatory op-ed to The Bee, shortly after the vote. Voting for the Rook is not a repudiation of my stated beliefs, she added, without expanding on that statement any further. The only two city council members who voted no were District 8s Mai Vang and now-former council member for District 4, Katie Valenzuela., both of whom have faced opposition for questioning the police budget. Police made threats, excuses to obtain That controversial vote also came just days after the killing of former Sacramento resident Tyre Nichols by Memphis police, when Sacramentans were understandably emotional about the use of excessive police force by the nations increasingly militarized law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Champion-level failures at reading the room, Sacramento Police insisted that they needed their own Rook because over the last five years, they had borrowed the Sacramento Sheriffs Rook some 10 times. Law enforcement officials advocated for the Rook by making, thinly veiled references to Sacramento resident Alexander Francis Hoch, who had begun harassing and threatening former Mayor Darrell Steinberg, Talamantes Vang and Valenzuela. (Hoch was later jailed for those threats and was recently released.) At that time, Valenzuela said publicly that she felt the officers references to Hoch were meant to stir up fear in the council to get their votes, a tactic the police department has employed, particularly at budget time. It felt incredibly manipulative and unrelated to the conversation at hand, (and appeared to be) an attempt to target people who have already been targeted, Valenzuela said. Absolutely useless Police Chief Kathy Lester got her expensive ladder on tank treads, I hope shes happy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honestly though, I hope more that it has an entirely useless life, sitting in a police warehouse somewhere, where it cant be used to harass citizens. Though, as it sits rotting, it costs the city approximately $8,000 per year to maintain, over an expected lifespan of about 25 years. Hey, maybe Sac PD should replace the seal in the middle of police badges with a picture of their Rook? Its become the symbol of their department: A poor return on investment with no demonstrable benefit. Flash "As the new year is approaching, we pray for peace in Gaza," Bassem Medhat, a Palestinian refugee who had fled the war-torn enclave, voiced the sentiments of thousands now seeking refuge in Egypt. Medhat, 59 years old, was once a successful restaurateur in Gaza. Now he runs a modest eatery in the heart of Cairo, where the smell of spices and the familiar taste of home offer many of his fellow Palestinians in Cairo a comforting refuge. Forced to abandon his thriving businesses, comfortable villa, and cars, Medhat arrived in Egypt in March with his wife and seven children. "We left everything behind," he said in a sad tone. "But we did not lose our hope. This year, we pray for an end to the fighting, for the chance to go back to Gaza and rebuild our lives." Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a rampage led by Hamas through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage. According to the Gaza-based health authorities, since the outbreak of the conflict, the Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza has topped 45,000. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the number of Palestinians arriving from the Gaza Strip to Egypt since Oct. 7, 2023, has reached more than 100,000, in addition to thousands of others who were already in Egypt before the war began. The whispers of a possible ceasefire have infused the Palestinian community in Cairo with a renewed sense of optimism. Medhat, like many others, clings to the possibility of return, envisioning a Gaza where his children can grow up safe, where the sounds of laughter replace the rumbling of bombs. "We dream of a Gaza where our children can have a normal childhood," he told Xinhua. "A Gaza where they can go to school without fear, where they can play in the streets without the threat of bombs." The hopes of Medhat, and thousands of other Palestinians in Egypt, are entangled with the fate of their homeland. Heba Hashim, a young Palestinian woman studying medicine in Cairo, shared this longing for a peaceful future. While grateful for the safety she has found in Egypt, her heart aches for her family and friends who are still trapped in Gaza. "Every day, I worry about them," she said, her voice strained with concern. "The news from Gaza is devastating. But I have hope that this year will be different. This year, we will see peace return to Gaza." Hashim, who was in Egypt before the war started, dreams of using her medical skills to heal the wounds of war, to contribute to the rebuilding of her homeland. The young lady hoped to see a Gaza where "hospitals are for patients, not war victims." "I want to be part of the solution," she said with determination. "I want to help rebuild Gaza, to create a better future for our people. This year, I hope to see that dream become a reality." Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid obeisance at the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple in the Tirupati district on the first day of the year. The Jammu and Kashmir LG offered prayers at the temple and extended New Year greetings on his handle on X. "Warm greetings and good wishes to everyone on the joyous occasion of New Year. May the year 2025 bring happiness, health and prosperity to all," posted Office of LG Manoj Sinha. To mark the New Year 2025, a large number of devotees thronged the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is one of the most visited religious sites in the nation. It attracts millions of devotees annually. Speaking to ANI, one of the devotees, Mahalakshmi extended greetings on the New Year."We came yesterday for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. The darshan was very good. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year," Mahalaxmi said. Another devotee Chaitanya stated that he comes to Tirumala Mandir every New Year to celebrate the day and offer prayers. "Every year, I used to come here for darshan during the New Year. There are usually a lot of people, but this time, the crowd was less. The darshan was completed quickly. The facilities here are good, and the SSD tokens were available quickly. I will visit the local temple and then return," Chaitanya said. Chiranjeevi stated, "I came from Hyderabad for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. The facilities are good in the area where 3 to 5 lakh devotees can gather. I came for the darshan on New Year. The darshan was completed well in 3 hours." Meanwhile, people from all over the country gathered in large numbers in temples and churches to mark the new year, whether it was Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Mathura, Varanasi, Ajmer, Tirupati, or Guwahati, people flocked to iconic religious spots to celebrate the day. Amid inclement weather conditions in the national capital Delhi, people commenced their day with morning prayers and 'aarti' at the famous Pracheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place. Similar visuals were there from the Jhandewalan temple in the capital city. Devotees thronged in large numbers to the Kalkaji temple while Chhatarpur temple and Birla Mandir witnessed a mesmerising morning aarti. In Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh showed a huge large number of people visiting Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple to offer their prayers on the very first day of 2025. The holy city Varanasi and its residents started their day with majestic Ganga Aarti which was performed at Assi Ghat. India welcomed 2025 with celebrations across the country, as people in various cities marked the occasion with joy and enthusiasm. New Year celebrations began in many cities with parties, cultural events, live music performances, and themed decorations. In Delhi, famous spots like Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, and Lajpat Nagar were filled with large crowds celebrating the New Year. To ensure a safe celebration, Delhi Police made prior security arrangements. (ANI) (FOX40.COM) A Sacramento-area restauranteur is permanently closing an acclaimed restaurant and temporarily closing his Elk Grove barbeque spot both on Jan. 1, according to the restaurants social media accounts. The Michelin Guide described Michael Hargiss Beast + Bountys food as [i]ncredibly fresh, creative California fare and particularly recommended its pickled fritto misto, a crispy tempura mix of rotating, seasonal vegetables. Video Above: Top 10 fast-casual chains of 2024 When we opened in 2017, it was with the dream of bringing Michelin-caliber quality to a neighborhood restaurant, reads the Dec. 28 post on Beast + Bountys Instagram page announcing their closure. We poured our hearts, souls, and resources into this endeavor. The response from the Sacramento community has been nothing short of extraordinary, culminating in our inclusion in the Michelin Guidea recognition well always cherish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the post, restaurant operators said that despite negotiations they had come to an amicable agreement with Heller Pacific which developed the Ice Blocks buildings, where Beast + Bounty is located. Last year, Hargiss Milk Money, a donut shop next door to Beast + Bounty in the Ice Blocks, also closed. On Dec. 27, Hargiss Elk Grove barbeque restaurant Slow & Low Smokehouse announced it would be temporarily closing. The restaurant opened last summer with the help of a loan guaranteed by the City of Elk Grove. On Tuesday, it was announced that Hargis would be pairing with renowned pitmaster Matt Horn, founder of the Michelin-recommended Horn Barbecue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hargis also operates other Sacramento-area businesses including Lowbrau Bier Garten, the Midtown cocktail bar Holy Spirits, and the concert organizer THIS. The Sacramento Business Journal reported that Hargis was being sued by two lenders in Sacramento County Superior Court earlier this year for missed payments. The Lowbrau Bier Garten LLC was also subject to a suit by Balboa Capital Corporation in Orange County Superior Court in March. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Horn, Hargiss new collaborator at Slow & Low Smokehouse, has also had financial troubles of his own since 2022 including being sued by vendors and being subject to wage theft complaints from employees. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Its Tevell Townsends first New Years Eve with A to B Taxi. Im projecting that well be fairly busy tonight, Townsend said. While the driver supervisor does work behind the wheel, hell be dispatching drivers Tuesday night. Sioux Falls events to ring in the new year Ill be answering the phones, and coordinating the drivers getting to and from, making sure they get the right people and get them home safely, Townsend said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taking a taxi or a ride-share home are options to consider if youll be drinking alcohol. You can also make ride arrangements with a family member or friend who wont be drinking. Sam Clemens with the Sioux Falls Police Department recommends coming up with a plan before you go out. We dont want to see anybody thats impaired thats driving or decides to get behind the wheel. If you have that plan in place, then you know youre going to be safe, Clemens said. The police department will have extra officers on duty Tuesday night looking for impaired drivers. We dont really see a huge increase in problems on New Years Eve, but its really just in case. Theres a lot of people out, a lot of extra people out celebrating. We just want to make sure its done safely, Clemens said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And people like Townsend will help keep the New Years Eve celebrations safe. If youve been out drinking, you definitely dont need to be driving, Townsend 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 KELOLAND.com. AUSTIN (KXAN) The safety barriers protecting New Orleans Bourbon Street were under construction, and not up, when a driver plowed into a crowd on the street in the early hours of New Years Day, killing 15 people. The incident is prompting City of Austin leaders to also consider safety bollards in highly trafficked areas, like Congress Ave. The project to replace the citys old bollards along Bourbon Street with newer stainless-steel bollards began in early November and was set to continue until January, according to the citys plans posted online. Online plans showed the construction crews would be replacing them with temporary asphalt to maintain vehicle access during the construction. Driver rams New Years revelers in New Orleans, killing 10; FBI doesnt believe he acted alone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said on Wednesday there were officers and police cars in places where bollards were supposed to be. Kirkpatrick said the driver drove around the police vehicles onto the sidewalk. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry vowed to fix defects with safety barriers in the French Quarter. We can go into what-ifs forever. This is evil, Landry said. Where there are defects in the system, we are going to be transparent, address them with the city, and make sure that we fill those gaps as best we can. Rob Reiter, the co-founder of the nonprofit Storefront Safety Council, said using a police car as a safety barrier is not effective or recommended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preventing Disaster: Austin hospital crash among 300+ in U.S. since 2014 A police car has a lot of things, but its not a cheap, effective, full-time safety barrier. They can get moved for a number of reasons, Reiter said. A determined attacker can push the vehicle out of the way using, you know, a low-speed crash, or just pushing it. A recent study from the Cyber Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency identified 51 vehicle attacks in the United States between 2000 and 2022. The report also discussed vehicle-borne improvised explosives devices, or VBEID, in which a perpetrator uses a vehicle to deliver a bomb. Although infrequent, especially in the United States, potential VBIED incidents remain a serious concern for critical infrastructure facilities and mass gathering event security teams due to the associated potential threats, damage, and lethality, the April 2024 report stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, asked the General Services Administration to review all federally owned and leased buildings in the southwestern United States, including Louisiana, amid an increased number of deaths and injuries from a lack of safety bollards. The letter sent on Dec. 27 cited KXANs Preventing Disaster investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation said on Wednesday that weapons and a potential IED were in the Ford pickup truck investigators said 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove into the crowd on Bourbon St. An ISIS flag was also located in the vehicle. Cedar Park eyes security barriers after dental office crash, KXAN report The topic of safety bollards has come up recently within the Austin City Council and the Texas Legislature following KXANs reporting on a drunk driver who crashed through an Austin emergency room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December, the Austin City Council unanimously passed an ordinance, introduced by outgoing Council Member Mackenzie Kelly, requiring crash-rated safety bollards at new hospitals, urgent care clinics, and stand-alone emergency rooms. Council Member Zo Qadri is also pushing for safety bollards to be placed in other parts of the city with high-foot traffic, specifically a requirement for safety bollards in downtown Austin. Qadri referenced concerns around a previous incident during SXSW in 2014 where a man drove into a crowd at the festival, killing four people. The tragedy in New Orleans underscores the need for our City to remain dedicated to safe streets and public spaces, Qadri said in a statement to KXAN. Im committed to exploring with staff enhanced safety treatments for major street closures downtown, along with anything applicable to our City that investigations in New Orleans may reveal. Texas State Senator Royce West, D-Dallas, filed a bill requiring crash-rated safety bollards at most hospitals in the state after KXANs reporting revealed more than 400 crashes, at or into, medical centers nationwide in the last decade. 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 KXAN Austin. A 34-year-old Saint Clair woman was jailed in Schuylkill County Prison after police said she assaulted her mother and damaged her home. Borough police charged Dominique Lee Petrozino, of 5 S. 2nd St., who allegedly became involved in a domestic incident with her mother Dec. 29. The defendant after being arraigned and told not to return to the home returned the next morning, damaged the property and caused further disturbance, according to police. Saint Clair police officer Vincent M. Bennett said he was initially called to the home the evening of Dec. 29 for a report of a domestic assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim, who had visible injuries, told police that an argument between the two had led to her daughter hitting her multiple times, leaving injuries. The defendant also threatened to cut her throat, according to police. Petrozino was subsequently arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, and released on unsecured bail. She was instructed not to go back to the property or to make contact with the victim, police said. However, around 5 a.m. the next morning another Saint Clair officer, Christopher Wallace, was dispatched to the residence for a report of an unwanted person. Police said the defendant was seen inside the apartment, waving a stick around, and appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Petrozinos mother told police that the defendant had broken into her home and attempted to bite her neck. The victim related that while she was calling 911, Petrozino took her phone away and destroyed it by throwing it into a toilet. Police said the defendant had gained entry to the home by smashing out a part of the door, then opening a lock to get inside. Police said that Petrozino was uncooperative and kept yelling and kicking while being placed into custody. The defendant was again arraigned before Kilker, who set bail at $50,000 straight cash. Unable to post, Petrozino was jailed in county prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Petrozino faces felony charges of burglary and criminal trespass, along with misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, simple assault and terroristic threats. A preliminary hearing is set for 10 a.m. Jan. 7, before Kilker. DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) The 2024 holiday season in Samson was rocked by tragedy over the weekend. Longtime Samson mayor Clay King died on Saturday after developing sepsis from a recent surgery and was rushed to a Dothan hospital the night before. He was 60. Longtime Samson mayor Clay King dies If you called Samson, Alabama, your home, Clay King was your friend. He had a heart for the people of this town, said Roger Baine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King, born and raised in Samson, graduated from Samson High School and served on the city council before being elected as mayor in 1996, a position he held for 28 years. Clay cared about people; it didnt matter who you were or what side of the tracks you were from. He cared about you. Baine has served as Kings pro tempore or vice mayor since he started and will assume the role as mayor until the next election. During Kings first year as mayor, Baine says King, along with the city council, did not take a salary because they would have needed to borrow money in order to make payroll, but now that is not the case in this Geneva County townAs they are doing very well financially. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wiregrass gearing up for New Years Eve festivities Our town has become very solid, said Baine. To go with flowers, the King family has asked for donations to be made to the community playground project. This was one of the many projects Mayor King poured his time into, projects that Baine says they will see until the very end, but also to honor the former mayor. As we all feel the same way, the mayor and the city council said that we are going to continue with the things that Clay helped us get started on, Baine says thanks to Kings leadership, millions of dollars are expected to come to Samson in the coming year that will go towards drinking water, wastewater, and road projects. 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 WDHN - wdhn.com. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Old Town San Diego is heading into the new year with a brand new decoration: Its very own gateway sign. City officials and the Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce celebrated the ribbon cutting for the long-discussed landmark in mid-December, officially adding the historic neighborhood to a growing list with its own welcome sign. We have iconic signs that have been around for over a hundred years, said Mayor Todd Gloria during the Dec. 19 ribbon cutting ceremony. Today, a historic day that this is, were adding another sign to that collection with this Old Town sign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Convoy District gateway sign lit for the first time It is proof that even in difficult times, even in times of austerity, we can still do big things together, he continued. Gateway signs have long been a unique part of San Diegos identity, with more than a dozen erected in neighborhoods throughout the county. The signs have become a way to signify the unique character of a neighborhood while paying tribute to the regions history. Located at 2540 San Diego Avenue, the new Old Town gateway sign greets visitors as they head into the Old Town San Diego Historic Park. The wood design of the sign mirrors the old-world charm of the buildings housing the neighborhoods many shops and restaurants. Text along the top of the arch holding the sign reads, The Birthplace of California an overt nod to the citys history as the first place where Europeans settled in what is now the Golden State. City officials cut the ribbon during a Dec. 19 ceremony for the Old Town Gateway Sign. (FOX 5/KUSI) During the ribbon cutting ceremony for the gateway sign, officials also made a surprise announcement that one of streets in the area would be renamed to honor one of Old Towns champions, Diane Powers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Powers, who is known as the mother of modern Old Town, is best known for founding Bazaar Del Mundo. Its very exciting and appreciated very much, Powers said. I hope the area will be enjoyed for a long, long 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. DUBAI (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia executed six Iranian nationals for drug smuggling, state news agency SPA reported on Wednesday, prompting Tehran to summon the Saudi ambassador according to media reports. The Saudi interior ministry said the six Iranian nationals were arrested and charged with smuggling hashish into the kingdom, according to SPA, and were given the death sentence. The statement did not mention when the executions were carried out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Tehran summoned Saudi Arabia's envoy in Tehran to "strongly protest" the executions, Iranian media reported. "A note of strong protest from Iran, highlighting the incompatibility of this action with the overall judicial cooperation between the two countries, was conveyed to him. The necessity of providing an adequate explanation on this matter was emphasized," Iranian media reports said. Under a deal brokered by China in 2023, Tehran and Riyadh re-established relations after years of hostility that had threatened stability and security in the Gulf and helped fuel conflicts in the Middle East from Yemen to Syria. (Reporting by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) BEIRUT (AP) Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday that the kingdom executed six Iranian men for drug smuggling, sparking strong objections from Iran at a time when the two countries are trying to mend relations. The Saudi Interior Ministry said the six men had been caught smuggling hashish into the kingdom and were executed after an appeal was rejected by the countrys Supreme Court. It did not say when this happened. The punishment was in line with Islamic law and aimed at protecting citizens and residents from the scourge of drugs, the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Tehran, the Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned the Saudi ambassador in protest, the official IRNA news agency said. Iran would send a delegation to Riyadh to discuss the case, the report added. IRNA quoted ministry official Mojtaba Shasti Karimi as saying the executions contradicted the general trend of judicial cooperation. He said the Saudi action, without informing Iran ahead of time, was not acceptable under any circumstance. The Middle East rivals reestablished diplomatic relations in early 2023, after seven years of tensions. After Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh issued an apology for the ongoing crisis in the state, Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Kumar Nishad on Wednesday urged people to refrain from politicizing the apology. Nishad emphasized that Biren Singh's apology should be seen as a positive step, rather than a political issue. "Janta Janardan hey...those do work, they at times make mistakes as well. When he realised it, he apologised. It should be considered as a good thing and people should not do politics on this..." Nishad said while speaking to ANI. Sanjay Kumar Nishad's remarks came after, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday apologized for the ongoing crisis in the state and urged people to "forget the past" and work towards a peaceful and prosperous future. Earlier today, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit demanded the resignation of Biren Singh, accusing him of failing to resolve the ongoing conflict in the state. "We can understand if he tried to control the law and order situation in Manipur but couldn't resolve the conflict. But when a CM is found aggravating a conflict between two communities and taking sides, then it's unforgivable. If he truly thinks what he did was wrong, then he should resign," Dikshit said. Reflecting on the crisis, the Manipur CM said, "This entire year has been very unfortunate. I feel regret and I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what is happening till today, since last May 3." "Many people lost their loved ones. Many people left their homes. I feel regret. I would like to apologise," he added. Singh further appealed to the various communities in the state to "forget past mistakes and start a new life". "Now, I hope after seeing the last 3-4 months' progress towards peace, I hope that with the New Year 2025, normalcy and peace will be restored in the state. I want to appeal to all the communities of the state that whatever happened has happened. We now have to forget past mistakes and have to start a new life. A peaceful Manipur, a prosperous Manipur, we should all live together," he said. The violence in Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki communities erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3, 2023, against the Manipur High Court's directive to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list. (ANI) GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) The South Carolina Department of Public Safety said Highway Patrol Troopers will be increasing their presence on New Years Eve night, hoping to catch impaired drivers before a life is lost. About half of the fatalities that occur on our roads throughout South Carolina are caused by impaired drivers, said Master Trooper Mitchell Ridgeway, with South Carolina Highway Patrol. Ridgeway said Troopers will be setting up checkpoints throughout the night and into early New Years Day, making sure drivers have their seatbelts on, phones down and also checking to make sure nobody is driving drunk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its all in the name of traffic safety and of saving lives on our roadways, said Ridgeway. Sean Farmer, the Front-of-House Manager and Bar Manager at Larkins in downtown Greenville said that his staff was busy filing orders before 6 p.m., because of New Years Eve. Ive been in this game for a while, so were already starting to see people vibing a bit, said Farmer. He added that his staff have been carefully trained to ensure that guests arent too inebriated. We actually monitor our pour, jigger everything and make sure we are keeping constant vigilance of what we are serving, not letting it get in the way of the actual guest experience at the same time, said Farmer. A guest who survives is also the same guest who is going to come back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farmer encourages other patrons and even establishments to look out for one another by calling a taxi or rideshare for someone who cant safely operate a vehicles. I dont care if it comes out of my own pocket, said Farmer. Ill buy them a ride home that night myself, as long as they are getting home safely in the best way they can. 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. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz decried the suspected car ramming terrorist attack in New Orleans in the early morning hours of New Year's day, which killed 10 and injured at least 35. "This is terrible news that reaches us from New Orleans: people who are happily celebrating are being killed or injured by senseless hatred," the German leader wrote on X on Wednesday. He expressed his condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wished those injured a speed recovery. It has been less than two weeks since Germany was hit by a car ramming attack in the eastern German city of Magdeburg, which resulted in five dead and at least 235 injured. Police officers stand at a cordoned-off area after a driver rammed a pick-up truck into a crowd in New Orleans at the French Quarter early on New Year's Day, killing 10 people before being shot to death by police. James Leyva/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Dec. 31The Albert Lea school board will have a special meeting Friday regarding the hiring of an interim superintendent. Board Chairwoman Kim Nelson said a committee of three board members will meet with two external candidates on Thursday and come back to the full board on Friday with a recommendation. After hearing the recommendations, the board at that time is expected to select a candidate to hire as the interim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The action comes as the board parted ways with Superintendent Ron Wagner earlier in December, voting to place him on paid administrative leave through the end of June and to let his contract expire without renewal. Once the interim is in place, the board will work with the Minnesota School Board Association later in January to begin the search process for a full-time replacement. That process will be more extensive, Nelson said, with times for more public involvement. The meeting on Friday is slated to take place at 10 a.m. in the board room of the district office, 211 W. Richway Drive. Ihor Zyma and Olesia Sokur, a husband and wife who were both scientists, were killed in a Russian drone attack on the city of Kyiv on the morning of 1 January. Source: Oksen Lisovyi, Ukraine's Minister of Education and Science, on Facebook Quote: "A married couple who were both scientists were killed by Russia in a morning attack on Kyiv on the first day of the new year. Prominent neurobiologist Ihor Zyma and his wife, biologist Dr Olesia Sokur, were tragically killed in an enemy UAV strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple had dedicated nearly their entire lives to science, having worked for many years at the Institute of Biology and Medicine at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv." Details: The website of the Institute of Biology and Medicine at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv states that Dr Ihor Zyma was a Senior Researcher and Associate Professor in Biology. He taught courses in Physiology and Anatomy of Humans and Animals, Anatomy and Physiology of the Central Nervous System, Physiology of the Nervous System and Higher Nervous Activity, Neurophysiology, Physiology of Neural Networks, and Evolution of Behaviour and Anthropogenesis. Background: On the morning of 1 January, debris from a Russian drone struck a residential building in Kyiv's Pecherskyi district, partially destroying the top two floors and causing a fire. Two people were killed in the attack. Support UP or become our patron! The most important day of the Supreme Court term was Election Day, when Donald Trump won the presidency and Republicans control of the Senate. The election results will affect the court for years to come in terms of who sits on it, which cases it chooses to decide and how it chooses to decide them. The results could also have more immediate effects on the rest of the courts term, which started in October and usually issues its final decisions by July. Here are some things to watch for at the high court in 2025: TikTok gets a speedy hearing The justices will kick off the year with a Jan. 10 hearing over the fate of TikTok specifically over whether theres a winning First Amendment argument against a federal law that would ban the popular apps U.S. operations unless its Chinese parent company sells it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal appeals court approved the law, and the justices quickly agreed to consider whether the ban can go forward as a Jan. 19 deadline looms. All eyes will be on Washington for the oral argument nine days prior to that deadline to see what a majority of the justices are thinking ahead of what should be a speedy ruling. Whatever the court decides, another question is whether the Trump administration will take a more TikTok-friendly approach, as the president-elect recently met with the companys CEO. Trump will be inaugurated Jan. 20, the day after the law could take effect, putting a spotlight on the political dimension on top of the legal. Trans rights and other cases in flux Continuing along that political theme, Trumps election could also affect cases that have already been argued but not yet decided. Perhaps the biggest case of the term thus far is United States v. Skrmetti, over the constitutionality of banning gender-affirming care for minors. The case has United States in its caption because the federal government under President Joe Biden appealed Tennessees ban to the justices. The incoming administration could take a different view, raising the question of whether the justices will still decide the matter, argued in early December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well be watching to see how the political turnover affects not only trans rights but appeals over ghost guns, the environment and more. Retirements coming? Yet another consequence of the election is on the courts membership. Trump already nominated half of the courts six-justice GOP-appointed supermajority in his first term. By the time his second term ends, he could appoint more than half the entire nine-justice court. Trumps election puts the focus on Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, the courts two oldest GOP appointees. They might not want to quit just yet, but all justices these days know that the way to protect their legacies is to time their retirements so that a president of the same party who appointed them can nominate their successor. Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in Donald Trumps legal cases. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com CHICAGO Authorities in Chicago are asking for help from the public in the ongoing search for an endangered missing adult who officers say walked away from his Northwest Side home on Christmas Eve. According to police, 78-year-old Marcial Hernandez walked away from his home in the 1800 block of North Kimball Avenue on Tuesday, Dec. 24, and has not been heard from since. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hernandez, who is bald and has brown eyes, stands 5-foot-9 and weighs around 120 pounds. In a photo provided by Chicago police, Hernandez can be seen with facial hair, however, it is unclear if he had any at the time of his disappearance. Authorities in Chicago are asking for help from the public in the ongoing search for an endangered missing adult who officers say walked away from his Northwest Side home on Christmas Eve. Police provided details about the missing mans disappearance in a news release shared on Monday evening but did not say what he was last seen wearing. Officers said the missing man is known to frequent areas near the intersections of West North Avenue and North Kimball Avenue as well as West North Avenue and North Francisco Avenue. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 78-year-old Marcial Hernandez is asked to contact the CPD Special Victims Office at 312-746-6554 or dial 911. Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) New clues in the cold case of a used car dealership owner on the Oregon Coast have led Newport police to arrest a man after executing a search warrant at his home last week. Newport police told KOIN 6 News the raid was linked to the disappearance of Ryan Staggs, a former used car dealership owner who was last seen nearly three years ago. However, law enforcement has also been tight lipped about their ongoing investigation. Picturesque Oregon landmark blown over in holiday windstorm Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents show that the man arrested, Jack David Baird, was seen at Staggs home the day after he went missing. Witnesses claim that he was digging in his backyard in the days to follow. New video shot by neighbors shows the moment police and SWAT teams with dogs raided the home near NW Seventh Street on Friday. Its kind of crazy, because you know you just dont expect to be in your neighborhood or on your street, Johan Martinez said. Police confirmed they executed a search warrant around 7 a.m. Hours later, Baird was arrested. But Johan and David Martinez said they saw officials digging in the backyard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats when we figured out, they digging something because they have a public works truck with a flatbed trailer, you know we figure out theyre trying to dig something there, David said. Mayor Ted Wheeler bids farewell to Portland after eight years in office Baird now stands accused of second-degree abuse of a corpse, according to court records. A probable cause affidavit links Bairds arrest to Staggs disappearance, adding that neighbors heard him screaming at his home the day he disappeared Jan. 29, 2022. The next day, records show Baird rented a track hoe that neighbors heard running in the back of his home. One reported seeing a muddy area that appeared to be dug up in the middle of Bairds backyard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Baird was one of two men named in the disappearance, according to the document. The other man has yet to face criminal charges, though the document shows both men have pointed the finger at one another. Law enforcement has yet to confirm whether they are planning to arrest any other suspects. Meanwhile, Baird is being held on $500 bail. He is expected to appear in court on Jan. 7, 2025. 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. The Owensboro Police Departments attempt to serve a search warrant Monday morning in the 2400 block of Bittel Road resulted in a roughly two-hour standoff before the occupants of the house surrendered. The investigation, according to an OPD report, stemmed from an incident on Nov. 27 at Custom Car Stereo, when a unknown male became enraged while at the business and allegedly retrieved a firearm, racked the weapon ejecting shell casings and pointed the gun at employees before fleeing the scene. OPD detectives identified the suspect at Jeremy Willis, 29, of Virginia. Willis has an extensive criminal history and is on parole, OPD reports say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the course of the investigation, detectives traced Willis to the 2400 block of Bittel Road, where they attempted to take Willis into custody shortly after 11 a.m. Monday, though he refused to exit the house and barricaded himself inside. OPDs Emergency Response Team responded to the scene, as well as negotiators who were trying to make contact with the occupants. Our emergency response team was on scene, as a protocol, said Officer Mark Hammonds, OPDs public information officer. Anytime a dynamic situation like this or volatile situation that can turn in the blink of the eye we always try to prepare for the worst and hope for the best, and were ecstatic that this ended as peacefully and as quickly as it did. After about two hours, the standoff was resolved when all three occupants exited the home and surrendered peacefully. Detectives then executed the search warrant and located two firearms and evidence of drug trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were glad the situation came to a peaceful resolution, Hammonds said. Willis faces the following charges from the Nov. 27 event: wanton endangerment (first degree) and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is also facing charges from the execution of the search warrant, which includes possession of a handgun by a convicted felon (two counts), receiving stolen property (firearm), trafficking in a controlled substance (first degree, first offense cocaine), tampering with physical evidence, drug paraphernalia and unlawful imprisonment (second degree). Chris Sam, 29, of Louisville was also in the house when the search warrant was executed and hes facing charges of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon (two counts), receiving stolen property (firearm), trafficking in a controlled substance (first degree, first offense cocaine), tampering with physical evidence and drug paraphernalia. R.C. Coffman, who owns the home, said it was rented through Airbnb by a female who said she would have another guest with her. The original rental was for two days, beginning Dec. 26, and was then extended two days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the first time Coffman has rented the house. This is my first house that I ever had, and I decided to turn it into an Airbnb with the theme of gallery house, he said. I got a lot of the local artists in Owensboro to give me paintings to put up on walls. The whole house is filled with local artists artwork, there is woodworking that built all of the furniture, and this was literally my first guest that I had stay here, and I thought everything was going swimmingly until I got a phone call today saying they were going to be executing a search warrant, and then a little bit later I got a phone call saying they had barricaded themselves in the house and that it was standoff. Coffman said a quick look inside the house looks like a college party gone bad. Its pretty bad in there, he said. Looks like they just junked it all up, which is easy to tell because everything in there was brand new all of the paint, the floors waxed and redone, and from me being able to poke my head in there, it looked like a college party had went bad in there. Stuff all over the house. Soda thrown all over the couches. Ashes. Now Im finding out from the neighbors they were having parties and dogs there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its kind of a heartbreaker for me right now for something that was supposed to be such a great thing to kind of showcase Owensboro and the artists that are here and the talent we have in this community, now having this harsh light thrown on it. Coffman said news of the standoff has caused his next rental to be cancelled, but hes not giving up on renting to guests. This doesnt scare me off, he said. There are just bad things that happen every once in a while; you have to dig your way through them. There was supposed to be one guest, and a guest with her. Sounds like there was a few more than that. I was glad to see no one got hurt. After the unrest in Bangladesh, 20 to 30 infiltrators are being detected in Assam every day, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday terming the situation "worrying". Speaking at the inauguration of the Mini Inter State Bus Terminus at Khanapara, Assam CM said that he has also discussed the infiltration issue with his counterparts from various northeastern states and the West Bengal government. "We have seen a huge increase in infiltration in Assam and India. 2 days ago, I also discussed this with my counterparts from various northeastern states and the West Bengal government. Assam police is detecting 20 to 30 infiltrators every day and the same number of infiltrators are being seen in Tripura. After the unrest in Bangladesh, the textile industry collapsed there. So workers working in the textile industry in Bangladesh are coming to India and many textile factory owners in our country are also encouraging them. I have also discussed this issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in my last meeting. So this is a very worrying issue for us because we have never detected so many infiltrators before," Assam CM said. Since the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year, attacks targeting minorities, primarily Hindus, have increased in Bangladesh. He further highlighted the "jihadi threat" in the state and said that the Assam Police has busted a major module and have arrested 23 people. "As far as the jihadi threat is concerned. Recently we have busted a major module, and we have arrested 23 people. We have seized many weapons. So Assam Police is aware of the threat posed by Jihadi elements across the border," he added. Regarding the Bangladeshi Hindus coming to India, the Assam CM Sarma said that they should not "encourage them to come to India." "I think the numbers are very less and whoever wanted to come would have come 40 years ago... I think we should not encourage them to come to India. The Prime Minister is continuously working to provide security and create a security situation in Bangladesh and the Hindu people of Bangladesh are also working very maturely and we have not seen any Hindu Bangladeshi in Assam in the last five months," Assam CM said. Earlier, CM Sarma extended New Year wishes and said that India will prosper, be stronger, and shine in the world in 2025. "Happy New Year. I'd like to convey my best wishes to every citizen of India for the year 2025... This year will lay a solid foundation for Viksit Bharat. This year, India will prosper, be stronger, and shine in the world," he said. India welcomed the year 2025 with celebrations across the country, as people in various cities marked the occasion with joy and enthusiasm. (ANI) UPDATE: Jennings Police say Gwendolyn has been found safe. ORIGINAL STORY: JENNINGS, La. (KLFY) The Jennings Police Department is asking for help locating a 16-year-old girl who was last seen on Monday. Police said 16-year-old Gwendolyn Evans was last seen around 6 p.m. on Monday wearing a McDonalds uniform. She was reportedly picked up in a silver 2013 Chevy Impala with the Louisiana Plate 521HCH. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is believed that Evans is in the Lafayette area, police said. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Jennings Police Department at 337-821-5513. Gwendolyn Evans. Photo provided by Jennings Police Department. Police looking for missing 12-year-old Morgan City girl 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. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) A number of new laws go into effect in Alabama on Jan. 1, including measures that provide income tax exemptions for deployed National Guard and Reserve troops, training for municipal elected officials and significant limiting of liability for bovine owners. Most of the laws passed by the Alabama Legislature and signed by Gov. Ivey have gone into effect already, including a number on Oct. 1, but records show a handful start Jan. 1. Decatur receives outside police review, plans to release next week Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes requiring a system to be set up for virtual students to take Alabama standardized tests and the elimination of Alabama income tax on capital gains from sales of precious metals like gold, silver, platinum and palladium in bar, coin or round form. The bovine liability limitation, SB 164, covers owners of buffalo, bison, cattle and oxen. The bill addresses animals engaged in bovine activity, such as, grazing, herding, feeding, branding, milking, or other activity that involves the care or maintenance of a bovine; a bovine auction or production sale; a bovine show, fair, or competition; bovine training or teaching activities; boarding a bovine or riding, inspecting, or evaluating a bovine. The law says those activities carry inherent risks and bovine are prone to behave in ways that can injury, loss, damage or death to a person on or around the bovine. The law also notes that bovine have unpredictable reactions to sounds, sudden movements, unfamiliar objects, people and animals. The law goes on to say a bovine owner must post a warning about the potential hazard created by the bovine and unless the owner acted wantonly, willfully, or had knowledge of a bovines propensity for dangerous behavior, the owner cannot be held liable for damage or death. The required sign must say, Under Alabama Law, a bovine owner is not liable for any injury, loss, damage, or death of a person resulting from the inherent risks of bovine activities, pursuant to this act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigation underway after victim shows up to hospital with gunshot wound The measure eliminating state income tax on capital gains for bullion sales is SB 297. The bill exemption National Guard and Reserve troops from state income tax while on deployment by order of the President or Governor is SB 209. The measure allowing virtual testing is HB 95, and is due to go into effect in the 2025-26 school year. The training measure for elected officials is SB 291. That bill requires 10 hours of training in a number of areas, including The general powers of municipalities along with The duties of mayors and governing bodies of municipalities. Ethics. Annexations. The authority to expend municipal funds. Parliamentary procedure. Conflicts of interest. Legislative advocacy. Liability. Public records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials are also supposed to receive training on Police and planning jurisdiction. Public works bidding. Revenue sources. Competitive bid laws. Budgeting. Audit requirements. The public purpose doctrine. The Open Meetings Act. Municipal boards. Zoning. Any other subject recommended by the Alabama League of Municipalities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. By Stevo Vasiljevic CETINJE, Montenegro (Reuters) -A gunman killed at least 10 people in a rampage on a small town in Montenegro on Wednesday, police said, one of the tiny Balkan nation's worst mass killings. A 45-year-old man, identified by police as Aleksandar Martinovic, was on the run after opening fire at a restaurant in the town of Cetinje where he killed four people. The shooter moved on to three other locations, gunning down a family member, two children and three other people, police said. Four more people suffered life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, who media reports said had a history of illegal weapons possession, was at large around Cetinje, a small valley town surrounded by rugged hills some 38 km (23.6 miles) west of the Montenegrin capital Podgorica. A reporter with the state-run broadcaster RTCG said police deployed a drone with thermal vision to search for the suspect. Special police and anti-terrorist units were also searching for the suspect in the hills. "The perimeter is narrowed. ... We will do everything to put this person under control and apprehend him," police director Lazar Scepanovic said. He said the suspect was thought to have been drinking heavily before the shooting. Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic said there had been a brawl where pistols were fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the shooting was not thought to be connected to organised crime. Mass shootings are comparatively rare in Montenegro, which has a deeply rooted gun culture. In 2022, also in Cetinje, 11 people, including two children and a gunman, were killed in a mass attack. Wednesday's incident shocked the country of 605,000 people. Spajic called the shootings a "terrible tragedy" and declared three days of national mourning. Montenegro's president, Jakov Milatovic, said he was "horrified" by the attack. "We are praying and hoping for the recovery of the wounded," Milatovic said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cetinje was eerily quiet with its snow-covered streets empty except for law enforcement. Police urged people to remain inside their homes and video showed police officers cordoning off a neighbourhood where lamp posts were adorned with festive lights. Despite strict gun laws, the Western Balkans composed of Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia, remain awash with weapons. Most are from the bloody wars in the 1990s, but some date back even to World War One. Spajic said authorities would consider tightening criteria for owning and carrying firearms, including the possibility of a complete ban on weapons. (Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic: editing by Alexandra Hudson, Leslie Adler and Cynthia Osterman) PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) At least 10 people, including two children, were killed and four others were seriously wounded on Wednesday in a shooting rampage that followed a bar brawl in a western Montenegrin city, officials said. The shooter was on the run. Police identified the attacker as 45-year-old Aco Martinovic. He killed the owner of the bar in the city of Cetinje, the bar owner's children and his own family members, Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic said at a news conference. At this moment, we are focused on arresting him, Saranovic told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police dispatched special troops to search for the attacker in Cetinje, located some 30 kilometers (18 miles) northwest of the capital, Podgorica. All the roads in and out of the city have been blocked as police swarmed the streets. Saranovic described the suspect as dangerous and appealed on the residents to stay indoors. The level of rage and brutality shows that sometimes such people ... are even more dangerous than members of organized criminal gangs, Saranovic said. Martinovic was at the bar throughout the day with other guests when the brawl erupted, said Police Commissioner Lazar Scepanovic. He said that Martinovic then went home, brough back a weapon and opened fire at around 5:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He killed four people at the bar, before heading out and then continued shooting at three more locations, said Scepanovic. "He tried to take the lives of four more people, and then fled with the vehicle he was using, which we have found. He said that the suspect received a suspended sentence in 2005 for violent behavior and has appealed his latest conviction for illegal possession of weapons. Montenegrin media have reported he was known for erratic and violent behavior. Small Montenegro, which has some 620,000 people, is known for its gun culture and many people traditionally have weapons. Wednesdays shooting was the second shooting rampage over the past three years in Cetinje, Montenegros historic capital. An attacker also killed 10 people, including two children, in August 2022 before he was shot and killed by a passerby in Cetinje. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Jakov Milatovic said he was shocked and stunned by the tragedy. Instead of holiday joy ... we have been gripped by sadness over the loss of innocent lives, Milatovic said on the social media platform X. Prime Minister Milojko Spajic went to the hospital where the wounded were being treated and announced three days of mourning. He said all police teams were out searching for the suspect. This is a terrible tragedy that has affected us all, Spajic said. Russia's Defence Ministry has claimed that Ukrainian drones attacked Russia on the evening of 1 January, causing a temporary suspension of flights at Kaluga, Penza, Saransk and Saratov airports. Source: Russia's Defence Ministry; Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency RIA Novosti, citing Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya); social media Details: According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, Russian air defence units destroyed 19 Ukrainian drones between 17:30 and 20:00, Moscow time: ten UAVs over the territory of Belgorod Oblast, three over the territory of Kursk Oblast and two each over Voronezh, Bryansk and Rostov oblasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosaviatsiya reported that temporary restrictions have been imposed in the evening at the airports of Kaluga, Penza, Saransk, and Saratov for security reasons. The airports are temporarily not accepting or dispatching flights. According to Russian Telegram channels, the restrictions at the airports were introduced due to a drone attack. Support UP or become our patron! San Luis Obispo County may be in the midst of a drier-than-usual winter, but many of its reservoirs are filled to the brim thanks to the past two years of heavy rain. But the San Luis Obispo County Public Works Department wont waste time celebrating a plentiful water supply. Instead, county staff are planning for a potential multi-year drought just in case the La Nina dry weather pattern persists, San Luis Obispo County Public Works Department water resources division manager Courtney Howard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knowing that we can go into multi-year droughts, well need to make sure that everyones continuing their best practices with conservation and water-use efficiency, she said. Lopez Lake trickles over its spillway on Feb. 7, 2024, after atmospheric river storms dumped several inches of rain on the reservoirs watershed. See SLO County reservoir levels The Salinas Dam located at Santa Margarita Lake was at 88% capacity as of Monday afternoon, according to the San Luis Obispo County Public Works Department. Lopez Dam, which formed Lopez Lake on Arroyo Grande Creek, was at almost 92% capacity on Monday. The reservoir had received 5.1 inches of rain since July 1, which is 26% of its average rainfall amount, the Public Works Department said. Whale Rock Reservoir was at 53.7% capacity as of Dec. 2, according to the most recent data from the city of San Luis Obispo. That reservoir is located in Cayucos, and it provides water to the city of San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly and the California Mens Colony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lake Nacimiento was at 53% capacity on Monday, according to the Monterey County Water Resources Agency. Located in northern San Luis Obispo County, the reservoir supplies water to both Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties. San Antonio Lake, located in southern Monterey County, was at 70% capacity on Monday, according to the Water Resources Agency. Water released from Lake San Antonio eventually flows to the Salinas River. How is SLO County prepping for potential drought? As of Monday, San Luis Obispo County was drought-free, but abnormally dry conditions have crept into southeastern portions of California, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor . The county could withstand one dry year, Howard said. The concern, however, would be managing the water supply during a multi-year drought, she said. Were kind of interested to see how the water year turns out, and if its an indicator of multiple years holding with the La Nina, drier pattern, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, the West Coast is experiencing a La Nina weather pattern, which is when colder-than-usual ocean surface temperatures push the storm track northward, dumping rain on the Pacific Northwest while leaving Californias Central Coast drier than usual, according to the National Weather Service. As a result, the county received less rainfall than average this December, according to meteorologist John Lindsey. Rocky Butte only received 71% of its usual rainfall this month, while the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport received 51% and the Paso Robles Municipal Airport got 57% of their typical totals, according to Lindsey. Howard encouraged residents to make water-efficient choices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Best practices include turning off the faucet while brushing teeth, taking shorter showers, installing water-efficient appliances in the home and swapping grass lawns for drought-tolerant landscaping, she said. The county offers a Cash for Grass Program in the Nipomo Mesa Water Conservation Area and above the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin, which provides incentives to property owners who wish to remove their lawns. Meanwhile, farmers can use the mobile irrigation lab run by the Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District. The program will test the uniformity of a farmers irrigation system to inform where to make targeted repairs, she said. Additionally, the county is looking at making its water system more resilient to extreme weather changes especially as climate change causes swings between prolonged drought and severe flooding, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Projects include studying the opportunities to optimize the use of existing water resources, Howard said. For example, the county could offer some of its excess State Water allocation to recharge the severely overdraft Paso Robles Groundwater Basin, she said. The county is also interested in acquiring new water sources, and it plans to examine the options for desalination early next year, she said. SHAFTER, Calif. (KGET) The Shafter Police Department is using state funding to patrol the city and combat fentanyl in a unique way coming into the new year. After state funding for fentanyl use prevention, outreach and enforcement was approved by Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains in July 2024, the Shafter Police Department announced a portion of the funds were used on electric bikes for police bike operations throughout the city. As you can see from the photos above posted to the Shafter PDs Facebook page, officers are already out in the city streets and parks patrolling. 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 KGET 17. MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) A 37-year-old member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin was indicted on Dec. 17 for allegedly dealing drugs. According to a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Jerome Crowe, of Shawano, was charged with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, Crowe faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million. Shawano woman gets federal indictment for drug possession on Menominee Indian Reservation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents state that on or about Nov. 19, 2024, while at a location on the Menominee Indian Reservation, Crowe possessed cocaine in a quantity indicating an intent to distribute. If convicted, Crowe also faces a term of supervised release and a special assessment of $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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. (WFRV) The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Gregory J. Haanstad, announced that a Shawano woman was indicted by a federal grand jury on Dec. 17 for drug possession with intent to distribute. 40-year-old Dianna Chevalier is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, with the alleged offense occurring while on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Man arrested after alleged shooting in Wisconsin leaves elderly victim injured Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chevalier is an enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe and lives in the Shawano area. A conviction would see Chevalier face up to a maximum of 20 years in federal prison along with up to a $1 million fine. She would also be facing supervised release and a special $100 assessment. According to the release, Chevalier had enough meth to signal an intent to distribute while at a location on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The alleged offense occurred on or around Sept. 10, according to the release. Arrested man becomes unresponsive while in transport to jail, Wisconsin Department of Justice investigating Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigators in the case came from the Menominee Tribal Police Department, Menominee County Sheriffs Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Maier will serve as the prosecutor on the case in the U.S. District Court in Green Bay. No more 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav made a pledge for Bihar in 2025, promising to end unemployment and migration from the state. Speaking about his vision for the upcoming year, Yadav declared, "In the new year, we have resolved that this time we will end unemployment and migration from Bihar. We will form a new government in the new year." The RJD leader said that the new government would focus on key areas including education, medicine, income, irrigation, and accountability. He also stressed the need for significant reforms in the state's administrative machinery. "We will form such a government where there will be education, medicine, income, irrigation, hearing and action... where bureaucracy will be abolished," Yadav stated. Yadav expressed confidence that with the support and blessings of the people, his vision would come to fruition. "If the blessings of all the people are with us, then we will succeed in our resolution," he affirmed. As 2025 begins, Yadav reiterated that the primary goal for the year was to push Bihar forward in terms of economic progress and social welfare. "In this new year, we have to take Bihar ahead," he stated. Earlier, Yadav condemned the lathi charge on protesting Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants, who are seeking a re-examination of the 70th BPSC prelims. In a video statement, the former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister said, "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 highlighted that the RJD raised the issue in the Vidhan Sabha and brought the matter to the attention of the Bihar government. He added, "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... Later on, BPSC clarified that normalisation should not have happened. Why didn't they clear this earlier?" (ANI) A domestic-violence victim twice sought help from Tacoma police in the days before she was repeatedly and fatally stabbed by her ex-boyfriend, but officers neglected their duties to protect her, according to a recently filed wrongful-death lawsuit. Pierce County prosecutors had said that Gaylee Valente-Curcio, 44, was stabbed 45 times by her former partner, Tony Rico Sanders, in November 2021 after he tracked her to a new residence, The News Tribune previously reported. Sanders, now 42, was later sentenced to life in prison for the deadly attack and also for stabbing and seriously injuring a bystander. Gilbert Valente, as the personal representative of his daughters estate, sued the Tacoma Police Department through the city of Tacoma on Dec. 23, court records show. He accused police of failing to enforce a domestic-violence protective order that his daughter had obtained against Sanders shortly before her death, court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of arresting him for repeated threats and other actions, police allowed Sanders to violate the no-contact order with impunity in the days preceding Valente-Curcios murder, according to the lawsuit filed in Pierce County Superior Court. Notwithstanding the clear, emergent, and escalating nature of Gaylees situation and calls for help, the suit said, Tacoma Police Department officers failed to adequately investigate the violations of the No-Contact Order or carry out a mandatory arrest in accordance with Washington law, leaving Gaylee vulnerable and allowing Sanders to take her life. The city declined to comment on the allegations, citing its practice of not publicly addressing pending litigation. Attorney Samuel Daheim, whos representing the victims father, said in a statement that Valente-Curcio had done everything to seek help from a system built to protect her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was failed by TPDs refusal to respond to her calls for help, he said. The family hopes that a civil lawsuit can hold law enforcement accountable for these failures and provide a measure of justice. The suit is seeking unspecified damages to be proven at trial, legal fees and other relief. Lawsuit alleges negligence, wrongful death Before Valente-Curcio was killed, she had been the victim of domestic violence, according to the lawsuit. A few weeks prior to mid-October 2021, Sanders purportedly choked Valente-Curcio to the point of losing consciousness, the suit said. A subsequent dispute at her home on Oct. 15, 2021, prompted her to flee and neighbors to call 911 several times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers arrived but ultimately left after they couldnt find her, according to the legal complaint, which said that Sanders had been uncooperative and threatened to shoot the officers if they walked onto the property. When officers ultimately made contact with Valente-Curcio elsewhere, her face was swollen in several areas, and she alleged that Sanders had repeatedly pushed her to the ground, choked her and dragged her by the hair, the court filing said. Sanders wasnt taken into custody despite an officer stating that there was probable cause to arrest him for fourth-degree domestic violence assault, according to the suit. With Valente-Curcio in a safe environment at a hospital, officers returned to the home but decided it was safer to again leave due to Sanders continued hostility and threats to shoot police, the complaint said. Sanders was arrested the next day for driving under the influence by a different police agency and released to Tacoma authorities to be booked for the domestic-violence assault, according to the suit. Two days later, Valente-Curcio obtained a court order prohibiting him from contacting or coming within 1,000 feet of her, among other restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanders began violating the orders conditions immediately upon his release from jail on Oct. 25, 2021, according to the lawsuit, which alleged that he called and messaged Valente-Curcio from an unknown number. Valente-Curcio left her home on Trafton Street and moved to another residence in Central Tacoma, The News Tribune previously reported. She twice called police on Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, 2021 to report multiple violations of the court order, the suit said. Valente-Curcio reported that Sanders had been staying at the Trafton Street home and making threatening statements in calls or texts, according to the lawsuit. She also reported that her vehicles windows were broken out and that she witnessed Sanders at the new unit she was renting shortly after its electrical lines were cut. The complaint alleges that officers made no reported efforts to contact or arrest Sanders despite there being clear evidence of court-order violations. One officer documented that there wasnt exact proof that Sanders had been the one who cut the rented units power or broke the vehicles windows, the suit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valente-Curcio was stabbed on Nov. 5, 2021, two days after her last call to police, when Sanders tracked her to her new residence in the 3100 block of South 9th Street, according to prosecutors. She was found inside her vehicle in an alley, taken to a hospital and died from her injuries on Nov. 13, The News Tribune previously reported. The lawsuit stated she was stabbed approximately 31 times 14 fewer times than prosecutors had alleged, according to previous reporting. What happened to Gaylee was preventable, Daheim said. She should still be alive. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Today is the first day of 2025 and here are this mornings top stories with your first KELOLAND On the Go of the new year. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KELOLAND This Morning 18-year-old Roman Venegas and 23-year-old David Venegas of Rapid City have multiple felony gun and assault charges pending, according to Rapid City Police Chief Don Hedrick. This comes after gun shots rang out near the 800 block of Jackson Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrests made in Skyline Drive shooting incident Sioux Falls police are still searching for answers to a series of unsolved crimes that happened in 2024, including three unsolved homicides. 2024 Sioux Falls unsolved crimes South Dakotas minimum wage is set to rise by 30 cents on January 1, 2025, bringing the minimum wage up to $11.50 from $11.20. But how does this stack up to surrounding states? And what dictates when the South Dakota minimum wage changes? How South Dakotas minimum wage increase stacks up While blood donations have been down nationally, thats not the case locally. Thats due in part to the Heroes Behind the Badges competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How you can help save 3 lives in 30 minutes Its a sight you really otter see. A family of otters has been spotted along the Big Sioux River. Dan Griffith, a conservationist and former biology teacher, says otters vanished from South Dakota more than 100 years ago but were reintroduced a few decades ago near Flandreau. Otters spotted on the Big Sioux River The jet stream is pushing cold air our way with winter weather building in the Pacific Northwest which will be pushed our way through the weekend. For the latest top stories and breaking news, download our news app. 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. The case of a local man charged for the Dec. 19 shooting of an unarmed man has been referred to a grand jury. Probable cause was found regarding the case of Benjamin Hobson, 36, of County Farm Road in London. The decision was made after District Court Judge Wendell Lewis Skip Hammons Jr. heard evidence in Laurel District Court Friday during Hobsons preliminary hearing. Hobson was arrested by Laurel Sheriffs Detective Taylor McDaniel around 1:54 a.m. Dec. 20. The arrest occurred on Payne Trail Road, approximately four miles east of London, following an investigation conducted by the Laurel County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said that the male victim was shot multiple times and flown to the University of Kentucky Health Center with wounds to the chest and leg. In court Friday, Det. McDaniel clarified that the victim had been shot twice. McDaniel said that witnesses of the act included Hobson, the victim, the victims father, and a property owner whose name McDaniel did not recall. Is there any indication of who shot first? Attorney Kaitlyn Hammonds inquired. Det. McDaniel responded, There is not any indication that the other male had a firearm or fired a firearm. McDaniel stated that as of Christmas day, two days prior to the hearing, the victim was still hospitalized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weapon used, which McDaniel shared to be the property owners 9mm handgun, was recovered from Hobson. As a result, Hobson is also charged with possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. He has been lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center. On the scene were LCSO detectives and deputies, as well as London City Police. A motive for the assault remained undetermined at press time. A not guilty plea was entered on Hobsons behalf at his arraignment. At press time, Hobson remained lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center in lieu of a $100,000 bond. Items are displayed in the window of a Burberry store on Michigan Avenue along the Magnificent Mile in Chicago in November. The rate of reported shoplifting incidents in the city surged by 46% from January to October 2024 compared with the same period in 2023, according to a recent report by the Council on Criminal Justice. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) CHICAGO Shoplifting rates in the three largest U.S. cities New York, Los Angeles and Chicago remain higher than they were before the pandemic, according to a report last month from the nonpartisan research group Council on Criminal Justice. The sharp rise in retail theft in recent years has made shoplifting a hot-button issue, especially for politicians looking to address public safety concerns in their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2020, when viral videos of smash-and-grab robberies flooded social media during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans have expressed fears that crime is out of control. Polls show that perceptions have improved recently, but a majority of Americans still say crime is worse than in previous years. There is this sense of brazenness that people have they can just walk in and steal stuff. That hurts the consumer, and it hurts the company, said Alex Piquero, a criminology professor at the University of Miami and former director of the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics, in an interview. Thats just the world we live in, he said. We need to get people to realize that you have to obey the law. At least eight states Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, New York and Vermont passed a total of 14 bills in 2024 aimed at tackling retail theft, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The measures range from redefining retail crimes and adjusting penalties to allowing cross-county aggregation of theft charges and protecting retail workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Major retailers have responded to rising theft since 2020 by locking up merchandise, upgrading security cameras, hiring private security firms and even closing stores. Still, the report indicates that shoplifting remains a stubborn problem. In Chicago, the rate of reported shoplifting incidents remained below pre-pandemic levels throughout 2023 but surged by 46% from January to October 2024 compared with the same period a year ago. Shoplifting in Los Angeles was 87% higher in 2023 than in 2019. Police reports of shoplifting from January to October 2024 were lower than in 2023. Los Angeles adopted a new crime reporting system in March 2024, which has likely led to an undercount, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New York, shoplifting rose 48% from 2021 to 2022, then dipped slightly last year. Still, the shoplifting rate was 55% higher in 2023 than in 2019. This year, the shoplifting rate increased by 3% from January to September compared with the same period last year. While shoplifting rates tend to rise in November and December, which coincides with in-person holiday shopping, data from the Council on Criminal Justices sample of 23 U.S. cities shows higher rates in the first half of 2024 compared with 2023. Researchers found it surprising that rates went up despite retailers doing more to fight shoplifting. Experts say the spike might reflect improved reporting efforts rather than a spike in theft. As retailers have been paying more attention to shoplifting, we would not expect the numbers to increase, said Ernesto Lopez, the reports author and a senior research specialist with the council. It makes it a challenge to understand the trends of shoplifting. Impact on retailers, communities In downtown Chicago on a recent early afternoon, potential shoppers shuffled through the streets and nearby malls, browsing for gifts ahead of the holidays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between 2018 and 2023, most shoplifting in Chicago was reported in the downtown area, as well as in the Old Town, River North and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, according to a separate analysis by the Council on Criminal Justice. Newly sworn-in Cook County States Attorney Eileen ONeill Burke this month lowered the threshold for charging retail theft as a felony in the county, which includes Chicago, from $1,000 to $300, aligning it with state law. It sends a signal that shes taking it seriously, Rob Karr, the president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, told Stateline. Nationally, retailers are worried about organized theft. The National Retail Federations latest report attributed 36% of the $112.1 billion in lost merchandise in 2022 to external theft, which includes organized retail crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organized retail crime typically involves coordinated efforts by groups to steal items with the intent to resell them for a profit. Commonly targeted goods include high-demand items such as baby formula, laundry detergent and electronics. The same report found that retailers fear of violence associated with theft also is on the rise, with more retailers taking a hands-off approach. More than 41% of respondents to the organizations 2023 survey, up from 38% in 2022, reported that no employee is authorized to try and stop a shoplifter. (The federations reporting has come under criticism. It retracted a claim last year that attributed nearly half of lost merchandise in 2021 to organized retail crime; such theft accounted for only about 5%. The group announced this fall it will no longer publish its reports on lost merchandise.) Increased penalties Policy experts say shoplifting and organized retail theft can significantly harm critical industries, drive up costs for consumers and reduce sales tax revenue for states. Those worries have driven recent state-level action to boost penalties for shoplifting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of 10 bills into law in August aimed at addressing retail theft. These measures make repeated theft convictions a felony, allow aggregation of crimes across multiple counties to be charged as a single felony, and permit police to arrest suspects for retail theft even if the crime wasnt witnessed directly by an officer. In September, Newsom signed an additional bill that imposes steeper felony penalties for large-scale theft offenses. California voters also overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure in November that increases penalties for specific drug-related and theft crimes. Under the new law, people who are convicted of theft at least twice may face felony charges on their third offense, regardless of the stolen items value. With these changes in the law, really it comes down to making sure that law enforcement is showing up to our stores in a timely manner, and that the prosecutors and the [district attorneys] are prosecuting, Rachel Michelin, the president and CEO of the California Retailers Association, told Stateline. Thats the only way were going to deter retail theft in our communities. In New Jersey, a bipartisan bill making its way through the legislature would increase penalties for leading a shoplifting ring and allow extended sentences for repeat offenders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill is going after a formally organized band of criminals that deliver such destruction to a critical business in our community. We have to act. We have to create a deterrence, Democratic Assemblymember Joseph Danielsen, one of the bills prime sponsors, said in an interview with Stateline. The legislation would allow extended sentences for people convicted of shoplifting three times within 10 years or within 10 years of their release from prison, and would increase penalties to 10 to 20 years in prison for leading a retail crime ring. The bill also would allow law enforcement to aggregate the value of stolen goods over the course of a year to charge serial shoplifters with more serious offenses. Additionally, the bill would increase penalties for assaults committed against retail workers, and would require retailers to train employees on detecting gift card scams. Maryland legislators considered a similar bill during this years legislative session that would have defined organized retail theft and made it a felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill didnt make it out of committee, but Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Retailers Alliance, said the group hopes to reintroduce the bill next year and propose another that would target gift card fraud. Retail theft data Better, more thorough reporting from retailers is essential to truly understanding shoplifting trends and its full impact, in part because some retail-related crimes, such as gift card fraud, are frequently underreported, according to Lopez, of the Council on Criminal Justice. Measuring crime across jurisdictions is notoriously difficult, and the council does not track organized retail theft specifically because law enforcement typically doesnt identify it as such at the time of arrest if an arrest even occurs requiring further investigation, Lopez said. The councils latest report found conflicting trends in the FBIs national crime reporting systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBIs older system, the Summary Reporting System, known as SRS, suggests that reported shoplifting hadnt gone up through 2023, remaining on par with 2019 levels. In contrast, the FBIs National Incident-Based Reporting System, or NIBRS, shows a 93% increase in shoplifting over the same period. The discrepancy may stem from the type of law enforcement agencies that have adopted the latter system, Lopez said. Some of those communities may have higher levels of shoplifting or other types of property crime, which could be what is driving the spike, Lopez said. Despite the discrepancies and varying levels of shoplifting across the country, Lopez said, its important for retailers to report these incidents, as doing so could help allocate law enforcement resources more effectively. All law enforcement agencies have limited resources, and having the most accurate information allows for not just better policy, but also better implementation better use of strategic resources, Lopez said. Stateline staff writer Robbie Sequeira contributed to this report. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Officers were called to Rochester General Hospital on New Years Eve for the report of a gunshot victim. According to the Rochester Police Department, officers arrived at the hospital just after 9 p.m. Tuesday and found a man in his 30s being treated for at least one gunshot wound to his lower body. RPD: Impaired driver of Penske truck causes multiple crashes, ambulance driver hospitalized Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police announced its unclear where the shooting happened and what led up to the incident. No one has been arrested. As the investigation continues, police ask anyone with information to call 911. 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. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Flags are flying half-staff at government buildings and some Shreveport businesses to honor former President Jimmy Carter. Trump says hell attend Jimmy Carters funeral One local man remembered Carter for his military service. He was a lieutenant in the Navy Reserve. He won many awards, including the National Defence Service Medal and World War 2 Victory Medal. I loved Jimmy Carter; he was a good president. I know Im a veteran, too, and thats a good thing, said David Rabun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Headlines Chuck Landry remembered the person, Jimmy Carter, he said, We lost a good one, most fantastic individual that probably ever lived. A fantastic President. President Carter came to Shreveport in 2014 as a keynote speaker for the 20th anniversary of Community Renewal. The former president told people what he hoped to be remembered for, saying, Id say peace and human rights and treating everybody the same is what I hope will be my legacy. 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. It took 13 grueling hours of trudging through mud, a flowing river and steep, wooded terrain Monday for rescuers to locate and carry to safety a 20-year-old backpacker who fell sick while hiking through the remote, rugged wilderness near Big Sur. Video of the rescue showed team members wheeling out the hiker on a stretcher, navigating a perilous 16-mile round trip through the dark with only their headlamps to light the way. The patient, 20-year-old Clayton King, was later diagnosed with norovirus at a local hospital, Andres Rosas, the commander of the Monterey County Sheriffs Office, told The Tribune on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Friday, King had been camping and hiking with two friends at the Sykes Hot Springs area in the Ventana Wilderness.. At about 4 p.m. Sunday, he started feeling bad and began vomiting. I just started throwing up out of nowhere, King told KION TV. It came on so suddenly, it was like being hit with a sledgehammer. One of Kings fellow hikers headed back down the trail to report the emergency, Rosas said, while the other man stayed with the patient. In a serendipitous coincidence, another group of hikers who had the equipment to notify 911 via satellite, soon arrived in the area where King was. They immediately sent an SOS signal/emergency notification, Rosas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriffs Office received the notification about 8 p.m. Sunday night. A team of rescuers hiked 16 miles to locate a sick hiker in the Ventana Wilderness near Big Sur and carry him to safety on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. Difficult rescue hike took 13 hours In dark, rainy conditions, six of the countys Search and Rescue Team volunteers then set out to bring the patient down from the soggy wilderness, with its steep, rugged trails and switchbacks. The rescuers located and performed first aid on King, who was loaded onto the litter of a one-wheel motorized Stokes transport stretcher. The stretcher has handles on both ends that allow rescuers to guide it over rough terrain. That equipment was very helpful in the beginning of the return trip, Rosas said, but because the rescuers and patient got trapped for several hours after early-morning rain caused the water level in the river to rise, the Stokes motor eventually ran out of power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After about a mile, the group of volunteers was met by another six members of the Sheriffs Offices Urban Search and Rescue Team. The hike was so long, the commander said. So, once the water level fell in the river, it was back to manpower and muscle. On the Search and Rescue Facebook page, they described the long mission as an arduous task and physically exhausting testing the endurance and resilience of all involved. Video of the rescue shows the rescuers rolling the stretcher up and down he steep trail and through the river. Hiker rescue in the Ventana Wilderness A team carried a sick backpacker to safety in a 13-hour overnight rescue from the Sykes Hot Springs area near Big Sur. Near the end, the rescuers were met with additional help from Cal Fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rainy weather and a low cloud ceiling down to 250 feet kept helicopters from assisting in the rescue, Rosas said. It was ultimately completed with brute strength and tenacity. About 13 hours after locating King, he was carried out and taken to a nearby hospital. If they were struggling, they didnt let me know, King told KION TV. They worked through it and showed their best side. They did a lot of leg work getting me through so I imagine it was very taxing on them. In total, the entire 16-mile effort took more than 16 hours start to finish, including the rescuers travel time to the area. It was the Christmas dinner, King told the TV station from the hospital. I blame it on that. Some admonitions for less-experienced hikers This kid knew how to hike, Rosas said of King, noting he was prepared for everything except extreme illness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others who recreate in the area may not be as experienced, which is worrisome, Rosas said. Make sure you know youre capable of handling what youll be facing, the commander advised. And during a crisis in a remote or rugged area, having emergency satellite-messaging connectivity could be crucial. Sister Helen Prejean is probably not the archetype that comes to mind when you think of a nun, yet she is probably the country's best-known living Catholic layperson, famous for her antideath penalty activism. In the early 1980s, Prejean met a prisoner on death rowElmo Patrick Sonnierafter an activist asked her to write him a letter. It was a life-altering experience. She served as Sonnier's spiritual adviser and accompanied him to his death, which inspired her work against capital punishment. This story was immortalized in her 1993 book, Dead Man Walking, which in turn inspired a movie starring Sean Penn and Susan Sarandon, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Prejean. Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally's opera of the same name premiered in 2000 and opened the New York City Metropolitan Opera's 2023 season for its first performance there. Prejean, who is now 85, is also the author of The Death of Innocents: An Eyewitness Account of Wrongful Executions (2004) and River of Fire: My Spiritual Journey (2019). In October, Prejean spoke with Reason's Billy Binion about her opposition to the death penalty, how she connects with crime victims, her response to Christians who believe the death penalty is just, and her attempts to reach across the political aisle. Reason: In 1984, you were in the Louisiana death house waiting to witness your first execution. A guard asked, "What's a nun doing in a place like this?" Forty years later, how would you answer that question? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prejean: There was the theory of what the death penalty is supposed to be. And then I watch this human being I had known for two and a half years, strapped into a wooden oak chair and electrocuted to death, and it was called justice. And it seared my soul. Then I began to learn about how it works. What are we doing here? Is this accomplishing what they say we're supposed to be doing? That guard was surprised that there would be a spiritual adviser in the room? I had to be on the other side of the glass with Pat Sonnier. But now [Texas] actually allows spiritual advisers to be in the room, as I was on February 28, [2024], with Ivan Cantu in Texas. He asked me to be with him. These people just keep coming to me right now with these requests, like, "Will you be with me when they kill me?" And what are you going to say, right? And so I say yes to it. That was so surreal to be with Ivan Cantu. The two key witnesses in this case had recanted. They were bringing this out, that they had lied at his trial. His last words were to the victim's family who'd come to watch him die: "I didn't kill your son. I didn't kill your daughter. If I'd known who did it, I would have helped you." It is so unreal. Patrick Sonnier was convicted of rape and murder. How did you come to connect with him, and what was that correspondence like? First of all, you got to understand that I immersed myself with struggling African-American people in New Orleans. I awakened to justice and to the struggle of poor people. And that was a deeply held faith thing. That's the gospel of Jesus, very radical. I had moved into the inner city with African-American people who became my neighbors for the first time in my life. Because when I grew up in the Jim Crow days in Baton Rouge, I only knew black people as our servants. Black people didn't go to school with me. And we'd never mix with black people socially. And I was with them, and I saw the other America. I saw the suffering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While I was there working at a place called Hope House, a friend of mine from the Louisiana Coalition on Jails and Prisons had a clipboardand everybody he met that day, he's asking them to be part of a project. He bumps into me. He goes, "Sister Helen, you want to be a pen pal to somebody on death row?" And he's all poised with this little clipboard. And I said, "Yeah, I could write some letters." I thought I was only going to be writing letters. I didn't know they were going to kill this guy. I had no idea about criminal justice or law. So here was this name, Patrick Sonnier. "Will you write him a letter?" "Yeah, I'll write him a letter." And you know what the problem was? He wrote back. And there was a connection, a human connection. Were you not expecting him to write back? No, I wasn't. Because the guy who actually gave me his name said, "You know, he's kind of a loner, he doesn't write back. Maybe I ought to give you somebody else." I said, "Give me that guy." Something in me was drawn to that guy. I said, "Give me that guy. Even if he doesn't write me back, I'm going to write to him." And I knew what the essence of my letters was going to be: You are a human being and you got a dignity nobody can take from you. I didn't even know his crime yet, but I know that Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the inalienable right to life every human has. So that's how it started. So then you end up meeting him in person? Yeah, scary. Were you nervous? Very nervous. Very, very nervous, Billy. I walk into the Louisiana State Penitentiary. They have a big green sign: "By stepping onto prison property, you subject yourself to dog sniffing, body search," all [of that]. I went, "Can't play the nun card here. They don't give a hoot about nuns. What am I doing?" And then the guard said, "Yeah, I'll take you to your man." He would walk and there would be these clanging gates behind us. Then they locked me in a room. "We'll go get your man." I wait for him. I hear him coming with a guard. I can hear the leg irons scraping on the floor. And then I see him. He was in something as small as a telephone booth with this heavy mesh screen. And I looked at his face. I thought his face was going to be mean. Because if you kill somebody, aren't you mean? I mean, aren't you? And I could not believe how human he was. And he was smiling. He said, "Thank you, Sister, for making that long drive." And so we began. (Photo: Prejean outside the Louisiana State Penitentiary, 1990; Sophie ELBAZ/Sygma via Getty Images) What were your feelings on the death penalty before this? The traditional Catholic teaching was under the Fifth Commandment, thou shalt not kill[with an] exception for the state to be able to keep society safe by executing violent murderers. I never questioned it. I had no reason to question it. But then once I moved to Hope House, once I began to meet people and saw that what happened to poor people was very different from what happened to people with resources, I began to look into it. I began to meet human rights lawyers who had taken these cases, and they became my teachers. And then I began to learn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That experience of actually being with somebody executedbecause you know it's a semisecret ritual. It's behind prison walls. Very few people ever witness this. And that was it. I was thrown into the fire. There's this saying in Latin America: "What the eye doesn't see, the heart can't feel." And I saw. And I felt. We had to stop the car because I had to throw up because of what I'd seen. That's how I became a witness. People are never going to see this. They're going to say, "Well, it was justice. Look what he did. He deserves it." I was the one who had been there, so I had to be the one to tell the story. There was another death row inmate you counseled during the same period named Robert Lee Willie, who was convicted of raping and murdering an 18-year-old named Faith Hathawaycrimes for which he was unrepentant. Hathaway's parents, Vernon and Elizabeth Harvey, ended up becoming activists on the other side, in favor of the death penalty. What was your relationship with them like, and how do you talk with victims who have experienced these enormous losses? That's a really tough one, Billy, because their pain and their trauma is so great. And I haven't suffered like them. I haven't had somebody kill my child. So I'm off kilter in a way when I'm encountering them, because it's always a kind of guilt I feel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know what my principles are, but with Pat Sonnier, I had not reached out to the victim's family. And I regretted that. Afterward the father of the boy had said to me, "Sister, you've just been visiting with those brothers, but you didn't once come to see us. I had nobody to talk to." And I realized, you can't just put victims in this category. So when I took on Robert Lee Willie, I went to go see the Harveys, just to go visit with them. Because I wanted to get to know them and I wanted to hear them, just listen to them. It was one of the saddest, hardest afternoons of my life. I went to their house. There was Faith's picture hanging on the wall. She was just 18. And this man now that I'm going to be the spiritual adviser toRobert Willieis the one who with a man, Joe Vaccaro, raped her and helped kill her. And I'm talking to the parents who are talking about Faith. It's like a riptide in your soul. I know that the state should not kill Robert Lee Willie, but look at this pain. Then it gets complicated, because what is the state offering the Harveys? What do they offer victims of murder? That you're going to have to wait nowhope it won't be too longbut what we're going to do for you is we're going to let you sit on a front row and you watch as we kill the one who killed your loved one. And you get to witness that. And that is going to give you closure. It's so contradictory, so morally bankrupt. First of all, the average wait of victims' families from the time a death sentence is given in the United States to execution is 17 years. All these years, that grief is public. The media are at their door. How can they grieve and how can they heal? But how do you speak to them? You've got no words to say to them, because you haven't been in that fire like they do. And so what you do is you listen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happened with the Harveys, because I had visited them and listened to them, when I then walk into the pardon board hearing and they see that I'm by Robert Willie's side, they go ballistic. They just go, "Well, we thought we'd won you over to our side." It's just such a split in your soul. It's so hard. You don't feel virtuous, you don't feel good. You know what you got to do. (Photo: Prejean inside the Louisiana State Penitentiary, 1996; Brooks Kraft LLC/Sygma via Getty Images) Your life's work consists of sticking up for people who are deeply unpopular. How do you navigate that? An unpopularity comes with the territory, because what people want to do is focus all their hatred on this person and identify them completely with the worst act of their life and say, "We're justified in killing them." Does the Catholic Church only uphold the dignity of innocent life? What about the guilty? Here's a man strapped down, totally defenseless and deliberately killed, when we have an alternative. We have a way to keep society safe. That's what prisons are for. A lot of conversations around the death penalty focus on people with believable claims of innocence. Should a defendant's guilt matter when evaluating whether or not the death penalty is just? That's the deeper question. What are we doing entrusting [this] to state government? Look at this whole process. They're going to set the criteria by which you're going to choose [who dies], and they have an impossible criteria. They said, "You don't give the death penalty for ordinary murders. You only give it for the worst of the worst." How do you determine the worst of the worst out of all? Nobody knows how to do that. If there were a way to ensure that no innocent people were ever executed and that it was meted out without any bias or discrimination, could you support the death penalty? Of course not. It's the act itself. The essence of torture is an extreme mental or physical assault on someoneand here's the key thingwho's been rendered defenseless. You've taken a live human being from that cell, and you force them into a chair or into a gurney, and you deliberately kill them. That is what is against the dignity of humans and against our own best souls. Data show that a lot of Christians still support the death penalty. There's a verse in Romans where Paul says the government "does not bear the sword for nothing." How do you respond to Christians who say the death penalty is not an injustice but is actually a necessity? Jesus said, "Love your enemy." Jesus didn't say, "Execute the hell out of the enemy." He said, "Love your enemy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What are you talking about? How am I going to love an enemy? I learned this from a victim's family: Lloyd LeBlanc, whose son David was killed by Pat and his brother. He said he was filled with anger. He wanted to just kill with his own bare hands. But the anger was eating him alive. And he kept praying: "God, this is destroying me." And then, when he told me about this journey, he said, "They killed my boy, but I'm not going to let him kill me." He reached the deepest part of his soul, that he would not be destroyed by anger. And so when you look at not just Jesus, but the deepest spiritual traditions that we have, it is always about: Don't be overcome by your enemy so that it destroys you. Move on with your life, and have a positive, loving life. That's what it means. Jesus is very radical. Love your enemy. This is the problem of a selective religious belief where you can go to the Bible and selectively quote whatever quote you want. Because it's all in there. My faith is that the deepest love has got to be not just for those of us who are beautiful and lovely and loving people themselves, but those that others consider disposable human waste. And the gift in my life is that I've been able to go to those places and meet those people. And I've learned a crucial, really important life lesson: that everybody's worth more than the worst thing they've ever done in their life, and that everybody can be more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One time the warden at Angola Prison, Louisiana State Penitentiary told me, "You know who generally makes the best trusties at this prison?" This is 5,000 men, a lot of whom have life sentences. He said, "People in for murder." They get here, they have the discipline of prison, they begin to read books. They get a little education. They learn how to talk without hitting people first. They might hit them third, but they grow as human beings. And then we've got to kill them anyway with the death penalty? Human beings change. Being a staunchly antideath penalty, pro-life person puts you in a pretty politically homeless place in an era of intense political partisanship. You don't fit neatly in a box. How does that affect the way you get your message out? One of the things you do is [an interview] like this. We talk to each other and we're getting into the people. That's what you do. Martin Luther King said it best about "the arc of the universe is long and it bends toward justice." When you've discovered something really important, like I havethat all human life has value, and we can't be putting the state in charge of killing peopleand you can go to people with a story and talk to them? That's outside of tribal boxes. When you first entered the convent, you said that the biggest threat to the world was atheistic communism. You've since seen a lot. You were a teacher during school integration in New Orleans. You saw the Ku Klux Klan protesting, and you even met Martin Luther King Jr. in an airport Poor man, he was so tired-looking. You chatted with him a bit, right? He was behind me in the line, and he looked so tired. And I realized afterward, when I read [about] his life, he was just coming out of Cicero, Illinois, where people were throwing things at him. And I just went up to him and took his hand. And I just said, "Dr. King, I just want you to know, I admire what you're doing, and I'm praying for you." He said, "Oh, thank you." He said, "God, we need prayers, man." And that was it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But see, I wasn't out there then. I didn't participate in any of the civil rights [protests]. These good nuns you'd see out there in Selma and stuff, uh-uh. I wasn't awake. And it's a gift to be awake. Suddenly you come to a realization about stuff, and that's when you got to act. So in the 1950s, you thought the biggest threat to the world was atheistic communism. In 2024, what's the biggest threat? It's that we got to educate people to have a real democracy in this country. These tribal wars you're talking about and all. You got to get to people. You have to talk to them, you have to help them. You write books, you get in there and you talk to them. You do movies, you do operas, you do whatever you got to do. You have a relationship with them. You can't just be on your little island. This interview has been condensed and edited for style and clarity. The post Sister Helen Prejean on Capital Punishment, Justice, and Meeting Victims' Families appeared first on Reason.com. (Reuters) -Holiday skiers at Utah's Park City, the biggest U.S. ski resort, reported on social media that they were encountering long lift lines and some closed trails on Tuesday as a strike by ski patrol workers entered its fifth day. Nearly 200 ski patrol and safety workers are on strike over demands for higher pay at Park City Mountain Resort, which is owned by Vail Resorts Inc, demanding an entry-level base wage of $23 an hour, up from the current $21, according to an emailed statement from the ski patrol union. This week is the busiest ski week of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Park City remained open on Tuesday, and many of the ski patrol were still working, Vail Resorts said in an emailed statement. The company said it does not disclose staffing figures. Vail Resorts said it's common for some trails and lifts to be closed at this time of year. That's especially true this year, given the resort has received less snow than in the recent past. The union, the Park City Professional Ski Patrol, said in its email that there are typically 120 people on patrol, but that on Tuesday there were between 30 and 35. The union, in a post on social media, said Vail Resorts had "flown in scabs" from other resorts to work at Park City. Sara Huey, a spokesperson for Vail Resorts, said in an email that the company had met 24 of the union's 27 demands since the ski patrol's contract expired in April. She provided no specifics on the demands the company had not met. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huey said Vail had increased ski patrol wages by more than 50% during the past four ski seasons, pushing the average hourly wage to over $25. The 7,300-acre ski resort did not sell same-day lift tickets on Monday, but resumed the same-day tickets on Tuesday, Huey said. Vail Resorts operates more than three dozen ski resorts, including Vail and Breckenridge in Colorado, Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada, and Stowe in Vermont. (Reporting by David Gaffen in New York, Heather Timmons in Washington and Brad Brooks in Colorado; Editing by Leslie Adler) PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Mayor Brett Smiley hopes to get more payments to the city from local hospitals should the sale of Roger Williams Medical Center go through as planned. One of my early promises was to make sure that every large institution in Providence was making a payment in lieu of taxes, Smiley told Target 12 in an interview last month. RELATED: Smiley mulling tax hikes, cuts in 2025 In October, Providence signed a payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT, agreement with Brown University Health, formerly Lifespan. Smiley told Target 12 there is still room for improvement in its agreement with the states largest employer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to be back at the table with them in a very short period of time, two years from now, Smiley said. We hope that that gives them the space that they need to turn their system around to be more successful and healthier. But Brown Health isnt the only hospital system on the mayors radar. This year, he expects Roger Williams Medical Center to join the list of non-profits making payments to the city. In November, the sale of Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence, as well as Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in neighboring North Providence, received final approval from the state. The hospitals are currently owned by Prospect Medical Holdings and are operated by CharterCARE Health Partners. The Centurion Foundation, a Georgia based nonprofit, is now preparing to close on the long-awaited sale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is welcome news for our 2,700 employees and for the thousands of patients we treat annually, CharterCARE spokesperson Otis Brown said in November. But the shift to nonprofit status also means the hospital would no longer pay property taxes. Roger Williams makes a sizable tax payment to the city right now as a for-profit, Smiley said. Were going to need to negotiate with the new hospital owner if that transaction goes through in the new year so that they are also a part of these PILOT negotiations. A Centurion spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment on Tuesday. The mayor also shared other priorities for 2025, which includes a big focus on education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of an agreement with the R.I. Department of Education, Providence will increase school funding to the state-run Providence Public School District. The schools will remain under state control for up to another three years, or 2027, but Smiley said hes hopeful he can work on a transition back to local control as soon as next summer. Smiley said he also wants to address a statewide problem: recruiting and hiring special education teachers. He said with a lack of teachers, districts end up sending children with special needs to other schools at an extraordinary cost. Thats not sustainable, and that needs to be addressed, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smiley didnt reveal all of his legislative priorities for 2025, but did say he will make another attempt at bringing noise cameras to Providence in an attempt to improve quality of life. We started that conversation last year; Im going to hopefully finish that conversation this year, he said. Im excited to get to work in 2025. Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup 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. Reacting to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's statement on "Hindu Bangladeshi"," Congress leader Rashid Alvi called the Bharatiya Janata Party "anti-Hindu," and said that the BJP and RSS "exploit" Hindus. "The no. of Hindus in Bangladesh is huge. The government of India raises this issue in India for political benefit but the statement of Assam CM has proved that BJP is anti-Hindu. They are not concerned with what is happening with Hindus in Bangladesh. They only want to talk about Hindus during elections, instigate their religious sentiments and gain power. The statement of Assam CM has made it clear that BJP and RSS exploit Hindus. They are not concerned about their problems," Alvi told ANI on Wednesday. Earlier today, Assam CM said that he has not seen any Hindu Bangladeshi infiltrating from neighbouring country in Assam in the last five months. "I think the numbers are very less and whoever wanted to come would have come 40 years ago. I think we should not encourage them to come to India. The Prime Minister is continuously working to provide security and create a security situation in Bangladesh and the Hindu people of Bangladesh are also working very maturely and we have not seen any Hindu Bangladeshi in Assam in the last five months," Assam CM said. CM Sarma said that he has also discussed the infiltration issue with his counterparts from various northeastern states and the West Bengal government. "We have seen a huge increase in infiltration in Assam and India. 2 days ago, I also discussed this with my counterparts from various northeastern states and the West Bengal government. Assam police is detecting 20 to 30 infiltrators every day and the same number of infiltrators are being seen in Tripura," he added. Assam CM said that the situation in Bangladesh has led to the collapse of the textile industry in that country. "After the unrest in Bangladesh, the textile industry collapsed there. So workers working in the textile industry in Bangladesh are coming to India and many textile factory owners in our country are also encouraging them. I have also discussed this issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in my last meeting. So this is a very worrying issue for us because we have never detected so many infiltrators before," he said. (ANI) SMYRNA, Tenn. (WKRN) One beloved Smyrna eatery has shared some big news to kick off the new year: theyll be reopening just a month after a car crashed into the business. On Nov. 26, a car crashed into Karins Kustard & Hamburgers. There were no injuries reported as a result of the incident, but Karins did have to temporarily close down to make repairs and make sure that the building did not suffer any severe structural damage. PREVIOUS: Smyrna business eager to reopen after building hit by car Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are very well-known in the community and the community supports us very well, restaurant owner Karin Dyer told News 2 after the crash. Im very thankful and grateful for what I do for the community and what they do for us. In a Facebook post Tuesday, though, the establishment told patrons the grand reopening would take place on Friday. The restaurant will be open from 10:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. We are so beyond thankful for the outpouring of love and support from our community! We thank you all so much! the post reads, in part. God is so incredibly good and we ultimately want to thank Him! We are so blessed and we cannot wait to serve yall soon! Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The restaurant thanked several area businesses for helping with the repair and reopening process. 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 WKRN News 2. SOMERSET, Ky. (FOX 56) As it turns out, firefighters rescue more pets than just kitties stuck in trees. On Tuesday, the Somerset Fire Department was dispatched to the 300 block of Pine Street for an animal rescue. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Somerset fire crews rescue puppy (Somerset Fire Department) Somerset fire crews rescue puppy (Somerset Fire Department) Fire crews said they found a German Shepherd puppy stuck inside a culvert. According to the department, firefighters used the Jaws of Life to widen the culverts opening, allowing an excited puppy to come out on its own. 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 56 News. Firefighters are used to being called out to rescue cats from trees. But puppies from culverts? The Somerset Fire Department had to do just that Tuesday when firefighters were dispatched to rescue a puppy. SFDs Facebook page reported that the call came in from Pine Street as an animal complaint. On scene, crews found that a young German Shepherd had gotten itself into a peculiar situation, SFDs Facebook page reported. Crews used spreaders (Jaws of Life) to enlarge the opening of the culvert, allowing an excited puppy to come out on its own. The puppy appeared to have been unharmed by its adventure. CHICAGO For more than two years, former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. has sought a presidential pardon. His father, the civil rights icon, has written President Joe Biden about it and Jackson Jr. has written Hunter Biden on behalf of himself and millions of others. On the day that President Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, the Reverand Jesse Jackson Sr. had drafted a letter asking Biden to pardon his son, Jesse Jackson Jr. Over the course of my time outside of prison, Ive come to appreciate that felonization is far worse than the 30 months that I served in prison, Jackson Jr. said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Jackson Jr, a former congressman, pleaded guilty in 2013 to conspiring to defraud his campaign fund of about $750,000. Having done his time, Jackson Jr. is now on a mission to rethink how the country views forgiveness. The 59-year-old is seeking a pardon not only for himself but for the roughly 77 million Americans whove served their sentence and have not committed any new offenses. I wanted to use this platform to advocate on behalf of millions of Americans whove done their time, paid their debt to society, done everything the judge and jury said to, and yet they find themselves in felonization. And the remedy to felonization was the complete, full, absolute and unconditional pardon of the president of the United States, Jackson Jr. said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson Jr. argues that there is a stigma attached to being a convicted felon. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Despite 13 honorary doctorates and a law degree, Jackson Jr. said hes been turned down for various jobs and argues that to truly repair his life he needs a full presidential pardon. It wipes out, according to Ex parte Garland 1866, it wipes out the punishment and it eliminates the guilt of the offender. It is as if the offense, and Im quoting the case, Never occurred in the first place. I need that language in my life. Its the same language that Hunter Biden now has in his life, Jackson Jr. said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Jackson Jr. he and his father have not heard back from President Biden or Hunter Biden. 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. By Hyonhee Shin and Eduardo Baptista SEOUL/MUAN COUNTY, South Korea (Reuters) -The investigation into the crash of a South Korea passenger jet gathered pace on Wednesday as bereaved families began to prepare funerals after authorities finished formally identifying the 179 victims of the country's worst air disaster. The transport ministry said South Korean investigators have extracted the data from the plane's cockpit voice recorder and will convert it into an audio file, hopefully offering critical information to try to explain the few minutes that led up to the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could take about two days for investigators to convert the data to audio files, the ministry said. For the damaged flight data recorder, the investigation team has determined it was not possible to extract its contents in South Korea, and plan to send the black box to the United States in cooperation with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for analysis, the ministry said. All 175 passengers and four of six crew members were killed on Sunday when the Jeju Air jet belly-landed at Muan International Airport in the country's southwest and slammed into a sand-and-concrete embankment at the end of the runway, where it burst into flames. Two crew members, located near the tail of the Boeing 737-800, survived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government has declared a national mourning period until Jan. 4 and the country will scale back New Year's celebrations. The transport ministry said two more U.S. officials arrived late on Tuesday to join a team of around two dozen investigators including from the U.S. NTSB, Federal Aviation Administration, and aircraft maker Boeing. "They're also planning to start a visual investigation into the wreckage," deputy minister for civil aviation Joo Jong-wan told a briefing. Officials have said investigators were expected to examine whether a bird strike, a failure of the landing gear to drop or if problems with any other control systems played a role in the disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will also investigate the pilot's apparent rush to attempt a landing right after he had declared an emergency, officials have said. Air safety experts have also questioned if the airport embankment designed to prop up navigation equipment was built too close to the end of the runway. South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok on Wednesday called for a fair and objective investigation, and said funeral procedures have begun after all the victims were formally identified. "The most urgent matter at present is to return the victims to their families," Choi told an intra-agency meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airport authorities set up an altar late on Tuesday, and on Wednesday buses carried relatives of victims to the crash site so that they could pay their respects, just metres from the crashed plane's charred and broken tail - the only relatively intact part of the aircraft following the accident. The Muan airport was brimming with mourners seeking to pay their tributes at the altar, leading to a queue of several hundred metres. Park Han-shin, who has been liasing with airport and government authorities on behalf of the bereaved families, said on Wednesday that almost 700 family members visited the crash site, where they laid chrysanthemums and bowls of rice cake soup. Park also added there was a list of 43 bodies ready to be released, asking relatives of those not on the list for patience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County officials sent an alert to urge visitors to go instead to a larger memorial set up in a sport complex about 9 km (5 miles) from the crash site. It could still take several days until all bereaved relatives are able to secure the release of the bodies of their loved ones. (Reporting by Hyonhee Shin, Joyce Lee in Seoul, Eduardo Baptista in Muan and Hyunjoo Jin in Sejong; Writing by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Neil Fullick) All 179 victims from the Jeju Air crash in South Korea have been identified, authorities said, including entire families and a 3-year-old boy. Only two people both crew members, one male and one female, who were working on the flight from Bangkok to Muan International Airport survived the Sunday morning crash, which happened after the Boeing 737-800 landed on its belly and crashed into a concrete fence, bursting into flames. Forensic investigators inspect the wreckage of Jeju Air Co. Flight 2216 at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Monday. Bloomberg via Getty Images The Washington Post reports entire families were among the victims, including some that had three generations traveling together for the holidays. The New York Times reports a man on the plane hadnt told his family hed be traveling so as not to worry them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York Post shared images posted to Instagram by a mother on vacation with her husband and 3-year-old son, who were all among the victims identified by local media. Authorities confirmed Sunday a 3-year-old boy was the youngest person to die in the crash. Families of victims waited days at the airport as officials worked to identify all the bodies. According to the BBC, Police Superintendent General Na Won-o explained the process was moving slowly because of how badly the bodies were damaged. South Koreas Transport Ministry said 11 bodies have been handed over to relatives so far, according to The Associated Press. Families of the victims were able to visit the crash site for the first time on New Years Day. A message of condolences and flowers are seen outside Muan International Airport in South Korea. via Associated Press American investigators assisting in the examination of the crash arrived in South Korea on Tuesday. The AP reports a damaged flight data recorder, called a black box, will be sent to the United States for analysis, and Transport Ministry had retrieved data from a second black box that had recorded audio from the cockpit of the airplane. The grandchild of a state senator from Southern California was killed in a car crash during the holiday season. According to a press release issued by the office of Sen. Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera), his 30-year-old grandchild Alex Robles was driving near CA-18 in Apple Valley the night before Christmas Eve when Robles was struck by a driver suspected of being under the influence. Robles was killed instantly, while the unnamed driver of the vehicle was said to have walked away with no injuries; he was arrested at the scene by San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department deputies, Archuletas release stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos released of shoplifting suspect who sparked gunfight at DTLA Target Upon hearing the news of the tragedy, Sen. Archuleta and his wife rushed to Victorville to comfort their oldest daughter Sandra and the rest of the family. Archuleta described Alex as a lovely and wonderful person. Alex was ready to take on a career that had always been a dream, even at a young age, he stated. Alex had already touched many lives and made a difference in this world. The senator took the time out to remind all about the dangers of driving while intoxicated, especially during the holidays. Castaic landfill to close with years end Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to stress how important it is during the holidays that we do not let anyone drive while they are intoxicated because this can happen to any family at any time, he said. This is a profound loss to us, and no one should ever experience a tragedy like this. Archuleta represents Californias 30th Senate District, which includes parts of L.A. and Orange counties. He was elected to the position in 2018. 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. Kenyan officials said Wednesday they were investigating fragments of metal, believed to be from a rocket, that crashed into a village in the country's south. The issue of space junk has risen in tandem with increased spatial traffic. Kenya Space Agency (KSA) said the object, a metallic ring roughly 8 feet in diameter and weighing some 1,100 pounds, crashed into Mukuku village, in Makueni county, on December 30 at around 3:00 pm local time (1200 GMT). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The KSA, working alongside other agencies and local authorities, "secured the area and retrieved the debris, which is now under the Agency's custody for further investigation." It said "preliminary assessments indicate that the fallen object is a separation ring from a launch vehicle," which are designed to either burn up upon re-entry to Earth's atmosphere or fall over uninhabited areas. "This is an isolated case, which the agency will investigate and address," the KSA said in a statement. It said the object was not a threat to public safety, and praised the villagers nearby who had swiftly alerted authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The KSA said they were working to identify the piece's origin. Past examples of manmade human space debris hitting Earth include part of a SpaceX Dragon capsule landing on an Australian sheep farm in 2022. And earlier this year, NASA faced a lawsuit from an American family whose Florida home was hit by a piece of falling metal. A cylindrical object tore through the home of Alejandro Otero in Naples on March 8. He told CBS Fort Meyers, Fla., affiliate WINK-TV that his son called him about the crashing object while he was on vacation. "I was shaking. I was completely in disbelief. What are the chances of something landing on my house with such force to cause so much damage," Otero said. "I'm super grateful that nobody got hurt." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China has also been criticized by NASA for allowing its giant Long March rockets to fall back to Earth after orbit. Last February, the European Space Agency said a satellite -- weighing as much as an adult male rhinoceros -- made an uncontrolled return to Earth, re-entering the atmosphere over the north Pacific Ocean between Alaska and Hawaii. Truck used in New Orleans attack was flying large black flag from rear bumper, authorities say Suspect identified in deadly New Orleans truck attack Suspected driver who slammed truck into New Orleans crowd is dead, sources say New Years Day ushers in a month of political events and milestones the likes of which Washington hasnt seen in a while. From the House Speaker election and memorials to former President Carter, to the start of President-elect Trumps second term and all that brings, January will kick off 2025 with tone-setting votes and significant actions. House and Senate seats will need to be filled, with Trumps nominations and the election of Ohio Sen. JD Vance as vice president creating vacancies; that process starts in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres a look at what to expect. Jan. 3: New Congress meets, elects House Speaker The 119th Congress meets at noon Friday, ushering in a new Republican majority in the House and Senate. The Speaker election is the first agenda item; the House cannot do any business until that is settled. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) hopes to retain the gavel, and Trump may have boosted his chances when Trump gave Johnson his full endorsement on Monday. But Johnson has an incredibly narrow margin as slim as two votes if everyone is present. At least one Republican has said he would not vote for Johnson as Speaker. The Senate will have new leadership, with Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) taking over as majority leader from Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Jan. 6: Congress certifies election results Congress will meet Monday to tally electoral votes, cementing Trumps win over Vice President Harris in the 2024 election. Harris will be the first sitting vice president to oversee the counting of their electoral loss since Al Gore in 2002. Jan. 7-9: Carter memorial events in Washington Carter, who died Dec. 29 in Plains, Ga., will be honored with events in Georgia and Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His memorials begin Saturday, when the former governor of Georgia will lie in repose for two days at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta. On Jan. 7, the late president and his family will arrive in Washington, and the funeral procession will head to the Capitol. Carter will lie in state for two days starting that afternoon. At 3 p.m., Congress members will pay their respects. At 7 p.m., the Rotunda opens to the public. On Jan. 9, a state funeral will be held at 10 a.m. at Washington National Cathedral. President Biden is expected to eulogize Carter. Trump has said he will attend. The former president and his family will then return to Plains, Ga., for a private funeral and interment service. Jan. 9: Bidens Italy trip Biden will head to Rome and the Vatican for three days in what is expected to be his final foreign trip as president. He will meet with Pope Francis, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Jan. 10: Supreme Court hears TikTok ban case The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on whether a law that could ban TikTok nationwide violates the First Amendment. The video-sharing platform aims to invalidate the law requiring it to divest from its Chinese parent company or face a ban. The law takes effect Jan. 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is opposed to the ban and has asked the high court to delay the case until he takes office. President Trump alone possesses the consummate dealmaking expertise, the electoral mandate, and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform while addressing the national security concerns, wrote D. John Sauer, one of Trumps personal appellate attorneys. Sauer, nominated by Trump to be solicitor general, would assume the governments defense of the ban. Jan. 14: Pete Hegseth confirmation hearing The Senate Armed Services Committee is slated to hold a hearing for Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth on Jan. 14, six days before Trump is inaugurated. Last month, Hegseth made the rounds on Capitol Hill, trying to woo Republican senators who appeared hesitant about his nomination. Jan. 20: Trumps inauguration Trump will be sworn in as the nations 47th president at noon, concluding a comeback from the violent Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot and dozens of federal and state criminal charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elect has vowed to sign a flurry of executive orders on his first day that will impact immigration, energy and foreign policy. He has also signaled he would move swiftly to roll back protections for transgender youth. Jan. 28: Florida special primary elections Florida will hold two special primary elections to fill House seats opened by Trumps nominations. The general election for both seats is April 1. National security adviser nominee Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) will resign his 6th Congressional District seat on Jan. 20. That district will hold both a Democratic and Republican primary. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) resigned his 1st Congressional District seat on Nov. 13 after he was nominated as Trumps attorney general. Gaetz withdrew his nomination eight days later, as details of an Ethics Committee report began leaking. The 1st District will hold only a Republican primary. Jan. 30: Democratic National Committee meeting opens The Democratic Partys governing body will hold its winter meeting Jan. 30-Feb. 1, which will include the election of a new chair. Five candidates are running for the leadership post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brett Samuels, Zach Schonfeld, Julia Shapero and Ashleigh Fields contributed. 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. In the first meeting of the Steering Committee chaired by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel he gave guidance to hold four important festivals in the entire state with public participation, the Chief Minister's office said in a press release. In the year 2025, various celebrations of the historic Janmotsav program are going to be held grandly with public participation throughout Gujarat. In this celebration, programs will be held to creatively highlight the ideals of the nation's leaders and their contribution to nation building along with the eternal pages of the Indian Constitution. In the first meeting of the steering committee formed for this purpose under the chairmanship of CM Bhupendra Patel, the detailed role of planning for grand celebration of these events was presented. In the year 2025, the Constitution of India is completing 75 years. On this occasion, "Samvidhanna Amrit Mohotsav" will be celebrated across Gujarat. Also, 50 years of Emergency will be celebrated. Apart from this, the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, son of Patel of Gujarat with the vision of "Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat" and former Prime Minister of India Late. Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 100th birth anniversary will also be celebrated grandly. Also, the year 2025 will be celebrated as the "Tribal Pride Year" in Gujarat to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Lord Birsamunda. A detailed presentation of the time-bound planning of various competitions, lecture series, tribal pride fairs encouraging tribal heritage etc. was made before the Chief Minister and Ministers in this meeting to make all these celebration programs more popular and inspire public participation. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel guided in the meeting to organize programs that highlight the national interest as a whole and a proud story by interlinking these celebration programs. The Chief Minister also made persuasive suggestions for making the presentation made in this Steering Committee of 28 members including Ministers and Senior Secretaries of the State Government more comprehensive and more inclusive and suitable for public participation. Principal Secretary Ashwinikumar and Commissioner of Youth Service Cultural Activities Alok Pandey made a presentation to the Chief Minister and the Ministers regarding various programs to be held in connection with Amrit Mahotsav and the celebration of 50 years of Emergency. As the nodal department of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th birth anniversary celebrations, Chief Secretary Nipoona Toravan, Home Department will take over the responsibility and Tribal Development Commissioner Gulati gave detailed information about the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Lord Birsa Munda - Tribal Pride Year. Programs to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be organized by the General Administration Department and Administrative Reforms Training Division of the State Government. Additional Chief Secretary Kamal Dayani and Principal Secretary Dhananjaya Dwivedi gave a presentation detailing the program. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and ministers also made constructive suggestions after watching this presentation. Chief Secretary Rajkumar, Additional Chief Secretaries to Chief Minister Pankaj Joshi, M K Das, along with senior secretaries of the concerned department, attended the meeting. (ANI) LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The speedometer in a car driven by a man accused of DUI in a deadly Christmas morning crash was frozen at 95 mph following the collision, and he may have been driving as fast as 105 mph, according to his arrest report. Giraldo Salas-Chacon, 20, is facing charges of DUI resulting in death and reckless driving resulting in death or substantial bodily injury for the crash which occured on Maryland Parkway, south of Sahara Avenue. The report said witnesses called 911 to report the crash and said a man was ejected and suffered unsurvivable injuries. The man killed was later identified by the Clark County Coroners office as Gonzalo Perez-Banuelos Sr. In all, six people were in the Chevrolet Equinox when it was struck and rolled over onto its roof. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police documents said Salas-Chacon was the only person in the Dodge Journey when it crashed into the Equinox. Officers noted that Salas-Chacon smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech, bloodshot watery eyes and refused to do the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. An RTC bus driver who witnessed the crash told police the Dodge passed her on the left side, traveling very, very fast. The surveillance camera on the bus captured video of the crash and police who reconstructed the crash and examined the Dodge said the speedometer was frozen at approximately 95 mph but he could have being driving as fast at 105 mph, documents said. The posted speed limit in that area is 30 mph. The police investigation showed that Salas-Chacons vehicle was speeding southbound on Maryland Parkway when it struck the Equinox as it was making a right turn from Sahara onto southbound Maryland. Two blood draws were done on Salas-Chacon. Those results have not been released at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salas-Chacon, who remains in custody at the Clark County Detention Center, is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 6, 2025. 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. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A local business owner is spending the holidays in the hospital. Derek Cochran, who runs Pig In! Pig Out!, has pneumonia. On top of existing respiratory issues, its led to weeks of hospitalization. His employees are coming together to support him. His employees say Cochran is known for his patience and generosity. During the holidays, hes even more focused on giving. They say he hosts gift giveaways and dinners. Now, one of his employees has started a fundraiser to help cover his medical costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the second time Ive known Derek to be this sick, said longtime employee Ray Garipey. This is a lot worse than its ever been. Garipey says Cochran is a good man. He gives everyone a chance, and if you prove yourself worthy, youve got a job and a friend for a long time, Garipey said. Fifteen years ago, Cochran gave Garipey a job. Six years ago, Cochran helped him quit drinking. He honestly has been there for everybody as soon as he meets them, no questions asked, said Brooke Scherer, front-end manager at Pig In! Pig Out! Just, you know, supporting anybody he comes in contact with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leon woman advocates for sober rides after fiance and daughter killed in DUI crash Cochran is known as someone who gives freely of time. Its always been kind of hard to talk to people about, you know, the things that Im going through, said Davione Hudson, kitchen manager. Hes always just made it clear that hes there to listen and not judge me. Cochran also gives money to feed families and give away Christmas presents. He even helped a landlord host a final holiday meal for her low-income tenants. She said she fully planned on paying for the meal herself. He said, I want to donate, and I said, OK, how much do you want to donate? I was thinking maybe a hundred bucks or something off my bill, said landlord Kris Sims. The next thing he said was, No, I want to donate the whole meal.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employees hope hes able to come back soon. Trying to help him out and honor his name as much as we can, you know? said Scherer. Hes done it so long for all of us. We just want him to rest and get better. Employees said theyve gotten messages from people sharing how Cochran has helped them in the past. To support Cochrans recovery, you can donate to the fundraiser or grab a meal at the restaurant. 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. The state Capitol building in Olympia. (Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard) State lawmakers will head to Olympia later this month to kick off Washingtons 2025 legislative session. Itll be 105 days of lawmaking and budget writing. A host of issues will likely come up in the session, which is set to start Jan. 13. If youre following along for the first time, you may have a lot of questions. Weve already broken down how lawmakers write their budget, and the fiscal hole theyll have to crawl out of while doing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But much more goes on in a legislative session than budget writing. Theres policymaking, theres public input, and theres deadlines. Wondering how it all works and how you can participate? Weve got you covered. This guide should help you follow along with all the action over the next few months. What is the Legislature? The Washington State Legislature consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House has 98 members, and the Senate has 49. Both chambers are controlled by Democrats. What is the legislative session? The session is the three or four (or sometimes more) months of the year when the Legislature can debate and pass bills, which can then become law after the governor signs them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some states have full-time legislatures that are in session most of the year, but Washingtons is part-time. Lawmakers are called into session in early January until whats known as sine die, which means they adjourn indefinitely (or until next January). Sometimes, the governor or lawmakers can call a special session, which is extra time they can use to pass essential laws. These are often only used to deal with emergencies and essential work like finishing the budget. When is the session? This years session runs from Jan. 13 to April 27. The length of the session alternates every year. In odd-numbered years, like this one, the Legislature is in session for 105 days and must write a state budget for the next two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That process could take a while, given the looming $10 billion to $12 billion hole theyll have to fill. If lawmakers cant finish it by the end of April, they will have to be in a special session until they can figure it out. Hopefully, before the next fiscal year starts on July 1. In even-numbered years, the Legislature is in a short, 60-day session when they dont have to write a full two-year budget but often make adjustments to the one they passed the year prior. What happens during the session? A lot! Debates are heated, disagreements are inevitable, spending is approved, laws are changed. There are a lot of deadlines. Here are the basics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the session begins, lawmakers will begin introducing hundreds of bills that they hope will be passed into law. Theyll have just over a month to move those bills through committees made up of subgroups of lawmakers. In committees, bills receive a public hearing, a debate and a vote. If the bill is going to cost the state money, it must then go through the same process in a fiscal committee, which is specifically set up to determine how the state should budget. The first cutoff for bills to make it through both committees comes about a month into the session, likely Feb. 21. If a bill has not passed out of committee by that deadline, it is likely dead for the year. In the week or so after the committee cutoff, lawmakers begin what is maybe the most exciting part of the legislative process: floor debates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During this time, the entire chamber debates bills that have cleared committees. On the floor, they can amend bills and eventually vote on whether to send them to the other chamber. If bills dont make it through a floor vote in the full chamber where they originated by a certain cutoff date, likely March 12, they are typically dead for the year. This house of origin cutoff significantly slims the number of bills that can be considered. Following the house of origin cutoff, the process repeats, only this time bills that originated in the Senate now make their way through the House and vice versa. In the last week of the session, lawmakers consolidate any changes made to bills in both chambers into one version and vote on it one final time before sending it to the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also happening in the final weeks of the session: budget writing. Lawmakers will likely start unveiling budget proposals in March, after the states economic analysts tell them how much money theyll have to spend. Just like a bill, budget proposals must go through committees, receive floor votes and be consolidated into one multi-billion dollar package to send to the governor. All of this leads up to sine die, the final day of the session, which this year is scheduled to occur on April 27. At the end of the day, both chambers will swing down the gavel a final time and go home until next year. Even though cutoffs seem like a strict deadline, lawmakers can find creative ways to revive seemingly dead bills later in the session, if they deem the legislation important enough. How can I track bills? The Washington State Legislatures newly designed website, leg.wa.gov, allows you to easily find and track pending legislation, amendments, vote counts and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Search by bill number, topic or author, and youll find the full text of bills, nonpartisan bill reports that explain what the law would do if passed, proposed amendments and a tracker of where the bill is in the process. You can also sign up to track specific bills and get updates in your inbox. Can I watch? Yes! Whether its in person or streaming, you can watch almost everything that happens under the dome. TVW has gavel-to-gavel coverage with livestreams and archived videos of all committee hearings, floor sessions and press conferences. And if you want to watch the action in person, the state Capitol is open to the public. Anyone can watch floor action from the public galleries or sit in on committee hearings. What cant I watch? You cant watch caucus meetings where members of each party in each chamber gather behind closed doors. These discussions can take up a lot of time and are where many compromises are worked out. How can I participate? If youre feeling strongly about a bill, let your legislators know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can find the legislators who represent your district and contact them directly by sending a message to their office through the Legislatures website. You can also comment on a bill online or testify in a committee hearing in person or virtually. There are two pieces of good news that will be welcomed by the SNP and its beleaguered ministers as they prepare to face another difficult year. The first is that 2025 will be blessedly free of any scheduled elections: Scots will not be asked to pass judgment on the devolved administration until May 2026, and there are no local elections north of the border until the year after that. The second comes in the form of the SNPs chief political rival, the Labour Party. Scots antipathy towards the Conservatives is well known, but the travails (most of them self-inflicted) of this new UK government have provided a boost for John Swinneys administration. It turns out that when warm words in opposition are not turned into actions in government, the voters lose patience. Who could have predicted that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polls suggest that public disaffection over Labours refusal to abolish the two-child benefit limit, combined with its decision to remove the winter fuel allowance from some pensioners, could see Swinney holding on to the title of first minister 18 months from now. So much for the good news. But theres plenty of bad news to go around, and much of it will make Swinneys job harder. Scotlands passenger railways were nationalised in 2023 to great fanfare and amid great expectations that the days of cancellations, delays and poor customer service would soon be over. It turns out that simply changing the ownership of franchises has little effect on service provision. Again: who could have predicted that? Nearly a thousand complaints have been lodged by customers of the Caledonian Sleeper, the famous overnight service that links London with Edinburgh, Glasgow and points north. At the same time nearly 1 million of compensation has been paid out to unhappy customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile ScotRail, the other passenger franchise administered wholly in Scotland, has suffered its own problems, subjecting passengers to a radically reduced timetable last summer while management negotiated a new pay deal with the railway unions. The SNP might have hoped that the seemingly endless fiasco of its attempt to build two new ferries to serve Scotlands island communities might have reached its conclusion by now. More than five years after it was due to enter service, the Glen Sannox will finally start operating later this month. But it arrives with another, unforeseen headache: contrary to promises made by then first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, when she staged a fake launch of the vessel in 2017 for publicity purposes, the Glen Sannox will produce more emissions than the diesel vessel it replaces. The initial costs of the two ferries was 97 million, a figure that has since more than quadrupled. The yard given the responsibility to carry out the work has been a focus of controversy throughout the process, with ministers forced to nationalise it in 2019 to stop it going bust. With record NHS waiting lists and Scotlands school pupils falling ever further behind in international education assessments, there is little on the horizon that Swinney can expect to benefit from: in almost every area of devolved policy, it is becoming increasingly difficult to argue that devolution has lived up to its promise or its hype. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile the legacy of one of the first ministers predecessors is not helping. Nicola Sturgeons attempts to rewrite her inexplicable championing of self-ID for trans people in Scotland has collided with the frank honesty of Britains most celebrated writer, J K Rowling. She has exposed Sturgeons claims that shadowy forces influenced the campaign to foil her plan to allow any man in Scotland, including children under 18, to identify as women, whether or not they suffered from gender dysphoria. As Rowling points out, the policy collapsed because of opposition from ordinary Scots, something that Sturgeon still refuses to accept. Its a debate that Swinney finds deeply uncomfortable and from which he would doubtless prefer to move on. Yet still there is light at the end of the tunnel for this benighted and achievement-free administration. It may have failed in almost every area for which it actually has responsibility, but it can still talk a good game in areas that are reserved to Westminster. Keir Starmers unforced errors since reaching Number 10 could yet hold the key to election victory for John Swinney and his party in 2026. 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. (Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government would spend the next year rebuilding Britain as he acknowledged the scale of the challenge he faces in turning around the UKs stagnant economy and high cost of living. Most Read from Bloomberg I know there is still so much more to do, and that for many people its hard to think about the future when you spend all of your time fighting to get through the week, the premier said in a New Years message released by his office. Until you can look forward and believe in the promise and the prosperity of Britain again, then this government will fight for you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That rhetoric appeared to be a nod to public opinion polls showing widespread dissatisfaction with the Labour administration after less than half a year in government. The party won a landslide in the UKs July 4 election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule, but Starmers first six months in office have been overshadowed by a series of economic and political difficulties that are likely to continue into 2025. The UK economy has contracted for two straight months, according to the latest data, while a tax-raising budget at the end of October was widely criticized by businesses as crimping jobs, investment and growth. Private-sector activity is set for a steep decline in the next quarter, according to a pre-Christmas warning from the Confederation of British Industry that piles pressure on Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves to find more ways ways to stimulate economic growth. Starmer used his New Years message to repeat a pledge to reduce immigration into the UK, though the failure of successive governments to prevent small boats carrying asylum seekers across the English Channel was put into focus once again over the holiday period. More than 1,500 people have entered the country via that route since Christmas Day, according to Home Office statistics, taking the total for the year to more than 36,000 the second highest on record. Irregular migration is one factor in the rise of Brexit campaigner Nigel Farages right-wing Reform UK party, which a recent poll suggested was surging in support and could threaten Labours chances of winning another majority at the next election, due in 2029. That Sunday Times survey suggested Labour would lose nearly 200 seats if an election were held today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Ipsos poll released Dec. 16, meanwhile, found some 61% of Britons are dissatisfied with Starmer, and 70% are unhappy with his government. The premiers personal rating is the weakest of any prime minister measured by Ipsos going back to the late 1970s. While the next general election doesnt have to be held for another 4-1/2 years, Starmer does face a reckoning with voters in a round of local elections in May. In some 176 council by-elections held since Starmers national win in July, Labour have lost a net 27 seats, while the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens and Reform UK have all made gains, according to analysis published Wednesday by local elections expert Robert Hayward, a Conservative peer. Moreover, the trend has accelerated, with a bigger proportion of results where Labour suffered truly calamitous drops in vote share of more than 30% happening since late October, Hayward said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The peer said Labour should still expect to make gains in the May elections, because theyll be held in seats last fought in May 2021, when the Conservatives benefitted from a so-called vaccine bounce after the rollout of protection against Covid-19. But he added that those advances wont now be as deep as would previously have been expected. Despite being in government, because of where the elections will be held and the results in 2021, Labour should still expect substantial gains but not at the massive levels which previously appeared likely, Hayward said. Only a few months ago the Conservatives were expecting to suffer massive losses. They are possibly now facing somewhat fewer losses. Defending his record in office so far, Starmer said he had already overseen a record rise in the minimum wage. Returns of foreign national criminals up 20%, the premier said, offering a list of his achievements. Billions of pounds worth of new projects in clean British energy making our country more secure. And over 25 billion ($31 billion) invested in our NHS starting to cut waiting lists in your local hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Adds comment and other details starting seventh paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. As rates of homelessness surge nationwide, Florida residents on Jan. 1 gain the ability to sue their local governments for not enforcing a statewide ban on public camping. House Bill 1365, the camping ban, partially came into effect in October, after Gov. DeSantis signed it into law in March. The law does not affect lawful recreational camping or people who sleep in legally parked and registered cars. Aiming to crack down on homelessness, the law holds municipalities responsible for ensuring that people dont sleep overnight on their streets, in their parks or in any other public place. That provision went into effect this fall. Starting in January, though, failure to do so can result in costly lawsuits for local governments, which could lead to jail time for those experiencing homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across both the U.S. and Florida, homelessness is on the rise. Since 2023, the number of Americans experiencing homelessness has risen by more than 18%, per a recent report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In Florida, that yearly increase was only 2%. More than 31,000 Floridians were homeless last year, a figure that includes both sheltered and unsheltered homeless people. But since 2022, Floridas population of unsheltered homeless people those who sleep outdoors rather than in, say, a shelter has ballooned by more than 43%, according to the department. That far outpaces the national average, a 17% increase over the same amount of time. HUD attributes the overall surge to rising housing costs, natural disasters such as hurricanes, and, in some cities, an inability to house migrants. On any given night, nearly 17,000 Floridians sleep in public. Of those, 30% are over the age of 55, one of the fastest-growing homeless demographics, alongside families with children. Municipalities in Florida have been required since October to keep people off the streets. But now, after a three-month grace period, failing to do so could land local governments in court. A man sleeps inside a parking lot underneath the expressway while waiting for the nonprofit One World One Heart to deliver free meals to the homeless population on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Miami. What happens now? Before suing their local government, residents must first provide written notice of any violation of the states public camping ban to the governing board of their municipality often a county commission. The government then has five business days to take all reasonable actions to cure the alleged infraction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it fails to do so, residents can take their municipality to court. Governments, if found guilty, could be ordered to address the concern or could even be fined, says Stephen Schnably, a law professor at the University of Miami who specializes in homelessness. Theyd also be responsible for the plaintiffs legal expenses. Because the law doesnt order the payment of damages, those bringing lawsuits against their governments dont stand to gain monetarily. When it comes to enforcement, the law doesnt specify what, exactly, all reasonable actions or cure entail. But Schnably wonders to what degree those government actions will be merely cosmetic. This law perhaps empowers businesses or residents who want a sweep to happen to basically force it to happen, Schnably said, referencing government sweeps that clear homeless people from public spaces by ordering them to move and, in some cases, taking their belongings. Steadman Stahl, president of the South Florida Police Benevolent Association, a union that represents more than 6,500 officers across South Floridas police departments, agreed with the professor. Asked what he thinks enforcement of the law will look like, Stahl predicted that local police departments will give homeless people as many warnings as possible, moving them along and trying to find them housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrests, said Stahl, would be a last resort. In a written statement to the Miami Herald, the Miami-Dade Police Department noted that the new law does not create a criminal or civil offense for law enforcement agencies to enforce. But, it said, county ordinances allow the police to arrest trespassing individuals who fail to leave after being warned to do so by law enforcement. Even so, Stahl said, trespassing charges normally carry a 24-hour jail sentence, meaning offenders could be back out on the street the following day. For its part, the city of Miami Police Department told the Herald that it will prioritize helping homeless individuals find shelter. Only if they refuse, it said, would officers assess the situation in such a way that prioritizes public health and safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hitch: Theres currently not enough space in Miami-Dades shelter system to accommodate the countys entire unsheltered homeless population. The county is already digging itself out of a short-term crisis housing hole coming into the new year. Camillus House, one of Miami-Dades largest shelters, more than halved its emergency shelter capacity recently. And though the county has made up for that loss by standing up beds elsewhere, its homeless agency, the Homeless Trust, still has a ways to go until its able to bring everyone in off the streets, said Trust chairman Ron Book. Ron Book, chairman of the Homeless Trust, reacts during a board meeting at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in downtown Miami. But Book sees a light at the end of the homelessness tunnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trust is working to get approval for 150 tiny homes, capable of housing 300 people, and its hoping to bring them online this year. In the coming months, the county will open an emergency navigation center capable of hosting 80 people. Located in Gladeview, the big box, as Book described it a large, indoor space with beds and bathrooms will host people for short stays, two weeks or less, as they find other housing options. Other housing options, including an Overtown complex to house 20 women, roughly four-dozen beds at a Riverside church and a repurposed Cutler Bay hotel capable of housing 130 low-income seniors, stand to clear up space in the countys shelter system for those still on the streets. All of this, stressed Book, is being done to avoid constructing an outdoor encampment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 1365 empowers counties to create encampments, designated outdoor spaces in which homeless people can live. In a memo circulated earlier this year, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cavas office characterized those encampments as being fraught with concerns, citing inadequate standards of care, the exclusion of individuals with substance abuse challenges and potential safety concerns arising from combining different homeless populations. Were working, said Book of the rush to stand up new beds, so that our community doesnt look like it did 30 years ago, when homeless encampments were far more common than they are today. HB 1365 is an opportunity, Book yelled defiantly at a recent Homeless Trust board meeting, for us to step up our game. This story was produced with financial support from supporters including The Green Family Foundation Trust and Ken OKeefe, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work. Steve Bannon advised Elon Musk to "study modern political history" amid the H-1B visa debate. Bannon said Musk should not "start lecturing people about the way things are gonna be." Musk recently faced MAGA criticism after he shared strong support for H-1B visas. President-elect Donald Trump's former advisor, Steve Bannon, has some advice for Elon Musk start studying. "You need to study modern political history of the fights we've been through for twelve or fourteen years to get to this spot," Bannon said on his "War Room" podcast on Tuesday. The remarks were made during a discussion about the H-1B visa, for which Musk has recently expressed support. While Bannon said Musk earned a seat at the table for investing in Trump's reelection and supporting the cause, he said he didn't agree with the Tesla CEO's stance on the H-1B visa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Don't come up and go to the pulpit in your first week here and start lecturing people about the way things are gonna be. If you're gonna do that," Bannon said, "we're gonna rip your face off." Musk said on X that the US needs to attract foreign talent to remain globally competitive. He strongly supports H-1B visas, which he said were crucial to building "SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong." While Trump stood behind Musk, his stance has been criticized by MAGA supporters who say employers are using H-1B visas and other legal immigration methods to take jobs from Americans and drive down wages. Bannon was considered one of the most powerful figures in Trump's administration before he was ousted from the White House. He was later found in contempt of Congress after refusing to comply with the January 6 panel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bannon completed a four-month prison sentence in October. After his release, the former strategist said at a media conference that he was "empowered" by his sentence. Read the original article on Business Insider Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hand over a ceremonial 'Chadar' to Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and BJP Minority Morcha President Jamal Siddiqui on Thursday at 6 PM. This 'Chadar' will be offered at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah on the occasion of the Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. PM Modi has been sending a 'Chadar' to the shrine annually to mark the occasion. Since assuming office as Prime Minister, Modi has offered a 'Chadar' to Ajmer Sharif Dargah ten times. This will be the 11th time he has participated in this tradition. Last year, during the 812th Urs, the 'Chadar' was presented to the shrine by then Union Minister Smriti Irani and Jamal Siddiqui, along with a delegation representing the Muslim community, on behalf of the Prime Minister. According to the BJP Minority Morcha's media in-charge, the 'Chadar' will be handed over by Kiren Rijiju and Jamal Siddiqui before being presented at the dargah. The program and related arrangements will proceed thereafter. The chadar, which is laid over the shrine (mazar-e-akhdas) of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz , symbolizes devotion and respect. During urs festival offering a chadar is considered a powerful form of worship, seen as a means to receive blessings and fulfill vows. The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is one of the most revered Sufi shrines in India. Every year, millions of devotees from all over the world gather here to celebrate the Urs festival, a significant event that commemorates the death anniversary of the Khwaja Moinuddin Hassan Chishty. The 813th Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti commenced on December 28, 2024, and is observed with great reverence. The annual event attracts devotees from across the country and beyond, who come to pay their respects and seek blessings. (ANI) After a Miami Herald investigation examined how a Doral real estate broker was initially charged with only three misdemeanors in a boating accident that killed a 17-year-old girl, a state legislator has proposed tougher boating penalties that largely bring them in line with motor vehicle laws. The proposed changes in Florida Sen. Ileana Garcias bill, SB 58, call for boosting the penalties in boating accidents with severe injuries to a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine, not a misdemeanor, as current Florida law stands in careless or reckless boating accidents. Garcia, a Miami Republican, told the Herald/Times that she was motivated to strengthen boating laws in Florida when it comes to accidents with serious injuries because of the Heralds reporting of the Sept. 4, 2022 crash. On the Sunday evening of that Labor Day weekend, George Pino smashed his boat into a concrete channel marker in Biscayne Bay, leading to the death of 17-year-old Luciana Lucy Fernandez and causing brain injury to her Our Lady of Lourdes Academy classmate, 17-year-old Katerina Katy Puig. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It confirmed how important it is to have tougher regulations and consequences, said Garcia, who introduced the bill in November. We can avoid further incidents and create a safer environment for boating enthusiasts with proper regulations and consequences. READ MORE: How investigators, prosecutors bungled probe into boat crash that killed teen girl The bill would be taken up when the Florida Legislature convenes on March 4. As long as some water navigation rule is violated, the proposed changes in Garcias bill make no distinction between whether a person was recklessly or carelessly driving the boat during the crash, which would have made a difference in the Pino case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors with the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office said they only had enough evidence to file three careless boating charges against Pino in August 2023, according to emails from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission reviewed by the Herald. The FWC investigates boating accidents, working with prosecutors. The careless boating misdemeanors carry a penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Prosecutors reevaluated the case, however, in the fall after a new witness came forward. That witness, Matthew Smiley, a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue firefighter who was among the first on the crash scene, told prosecutors that Pino appear intoxicated when he pulled him out of the water. He spoke to prosecutors after reading a series of articles in the Herald detailing how boaters who were immediately on the scene after the crash were never contacted by state investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 31, prosecutors charged Pino with the more serious felony vessel homicide, dropping the misdemeanor charges. If convicted, Pino faces up to 15 years behind bars and a $10,000 fine. Flanked by his daughter, Carolina Pino, left, and wife, Cecilia Pino, right, real estate broker George Pino acknowledges supporters as they arrive in Courtroom 4-1 for his surrender at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building on Thursday, November 21, 2024, in Miami, Florida. Pino was charged with felony vessel homicide in the boat Sept. 4, 2022, boat crash that led to the death of Luciana Lucy Fernandez, a 17-year-old student at Lourdes. Pino has pleaded not guilty and his attorney, Howard Srebnick, has maintained that the boat crash was an accident, not a crime. Garcias proposed changes would also require all boaters to carry with them a boating card that indicates theyve taken a safety course something less than but similar to a drivers license and would add more severe penalties for refusing to take an alcohol breath test. Pino did not take a blood alcohol test the night of the accident. FWC chair Rodney Barreto has said the agencys investigators on the scene did not believe Pino was impaired and thus did not have probable cause to seek a judges warrant to compel Pino to take the test. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation by the Herald revealed that it appears investigators did have probable cause, according to best practices in the FWCs and State Attorneys Offices training manuals, which list significant injuries and deaths as probable cause for a blood draw. Pino admitted to FWC investigators he had two beers that day and one of the girls on the boat told investigators she saw him having a drink that day. In early conversations of the proposed legislation, advocates floated the idea of having a mandatory blood draw in cases of a boat accident that results in serious injury or death. That language is missing from the current bill. If this mandate would have existed at the time of the September 4, 2022 accident, it would have overcome the lack of probable cause (as determined by the officers at the scene) and may have provided valuable evidence which could have impacted the course of the investigation ongoing at that time, said Ed Griffith, a spokesperson for State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, who is prosecuting the case against Pino and who worked with Garcia on the proposed legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia instead proposed to increase the penalty for refusing an alcohol breath test for the first time from a $500 civil penalty to a one-year boat-driving suspension. Lucy Fernandez parents, Andres and Melissa Fernandez, have been advocating for tougher boating-safety laws through a foundation they created called the Lucy Fernandez Foundation in memory of their daughter. At a bare minimum the boater-safety laws need to be equivalent to and consistent with motor vehicle laws, Andres Fernandez said Tuesday. We have been pushing for that and I know the proposed bill that was filed by Sen. Garcia seeks to bridge some of those gaps. Garcia said she wasnt sure why boating-safety laws have lagged behind those of motor vehicles. I will tell you the boating lobby world is huge, Garcia said. UPDATED with statements from Blake Livelys lawyers, WME & the New York Post: In a move straight out of the Donald Trump playbook, Justin Baldoni and his publicists have sued the New York Times for millions because of the papers explosive story on his It Ends With Us co-star Blake Livelys claims of sexual harassment and a smear campaign from the Jane the Virgin alum and his flacks. The 87-page libel complaint filed in LA Superior Court just hours before 2024 ends accuses the Gray Lady and its journalists of being in league with Lively with a lengthy December 21 article that cherry-picked and altered communications stripped of necessary context and deliberately spliced to mislead. Painting with a broad brush, the four claim filing from Baldoni, Melissa Nathan, Jennifer Abel and others asserts the Times complicity arises from its apparent endorsement of the criminal alteration of these text messages by Lively. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, Defendants, and each of them, willfully refused to afford Plaintiffs meaningful opportunity to respond to the allegations. Read Justin Baldonis libel lawsuit against the New York Times over the papers story on Blake Livelys sexual harassment & retaliation claims here Blake Livelys side, on the other hand, had another perspective on events, as one would expect with the stakes rising. Nothing in this lawsuit changes anything about the claims advanced in Ms. Livelys California Civil Rights Department Complaint, nor her federal complaint, filed earlier today, attorneys for Lively told Deadline. DEADLINE RELATED VIDEO: This lawsuit is based on the obviously false premise that Ms. Livelys administrative complaint against Wayfarer and others was a ruse based on a choice not to file a lawsuit against Baldoni, Wayfarer, and that litigation was never her ultimate goal, Livelys Manatt, Phelps & Phillips attorneys and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP firm add of the astroturfing attack she alleged suffered to her and Reynolds personal and professional detriment. As demonstrated by the federal complaint filed by Ms. Lively earlier today, that frame of reference for the Wayfarer lawsuit is false. While we will not litigate this matter in the press, we do encourage people to read Ms. Livelys complaint in its entirety. We look forward to addressing each and every one of Wayfarers allegations in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Full of text messages from Baldonis TAG PR team and others, Livelys 80-page December 20 complaint to the California Civil Rights department accuses her IEWU co-star/director of sexually harassing her and subsequently enacting a coordinated effort to destroy her reputation via social media attacks and planted press pieces. A shocking countersuit was promised, and now we have it though the shock value isnt that high. Written in the hyperbolic tones that lawyer Bryan Freedman is well known for, Baldonis suit Tuesday tries to taint Livelys own publicist Leslie Sloane for her past associations with Harvey Weinstein and clutches its pearls over Ryan Reynolds stern words to Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios team during an all-hands January 4th meeting and on other occasions. The filing states that one producer present at the January 4th meeting over Livelys requirements to resume filming said in his 40-year career he had never seen anyone speak to someone like that in a meeting. Additionally, the Sony representative mentioned that she would often think of that meeting and her one regret is that she didnt stop Reynolds berating of Baldoni. In fact, even though Sony on December 23 said they strongly condemn any reputational attacks on Lively, Baldonis filing denies that he and his team ever even saw the itemized requirements contained in Livelys 10-claim complaint that the Gossip Girl vet says was presented at the January 4, 2024 sit-down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reality, many of these items were encountered for the first time in the CRD Complaint itself and include references to highly disturbing events that never occurred, Baldonis libel and invasion of privacy suit says of the list (which you can see here). The repeated use of the phrase no more before each demand falsely suggests that these alleged incidents had previously taken place and needed to cease. This implication is not only misleading but entirely untrue. Whats odd and left fundamentally unmentioned today is that the Nathan and Abel repped Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios responded just after that meeting with a note that while they saw things differently than Lively, Wayfarer, Sony and Production respectfully acknowledge that [Lively] has concerns regarding safety, professionalism and workplace culture. While Lively had yet to actually file a suit of her own, though one was dropped today too, Abels old Joneswork boss Stephanie Jones has already sued her ex-employee, Baldoni and TAG boss Nathan in a defamation action of her own. This came just days afters Abel pointed a finger at Jones in a now delated Facebook posting for the internal communications in and around Baldoni getting to Livelys lawyers and the NYT for its piece timed to the actress confidential CCR filing. As Lively has garnered support from fellow Hollywood A-listers, Baldoni saw their mutual agency WME pink slip him on December 21. As remarkable as it may sound, the agency wasnt leaned on by either superstar Reynolds, who is also signed to WME, nor Lively to cut Baldoni loose, I hear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Point of fact, the agency gave Baldoni another kick out the door in reaction to todays lawsuit. In Baldonis filing there is a claim that Reynolds pressured Baldonis agent at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere, a WME spokesperson said in a statement tonight. This is not true. Baldonis former representative was not at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere nor was there any pressure from Reynolds or Lively at any time to drop Baldoni as a client. Still, adding insult to injury, the self-declared feminist also had an ally of woman award rescinded, among other consequences of Livelys very public checkmate. In addition, the name of New York Post staff writer Sara Nathan, sister to Crisis PR boss Melissa Nathan, has appeared in the filings around this matter, with allegations raised about her role in reporting the It Ends With Us dramas. The Murdoch owned paper has bluntly rejected them and their implications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unreasonable that Sara Nathan keeps getting dragged into these filings, a NY Post spokesperson said to Deadline on this. Shes only done her job get both sides points of view and report them. The Posts standard is to work with publicists, fact check, and be accurate. Further, the two articles in question are not negative toward Blake Lively, so the idea that theres some sort of collusion here doesnt make any sense. It is deeply unfair and unwarranted that Saras reputation is getting dirtied by all this mud-slinging. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Bryan Bowers and his business partner, Mike Licata, planned to build medical office space across from a new hospital in downtown Utica, New York. The Oneida County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) nixed that plan by agreeing to take the property so a competing business next door could use it for a parking lota land grab that a state appeals court approved last February. The U.S. Supreme Court invited such abuses with its 2005 ruling in Kelo v. City of New London, which blessed the use of eminent domain to promote economic development by transferring property from one private owner to another. Bowers' case offers the justices another chance to revisit that widely criticized decision, which endangered property rights by letting government officials reassign them to politically favored businesses. The Institute for Justice, which represents Bowers, is asking the Supreme Court to clarify the limits of that license. Alternatively, it says, the Court should overturn Kelo, which was "wrong the day it was decided." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fifth Amendment imposes two restrictions on government takings of private property: They must be accompanied by "just compensation," and they must be for "public use." But in New York, the state appeals court noted, "what qualifies as a public purpose or public use is broadly defined as encompassing virtually any project that may confer upon the public a benefit, utility, or advantage." In this case, the court said, "the acquisition of the property will serve the public use of mitigating parking and traffic congestion." That sort of reasoning, Bowers argues, is suspect even under Kelo. Writing for the majority in Kelo, Justice John Paul Stevens emphasized that the condemnation of homes in the Fort Trumbull neighborhood of New London, Connecticut, was based on "a 'carefully considered' development plan" that supposedly would "create in excess of 1,000 jobs," "increase tax and other revenues," and "revitalize an economically distressed city" (none of which actually happened). In Bowers' case, by contrast, OCIDA was not implementing a "development plan"; it was simply imposing its judgment that a parking lot was a better use for his property than the office building he planned to open. Stevens said New London would not be "allowed to take property under the mere pretext of a public purpose, when its actual purpose was to bestow a private benefit." But he noted that the city adopted its plan without knowing exactly which new owners would benefit from it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is, of course, difficult to accuse the government of having taken A's property to benefit the private interests of B when the identity of B was unknown," Stevens wrote. In Bowers' case, by contrast, it is easy to accuse the government of doing precisely that, since the main beneficiary of its seizure, Central New York Cardiology, is a private business that stood to profit by restricting the supply of medical office space. "Taking our property wasn't for the public," Bowers says. "It was to benefit our competitors." Dissenting in Kelo, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor warned that "all private property is now vulnerable to being taken and transferred to another private owner, so long as it might be upgradedi.e., given to an owner who will use it in a way that the legislature deems more beneficial to the publicin the process." That hazard could have been avoided, Justice Clarence Thomas said in a separate dissent, if the Court had hewed to "the most natural reading" of "public use"that "it allows the government to take property only if the government owns, or the public has the legal right to use, the property, as opposed to taking it for any public purpose or necessity whatsoever." In addition to Thomas, three other current members of the CourtNeil Gorsuch, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaughhave indicated they favor curtailing Kelo or overturning it altogether. Given the nakedly protectionist nature of the Utica land grab, Bowers' case seems like a good opportunity to do so. Copyright 2025 by Creators Syndicate Inc. The post Supreme Court Can Protect Property Owners From Eminent Domain Abuse appeared first on Reason.com. The NYPD released Wednesday surveillance footage of the two masked men wanted for shooting up a Bronx bodega, wounding six people including a mom and daughter whom the gunmens intended targets used as human shields. The two gunmen opened fire from the middle of White Plains Road near E. 212th St. about 4:45 p.m. on Monday during a brazen and heartless attack, NYPD Chief of Department John Chell said. Surveillance video obtained by the Daily News shows the shooting and panicked people scattering in the aftermath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 40-year-old mom and her 12-year-old daughter were in the bodega making a purchase when the gunmen fired at a group of men standing outside. As everyone scattered, a few of the men ran into the store, grabbed the mother and child and spun them around to use as human shields, Chell said. After the shots people start running, a 29-year-old man who gave his name as Adama and who works on the block, told The News on Tuesday. At that time, I [saw] two, three customers here. They all run. The mother was shot once in the stomach. Her daughter was shot in the leg. We have additional four males shot in their arms and legs, Chell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of the injuries were life-threatening. Cops scouring the area for video recovered surveillance footage of the two suspects, one dressed all in black and the other dressed in gray. Both men had their faces covered with surgical masks. Cops are asking the publics help identifying them and tracking them down. The one dressed in black is believed to be between 18 and 25, about 5-feet-7 and 160 pounds. His companion is roughly the same age, about 5-feet-8 and 140 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The suspect in custody for a shooting at a downtown Albuquerque liquor store made his first appearance in court Tuesday morning. Police said that surveillance footage showed Kevin Metcalf as he attempted to walk out of El Rey Liquor, with two stolen bottles. After a security guard confronted the thief, he fired one shot, hitting him in the calf. Family remembers Albuquerque teen killed during dispute over washing machine El Reys manager said the security guard is doing well and recovering. Metcalf was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, shoplifting, and negligent use of a deadly weapon. His detention hearing is expected to happen in the next four weeks. 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. Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies work the scene on Bourbon Street after at least 14 people were killed when a person reportedly drove into the crowd in the early morning hours of New Year's Day on Jan. 1, 2025, in New Orleans. Dozens more were injured after a suspect in a rented pickup truck allegedly drove around barricades and through a crowd of New Year's revelers on Bourbon Street. The suspect then got out of the car, opened fire on police officers, and was subsequently killed by law enforcement. (Michael DeMocker/Getty Images) NEW ORLEANS Authorities have identified the man who sped down Bourbon Street early Wednesday morning, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas was killed after a shootout with police once his pickup truck collided with a lift vehicle at the intersection of Bourbon and Conti streets, the FBI has confirmed. He reportedly drove around a police barricade at Canal Street, intentionally striking pedestrians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Jabbar struck a lift vehicle, the FBI said he shot at law enforcement on the scene and was killed by return fire. Two police officers were wounded in the shootout and taken to University Medical Center, where New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said they were in stable condition. Another 35 people struck by the truck were also injured and taken to local hospitals, with some reported in critical condition. Alethea Duncan, the FBIs assistant special agent in charge for the New Orleans district, said Jabbar is a U.S.-born citizen and an Army veteran. The FBI is leading the investigation into what the agency said is calling a terrorist attack. A potential improvised explosive device (IED) was also discovered at the scene, and a flag for the jihadist Islamic State group was found in the truck, along with other firearms, according to the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two other explosive devices were found in the French Quarter, with controlled detonations heard block away from the area. Duncan said it is believed others were involved with the attack but did not elaborate on how many other people are being investigated. At around 3:15 a.m., the driver of the truck steered around a police barricade at Canal Street meant to keep vehicles off of Bourbon Street and sped into a crowd, Kirkpatrick said. It appears the truck was able to travel three blocks before colliding with a lift vehicle near Conti Street. He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did, the police chief said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steel bollards that rise from the street were installed along and near Bourbon Street in 2017 to protect pedestrians, but they are in the process of being replaced according to the citys Department of Public Works website. Bomb squad personnel were seen entering the French Quarter, which the FBI said is being scoured for additional explosive devices. Several small booms have been heard blocks away, which City Council members said were controlled detonations to clear possible IEDs. An eight-block stretch of Bourbon Street remains closed to traffic and pedestrians, and some hotels in the French Quarter were evacuated as a precautionary measure. The public is being asked to avoid a large portion of the historic neighborhood, which typically sees crowds larger than typical weekends for New Years Eve. New Orleans is hosting fans of the University of Georgia and Notre Dame for the Sugar Bowl, scheduled for Wednesday night at the Superdome. The college football playoff game was postponed until 3 p.m. Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hospitality and service industry employees reporting for work Wednesday morning were being turned away from cordoned-off areas. The city will also host Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9. This story was updated throughout the day with new information. Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies work the scene on Bourbon Street after at least 10 people were killed when a person reportedly drove into the crowd in the early morning hours of New Years Day on Jan. 1, 2025, in New Orleans. Dozens more were injured after a suspect in a rented pickup truck allegedly drove around barricades and through a crowd of New Years revelers on Bourbon Street. The suspect then got out of the car, opened fire on police officers, and was subsequently killed by law enforcement. (Michael DeMocker/Getty Images) NEW ORLEANS Authorities have identified the man who sped down Bourbon Street early Wednesday morning, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens more. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas was killed after a shootout with police once his pickup truck collided with a lift vehicle at the intersection of Bourbon and Conti streets, the FBI has confirmed. He reportedly drove around a police barricade at Canal Street, intentionally striking pedestrians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Jabbar struck a lift vehicle, the FBI said he shot at law enforcement on the scene and was killed by return fire. Two police officers were wounded in the shootout and taken to University Medical Center, where New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said they were in stable condition. Another 35 people struck by the truck were also injured and taken to local hospitals, with some reported in critical condition. The FBI is leading the investigation into what the agency said is calling a terrorist attack. They reported a potential improvised explosive device (IED) was also discovered at the scene. A flag for the jihadist Islamic State group was found in the truck, along with other firearms. Other explosive devices were found in the French Quarter, with controlled detonations heard block away from the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alathea Duncan, the FBIs assistant special agent in charge for the New Orleans district, said it is believed others were involved with the attack. At around 3:15 a.m., the driver of the truck steered around a police barricade at Canal Street meant to keep vehicles off of Bourbon Street and sped into a crowd, Kirkpatrick said. It appears the truck was able to travel three blocks before colliding with a lift vehicle near Conti Street. He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did, the police chief said. Steel bollards that rise from the street were installed along and near Bourbon Street in 2017 to protect pedestrians, but they are in the process of being replaced according to the citys Department of Public Works website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bomb squad personnel were seen entering the French Quarter, which the FBI said is being scoured for additional explosive devices. Several small booms have been heard blocks away, which City Council members said were controlled detonations to clear possible IEDs. An eight-block stretch of Bourbon Street remains closed to traffic and pedestrians, and some hotels in the French Quarter were evacuated as a precautionary measure. The public is being asked to avoid a large portion of the historic neighborhood, which typically sees crowds larger than typical weekends for New Years Eve. New Orleans is hosting fans of the University of Georgia and Notre Dame for the Sugar Bowl, scheduled for Wednesday night at the Superdome. Representatives with the event have said they are speaking with local, state and federal authorities to keep apprised of developments. Hospitality and service industry employees reporting for work Wednesday morning were being turned away from cordoned-off areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city will also host Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9. This article was first published by the Louisiana Illuminator, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com. Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies work the scene on Bourbon Street after at least 10 people were killed when a person reportedly drove into the crowd in the early morning hours of New Years Day on Jan. 1, 2025, in New Orleans. Dozens more were injured after a suspect in a rented pickup truck allegedly drove around barricades and through a crowd of New Years revelers on Bourbon Street. The suspect then got out of the car, opened fire on police officers, and was subsequently killed by law enforcement. (Michael DeMocker/Getty Images) NEW ORLEANS Authorities have identified the man who sped down Bourbon Street early Wednesday morning, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens more. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas was killed after a shootout with police once his pickup truck collided with a lift vehicle at the intersection of Bourbon and Conti streets, the FBI has confirmed. He reportedly drove around a police barricade at Canal Street, intentionally striking pedestrians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Jabbar struck a lift vehicle, the FBI said he shot at law enforcement on the scene and was killed by return fire. Two police officers were wounded in the shootout and taken to University Medical Center, where New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said they were in stable condition. Another 35 people struck by the truck were also injured and taken to local hospitals, with some reported in critical condition. Alethea Duncan, the FBIs assistant special agent in charge for the New Orleans district, said Jabbar is a U.S.-born citizen and an Army veteran. The FBI is leading the investigation into what the agency said is calling a terrorist attack. A potential improvised explosive device (IED) was also discovered at the scene, and a flag for the jihadist Islamic State group was found in the truck, along with other firearms, according to the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two other explosive devices were found in the French Quarter, with controlled detonations heard block away from the area. Duncan said it is believed others were involved with the attack but did not elaborate on how many other people are being investigated. At around 3:15 a.m., the driver of the truck steered around a police barricade at Canal Street meant to keep vehicles off of Bourbon Street and sped into a crowd, Kirkpatrick said. It appears the truck was able to travel three blocks before colliding with a lift vehicle near Conti Street. He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did, the police chief said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steel bollards that rise from the street were installed along and near Bourbon Street in 2017 to protect pedestrians, but they are in the process of being replaced according to the citys Department of Public Works website. Bomb squad personnel were seen entering the French Quarter, which the FBI said is being scoured for additional explosive devices. Several small booms have been heard blocks away, which City Council members said were controlled detonations to clear possible IEDs. An eight-block stretch of Bourbon Street remains closed to traffic and pedestrians, and some hotels in the French Quarter were evacuated as a precautionary measure. The public is being asked to avoid a large portion of the historic neighborhood, which typically sees crowds larger than typical weekends for New Years Eve. New Orleans is hosting fans of the University of Georgia and Notre Dame for the Sugar Bowl, scheduled for Wednesday night at the Superdome. Representatives with the event have said they are speaking with local, state and federal authorities to keep apprised of developments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hospitality and service industry employees reporting for work Wednesday morning were being turned away from cordoned-off areas. The city will also host Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9. This report was first published by the Louisiana Illuminator, which like NC Newsline, is part of the national States Newsroom network. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 1: Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies work the scene on Bourbon Street after at least ten people were killed when a person allegedly drove into the crowd in the early morning hours of New Year's Day on January 1, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dozens more were injured after a suspect in a rented pickup truck allegedly drove around barricades and through a crowd of New Year's revelers on Bourbon Street. The suspect then got out of the car, opened fire on police officers, and was subsequently killed by law enforcement. (Photo by Michael DeMocker/Getty Images) NEW ORLEANS Authorities have identified the man who sped down Bourbon Street early Wednesday morning, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens more. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas was killed after a shootout with police once his pickup truck collided with a lift vehicle at the intersection of Bourbon and Conti streets, the FBI has confirmed. He reportedly drove around a police barricade at Canal Street, intentionally striking pedestrians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Jabbar struck a lift vehicle, the FBI said he shot at law enforcement on the scene and was killed by return fire. Two police officers were wounded in the shootout and taken to University Medical Center, where New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said they were in stable condition. Another 35 people struck by the truck were also injured and taken to local hospitals, with some reported in critical condition. Alethea Duncan, the FBIs assistant special agent in charge for the New Orleans district, said Jabbar is a U.S.-born citizen and an Army veteran. The FBI is leading the investigation into what the agency said is calling a terrorist attack. A potential improvised explosive device was also discovered at the scene, and a flag for the jihadist Islamic State group was found in the truck, along with other firearms, according to the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two other explosive devices were found in the French Quarter, with controlled detonations heard block away from the area. Duncan said it is believed others were involved with the attack but did not elaborate on how many other people are being investigated. At around 3:15 a.m., the driver of the truck steered around a police barricade at Canal Street meant to keep vehicles off of Bourbon Street and sped into a crowd, Kirkpatrick said. It appears the truck was able to travel three blocks before colliding with a lift vehicle near Conti Street. He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did, the police chief said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steel bollards that rise from the street were installed along and near Bourbon Street in 2017 to protect pedestrians, but they are in the process of being replaced according to the citys Department of Public Works website. Bomb squad personnel were seen entering the French Quarter, which the FBI said is being scoured for additional explosive devices. Several small booms have been heard blocks away, which City Council members said were controlled detonations to clear possible IEDs. An eight-block stretch of Bourbon Street remains closed to traffic and pedestrians, and some hotels in the French Quarter were evacuated as a precautionary measure. The public is being asked to avoid a large portion of the historic neighborhood, which typically sees crowds larger than typical weekends for New Years Eve. New Orleans is hosting fans of the University of Georgia and Notre Dame for the Sugar Bowl, scheduled for Wednesday night at the Superdome. Representatives with the event have said they are speaking with local, state and federal authorities to keep apprised of developments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hospitality and service industry employees reporting for work Wednesday morning were being turned away from cordoned-off areas. The city will also host Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9. This story was produced by the Louisiana Illuminator which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network, including the Daily Montanan, supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday lauded the decisions of the Union Cabinet that include approval to continuation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and restructured weather-based crop insurance scheme till the year 2025-26. The union cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has also given its approval to extend the one-time special package on di-ammonium phosphate beyond NBS subsidy from January 1 to December 31, 2025, to ensure continuous availability of DAP to farmers at an affordable price. Uttarakhand Chief Minister said that these welfare decisions will provide financial security to farmers on crop loss due to natural disasters. Affordable and continuous availability of fertilizer will be ensured, which will increase agricultural production, he said, according to an official release. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme till 2025-26 with an overall outlay of Rs 69,515.71 crore from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The decision will help in risk coverage of crops from non-preventable natural calamities for farmers across the country till 2025-26. In addition, for large-scale technology infusion in the implementation of the scheme leading to increasing transparency and claim calculation and settlement, the Union Cabinet has also approved the creation of the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) with a corpus of Rs 824.77 crore. The fund will be utilised towards funding technological initiatives under the scheme namely, YES-TECH, and WINDS, as well as research and development studies. The Union Cabinet also approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for extension of One-time Special Package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) beyond the NBS subsidy @ Rs 3,500 per MT for the period from January 1, 2025, till further orders to ensure sustainable availability of DAP at affordable prices to the farmers. The tentative budgetary requirement for above would be approximately upto Rs 3,850 crore. (ANI) OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Just over an hour after ringing in the New Year, gunfire rang out in Southwest Oklahoma City. We didnt know how to react, said Gerardo Macias, who spent the night nearby. It was like a surprise for me. Because I think that the surrounding [area is] a quiet space. According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, around 1:30 Wednesday morning, officers were called to a domestic incident near Southwest 29th Street and Kentucky Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers were en route, they were advised a male subject outside the home was possibly shooting a gun, said Capt. Valerie Littlejohn with OKCPD. Capt. Littlejohn said when officers got to the area the suspect ran off. The officers chased after him. They caught up to him near a backyard a couple houses down, said Littlejohn. During that confrontation at some point in time, one officer did discharge his firearm toward the suspect and the suspect was hit by that gunfire. His injuries are not life threatening. No one else was hurt. Police said a gun was found near the suspect. I didnt expect that, said Macias. Not good for anyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer who shot the suspect is on routine administrative leave. 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. (Reuters) -Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the 42-year-old Texas man accused of crashing a truck into New Year's Day revelers in New Orleans, killing 15 and injuring dozens of people, served in the U.S. Army for 13 years including a deployment to Afghanistan, the Army said. Federal officials and local law enforcement in New Orleans said that Jabbar did not act alone and that they are looking for accomplices. The FBI said Jabbar had an Islamic State flag on his truck and view the attack as a potential act of terrorism. The Islamic State, or ISIS, is a Sunni Muslim militant group which has carried out attacks throughout the world. While the investigation is ongoing, so far no information has surfaced to explain why Jabbar, a U.S. citizen raised in Texas, would carry out the New Orleans attack. Jabbar died at the scene in a shootout with police, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jabbar served in the Army as a human resource specialist and information technology specialist from 2007 until 2015. He then joined the Army Reserve as an IT specialist until 2020, holding the rank of staff sergeant at the end of service, according to an Army official. Jabbar deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010, the official said. Before serving in the Army, Jabbar enlisted in the Navy in August 2004 under a delayed entry program but was discharged a month later, a Navy official told Reuters. Corporate records show that Jabbar got involved in a series of businesses in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a promotional video for a real estate business posted to YouTube in 2020, a man with the same name as the suspect said his time in the military had taught him the importance of great service and taking everything seriously. "I've taken those skills and applied them to my career as a real estate agent, where I feel like what really sets me apart from other agents is my ability to be able to one be a fierce negotiator," he said, encouraging clients to give him a call. In the video, the man introduced himself as a manager at Blue Meadow Properties LLC, a Texas-based company whose license expired in 2022. He was registered as a real estate sales agent for four years through February 2023, records show. He said he was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters was unable to reach anyone at the number provided by Jabbar in the video. Attempts to contact Jabbar's relatives were also unsuccessful. The FBI believes Jabbar rented the Ford pickup truck he used to ram into the crowd in New Orleans' French Quarter in the early hours of Wednesday. Jabbar then opened fire on police, injuring 35 in addition to the at least 10 people who have died. The ISIS flag on the truck prompted an investigation into possible links to terrorist organizations. Investigators found weapons and a potential explosive device in the vehicle, as well as other potential explosive devices in the French Quarter. "We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible. We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates," FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan told a briefing on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records show Jabbar was divorced in 2022, separating from his wife of five years. The couple had one child. He does not appear to have a violent criminal record prior to the attack. According to Texas records, Jabbar was charged with a misdemeanor in 2002 for a property theft and arrested in 2005 for driving with an invalid license. (Reporting by Nathan Layne in West Palm Beach, Florida and Idrees Ali in Washington; Editing by Scott Malone and Alistair Bell) Authorities in Phoenix and Pima County worked together to identify and jail a suspect in a hit-and-run killing that took place last week in Phoenix. Police have named 38-year-old Miguel Preciado Jr. as the suspect responsible for the death of Ethan Jaaziel Felix on Friday, according to Phoenix Police Sgt. Brian Bower. Investigators believe that Preciado "intentionally struck" Felix with his car on Friday evening and left the scene soon after. Police found Felix, 35, with serious injuries. He was transported to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead, authorities said Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident took place near 16th Street and Thomas Road in Phoenix. Felix leaves behind five children, his family told FOX 10. The Pima County Sheriff's Department helped locate Preciado's car in a "desert area" outside of Tucson on Monday, Bower wrote in a news release. While authorities processed Preciado's vehicle, other deputies located him several miles away and took him into custody "without incident." Preciado was booked into Maricopa County jail on several felony charges, including 1st degree murder. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Suspect in Phoenix hit-and-run murder arrested outside Tucson Riverside County Sheriffs deputies investigating suspicious circumstances on Monday morning discovered a felon with an assault weapon and a high-capacity magazine, the department said in a news release. Just after 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to the 25000 block of Cornell Street in East Hemet, an unincorporated area of the county. When deputies arrived, they encountered Isaiah Robinson, who immediately fled on foot, leaving behind a duffle bag, the release explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside that bag was an assault-style rifle with a loaded high-capacity magazine, deputies said. Robinson, 24, tried to escape by hiding in backyards, but K-9 units and the departments helicopter tracked him down. He was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center on weapons charges and allegations of resisting or delaying a peace officer, burglary and theft. Jail records show he is being held at the Southwest Detention Center in lieu of $35,000 bail, and hes due to appear in court on Thursday. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Deputy Miner at 951-7913400. 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. A contractor who performed work at the once-planned Tacoma Town Center project near the University of Washington-Tacoma campus won a summary judgment and judgment in December in a debt collection case against the developer and a property investor. The news comes amid mounting debt for the developer here and across the state line in Idaho. The 6.4-acre Tacoma property, bordered by South 21st to South 23rd streets and from Jefferson to Tacoma avenues, has just one building completed by its original developer (who is not part of this case) at the planned six-building campus. A map from a 2021 City Council presentation shows the various buildings planned for Tacoma Town Center. Puyallup-based Northwest Cascade on Dec. 13 received a judgment against Kurtin Properties, a San Diego-based real-estate investment entity, from Pierce County Superior Court Judge Andre Penalver, the result of an earlier order of default against Kurtin issued in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kurtin was added to the case, originally filed against Tacoma Town Center Parcels LLC, after the contractors attorneys found that the LLC had conveyed a parcel tied to the case to Kurtin in early 2024. NWC attorney Michael Murphy wrote in an Oct. 29 motion filing that sought both summary and default judgment that Kurtin, a California corporation, recorded a deed of trust against the property in the amount of $3,000,000.00 on January 10, 2024 ... . Kurtin took title to the property on February 26, 2024, by a special warranty deed ... . Both the Kurtin (deed of trust) and the Kurtin deed were recorded after NWC recorded its lien against the property and commenced this action. No attorney is listed on the case file representing Kurtin Properties, and attorneys for Tacoma Town Center Parcels LLC withdrew from the case in January. Before their withdrawal, the LLCs attorneys filed a response to the initial complaint, with a general denial of the allegations and contended that the LLC was not a party to the contract with NWC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The contract listed GIC Tacoma LLC as the property owner, which also shared the same Boise address as Galena Equity Partners, and a Galena Fund agent was listed as point of contact. Murphy pushed back on that defense, stating in his October filing that It is undisputed that TTCP (Tacoma Town Center Parcels) was the owner of the property when the work was contracted for and performed. TTCP was part of a group of companies operating under the umbrella of Galena Equity Partners. The Tacoma Town Center project was featured on Galenas website. He also noted that To the extent defendant made a mistake in listing GIC as the owner on the contract, that is on them. It does not somehow permit TTCP to avoid application of the lien statute. Decembers judgment gives Northwest Cascade priority on its lien ahead of the interest of Kurtin Properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judgment states that NWC is entitled to foreclose its claim of lien ... against the property and the interest of Kurtin Properties, Inc. and against the interest of any persons claiming under it ... . Penlaver also issued an order granting NWCs motion for summary judgment against Tacoma Town Center Parcels, with NWC entitled to interest at 12% and reasonable attorneys fees to be determined in a subsequent motion. A rendering of what was planned for Tacoma Town Center at one time. The latest actions were sought to clear the way to foreclose on the property and, via sheriffs sale, recover the money owed NWC, along with state sales tax, attorneys fees, interest, lien fees, title search report costs, and other recoverable costs, according to the judgment against Kurtin. Murphy, in an email Jan. 2, told The News Tribune in response to questions that representatives for Kurtin had since reached out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are requesting time to market and sell the property before a sheriffs sale, he wrote. Northwest Cascade will be moving forward to get its attorneys fees awarded and an order of sale entered, but has agreed to defer a sale for 3 months. It will reevaluate any additional time as we approach 3 months, he added. NWCs complaint, originally filed in September 2023, seeks payment for stormwater pond overflow and piping work to connect the site to the citys stormwater system. NWC entered into the work contract around the end of August 2022, and filed a lien claim for more than $200,000 in February 2023 after nonpayment. NWC isnt alone in seeking repayments from Galena and its affiliated entities, who have faced multi-millions of dollars of debt collection in Washington state and Idaho from various entities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Past-due property taxes at the undeveloped portions of the site now total more than $470,000, according to Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer records online. The debt goes back to 2022. The county has a three-year time limit before pursuing tax foreclosure by filing a Certificate of Delinquency on a delinquent parcel with Pierce County Superior Court. Other court action Tacoma Town Center Parcels LLC took on the project in 2021 to continue after the original developer, Bellevue-based North America Asset Management (NAAM) was unable to generate sufficient financing, including EB-5 investment. In April 2023, NAAM sued Galena over the Tacoma project in King County Superior Court for repeatedly defaulting on an agreement to purchase NAAMs interest in Tacoma Town Center Parcels LLC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tacoma Town Center Parcels/Galena in September 2023 reached a settlement with the town center projects architect, Caron Architecture, after Caron had sought more than $591,000 for its work. That case was dismissed in October 2023 ahead of its November trial date. Then in January, NAAM was awarded more than $10 million from Galena in its lawsuit. Galenas financial interests in Tacoma Town Center Parcels LLC and an LLC affiliated with a Vancouver, Washington, project known as 192nd Plaza Lofts were seized in an order issued to help satisfy the judgment. In its home state of Idaho, Galena Opportunity Fund and its subsidiaries have been in court the past two years after failing to pay contractors in another stalled mixed used retail-apartment development in Meridian, Idaho. The Idaho Statesman reported earlier this month that Galena owes $22 million in mechanics liens, interest and attorneys fees to five of the project contractors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Galena was ordered to pay up or risk the unfinished development, which sits across from Meridians City Hall, being sold to pay debts. Previous reporting from The News Tribune contributed to this report. Story updated Jan. 2 with comment from attorney for Northwest Cascade. TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te pledged to strengthen the island's defenses in the face of escalating Chinese threats, saying in a New Years address on Wednesday that Taiwan was a crucial part of the line of defense of democracy globally. China claims Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy, is part of its territory and has vowed to annex the island by force if necessary. Authoritarian countries such as China, Russia, North Korea and Iran are still collaborating to threaten the international order that is based on rules. This has severely influenced the Indo-Pacific region and the worlds peace and stability, Lai said in his address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing has used a variety of tactics in recent years to increase pressure on Taiwan, from sending warships and fighter jets toward the island on a near-daily basis to pressuring Taiwan's diplomatic allies to switch their recognition to China. In response, Taiwan has been reforming its military and buying weapons from the United States, its biggest unofficial ally. Taiwan must be prepared for danger in times of peace. It must keep increasing the national defense budget to strengthen its defense capabilities in order to show the determination to defend the country. Every single person has the duty to protect Taiwans democracy and security," Lai said. Lai also issued a warning about the need to uphold democracy domestically, addressing recent political controversies in Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kuomingtang-led opposition passed three bills last month after legislators got into a physical tussle over them. The bills are designed to make recall votes for politicians more difficult and change the budget allocation for the central government. Critics said another of the bills would paralyze the Constitutional Court. Lai's party has said the bills, which still need to be accepted by the executive branch, are a threat to democracy. Domestic competition among political parties is a part of democracy. But domestic political disputes must be resolved democratically, within the constitutional system. This is the only way democracy can continue to grow," Lai said. ___ Wu reported from Bangkok Columnist Eric Thomas introduces readers to a New Year's tradition called "High-Low Buffalo" while looking backward and forward. (Eric Thomas illustration) Our family has a few New Years Day traditions. The first requires each of us to make predictions about the coming year. Who will get engaged? Who will dump their boyfriend? Who will move to a new house? Who will find a new job? Will the Chiefs win another Super Bowl? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second tradition is to look back on the past year. Sometimes we take it month by month, finding highlights. Other times we just blurt out the first memories that jump forward. Usually these days, we open up our camera rolls on our phones to use photos to charge our memories. But this year, our annual retrospective will have a new feature. Its called High-Low-Buffalo. Our daughter brings a mental backpack of ideas to our house each time she comes home from college, but High-Low-Buffalo might be the best. Each person around the dinner table chooses their high and low. Many families do this, but give it a different name. Your family might call it something like ups and downs. While in the White House with their school-age children, the Obama family made it famous as roses and thorns. That high-low part of the chatter is straightforward. What about this buffalo part? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After each person lists their best and worst parts of the day or week or year, they explain their buffalo. This is their weirdest part of the year or the month or the day: the bizarre and unexpected. The random and funny. The serendipity. For example, my daughter proudly showcased her buffalo the other night: a winding story of how a group of college boys at her school owned a hamster named Mustafa. This young rodent, while being cared for by a haphazard crew of Christian college dudes, was found lifeless one day. The poor little furry friend was going to be buried until enter the buffalo the students realized that he was still alive. He had risen indeed. It was a perfect buffalo. She had been saving it for weeks. (The fact that one part of this conversation game is named buffalo is a gift to me, as a columnist. It allows me to point out to Clay Wirestone, my perfectly sensible opinion editor at Kansas Reflector, that bison americanus is the official state animal of Kansas. So, this game has a (flimsy) connection to the state and its 5,000 remaining buffalo. Did I sell you on the Kansas connection yet, dear reader and dear Clay?) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe the kids in your life kids or grandkids are like mine. Perhaps when you ask them a question about their days, you routinely receive a grunt, at best. Maybe when you ask how their day was, you get the useless and reflexive reply: Fine. The buffalo diffuses all that. Our family has found that it brings out storytelling, rather than the simple phrase or sentence that sums up the high or low. A typical high? They had orange chicken at lunch today. A typical low? My chemistry test. Buffalos demand explanation and narrative craft. Through that, we learn a bit more about what each others lives are truly like. I tested this on my university students the other day and got two astounding stories from one small class. One student explained how her car spun out on Kansas Highway 10 during a slick moment of weather. She did a full 360-degree revolution before ending up in the median, without any harm to her or her car. She simply checked her blind spots and drove away, a bit rattled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another student narrated a socially shuddering story about how she visited her boyfriends family for the first time at Thanksgiving. Out of nowhere, she stood up from the Thanksgiving table and felt terribly nauseous. She walked right to the bathroom from the dining room. Everyone could hear her puke, she was sure. Nevertheless, feeling much better, she came back to the table, as if nothing happened. College students, it turns out, may be particularly good at High-Low-Buffalo. Maybe its the late night, the booze or the new experiences. If I were to search for my buffalo of Kansas news from the year, it would be the story of Stephanie Grisham. Told both by KCURs Frank Morris in 2022 and the national radio show This American Life this year, Grishams relocation from Washington, D.C., to the small town of Plainville, Kansas, bends our expectations. Grisham was an attack dog of the first Donald Trump administration. For months, she defended both Melania and Donald Trump with aggressive statements and social media posts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grisham departed the Oval Office staff as press secretary during the Jan. 6 insurrection in 2021. While talking to reporter Alix Spiegel of This American Life, Grisham describes both her biting tactics and her personal regret. She retreated to her sisters house in Kansas, where she is electorally surrounded by folks who voted for Trump to return to office. Its an unlikely refuge. Adding to the buffalo-ness of her 2024, Grisham spoke to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to denounce her former boss and urge voters to elect Kamala Harris. A beltway power broker reverses allegiance on Trump and retreats to deep-red Kansas? Thats my Kansas news buffalo. Im betting that you have your own: a bizarre piece of news that you read, or even better, a personal experience that you had. Im hoping that you share it as a comment to this story on social media. What is your 2024 Kansas buffalo? The highs and lows of Kansas news will likely be predictable, with many of us sharing the same election outcomes, court decisions and political maneuvers. But your buffalos will be uniquely yours. Eric Thomas teaches visual journalism and photojournalism at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. 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. Children's coats hang in a hallway at Hillcrest Childcare Center in Anchorage o n April 18. The second and final report of a child care task force holds recommendations for expanding subsidies that families receive, speeding the caregiver licensing and hiring process and other steps intended to address the state's shortage of affordable child care. (Photo by Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon) Child care shortages could be addressed by a combination of actions to help families with subsidies and help providers work through what is currently a daunting bureaucratic process, according to a new task force report released by the Alaska Department of Health. Recommendations to expand child care options came in the second and final report of a task force established last year by Gov. Mike Dunleavy. The Governors Task Force on Child Care report, released on Dec. 27, follows an earlier report released last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Altogether, they contain 56 recommendations for action. The recommendations put forward are not only responses to immediate challenges but also a roadmap for a resilient infrastructure that serves both working parents that need reliable, safe care, and the licensed facilities that provide that care, Heidi Hedberg, commissioner of the state Department of Health, said in a statement. Removing barriers, especially in rural areas, and supporting the child care workforce, are other areas we expect to see long-lasting improvements, as a result of this important work. Child care shortages and costs have been cited by businesses as a major workforce challenge. The problems became more severe after the Covid-19 pandemic, when Alaska lost 10% of its licensed child care providers, according to state officials. Dunleavy created the task force as he declined last year to support more funding in the state budget for child care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A study conducted by McKinley Research Group that helped guide the task force revealed varying gaps between the actual costs borne by families and the subsidies they receive, ranging from under $100 to several hundred dollars a month, depending on the type of child care received. It also revealed cost differences based on geography. For example, monthly preschool costs per child in Anchorage averaged $1,186, while in northern Alaska the average was $1,749, according to the study. To help address the problem of affordability, one recommendation is for geographical cost-of-living adjustments to be applied to parents income, said Leah Van Kirk, a department health care policy adviser. Living costs are higher in rural Alaska than in urban Alaska, and the McKinley Research Group report showed that child care costs in rural areas are particularly high. Currently, a geographic cost adjustment is applied to subsidies paid for child care costs, but that does not extend to the income levels that are used to determine subsidy eligibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your income would have been considered the same whether you lived in Bethel or whether you lived in Anchorage, Van Kirk said. The new report recommends that we acknowledge the cost of living thats different in some of the more rural areas of the state where we know cost of living is higher. Another recommendation focuses on making child care jobs more attractive. It would be so when a parent works in a child care facility that they would qualify for a subsidy for their own children to attend child care, Van Kirk said. Some of the important information revealed in the study concerned the cost differences between home-based child care and that provided in child care centers, Van Kirk said. One of the things that was confirmed for us is that for child care providers, having a home-based licensed child care is a stronger business model, or more affordable, Van Kirk said. The cost of delivering care is less. Because of that, home-based child care could be encouraged, especially in rural areas, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, there are some potential cost-saving solutions that involve centers, according to the task force report. One of the recommendations is to explore the possibility of providing child care in schools or school district buildings. Sites like vacant classrooms could be assessed for use by providers who might want to open up new child care centers, potentially lowering costs and making the service more feasible, Van Kirk said. We know that, above staffing, the cost of a facility definitely is one of the highest costs for child care providers, she said. The Anchorage School District, which has struggled both with employee recruitment and with declining enrollment, is already considering setting up such a system. Care for school employees could be provided in school buildings, according to the district. The task force also recommended that the state consider establishing what is known as a Tri-Share system, with government, employers and parents sharing costs. That system was pioneered in Michigan and has since been adopted in other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other recommendations focus on streamlining the process for licensing child care providers and hiring child care workers. Some of the solutions involve modern technology. For example, safety screening of potential workers required the creation of physical fingerprint images that were mailed to law-enforcement agencies to use for background checks. To speed that now time-consuming process that can delay the hiring of staff members, the state just acquired digital fingerprinting equipment, using American Rescue Plan Act funds to do so, Van Kirk said. The Department of Health has already taken action on several recommendations in the two reports. The acquisition of digital fingerprinting equipment is one example, Van Kirk said. The department is also developing an online Child Care Information System to help streamline licensing, employment, notices to families and other bureaucratic processes. Some action has come in the form of new regulations. One new set of regulations that went into effect on Oct. 9 allows for designated caregivers to be in charge when administrators of child care facilities are off-site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another new set of regulations, aimed at lowering hurdles to hiring child care workers by broadening qualifications, was published on Oct. 9. Public comments were mixed, with some that were supportive and some expressing concerns about unqualified workers. Additionally, the Legislature earlier this year passed Senate Bill 189, that expanded families eligibility for subsidies and offers tax incentives for employers investing in child care. Those provisions were originally in House Bill 89, which passed that body, but they wound up merged into the wider-ranging Senate bill. A curfew has been imposed in the village area, which will be lifted at 6 am on Thursday. "Last night, a clash broke out between two groups. Some vehicles and shops were set on fire. A case has been registered against 20-25 people and seven have been arrested. As of now, a curfew has been imposed in Paladhi village and will be lifted at 6 am tomorrow. No injuries or stone pelting was reported," Jalgaon additional SP Kavita Nerkar told ANI. Dharangaon Tahsildar Mahendra Suryavanshi said that security has been heightened in Jalgaon after the clash. "Teams from police and district administration have been deployed in Paldhi village. Records of 15 shops and vehicles that were allegedly vandalised during the clash have been collected," TahsildarSuryavanshi said. Meanwhile, NCP-SCP leader Jitendra Awhad held Minister Gulab Rao Patil "responsible" for the chaos, alleging a political background to the violence. "That also has a political background. Minister Gulab Rao Patil is responsible for that chaos," Awhad said. Shiv Sena MLC and party spokesperson Manisha Kayande demanded a thorough investigation into the incident. "A thorough investigation should be conducted to ascertain the facts and determine if there was any mischief intended to harm the life of state Minister Gulab Rao Patil and his family. I am confident that Maharashtra Police will do their job," Kayande said. (ANI) ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) The Taylor County Commissioners have approved the sale of fireworks in the county; however, residents should heed caution when using them due to the recent dry conditions. Taylor County Commissioners approve fireworks sales for New Years celebrations Michael Chandler, Manager of Bad Boyz Fireworks, told KTAB/KRBC that people should be aware of where they live before setting off fireworks. Always make sure to know where you live and what you can and cant do. Sometimes, we get rambunctious. Be respectful of your neighbors. Talk to them, Chandler said. Dont shoot into trees and things that could catch fire; always have 911 ready. If you do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement REMINDER: Fireworks not allowed within Abilene city limits Judge Phil Crowley of the County Commissioners stated that when considering the sale of fireworks, they prioritize what is best for the residents. In drier conditions, we would have to prohibit the use and sale, so we try to lean towards freedom but also have an eye on it. Just when we had to make that decision, by law, the conditions werent as dry as they are right now, Crowley said. Setting off fireworks within the city limits of Abilene is illegal and can result in a fine of up to $500. 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. Prosecutors have charged an 18-year-old Kansas City man with murder in the fatal double shooting of two people near Maple Park in Kansas Citys Northeast area, the Jackson County Prosecutors Office announced Tuesday. Austin Stiles faces two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree robbery and four counts of armed criminal action in the killings of 22-year-old Jimmy Bowman and 15-year-old Antonio Frazier Jr. The double homicide occurred shortly after 7 p.m. on Sept. 18 in the 300 block of Maple Boulevard in the Pendleton Heights neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and crime scene investigators found 11 shell cases at the crime scene. Stiles is the second person to be charged in the killings. A grand jury in November indicted 20-year-old Jared Catarino of Overland Park with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action and two counts of stealing firearms. According to court documents, the killings were captured by a surveillance camera in the area. The video showed a dark blue Chrysler 300 showing up near the park a few minutes before the shooting. As the victims approached from the park, two people got out of the drivers side of the car and walked to the back of the car. One of the two raised his arm and shot the victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the course of the investigation, police learned that Stiles had reported his blue Chrysler 300 stolen on Sept. 2, according to court documents. Police were advised that the Clay County Sheriffs Office had towed the car because it had been abandoned. Stiles went and retrieved it from the tow lot. On Sept. 20, detectives searched a license plate reader database, which showed that the car had been seen in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Police alerted officers in the St. Louis area to be on the lookout for the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, it was found in the parking lot of a Red Roof Inn in Maryland Heights with Stiles in it. Stiles was detained for questioning. Because Stiles was 17 years old at the time, a deputy juvenile officer and a parent were present when homicide detectives interviewed him. Stiles has since been certified to stand trial as an adult. Stiles allegedly told detectives that he and others had planned to rob the victims by setting up a gun deal in response to a robbery that occurred the day before the homicides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The name of the person who shot both victims is redacted. Because of the redaction, it was unclear how many others might have been involved. Police also took another person, whose name was redacted, into custody in Overland Park. That person allegedly told detectives that he and Stiles were going to do a gun trade. He claimed the shooting was in self-defense. LOS ANGELES (KTLA) A 19-year-old faces a felony charge of reckless driving after authorities said the motorist sped past a deputy going 126 miles per hour on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. The arrest happened on Sunday when, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, the deputy was monitoring traffic on PCH near Decker Road. A photo shared on social media shows the deputy clocked the driver of a blue Lexus going 126 miles per hour in the middle of the day. The 19-year-old was arrested, and the car was immediately impounded, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We all know the devastation speeding can cause, please #SlowDown, lets cruise safely into 2025, LASDs Lost Hills Station posted on X, formerly Twitter. Local and state officials have increased patrols and added traffic cameras, among other measures, to crack down on speeding along PCH in Malibu. In October 2023, four Pepperdine University students died when authorities said a speeding driver lost control, sideswiped parked cars and crashed into them near the Malibu Pier. Over 60 people have died in fatal crashes in the area since 2010, 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 KTLA. The Tennessee Black Caucus sent a blistering letter to the Tennessee comptroller about his comments about the former TSU president and the idea of selling its downtown real estate footprint. ISTANBUL (AP) Tens of thousands of people gathered on Istanbuls Galata Bridge on New Years Day on Wednesday to express solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Demonstrators waved Turkish and Palestinian flags and chanted Free Palestine in the protest, organized by the National Will Platform, a coalition of more than 300 pro-Palestinian and Islamic groups. Bilal Erdogan, the son of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressed the crowd, urging support for Gaza and condemning Israels actions there. He referred to the recent ouster of Syrian President Bashar Assad by rebel forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Muslims in Syria were determined, patient and they achieved victory. After Syria, Gaza will emerge victoriously from the siege, he said. Drone video showed thousands of people filling the bridge and the adjacent Eminonu and Sirkeci districts. President Erdogan has been a fierce critic of the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Via TMZ | Alcides Antunes Authorities are investigating a possible link between the Cybertruck that exploded outside Trump Tower in Las Vegas and the terror attack in New Orleans. The driver died and seven others were injured after the electric vehicle blew up at the entrance of the luxury hotel in Nevada. This came after 14 people were killed in New Orleans when a US Army veteran drove a pickup truck through crowds celebrating the New Year in the citys French Quarter early on Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said authorities know who rented the truck with the Turo car sharing app in Colorado, but are not releasing the name until investigators determine if it is the same person who died. The Turo car sharing app was also used by the New Orleans terrorist, identified by the FBI as Shamsud-Din Jabbar. Investigators are understood to be investigating whether the two suspects are connected through the military. Jabbar had served in the US Army for 10 years. His military record included a deployment to Afghanistan. Firework mortars and camp fuel canisters were found stuffed into the back of the Tesla NBC News reported that the suspect in the Las Vegas blast also had previous military experience, citing law enforcement sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are absolutely investigating any connectivity to what happened in New Orleans as well as other attacks that have been occurring around the world, Mr McMahill said. We are not ruling anything out. Firework mortars and camp fuel canisters were found stuffed into the back of the Tesla. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police and Clark County Fire Department officials said that a person died inside the futuristic-looking pick-up truck and seven people nearby suffered minor injuries. By late Wednesday afternoon, authorities were still working to get the body out of the vehicle and start processing the evidence inside. President Joe Biden was briefed on the explosion. The Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel - Alcides Antunes via Reuters Were tracking the explosion of a Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. Law enforcement and the intelligence community are investigating this as well, including whether theres any possible connection with the attack in New Orleans, Mr Biden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elon Musk said the explosion appears likely to be an act of terrorism. Mr Musk, the worlds richest person and Tesla chief executive, said in a statement: We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself. All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion. The police are treating the explosion as possibly criminal or an act of terror until a motive is determined. During an evening press conference, authorities confirmed they would release the deceased drivers name once they had notified the next of kin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Credit: X / kaaaassuu They also confirmed they knew who had rented the Cybertruck in Colorado before driving it to Las Vegas, an hour before the explosion. It appeared Mr Musk had also been assisting investigations because of his knowledge of the Tesla vehicle. Videos showed the Tesla Cybertruck in flames outside the lobby of the luxury Trump Tower hotel in Nevada. In one clip the vehicle is seen engulfed in flames amid the sound of sirens and several loud bangs. The driver had pulled into the valet area of the hotel before the vehicle exploded, Mr McMahill, the sheriff of the Las Vegas police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr McMahill said: As you can imagine, with an explosion here on an iconic Las Vegas Boulevard, we are taking all of the precautions that we need to take to keep our community safe. He added: Obviously, a Cybertruck, the Trump Hotel, theres lots of questions that we have to answer as we move forward. Gasoline cannisters and large fireworks mortars were discovered in the back of the truck One person died and seven people were injured in the Las Vegas incident Writing on social media, Eric Trump said: Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochere of Trump Las Vegas. The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mary Lescano Paguada, 43, who was visiting the hotel from Texas to celebrate the New Year, told NBC News that she heard an explosion in the early morning. When she and her husband reached the lobby they could hear screams and were told to leave by hotel staff. First responders gather across from the Trump International Hotel & Tower - Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement: We are investigating a vehicle fire at the entrance to Trump Towers. The fire is out. Please avoid the area. Mr Musk has grown close with Donald Trump since he endorsed and helped fund his presidential campaign. He is set to co-lead Mr Trumps newly formed Department of Government Efficiency in the upcoming administration. The Telegraph contacted Las Vegas Fire and Rescue, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the Trump Organisation for comment. 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. UPDATE: DCPS says its had no contact with Texas group promising to send uniformed security to Duval schools A national nonprofit organization said it is sending some volunteers to Jacksonville to address gang activity in the areas of some city schools. One In Five Foundation For Kids, formerly known as the Uvalde Foundation For Kids, said its uniformed volunteers will patrol the perimeter of four Duval County schools. The group was formed in 2022 following the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas where 19 students and two teachers were killed. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] In response to recent gang related confrontations between students at several Duval County School District schools and several reports presented on the increasing and ongoing violence at the school, the National nonprofit ... announced that it is deploying specially trained STOPNOW citizen school patrol teams for the school community, the organization stated in a news release sent to local and statewide media outlets Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< After the news release was sent, Action News Jax reached out to the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office and Duval County Public Schools to see if they were aware of the planned patrols and if they welcome the volunteers. Action News Jax is awaiting their responses. In recent weeks, Action News Jax has reported on gang-related fights at Mandarin High School involving students from Ed White High School. Initial patrols will focus on Mandarin HS & Ed White High School and will surround the campus community on a regular rotation although will not go on district properties, unless invited by school officials as a part of an on campus collaboration, yet to be determined, the Texas organizations news release states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These patrols are not law enforcement nor assume law enforcement duties, the news release states. A portion of the news release states: This in an effort to address the seemingly rising gang activity and to increase student safety throughout campus district neighborhood & provide additional community support for students, faculty, parents & school. Foundation officials say that it believes gang conflicts amongst several students of at least 4 separate district schools, including Ed White HS, are increasing off Campuses and spilling into campus conflicts and must be addressed immediately. The organization says its STOPNOW Patrols are modeled after the Guardian Angels, anti crime volunteer in New York City in the 1980s. The patrols theyre sending to Jacksonville will patrol school perimeters to minimize & prevent safety incidents from reaching school campuses; while also providing extra encouragement and support for students and neighborhoods during traumatic times, the news release states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read: WATCH: New body camera video shows moment drunk driver slammed into police car on Mathews Bridge Read: Three people in custody following deadly shooting in Grand Park Read: Driver shoots officers after plowing truck into crowded New Orleans street killing 10, injuring 30 [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. AUSTIN (KXAN) As the clock chimed midnight Wednesday morning, Texans rung in 2025 and the states mandatory vehicle inspections officially became a thing of the past. During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers voted to eliminate the annual vehicle inspection requirements mandated for most vehicles. Gov. Greg Abbott officially signed that legislation into law on June 13, 2023. ICYMI: Texas passes bill eliminating mandatory vehicle inspections Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning Wednesday, vehicle owners will instead pay an annual $7.50 fee. That cost is the same as the states previous inspection fee, but doesnt come with the added requirement of bringing the vehicle into the shop. Those driving new vehicles that havent previously been registered in Texas will pay $16.75 when registering the vehicle, with the funding slated to benefit the states mobility and clean air funds as well as Texas general revenue. Now, the onus remains on personal drivers to make sure their vehicles are safe to use, while commercial vehicles will still be required to undergo an inspection requirement. However, some Texans will still have a separate inspection to check off as part of their annual vehicle maintenance to-do list. RELATED: Where to get a vehicle emissions test in Travis County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seventeen counties in Texas will continue to require emissions inspections. Those counties are primarily concentrated in major metro areas with more highly populated communities: Brazoria Collin Dallas Denton El Paso Ellis Fort Bend Galveston Harris Johnson Kaufman Montgomery Parker Rockwall Tarrant Travis Williamson Beginning in 2026, Bexar County will also join that list of counties in requiring emissions inspections. Those inspections apply to gasoline-powered vehicles between two and 24 model years old. If a brand new vehicle hasnt expired past the initial two-year inspection sticker, theyre exempt. Hybrid vehicles arent exempt from the emissions test requirements. Meanwhile, diesel-powered vehicles and motorcycles arent required to take part in an emissions test, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. 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. Three people including a woman have been injured in a tiger attack at Mahukheda village in Dausa on Wednesday, a senior district officer said. One seriously injured has been reffered to Jaipur hospital, Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Amit Verma said, adding the efforts to catch the tiger are underway. Upon receiving the information, forest officials, police and district administration reached the spot, he said. He said that a man among the three have sustained serious injuries and has been referred to Jaipur and the other two were treated here only. "Morning there was tiger movement here. We got the report that three people including a woman were injured in the tiger attack. A man who sustained serious injuries has been referred to Jaipur and the other two were treated here only...all the forest officials have arrived at the spot, and police and administration have also arrived here...efforts are being made to catch the tiger...we couldn't do so until now," he said. Further details are awaited. (ANI) Theyre holding more than their spots in line. Thousands of revelers from all over the world lined up in Times Square bright and early Tuesday, long before the New Years Eve ball drop will ring in 2025. A crowd of spectators lining up on 8th Avenue for security screening at Times Square on New Years Eve, hours ahead of the annual ball drop celebration. James Keivom With rain in the forecast, many flocked 8th Avenue between 47th and 50th streets as early as 7 a.m. to nab a spot that could keep them dry throughout the evening showers. Even so, there were hardly any umbrellas in sight. Many packed ponchos, while others decided to cut their losses and hunker down with only their winter coats to protect them from the elements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valentina Gonzalez traveled from Uruguay to meet with her friends in New York for the ball drop. Shed been camped out in the line prepared to last through the night with pizza boxes and slices of cake from Carlos Bakery. A mob of people wait in line on 6th Avenue for the New Years Eve celebration in nearby Times Square. Billy Becerra / NY Post This has been our lifelong dream, to come here and celebrate the new year in New York City, Gonzalez said. We have plenty of food, no liquid, no water at all. We will probably take turns going to the hotel to use the toilet before we reach the check point, but then thats it. May God be with us. Nearby Rockefeller Center was impassible as thousands aimed to grab seats for their long evening. Many were nearly sprinting down the sidewalks to catch up with the ever-moving line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Val Valeri-Castro, 20, has never actually seen the ball drop in person, despite living in Queens her entire life. Her husband, originally from Arizona, finally pushed her to see it for the first time this year. Spectators gathering at Times Square for New Years Eve sport the celebrations signature Planet Fitness hats. James Keivom Knowing that Ive lived here my whole life, I still feel like a tourist here because Ive never done this, so its cool, Valeri-Castro said. Yeah sure, Im waiting in line all day, but its something Ive never experienced before. The clear pattern among many revelers was to consume as little water as humanely possible to keep from having to abandon their spots and use the restroom. Some, though, were prepped with more creative means to relieve themselves. A woman sells diapers to the crowd lining up for security screening on 6th Avenue long before the New Years Eve ball drop at Times Square. James Keivom Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zach Johnson, 18, and Keegan Weeks, 18, trekked from North Carolina together and made unexpected line friends with Ethel Crowell, a 30-year-old who they discovered lived just a few towns away from them. Well I brought disposable underwear, Crowell admited. Millions int he Big Apple and around the globe will watch the annual ball drop in Times Square Tuesday. James Keivom Our strategy: not going, Johnson added. Im making my vision board next week, Weeks noted, eagerly looking forward to the New Year and his eventual freedom from the dreaded line. My resolution would probably be to drink more water. But definitely not before the ball drops. Were gonna wait for after. Thousands gathered in Orlando Tuesday night to celebrate the start of 2025. The mood was positive as midnight approached and partygoers celebrated in the streets. The Thornton Park neighborhood hosted the traditional Orange Drop New Year countdown after the event was moved from Church Street in downtown Orlando. Read: 10 New Year superstitions to bring you the best luck in 2025 The decades-old Orange Drop celebration almost didnt happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event was initially canceled after the bars that originally hosted the event were shut down. Read: The world welcomes 2025 with light shows, embraces and ice plunges However, business owners in Thornton Park stepped up to ensure it happened. See more in the video above. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Thousands of pregnant women in remote areas of Scotland face paying a cruel tourist tax to give birth in Inverness. They will be stung by Highland Councils proposal to introduce a 5pc levy on overnight visitors from autumn 2026. The plan hoped to raise 10m a year for the local authority has been lambasted by health campaigners who say it is common for heavily pregnant women to travel 100 miles south in the days leading up to their due date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guests staying in hotels ahead of hospital visits will have to cough up extra money, while cruise ship passengers and those exploring the Highlands in motorhomes will enjoy exemptions from the surcharge. Iain Gregory, of the Caithness Health Action Team, said the proposals showcase an incredible lack of humanity. He said: Caithness is the most northerly county in Scotland, with our main towns of Wick and Thurso well over 100 miles away from Inverness. Thanks to a constant policy of centralisation, the vast majority of our mums-to-be are expected to travel there to have their babies. This is totally unacceptable in itself, but now the councils tourist tax will apply to NHS patients, with no exceptions being made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Expectant mothers in Caithness have long been forced to make the arduous journey to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness in order to access maternity and gynaecological treatment. A recent report from the Scottish Human Rights Commission found that women lost their unborn babies due to delays in reaching Inverness during emergencies, with reported cases of ovarian torsion and haemorrhage. Mr Gregory has called on Highland Council, which is controlled by an SNP and Independent coalition, to immediately cancel its tourist tax proposals. He said: A woman who is forced to undergo this journey, and who wishes to stay in a hotel or B&B for a day or so before her confinement, will be taxed along with her unborn baby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will also apply to the thousands of other Caithness residents who require to travel south for medical treatment. The proposed tourist tax, which attracts VAT, comes after the Scottish Parliament granted local authorities powers to introduce levies based on a fixed percentage of the cost of accommodation booking. Ministers agreed on the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act in May despite opposition from two-thirds of organisations that responded to a public survey. Highland Council announced it was planning on exercising its tourist tax powers as a way of securing a long-term source of funding. Hoteliers are fearful of a drastic downturn in business as a result of the 5pc levy added to hotel bills. Telegraph analysis shows that a family of four holidaying in Inverness next August would pay an extra 88 for a seven-night Premier Inn stay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The council is currently running a public consultation on its tax proposals, ahead of a vote by councillors next year. In its survey, the authority says it is facing financial pressures which make it increasingly difficult to contribute to the visitor economy in a way that delivers positive outcomes for visitors, the environment, communities and businesses. Highland Council was approached for comment. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A 73-year-old man and his dog are now dead after their home caught fire in Tipton County on New Years Eve. According to the Tipton County Fire Department, they were alerted about the home fire along Crigger Road just before 6:50 p.m. after someone passing by witnessed it and called them. When the fire crews arrived, they said 25% of the home was on fire with the living room being fully involved. That is when firefighters went inside and started extinguishing the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South. Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox. A 73-year-old male victim was found on the couch with his dog. They did not survive their injuries. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was called to the scene at that time. After further investigation, the fire department says the fire was shown to have started from a malfunctioning wall-mounted propane heater. Tipton County Sheriffs Office, Munford Fire Department, Atoka Fire Department, Quito Fire Department, and Giltedge Fire Department also assisted the Tipton County Fire Department. 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 WREG.com. Jan. 1This year was an eventful one for law enforcement, with three officer-involved shootings, several murders, a massive drug bust based on an officer's instincts, and a number of unsuccessful attempts to outrun law officers and their canine companions on foot. Police chases There were a few times suspected criminals attempted to outrun law enforcement officers, but three in particular stood out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On two separate occasions in March, suspects attempted to make their escape via Richland Creek. On both occasions, the suspects were quickly captured, thanks to K-9 officers tracking them down. Then, in November, a chase exceeded 90 mph on Russ Avenue. Eventually, the suspect drove through neighborhoods near Lake Junaluska. After coming to a stop in a neighborhood and hiding under leaves, the suspect was found by a K-9. Officer-involved shootings Three times this year, Haywood County law enforcement officers shot a suspect. The first incident came in April when Haywood County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a 911 call near the Lake Logan-Cecil Volunteer Fire Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The caller stated 47-year-old Stephen Hawkins was violating a domestic violence protective order by attempting to visit his wife. In addition, the caller said, the man was armed. Deputies attempted to deescalate the situation, but when Hawkins reportedly took off with his shotgun, deputies fired. Life-saving aid was rendered at the scene, and Hawkins was airlifted from the scene. He was later charged with five felonies and two misdemeanors. In October, a Waynesville Police officer responded to an apartment fire at Brookmont Lofts. While police were assisting with evacuations, Timothy Wayne Sellers, 56, came out of the building with a knife and began threatening the officer and firefighters, according to eyewitnesses. The officer shot Sellers in the lower body. He was taken to the hospital and later charged with felonies related to threatening emergency personnel. He was also charged with arson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike the earlier incidents, the third officer-involved shooting resulted in a fatality. Just before Christmas, deputies were called to Harmon Den to investigate reports of a suspicious person. Michael Shope, 42, of Fletcher, was found at the scene and allegedly stabbed a deputy, who escaped injury thanks to a bulletproof vest. Shope was shot by deputies and declared dead by Emergency Medical Services. Shope had gone missing with his special needs 9-year-old daughter earlier in the month. Before the sighting at Harmon Den, they had been seen at a motel in Fletcher on Dec. 3, and an endangerment alert regarding the daughter had been issued on Dec. 13. The child was found safe. Fentanyl bust on I-40 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, a North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper followed his instincts and busted a Charlotte woman with 2 pounds of fentanyl on Interstate 40. Trooper Leevan Tuckler stopped Sharonna Hall, 46, initially for a warning for not maintaining her lane. But Tuckler noticed how nervous Hall was, in addition to a large number of air fresheners and dryer sheets spread around the rental car. After noticing discrepancies in Hall's story, Tuckler asked to search the vehicle and found the 2 pounds of suspected fentanyl pills in a duffel bag. Hall was charged with two counts of trafficking in opium or heroin and one count of carrying a concealed gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murder-suicides In April, an elderly couple died in an apparent murder-suicide in Hazelwood. Richard Stuart Hoyle, 89, and Ellen Rhodes Hoyle, 85, were found dead in their home in Hazelwood. According to neighbors, both were in poor health, and Ellen had cancer. Richard called 911 ahead of time and told the dispatcher that there would be shots fired. Officers found the couple when responding to the call. In July, three were killed in a double-murder-suicide in Panther Creek. Olivia Stroupe, 49, of Clyde, and Robyn Moriarty, 62, of Clyde, were both allegedly killed by Jason Brunner, 42, of Maryland. The two women died of blunt force trauma, while Brunner's cause of death was self-inflicted brachial asphyxiation, commonly inferred to be hanging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murder on Allens Creek In May, a 21-year-old was charged with murder after allegedly shooting his girlfriend's father. Officers responded to a call of gunshots to find Jason Abram Caldwell, 45 with three gunshot wounds. Dillard Thomas Hooper was charged with his murder. According to police, a non-physical altercation took place before the shooting. Police also stated they had been called to the home on previous occasions for a variety of issues. Hooper's attorney later argued in court that the shooting was in self-defense. Hooper remains in the Haywood County Detention Center on a $3 million bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murder in Maggie Valley Just a couple of weeks after the murder on Allens Creek, a man was charged with an early-morning murder in Maggie Valley. Eriberto Exiga Cardenas, 42, of Hendersonville, was arrested for the murder of Steve Hilton at a Maggie Valley residence. Cardenas was employed by Hilton, who owned a construction company. Cardenas has been charged with murder, possession of a firearm by felon and possession of a controlled substance on jail premises. He is still being held at the Haywood County Detention Center on no bond. Murder in Clyde In August, Noah Andrew Bryson, 22, was charged with murdering his father, 41-year-old Perry Bryson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noah Bryson shot his father inside of his grandmother's duplex with a Smith & Wesson M&P 22-caliber semi-automatic pistol. In the background of the 911 call, Bryson can be heard yelling that the shooting was self-defense. Perry Bryson died from his injuries the following day, prompting Noah Bryson's charges to rise from assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury to murder. Accounts by family and neighbors, including the victim's mother, told of years of abuse by the father, and a number of citizens in the county spoke up for the son on social media. Bryson is being held on a $1 million bond. Driver suspected of DWI drives into business; seriously injures woman Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, a South Carolina man traveling back from the casino in Cherokee veered off of U.S. 19 and into the side of a business, seriously injuring one woman. Keith Aldon Paul, 69, abruptly crossed all four lanes of traffic on the busy highway and crashed into WNC Chimney Solutions with his Dodge Ram 1500. The crash pinned a female employee of the business underneath the vehicle. She was airlifted to Mission Hospital. Paul was cleared by emergency medical services at the scene and passed an alcohol breathalyzer, but was still charged with driving while impaired, reckless driving to endanger and failure to maintain lane. Troopers noted several indicators of impairment including being unsteady on his feet and falling asleep while being asked questions. Walmart robbed While many were shooting off fireworks and grilling hot dogs on the Fourth of July, one man was committing an armed robbery at Walmart. Charles Edward Lewis, Jr., 52 of Knoxville, Tenn., was charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon. He entered Walmart on the morning of Independence Day and made his way to the customer service desk. He is accused of handing the cashier a note declaring that he had a gun and demanding money. At some point, the suspect showed the gun. He also threatened to kill the associate working at the customer service desk, according to police reports. Lewis was given a large sum of money, all in cash. Cameras eventually spotted Lewis's vehicle at Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort, leading to his arrest. Rest area peeper In June, a Haywood County man was charged with two counts of secret peeping after allegedly climbing under a bathroom stall occupied by a juvenile. A 13-year-old boy was in a stall at the Balsam rest area when Darrin Shane Rich allegedly crawled under the stall and began reaching for the boy's legs. The boy called 911 and began to chase the suspect away. Rich escaped the scene, but cameras caught an image of the man. Rich was quickly identified and arrested on the two misdemeanors. He made his $5,000 bond and is awaiting trial. Heres the top 5 stories in the greater Charlotte area this year CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) 2024 has been quite a year. An emotional year filled with heartache and tragedy to triumph and hope. Here are the top 5 local stories for the Queen City this year: 5. Asha Degree: Closer to closure On Valentines Day in 2000, then-9-year-old Asha Degree disappeared from her familys home in Shelby. She has not been seen since. In September 2024, the case was put back into the spotlight when several search warrants were executed in Vale and Charlotte. 4. Madalina Cojocari: Is she still alive as her mother flees the country? Then 11-year-old Madalina Cojocari was last seen just before Thanksgiving 2022 in Cornelius. This year saw her mother, Diana Cojocari, leave the country after pleading guilty to failing to report Madalina missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also this year, Christopher Palmiter, Madalinas stepfather, was found guilty of the same charge and filed for divorce from Diana. Queen City News top 5 most-watched NC and SC news videos of 2024 3. Shannon Park Shooting: Four law enforcement officers killed On April 29, four law enforcement officers were killed and five others injured trying to serve an arrest warrant in Charlotte. CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer, Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks Jr. and NC Dept. of Adult Corrections Officers Samuel Poloche and William Elliott, who both were serving on the Marshals Fugitive Task Force, all lost their lives that day. Following the devastating shooting, the community gathered around the fallen officers families, local law enforcement and each other. 2. Election: Trump wins Presidency, key NC races turn blue This year saw the battle for not only a seat in the Oval Office but several top positions in North Carolina. Donald Trump made history as the second president to be elected to a non-consecutive term following President Joe Biden dropping out of the race and backing Vice President Kamala Harriss bid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This election also saw NC Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinsons campaign wrapped in controversy over alleged past comments. The state turned red for Trump but chose Democrats for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General and Superintendent of Public Instruction. 1. Helene: Devastation and destruction in WNC At the end of September, Tropical Storm Helene tore through western North Carolina, bringing historic flooding and widespread destruction not seen for about a century. As of the end of the year, 100 people have been found dead and thousands lost their homes. From housing to electricity to clean drinking water, the recovery is still an ongoing process. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Senior aides of Yoon Suk Yeol have offered to resign after two new judges were named to a court set to decide the impeached presidents fate. An arrest warrant has been issued to detain Mr Yoon for questioning over his botched attempt to impose martial law last month after the president ignored multiple summons to answer charges of insurrection and abuse of power. Acting president Choi Sang Mok on Tuesday approved two new judges for the Constitutional Court, which is set to rule on the validity of Mr Yoons impeachment by the National Assembly. The nine-judge court had three seats vacant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If at least six of the judges rule to uphold the parliamentary decision, Mr Yoon will be removed from power. After Mr Choi appointed the new judges, Mr Yoon's chief of staff, policy chief, national security advisor, and special advisor on foreign affairs and security gave their resignations, as did all other senior secretaries, the presidents office said in a statement. Mr Choi said he would not accept their resignations as the priority now was to focus on improving the economy and stabilising state affairs, his office said. The aides had repeatedly asked to step down in the wake of Mr Yoon's shortlived attempt to declare martial law on 3 December, but their resignations were not accepted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the judicial appointments on Tuesday, the presidential office expressed regret that Mr Choi had exceeded his authority as the interim leader, the state news agency Yonhap reported. A South Korean official told the Reuters news agency that the senior secretaries had been assisting Mr Choi since he took over as the acting president. Two other officials said the aides didnt participate in day-to-day government operations, but were required to report to Mr Choi and attend meetings. Mr Choi, the finance minister, assumed the position of acting president on Friday, after the parliament impeached prime minister Han Duck Soo, who had been acting president since 14 December. Mr Hans impeachment in turn was prompted by his refusal to appoint three judges nominated by the National Assembly to fill the vacancies on the Constitutional Court. Additional inputs by agencies. HONOLULU (KHON2) Well start to see a pattern shift on Friday as another front approaches from the northwest, pushing the surface ridge to the northeast of the state and allowing winds to veer to become east- southeast to southeast. As the front slows down and stalls to the north of the state, these southeast winds will weaken through the weekend and into early next week. In this weaker flow, land and sea breezes will become more prevalent throughout this period, bringing clouds and a few showers over leeward and interior areas during the daylight hours and then clearing out overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fast moving shortwave trough shooting through the zonal mid level flow across the North Pacific Ocean and its associated surface low may finally bring the next front through at least a portion of the island chain by mid week next weekjust beyond the Day 8 forecast. However, forecast details are liable to change that far out. A hot spot over Halemaumau Crater on the Big Island continues to be seen on infrared satellite imagery. The University of Hawaii Vog Model shows that SO2 emissions should remain confined to portions of the Big Island and adjacent waters to the west and southwest through the next couple of days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, assuming constant SO2 emissions, vog will likely begin to increase across the rest of the state this weekend as the trades weaken and veer out of the southeast. 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. Raising concern over China's proposed dam on the Brahmaputra in Tibet, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said that if the dam comes then the river ecosystem will become "fragile and dry" and the state has to depend on the rainwater from Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan. "This matter is already in our notice. The government of India has communicated its concern to the Chinese side. I am sure that in the dialogue process, which is presently going on between India and China, this will be raised by the Indian side," Assam CM said addressing a press conference here. CM Sarma said that the issue will be raised in the dialogue process which is currently taking place. "We have already communicated that if this dam comes then the Brahmaputra ecosystem will become fragile and dry and then we will depend on the rainwater from Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan," he added. He further said that Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has also raised this issue with the government. According to reports, China is planning to build the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet close to the Indian border. The planned construction of the dam has raised concerns in lower riparian countries including India (ANI) Trans police officers are being allowed to carry multiple warrant cards depending on the gender they choose, a series of Freedom of Information requests have revealed. Two thirds of police forces were also found to let trans officers who are biologically male use womens showers, toilets and changing rooms. Womens rights campaigners and MPs have criticised the move claiming the policies pose a threat to females. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eleven of the 47 constabularies questioned say they allow trans officers to carry multiple warrant cards, including one if they are gender fluid. Meanwhile, 28 forces say they let trans staff use the facilities of the gender with which they identify. Five forces failed to respond. Police use warrant cards to identify themselves formally as law enforcement officers. The identification document must be produced when police use a variety of powers, including stop and search. Violation of womens dignity Maya Forstater, the executive director of charity Sex Matters, told the Daily Mail: Allowing any man whatever he calls himself and whatever he is wearing to walk into womens showers, changing rooms and toilets, or to search, including strip search, women is a violation of womens dignity and an abuse of power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Female police officers, suspects and victims should be given respect and protected from abuse, but instead police forces are using them as props to validate trans-identifying male officers. Police forces carrying out these policies are engaging in state-sponsored harassment and sexual assault. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, added: Biological males should under no circumstances be using female facilities in police stations or anywhere else. The Government must review this approach and put the safety of women first. The newspaper contacted all 43 forces in England and Wales, as well as Police Scotland, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), British Transport Police and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thames Valley Police, Essex, Leicestershire, Avon and Somerset, Dyfed Powys, Merseyside and Police Scotland already allow biologically male trans officers to use womens facilities. Thames Valley is among the 11 forces that allow officers to carry multiple warrant cards, as are Norfolk, Cheshire and Leicestershire. Others such as Bedfordshire and Essex say they allow two warrant cards. Essexs policy outlines how during early transition there may be a need to have two warrant cards, so that any off-duty incidents while living in acquired gender, do not result in the staff member having to out themselves when proving identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven other forces including the Met, West Midlands Police and Cumbria said they were reviewing their transgender policies. Seven other forces including North Wales, Hampshire, Northumbria and Lancashire said they had no such policy. Northamptonshire, Surrey, North Yorkshire, British Transport Police and the PSNI failed to respond to the Freedom of Information request. Individual is able to choose Norfolks policy is outlined in a document called Trans Equality at Work (Officers and Staff). It says: All trans individuals are entitled to use the toilet, shower and changing facilities appropriate to their gender identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where this does not fit a binary definition of gender, the individual is able to choose where they feel most comfortable. A College of Policing spokesman said: All employers, including policing, are required to comply with the Equality Act, and equality legislation set by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. A National Police Chiefs Council spokesman said each force is operationally independent, so policies are prepared locally. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Passengers DC News Now spoke with say theyre upset that Tuesday was the last day for the Circulator. They say its a big loss for the District, and it will create a big inconvenience for their commute. It was convenient for me at the times that I needed it, Circulator passenger Corey Smith said. The buses are clean, the drivers are respectful and its sad that the service is ending. With the DC Circulator bus service permanently ending on Tuesday, many passengers are reflecting on their experiences onboard Circulator buses over the years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was good, Circulator passenger Sandee Cox said. They were quick, the bus drivers were really nice. You didnt have a lot of the riffraff that you have on the other buses. So, it was more pleasant, I would say. Maryland Attorney Generals Office delays release of body camera footage in deadly Laurel shooting Some passengers, like Letoya Brown, say the Circulator shutting is a big loss. Brown is a nanny who used the service to make sure she and the children in her care got where they needed to go safely. Now, shes unsure how theyll get around. We go to the museums, Brown said, and we come from the museums. So, now well have to catch the train or just walk down there from Capitol Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown says the thing shell miss most about the Circulator is the drivers. They made it very convenient for us like with the strollers, she said. They would have passengers go to the back and we could enter on the back as well. They were very helpful. Circulator drivers say theyll miss the passengers they interacted with on their routes as well. We pride ourselves on customer service, and they loved it. I have the same reaction they have, Why are we closing? Why are we not running anymore? Circulator supervisor James Monroe said, Metro bus route adjustments have been made to accommodate former Circulator riders. Those adjustments will remain in place until July. 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. More than 150 flood warnings are in place as heavy rain and strong winds are set to batter the UK on New Years Day. Adverse conditions caused travel disruption in the early hours of Wednesday as people celebrated the new year, with Met Office weather warnings issued across large parts of England, Wales and Scotland. An amber alert was in place for north-west England until 9am with the Met Office saying heavy rain had fallen across the region for several hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winds of up to 60mph are forecast across much of England and Wales all day on Wednesday, with gusts of 75mph likely around coastal areas and hills, the forecaster said. Flood warnings are in place across large parts of England, with 137 across the North West, 10 in north Wales and 32 in Scotland, according to the Environment Agency. Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service said it had been experiencing a high number of 999 calls owing to flooding, and TransPennine Express urged customers on its services not to travel before noon because flooding had caused significant issues in Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Trains will not operate between Manchester Airport and the citys stations on Wednesday, with routes between Manchester to Liverpool Lime Street and from both Liverpool and Manchester to Huddersfield, Leeds and York also affected. Coastal areas are likely to be affected by heavy rain and fast winds, the Met Office has warned - Danny Lawson/PA Flooding has also blocked the line between Todmorden and Rochdale with disruption expected until noon with further predicted flooding affecting services calling at Rotherham Central. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Highways said the westbound M56 between junction 6 for Manchester Airport and junction 7 for Bowdon was expected to be closed for some time owing to flooding across all three lanes. A section of the A628 Woodhead Pass between Woolley Bridge and Flouch was closed in both directions, while flooding was also affecting the M6 between junctions 18 and 20. Other parts of the country were also seeing disruption with the M48 Severn Bridge closed in both directions owing to high winds, while the A15 Humber Bridge was closed again to high-sided vehicles after reopening overnight. In Wales, Network Rail said the Conwy Valley Line between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno Junction would be closed throughout New Years Day because of fallen trees on the line and an assessment of the embankment. The Met Office has issued numerous flood warnings across the country - Christopher Furlong/Getty It comes after Edinburghs Hogmanay celebrations, including street parties and fireworks, were cancelled owing to safety concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fireworks displays in Blackpool, Newcastle, Ripon in North Yorkshire, and the Isle of Wight were axed. Londons New Years Eve fireworks event went ahead as planned. The Met Offices yellow warning that covered most of Scotland on New Years Eve has now been lifted. However, Inverness, Aberdeenshire and Caithness and Sutherland in the Highlands and Moray are still covered by a Met Office yellow weather warning for snow, which applies from 4am on Wednesday until 9am on Thursday. Regions above 984ft (300m) could see as much as 4in (10cm) of snow, it is predicted. Communities are being warned to prepare for a risk of flooding by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, which issued 32 flood warnings, and nine flood alerts. However, no severe flood warnings are active. 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. Happy Tuesday! Heres your final Tuesday Tech Drop of the year, my compilation of top stories from the intersection of technology and politics. As the year closes, I want to take some time to thank all of the ReidOut Blog readers who have made the past year so successful for us here. I launched the Tuesday Tech Drop as a way to emphasize how the worlds of politics and tech intertwine, and this was just one of the endeavors that helped bear fruit for the blog this year. Just to fill you in on some industry news, The ReidOut Blog recently was recognized by Editor & Publisher Magazine as 2024s best news/political blog with at least 1 million unique monthly visitors. I appreciate your time, your consideration of the posts, and your feedback. Lets go higher in the year to come! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, without further ado, your Tuesday Tech Drop. Treasury Department hack The U.S. Treasury Department has notified the leaders of the Senate Banking Committee that hackers sponsored by Chinas government gained access to Treasury employees desktop computers in what the federal agency characterized as a major incident. Read more at NBC News. Tech billionaires wealth ballooned in 2024 This year, the 500 richest people in the world surpassed $10 trillion in wealth, according to Bloomberg. And tech billionaires made out the best, adding more than $903 billion to their combined wealth in 2024. All the more reason to read my report on the budding Big Tech oligarchy looking to impose its will on U.S. politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more at Bloomberg. MAGA civil war My colleague Steve Benen wrote up a great explainer on the MAGA civil war that has ignited over Vivek Ramaswamys insulting screed demonizing American workers, as well as Ramaswamys and Elon Musks support for H-1B visas for immigrant workers as a means to hire talent particularly in the tech world. Trump also backed the visas, despite having bashed them in the past. The MAGA outrage has been hilarious to watch. The party that helped popularize the claim that diversity is not our strength, and which rails against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, is having to reckon with the reality that diverse workplaces are a boon for businesses. And theyre not taking it well. Read more at MaddowBlog. Respected general issues warning about Musk Retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore wrote an op-ed for The New York Times laying out the national security risk posed by Elon Musk serving in a pseudo-governmental role in the incoming Trump administration amid his ongoing ties to the Chinese government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more at The New York Times. Mexico unveils app for immigrant aid The Mexican government is preparing to roll out a cellphone app soon that will allow migrants to notify their families and Mexican authorities if theyre about to be detained in the U.S. One of the stated purposes of the app is to ensure that the incoming Trump administration complies with due process. Read more at ABC News. Israel flexes its AI powers in war The Washington Post published a feature on Israels AI factory essentially, the ways in which Israeli officials have used artificial intelligence to power the war machine used in their bombardment of Gaza as the governments war with Hamas continues. The article offers an eerie look at the relatively underreported world of AI-enabled warfare and the ethical issues surrounding it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more at The Washington Post. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The text arrived minutes after I finished talking to a GP in south-east London about the fraught issue of cousin marriage: Please can I ask you not to mention xxxxx or xxxxx?, she wrote, mentioning two areas where she practised as a locum. Moments later the phone rang: Actually, is it possible for me to remain anonymous Im happy to be quoted but its just so sensitive. I have to be really careful. This nervous response was familiar. Discussing cousin-to-cousin marriage and the genetic disorders that can result, a senior clinician in one of Bradfords main hospitals told me it was a definite issue that neither he nor any of his colleagues would speak out about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The health visitor who had worked in some of the most deprived areas of West Yorkshire admitted there was a massive problem involving loads of kids with all manner of chronic illnesses but she could not go on the record. Voicemails and emails to individual councillors and MPs went unanswered. One Bradford council press officer responded saying: Ive spoken to the councillors who cover this area and on this occasion, we are not going to provide a comment. Another, for Kirklees Council, also in West Yorkshire, said: This is a matter for central government. Worrying trend It seems that the definite issue of the massive problems of degenerative diseases in children caused by cousin-to-cousin marriage is one that few people are willing to discuss. One exception is Richard Holden, the Conservative MP for Basildon and Billericay, who recently introduced the proposal in Parliament to ban cousin marriages. In Parliament, Holden said called degenerative diseases one of the most severe threats to public health - House of Commons His move follows plans in Norway, Sweden and Denmark to ban the practice. Uzbekistan also plans to outlaw it. In April, the state of Tennessee banned cousin marriage, joining 24 other US states which do not allow first cousins to marry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worldwide, the practice of marrying first cousins is thought to affect around 10 per cent of the population. But high rates are also occurring in communities in the UK. Patrick Nash, an academic who specialises in religious law, suggests that between 38 per cent and 59 per cent of British Pakistanis marry their first cousins, a rate that may be rising. Among Irish Travellers, rates are thought to be high as 40 per cent. While under the UK Marriage Act of 1949, unions between siblings, parents and children are prohibited, marriage between first cousins remains legal. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 also criminalises sexual activity with certain family members, but does not include first cousins. Indeed, Queen Victoria and husband Albert were first cousins, as were Charles Darwin and wife Emma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richard Holdens proposal would necessitate amendments to both these laws. In Parliament, Holden pointed out that the children of first cousins were at greater risk of birth defects and first cousin marriages should be prohibited to protect public health. Degenerative diseases are one of the most severe threats to public health, he said. Certain diaspora communities have extremely high rates of first cousin marriage. The worrying trend is that this rate has increased significantly from those of their grandparentss age group. But Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire where the population is more than 40 per cent Asian argued a ban would be ineffective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reason the practice is so common is that ordinary people see family intermarriage overall as something that is very positive, something that helps build family bonds and helps put families on a more secure financial foothold, he said. Iqbal Mohamed added: It is important to recognise for many people, this is a highly sensitive issue, and in discussing it, we should try to step into the shoes of those who perhaps are not from the same culture as ours - House of Commons/UK Parliament Yet the health risks to children of cousin marriages as well as any close family are well documented. Keir Starmers government accepts that the expert advice on the risks of first-cousin marriage was clear. One briefing into child deaths in Bradford, Birmingham and the London borough of Redbridge found that up to 40 per cent of them may be due to genetic disorders associated with consanguinity and chromosomal conditions. Its tragic for any parent to have a child with a life-limiting condition According to Alison Shaw, professor of social anthropology at Oxford University, the child of first cousins carries approximately double the risk of inheriting a serious disorder than one born to unrelated parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those disorders include congenital heart problems, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, polycystic kidney disease or conditions such as von Willebrand disease, which affects blood clotting and causes bleeding problems. In Pakistan, the prevalence of the blood disorder thalassaemia is seven per cent compared to a global average of one per cent. Many of these disorders require lifelong treatment and can lead to premature death. The GP in south-east London who requested anonymity agrees. The most common one I see is Turner syndrome which only affects women and often means a shorter life-expectancy, she says. Its characterised by a thicker neck and growth problems. The child grows normally until about the age of three but then growth slows down so they tend to be very petite as adults. They can also suffer from heart and kidney problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it is possible to give birth to a child with one of these disorders if youre unlucky enough to marry someone with the same genetic abnormality, its more likely if the gene is carried in families and you marry someone in your family, she points out. I tend to see these types of problems more where there is a higher population of the British Pakistani community, she explains. But then, if we look back at our own history, the Royal family suffered generations of haemophilia because they married close relatives. And its impossible to say whether these are inherited conditions unless the patient is tested genetically or the parents tell you they are related. She says that the proposed ban on first-cousin marriage is interesting but suggests that it is only one way of dealing with problems. Id like to see more education in the NHS for families who practise interfamily marriage, showing them that testing can be done before they have a child. Because its tragic for any parent to have a child with a life-limiting condition. It was like hitting a succession of ever-higher brick walls Precise statistics about cousin marriage are hard to come by. While Holden suggests it may be on the rise, researchers say that, in some areas at least, it may be declining. A decade ago, for example, a Government-funded surveillance project Born in Bradford found that 62 per cent of women of Pakistani heritage were in consanguineous relationships. Researchers say that this figure has since dropped to 46 per cent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the subject seems so sensitive that it is hard to be sure. Journalist and author Matthew Syed wrote recently that his studies on cousin-to-cousin marriage were thwarted when researchers simply didnt return his emails or calls. When I got through to one geneticist, he said: I cant go there. It was like hitting a succession of ever-higher brick walls, he wrote. In light of Holdens proposal, Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting that changes to the Marriage Act 1949 and possibly the Sexual Offences Act 2003 would be required to implement such a ban. Currently the government has no plans to legislate. British Asian journalist Iram Ramzan believes this is a mistake. It is only by making cousin marriages a criminal offence that we will rid Britain of this pernicious practice, she says. It will give vulnerable young daughters of overbearing parents the confidence to say no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If that incurs the wrath of the hand-wringing keyboard warriors who feel that it is culturally insensitive or even racist to do so, then so be it. 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. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) The Tri-State is preparing for what could be a major winter storm this weekend. We are all aware that something is coming, says Gary Brian, the Public Relations of INDOT Southwest. Although we are still several days away, shoppers are already preparing for the storm systems potential impacts. At Sureway in Henderson, the staff is working to keep shelves stocked for customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We get a bunch of food because we tend to get snowed in, or iced in our house. We are making soups and getting blankets out of the closet, says Sunie Buckman, a shopper at Sureway. Another store seeing more shoppers bracing for the winter weather is Menards in Evansville. We saw lots of salt, antifreeze, and ice scrapers. One customer we spoke with says she drove from Illinois to get more deicer. He {my husband} got the snow blower out and primed up and ready to go, and has plugged in some tractors so they will be ready to start and drag the streets or anything, and we have ice melt out by the back door, says Jennifer Bean, a shopper at Menards. As shoppers watch the forecast, the Indiana Department of Transportation prepares its drivers for winter weather. INDOT Southwest says its fleet of over 150 employees is trained and ready for long shifts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knowing their routes, knowing where to go, knowing how to attack any system that we get through here, Brian says. INDOT says it finalizes its plan of attack 2 days before the storm hits, by participating in a conference call with INDOT districts around the state and the National Weather Service. About 48 hours is when we really start saying okay, what is this going to do? I think that most meteorologists would probably agree, that is really when we start understanding where the low-pressure system will go and how it will impact the state, Brian says. The National Weather Service says it is still too early to pinpoint the storms track and what type of precipitation will fall. In the meantime, meteorologists say residents should brace for potential impacts and watch forecasts closely. 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). Despite warmer-than-average temperatures at the end 2024, a triple blast of cold air is ushering in the new year in Central Florida and will continue into early next week, according to the National Weather Service. Orlando temperatures Thursday morning are forecast to drop to 47 degrees and then gradually climb to 67 by afternoon, as the first wave of cold air from a front that originating in the Pacific Northwest moves into the region, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne. Normal temperatures for Jan. 2 are a low in the mid-50s and high in the mid -70s. Then a stronger shot of cold air that originated in Canada will glide into the region Saturday, dropping overnight temperatures to about 40 in urban areas near Orlando and the mid-30s in rural areas. High temperatures are expected to reach into the low 60s on Saturday and Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coldest spots will be north of Interstate 4, according to the NWS. A slight wind will make it seem a few degrees colder. Even so, by the time the second wave of cold air moves through residents may not even realize they were two separate fronts, said Robert Haley, NWS meteorologist in Melbourne. Temperatures will not get a chance to recover before the second front comes through, Haley said. Pictures: Best Central Florida news photos of 2024 But should Central Floridians expect a frosty start this week to 2025? Not likely. Haley said temperatures may be a little on the high side for frost but it will be something to keep a look out for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A stronger third blast of cold air from the central United States will move into the region Tuesday with lows forecast to drop into the upper 30s and the highs in the upper 50s through Jan. 10. Haley said its too early to more accurately forecast how low temperatures will drop next week. The weather service said theres a 60% chance minimum temperatures will be lower than 40 degrees Jan. 10. Although residents may feel teeth-chattering cold, well still be short of record temperatures over the next seven days, he said. The record low in Orlando for Jan. 2 was 23 degrees set in 1898 and 24 degrees for Jan. 3 in 1928. The all-time coldest temperature recorded in Orlando was 19 degrees on Jan. 21, 1985. According to the weather service, no significant rainfall is expected through early next week, with skies sunny and clear. Unable to extinguish a smoldering chemical reaction that sent noxious odors into area neighborhoods and triggered legal action by Los Angeles County, the owners of Chiquita Canyon Landfill announced Tuesday that they would shut down the 52-year-old municipal waste site on New Year's Day. In a letter to California environmental regulators and public officials, a representative from Texas-based Waste Connections Inc. said that Dec. 31 was the final day it would accept solid waste at the 639-acre facility in the Santa Clarita Valley. "Chiquita had wished to maintain its crucial role in the community's solid waste management system, but has made the difficult decision to close its active waste disposal operations," wrote Steve Cassulo, the landfill's manager. "Although Chiquita has available [capacity], due to the regulatory environment, maintaining ongoing operations at Chiquita is no longer economically viable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For nearly two years, Chiquita Canyon had been struggling to handle the fallout from a rare chemical reaction that caused broiling temperatures to break out deep underground in a closed portion of the landfill. The extreme heat roasted decades-old garbage and damaged the landfill's gas control systems, causing foul-smelling gases to drift into nearby Val Verde and Castaic. The smoldering conditions also caused pressure to build, resulting in geysers of hazardous liquid waste bursting to the surface and white smoke seeping out of long fissures. In recent months, Chiquita Canyon has faced increasing pressure from regulators, who placed restrictions on where waste could be placed within the landfill. Chiquita Canyon, Los Angeles Countys second-largest active landfill, typically accepted roughly 2 million tons of solid waste annually. That accounted for about one-third of all garbage disposed of in L.A. County. In a region that has long struggled with waste reduction efforts and waning disposal capacity, public officials are now examining how the closure will affect the flow of waste in Southern California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said public officials had anticipated Chiquita Canyon's closure. The landfill had been accepting significantly less waste recently. L.A. County officials oversaw a diversion of this waste to Simi Valley and Antelope Valley landfills, Barger said. So far, there has not been an increase in tonnage sent to Sylmar's Sunshine Canyon, which accepts the most waste annually. Barger said she would introduce a motion at the next Board of Supervisors meeting on Jan. 7, directing Public Works to conduct an assessment of Chiquita Canyon's closure, including the environmental and financial implications associated with plans to send waste elsewhere. "Im committed to ensuring that this transition doesnt lead to any form of price gouging or unfair practices in waste management services," Barger said. "Protections must be in place to prevent increased financial burdens on our residents and businesses. I want to emphasize that my top priority, though, continues to be bringing relief to the community that continues being afflicted by the landfills noxious odors." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement L.A. County Public Works had previously expressed concerns about closing Chiquita Canyon. A decision to close Chiquita Canyon was not expected to resolve the chemical reaction, which was occurring in the long-dormant section of the landfill and could persist for years. The agency noted also that the closure could result in more pollution and higher fees due to transporting garbage farther. "As the agency responsible for regional waste planning in Los Angeles County, we will ensure there are no disruptions to trash collection services in our unincorporated communities and will work closely with the City of Santa Clarita to help prevent any disruptions to their services as well," said Mark Pestrella, director of L.A. County Public Works. "The health and safety of our residents remains our top priority. Over the last two years, residents who lived near Chiquita Canyon had phoned in thousands of odor complaints to the local air district. Some described the stench of rotten eggs from sulfur-based emissions. Others reported the smell of burning garbage and plastic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At local air district meetings, many residents said they experienced difficulty breathing, nausea, headaches and heart palpitations. For Sarah Olaguez and her family, they had tried to endure the odors by staying indoors, running an air purifier and even buying gas masks they sometimes wore outdoors. But the odors became too much for them to handle. Olaguez, who lived with her husband and children in Val Verde for five years, moved in April. She said she knows of at least a dozen of her neighbors who have left too. She said she was pleased to hear Chiquita Canyon would close. But the problems she and her neighbors experienced spoke to a larger issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's going to have ripple effects for everyone surrounding the landfill for a very long time, Olaguez said. This is a step in the right direction, but that landfill should have been shut down a long time ago. And should not have been allowed to be that close to communities. I think L.A. County, in general, needs to come up with better ways to handle waste. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Dec. 31A nonprofit foundation made up of advisers to Donald Trump has sent a letter to officials in two Maine counties warning that they could face legal problems for violating federal immigration law. Leaders in Hancock and Cumberland counties received a letter of "notice" from America First Legal, which is run by Stephen Miller, the president-elect's former senior adviser for policy and his incoming homeland security adviser and deputy chief of staff for policy. The group sent 249 letters to elected officials across the country last week, warning them that their jurisdictions' alleged "lawlessness" could land them behind bars. The nonprofit said the officials preside over "sanctuary jurisdictions" and allege their policies unlawfully protect people who have been arrested on criminal charges and are believed to have immigrated illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement identified jails in the two Maine counties, along with 146 other institutions nationally, as not fully cooperating with immigration detainer requests, which ask a law enforcement agency to notify ICE before releasing an inmate who may be living in the country illegally. The detainer requests ask the county jails to hold such inmates up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release date until ICE can take them into custody and investigate whether they should be subject to deportation. Hancock County Jail Administrator Timothy Richardson said Tuesday that he had not received the letter from the nonprofit and was not available for further questions. Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce said in an emailed statement Tuesday that the sheriff's office has never refused to assist ICE and is not "providing sanctuary." Miller, the president of America First Legal, is one of Trump's longest serving aides and has been central to Trump's zero-tolerance immigration policy decisions. Trump's campaign this fall focused on his promises for stronger border restrictions and what he says will be the largest deportation program in U.S. history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mass deportations would require jails or other facilities to detain immigrants while they are processed. While it's unclear exactly what mass deportations would look like under the new administration or who would be targeted, immigrants' rights advocates in Maine are preparing to respond when more policy specifics are released. The allegations in the nonprofit's letter are reminiscent of a clash in 2020 between Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce and former U.S. Attorney Halsey Frank, who accused law enforcement of failing to comply with these requests and "imperiling the public." Joyce also came under fire in 2017 when former Gov. Paul LePage ordered all sheriffs in the state to fully cooperate with ICE or be removed from office. The letter cites multiple federal laws and outlines the potential punishment for breaking them, such as five years in prison for conspiring to "directly conceal, harbor or shield" someone who is living in the country illegally. "Your jurisdiction's sanctuary laws or policies therefore make a mockery of American democracy and demonstrate a shocking disrespect for the rule of law," the letter says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Joyce maintains that he does not run a "sanctuary" office. He said holding an inmate beyond their official release date at ICE's request could be a violation of that person's constitutional rights and, ultimately, be considered false imprisonment by the sheriff's office. His position hasn't changed since 2017, when he learned that sheriffs across the country were being sued by people wrongly detained because of ICE's detainer requests. In response, he demanded that if ICE submits a detainer request, the agency must also provide him documentation to show probable cause for doing so. "In some of the cases, the inmate was found to be a legal citizen and in another case, ICE never notified the Sheriff that (they) could release the inmate and the inmate was held for numerous days beyond their release date," he said in a written statement Tuesday. While ICE reported that the jail doesn't provide adequate notice that an inmate is going to be released, Joyce said the facility has offered some advanced notice for ICE to take such people into custody and re-book them in the jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Tuesday, Cumberland County Jail has 33 people in custody for ICE. An ICE employee also works inside the jail, helping inmates with immigration court matters and other questions they may have. "That is huge, because now if an inmate is scheduled to be released on state charges and ICE wants them held, the ICE employee takes them into custody," Joyce said. "Thus making the detention an ICE detention and not putting the jail in a position of failing to release the individual lawfully." While the sheriff's office will provide backup for ICE, it won't act as ICE agents, Joyce said. "We aren't and won't be out acting as ICE agents and rounding up individuals that we think are in the country illegally. We will provide backup for ICE upon request like we would for any other law enforcement agency," he said in a written statement. "Our staff and I are sworn to enforce the law and to protect the constitutional rights of those whom we serve." Copy the Story Link It may seem crass for Donald Trump to be using the New Orleans terrorist attack to score political points but he knows, like every successful politician, that you should never let a good crisis go to waste. No sooner had Fox News claimed that Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, the suspect, had entered the country through the Texas border two days ago, Donald Trump Jr tweeted: Bidens parting gift to America migrant terrorists. Over on Truth Social, the platform favoured by the president-elect, Mr Trump repeated his previous claim that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, which he said had been denied by the fake news media but had turned out to be true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats will, of course, condemn Mr Trump for shameless opportunism, but they will also know that his comments will cut through with the voting public in America. As it happens, the Fox News claim about crossing the border turned out to be unsubstantiated. According to investigators, Jabbar was a US citizen but for many Americans that will be an irrelevant detail now. Reports suggesting Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar had crossed into the country via Texas were contradicted by investigators Once again, Mr Trump has proved a master of controlling the narrative, however distasteful that may be, and support for his pledge to deport all undocumented migrants has just been turned up a notch. Just as the first unsuccessful assassination attempt on Mr Trump came at the right time to give his presidential campaign momentum, so has the terrorist attack put wind in the sails of his most controversial policy plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He will be inaugurated in less than three weeks, and every opponent of his deportation plan will now have to frame their argument more carefully, knowing that the New Orleans attack will be used as a stick with which to beat them. In the black and white world of US politics, anyone who speaks out against deporting illegal migrants will now risk being characterised as a friend of terrorists. If, as suspected, the person who used his pick-up truck as a weapon to kill 15 New Year revellers turns out to have been a supporter of Islamic State, the attack will not have been Bidens departing gift so much as the terrorists gift to Mr Trump. At least 15 people were killed in the terror attack in New Orleans - Shawn Fink/Shutterstock By talking about an act of pure evil in New Orleans and telling the American public that the crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before, Mr Trump has made himself the hero of his own story, a crime-fighting crusader who will rid the country of bad guys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It may be simplistic, and it may be as fake as Mr Trumps skin tone, but it is also a clear, concise message that the American people will be able to instantly understand. The Democrats and Kamala Harris in particular discovered to their cost that wordy, worthy explanations of policies are no substitute for punchy, straight-to-the-point slogans that even a child could understand. Mr Trump told the American people that he would make food cheaper, and they backed him. When he says he will stop terrorist attacks by deporting illegal migrants, they will doubtless back him again, and potentially JD Vance as his successor when the next elections come around. Whether the perpetrator is an illegal migrant or born in the US hardly matters now. The Trump family have said this is the work of migrant terrorists another phrase that will stick in peoples minds and what people want in times of crisis is strong leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No matter how questionable Mr Trumps methods may be, they have got him this far. He is not likely to have a moral crisis now. 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 the occasion of New Year, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday said that the Uttarakhand will be the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to give equal rights to every citizen and will show the way to other states. In a post on X CM Dhami said, "With the blessings of the God-like people of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, we are going to implement Uniform Civil Code to give equal rights to the citizens of the state, this law will not only promote equality but will also prove helpful in maintaining the original form of Devbhoomi." https://x.com/pushkardhami/status/1874477563281817604?s=48 After the Uniform Civil Code draft committee's final approval on the rules of the Uniform Civil Code Code on October 7, the way has been cleared for the implementation of UCC in Uttarakhand. Earlier CM Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday extended greetings on the occasion of the New Year and stated that they will make this year a historic year with new achievements. CM Dhami stated that Uttarakhand state will mark its 25th year this year since its formation in 2000. \Speaking to ANI, Dhami said, "I wish everyone a very happy new year... We all have to make this decade the decade of Uttarakhand with the inspiration of the Prime Minister. Every resident of Uttarakhand will contribute to ensure that Uttarakhand leads in every field...The new year will be for new achievements and our resolution will be fulfilled and we will achieve many achievements in the silver jubilee year of the state." "All our government departments will also work wholeheartedly in this. We will make this year a historic year with new achievements because we have entered the 25th year and 25-year-old Uttarakhand has become completely young today and the youth will get new momentum with full enthusiasm and zeal," he added. (ANI) The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is investigating after a vehicle caught fire Wednesday morning at the entryway to the Trump International Hotel. Video shared by spectators on social media appeared to show a Tesla Cybertruck engulfed in flames just outside the hotel lobby. A spokesperson for the Clark County Fire Department told HuffPost the agency received a call at 8:40 a.m. Wednesday about a vehicle fire in the valet area outside the Trump Hotel at 2000 Fashion Show Drive but was unable to elaborate further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the fire was extinguished less than two hours later and asked people to avoid the area. An unnamed official told ABC News the vehicle was carrying a load of fireworks-style mortar shells that seem to have exploded, killing the driver and causing minor injuries to seven bystanders. Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill acknowledged the unique circumstances of the incident at a news conference Wednesday afternoon. Obviously: a Cybertruck, the Trump hotel. Theres lots of questions that we have to answer as we move forward, he said. UPDATE ON CYBER TRUCK EXPLOSION Sheriff Kevin McMahill provided an initial briefing regarding the explosion of a Cyber Truck in front of Trump Tower in Las Vegas this morning. Key details: - At approximately 8:40 a.m., reports were received of a vehicle explosion. - One person https://t.co/woCvwR1Qvqpic.twitter.com/BLf5jQsRzm LVMPD (@LVMPD) January 1, 2025 Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a staunch ally and financial supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, said on social media that the explosion appears unrelated to the vehicle itself. According to Musk, the truck was a rental. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities are considering the incident a possible criminal act and a possible act of terror until a motive can be determined. Bystanders who shared video on social media of a large plume of smoke rising in front of the building said they heard an explosion; another described it as like a dumpster being dropped on the ground and dragged across the ground for 10 seconds. Another video showed people exiting the back of the building. Video posted on social media earlier Wednesday appeared to show at least two ambulances on scene, along with multiple police cars. While some early Tesla models, including the Model S, were prone to spontaneously catch fire if they suffered underbody damage, its unlikely the Cybertruck, which has been recalled seven times since it went on sale in November 2023, was released with a similar flaw. 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for Ukraine. After a year of significant gains for Russia, looming large is the presidency of Donald Trump, who has pledged to end the war in a single day even if he has indicated that he is in part sympathetic to Moscows arguments and has remained skeptical of promising open-ended military aid to Kyiv. Some experts believe that, for this reason, its likely that Ukraine, and Europe, will need to prepare for a prolonged war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, with his unpredictable policy on military support for Kyiv and on how to end the war, will be the biggest challenge, Justyna Gotkowska, the deputy director of the Center for Eastern Studies, a think tank based in Warsaw, said in an op-ed last week. After more than 1,000 days of war, Ukraine is running short on manpower while the Kremlin has stepped up bombings of cities and infrastructure, launching missiles, drones and artillery rounds at civilian targets. Nearly a fifth of Ukraines territory is now occupied by the Russian forces, though Ukraines counteroffensive efforts have driven the fight onto Russian land, where large swathes of territory in the Kursk border region have been seized. And while the country has successfully fended off a number of air attacks in recent months, the Ukrainian military chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, conceded on the Telegram messenger app that Russian troops have advanced significantly in the eastern Donetsk region in the past few months. The area of Pokrovsk, a Ukrainian defense linchpin, could especially pave the way for Moscow to seize swathes of more territory. Former President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower in New York City on Sept. 27. Ahead of Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy now walks a diplomatic tightrope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyys greater challenge right now is to ensure continued U.S. military assistance to Ukraine, said Ann Dailey, a policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, a California-based think tank. As Ukraines most important military backer, the U.S. has given Kyiv nearly $61.4 billion in military assistance. On Monday, the White House pledged another $2.5 billion likely the last steps taken by the Biden administration in that direction. On the other hand, Trump has made clear that he does not wholeheartedly support Kyivs war against Vladimir Putins invading forces. In an interview with NBCs Kristen Welker earlier this month, the president-elect said Ukraine would probably receive less military aid once he takes office, contending that Europe should match the U.S.s level of support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were in for $350 billion, and Europe is in for $100 billion. Why isnt Europe in for the same as us? he said. The one thing that should happen is that Europe ... should equalize. War with Russia is more important for Europe than it is for us. We have a little thing called an ocean in between us, he added. Trump has been careful not to reveal much of his plan to end the war, though his choice of U.S. envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, presented a peace plan to Trump in April, a plan that involves putting pressure on both sides by cutting off military aid to Ukraine if it doesnt agree to negotiations, and expanding weapons shipments to Kyiv if Moscow refuses to come to the table. Trump also criticized Ukraine after it launched missiles into Russian territory last month: I disagree very vehemently with sending missiles hundreds of miles into Russia. Why are we doing that? he said in an interview with Time magazine earlier this month. Russian servicemen at a front-line hospital in Pokrovsk, eastern Ukraine, on Sunday. Meanwhile, in recent weeks Trumps aides have pushed for a truce contingent on Kyiv delaying its membership to the NATO alliance by 20 years, in exchange for continued arms supply from the West and the deployment of European peacekeepers to monitor a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some experts say this will only invite the Kremlin to continue its efforts to undermine the European security order. My biggest concern is that Ukraine will be pressured to accept a bad deal with Russia, as Donald Trump will be keen to deliver on his promise to stop the war, said Kristi Raik, the deputy director of the International Centre for Defence and Security, in an op-ed. In line with changing circumstances, Zelenskyys public statements have also shifted, now emphasizing the need for long-term security over territorial control. Short of being open to painful concessions, the Ukrainian president has signaled a greater willingness to negotiate an end to the war. This shift comes after previous acknowledgments that its unlikely Ukrainian forces will be able to roll back Russian troops from the seized territory, including the Crimean peninsula and parts of eastern Ukraine that Moscow has held for a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin, meanwhile, has been doing the equivalent of a victory lap. During his traditional end-of-year press conference on Dec. 19, he boasted that his forces were advancing on the battlefield and that Russias defense capabilities are the highest in the world. Nonetheless, he said he was ready to engage in peace talks with Ukraine, noting that politics is the art of compromise. Putin referred to the 2022 peace talks held between the two countries in Istanbul, where the draft agreement discussed involved the Kremlin taking control over the Crimea and Donbas region, and with Ukraine giving up plans to join NATO and reducing its military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those talks failed, with both sides blaming the other for the collapse. Putin placed particular emphasis on Russia being a rational actor by being willing to accept a ceasefire on its own terms and accusing the Ukrainian side of sabotaging a previous deal, said Natia Seskuria, an associate fellow at a London-based think tank, RUSI. But with Putins usual threats of escalation on show, Russia is negotiating from a position of strength, rather than weakness and it expects concessions from Ukraine with the help of the Trump administration. The Russian concept of negotiations is very different from our own, said Dailey of the RAND Corporation. Russia just wants what it has wanted since it started this war. Putin's news conference is projected over a billboard promoting contract military service in Moscow on Thursday. Putin has repeatedly voiced that deferring Ukraines membership to NATO is not enough for Moscow. On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov doubled down on the Russian presidents position, saying that he would not consider the plans reportedly being put forward by Trumps team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are not satisfied with the proposals made by representatives of the president-elects team to postpone Ukrainian membership in NATO for 20 years, as well as to introduce a peacekeeping contingent of British and European forces into Ukraine, Lavrov told state-owned TASS news agency. Since NATOs long-standing expansion was one of the main causes of the Ukrainian crisis, ensuring Ukraines nonaligned status remains among the goals of the special military operation that must be achieved, the foreign minister said. Even if Trump tries to restore ties between the U.S. and Russia once he comes into office, he would have to swim against the current given the bipartisan consensus in the U.S. on Russia which is not so simple, Lavrov added. Dailey said it would be foolhardy to think that you could enter negotiations with Russia and believe you would get any concessions that you did not force them to concede at the tip of a spear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Put simply, Russia currently sees itself as having the advantage both militarily and politically. Under these conditions, I do not anticipate Russia would concede much of anything, she added. Ukraines unease is underscored by the seemingly cordial terms between the American and Russian leaders. While Zelenskyy has pushed for NATO membership as a necessary move to safeguard Ukraine from future invasions, Kyivs prospects seem largely unattainable in both the U.S. and Europe, where leaders appear divided over which security pledges they can offer Kyiv. Nevertheless, Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that Ukraine needs unequivocal support from the U.S. alongside European guarantees. It is very important for us to have both on board: the United States and the Europeans, he said during recent talks held in Brussels. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com By Nathan Layne WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (Reuters) -President-elect Donald Trump said he would attend next week's state funeral for Jimmy Carter, the former U.S. president who died on Sunday at the age of 100, and predicted that only House Speaker Mike Johnson could win the vote for the House's top job. As Trump entered a New Year's Eve Party at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida on Tuesday, he was asked by a reporter whether he planned to be on hand for Carter's funeral at the National Cathedral on Jan. 9 in Washington, D.C.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I do. I'll be there. We were invited," Trump said, declining to say whether he had spoken with any of Carter's family members since his death. At the black tie gala attended by billionaire tech CEO Elon Musk, Senator Ted Cruz and other supporters, Trump was also asked what message he had for Republicans who have not followed his lead and backed House Speaker Johnson's re-election bid. The House is scheduled to elect a speaker on Friday following the swearing-in of the new Congress. Trump's endorsement of Johnson on Monday was seen as key to Johnson's hopes of maintaining the post he assumed in October 2023. But the move by 34 Republicans to vote against Johnson's stopgap funding bill in December raised questions over whether Johnson might struggle to garner enough support for re-election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think they'll support Speaker Johnson," Trump told reporters. "He's the one that can win right now. Almost everybody likes him. Others are very good, too, but they have 30 or 40 people that don't like them." Trump was also asked about his apparent shift in stance on the use of the H-1B visa to attract foreign workers, following a public dispute over the program over the past few days. Some Trump supporters believe the visa allocations undercut American workers and go against his "America First" agenda. Trump has criticized the H-1B visa in the past, but in a Saturday social media post sided with Musk in defending it as a tool to import talent. Musk, the CEO of Tesla (TSLA.O) and SpaceX, had vowed to go to "war" to preserve the program, triggering backlash online. "I didn't change my mind. I've always felt that we have to have the most competent people in our country," Trump said about the program. "We need smart people coming into our country, and we need a lot of people coming in. We are going to have jobs like we've never had before." (Reporting by Nathan Layne and Marco Bello in West Palm Beach, Florida; Editing by Kim Coghill and Neil Fullick) (Bloomberg) -- President-elect Donald Trump said he would lobby House Republicans to help elect Mike Johnson as speaker if needed, acknowledging that some lawmakers in the party had reservations about allowing him to retain the gavel. Most Read from Bloomberg Asked if he would press Republicans to back Johnson, whom he endorsed on Monday for the post, Trump said he would do so if necessary. I think really were going to have a great time, were going to get a successful vote. Hes a good man, hes a very wonderful person and thats what you need, Trump told reporters on Tuesday night at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida where he was ringing in the new year. Hes the one that can win right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People like him. Almost everybody likes him. Others are very good too but they have 30 or 40 people that dont like him, so thats pretty tough, he added. Trumps comments come a day after he offered his Complete & Total Endorsement to Johnson in an effort to avert a potentially crippling leadership fight that threatens to delay his second-term agenda in the new Congress. Earlier: Trump and Musk Back Johnson in Bid to Ward Off Speaker Fight The House is scheduled to hold a vote for speaker on Friday. While no declared challenger to Johnson has emerged, some Republicans worried that a clash over the position could hamper efforts to enact Trumps agenda and even the certification of his election victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The party will hold a narrow majority in the incoming House and Johnson faces criticism from some ultraconservative lawmakers after backing a temporary spending deal that failed to include the president-elects demands for lifting the US debt ceiling. Johnson has only been speaker since October 2023, following a conservative rebellion that toppled Kevin McCarthy from the speakership and led to a struggle in the GOP ranks to coalesce around a replacement. High-Skilled Visas Trump on Tuesday also defended his stance on H-1B visas, rejecting a suggestion that he had changed his position on an immigration program for highly skilled workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt change my mind. Ive always felt we have to have the most competent people in our country. We need competent people. We need smart people coming into our country. We need a lot of people coming in, Trump said. The debate over the visa program exposed divides between Trumps supporters in Silicon Valley, who are in favor of hiring foreign workers for specialty occupations, and parts of his base that have embraced staunchly anti-immigration views. Billionaire Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, both of whom have been tapped by Trump to lead a government efficiency panel, have strongly defended the visa program. Trump weighed in on the controversy, which has played out on social media, in a recent interview with the New York Post, where he said he had always been in favor of the visas and was a believer in H1-B. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump during his first term restricted several visa types including H1-B, citing the need to protect American workers during the coronavirus pandemic. The president-elect on Tuesday also said he would attend the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter next week. Carter, who died at the age of 100 on Sunday, will receive a state funeral in Washington. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that a deadly attack targeting New Years Eve revelers in New Orleans, Louisiana was evidence of his dire assessment of crime in America, pledging to fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil! When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true, Trump wrote on social media. "Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones." President Joe Biden, in his own statement, said the FBI is spearheading the federal investigation and examining the incident as an act of terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have directed my team to ensure every resource is available as federal, state and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat of any kind, Biden said. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation's communities. Statements from the current and incoming presidents followed a horrific scene on New Orleans Bourbon Street, where a driver rammed into a crowd of pedestrians around 3 a.m. on New Year's Day, killing 10 people and injuring 35 victims. At a press conference, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the incident as a terrorist attack and the citys police chief said the act was intentional. According to the New Orleans Police Department, the driver stopped the vehicle and opened fire on local officers, who returned fire. The driver was struck and pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Merrick Garland confirmed that the incident is being investigated by the FBI as an act of terrorism in a statement Wednesday morning. The FBI, the ATF, the Justice Departments National Security Division, and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and will deploy every available resource to conduct this investigation. The FBI identified the suspect on Wednesday as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen from Texas. Jabbar was driving a Ford pickup truck with an ISIS flag, weapons and an improvised explosive device in the vehicle, officials said. The FBI said it is working to determine how the suspect attained the vehicle, which appears to be rented, and if the suspect is associated with terrorist organizations. According to the FBI, other potential IEDs were also located in New Orleans' French Quarter. The FBIs Special Agent Bomb Technicians are investigating if any of these devices are viable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana officials announced that the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal between Georgia and Notre Dame, originally scheduled for Wednesday night, will be postponed for 24 hours. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has issued an emergency declaration that will allow federal, state and local partners to bring all resources for safety. At a press conference, Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.) said all hands are on deck from the White House to local agencies to investigate the incident. Carter said he has been in communication with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and leaders in federal, local and state agencies. The president has made it very clear that he intends to bring every resource to bear, to not only tell the truth, but to provide the resources to bring these cowards to justice, Carter said. Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) promised the public that they will receive specifics regarding the New Years Day attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You will find out what happened and who was responsible, or I will raise fresh hell, Kennedy said. I will chase those in the federal government who are responsible for telling us what happened like they stole Christmas." The Pentagon confirmed that Jabbar was in the Army as a human resource and information specialist from March 2007 until Jan. 2015. From there he became an IT specialist in the Army Reserve beginning in 2015 for five years. The suspect was deployed to Afghanistan from Feb. 2009 to Jan. 2010, and left the military as a staff sergeant. The FBI's Houston office posted on X that it was conducting law enforcement activity in the northern party of that city related to the attack. FBI Houston personnel and specialized teams will be on-site for several hours," the bureau wrote on social media. "This activity is related to this mornings New Orleans attack, but due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, no further information can be provided. Donald Trump, then the GOP candidate for president, gave a keynote speech on the third day of the Bitcoin 2024 conference at Music City Center on July 27, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. He had previously dismissed cryptocurrency as a scam but embraced it in his latest bid for a second term in the White House. (Jon Cherry | Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trumps recent appointments and cabinet nominees are pointing to a four-year stint of deregulation in the tech industry, and lots of potential for competitive growth within the industry and globally, tech executives predict. Trump has made a handful of recent selections, both to existing positions, like chair of the Federal Trade Commission and chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and he has created new positions for his term, like the AI and crypto czar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There appears to be much more cohesion and support from within his camp to support a range of geopolitical, technology, and innovation issues that were relegated in importance during his first term, software founder Yashin Manraj said. Trump has chosen FTC Commissioner Andrew Ferguson to be the agencys next chairman, replacing Lina Khan, who fought Big Tech overreach during her tenure. Hes slated to be joined by antitrust specialist Mark Meador in his former position. Together, the pair will likely continue to scrutinize Big Tech agencies, but for issues of censorship which was a Republican talking point during the election. In December, Trump named cryptocurrency advocate and former SEC commissioner Paul Atkins as his pick for chair of the SEC, and appointed former PayPal executive David Sacks to a new role of AI and crypto czar, PBS reported. The move comes as Trumps view on digital currencies has evolved. During his first presidency, Trump called it highly volatile and based on thin air, but has since changed his tune. In September, he rolled out a new venture to trade crypto, called World Liberty Financial, and said during his 2024 campaign, that he aims to make the U.S. the crypto capital of the planet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And on Monday, Trump met with Japanese-based investment firm SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, who announced a $100 billion investment into U.S. projects over the course of Trumps term, many of which will focus on artificial intelligence. Appointees setting the tone These tech industry appointees and connections lean toward traditional Republican deregulatory instincts, said Dev Nag, Bay Area-based founder and CEO of AI automation company QueryPal. Its a shift toward something Nag calls techno-pragmatic nationalism, or a mixture of these Republican deregulation instincts with industry policy that focuses on maintaining the U.S. status in the global tech economy. Fergusons appointment to the FTC will likely result in policies that continue to allow large U.S. tech companies to thrive while addressing specific competitive issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well also probably see harder barriers against foreign tech competitors, especially China, Nag said. Manraj, the Eagle Point, Oregon-based founder and CEO of software company Pvotal Technologies, also sees Trumps appointments as an attempt to focus on growing the local tech economies, rather than the global one. These policies will weaken the tech industries of the European Union and many emerging countries, which were hoping for the heightened regulation under Harris to prevent further brain drains and promote [foreign direct investment] in their startup ecosystems, Manraj said. There was a lot of technical advancement during President Joe Bidens term, but stronger tech regulations created some confusion and hesitation within the industry, Manraj said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on the track record of these appointees, were likely to see a significant rollback of AI safeguards implemented under the Biden administration, replaced with a framework emphasizing rapid deployment and commercialization, Nag said. SoftBanks investment is a sign that the industry is feeling ready to develop, and that investment dollars are more likely to flow under a Trump administration, Manraj said. Differences from Trumps first term The appointments and tech-industry relationships Trump has developed for his second term appear to make him more prepared to be supportive of tech innovation and growth than his first term, Manraj said. Hes relying on a new generation of technocrats, to enact change, Manraj said, rather than politically driven cabinet advisers from his first time in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crypto world is reacting positively to it, and many projects treading water for years are finally ramping up hiring and growth locally in the U.S., Manraj said. Nag predicted several potential technological advancements we may see under Trumps second term, including the relaxation of AI restrictions paired with lots of investments into tech. That may allow for AI to integrate across lots of industries and infrastructures faster than it would have under a Kamala Harris administration. Nag also noted Trumps change in attitude toward crypto, saying a friendlier regulatory environment for the digital currencies may position the U.S. as a global leader in the space. We may also see more advancement in semiconductor manufacturing and computing capabilities under more relaxed regulations. All of these advancements come with important governance considerations, though, Nag said. AI advancements that go so far without safety frameworks can create future problems that we cant come back from. The key challenge for this administration will be maintaining the delicate balance between fostering rapid innovation and ensuring long-term technological resilience, he said. President-elect Donald Trump used the mass-killing event in New Orleans, where a driver slammed a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street and left 15 people dead, to talk about immigration despite police later confirming the dead suspect was a U.S citizen. The president-elect posted on Truth Social Wednesday saying that immigrants were more likely to commit worse crimes than U.S. citizens. When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true. The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before. Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department. The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was later confirmed that Shamsud Din Jabbar, an American citizen born and raised in Texas who served in the US Army, perpetrated the attack. The FBI confirmed that the suspect is dead after engaging with the police. The bureau said it is treating the incident as an act of terrorism. He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said during a press conference. The president-elect has frequently talked about immigrants committing more crimes. During his first run for president, he said that migrants crossing the US-Mexico border were criminals, drug dealers and rapists. During his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, he said that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating the pets of locals in the area, a claim which had no evidence. In his 1987 book, The Art of the Deal, Donald Trump let readers in on a promotional strategy of his. I play to peoples fantasies, the real estate developer wrote, by insisting that a project is the biggest and the greatest and the most spectacular. Its a tactic Trump has also employed in his political careermost effectively this election cycle, when many voters were drawn to him based on perceptions of his second-term plans that had little to no basis in reality. Consider these archetypal dispatches from the 2024 campaign trail. A lot of people are happy to vote for [Trump] because they simply do not believe he will do many of the things he says he will, an October New York Times campaign notebook entry observed. The following week, The Washington Post noted of prospective Trump voters: Some read between Trumps lines about how he would govern, while others disregard parts of his past or present platform. Then there was the phenomenon Paul Krugman, the retiring Times columnist, dubbed Trump-stalgia, which could just as well have been called Trump-nesia. Most Americans are undoubtedly better off than they were four years ago, he wrote in May. But for reasons that still remain unclear, many seem disinclined to believe it. This sentiment held true through the election. As TNRs Greg Sargent reported on November 9, citing internal Democratic polling, It proved disturbingly difficult to persuade undecided voters that Trump had been a bad president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, for many, Trump was whoever they wanted him to bea choose-your-own-candidate. Voters projected their wishes onto his candidacy, regardless of his stated policy program. They remembered positive aspects of his presidency and either memory-holed the negative parts (his deadly mishandling of the pandemic, say, or his nomination of Supreme Court justices who eliminated abortion rights) or simply didnt blame him for them. But Trumps rhetorical slipperiness made this possible. His relentless lying, flip-flopping, and vagueness about his plans made it difficult to pin him down, thereby attracting voters from both sides of certain issues. But the chimerical allure that helped propel Trump to the White House has an expiration date. He sold myriad, and often conflicting, fantasies to voters. In three weeks time, hell face reality. And many Trump voters will undoubtedly start to realize that he is not at all the person they thought they were voting for. Already, there are two major contradictions emerging in the nascent Trump administration, Voxs Zack Beauchamp argued in November. The first centers on economic policyor, more fundamentally, the role of government itself, he wrote, noting that some Trump picks are proponents of unfettered capitalism while others are economic nationalists who want to transform American society, including by attacking the practices of large corporations. The second contradiction, meanwhile, centers on foreign policyor, more fundamentally, the purpose of America in the world. The advocates of hard power versus the isolationists, essentially. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These diverse allies found common cause on the campaign trail in opposition to the left, but when governing, the administration will be forced to make choices in areas where its leaders disagree at a fundamental level, leading not only to internal conflict but potentially even policy chaos. In other words, Trump will have to pick sides. In some ways, hes already doing so based on the balance of his nominees: His Cabinet is shaping up to be rather interventionist and plutocratic. Once he enters the realm of concrete policy, Trump will very likely face some degree of backlash. This happens with any new administration; according to the well-demonstrated theory of thermostatic politics, public opinion tends to move in the opposite direction of policy. But if Trump grossly overestimates his electoral mandate and tries to implement his most extreme ideas, the backlash could be historically fierce. Recall how the barbarity of Trumps first-term immigration agenda elicited widespread outcry. Now imagine if his 2025 plans for mass deportations are enacted. The Washington Posts Aaron Blake writes that, while recent polls show Americans divided evenly onor sometimes leaning in favor ofdeporting most or all undocumented immigrants, respondents who approve of deportations often also support the (much more popular) solution of providing them a path to citizenship. Additionally, Blake writes, support for mass deportations tends to thin as people are given the details of what theyd entail. If Trump brings his ghastly immigration policies to bear (and follows through on his more unpopular stances, such as prosecuting his political foes and pardoning January 6ers), its not unreasonable to expect that his crowing about his powerful mandate will be exposed as arrant hyperbole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Trumps hyperbolic promises as a candidate could also undermine his presidency. Take his improbable vow to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, which he recently walked back in a Time interview, acknowledging that this is trickier than he let on. In the same interview, he also managed expectations about lowering the cost of groceries, saying doing so will be hard and, if he fails, he would not consider his presidency a failure. Its a stark pivot from his September pledge: Vote Trump, and your grocery prices will come tumbling down. On those issues and more, Trump has, as a recent Times headline put it, promised the moon with no word on the rocket. On many issues, though, not only is there no rocket, but there are instead blueprints for a deep-sea submersible: Trumps core policy proposals are poised to do the opposite of what he says, exacerbating the economic discontent he tapped into. Between his proposed tariffs, deportations, and tax cuts, Time reports that if Trump enacts many of the policies he proposed on the campaign trail, voters may see prices continue to rise. Throughout 2024, the irreconcilable contradictions of Trumps proposals and promises were wrinkles that could be smoothed over with rhetoric; as president, hell have to face them head-on. As William A. Galston wrote in The Wall Street Journal last month, while Trump is an untraditional president, voters will judge him on a traditional measurehis ability to deliver on the promises that propelled him to a second term. Tensions among these promises will complicate his task. Or, to return to Trumps words in The Art of the Deal: You cant con people, at least not for long. You can create excitement, you can do wonderful promotion and get all kinds of press, and you can throw in a little hyperbole. But if you dont deliver the goods, people will eventually catch on. Trump has proven, in business and politics, that in fact he can con people for a very long time. But, come 2025, when hes confronted with the reality of governingand, one can hope, a reinvigorated oppositionTrump may finally be exposed to his newfound supporters as the huckster weve long known him to be. Donald Trump has more billionaires in his orbit than any other modern president. It's not just Elon Musk who faces potential conflicts of interest with newfound power. Even some of Trump's lower-level picks are uber-wealthy. President-elect Donald Trump is stocking his administration and broader orbit with billionaires and titans of industry. Their resumes and portfolios also come with a bevy of potential conflicts of interest that could overshadow their actual jobs. Elon Musk may receive the lion's share of the attention, but he's far from the only billionaire in Trump's orbit who has benefited from government contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This Trump administration is just chocked full of billionaires, millionaires, and lobbyists," Craig Holman, a lobbyist for government watchdog Public Citizen, recently told Business Insider. Trump tapped private equity billionaire Stephen Feinberg to become his second-highest-ranking official at the Pentagon. Feinberg's firm, Cerberus Capital Management, has significant interests in military defense contractors, which, as deputy director of defense, could pose a conflict given that the Pentagon's No. 2 is typically responsible for the Defense Department's massive budget. Private equity CEO Steve Feinberg values his privacy, which may be tested if he's confirmed as a top Pentagon official. AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari Earlier this year, Cerberus acquired a controlling interest in M1 Support Services, an aircraft maintenance contractor. In fiscal year 2024 alone, M1 has been awarded over $630.7 million in federal contracts, according to USASpending.gov contract data. Cerberus also has a large stake in Navistar Defense, a specialized military vehicle manufacturer. In 2021, Navistar paid a $50 million fine to resolve a complaint that accused the company of inflating the prices of mine-resistant vehicles it sold to the US Marine Corps from 2007 to 2012, before Feinberg's firm bought a 70% stake in 2018. Musk has an even wider portfolio of responsibilities. Unlike Feinberg, the Tesla CEO is set to remain outside the Trump administration meaning the world's richest man would not be subject to the potential divestment full-time administration officials may be asked to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He definitely has a vision for humanity and he views himself as a world historic figure, and he knows his wealth is necessary to fulfilling his vision," Jeff Hauser, executive director of the Revolving Door Project, a public interest group, told Business Insider earlier this month. "So I am frightened by what government by people like that looks like." All of Trump's appointees who enter the government will have to comply with the criminal conflict of interest law. Congress did not apply that law to the president or vice president, in part due to constitutional concerns. Congressional Democrats have raised concern about Musk's ties to China. He called for the expulsion of Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, after she and other liberal lawmakers questioned whether Musk helped kill a sweeping government funding bill due to its inclusion of restrictions on certain US investments in China. Trump told Time Magazine that he's seen Musk put the country ahead of his financial interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think he's one of the very few people that would have the credibility to do it, but he puts the country before, and I've seen it, before he puts his company," Trump said. In response to questions about potential conflicts of interest, Brian Hughes, a Trump-Vance Transition spokesperson, said in a statement to Business Insider "All nominees and appointees will comply with the ethical obligations of their respective agencies and offices." Divestment can be difficult to navigate. In 2017, Florida Panthers owner Vincent Viola, a billionaire, withdrew from consideration to become Trump's first Army secretary. According to The New York Times, Viola had too much difficulty untangling his financial interests. Others have been able to broker deals allowing them to cash out early. Former Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson had to work out a special $180 million retirement package with the oil giant because some of his holdings included restricted shares that hadn't been fully vested. Goldman Sachs accelerated its payout to Gary Cohn, who left the firm to become Trump's chief economic advisor, leaving him with a roughly $285 million exit package. In order to entice talent out of the private sector, the government also allows officials to defer some tax liabilities when they are directed to sell shares or other assets. Tillerson and Cohn both used this perk. So too has current Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. President Donald Trump smiles at Secretary of State Rex Tillerson after he was sworn in in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017. Associated Perss/Carolyn Kaster Government watchdogs have long expressed unease about top officials entering the government with private-sector ties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden advisors' ties to BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, were the subject of significant attention during the 2020 transition. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo was once interim chief of staff to Larry Fink. Brian Deese, who was Biden's top economic aide, led BlackRock's sustainable investing before joining the Biden administration. Adeyemo agreed to recuse himself from any potential BlackRock-related business until he sold off his interests. As a political appointee, Deese's ethics agreement is not public information, though ethics-focused groups previously asked the White House to disclose it. (The White House did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment about Deese's agreement. He left the administration last year.) It remains to be seen whether the president-elect will impose additional ethics requirements as he did shortly after taking office in 2017. Trump's first cabinet was the wealthiest in modern history. His incoming team is likely to be even richer. The influx of billionaires extends from the cabinet down through US ambassadors. So far, Trump's tapped at least two additional billionaires to represent the US abroad, Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and investment banker Warren Stephens, to be US ambassadors. And that list doesn't even include the likes of Musk, who has Trump's attention without the hassle of selling off his vast interests. "He is going to have the ear of President Trump anyway, even though he's serving in an advisory capacity," Holman said of Musk. Read the original article on Business Insider Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants continued their protest amid cold weather on the first day of January demanding re-examination for the BPSC prelims. 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. Earlier on Tuesday, Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) leaders marched towards Raj Bhavan to meet the Governor over the BPSC issue. As the leader marched towards the Raj Bhawan, the police stopped them. Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan alleged that the Bihar government is unable to provide justice to the students. "The Bihar government is unable to provide justice to the students... If they try to suppress the voice of the students, we will oppose it. The police have stopped us right now," he said. On Sunday, Bihar police lathi-charged and used water cannons to disperse the protesting BPSC aspirants in Gandhi Maidan. Following the incident, Bihar Police registered an FIR against hundreds of individuals, including Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishore, for unauthorised gatherings, instigating people, and creating law and order issues in Gandhi Maidan. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav condemned the lathi charge on protesting Bihar BPSC aspirants. In a video statement, the former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister said, "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..." "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... That's why students are protesting for a re-examination. I also support this," the RJD leader said. Bihar Education Minister Sunil Kumar said on Monday that the BPSC will probe the complaints raised by the aspirants over the Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), 2024. Speaking to media persons, Kumar said: "They can say what they want; it is their right, but the Commission will probe this and will take an appropriate decision." (ANI) Fifteen Democratic state lawmakers wrote a letter defending Tennessee State University and criticizing recent comments made by state Comptroller Jason Mumpower to university leaders. The letter, dated Dec. 23, called Mumpower's comments directed at TSU leaders during a Dec. 18 State Building Commission meeting "both unprofessional and inappropriate." It also said his line of questioning was "aggressive" and lacked respect and understanding of the dire financial situation at hand for the historically Black, public university. It was signed by Reps. Vincent Dixie, Sam McKenzie, Karen Camper, Joe Towns, Larry Miller, Ronnie Glynn, Harold Love, Jess Chism, Yusuf Hakeem, Torrey Harris, Antonio Parkinson and G.A. Hardaway. Sens. Charlane Oliver, London Lamar and Raumesh Akbari also signed the letter. Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury Jason Mumpower took office in 2021. During the meeting, Mumpower pressed TSU Interim President Dwayne Tucker on whether he was committed to severing all ties with former TSU President Glenda Glover. Records obtained by The Tennessean show that Glover was given a $1.7 million, four-year agreement that includes a payout and an ongoing, paid advisory role. That agreement was made as the previous TSU Board of Trustees was ousted by state lawmakers in March after back-to-back audits and years of scrutiny over the school's finances, management and leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal government revealed in 2023 that Tennessee has underfunded TSU by $2.1 billion of the course of 30 years something the letter also pointed out. Board member Dwayne Tucker asks a question during the TSU Board of Trustees meeting at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. Tucker, who was part of the new TSU board appointed in April, spoke before the State Building Commission on his first day as the interim president, following the abrupt resignation of now-former Interim President Ronald Johnson. He assured Mumpower that he is personally committed to breaking ties with Glover, but also said her agreement is now the subject of legal review by Tennessee Attorney General. $2.1 billion: Biden administration says Tennessee State University has been underfunded. Here's what that means. Mumpower stated that Glover "made out like a bandit while leaving only a legacy of dysfunction." The lawmakers took issue with that in their letter, among other things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dr. Glover has been an asset to the university in many ways and has brought national acclaim to the institution," the letter stated. "During discussions about the future of the university, you seem to go out of your way to disparage and disrespect Dr. Glover. Your attempts to undermine her legacy are unwarranted and unacceptable." TSU finances: Tucker promises new financial plan as TN urges him to sell property, cut more staff The lawmakers also criticized Mumpower for pressing Tucker to sell TSU's downtown campus and a plot it owns at the John C. Tune Airport near downtown Nashville, pointing to the decades of underfunding. "The suggestion of selling TSU assets to developers raises serious ethical concerns," the letter said. "Rather than proposing solutions that could destabilize the university further, we need to focus on supporting TSU, particularly given its long history of underfunding compared to peer institutions such as the University of Tennessee at Knoxville." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, the letter questioned if Mumpower's comments were driven by political motivation, saying he appears to "adopt the most aggressive stance possible" when addressing historically Black institutions in Tennessee, including TSU. Prior to taking on the his role as Comptroller of the Treasury in 2021, Mumpower served as a state representative as a Republican. What to know: Lawmakers have pressed TSU to declare financial exigency. Here's what that means "TSUs challenges require collaboration and equitable support, not condemnation or divisive rhetoric," the letter said. "The Comptroller is expected to serve all Tennesseans without bias or political motivation, but recent actions by you, intentional or otherwise, could cast doubt about your motives." The letter closed by challenging Mumpower to reconsider his approach and join efforts to strengthen TSU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Mumpower provided a statement on Wednesday afternoon. He said he stands by the comments he made about Glover, citing "clear and overwhelming evidence" that her decisions placed TSU in financial peril. Johnson, who briefly served as TSU's interim president, revealed years of wildly fluctuating budget deficits and financial mismanagement at the hands of previous leadership in September. The university has since instituted layoffs, budget cuts and a freeze on hiring and nonessential spending. Financial issues at TSU: What to know as Tucker takes the reins Mumpower also said he supports the new administration's decision to end its commitment to Glover. "While I certainly respect the members opinion, my role as Comptroller is to ensure decisions are made that protect the financial and operational functions of Tennessee State University. A successful TSU is vital to our state," part of the statement read. "TSU is facing a critical situation, and this is the time to ask tough questions and for university leaders to make difficult choices." This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee State University: State Democrats criticize comptroller comments TUCUMCARI, N.M. (KRQE) An eastern New Mexico man is behind bars after police say he shot another man in a parking lot with an assault rifle. New Mexico State Police were called to the Quay County Family Health Center in Tucumcari Monday afternoon. Suspect accused of shooting Albuquerque security guard appears in court According to police, an argument escalated between the victim, the victims wife, and 56-year-old Anthony Kent. Kent was charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault after police said he shot and hit a man with an AR-15. The man was flown to a Texas hospital for treatment, where he remains in stable condition. State police said Kent fled the scene but was later arrested. 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. Three people died and at least 20 more were injured in a fireworks-related incident in Hawaii on New Years Day. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services, police and the fire department were all called to the scene in the Salt Lake-Aliamanu area of Oahu in the early hours of January 1. Footage from the scene showed multiple emergency vehicles on Keaka Drive. The Honolulu Police Department wrote in a post on X: Major Incident in the Salt Lake area HPD, HFD, and EMS are responding to a major incident in the area of Keaka Drive. Please avoid the area as first responders provide medical and other assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department posted an update at 1.45am: This is a fireworks-related incident with multiple casualties. HPD, HFD, and EMS are on the scene providing care and security. Please avoid the area. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, which took place as people across the islands were celebrating the arrival of 2025. It comes after Honolulu Emergency Medical Services responded to another call in the Kalihi area on New Years Eve, according to Newsweek. A 14-year-old boy was injured after a firework exploded in his hand, according to paramedics at the scene who transported him to the hospital for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Rick Blangiardi confirmed the number of dead in a statement on Wednesday. It is with both frustration and sorrow that I address the tragedy that occurred last night in Salt Lake just after midnight on New Years Eve, he said. A massive explosion caused by what appears to be illegal fireworks claimed at least three lives and left over 20 others critically injured. This incident is a painful reminder of the danger posed by illegal fireworks, which put lives at risk, drain our first responder resources, and disrupt our communities. Two top Washington Post reporters have defected from the Jeff Bezos-owned paper as it continues to reel following the billionaires decision to kill an endorsement of Kamala Harris. Political correspondents Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer were poached by The Atlantic owned by Laurene Powell Jobs and will join the left-leaning magazine ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps second inauguration, the New York Times reported on Tuesday. Their departures comes on the heels of a report Monday by Puck News that White House correspondent Tyler Pager and investigative reporter Josh Dawsey have been mulling a transfer or have already decided to exit. Two of the Washington Posts political correspondents are headed to The Atlantic. Bloomberg via Getty Images The Beltway broadsheet has suffered an exodus of top talent and a reported loss of more than 200,000 subscribers since Bezos blocked the editorial board from endorsing the Democratic candidate just weeks before the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three Opinions section members David Hoffman, Molly Roberts and Robert Kagan quit following the decision not to endorse any candidate for the first time in decades. Bezos, the second-richest person in the world with a net worth valued by Bloomberg Billionaires Index at $241 billion, was a frequent target of Trump during his first term in office mainly due to the Washington Posts coverage of his administration. He defended his decision shortly after the initial outcry from staff that it was based on him trying to toady up to Trump. Presidential endorsements do nothing to tip the scales of an election. No undecided voters in Pennsylvania are going to say, Im going with Newspaper As endorsement. None, he wrote in an op-ed for the Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fury among staffers was brewing long before his decision, as editors clashed over a planned reorganization by the papers new CEO Will Lewis, who took the helm in January. Sally Buzbee, WaPos first female executive editor, abruptly resigned in June instead of accepting a new role as head of the social media division. Washington Post White House reporter Ashley Parker (left) on Meet the Press in 2019. NBC Others who have since jumped ship include managing editor Matea Gold, who was hired away by the Times, and staff writer Shane Harris, who left for The Atlantic. The Washington Post did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The paper has made a few key hires from the Wall Street Journal this past month, adding Warren Strobel as an intelligence reporter and Karen Pensiero as standards editor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, tech reporter Kara Swisher was said to be working toward assembling a group of investors to purchase the paper from Bezos. The Post can do better its so maddening to see whats happening. Why not me? Why not any of us? Swisher told Axios. Former Washington Post reporter Michael Scherer (right) at the Time 100 Gala in 2016. Getty Images for Time The Atlantic, meanwhile, has enjoyed success in recent years with a growing number of digital subscribers, and is in talks to add more Washington Post reporters to its team, two sources told the Times. It is looking to hire about a dozen new reporters and editors in anticipation of Trumps inauguration, according to the report. We believe in accountability journalism, Jeffrey Goldberg, The Atlantics editor in chief, told the Times. We want to cover the incoming administration rigorously. I want to build our team with the best political reporters and editors I can find. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Two people are injured in separate shootings west of Uptown from early Wednesday morning, according to Meidc. Both shootings happened around 1:30 a.m. on New Years Day and were about two miles apart. One was on the 1300 block of W. Morehead Street and the other was on the 1600 block of Remount Road. Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area >> Latest stories here Medic said one person was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries from each scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have not said what led to the shooting, if anyone is in custody or if the shootings are connected. This is a Developing Story . 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 Queen City News. SYRACUSE N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Syracuse Police Officers were called to the 300 block of Apple Street for a report of a double stabbing on Wednesday, January 1, around 1:31 a.m. When officers arrived on scene, they found a 22-year-old man with a stab wound to the chest. The man was taken to Upstate University Hospital where he is reported to be in stable condition. A short time later, Syracuse Police learned of a second victim from the stabbing. The second victim a 24-year-old woman was taken to Upstate University Hospital in a private vehicle for stab wounds where she is also listed in stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 22-year-old Alexis Germond later turned herself into Syracuse Police for these stabbings. Germond was charged with the following: Two counts of Assault in the Second Degree Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree 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. Dec. 31The new year begins with arrogance and shenanigans from two people who say they are public servants. Mary Hotvedt and former state Rep. Harry Garcia are driven by self-interest rather than the public good. These are their stories. Hotvedt is chairperson of the board of regents at Western New Mexico University. Without a word of warning to the public, she and the other four regents recently approved a contract to pay university President Joseph Shepard more than $1.9 million by Jan. 15 in exchange for his resignation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second part of that contract gives Shepard a professorship in Western's School of Business. That job would pay him at least another $200,000 annually for five years. Shepard and the regents for months had been criticized for extravagant spending. State Auditor Joseph Maestas subsequently issued a report saying they violated university rules on expenditures totaling more than $360,000. Criticism of the regents intensified after Shepard's buyout. Western's Faculty Senate on Thursday will consider whether to hold a no-confidence vote on the regents. State House Speaker Javier Martinez called the regents' agreement with Shepard "disgusting." And state Attorney General Raul Torrez said he is investigating the buyout. The regents authorized their agreement with Shepard at a special meeting. Feeling the heat of crisis mismanagement, Hotvedt has called another special meeting for Jan. 7 in hopes of cooling off faculty members, students and taxpayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have been hearing and paying attention to your questions and concerns about Dr. Shepard's resignation, the events leading up to the decision, and the separation agreement and faculty contract the Board has entered with Dr. Shepard. I am confident all the Regents are listening," Hotvedt wrote in a letter circulated on campus. She said staging another meeting almost three weeks after the regents approved Shepard's buyout is being done "in the spirit of shared governance." Hotvedt's statement might be funny if the stakes weren't so high and campus morale weren't so low. Public opinion didn't matter to Hotvedt before she helped to arrange the lucrative buyout for Shepard. He was under contract to be Western's president until June 30, 2027. Shepard's salary and bonuses for the next two and a half years would have totaled $800,000 less than he will receive with the $1.9 million lump-sum payment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hotvedt on Dec. 12 publicly announced she had chaired her last meeting as a regent. She changed her mind and stayed on to run the special meeting in which Shepard's resignation was announced. His buyout and salary for the professorship were never mentioned during that public session. Hotvedt then said she would remain in power until Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham names a new regent. State senators would have to confirm Hotvedt's replacement. The system of the governor appointing regents has more to do with politics than qualifications. Donors and campaign allies often receive the positions. Hotvedt was the Democratic Party chairperson of Grant County, a good soldier for the blue squad who's made a mess at Western. Lujan Grisham also has on her desk nominations from two county commissions to keep former Rep. Garcia in the Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia for almost eight years represented House District 69. His political future dimmed last spring. Newcomer Michelle Abeyta routed Garcia in the Democratic primary, meaning he would be out of office at the end of 2024. While still the sitting representative in District 69, Garcia maneuvered to fill the vacant House seat in District 6. He owns land in both districts, a spacious house 7 miles east of Grants and property at 252 Mountain Road in the middle of the town. Garcia changed his voter registration in November to the address on Mountain Road, in District 6. But he continued representing District 69, where his house is. He finally sent his notice of resignation as the representative in District 69 on Dec. 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commissioners in Cibola and McKinley counties for the most part disregarded critics who said Garcia does not live in the district he hopes to represent. A majority of the commissioners in both nominated Garcia to fill the vacancy in District 6. Questions remain about his residency. I asked mine Tuesday during a weird phone conversation with Garcia. Do you live in District 6, the area you want to represent? "I have a trailer court there, and I spend a lot of time there," Garcia said. Is that your physical residence? "Well, I would say so." Do you live on the other property, where your house is? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My ranch? I have dual residences." Former state Sen. Clemente Sanchez also sought the appointment to represent House District 6. He said Garcia's claim of residing in the district is false. "He's not living in a trailer park, especially not that one. It's a total fraud," Sanchez said. Lujan Grisham is wary of appointing Garcia, despite his nomination by both boards of commissioners. "I am concerned that he is not eligible to hold the seat in House District 6," Lujan Grisham wrote in a letter Tuesday asking the secretary of state to investigate where Garcia lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia told me he hadn't heard anything from the governor. "Maybe you'll call me Mr. Representative again or maybe just Harry," he said. I'll opt for the latter. Enjoy retirement, Harry. Ringside Seat is an opinion column about people, politics and news. Contact Milan Simonich at msimonich@sfnewmexican.com or 505-986-3080. The U.S. announced Tuesday that it is leveling sanctions on entities in Iran and Russia over attempted election interference. The Treasury Department said the entities a subordinate organization of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a Moscow-based affiliate of Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU attempted to interfere in the 2024 elections. As affiliates of the IRGC and GRU, these actors aimed to stoke socio-political tensions and influence the U.S. electorate during the 2024 U.S. election, said the Treasury Department in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Governments of Iran and Russia have targeted our election processes and institutions and sought to divide the American people through targeted disinformation campaigns, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith said in the statement. The United States will remain vigilant against adversaries who would undermine our democracy, Smith added. A spokesperson for Irans mission to the United Nations in New York said that Iran has denied interfering in U.S. elections "on multiple occasions," citing past statements that denied the allegations and calling them "devoid of any credibility and legitimacy," "fundamentally unfounded" and "wholly inadmissible." "Our reaction remains the same," said Ali Karimi Magham, a mission spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russias Embassy in Washington, D.C., denied the U.S. allegations in a statement, saying we respect the will of the American people. The Treasury sanctions announcement Tuesday said that the named Cognitive Design Production Center, acting on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, planned operations "since at least 2023 ... to incite socio-political tensions among the U.S. electorate." The Treasury also said the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise, "at the direction of, and with financial support from, the GRU," directed and subsidized the creation and publication of deepfakes and circulated disinformation about candidates in the U.S. 2024 general election. That included disinformation that was "designed to imitate legitimate news outlets to create false corroboration between the stories, as well as to obfuscate their Russian origin, the departments release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. intelligence officials said in September that propagandists in Russia, Iran and China were using artificial intelligence in efforts to deceive Americans and interfere in the 2024 presidential election. Though none of the entities sanctioned by the Treasure Department Tuesday are affiliated with China, the department said in a separate letter Monday that its computers had been hacked in a state-sponsored Chinese operation in a major incident. China denied that allegation. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com It could be days or even weeks before the nation learns which party controls the U.S. House and Senate. Shown is the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 9, 2024. (Photo by Jane Norman/States Newsroom) The United States Senate is arguably the least democratic (small d) institution in any democracy in the world, with the possible exception of the British House of Lords. The Senate exists without proportional representation. Every state has two senators without regard to population. Wyomings two senator represent 586,000 citizens, while Californias 39 million citizens are represented by two senators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate has quirky rules: Unlimited debate (the filibuster); much happens by unanimous consent (or doesnt happen when one senator objects); seniority rules meaning a cranky old senator like Chuck Grassley of Iowa, age 91, will soon again lead the powerful Judiciary Committee. Grassley has been a senator since 1981, meaning the youngest senator, Jon Ossoff of Georgia, wasnt alive when Grassley took office. The Senate has 6-year terms, a function of the Founders unfortunately naive belief that a longer term of office insulates senators from the worst of grubby political pressures. The Senate has extraordinary powers, again thanks to the original thinkers who came up with the idea of an institution to balance the rambunctious House of Representatives. Senators have the Constitutional duty to advise and consent or not consent on presidential appointments to the Cabinet and judiciary. The Senate, by supermajority vote, can ratify treaties. The Senate judges, when it cares to, the impeachment of high governmental officials. The Senate traditionally has had a major voice in foreign policy. And the Senate, when it cares to, has the power to investigate. Google Watergate, the CIA, Teapot Dome or even the sinking of the Titanic to see what the Senate has historically done to expose and inform. Now, as the Founders would certainly have appreciated, the Senate faces an enormous historical test a power-hungry president committed to vastly enlarging executive power at the expense of the legislative branch. Donald Trump has signaled that he expects a GOP Congress will do his bidding no questions asked. Questions must be asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The widely floated idea that the Senate should allow recess appointments to critical executive branch jobs should be dead on arrival, but incoming majority leader John Thune of South Dakota hasnt ruled out the Senate rolling over for Trump. I think that all options are on the table, including recess appointments, Thune said recently while disingenuously suggesting that Republicans might need to forego advising and consenting because Democrats might not play ball. But caving on the Constitutional demand for Senate concurrence in major appointments isnt about Democrats. Its about Trump. Still, there are modestly hopeful signs that at least some Republicans wont diminish their own and the Senates power by simply giving a grasping president who he wants in his Cabinet an alleged sex abuser, vaccine denier or Russian stooge just to flag three of the worst of the nominees. Guardian columnist Kate Maltby, reviewing the latest release of the hit TV series Wolf Hall, compares Trumps picks to Henry VIIIs loyal hatchet man, a collection of Thomas Cromwells: the yes men and enablers who will frame U.S. law to fulfill his wishes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incoming chairman of the Senate Finance Committee as one of these modern-day Cromwells. No, Ill let that be a decision that President Trump makes, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo told CNN when asked if he would insist on FBI background checks of a conspiracy theorists like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a man with drug abuse among other things in his sordid past. My position, Crapo said, is what President Trump decides to do is what I will support. Idahos James Risch, easily one of the most partisan Republicans in the Senate who spent the first Trump term defending the administrations feckless foreign policy, has so far at least refused to commit to supporting some of Trumps craziest nominees, a group properly termed by commentator Charlie Sykes as a cabinet of zealots, toadies, and cretins. Ask me this question again after the hearings, Risch said regarding support for the inconceivable nominations of a Fox New host, Pete Hegseth, to be Secretary of Defense and a Putin apologist, Tulsi Gabbard, to head the national intelligence agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These appointments by the president are constrained by the advice and consent of the Senate, Risch said. And demonstrating that he recalls his oath of office, Risch added. The Senate takes that seriously, and we vet these. Despite his earlier comments Thune has shown a hint of backbone, telling a home state audience recently, Every president is going to come in and try to do as much as they can by executive action Congress, in some cases, is going to be the entity that sometimes will have to put the brakes on. Trumps return to the White House will test, sooner than later, whether the Senate has the ability meaning individual senators possess the courage to use its substantial power to constrain Trumps most dangerous inclinations, including appointing a gang of woefully compromised incompetents. Congress also, of course, has the power of the purse and should scotch any Trump plan to illegally impound dollars appropriated by the legislative branch. Expect Trump to push this issue to the limit. Hope for the sake of the Constitution that Thune and fellow senators resist more effectively than they did when during his first administration Trump diverted military funding to his border wall, a project you may recall that Mexico was never going to pay for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Senators know, certainly better than most of their voters, that Trump cares nothing about the nuts and bolts of the federal government. More than any man who has held the office Trump is an agent of chaos, destruction and revenge. But the Senate was designed to obstruct and delay would-be tyrants just as it was designed to give small states like Idaho and South Dakota outsized influence in the business of the federal government. Mike Mansfield, the great Montanan who led the Senate for 16 years, spent his tenure gently persuading fellow senators to behave as national legislators and not merely as partisan representatives of individual states. Mansfields perspective has never been more important. In the end, it is not the Senators as individuals who are of fundamental importance, Mansfield said in 1963. In the end, it is the institution of the Senate. It is the Senate itself as one of the foundations of the Constitution. It is the Senate as one of the rocks of the Republic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rock of the Republic must be solid if the Constitution is to hold. Marc C. Johnson is a fellow at the Mansfield Center at the University of Montana and the author most recently of Mansfield and Dirksen: Bipartisan Giants of the Senate published by the University of Oklahoma Press. Editors note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. The University of Central Floridas Lunar Vulkan Imaging and Spectroscopy Explorer (Lunar-VISE) payload is hitching a ride with Firefly Aerospace in 2028 for a science and exploration operation aimed at analyzing the Gruithuisen Domes on the near side of the moon. The multi-instrument payload, built by BAE Systems and Arizona State University, will gather data on the moons surface over the period of 10 Earth days. That investigation will focus on how silica-rich volcanic features are formed in an effort to understand geologic processes of early planetary bodies and how those may be used as a resource in future exploration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read: FBI finds 150 homemade bombs at Virginia home in one of the largest such seizures, prosecutors say Lunar-VISE consists of two stationary and three mobile instruments used to study rocks and regoliths on the summit of one of the domes. The payload is expected to undergo a system integration and acceptance reviews check in August as a final step in ensuring all components are suitable and safe for intended operations. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journals website. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Noting that the government is fully committed to furthering the welfare of farmers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the union cabinet's decision to continue Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and restructured weather-based Crop Insurance Scheme and extend the one-time special package on di-ammonium phosphate beyond NBS subsidy from January 1 to December 31, 2025. "Ours is a Government fully committed to furthering welfare of farmers. We are proud of all our farmer sisters and brothers who work hard to feed our nation. The first Cabinet of 2025 is dedicated to enhancing prosperity for our farmers. I am glad that key decisions have been taken in this regard," PM Modi said in a post on X. "The Cabinet decision on extending the One-time Special Package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate will help our farmers by ensuring DAP at affordable prices," he added. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the extension of the One-time Special Package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) beyond the NBS subsidy for the period from January 1 this year till further orders to ensure sustainable availability of DAP at affordable prices to the farmers. The tentative budgetary requirement would be approximately upto Rs 3,850 crore. The Union Cabinet also approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme till 2025-26 with an overall outlay of Rs 69,515.71 crore from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The decision will help in risk coverage of crops from non-preventable natural calamities for farmers across the country till 2025-26. In addition, for large-scale technology infusion in the implementation of the scheme leading to increasing transparency and claim calculation and settlement, the Union Cabinet has also approved the creation of the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) with a corpus of Rs 824.77 crore. The fund will be utilised towards funding technological initiatives under the scheme namely, YES-TECH, WINDS, as well as research and development studies. Yield Estimation System using Technology (YES-TECH) uses Remote Sensing Technology for yield estimation with minimum 30 per cent weightage to Technology based yield estimates. Nine major states are currently implementing (namely AP, Assam, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, MP, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka). Other states are also being on-boarded expeditiously. With wider implementation of YES-TECH, Crop Cutting Experiments and related issues will be gradually phased out. Under YES-TECH Claim calculation and settlement has been done for 2023-24. Madhya Pradesh has adopted 100 per cent technology based yield estimation. Weather Information and Network Data Systems (WINDS) envisages setting up Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) at block level and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs) at panchayat level. Under WINDS, 5 times increase in current network density is envisaged to develop hyper local weather data. Under the initiative, only data rental costs are payable by Central and State Governments. Nine major states are in the process of implementing WINDS (Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh Puducherry, Assam, Odisha, Karnataka, Uttarakhand & Rajasthan are in progress), while other states have also expressed willingness to implement. WINDS could not be implemented by states during 2023-24 (1st year as per EFC) due to various background preparatory and planning work required before tendering. Accordingly, the Union Cabinet has approved 2024-25 as the first year of implementation of WINDS as compared to 2023-24 earlier to give benefit to state governments with higher central fund sharing in 90:10 ratio. The government said all efforts are made and will continue to be made to saturate all farmers of northeastern states on priority. However, due to the scheme being voluntary and low gross cropped area in the northeastern states, flexibility has been given to avoid surrender of funds and for reallocation in other development projects and schemes with fund requirements. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan hailed the union cabinet decisions and said that the development of agriculture and the welfare of farmers is topmost priority of the central government. Lauding the union cabinet decisions, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the cabinet decisions will provide financial security to farmers on crop loss due to natural disasters. Affordable and continuous availability of fertilizer will be ensured, which will increase agricultural production, he said. (ANI) The UK, France and Germany will hold another round of nuclear talks with Iran in Geneva on Jan 13. Kazem Gharib Abadi, the countrys deputy foreign minister, confirmed the meeting in comments to the Islamic Republic News Agency, in which he said Iran was not focusing on predictions at this time. He added: As we have stated before, what is happening now are talks, not negotiations. The planned talks in Switzerland come after Tehran began accelerating its nuclear programme in recent months, leading to condemnation from Paris, London and Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a joint statement on Dec 18, the three countries said Irans stockpile of highly enriched uranium had reached unprecedented levels, again without any credible civilian justification. The statement said Irans actions had given it the capability to rapidly produce sufficient fissile material for multiple nuclear weapons. It added that Tehrans ramping up of its installation of advanced centrifuges was yet another damaging step in Irans efforts to undermine the nuclear deal that they claim to support. Multiple talks have taken place in recent years between foreign diplomats and Iran over its nuclear future, including in Austria in 2021 - AFP Rafael Grossi, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, announced on Dec 6 that Iran had accelerated its production capacity of enriched uranium to 60 per cent, which is close to weapons-grade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: This is a message. This is a clear message that they are responding to what they feel is pressure. The last meeting between the three European powers and Iran in Geneva on Nov 29 yielded little, if any, progress. Israel threat Meanwhile, speculation about a looming Israeli attack on Irans nuclear programme has mounted in recent months, as Israel has sought to eliminate its key enemies in the region, including Iranian-backed proxies. With Hezbollah significantly weakened in Lebanon and Irans air defence systems destroyed in Israeli air strikes, experts and decision-makers in Israel have suggested there is a rare window of opportunity for Irans nuclear programme to be destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior Israeli official told The Telegraph last month: This is the time to strike a blow that will destabilise the regime of evil and terror in Tehran. Israel has a historic opportunity to cut off the head of the Iranian snake and put an end to the regime of terror and evil that has destroyed so much of the Middle East. They added: This is an opportunity for a new Middle East. It is possible that we will see this happen soon, under the leadership of [Benjamin] Netanyahu and [Donald] Trump. Donald Trump, the US president-elect, has also been considering a strike against Irans nuclear sites following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump reportedly expressed concern to Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, about the prospect of an Iranian nuclear breakout on his watch, two people familiar with their conversation 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. Ukraine became the 125th full-fledged member state of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on 1 January 2025. Source: European Pravda Details: The ICC is a permanent international tribunal responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and holding individuals accountable for universally recognised international crimes. By joining the Rome Statute as a full member, Ukraine gains significant rights within the ICC framework. This includes participating in the Assembly of States Parties, proposing issues for discussion, voting on the ICCs budget, and contributing to the election of judges, the prosecutor, and other key officials. Ukraine will also have a voice in setting the ICCs priorities and shaping amendments to the Rome Statute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This will strengthen Ukraines position on the international stage and provide an opportunity to advance global justice. In December 2026, the Assembly of States Parties will elect new judges. Ukraine will be able to nominate its candidate and participate in the voting process. Additionally, Ukraines full membership in the ICC will improve access for Ukrainians affected by Russian crimes to the ICCs Trust Fund for Victims. As a member, Ukraine will help determine how these funds are allocated and who receives them. Background: Ukraine signed the Rome Statute in 2000 but refrained from ratifying it for more than two decades. Even in 2015, when the National Security and Defence Council acknowledged the need for ratification, the process stalled. One of the main concerns was the possibility that the ICC could prosecute Ukrainian citizens. Ultimately, Ukraine ratified the Rome Statute with a declaration under Article 124, which limits the ICCs jurisdiction under Article 8 (war crimes) concerning Ukrainian citizens for seven years after ratification. Ukraines parliament approved the ratification on Wednesday, 21 August 2024. Just days later, on 24 August, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the law, finalising Ukraines commitment to the International Criminal Court. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine has officially become the 125th state party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Jan. 1. A Ukrainian flag was set up among the flags of other state parties at the ICC in the Hague, Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform reported on Jan. 1. "This means that it (Ukraine) is now a full-fledged state party to this international treaty and has all the rights and obligations assigned to state parties," ICC spokesperson Fadi el-Abdallah told Ukrinform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian parliament ratified the Roman Statute in August 2024, 24 years since Kyiv first signed it. Ratification is a necessary step for an international agreement to hold sway over a sovereign countrys actions and citizens in specified areas. The Roman Statute is the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court, granting it jurisdiction over four crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. Ukraine ratified the statute with a caveat that it would not recognize the court's jurisdiction over Ukrainian citizens in the case of war crimes for seven years following its official adoption. With Ukraine joining, 125 states have ratified the statute. Russia and the U.S. signed the treaty but later withdrew their signatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a member of the ICC from 2025, Ukraine will have all the rights and obligations assigned to state parties. The most important of these is the right to vote when approving the budget, adopting changes and amendments to the Rome Statute, and selecting judges, the future prosecutor and his deputies, which to some extent helps shape the future of international criminal law, ICC spokesperson told Ukrinform. In March 2023, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova for the forced deportations of at least tens of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia and Russian-occupied territories. The ICC also issued arrest warrants for Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia's Security Council who formerly served as defense minister, and Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff of the Russian army, for war crimes against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russian drone attack kills 2, injures 6, damages central bank building in Kyiv Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. In 2024, more Ukrainians were freed from Russian captivity than in the previous year, according to data published by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs). Over the past year, Ukraine conducted 11 prisoner exchanges and secured the return of 356 more people than in 2023. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, 3,956 people have been released, including 1,358 in 2024. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the numbers in his New Year video address published late on Dec. 31. "And Im giving not estimates but precise numbers because each one represents a person, our person, a very important person," he said. "And with each return we bring life back to Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Dec. 30, Ukraine successfully secured the release of 189 captives from Russian detention, including military personnel and two civilians. The coordination headquarters described it as one of the largest exchanges since the start of the full-scale war. Among those freed were defenders of Azovstal, Mariupol, the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Snake Island, and other key frontlines. The released included 87 Armed Forces members, 43 National Guard members, 33 border guards, 24 sailors, and fighters from the Azov Regiment. Read also: I survived a Russian torture camp. So I had to see Assads Sednaya prison Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian gas is no longer flowing to EU states through Ukraine following the expiration of a five-year deal, closing an energy route that has existed since the end of the Soviet Union in 1991. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the move means Russia can no longer earn billions on our blood. His energy minister, Herman Halushchenko, confirmed on Wednesday morning that Kyiv had stopped the gas flows in the interest of national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a historic event, he wrote on the social media platform Telegram. Russia is losing markets and will incur financial losses. The deal had allowed for Russian gas to travel through Ukraines pipeline networks into European countries, primarily Hungary, Slovakia and Austria. Its end will not cut off all Russian gas to Europe, but significantly reduce it. Gas can still travel from Russia to Europe via the Turkstream pipeline, but no longer through Ukraine, cutting gas imports to the EU by around 14 billion cubic metres. The European Commission has said that this volume can be replaced by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline imports from other sources, such as Norway and the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the impact is already being felt in parts of EU candidate country Moldova, which was getting Russian gas via Ukraine. The breakaway Russian-speaking region of Transnistria, home to around 45,000 people, cut supplies to households. There is no heating or hot water, said a worker at energy company Tirasteploenergo. The financial impact Though Ukraine benefitted financially from the now-expired agreement to the tune of $800m (640m) a year, the gas was not imported to Ukraine itself. Latest estimates show that Russia is expected to lose around 5bn (4.14bn) a year from gas transported to Europe via Ukraine. According to its own reports, Gazproms market capitalisation stands at around 22bn (3 trillion roubles). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gazprom is Russias largest company, and has the largest gas reserves in the world. Since the invasion of Ukraine its business has taken several blows. By the end of 2024, Russian gas exported to Europe via the Ukraine pipelines alone has already dropped by 78 per cent since the contract started in 2020. And for the first time since 2001, Gazprom reported a net loss of 5.5bn (629 billion roubles) in 2023, after gas sales plummeted. Up to this point, the gas giant consistently raked in billions each year; including even 14bn (1.9 trillion roubles) in 2022, during the first year of the war. Revenue decreased by around 27 per cent in 2023, to 61bn, while revenue from gas sales in particular fell by 40 per cent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this context, a loss of 4.14bn in gas sales without the Ukraine transit deal could trigger a further 6.7 per cent decrease in revenues for Gazprom and Russia. The Russian oil and gas war chest Russias oil industry is seen as vital to financing its continued war against Ukraine (AP) Gazprom is majority state-owned, which means that the Russian state receives a sizeable sum of its profits. Russia relies on oil and gas business in part to fund its ongoing war in Ukraine; with revenues accounting for 30 to 50 per cent of the Russian federal budget, according to The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES). Other than the EU, Russias biggest pipeline gas exports go to Turkey and Belarus, while LNG exports are largely reliant on sales to China and Japan. According to Bloomberg, Russian gas exports to China are discounted as heavily as -28 per cent compared to European exports, meaning that they are less profitable for Russia overall. But ultimately, the vast majority of Russian state oil and gas revenues come from oil sales, rather than gas sales, according to the OIES. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the EU has banned oil imports from Russia, numerous reports suggest that Russian oil is still reaching the EU via back channels. A Global Witness investigation found that 130 million barrels of refined products were imported into the EU from refineries that process Russian crude oil in 2023, worth an estimated 1.1bn in tax revenue to the Kremlin. Russia is the largest crude oil supplier to China and India. The UK and EU countries import billions in refined oil from these two countries, part of which is likely originating from Russia despite sanctions. The trouble with Russian gas Russian president Vladimir Putin (L) and Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh shake hands (EPA) Separately to sanctions from the invasion of Ukraine, European countries reliance on Russian gas has been a difficult challenge to address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has historically used its gas pipeline exports to exert political control over dependent countries, from Ukraine to Armenia. As of today, Gazprom is also weaponising the same tactic in Moldova, cutting off gas supplies over an alleged $709m (565m) debt. Yet the decision not to extend gas transit via Ukraine faced some pushback. Slovakias prime minister threatened to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine in retaliation, as he said that ending Russian gas transit would increase energy prices. Nonetheless, gas transit via Ukraines pipelines has now ceased. The transit of Russian gas through Ukraine to Europe has been suspended as planned, authorities said on New Year's Day. Russia's Gazprom has no legal or technical means to pump gas through Ukraine after Kiev allowed the existing contract to expire on Wednesday, the company wrote on Telegram. Transit has therefore been suspended since 6 am (0500 GMT). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday said the suspension of the flow of Russian natural gas through Ukraine to Europe marks a significant defeat for Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky said that when Russian President Vladimir Putin assumed office for the first time more than 25 years ago, gas transit through Ukraine to Europe accounted for more than 130 billion cubic metres annually. "Today, the transit of Russian gas is [zero]. This is one of Moscow's biggest defeats," Zelensky wrote on Telegram. Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko called the halt to the transit of Russian gas through the war-torn country a "historic event." "Russia is losing markets, it will suffer from the financial losses," he said. Under the contract, Ukraine also long collected billions in transit fees. But Halushchenko said the gas transmission network had been prepared for the delivery stop, assisted by the EU, which sought alternatives to Russian gas after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kiev's move means that Slovakia no longer receives Russian gas via this pipeline. Slovakia, an EU and NATO member state bordering Ukraine, has threatened Kiev with consequences for taking the step. The validity of the contract signed on December 30, 2019, expired this morning, Gazprom said, noting that the Ukrainian side repeatedly refused to extend the contract. Kiev said it would no longer allow the transit of Russian gas through its territory in order to deny Moscow billions of dollars in revenues that are being used to fund the war on Ukraine. The Slovakian government has castigated Kiev for the decision, while assuring the population that its gas storage facilities are 100% full, with enough reserves for the winter period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Robert Fico, who critics accuse of taking a pro-Russian stance, threatened in turn to stop electricity supplies from Slovakia to Ukraine. Fico remains one of the EU's strongest opponents of military aid to Ukraine. Moldova was also to have been affected by the Ukrainian transit ban. However, Gazprom had already decided to stop deliveries to the former Soviet republic, where pro-European and pro-Russian forces are vying for power, due to alleged debts. The Moldovan government has denied it owes Gazprom a debt of $790 million. Despite the supply stop, Russian gas continues to reach the EU via other routes, including the TurkStream and Blue Stream gas pipelines laid in the Black Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TurkStream, for example, supplies not only Turkey but also south-eastern Europe. Russian energy analysts recently said Gazprom could ramp up its deliveries through the pipelines by 4 billion to 6 billion cubic metres per year. Even now, Russia continues to make billions from its gas exports to individual EU states, including Hungary. Moscow has also recently been increasing exports to China in particular. The News Russian gas stopped flowing through Ukraine for the first time in decades after a transit deal expired in the early hours of New Years Day. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously warned he would not allow Russia to earn additional billions on our blood, and had given the European Union a year to prepare for the change. Though most EU countries divested from Russian gas when Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022, some will feel the pinch: Slovakias President Robert Fico made a surprise visit to Moscow last week in which he railed against the decision. Meanwhile, Moldova has already seen significant shortages, as one of its main power stations is fueled by Russian gas. SIGNALS Most European countries will avoid major energy upheaval Sources: BBC, The Economist Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That most of Europe will not overly suffer from Ukraines move is a sign of how much the continents energy market has changed: Before Russias 2022 invasion, 40% of the European Unions gas came from the country. By 2023, that had declined to 10%. Instead, US and Qatari natural gas projects flooded the market, and much of Europe fared better than expected: By Nov. 2024, gas storage facilities were 94% full 4% higher than the continents goal, The Economist wrote. However, natural gas is not a silver bullet solution to the continents fuel problems: A cold winter ahead, the bankruptcy of a major US terminal meant to come online in 2025, and Europes short-term LNG contracts leave the continent vulnerable. Energy sector changes leave lasting scars on some EU economies Sources: Brookings Institute, Reuters Russia has a long history of using its monopolization of the European gas market for political ends, US-based think tank The Brookings Institute wrote, with German-Russian energy relations a notable case in point: The Nord Stream pipeline projects brokered in 2005 between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Germanys then-Chancellor Gerhard Schroder brought Russian gas directly to Germany, benefiting both countries respective economies. But Germanys dependence on Russia had largely backfired by 2022: Since Germanys boycott of Russian fuel as a result of the Ukraine war, the country has been in varying degrees of political and economic turmoil. In November, Chancellor Olaf Scholz whose government collapsed last month conducted an emergency call with Putin, a move widely condemned by Scholz allies. Russia could feel impact more than Ukraine Sources: The Independent, The New York Times While both Ukraine and Russia benefitted from the transit deal in the past, its cessation could have a greater impact on Russia, The Independent wrote. Ukraine earned around $800 million a year transporting Russian gas, while Russia stands to lose around $5.1 billion equating to a 6.7% decrease in revenue for state-backed gas company Gazprom, the outlet wrote. Russia needs its fossil fuel business to help fund its war in Ukraine, and the countrys already flagging economy now faces increased pressure. The return of Donald Trump in the US could soften the blow: The president-elect has said that he would want to use sanctions as little as possible to target Russias economy. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukraine on Wednesday halted Russian gas supplies to European customers through its pipeline network after a prewar transit deal expired at the end of 2024 and almost three years into Moscow's all-out invasion of its neighbor. Even as Russian troops and tanks moved into Ukraine in February 2022, Russian natural gas kept flowing through the countrys pipeline network set up when Ukraine and Russia were both part of the Soviet Union to Europe, under a five-year agreement. Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom earned money from the gas and Ukraine collected transit fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines energy minister, Herman Halushchenko, confirmed Kyiv had stopped the transit in the interest of national security." This is a historic event. Russia is losing markets and will incur financial losses," Halushchenko said Wednesday on the Telegram messaging app. "Europe has already decided to phase out Russian gas, and (this) aligns with what Ukraine has done today. At a summit in Brussels last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed that Kyiv would not allow Moscow to use the transits to earn additional billions ... on our blood, on the lives of our citizens. However, he briefly held open the possibility of the gas flows continuing if payments to Russia were withheld until the war ends. Gazprom said in a statement Wednesday it has no technical and legal possibility of sending gas through Ukraine, due to Kyiv's refusal to extend the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the war, Russia supplied nearly 40% of the European Union's pipeline natural gas. Gas flowed through four pipeline systems, one under the Baltic Sea, one through Belarus and Poland, one through Ukraine and one under the Black Sea through Turkey to Bulgaria. After the war started, Russia cut off most supplies through the Baltic and Belarus-Poland pipelines, citing disputes over a demand for payment in rubles. The Baltic pipeline was blown up in an act of sabotage, but details of the attack remain murky. The Russian cutoff caused an energy crisis in Europe. Germany had to shell out billions of euros to set up floating terminals to import liquefied natural gas that comes by ship, not by pipeline. Users cut back as prices soared. Norway and the United States filled the gap, becoming the two largest suppliers. Europe viewed the Russian cutoff as energy blackmail and has outlined plans to completely eliminate Russian gas imports by 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy said Wednesday that halting the transits would see Moscow lose one of the most profitable and geographically accessible markets for its gas. In a post on X, he said Russia was resorting to cynical blackmail of partners. Russia's share of the EU pipeline natural gas market dropped sharply to about 8% in 2023, according to data from the EU Commission. The Ukrainian transit route served EU members Austria and Slovakia, which long got the bulk of their natural gas from Russia but have recently scrambled to diversify supplies. Gazprom halted supplies to Austrias OMV in mid-November over a contractual dispute, but gas flows through Ukraines pipelines continued as other customers stepped in. Slovakia this year inked deals to begin buying natural gas from Azerbaijan, and also to import U.S. liquefied natural gas through a pipeline from Poland. Among the hardest-hit will be EU candidate country Moldova, which was receiving Russian gas via Ukraine and has brought in emergency measures as residents brace for a harsh winter and looming power cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separately from Kyiv's decision to let the transit deal expire, Gazprom said last month it will halt gas supplies to Moldova starting on Jan. 1, citing unpaid debt. Gazprom has said Moldova owes close to $709 million for past gas supplies, a figure the country has fiercely disputed. Heating and hot water supplies were abruptly cut off Wednesday to households in Transnistria, Moldovas breakaway region that has for decades hosted Russian troops, as Russian natural gas stopped flowing to the territory, local transit operator Tiraspoltransgaz-Transnistria said. In an online statement, the company urged residents to gather household members together in a single room, hang blankets over windows and balcony doors, and use electric heaters. It said some key facilities, including hospitals, were exempt from the cuts. On Dec. 13, Moldovas parliament voted in favor of imposing a state of emergency in the energy sector, as fears mounted that the gas shortages could trigger a humanitarian crisis in Transnistria, for decades dependent on Russian energy supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many observers have predicted that the looming energy shortage could force people in the separatist territory to travel to Moldova proper, seeking basic amenities to get through the harsh winter and placing further strain on resources. Moldova, Ukraine and EU politicians have repeatedly accused Moscow of weaponizing energy supplies. On Wednesday, Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski called Ukraine's move to halt supplies a win for those opposed to the Kremlin's policies. In a post on X, Sikorski accused Moscow of systematic attempts to blackmail Eastern Europe with the threat of cutting off gas supplies," including through a Baltic pipeline bypassing Ukraine and Poland and running directly to Germany. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico claimed Wednesday the end of gas flows via Ukraine will drastically affect us all in the EU but not Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fico, whose views on Russia have sharply differed from the European mainstream, has previously criticized Kyiv's refusal to extend the transit deal, and threatened to end electricity supplies to Ukraine in response. Moscow can still send gas to Hungary, as well as non-EU states Turkey and Serbia, through the TurkStream pipeline across the Black Sea. The steady reduction of Russian gas supplies to European countries has also spurred them to hasten the integration of Ukraines energy grids with its neighbors to the west. Last week, private Ukrainian energy utility DTEK said it had received its first shipment of liquefied natural gas from the U.S., delivered through a newly expanded network spanning six countries from Greece to Ukraine a significant step in reducing regional dependence on Russian energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separately, overnight into New Year's Day, Russia launched a drone strike on Kyiv that left two people dead under the rubble of a damaged building, according to the city administration. At least six people were wounded across the Ukrainian capital, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Russian shelling also killed a man and wounded two women in Ukraine's southern city of Kherson, regional authorities reported. ___ Kozlowska reported from London. Associated Press writers Derek Gatopoulos in Athens, Greece, and Karel Janicek in Prague contributed to this report. Ukraine stopped Russian natural gas transit through its territory on Jan. 1, the Operator of Ukraine's Gas Transmission System said in a statement posted on Facebook. Starting from Jan. 1, Ukraine's gas transportation system is operating without Russian gas transit, the statement read. Russia has been paying Ukraine to carry its gas through Ukrainian pipelines as part of a 2019 deal between the two countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has repeatedly warned that it would not extend the agreement when it expires at the end of 2024 because it did not want to finance Russia's war. As the contract expired, the last entry point of Russian gas to Ukraine in the Ukrainian-held border town of Sudzha in Russias Kursk Oblast stopped working. Accordingly, the transportation of natural gas from the Sudzha entry point on the eastern border of Ukraine to the exit points on the western and southern borders was stopped, the gas operator said. As a consequence of Russias full-scale war and Ukraines repeated warnings to halt Russias gas transit, many European countries have sharply decreased their use of Russian gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But landlocked Central European countries, including Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria, still rely on Russian gas. To force Kyiv to change its mind, Slovakia threatened to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine on Dec. 28 if Kyiv went through with its promise to halt Russian gas transit. Later Poland signified its willingness to step in should Slovakia follow through on its promises. The cessation of transit will have serious consequences for all of us in the European Union, but not for the Russian Federation, Slovakias Prime Minister Robert Fico said during his New Year's Day address. After Russian gas transit was halted, a major gas outage began in Moldova's Russian-occupied Transnistria region, which imports gas via Ukrainian territory, its gas supplier Tiraspoltransgaz-Pridnestrovie reported on its Telegram channel on Jan. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russia ready to export gas to EU via routes bypassing Ukraine, official claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine stopped transiting Russian gas on the morning of 1 January, and the gas transmission system is currently operating in a non-transit mode. Source: Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine (Gas TSO) Quote: "At 07:00 Kyiv time on 1 January 2025, the Agreement on Cooperation between the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine and Gazprom for the physical points of connection between the gas transmission systems of Ukraine and the Russian Federation of 30 December 2019 expired. Therefore, the transport of natural gas from the Sudzha entry point on Ukraine's eastern border to the exit points on the western and southern borders has been stopped." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: As a result, the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine has stopped. The company added that international partners were informed about the termination of gas transit in accordance with the established procedure. "Ukraine's Gas Transmission System Operator has prepared its infrastructure in advance to operate in zero transit mode and ensure reliable gas supply to Ukrainian consumers. The company's team is ready to work under the new conditions," said Dmytro Lypa, CEO of the Gas TSO of Ukraine. In particular, the Ukrainian operator has agreed to increase its guaranteed capacities to ensure that it can supply gas both to Ukraine and through Ukraine to European consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company has also optimised its costs by reducing its own gas consumption and optimising assets outside the gas transmission system. Background: The termination of the transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine on 31 December will have little impact on the strengthened European gas market. The Ukrainian government is not conducting negotiations on continuing Russian gas transit after the current agreement expires. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence in the outcome of the talks between Russia and Ukraine to ensure the continuation of Russian gas supplies through Ukraine to several European countries. Ukraine does not intend to extend the gas transit agreement with Russia, which expires at the end of 2024, and is ready to discuss the transit of gas from other suppliers through its gas transmission system if Europe requests it. Support UP or become our patron! BJP Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Barala has slammed AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of making "fake promises" to the people of Delhi ahead of the upcoming Assembly election, and claiming that Kejriwal has failed to deliver on past commitments. "The people of Delhi are not going to fall for the fake promises of Arvind Kejriwal. They have seen how he has cheated the people of Delhi in the past years, giving false promises while nothing substantial happened on the ground," Barala told ANI. "When he was in the process of becoming a leader during the Anna agitation, he used to say that leaders should not take cars, bungalows, and other facilities. But now he has a 'Sheesh Mahal' worth more than Rs 45 crores. The CM was in jail for corruption, and all the promises he made turned out to be false," he added. Meanwhile, Kejriwal on Wednesday hit out at the BJP and claimed that it was preparing to demolish temples. This comes after BJP members protested against AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal over the 'Pujari & Granthi Samman Yojana' outside the Hanuman temple on Baba Kharak Singh Marg in Delhi, claiming that no Brahmins would fall for Kejriwal's "dissembling." In a post on X, Arvind Kejriwal said, "On one hand, BJP is strongly opposing the payment of honorarium to priests and granthis, and on the other hand, it is preparing to demolish temples. People are very angry about this." Delhi Chief Minister Atishi alleged that the BJP-led central government was planning to demolish many temples and Buddhist religious places in Delhi. In a post on X, CM Atishi said, "Earlier, the 'Religious Committee' used to come under the elected government. After LG sahab's order last year, it comes directly under LG sahab. On November 22, the Religious Committee took the decision to demolish several temples. On one hand, Arvind Kejriwal ji is bringing Pujari-Granthi Samman Yojana, on the other hand, BJP is bent on demolishing temples." "I appeal to the BJP government at the Centre: These religious places are related to people's faith. Don't destroy the faith of millions of people by demolishing them," she added. Earlier, CM Atishi accused the BJP of pretending to protect Hinduism while secretly instructing officials and the LG to destroy temples. Addressing a press conference, Atishi said, "The dual face of BJP is revealed through such orders. On one hand, they pretend to protect Hinduism, while on the other, they secretly instruct their appointed officers and LG to demolish temples." (ANI) Key developments on Jan. 1: Russian drone attack kills 2, injures 6, damages central bank building in Kyiv Russia has lost over 38,000 troops in Kursk Oblast, Syrskyi says Ukraine has brought back 1,358 people from Russian captivity in 2024 Zelensky says Trump 'willing, capable of achieving peace and ending Putin's aggression' Russia launched a drone attack on Kyiv on the morning of Jan. 1, killing two people, the Kyiv city military administration said on Telegram, citing its head Tymur Tkachenko. At least six people were injured in the attack, Ukraine's State Emergency Service said. The Prosecutor General's Office said on Telegram that the injured included two pregnant women. The National Bank of Ukraine said that one of its buildings in Kyiv's Pechersk District had been damaged by falling debris. The central bank's main building is located near the President's Office on Bankova Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All the NBU's (National Bank of Ukraine) operating systems and services are fully operational and unaffected," the Central Bank said in a statement posted on Facebook, adding that windows on the upper floors were damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia launched 111 drones, including Iranian-designed Shahed ones, against Ukraine overnight on Jan. 1, Ukraine's Air Force reported on its Telegram channel. Ukraine's air defense shot down 63 drones over 10 oblasts, while another 46 drones did not reach their targets, the Air Force said. "Even on New Year's Eve, Russia was only concerned with hurting Ukraine," President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a statement posted on his Telegram channel on Jan. 1. "My condolences to the families and friends (of the victims)." He also thanked the army, doctors, and emergency services for their work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has not slowed down its attacks on Ukraine over the holiday period. On Dec. 25, Russia conducted a large-scale Christmas attack, firing 78 missiles and 106 drones against multiple cities. Read also: Ukraine struck hundreds of targets deep inside Russia in 2024. What did they achieve? Russia has lost over 38,000 troops in Kursk Oblast, Syrskyi says The Russian army has lost over 38,000 troops and more than 1,000 pieces of equipment since the beginning of Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Jan. 1. Syrskyi's statement comes after his visit to Russia's Kursk Oblast to reward the Ukrainian military serving in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 700 servicemen from the Russian military were captured during the Ukrainian incursion, the general added. "We will continue to destroy the invaders. It doesn't matter whether they have Russian or North Korean passports. The battle continues," Syrskyi said. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us Ukraine began its surprise incursion into Kursk Oblast on Aug. 6, capturing about 1,300 square kilometers of territory, according to Kyiv. Ukrainian forces have lost control of about half of the initially captured territory as intense fighting continues in the region. Kyiv hopes to use the occupied Russian territory as a bargaining chip in future negotiations with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has also stationed approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers in the region since August to assist in ousting Ukrainian forces. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 23 that more than 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured since their deployment in Kursk Oblast. Their casualties have been linked to their lack of knowledge of the terrain and modern drone warfare, according to South Korean MP Lee Sung-kwon. Read also: Why is my life considered more important than a Ukrainian life? Ukraine has brought back 1,358 people from Russian captivity in 2024 In 2024, more Ukrainians were freed from Russian captivity than in the previous year, according to data published by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past year, Ukraine conducted 11 prisoner exchanges and secured the return of 1,358 people, 356 more than in 2023. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, 3,956 prisoners have been released from Russian captivity. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the numbers in his New Year video address published late on Dec. 31. "I'm giving not estimates but precise numbers because each one represents a person, our person, a very important person," he said. "And with each return we bring life back to Ukraine." On Dec. 30, Ukraine successfully secured the release of 189 captives from Russian detention, including military personnel and two civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coordination headquarters said it was one of the largest exchanges since the start of the full-scale war. Among those freed were defenders of Azovstal, Mariupol, the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Snake Island, and other key Ukrainian strongholds. Among the released were 87 Armed Forces members, 43 National Guard members, 33 border guards, 24 sailors, and fighters from the Azov Regiment. Read also: I survived a Russian torture camp. So I had to see Assads Sednaya prison Zelensky says Trump 'willing, capable of achieving peace and ending Putin's aggression' President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his New Year video address late on Dec. 31 that no one would give peace to his country as a gift, but he believed the U.S. would stand together with Ukraine as it fights to stop Russia's full-scale invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 20-minute address, Zelensky thanked the U.S. for providing a wide array of critical military equipment, including 39 multiple-launch rocket systems, 301 Howitzer artillery weapons, and over 300 million units of ammunition. Zelensky added that he has "no doubt that the new American president is willing and capable of achieving peace and ending Putin's aggression." "(President-elect Donald Trump) understands that the first is impossible without the second. Because this is not a street fight where you have to calm down both sides. This is the full-scale aggression of a mad state against a civilized one," Zelensky said. "And I believe that we, together with the U.S., are capable of exerting that force." Zelensky also recalled conversations with outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden, and "everyone who supports us in the U.S." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration has provided the most substantial military support to Ukraine among Western nations since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. As of December 2024, the U.S. had committed over $60 billion in military aid and $26 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine, dwarfing the contributions of other major donors such as Germany ($11.4 billion) and the U.K. ($10.1 billion). Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Operatives from Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) have received a unique uncrewed aerial system Hazard and a HMMWV armoured vehicle. Source: press service for DIU Quote: "The Hazard system was developed by War Hawk and consists of ten kamikaze drones, launch equipment and a control panel." Photo: DIU Photo: DIU Details: Ukrainian intelligence noted that the drone's body, made of composite materials, allows it to remain undetectable by electronic warfare. Its silent operation in the air ensures maximum concealment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hazard drone system is capable of covering significant distances. Depending on the mission, it can be equipped with warheads of varying power to target and destroy ground objectives. The drone was donated to DIU by the American charity Help Heroes of Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has spoken about Ukraine's expectations of Poland's presidency of the European Union, which began on 1 January 2025. Source: Sybiha on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Sybiha said that in the first half of 2025, Ukraine is counting on Polands leadership, principled position and decisiveness. He said he is hoping to work more closely with his Polish counterpart Radosaw Sikorski "to advance the EU-Ukraine agenda". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "We anticipate new initiatives to strengthen military support for Ukraine and sanctions pressure on the aggressor. We aim for a dynamic process of Ukraine's EU accession, including the opening of Cluster 1 and other clusters based on the results of the screening process." Background: Earlier, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that during his country's presidency of the EU Council, there could be significant events regarding war and peace in Ukraine. Among the priorities of the Polish presidency, he highlighted security, energy and competitiveness Support UP or become our patron! The Russians bombarded Ukraine with 111 Shahed attack drones and other types of UAVs on the night of 31 December-1 January. Ukrainian air defence forces have destroyed 63 drones, while 46 more failed to reach their targets. Source: Ukraines Air Force on Telegram Quote from the Air Force: "As of 09:30, 63 Shahed attack UAVs and other types of drones have been confirmed downed in Poltava, Sumy, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zaporizhzhia, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad and Mykolaiv oblasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to active counteraction by the Ukrainian defence forces, 46 enemy decoy drones disappeared from radar (causing no adverse effects), and two more flew to Russia and Belarus." Details: It is reported that the Russians launched the drones from the Russian cities of Bryansk, Oryol and Primorsko-Akhtarsk and temporarily occupied Crimea. The air attack was repelled by aircraft, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units, mobile fire groups of the Air Force and the Ukrainian defence forces. Background: Since the evening of 31 December, Russian troops have been attacking Ukraine with attack drones from the south and north. An air-raid warning was issued in the capital and several oblasts of Ukraine due to Russian attack drones approaching from the northeast. Ukrainian air defence responded to the drones in Kyiv Oblast and the city of Kyiv. On the morning of 1 January, pieces of a Russian drone fell on a residential building in Kyivs Pecherskyi district, partially destroying the top two floors and causing a fire. A non-residential building is on fire in Kyivs Sviatoshynskyi district, and a tram track was damaged. Six people were injured. Support UP or become our patron! NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) In a letter penned to Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower, leaders with the Tennessee Black Caucus are calling out rhetoric that they say is: deeply troubling, unwarranted, and unacceptable. The letter, which was efforted by Representative Vincent Dixie, points to an interaction that occurred between the comptroller, interim president Dwayne Tucker and board chair Dakasha Winton at a recent State Building Commission meeting about the universitys severed ties with its former president Dr. Glenda Glover. TSU approved to proceed with multi-million dollar construction project Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the meeting, Mumpower stated the following: Cancel the contract of the previous president, who has made out like a bandit while leaving only a legacy of disfunction. The taxpayers of Tennessee are not called upon to bail out any other university, community college, TCAT in this state the way weve been called on to bail out TSU, primarily because of the poor judgement exhibited by the prior president. Its not okay to talk to people that way, Rep. Dixie told News 2 on Tuesday, Dec. 31. To have him try to disparage her legacy and her reputation is uncalled for. She did great things at the university, and she did it under pressure, said Dixie. Every college institution has issues, but you dont see him putting the hammer down and personally inserting himself into these issues to finding solutions. It only seems to happen with Tennessee State University. RELATED: More than 100 TSU employees let go amid ongoing financial struggles The tensions come amid the universitys financial struggles, which are problems the comptroller stated in the meeting could require a bailout and laying off more staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 2 reached out to Comptroller Mumpower in response to the letter. A spokesperson sent the following statement: While I certainly respect the members opinion, my role as Comptroller is to ensure decisions are made that protect the financial and operational functions of Tennessee State University. A successful TSU is vital to our state. TSU is facing a critical situation, and this is the time to ask tough questions and for university leaders to make difficult choices. I stand by my comments regarding the former president. There is clear and overwhelming evidence that her administration placed the university in financial peril. I am pleased to hear that the new administration and Board has ended that relationship. Jason Mumpower, Tennessee Comptroller | READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County Its a response Dixie said he first heard from News 2, as he says he has not heard back from the comptroller. Why did you, the news station, get a response, but I didnt get a response to the letter that I specifically wrote to him? asked Dixie. That is the type of arrogance and willful ignorance that he has toward TSU and when it comes to black leadership. Then we have a problem, maybe we should look at a different comptroller for doing that job. 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 WKRN News 2. In the ongoing fight against obesity, a growing epidemic with grave medical consequences, a new class of weight loss medications offers unprecedented hope. Drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have shown remarkable efficacy in helping individuals achieve significant weight loss, and combined with behavioral counseling can lead to sustainable long-term decreases in weight. These medications arent just about shedding pounds theyre about saving lives and preventing the devastating complications of obesity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet access remains out of reach for many due to two barriers: insurers reluctance to cover these drugs and exorbitant pricing by pharmaceutical companies. Both reveal systemic biases against addressing obesity, the leading preventable health problem in the United States. Obesity is far more than a cosmetic concern. Its a chronic disease. Those with a body mass index over 30, especially above 35, face heightened risks for conditions such as fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, stroke, certain cancers and type 2 diabetes Weight loss is the only effective therapy to prevent liver failure or liver cancer, while studies and costly CPAP machines associated with sleep apnea can be eliminated by lowering ones weight. Improved blood pressure, cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health comes from weight loss as well as dramatically decreased risks of breast, endometrial and colorectal cancers. Weight loss significantly improves glycemic control and reduces the need for most type 2 diabetes medications. Symptoms of arthritis and the chance of developing gallbladder disease are also improved with weight loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Studies confirm that drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide enable 15-to-20% weight loss, leading to improvements in all of the above conditions. For instance, a person with obesity who loses even 10% of their body weight can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease, while a 15% reduction often reverses fatty liver disease. Despite this, insurance companies impose barriers such as prior authorizations and proof of health complications, limiting access. Excluding coverage for weight loss medications ignores obesitys role in driving many chronic health conditions that are exceedingly costly to treat. Untreated obesity leads every day to new cases of fatty liver disease, diabetes and more, requiring interventions like liver transplants or insulin therapy. Coverage for weight loss medications will prevent many of these outcomes and lower overall healthcare expenses. For example, a liver transplant can cost upwards of $500,000, a cost that could be avoided by addressing obesity early. Cost is the second major hurdle. In the U.S., these drugs cost $1,000-$1,500 per month out of pocket. Long-term treatment for most Americans at this rate is untenable. By contrast, in countries like Canada or the United Kingdom, semaglutide costs as little as $200 per month 90% less. Pharmaceutical companies argue that high prices are necessary to recoup research and development costs. Yet, these costs are often recouped within a few years of a drugs release, and companies continue to charge exorbitant prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just as some states have passed laws requiring coverage for insulin, legislators should consider laws to mandate insurance companies cover weight loss medications for individuals with obesity and related health conditions. Such laws will address systemic cost barriers. Adopting price caps like those in Canada or the European Union could make these drugs affordable and accessible. Obesity is a medical condition. Policies must reflect that reality. Patients, physicians and public health advocates must push for equitable access and pricing. Increased awareness about the life-changing potential of these drugs can build public and political pressure. The cost of inaction in human and economic terms is staggering. Millions are denied effective treatment for obesity, stigmatized by a healthcare system that prioritizes profits over prevention. Addressing insurance exclusions and pharmaceutical pricing is critical to realizing the transformative potential of these drugs. Its time to treat obesity as the life-threatening disease it is and make effective treatments accessible to all. Dr. Adam O. Goldstein is the Elizabeth and Oscar Goodwin Distinguished Professor of Family Medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. UNION COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A man has been arrested in Mexico four years after missing his court appearance after posting bond for several sexual offenses, according to the Union County Sheriffs Office. In October 2020, Baldomero Hernandez-Jimenez was charged with multiple sexual offenses including statutory rape, statutory sexual offense, and indecent liberties with a child. A month later, he posted a $500,000 bond and was released, officials said. Soon after, a warrant was issued for Hernandez-Jimenezs arrest because he missed his scheduled court appearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Series of Caldwell County car break-ins leads to arrests, dozens of charges: Sheriff The Union County Sheriffs Office patterned with the Union County District Attorneys Office, the U.S. Marshals, and the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force in this investigation. This led to a thorough international manhunt which led to Hernandez-Jimenezs arrest in Mexico by a U.S. Marshals task force. After extradition back to the United States, Hernandez-Jimenez was booked back into the Union County Detention Center under a $300,000 secured bond. Authorities say a hold was issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), preventing his release. This case underscores our steadfast commitment to justice and accountability. No matter how far an offender runs or how long it takes, we will pursue them relentlessly to ensure they are held accountable for their crimes, Sheriff Cathey 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 Queen City News. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Union Health has announced the planned implementation of temporary visitor restrictions at Union Hospital Terre Haute and Union Hospital Clinton due to an uptick in respiratory viruses. Due to a spike in respiratory viruses like influenza, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) in and around the Wabash Valley, the following restrictions are set to begin on January 2, 2025. Red Cross holds blood drive in Marshall Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The restrictions include the following: Visiting hours are 6 a.m. 8 p.m. Visitors must be 18 years of age or older The number of visitors is now limited, depending on the area of the hospital (see image below for those numbers) Union Health reminds individuals that self-screening is required by all visitors and employees. For the safety of our patients, any visitor or employee experiencing any respiratory symptoms should not enter any Union Health facility, unless seeking medical treatment. Symptoms include, but are not limited to: Fever (100.4 or greater) Shortness of Breath Headache Sore Throat Diarrhea Cough Muscle or Body Aches Loss of Taste or Smell Nausea or Vomiting Unexplained or Unusual Fatigue In the past 10 days, if youve been in close contact with someone known to be positive for respiratory illness or have had symptoms consistent with respiratory illness. Patients experiencing respiratory illness MUST wear a mask upon presentation to any Union Health facility. Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear masks, practice proper hand hygiene, observe cough etiquette, and maintain social distance when possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Designated visitors are preferred, to protect patients and staff due to the high level of circulating viruses. 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. The United States has sanctioned two entities accused of advancing Iranian and Russian disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing American voters before this years election, according to the Treasury Department. Treasury officials announced on Dec. 31 that these groups sought to deepen divisions among Americans ahead of Novembers vote. U.S. intelligence agencies have identified both governments as responsible for spreading disinformation, including fake news stories, videos, and social media posts, to manipulate voters and erode confidence in U.S. elections. "The governments of Iran and Russia have targeted our election processes and institutions and sought to divide the American people through targeted disinformation campaigns," said Bradley T. Smith, Treasurys acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities identified the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise as a key player in creating, funding, and distributing disinformation about American candidates, including AI-generated deepfake videos. The sanctions also target the centers director, who allegedly collaborated with Russian military intelligence agents responsible for cyberattacks and sabotage against Western nations. The center reportedly used artificial intelligence to generate fake videos and developed numerous fake news websites designed to appear legitimate. It also paid U.S. companies to host pro-Russian content. The Iranian group, the Cognitive Design Production Center, is linked to Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which the U.S. designates as a foreign terrorist organization. Officials claim the center has been inciting political tensions in the U.S. since at least 2023, including encouraging protests over Israels war with Hamas in Gaza. U.S. intelligence agencies have accused Iran of hacking into the accounts of high-profile current and former U.S. officials, including senior figures from Donald Trumps campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the election, intelligence agencies also identified efforts by Russia, Iran, and China to undermine trust in U.S. democracy. Read also: EU to impose first sanctions on Russian intelligence over disinformation campaigns, Bloomberg reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has rejected BJP's allegations that Sree Narayana Guru supported 'Sanatana Dharma,' stating that it was incorrect. He also clarified that Swami Satchidananda's decision to allow men to keep their upper garments on while entering Sree Narayana Guru temples was a positive move, and emphasized that Guru should not be used to promote 'Sanatana Dharma'. "My statement was that Sree Narayana Guru need not be used as a proponent of 'Sanatana Dharma'...Swami Satchidananda proposed this first, he said that in Sree Narayana Guru temples, from now onwards men won't have to remove their upper garments to enter those temples. That's a good decision and I said so...a BJP leader once said that Sree Narayana Guru was a proponent of 'Sanatana Dharma' and I said that it was wrong...," said Kerala CM in clarification on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Vijayan, while addressing the Sivagiri Pilgrimage, stated that attempts to portray social reformer and saint Sree Narayana Guru as a proponent of Sanatana Dharma are nothing but the practice of caste-based Varnashrama Dharma. "Sanatana Dharma is synonymous with or inseparable from Varnashrama Dharma, which is based on the Chaturvarna system. What does this Varnashrama Dharma uphold? It glorifies hereditary professions. But what did Sree Narayana Guru do? He called for defiance of hereditary professions. How, then, can Guru be an advocate of Sanatana Dharma?" the Kerala CM said. "Guru's ascetic life was a constant questioning and defiance of the Chaturvarna system. How can someone who proclaimed, "One Caste, One Religion, One God for humankind," be an advocate of Sanatana Dharma, which is rooted in the confines of a single religion? Guru championed a dharma that opposed the caste system," Vijayan added. Earlier, BJP leader V Muraleedharan called Vijayan's remarks an insult to both the faith and the Sivagiri Mutt. Speaking at the Sivagiri Mutt, Muraleedharan questioned if Vijayan would dare to make similar statements about other religions, including the Holy Quran. Speaking to ANI, Muraleedharan said, "Pinarayi Vijayan insulted Sanatana Dharma at the holy land of Sivagiri. By doing this, the Chief Minister has insulted the Sivagiri Mutt and the Hindu community." Muraleedharan further claimed that the content of Vijayan's speech shared at the conference implied, "Sanatana Dharma is one that should be hated. Pinarayi's statement is a continuation of Udayanidhi Stalin's statement that Sanatana Dharma should be eradicated." He also asked whether the Chief Minister would dare to make similar statements about the Holy Quran or any other faith. "The Hindu community in Kerala faced the biggest challenge during Pinarayi's rule. Pinarayi Vijayan tried to challenge faith in Sabarimala and Thrissur Pooram," Muraleedharan said. (ANI) SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The Utah Court of Appeals denied an appeal made by Lucas Deprey a man convicted of a 2017 murder on Friday, declaring that it disagrees on all fronts and affirm[s] Depreys convictions. In 2020, Lucas Deprey was convicted of murder and obstruction of justice for the fatal shooting of Ever Hernandez in Murray several years prior, according to opinion documents from the Utah Court of Appeals. Layton City tightens firework laws ahead of New Years Eve after dangerous July incidents Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the trial, Deprey testified that he shot Hernandez in an act of self-defense. He said Hernandez, a rumored cartel member, had given the green light to kill Depreys friend and threatened to kill Deprey too if he kept asking questions. Deprey claimed he saw Hernandez reach across his body and shot him in the head in response. I feared it was my life or his life and I made the decision instantly on the spot, Deprey testified during the trial. Despite the self-defense claims, the jury was not convinced that Deprey was under extreme emotional distress at the time of the shooting and declined to reduce the murder charge to manslaughter. The recent appeal argued that Deprey was entitled to a mistrial due to several concerns, including that the jury was not properly instructed about the burden of proof for extreme emotional distress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also argued that a detective discouraged him from asking for a lawyer during the investigation and the same detective improperly testified to Deprey owning a gun as a felon during the trial. On all accounts, the Utah Court of Appeals disagreed, providing insight into the laws behind each complaint and details from the investigation and trial to support its decision. In some cases, the judges agreed with Deprey, conceding that the jury instruction is indeed problematic and the detectives statement was unfortunate. However, they stated that they do not believe these issues would change the outcome of a retrial. Deprey relied on self-defense arguments throughout trialnot extreme emotional distress. And he presented scant evidence to support such an argument, the documents read. Simply stated, this case was not about extreme emotional distress. Even had the jury instruction been correct, we see no likelihood of a different outcome for Deprey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deprey was sentenced in 2020 to 15 years to life in the Utah State Prison. 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. CEDAR HILLS, Utah (ABC4) Today, a community, a neighborhood, and a family are all rallying together to support Sam Hughes. Hes a new dad whose twin babies are in the NICU. His wife, 23-year-old Morgan, passed away unexpectedly just nine days after giving birth to the twins. Sam is the one person you want to have marry your sister, knowing that hes strong and willing to do anything for her, Justin Hodson told ABC4.com. He and his brother, Kaden, have nothing but good things to say about their brother-in-law. Sam is the one person that can do this, Kaden added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High school sweethearts surprised by brain cyst weeks after their wedding The brothers welcomed Sam into the family nearly two years ago when he married their sister Morgan. She was the most loyal person that you could have ever been around, Justin said of his sister. If you were in her corner, she would have done anything for you. Just caring and loving. Kaden described Morgans traits, saying, No matter what she stood for what she believed in and what she thought was right, especially, like Justin said, for family. They said family has always been a priority, and being a mom was always a dream for Morgan. Even as a little girl, they said she would take care of babies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it was her time to finally become a mom, her pregnancy came with a surprise: Twins! Justin told ABC4.com that this was exciting news for the whole family. Justin said, Everyone was like, Thats Morgan. Out of everyone, she deserves to have twins. On Dec. 19, Morgan gave birth to Hudson and Georgia. All the doctors and nurses said she was just a rockstar. A perfect birth, Justin told ABC4 News. He said the babies were small and Georgia needed some help breathing. However, the babies and mom were healthy. She was just proud and happy, Justin said. She couldnt wait to get into the NICU to see those babies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaden said almost immediately the family was happy to see that Hudson looked like a miniSam and Georgia looked like a mini-Morgan. A few days later, Morgan wasnt feeling well. After a few fainting spells, the brothers said their parents took Morgan to the hospital. On Dec. 28, they say doctors found high levels of white blood cells, a possible sign of leukemia. Sadly, Morgan passed away. The neighborhood Morgan grew up in is now lined with blue ribbons and yellow balloons, flowers and food have been pouring into her parents home, and messages from people who knew Morgan (many from Texas where she served a service mission for the LDS church) are coming in from all over the country. Its really cool to see how many people Morgan touched, Kaden stated. And (how they) felt special because Morgan made them feel special. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the family works through the grief of losing Morgan and celebrating the birth of two beautiful babies, a few GoFundMe fundraisers have been started to help Sam with all the unexpected expenses he will be facing. A notable GoFundMe is organized by his cousin and includes a Venmo account to donate directly to the family. The family is grateful for all the support that has been sent Sams way. They hope this will help him be able to focus on raising the twins, who are still in the NICU. At this time, Kaden and Justin said their family is focusing on helping Sam adjust to his new role as a dad. When we get to hold those babies its the one place that kind of everything disappears, Kaden said. Its just us and those babies, and Sam. 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. As the calendar rolls into 2025, Lake Superior State University revealed its list of words and phrases that should be dropped and 100% not utilized in the new year. Period. And so, LSSU says forget about using "dropped," which was once "edgy and cool," or "100%," because it's so overused, and "period," because, well, you get the point ... and there's "no need to verbally punctuate it." The word "utilize" was called a "classic offender," with LSSU saying it proves that "longer is not always better." It asks, "Why complicate things when 'use' works just fine?" Students walk through Lake Superior State University during a move-in day for students at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on Wednesday, August 5, 2020. The northern Michigan university publishes the list of "banished words" every year, including words often misused or overused, especially those with useless and/or unnecessary meaning. It's a tradition that started in 1976 when a former LSSU public relations director and colleagues released the first list, according to the university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Words matter! Old habits can be hard to break and were happy to serve as a resource for the court of public opinion on what should continue to be part of the English language and what needs to be put to rest, Lake Superior State President David Travis said in a news release. LSSU said submissions for this year's list came from around the world. For example, the texting acronym IYKYK (If You Know, You Know) was submitted by Amy from Redford, calling it "irritating and nonsensical." Year in review: Egg prices climb, restaurant openings and closings, food icons we lost in 2024 "Internet slang and texting abbreviations are often fan-favorites of Banished Word submitters each year," LSSU said in a release. "Cryptic and exclusionary, this phrase offers little clarity or substance." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cringe is No. 1 on the list of banished words for 2024. The word has "overstayed its welcome," LSSU said. No. 2 is game changer, often used to describe a significant change in something. The phrase is "as tired as a well-worn cliche," LSSU said. "How many times can a game change before it is no longer recognizable?" Era, for its "overuse," is No. 3. "Unless you are Taylor Swift, it might be time to leave 'era' behind," LSSU said. Leah of Holland submitted the word, saying: Thanks to the name of Taylor Swifts tour, now there is an era for everyone and everything! Hes in his fatherhood era,' Shes in her pottery-making era, etc., etc. Its overused and tiring. Lake Superior State University's 10 banished words and phrases for 2025 Cringe Game Changer Era Dropped IYKYK (If You Know, You Know) Sorry Not Sorry Skibidi 100% Utilize Period If there is a word or phrase you feel should be on the list, LSSU is already accepting submissions for its 2026 list. You can go to lssu.edu/traditions/banishedwords to nominate a word or phrase or to learn more about the tradition of the annual list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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: Top 10 banished words and phrases for 2025 from LSSU Why would a mother reject safe, potentially lifesaving vaccines for her child? Popular writing on vaccine skepticism often denigrates white and middle-class mothers who reject some or all recommended vaccines as hysterical, misinformed, zealous or ignorant. Mainstream media and medical providers increasingly dismiss vaccine refusal as a hallmark of American fringe ideology, far-right radicalization or anti-intellectualism. But vaccine skepticism, and the broader medical mistrust and far-reaching anxieties it reflects, is not just a fringe position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pediatric vaccination rates had already fallen sharply before the COVID-19 pandemic, ushering in the return of measles, mumps and chickenpox to the U.S. in 2019. Four years after the pandemics onset, a growing number of Americans doubt the safety, efficacy and necessity of routine vaccines. Childhood vaccination rates have declined substantially across the U.S., which public health officials attribute to a spillover effect from pandemic-related vaccine skepticism and blame for the recent measles outbreak. Almost half of American mothers rated the risk of side effects from the MMR vaccine as medium or high in a 2023 survey by Pew Research. Recommended vaccines go through rigorous testing and evaluation, and the most infamous charges of vaccine-induced injury have been thoroughly debunked. How do so many mothers primary caregivers and health care decision-makers for their families become wary of U.S. health care and one of its most proven preventive technologies? Im a cultural anthropologist who studies the ways feelings and beliefs circulate in American society. To investigate whats behind mothers vaccine skepticism, I interviewed vaccine-skeptical mothers about their perceptions of existing and novel vaccines. What they told me complicates sweeping and overly simplified portrayals of their misgivings by pointing to the U.S. health care system itself. The medical systems failures and harms against women gave rise to their pervasive vaccine skepticism and generalized medical mistrust. The seeds of womens skepticism I conducted this ethnographic research in Oregon from 2020 to 2021 with predominantly white mothers between the ages of 25 and 60. My findings reveal new insights about the origins of vaccine skepticism among this demographic. These women traced their distrust of vaccines, and of U.S. health care more generally, to ongoing and repeated instances of medical harm they experienced from childhood through childbirth. A womans own childhood mistreatment by a doctor can shape her health care decisions for the next generation. FatCamera/E+ via Getty Images As young girls in medical offices, they were touched without consent, yelled at, disbelieved or threatened. One mother, Susan, recalled her pediatrician abruptly lying her down and performing a rectal exam without her consent at the age of 12. Another mother, Luna, shared how a pediatrician once threatened to have her institutionalized when she voiced anxiety at a routine physical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As women giving birth, they often felt managed, pressured or discounted. One mother, Meryl, told me, I felt like I was coerced under distress into Pitocin and induction during labor. Another mother, Hallie, shared, I really battled with my provider throughout the childbirth experience. Together with the convoluted bureaucracy of for-profit health care, experiences of medical harm contributed to one million little touch points of information, in one mothers phrase, that underscored the untrustworthiness and harmful effects of U.S. health care writ large. A system that doesnt serve them Many mothers I interviewed rejected the premise that public health entities such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration had their childrens best interests at heart. Instead, they tied childhood vaccination and the more recent development of COVID-19 vaccines to a bloated pharmaceutical industry and for-profit health care model. As one mother explained, The FDA is not looking out for our health. Theyre looking out for their wealth. After ongoing negative medical encounters, the women I interviewed lost trust not only in providers but the medical system. Frustrating experiences prompted them to do their own research in the name of bodily autonomy. Such research often included books, articles and podcasts deeply critical of vaccines, public health care and drug companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These materials, which have proliferated since 2020, cast light on past vaccine trials gone awry, broader histories of medical harm and abuse, the rapid growth of the recommended vaccine schedule in the late 20th century and the massive profits reaped from drug development and for-profit health care. They confirmed and hardened womens suspicions about U.S. health care. The stories these women told me add nuance to existing academic research into vaccine skepticism. Most studies have considered vaccine skepticism among primarily white and middle-class parents to be an outgrowth of todays neoliberal parenting and intensive mothering. Researchers have theorized vaccine skepticism among white and well-off mothers to be an outcome of consumer health care and its emphasis on individual choice and risk reduction. Other researchers highlight vaccine skepticism as a collective identity that can provide mothers with a sense of belonging. Seeing medical care as a threat to health The perceptions mothers shared are far from isolated or fringe, and they are not unreasonable. Rather, they represent a growing population of Americans who hold the pervasive belief that U.S. health care harms more than it helps. Data suggests that the number of Americans harmed in the course of treatment remains high, with incidents of medical error in the U.S. outnumbering those in peer countries, despite more money being spent per capita on health care. One 2023 study found that diagnostic error, one kind of medical error, accounted for 371,000 deaths and 424,000 permanent disabilities among Americans every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Studies reveal particularly high rates of medical error in the treatment of vulnerable communities, including women, people of color, disabled, poor, LGBTQ+ and gender-nonconforming individuals and the elderly. The number of U.S. women who have died because of pregnancy-related causes has increased substantially in recent years, with maternal death rates doubling between 1999 and 2019. The prevalence of medical harm points to the relevance of philosopher Ivan Illichs manifesto against the disease of medical progress. In his 1982 book Medical Nemesis, he insisted that rather than being incidental, harm flows inevitably from the structure of institutionalized and for-profit health care itself. Illich wrote, The medical establishment has become a major threat to health, and has created its own epidemic of iatrogenic illness that is, illness caused by a physician or the health care system itself. Four decades later, medical mistrust among Americans remains alarmingly high. Only 23% of Americans express high confidence in the medical system. The United States ranks 24th out of 29 peer high-income countries for the level of public trust in medical providers. For people like the mothers I interviewed, who have experienced real or perceived harm at the hands of medical providers; have felt belittled, dismissed or disbelieved in a doctors office; or spent countless hours fighting to pay for, understand or use health benefits, skepticism and distrust are rational responses to lived experience. These attitudes do not emerge solely from ignorance, conspiracy thinking, far-right extremism or hysteria, but rather the historical and ongoing harms endemic to the U.S. health care system itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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: Johanna Richlin, University of Maine Read more: Johanna Richlin does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) A Vanderburgh County fire department has rebranded ahead of a scheduled merger. As of midnight, Scott Township Fire & EMS has rebranded to become the Vanderburgh County Fire Department. Officials state the change is part of the upcoming merger with the German Township Fire Department later in the summer to better serve the residents of northwest Vanderburgh County. Since being established in 1956, the Scott Township Fire Department (and later Scott Township Fire & EMS) has always maintained a tradition of constantly improving the ways we provide fire protection and emergency medical services to the citizens we serve, said officials on social media. The men and women of Vanderburgh County Fire Department are committed to continuing this tradition in 2025 and beyond by improving emergency response times and increasing the resources available for 911 calls throughout the entire Vanderburgh County Fire Territory, which will soon include Scott, Armstrong, & German Townships and the Town of Darmstadt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The German Township Fire Department also took to social media to explain more on what to expect. Starting July 1st, 2025, both departments will operate under the Vanderburgh County Fire Department name. For residents of German Township, this means a staffed fire engine and an ALS ambulance available 24/7 at the current German Township Fire Station, officials said. This merger will enhance staffing for both paid and volunteer firefighters, improving coverage for residents in German Township, Armstrong Township, Scott Township and the Town of Darmstadt, along with better response times across the Vanderburgh County Fire Territory. 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). LAS VEGAS (AP) Firework mortars and camp fuel canisters were found stuffed into the back of the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside President-elect Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel early Wednesday, killing a suspect inside the vehicle and sparking an intense investigation into possible terrorism. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police and Clark County Fire Department officials said that a person died inside the futuristic-looking pickup truck and seven people nearby suffered minor injuries. By late Wednesday afternoon, authorities were still working to get the body out of the vehicle and start processing the evidence inside. President Joe Biden was briefed on the explosion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our number one goal is to ensure that we have the proper identification of the subject involved in this incident, said Jeremy Schwartz, acting special agent in charge for the FBIs Las Vegas office, Following that, our second objective is to determine whether this was an act of terrorism or not. Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said authorities know who rented the truck with the Turo app in Colorado, but are not releasing the name until investigators determine if it is the same person who died. McMahill said video captured at Telsa charging stations provided by CEO Elon Musk helped authorities track the vehicles journey, arriving in Las Vegas about 7:30 AM. then driving about an hour later into the valet area of the Trump International Hotel, where it sat 15 to 20 seconds before the explosion occurred. Video presented at an afternoon news conference showed a tumble of charred fireworks mortars, cannisters and other explosive devices crowded into the back of the pickup. The truck bed walls were still intact because the blast shot straight up rather than to the sides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk said Wednesday afternoon on X that we have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself. All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion. In an earlier post on the platform Musk said that his entire senior term was investigating the explosion, adding, Weve never seen anything like this. Musk has recently become a member of Trump's inner circle. Neither Trump nor Musk were in Las Vegas early Wednesday. Both had attended Trumps New Years Eve party at Trumps estate in South Florida. Musk spent an estimated $250 million during the presidential campaign to support the former president. He was at Trumps resort on election night and has been a frequent guest there. Trump has named Musk, the worlds richest man, to co-lead a new effort to find ways to cut the governments size and spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a Tesla truck, and we know that Elon Musk is working with President-elect Trump, and its the Trump Tower, McMahill said when reporters asked about possible political connections. So theres obviously things to be concerned about and its something we continue to look at. The truck explosion came hours after a driver rammed a truck into a crowd in New Orleans famed French Quarter early on New Years Day, killing at least 15 people before being shot to death by police. That crash was being investigated as a terrorist attack and police believe the driver was not acting alone. We are absolutely investigating any connectivity to what happened in New Orleans as well as other attacks that have been occurring around the world, McMahill said. We aren't ruling anything out. In a statement, Turo said it was working with authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do not believe that either renter involved in the Las Vegas and New Orleans attacks had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat," the statement said. In Las Vegas, witness Ana Bruce, visiting from Brazil, said she heard three explosions. The first one where we saw the fire, the second one, I guess, was the battery or something like that, and the third was the big one that smoked the entire area and was the moment when everyone was told to evacuate and stay away, Bruce said. Her travel companion, Alcides Antunes, showed video he took of flames lapping the sides of the silver-colored vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 64-story hotel is just off the Las Vegas Strip and across the street from the Fashion Show Las Vegas shopping mall. Eric Trump, a son of the president-elect and executive vice president of the Trump Organization, posted about the fire on the social media platform X. He praised the fire department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism. ___ Associated Press writers Colleen Long and Zeke Miller in Washington and Michelle L. Price in New York contributed to this report. Snow reported from Phoenix. By Rishav Chatterjee (Reuters) -The Fiji government on Thursday said police were investigating incidents involving two crew members of Australian airline Virgin Australia who were allegedly victims of rape and theft in Nadi in the early hours of New Year's Day. The crew members were in the popular tourist destination on a layover before they were supposed to fly off the following day, Fiji Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virgin, which said it was aware of the alleged incidents, has sent people to Fiji to provide support, but did not provide further details in a statement to Reuters. Fiji police said the investigation so far had found some Virgin crew members had gone to a nightclub in Nadi. "Unfortunately, two of the crew members were victims of an alleged theft and rape after exiting the nite club trying to find their way back to the hotel," Chew said in his written statement. Viliame Gavoka, Fiji's deputy prime minister and minister for tourism and civil aviation, in a statement, clarified that these were two separate incidents of alleged theft and sexual assault which affected two different Virgin crew members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gavoka expressed regret over the alleged incidents and said that a suspect known to the police for the alleged sexual assault had been questioned and that the investigation was ongoing. The South Pacific island nation of Fiji is a popular tourist destination and received 76,845 visitors in November, mostly from Australia, New Zealand and North America, according to the country's tourism website. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told Reuters it was aware of the reports but declined to comment further. (Reporting by Rishav Chatterjee in Bengaluru; additional reporting by Sameer Manekar; Editing by Jamie Freed, Michael Perry and Sandra Maler) (From left to right) Eric Oakes, Linda Oakes, and Courtney White stand outside of the University Commons at Virginia Commonwealth University after co-hosting the Virginia Hazing Prevention Summit on June 4, 2024. (Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) Virginias leadership in combating hazing on college campuses played a pivotal role in shaping national reforms after President Joe Biden signed the Stop Campus Hazing Act into law in his final days in office. The legislation aims to enhance student safety by requiring colleges and universities to report hazing incidents under the Clery Act and standardizes definitions for tracking hazing statistics across the country. The new law also mandates comprehensive hazing prevention programs for faculty and students, focusing on education and fostering a culture of respect to prevent hazing before it happens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia set the stage for such measures in 2022 with the passage of Adams Law, named in honor of 19-year-old Adam Oakes, a teenager from Loudoun County who died in 2021 during a fraternity pledge event at Virginia Commonwealth University. Carried by Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, and former Del. Kathleen Murphy, D-Fairfax, the law requires hazing preventing training at Virginia colleges and universities. Eric Oakes, Adam Oakes father and director of the Love Like Adam Foundation, said in a statement Tuesday that the foundations mission is to continue to strive for change to make high schools and colleges safer for students. For current and future students, the [Stop Campus Hazing Act] promises a safer, more inclusive environment where harmful traditions are replaced with positive, healthy bonding practices, Oakes said. Though challenges may arise, the potential benefits ranging from legal protections to cultural shifts could have a profound and lasting impact on campus life for years to come. The national Delta Chi fraternity recently agreed to a $4 million settlement with the Oakes family, WRIC reported. Boysko praised the Oakes familys advocacy on social media after Biden signed the Act on Christmas Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginias Adams Law established strict requirements for hazing prevention and mandates that an advisor must be present at all official events for new and prospective members of fraternities and sororities and undergo hazing prevention training. Additionally, the law requires that new and current members also receive in-person education on hazing, including its dangers, the role of alcohol intoxication, hazing laws and school policies. Institutions must also make it clear that their disciplinary process does not replace or prevent potential criminal prosecution. The General Assembly also approved legislation to expand anti-hazing education into Virginia high schools, aiming to address the issue before students reach college campuses. The Love Like Adam Foundation has taken a tragedy and made real change with it, wrote Del. Atoosa Reaser, D-Loudoun, who sponsored the legislation along with Boysko. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, hazing remains a persistent problem at colleges and universities nationwide. A study by Franklin College in Indiana revealed that 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams, and organizations have experienced hazing. The same report highlighted a lack of exposure to hazing prevention programs, underscoring the need for early education initiatives like those now required in Virginia schools. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Norfolk, a ranking member on the Education and Workforce Committee, said that since the year 2000, there have been more than 100 hazing-related deaths on college campuses nationwide. Fortunately, the Stop Campus Hazing Act aims to prevent students from dangerous hazing on college campuses, Scott said in a statement. iBy improving reporting and mandating prevention programs, this bill is a bipartisan measure to protect the health and safety of students while ensuring that students and their parents can make informed decisions when joining campus organizations. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Chinese President Xi Jinping underlined that no one could prevent China's 'reunification' with Taiwan, and affirmed that China will continue its "united front" efforts. In his New Year's message on Tuesday, Xi also highlighted China's aim to strengthen international cooperation, promote mutual understanding, and build a community with a shared future for humanity. Earlier, Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, said in a post on X, "On New Year's Eve, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his 2025 New Year message via China Media Group and the Internet." "We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same family. No one can ever sever the bond of kinship between us, and no one can ever stop China's reunification, a trend of the times," Xi Jinping said. He also stressed that China will work with other countries to ensure enhanced cooperation. "As changes unseen in a century accelerate across the world, it is important to rise above estrangement and conflict with a broad vision, and care for the future of humanity with great passion. China will work with all countries to promote friendship and cooperation, enhance mutual learning among different cultures, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. We must jointly create a better future for the world," he said. Earlier, on December 28, China's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced that it would investigate claims made in a YouTube video about China's efforts to politically influence young Taiwanese and encourage them to apply for Chinese ID cards, Taipei Times reported. The council's comments followed the release of a video on Saturday by Taiwanese rapper Chen Po-yuan and YouTuber "Pa Chiung," detailing China's "united front" tactics. It is the second video on the subject released by the pair this month. In the video, Chen visited the Taiwan Youth Entrepreneurship Park in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, and the Strait Herald news platform in Xiamen, China. Lin Jingdong, Assistant Director of the Strait Herald and a member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), discussed strategies used to influence young Taiwanese as part of China's "united front" tactics, Taipei Times reported. The tactics include "incubating" young Taiwanese through Taiwan-related organisations and collaborating with small-scale influencers. (ANI) Maurice Clark is homeless on the streets of Las Vegas. He took a survey that should help him get into housing, but hes waiting. (Angela Hart/KFF Health News) LAS VEGAS Maurice Clark huddled in his tent along dusty railroad tracks as two homeless-outreach workers began asking him questions to determine whether he would qualify for free or subsidized housing. Did he use drugs? Had he ever been in jail? How many times had he been to an emergency room? Had he been attacked on the streets? Tried to harm himself? Engaged in sex for money? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark didnt feel comfortable being honest with the two surveyors hed never met before, who were flanked by police officers as they recorded his responses from a questionnaire on a tablet. Ive done some crazy things to survive, but Im, like, Im going to say no because theres these officers right there, he said, recalling the encounter on a fall afternoon outside his tent. Im a Black man in America, so asking this stuff hits a little bit different. National homelessness experts and local leaders say such personal questions exacerbate racial disparities in the ranks of the nations unhoused, particularly as more people experiencing homelessness compete for scarce taxpayer-subsidized housing amid a deepening affordability crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Vulnerability questionnaires were created to determine how likely a person is to get sick and die while homeless, and the system has been adopted widely around the country over the past decade to help prioritize who gets housing. The more a homeless person is perceived to be vulnerable, the more points they score on the questionnaire and the higher they move in the housing queue. The surveys are being singled out for worsening racial disparities by systematically placing homeless white people at the front of the line, ahead of their Black peers partly because the scoring awards more points for using health care, and relies on trust in the system, both of which favor white people. Black people make up 13.7% of the overall U.S. population yet account for 32.2% of the nations homeless population. White people, including some people of Hispanic descent, make up 75% of the country and represent 55% of Americas homeless. Its racist in a systemic way, said Marc Dones, a California-based policy director at the University of California-San Francisco and a lead researcher for one of the nations largest studies analyzing the Black homeless population. If youre a white person, the more likely you are to rank higher than if youre a Black person, so youre more likely to get selected for housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vulnerability surveys took off after President Barack Obama in 2009 signed into law sweeping rules requiring the countrys local homelessness agencies, known as Continuums of Care and currently numbering 381, to adopt a method to assess the vulnerability of homeless people to receive federal housing and homelessness funding. Cities and counties predominantly adopted a survey called VI-SPDAT, which is still used by an estimated two-thirds of homeless agencies, even as it has been found to favor white people and rank Black people lower. Maurice Clark lives in a tent and covers his possessions with a tarp in Las Vegas. (Angela Hart/KFF Health News) Some experts argue its time to toss the vulnerability assessment altogether and look not only at health and social needs but also systemic racism, poverty, involvement in the criminal justice system, barriers to housing, and other economic drivers that influence, and in some cases cause, homelessness. Several U.S. communities are revamping their vulnerability assessment systems to reduce racial disparities and help more Black people get housing. In Los Angeles, officials are launching an effort to use artificial intelligence to better assess whether someone should be prioritized for placement, in part by looking at overpolicing of Black people and discrimination in health care. In Las Vegas, officials are revamping their vulnerability assessment to give higher scores for systemic problems including incarceration. In Austin, Texas, officials are testing a system to account for people displaced by gentrification. We need to own the racism that is embedded in our systems, said Quiana Fisher, vice president of homelessness response systems for the lead agency in Travis County, Texas, which includes Austin. Its not just about the tool its about funding, and its about program outcomes. Even if its unintentional, we have created a homeless response system that is rooted in racism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assessment tool was first tested in Boston, where members of the homeless population were more likely to be white, male, and have a severe mental illness or substance use disorder. Black people, meanwhile, are more likely to be homeless because of economic reasons, such as poverty or joblessness, and are less likely to have a record of medical care due to higher uninsurance and less use of health care. This whole system was piloted on this older white population in Boston, so it does a poor job of capturing the needs of Black folks, who dont tend to be as sick as white folks theyre more broke, Dones said. The initial thought was to prioritize these people because theyre going to die sooner. It was trying to tackle mortality, but it wound up in racism. As a result, white people are more likely to gain housing because they tend to score more points on vulnerability assessments that rank sickness higher, including histories of chronic disease, addiction, mental illness, and emergency room visits and hospitalizations, according to national surveys. Black people, meanwhile, are less likely to have health insurance or medical diagnoses and to reveal their ailments, and are more mistrustful due to biases in the health care system. Black folks are less likely to seek care, even with coverage, due to medical racism, Dones said. Local leaders say part of the problem is becoming homeless in the first place and economic disadvantages that drive more Black people into homelessness, including placement in foster care and higher rates of eviction and joblessness. But once homeless, helping Black people get into stable housing becomes more elusive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Los Angeles County, home to more homeless people than any other county in the country, 31% of homeless people are Black, though the overall Black population accounts for 9%. In Austin, Black people account for nearly 32% of the homeless population, compared with 7.6% overall. And in Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, Black people represent 42% of the homeless population but just 12% of the overall population. Weve failed to capture the complex vulnerabilities of our marginalized groups. Were asking all these questions, but we created a waiting list to nowhere, said Brenda Barnes, who leads the Southern Nevada Homelessness Continuum of Care. Streets of Las Vegas Grasping his toothbrush after cleaning up in his tent on a recent morning, Clark, 45, recalled taking his housing questionnaire this year. He ticked off responses to outreach workers that should rank him high in the queue he lacked stable housing, has been homeless for nearly four years, and has no job or reliable income. Hed frequented emergency rooms and had been to jail, pleading guilty to a felony theft crime he said he didnt commit, and several times for possession of drugs and paraphernalia, he told them. He used methamphetamine, mostly to be alert at night when it became dangerous. Was he ever assaulted? Yes, especially in adulthood since becoming homeless in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reality, he hustled sometimes for a dime, and he worried hed be targeted for taking recyclables or engaging in prostitution. Ive done it to get a room for a night. Its like a last resort, he said. And Clark wasnt forthcoming with outreach workers about the details of his drug use or involvement with law enforcement, that hed sold his body for sex, that hed experienced abuse. He couldnt recall all the details of his medical history either. Continually fleeing law enforcement sweeps with his tent, hauling it along busy train tracks, hes high at times, and often in a state of chaos and fear that can scramble his memory or make him fearful of arrest. He didnt share with them his occasional thoughts of suicide or his health concerns, including possibly having diabetes. They asked me about drugs, I was like, um, I dont know, Clark said. Like Im supposed to tell them I got addicted to meth or sold my body for a meal and hotel room? I had no idea where this information was going or what it was being used for. After he took the survey, no housing came. Outreach workers Nick Freddes, left, and Bryon Johnson, center, and talk with Maurice Clark in October 2024. (Angela Hart/KFF Health News) Even those who do answer honestly find themselves competing for a limited supply of affordable housing. John Harris was sleeping under a bridge on a recent October afternoon. He said he has taken the questionnaire twice. It led nowhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They asked me, have I been incarcerated? And I said yes. Ive been to prison too many times. And I have mental health struggles, said Harris, 59, who has been in and out of sober living shelters but still uses methamphetamine. He has been a repeat visitor to emergency rooms, and on an October afternoon recorded a high blood pressure reading that put him at risk for a heart attack factors that should score points for vulnerability. I called and asked what happened with my housing. They said I didnt score high enough, he said. After getting his blood pressure checked by a street medicine nurse, he shrugged, saying he may just wind up back in the emergency room, as he retreated under the bridge. No matter what society says today, things aint never going to change, he said. I dont know what the solution is How communities assign points to homeless people and rank them for housing is the biggest problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most common questionnaire deployed by communities around the country, the VI-SPDAT, assigns points meant to gauge the vulnerability of a person living on the streets. Experts say this model was never tested as a housing assessment tool, nor meant to determine whether someone gets into housing. This is not a reliable instrument, and Black men consistently score the lowest for vulnerability, so they are deprioritized for housing to get housing, you really need to score high, said Courtney Cronley, a University of Tennessee researcher who analyzed the vulnerability assessment. Her findings were published in 2020 in the Journal of Social Distress and Homelessness. Cronley pointed to a range of questions that exacerbate racial bias and have little to do with qualifying for housing: How many times have you received health care in an emergency room? Have you been attacked or beaten up? Have you threatened to harm yourself or anyone else in the last year? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does anyone force you or trick you to do things that you do not want to do? Do you exchange sex for money? Run drugs? John Harris, who is homeless, has taken a housing assessment a couple of times but says he didnt score high enough to qualify (Angela Hart/KFF Health News) Experts who study the vulnerability questionnaire also point out that the racial or ethnic background of surveyors often doesnt reflect that of the people being questioned, which can lead to inaccurate results if a respondent doesnt feel safe or understand the surveys purpose. Some cities and counties are creating surveys that local homeless agencies hope will narrow racial disparities. Clark County deployed a new vulnerability assessment in June after a 2023 secret-shopper project found the system was not connecting homeless people with housing or services, especially people of color. We failed in every category, Barnes said. Formerly homeless people fanned out on the streets and in the tunnels to test whether the housing questionnaire resulted in providing housing for the most vulnerable. All we were doing is counting people. Clark Countys new weighted questionnaire now considers how likely a person is to exit homelessness on their own instead of how likely they are to die on the streets or in the tunnels. The new system assigns homeless people points in four categories to get higher in the queue for housing: whether someone is pregnant or a parent; whether they have a substance use disorder, chronic health condition, or mental health diagnosis; whether theyre 55 or older; and whether they have committed a felony or violent crime. Because youre not going to get approved for a job or housing if they run a background check and theres a criminal record, she said, so we want to address that in our housing system. Still, Barnes isnt sure Clark County will get it right this time. As of mid-November, more homeless Black people were waiting for housing than white people. According to local data obtained through public records requests, nearly 1,500 Black people are in the countys housing queue, compared with roughly 1,000 white people. I dont know what the solution is, Barnes said. To be honest, the numbers may spike again. Los Angeles County, where an estimated 75,000 people experience homelessness, is creating a weighted tool to assign more points for factors that disproportionately affect people of color. If someone has been incarcerated or detained by law enforcement, instead of getting one point, a homeless person would score five, moving them up on the housing list, said Eric Rice, a social scientist and professor at the University of Southern California. We are assigning more points to structural inequities, said Rice, who is helping develop the new questionnaire. Los Angeles County also plans to assign more points for drug use and for having HIV, which affects Black men more than any other group. New HIV diagnoses for Black adults were eight times those of white people, according to research by KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. John Harris gets his blood pressure checked on an October afternoon. (Angela Hart/KFF Health News) Homelessness coordinators have also revamped their vulnerability assessment in Travis County, Texas, where a Black resident is six times as likely to fall into homelessness as a white person. The countys homelessness agency, according to Fisher, looked at historically Black neighborhoods in Austin that had been gentrified and scored homeless people higher if theyd lived in those areas but were now homeless. If you lived in a place that was previously redlined or now gentrified, you got a point for that, Fisher said. The survey also gave points for involvement in the criminal justice system, because Black people are more likely to get arrested or jailed, she said. Some experts say the idea of using a tool to rank people should disappear altogether. Instead, communities should have flexibility to tailor their housing resources based on the local needs and demographic makeup of their homeless populations, said Mary Frances Kenion, vice president of training and technical assistance at the National Alliance to End Homelessness. She said communities can cultivate trust between homeless people and outreach workers through a one-on-one approach that can be more responsive to individual needs and local housing conditions, which can better determine whether someone should be moved to the top of the housing list. Kenion also encouraged federal, state, and local governments to reimagine their approach to prioritizing people for housing based not on vulnerability but economic factors like income, history of eviction, or having a felony record. She argued communities should devote more resources to stem the flow of Black people into homelessness. If we dont manage to stop that, she said, this is just going to keep getting exponentially worse. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF and subscribe to KFF Health News free Morning Briefing. The Washington County District Attorney has charged a man with attempted homicide in the assault of a 1-year-old child he was supposed to be babysitting. The DA tells Channel 11 the child remains at Childrens Hospital five weeks after he was found unconscious in his California Borough home. The mothers boyfriend, Lyndon Henderson, was originally arrested and charged with assault, but that has now been upgraded to attempted homicide. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 1-year-old baby fighting for his life after police say mothers boyfriend abused him Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My office will always seek justice for victims. Children are innocent and our most vulnerable, and I will prosecute offenders who commit crimes against them vigorously and to the fullest extent the law allows, said district attorney Jason Walsh. Channel 11 spoke to the paternal grandmother after Lyndons arrest. She describes the baby as a happy, go-lucky child who didnt deserve this. Carla Darrell is horrified after what happened to her 1-year-old grandson, Kybrel. It wasnt good. He was on all kinds of machines. He was beat like a man. A man beat my grandson, said Darrell. He didnt do [anything.] There was nothing possible he couldve [done] to do this to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to state police, the California Borough Police Department was originally called to a home along 3rd Street on Saturday afternoon after the 1-year-old stopped breathing. The little boy was rushed to the hospital where he was put onto a ventilator because his brain was deprived of oxygen and swelling. The little boy also suffered a stroke and has a broken vertebra in his neck. Police say the mothers boyfriend, Lyndon Henderson had been watching Kybrel while his mother was at work. If someone wouldve called my son to come get his son he would have went and got his son to watch him, Darrell said. Nobody else had to watch him. We wouldve watched him. When questioned by Belle Vernon troopers, the 24-year-old told authorities that he watched the child when his girlfriend went to work early Saturday morning. Henderson told authorities that the child fell off the couch onto the floor after spinning him around in circles and placing him on the couch. The criminal complaint quotes the doctor who treated Kybrel saying: The brain injury sustained by the victim is 100% unequivocally the result of child abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Henderson was arrested Sunday night for assaulting the child. He remains in the Washington County Jail under no bond. I dont believe he belongs out of jail. He belongs there. He belongs where he deserves. He deserves in there, said Darrell. Kybrel was also placed on a feeding tube in a medically induced coma as he recovers. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) After warning of a sharp increase in pertussis cases in November, Washington is ending 2024 with the states highest number of pertussis cases in a decade. According to the most recently available data from the Washington State Department of Health reporting pertussis cases through December 21 Washington has seen a total of 1,976 pertussis cases in 2024. Officials noted the state may see additional cases with the years final report expected January 3. In a statement to KOIN 6 News on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the department attributed 2024s case count to a decline in childhood vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DONT MISS: Oregon reports highest whooping cough case count since 1950 Childhood vaccination rates in Washington state have not fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, including for the Tdap vaccine, which is the best way to protect children from pertussis, the DOH said, noting at this time in 2023, the state reported a total of 80 cases for the year. Health officials have explained some people were less motivated to become vaccinated against pertussis, or whooping cough, during the pandemic when there was less concern they would be exposed to the infection amid lockdowns. According to data from the department, since 1984, the highest number of whooping cough cases was recorded in 2012, which saw 4,916 reported cases. Another spike was reported in 2015 with 1,383 cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portland men search for Sasquatch, die in Washington forest While 2012 saw a large spike in cases, the department noted, case counts can vary year to year based on several factors, including vaccination rates 2025 and infection patterns in the general population which can definitely influence case numbers each year. Amid 2024s case count, state health officials are urging Washingtonians to get vaccinated against the disease. The rising rates of whooping cough this year have made this especially concerning, WDOH said. We encourage families and caregivers to keep their children up to date on childhood vaccination. Vaccination is a safe, highly effective, and easy way to help keep your family healthy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Picturesque Oregon landmark blown over in holiday windstorm Whooping cough is caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria, and is spread when a person with the disease coughs or sneezes in the air, and another person breathes in that air, according to the department. Whooping cough can cause several symptoms from fever and runny nose to violent coughing fits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends pertussis vaccines for all people, including a series of shots for young children and pre-teens, along with vaccines for pregnant people and adults who have never received the vaccine. 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 KOIN.com. X/@AngryCitizenxx A subway passenger in New York City has been left critically injured after a stranger shoved him into the path of an oncoming train. The 45-year-old man was standing on the platform, apparently looking at his phone, when he was suddenly pushed onto the tracks by a 23-year-old named as Kamel Hawkins. He fell underneath the approaching train but miraculously survived. As firefighters pulled him from between subway carriages, a bystander shouted: Hes alive, hes alive. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The terrifying incident was captured by security cameras on Tuesday afternoon, as the city was preparing to celebrate New Years Eve. The motive for the attack, which happened at the citys 18th Street subway station, was not known. Hawkins has been charged with attempted murder and second-degree assault. He has a substantial criminal record, US media reported. He was charged with assault in 2019 after attacking a police officer, and was also charged with assault and weapons possession in October last year. Emergency crews were seen attending to the victim following the attack on Tuesday afternoon - X The possibility of being pushed onto the tracks is a long-running nightmare for many New Yorkers. While it occurs rarely compared to the millions of rides each day, a push as recently as March killed a person in East Harlem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such attacks have happened elsewhere as well: a woman died after being shoved into a San Francisco commuter train this summer. Tuesdays attack also follows a recent spate of violence and random attacks on New York subways, which carried more than a billion passengers in 2024. High-profile incidents include a woman being set on fire by a stranger while she was asleep on a train on Dec 22. The victim, named as Debrina Kawam from New Jersey, died of her injuries following the attack in Brooklyn. The 57-year-old had previously worked at the pharmaceutical giant Merck from 2000 until 2002, but her life subsequently took a downward turn and she had been living in a homeless shelter after moving to the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sebastian Zapeta, 33, has been charged with murder and arson over her death. He allegedly fanned the flames with a shirt, engulfing her in the blaze, before sitting on a platform bench and watching as she burned. Initially thinking he was a bystander, footage showed police ushering Zapeta away from the scene as he watched the woman burn from the platform. Zapeta, who is originally from Guatemala, was later arrested and is due to appear in court on Jan 7. A suspect was led from the scene by police after the man was pushed onto the tracks Identifying the victim proved to be a challenge. It took police until Dec 31 to identify Ms Kawam due to the nature of her death. Ms Kawam had worked at the pharmaceutical giant Merck from 2000 until 2002, but her life at some point took a rocky turn. She had briefly been in a New York homeless shelter after moving to the city recently, the Department of Social Services said. It did not say when. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police had an address for Ms Kawam in Toms River, a community on the Jersey Shore, and authorities said they notified her family about her Dec 22 death. Hearts go out to the family a horrific incident to have to live through, Eric Adams, the mayor of New York, said at an unrelated news briefing. Two days later, on Christmas Eve, a man attacked two people with a knife in Manhattans Grand Central subway station. The victims both survived, while the man was arrested on assault and other charges, authorities said. At a press conference on Tuesday morning, hours before the latest attack, Mr Adams insisted: Crime is not surging in the subway system. You know, we have some high-profile incidents, and were really disturbed about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said overall subway crime was low. However, concerns over crime prompted authorities to deploy more than 1,000 members of the National Guard to patrol the transit system during the holiday season. The recent spate of attacks also prompted the Guardian Angels, a group of anti-crime volunteers, to begin patrolling the subway system for the first time since 2020. The non-profit organisation was founded in 1979 to deal with a surge in crime in the city. 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. NEW YORK -- An estimated 1 million people packed Times Square to watch the New Year's Eve 2025 ball drop Tuesday night. New Year's Eve ball drop live stream A Times Square Alliance live feed kicked off the coverage from the Crossroads of the World at 6 p.m. and stayed up as the clock struck midnight. CBS News New York also had live shots from the ball drop countdown starting at 10:30 p.m., and our Lonnie Quinn was in Times Square as part of "Nashville's Big Bash" on CBS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you missed the celebration, you can watch a replay of the live stream in the video player below. When and where to watch the ball drop in Times Square Viewing areas opened at 3 p.m. Tuesday. Entry was first-come, first-served at checkpoints located at 49th, 52nd and 56th streets on Sixth and Eighth avenues. Organizers said the best views would be along Broadway from 43rd to 50th streets, and Seventh Avenue as far north as 59th Street. The show officially started at 6 p.m. when the iconic ball was hoisted into place atop One Times Square. The evening featured live performances from Carrie Underwood, the Jonas Brothers, Mark Ambor, Mickey Guyton, Rita Ora, TLC and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 11:59 p.m., the 60-second countdown began and the confetti started to fly. At the stroke of midnight, the lights on the ball were flipped off, and the "2025" numerals came to life. The show wrapped up at 12:15 a.m., when the cleanup effort began. The Sanitation Department said 300 employees used brooms, backpack blowers and collection trucks to remove more than 50 tons of trash, sweeping up piles of soggy confetti, party favors and other debris. Here's our full guide for what to know about getting around the city. Pouring rain doesn't keep spectators from Times Square on New Year's Eve Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spectators began lining up before dawn, including one group of friends who flew in from Tokyo. Some packed blankets, ponchos and handwarmers, while others had snacks -- even a rotisserie chicken. "I'm geeked out about it. I'm really excited to be here. I've never done it. I've always wanted to do it since I was a kid, so here I am," Los Angeles resident Shauntay Sheppard said. "We're really excited. We waited for this trip for months because we really want to see what people talk about when you tell about, you know, New Year's Eve in New York," said Elisa Corliano, an Italian tourist. "I come for the first time here to see. That it was my dream for one year, I just planned to come. I didn't expected to be so organized, and I am happy for that ... [I'm feeling] very safe. I want to dance tonight," said Carmen Hutuleac, a Romanian tourist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even the pouring rain couldn't dampen the spirits of the crowd. "It was one of those things that we decided it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Florida resident Rita Civil said. "Lifetime experience. Never again. But I'm glad I did it so I can be proud to see how crazy I am with my friend and my family," Upper West Side resident Samuel Do said. Security for New Year's Eve in NYC The New York City Police Department said it had a "tremendous" amount of police resources around Times Square and beyond, as the city prepared for the world famous New Year's Eve ball drop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department said while there was no credible threat, it was operating in what it called a "heightened threat environment" to ensure the night goes off without a hitch. "We're going to have plain clothes officers, as well as uniformed officers who are going to be doing persistent sweeps. We have our drones helping out with the aerial perspective and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear detection and mitigation capabilities. Counter drones, heavy weapons teams, K-9s, you name it," NYPD Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner said. Meanwhile, despite the rain in the forecast, those heading to Times Square were not allowed to bring umbrellas, backpacks or large bags past security checkpoints. Suspected driver who slammed truck into New Orleans crowd is dead, sources say What's known about possible explosives, suspect after truck slams into New Orleans crowd Truck plows into Bourbon Street crowd in New Orleans, at least 10 dead | Special Report COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSAV) WaterSC members are asking for residents to attend listening session and provide input about the management of water resources in South Carolina. Water SC was established on Sept. 24 by Governor Henry McMaster with an executive order. The S.C. Governors office said in September that WaterSC will work with state agencies and stakeholders to develop a state water plan that will balance South Carolinas economic and environmental interests. The governors September order directed WaterSC to assist and advise SCDES in developing a comprehensive water resources policy so that the agency may issue an updated State Water Plan on or before December 31, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The session will take place at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, at the Phillips Market Center which is located at 117 Ballard Ct. in West Columbia. There will be an open house starting at 4 p.m. and the public comment portion will begin at 6 p.m. Residents can submit questions or comments to the WaterSC Resources Working Group by emailing WaterSC@des.sc.gov or completing their online form. 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. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) 366 days, thousands of articles, and millions of clicks later: 2024 has wrapped up for us at WCIA. 2024 was filled with countless news stories of all sorts from rescued animals to protests on college campuses and courtroom trials to new government programs affecting the region. Before the New Year kicks off, WCIA wanted to share some of the most read stories we reported on from the past year. Here are the most popular 10 articles according to our data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WCIA.com Wrapped: Our most viral stories in 2023 Most read WCIA articles in 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 WCIA.com. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) So many of our stories over the year had videos from breaking news to investigative pieces to stories featuring Central Illinois. Which video clips were the most popular? Here are the most watched videos on WCIA.com in 2024. WCIA.com 2024 Wrapped: the most popular articles 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 WCIA.com. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) condemned what it described as "colonial and apartheid" actions by authorities in Kalat after an FIR was registered against the family of Akhtar Shah, an enforced disappearance victim, and regional BYC members. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1874037890771997031 The FIR, filed by the SHO of City Police Station Kalat, accuses "unknown people" of blocking the N-25 Quetta-Karachi Road. BYC claimed the FIR is illegal and misrepresents Akhtar Shah's family, who have been protesting for his safe release. Akhtar Shah's family has repeatedly held protest sit-ins to demand justice, following his disappearance alongside his father. While Shah's father was later released, Shah remains missing. According to BYC, these peaceful protests have been met with contradictory responses from authorities. BYC stated, "The hypocrisy of the Police and Administration is at its peak as on one side they falsely ensure the families that their loved ones would be released while on the other they use violence, harassment and intimidation against them." A month earlier, when Shah's family blocked the N-25, senior officials, including the Commissioner of Kalat and heads of police, reportedly assured the family that Shah would be released within five days. However, those assurances were not fulfilled. BYC accused the same officials of escalating the situation by filing vague FIRs against the victim's family and BYC members. The committee described the move as "apartheid combined with genocide of the Baloch." The BYC further alleged that authorities have historically exploited legal systems as tools to oppress the Baloch. "The law has always been used as a tool against the Baloch," the group stated, calling these actions a continuation of systemic discrimination aimed at suppressing dissent and resistance. In its statement, BYC strongly condemned these acts, asserting, "Such acts only reflect the illegitimacy and violence of the State and would never be able to deter the national resistance of the Baloch." (ANI) JOHNSTOWN, Pa. Winter weather advisories were issued Tuesday as frigid temperatures are set to move into the Johnstown region over the next several days, with the possibility of several inches of snow by Sunday, according to AccuWeather meteorologists. A winter weather advisory is in place from 4 a.m. Wednesday through 7 a.m. Thursday, with one to six inches of snow possible. A wind advisory will be active from 7 a.m. Wednesday to 1 p.m. Thursday, with gusts up to 55 mph. The wintry conditions stem from cold weather patterns in the West moving through Canada and into the eastern U.S., along with an impact from the polar vortex, AccuWeather long-range meteorologist Alex DaSilva said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cold air comes over the top of that (ridge) and rides it down into the United States, he said. With cold air from the Arctic set to hit the central, southern and eastern states in the coming days, this month could be the coldest January since 2011 for the U.S. as a whole, AccuWeather lead long-range expert Paul Pastelok reported this week. However, DaSilva said, much of the Northeast will be missed by the anomalously cold temperatures. Those will be seen more in the Midwest and southern states. Not to say its not going to be chilly up here in Pennsylvania, he said, but we kind of miss out on the extreme, extreme below-average temperature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday for Johnstown, AccuWeather is forecasting a high temperature of 36 degrees, with a RealFeel of 21 degrees and rain changing to snow throughout the day. DaSilva said the warmer temperatures may cause snow to struggle to stick, causing slippery conditions until later Wednesday. The temperature will drop to around 25 degrees Wednesday evening, and that could bring more snow, DaSilva said, possibly up to three inches by 6 p.m. Thursday. From Friday morning through Saturday night, the region could get three to six inches of snow on top of earlier accumulations, with a chance for more snow at higher elevations. Friday has a predicted high temperature of 26 degrees and a low of 17 degrees, and on Saturday theres a chance for a high of 22 degrees and a low of 16. The RealFeel for Saturday could be in the single digits around 5 degrees, according to AccuWeather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The record coldest day in January for the region is -20 degrees, DaSilva said, with most other daily records between -8 and -10 degrees. Many of the days leading up to Jan. 14 are forecasted to have temperatures below freezing, according to AccuWeather. DaSilva said the coming days temperatures and precipitation predictions arent unusual for Pennsylvania, noting that the average snowfall for Johnstown in January is 23.6 inches. Despite these figures, snowfall in the area has often melted shortly after falling in recent years. The snow expected in the coming days will likely stick around for some time, DaSilva said, especially with a possibly larger storm expected Monday into Tuesday. He said there is a chance for a large snowstorm that day, which AccuWeather is watching closely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snow and ice will arrive across the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic next Monday, an AccuWeather report said. Snow and freezing rain could impact morning commutes on Monday and Tuesday across the mid-Atlantic coast. Mondays forecast for Johnstown features a high of 28 degrees and periods of snow. Early indications are we could see a pretty active first part of the month, DaSilva said. He said he wouldnt be surprised if the region rose above normal snow accumulation averages for January. Welcome to Britain in 2025, where class warfare is alive and well. Thought 1970s-style sixth form politics was finally vanquished with the humiliation of Jeremy Corbyn? Think again. It doesnt take a genius to work out that Labours VAT raid on private education which ridiculously takes effect today, halfway through the school year will only serve to entrench the elitism the party claims it wants to reduce. Despite the perception that each of the 620,000 privately educated schoolchildren in Britain today go to Eton, Harrow or Winchester, the truth is that the majority go to far more modest institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 20pc increase in fees will be hardly noticed by the ultra-wealthy parents, many foreign, but those who were just about managing are being cast out. To Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, this will apparently make them future supporters of the policy. In an interview in the Sunday Times last week she said it was precisely because private school fees were so high that there is such support for our policy among middle-class parents. Err Im not quite so sure about that. Perhaps there is some support for a bit of Eton-bashing in the wealthy enclaves of north and west London, where Left-wing politicians have smugly sent their children to local comprehensives for decades. Lucky them. As you would expect from a Labour government, the majority of the Cabinet represents highly urban constituencies. These areas typically have a good choice of schools and in many ways youd be crazy to pay for education when your local comprehensive, academy or grammar school is highly rated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Would they make the same decision if their families lived in a regional town with a choice between a single underperforming local school or a reasonably priced private one? Sir Keir Starmer lives in and represents Holborn and St Pancras possibly the best-connected constituency in the country where pupils can whizz across the capital on excellent public transport to a wide range of schools. The opposite is true outside London, where parents often have little choice in where to educate their children, and even less now fees will rise by roughly 2,000 a year. Few people would argue against spending more on state education, but the model the Government has chosen really is nonsensical, driven as it is by ideology, not economics, and the perverse effects of a manifesto promise not to raise income tax. In a desperate bid to tease voters away from the Conservatives, Labour promised not to increase income tax by far the biggest revenue raiser for the Treasury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it really wants to raise money from those with the broadest shoulders it would be far more logical to, for instance, introduce another tax band for the very highest earners. But of course that is now impossible without breaking a manifesto pledge. Taxing private school parents to fund state schools (which they are already funding through normal taxation) is completely bone-headed. You could even argue that parents should be given tax breaks, perhaps by allowing school fees to be part of salary sacrifice schemes, given they are freeing up state-funded places. There is a similar argument to be made for people using private healthcare and alleviating strain on the NHS. To rub further salt into the wound the Government claims that the VAT raid is ending a tax break for private schools. Thats clearly disingenuous given they dont receive a penny of public money (unlike in countries including Denmark and Australia). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What comes next? The logical Labour move is for a renewed attack on our 150-odd remaining grammar schools, perhaps the biggest engines of social mobility this country has ever produced. That would truly be a disastrous move but, with this mob, there is no reason to think logic will stop them. 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. TOPEKA (KSNT) 27 News is taking a look back over the past year and some of the most important wildlife and outdoor topics we covered. A lot happened in 2024 in Kansas outdoor spaces, including the return of a large turtle species absent from the state for decades and an investigation into a mysterious grouping of rattlesnakes in the heart of the state. Wildlife researchers, hunters, anglers and biologists helped put these stories together to inform Kansans about all the happenings going on in the states wild spaces. Alligator snapping turtles return Biologists with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) worked to bring this species back into the state this year. Their efforts ended in a success story as the agency returned dozens of the large turtles to their original habitat in the Neosho River. 27 News broke this story in June of 2024 after speaking with Trevor Starks, an aquatic species recovery coordinator with the KDWP, about plans to bring the turtles back to the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where are the best places to go shed hunting in Kansas? Alligator snapping turtles had been absent from the state for more than 30 years, with the last reported sighting being in 1991. However, through the efforts of the KDWP and local landowners, the turtles are expected to become part of Kansas ecosystem once again. Alligator snapping turtles are back in Kansas after a more than 30-year absence. Biologists hope the species reestablishes in the waters of the Neosho River. (Photo Courtesy/Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks) Tarantulas on the march Kansans with a fear of big spiders had to watch their step in the fall of 2024 as large brown tarantulas began crawling their way through the states outdoor areas. While frightening to some, the tarantulas are actually a natural piece of the states plethora of wildlife. Will this legendary Kansas catfish world record ever be beat? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts with Kansas State University such as Insect Zoo Coordinator Kiffnie Holt and Professor of Entomology Raymond Cloyd helped explain the tarantulas presence in the state and why people shouldnt be afraid. You can even find a few specimens to observe safely at the Insect Zoo in Manhattan if you can get over your arachnophobia. Photo of an adult North American Tarantula at K-States Insect Zoo. (Photo Courtesy/Kiffnie Holt) Mystery rattlesnake cluster 27 News spoke with Zoology Collections Manager Jackson Roberts with the Sternberg Museum in October of 2024 about the strange group of western diamondback rattlesnakes gathered at a Kansas state park. He is part of an investigation into how this group of rattlesnakes, separated by many miles from any other established populations of the species, came to call Kanopolis State Park their home. What lakes are stocked with trout in Kansas for the 2024-2025 season? Visitors have found these snakes at the park since the early 1990s but they are considered an oddity as the nearest established populations of the serpents are in the southwest part of the state. Roberts encouraged people who visit the park to stay on marked trails to avoid coming into contact with the venomous snakes. (Photo Courtesy/Getty Images) Controversial fishing trophy 27 News broke the story of how a Kansas angler lost his claim to fame as a state record holder for a prize white crappie in February of 2024. His catch from a lake in Pottawatomie County defeated the previous record holder by only 0.05 pounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is bison hunting allowed in Kansas? A KDWP spokeswoman later told 27 News the agency removed the record and placed it under review by wildlife officials. The KDWP revealed its reasoning for the removal of the record on Feb. 16, 2024, stating that investigators found steel weights inside the fish, invalidating it as a new state record for the white crappie category. (Photo Courtesy/Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An abundance of flying squirrels Adam Ahlers with Kansas State University told 27 News he and other biologists made some surprising discoveries while studying the elusive flying squirrels of Kansas. The joint research effort between the university and the KDWP set to find out where flying squirrels can be found in the state. Can hunters use drones to take wildlife in Kansas? Researchers found southern flying squirrels in areas that are densely populated such as in the Kansas City metro area, along with sparse stands of trees in places near Perry Lake. Biologists captured many of the squirrels and fixed them with radio collars to help continue the research effort. (Photo Courtesy/Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks) For more Kansas Outdoors, 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 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. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) The end of the year is full of lists, and this story is no exception. Here at CIPROUD.COM, we have been keeping tabs on whats been the hot topics on our website as picked by you, the readers and viewers. This year, the writers, producers and anchors have posted hundreds, if not thousands, stories, videos, weather updates, polls and live sporting events. Some detailed horrific crimes. Others were light and fluffy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still others were portraits of locals who made us all, Central Illinois Proud. But the big question, what were the top five stories of the year, based upon the number of clicks? Coming in at No. 5 was a horrific story from September where an infant was found dead after being kept in a hot car for hours. Grayson Luncsford, who was a month old. UPDATE: Baby died after being in a hot car for a long period of time A relative pulled the child out of the vehicle, but he had already died. The cause of death was dehydration and hyperthermia. The baby had been in a pickup truck for hours. His mother, Andrea Luncsford, 26, has been charged with murder for her sons death and is slated for trial in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No. 4 on the list was the news of an indoor pickleball franchise coming to Normal. Announced in February, The Picklr opened this past fall and attracted many who were hooked on the fast-growing sport. The 30,000-square-foot Normal location features several courts, a full pro shop, private event space, unlimited league play and open play. A Utah-based franchise, it was expected that other locations within Central Illinois would open at some point. Solar storms created several chances for central Illinois residents to see the Northern Lights. Normally the privy of people who live farther north, this year had several chances when people could go outside and look up to see the unused beauty. And that was the third-highest clicked story of the year. WMBDs weather team covered this extensively, going into the science behind the Aurora Borealis as well as how to best find them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents got several chances this spring and summer to try their luck. Many used their cell phones to take pictures and post to social media. No. 2 on the list is abrupt closure of four KFC fast-food locations within the state, including Pekin, Peoria and Washington. EYM Chicken Operations and its parent company, Yum, closed several locations a week or so later including in Rockford and Champaign this past summer. Parent-company, Yum, provided the following statement regarding the sudden closures: We can confirm that some KFC locations in the area have closed. The decision to close a restaurant is always difficult for both the franchisee and the brand. We appreciate the patronage of our loyal guests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the top local story on CIPROUD.coms website from 2024 was the news that two dealerships in central Illinois were among others forced to pay $20 million settlement for defrauding customers. Locally, Bloomington Normal Auto Mall, which includes Mercedes-Benz of Bloomington, Lincoln of Normal, Volkswagen of Bloomington Normal, Volvo Cars Normal, Subaru of Bloomington Normal, and Audi Bloomington Normal was named as was Autohaus Motors, which includes Mercedes-Benz of Peoria, Porsche Peoria, Volkswagen of Peoria, and Audi Peoria. Dealerships in Illinois forced to pay $20 million settlement for defrauding customers The settlement comes after Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Federal Trade Commission ordered Leader Automotive Group to pay $20 million in a settlement after defrauding customers buying cars, which will be paid out to the affected buyers. 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 CIProud.com. WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) A West Hartford family is putting out an urgent warning to others after their beloved dog was attacked by coyotes. It happened on Christmas Eve outside their home on Garland Road. We were just screaming and yelling and hoping theyd drop her, said Bruce Bourgoin, of West Hartford. They rushed Piper to VCA Veterinary Specialists of CT, where she received intensive care. Shes now home and making progress, but Piper relies on a feeding tube and has a long road ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were biting her everywhere, but the huge damage is around her neck, said Maggie Bourgoin, of West Hartford. They crushed her esophagus, they crushed her voice box, which is coming back a little bit. West Hartford crews rescue deer from ice The Bourgoin family is encouraging everyone, especially those with small dogs and young children, to be vigilant and take precautions. Theyre also urging people to stop feeding wildlife and are hoping to ask the town for animal-proof garbage cans. If we could get one person to not go through what weve gone through, it would be worth it, Bruce Bourgoin said. Its terrible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection recommends: Never allow pets to run free Do not feed coyotes or leave out food Walk dogs on a leash Attempt to frighten away coyotes As Pipers recovery continues, the family thanked their community for the outpouring of support, with many rallying around them and donating money to help cover costs. There are so many people that have such a good heart, Maggie Bourgoin said. Her husband, Bruce, added, Without that support and the VCA being here, we dont know where wed 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 WTNH.com. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Some West Michigan families celebrated the arrival of 2025 with the arrival of a new baby. Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids said its first baby of the new year was Daevon Jr., who came in to the world at 12:11 a.m. Wednesday. The first child born to parents ArNaja and Daevon, he weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces. He was just about on time: His due date was Dec. 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Michigan welcomes 2025 with ball drops, fireworks As is tradition, Butterworth labor and delivery staff put together a basket of donations for the first baby of the year, including clothes, toys and pacifiers. A basket of donations for the first baby of 2025 born at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. (Courtesy Corewell Health) Corewell says Butterworth delivers more babies than any other hospital in Michigan about 8,000 annually and enough each day to fill out a single kindergarten class. Holland Hospital said its first baby born at the Boven Birth Center in 2025 was Cohen at 2:19 a.m., weighing 9 pounds, 5 ounces measuring 21.75 inches. He is is the third child and third son of parents Courtney and Mitch. Baby Cohen and parents Mitch and Courtney. (Courtesy Holland Hospital) (The family is) so glad he entered the world safely, Holland Hospital wrote in a release. Join us in congratulating this family on their precious bundle! 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 WOODTV.com. (WETM) With the new year approaching, 2024 was another year of historic events: the total solar eclipse, the Summer Olympic Games, the 2024 Presidential Election, and so much more. While these stories captivated readers across the country and worldwide, readers in the Twin Tiers were interested in an array of local topics, some of which went international themselves. 18 Newss readers were once again interested in weather, crime, fires and crashes, among other things. Here is a list of some of the top-read articles on the website according to viewer count. Biggest ongoing story: Peanut the Squirrel Peanut the Squirrel was an internet sensation who lived with his owners for seven years before he was euthanized in October to be tested for rabies. The squirrel was seized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation due to several online complaints that the squirrel was being kept as a pet and around at least one raccoon, a rabies vector species. The seizing of Peanut from his Pine City home was met with outrage worldwide and was seen by many as government overreach. Mark Longo and his wife have sued the state for the damages caused by the squirrels death. The Elmira community came together to try to find an 11-year-old boy named Aiden who went missing at the end of July. Police found Aiden safe a few days after he went missing thanks to information from community members. 18 Newss story asking the public for help finding Aiden was shared on Facebook more than 11,000 times, and the updated version of the story announcing he was okay was shared more than 1,000 times. While all of WETMs stories about Peanut the squirrel were very popular, people were most interested in finding out the results of the squirrels rabies test. The Chemung County officials announced on Nov. 12, about two weeks after Peanut and Fred the squirrel were seized from the Longos home, that both of the animals had tested negative for rabies. During the spring, a group of hikers were rescued from the Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail after they became trapped on the trail due to a landslide. Two groups of first responders were sent to save the group of hikers who were found and removed from the area safely. Thankfully, no one else had to be rescued from the trails due to this incident. On Friday, March 29, 2024, Chemung County Sheriffs Investigator Mike Theetge was involved in a hit-and-run incident that left him in critical condition while conducting shoplifting enforcement in the Target parking lot in Big Flats. The two people who were involved in the shoplifting incident were later indicted on felony charges. Theetge was taken out of intensive care and transported to a rehab center in Rochester in April. He was officially released from in-patient care on May 15. Three people died in an early-morning crash back in April after losing control and hitting two parked vehicles. The crash happened back on April 23 around 2:39 a.m. on Riverside Drive in Athens Township. Witnesses in the area blamed the crash on a large dip in the road the vehicle was traveling on. They said when the car hit the dip it lost control and hit the two parked vehicles. Transportation crews put signs out warning motorists of the divot with the road being fixed back in May. Tropical Storm Debby made a lasting impact on the Twin Tiers when its remnants hit parts of Steuben County, New York, and Tioga County, Pennsylvania, in early August. In the case of this particular story that caught our readers attention, many areas in Steuben County were issued evacuation orders after flood waters accumulated from the storm quickly began to rise. This flooding caused major damage to properties throughout the county and had many residents worried for their safety. The evacuation orders for the area were later lifted after water levels began to decrease in area creeks and rivers. In March of this year, readers were interested to read about a theft that occurred in Bradford County where dozens of items were stolen from a home, including three ATVs. The theft happened in February at a home on Cash Creek Road in Ulster Township and left the victims with an estimated $1,625 worth of items missing. Pennsylvania State Police asked the community for help gathering information about the incident, but 18 News never saw a follow-up. History buffs of the Twin Tiers were interested to hear that a piece of World War II history had been found during the renovation of the City Hall clock tower. At the time of renovation, crews working on the structure discovered an air raid siren that had been installed in the tower after the Elmira area became a possible target for bombing raids. The Elmira City Council later voted to donate the siren to the Chemung County Historical Society. Another story that caught our audiences attention was when New York State Police issued a statement about multiple surveillance devices being found outside of several homes at a housing development in Horseheads. Police said that most of the devices were found outside of local Asian American business owners homes and that one of the homes was even burglarized. It is unknown if police ever discovered the source of the incident. Our most viewed stories list ends on a tragic note with a fatal crash that happened just recently. On Friday, Dec. 20, three people were killed and another two were injured after a two-vehicle head-on crash in the town of Barton. One victim was local to the area while the other four were residents of the Bronx. Three of the victims were taken to Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre to be treated for their injuries, one of which died at the hospital. The other two victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The names of the victims were released by New York State Police on Dec. 27. 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. Conemaugh Health System saw significant improvement in its ability to retain nurses in 2024 compared to past years, officials said Monday. The health system held its annual public meeting at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, which has the highest level of accreditation possible for a trauma center. Rodney Reider, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center CEO and Conemaugh Health System market president, presented updates on financial health, staffing, infrastructure improvements and new programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conemaughs nursing program had 33 graduates in the class of 2024, and a majority, 31, accepted jobs within Conemaugh Health System. Nurse retention has also significantly improved over previous years, Reider said. Following national trends, nearly 50% of Conemaughs nurses were leaving in 2022, he said. That rate decreased to 24% in 2023. And in 2024, less than 13% of Conemaughs nurses left for other jobs. It was higher in the past in some respects because people wanted to go out and work as a travel nurse you make a lot of money in the short term, Reider said. But the key is, weve got momentum now because people want to work here. Some of the nurses who had left for travel nursing have been our best proponents for why this is the place to work. Theyve been other places; they know how good it is to work here, and theyve been able to share that with our team. And that has helped our stability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reider shared other key performance indicators for the hospital. Emergency room wait times have been reduced to four minutes for triage and 23 minutes to see a provider, he said. This demonstrates our commitment to providing prompt care, he said. The hospital is steadily returning to its pre-COVID-19 capacity with more than 315 beds available across various departments, he said, and it has reduced patient waits for a bed in the appropriate department by 47% compared to January 2022. The hospital has invested in facilities by renovating the emergency room and patient care units and adding more robotic equipment, including a third daVinci 5 robot in October. The robot provides precise accuracy and eliminates the possibility of any shaking that might occur from a human hand during surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several physicians have also accepted positions within the system after completing residencies in the past year. They include four emergency medicine doctors, one family medicine doctor, one internal medicine doctor and one general surgery physician. The hospital has also recruited physicians outside its residency program for multiple specialty fields including cardiology, neurology, orthopedics and obstetrics-gynecology. There are 350 doctors across Conemaugh Health System, Reider said. He said that recruiting physicians is crucial to staving off shortages projected to impact hospitals nationally. By 2034, the U.S. is predicted to face a shortage of more than 120,000 physicians. In Pennsylvania, 34% of doctors are within retirement age, according to statistics Reider shared. Despite national challenges, Conemaugh Health System has taken proactive steps to recruit and retain talent and ensure we continue to provide excellent care, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the financial side, the health system delivered $24 million in free health services to those in need and has contributed to the local economy with $224 million in wages, benefits and salaries in the past year, he said. Attendees also had an opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts regarding the hospitals future direction. The meeting was attended by a few members of the public, including Mark Pasquerilla and Craig Saylor. Craig and I are board members of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, and we are here to support Conemaugh. ... You are our leading employer in Cambria County, Pasquerilla said. We really appreciate what your staff does for the community. Pasquerilla and Saylor said they have both had family members treated at the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think Conemaugh is very important and we need to support you, your staff and all your employees, Pasquerilla said. Cambria County Commissioner Thomas Chernisky commented on Conemaughs importance to Johnstown, as well as other communities where the health system operates smaller hospitals. You have a great footprint in Cambria County, from my experience, Chernisky said. You have been a great partner not just for the city of Johnstown, but for Cambria County. When we talk to employers about expanding in Cambria County, the three things they bring up is public transportation, outdoor recreation, and that we have the only level 1 trauma center between Pittsburgh and Hershey. Businesses who want to stay here and grow here bring that up. A groundbreaking study has revealed that right whales can live for more than 130 years, nearly double the previous lifespan estimates. This finding raises crucial questions about the conservation methods needed to protect and recover these vulnerable species. The research team, collaborating with Indigenous subsistence hunters in Utqiagvik, utilized chemical analyses of harvested bowhead whales to support their findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The analysis indicates that bowhead whales can live for over 200 years. Remarkably, hunters have even recovered harpoon tips dating back to the 19th century from bowheads still caught in modern fishing practices. Doubling previous estimates Right whales, closely related to bowheads, may exhibit similar longevity despite significant differences in population status and environmental pressures. Like their bowhead cousins, right whales are filter feeders equipped with baleen, and they migrate seasonally, primarily for calving. Historically, they were dubbed the right whales to hunt due to their high blubber content, which allowed them to float when killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study examined nearly four decades of data amassed through photo identification programs focused on two right whale species: the Southern right whale, which inhabits southern oceans, and the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, found along the Atlantic coast of North America. Researchers constructed survivorship curvesgraphs that illustrate age-specific survival ratessimilar to those used by actuaries for human life expectancy calculations. The results revealed stunning insights: Southern right whales, once thought to have an average lifespan of only 70 to 80 years, can live beyond 130 years, with some individuals likely reaching 150. In stark contrast, the North Atlantic right whale, facing severe threats from human interactions like entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes, boasts an average lifespan of 22 years, with few surviving past 50. Whale world Greg Breed, an associate professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the study's lead author, emphasizes that the reduced lifespan of North Atlantic right whales is not due to intrinsic biological differences but rather the result of intense human impacts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their life expectancy should be much longer, Breed remarked. They are frequently entangled in fishing gear, struck by ships, and experience starvation, often linked to environmental changes that remain poorly understood. Breed pointed out that before 1955, there was limited knowledge regarding how to age baleen whales effectively. Consequently, scientists made significant errors in estimating their lifespans, concluding they did not live as long as they did. The implications of this study are profound for conservation strategies aimed at preserving whale populations. To foster healthy populations that include older individuals, recovery could take hundreds of years, Breed stated. "For species that can live to 100 or more but produce surviving calves only every decade, slow recovery is to be expected." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, Breed underlined the importance of cultural knowledge within whale populations, which is critical for survival. Recovery is not just about biomass or population numbers; it involves the knowledge that these animals pass to the next generation, he explained. Older whales impart essential survival skills, while younger ones learn through observation and imitation. The loss of older individuals disrupts this vital knowledge transfer, harming the survival prospects of younger whales. Breed and his team plan to expand their research to other whale populations, seeking to understand if species currently believed to live around 80 years might also exhibit much longer lifespans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They aim to assess how historical whaling has influenced the number of older whales in current populations and predict when these numbers might rebound to pre-whaling levels. As our understanding of cetacean biology deepens, it calls for urgent action to protect these majestic marine mammals and ensure a sustainable future for their populations. A fascinating new exhibition in Kathmandu is leaving visitors awestruck as they marvel at miniature artworks inside glass bottles. Hosted by the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, the one-week exhibition features 45 exhibits showcasing miniatures of famous Nepalese landmarks. Among the works displayed are replicas of Pashupatinath Temple, the Narayanhiti Royal Palace, Singhadurbar, and other iconic sites, all intricately designed and contained within the narrow neck of glass bottles. The art collection has captured the attention of many, with visitors expressing astonishment at how such detailed miniatures could fit inside a bottle. "The arts kept on display here are mostly of the famous (landmarks) and prioritised places, temples, and architecture. All the artworks are exceptional and upon taking a look, one can feel the connection as it would resemble the structures that are seen around. These kinds of intricate-complicated art, which is made inside the glass bottles, has left the impression that it is truly exceptional," Spand Thapa Magar, a visitor at the exhibition, told ANI. The exhibition has become a topic of intrigue for those who wonder how the artist managed to create such fine details within the limited space of the bottles. Artist Bibhusan Nabin Tamrakar, who has been creating these works for years, has gained recognition for his exceptional skill. "Miniature arts are kept inside the glass bottles has left me amused and pondering about how it has been done. It indeed has left the question about how it is done as it needs to be perfect and very hard to perform. It is something new and different form of art I have been seeing around," Manish Aryal, another visitor said. Tamrakar has used various discarded materials, including cardboard boxes, old books, newspapers, and glass bottles, to craft his miniature works. The raw materials are sourced locally, and in many cases, they are procured from scrap dealers. The artist's use of these materials highlights the potential for reusing everyday objects, transforming them into intricate works of art. While the exhibition has received widespread attention for its artistic innovation, it also carries an underlying message about sustainability and the creative potential of repurposing discarded items. As the exhibition draws to a close, visitors continue to express their amazement, reflecting on both the skill involved and the environmental message behind the art. (ANI) The first time Donald Trump got elected, Hollie Davis took to the streets. The day after Trumps 2017 inauguration, Davis brought her son, then 7, to the St. Petersburg Womens March. They were part of a crowd that swelled to 20,000 strong, at the time by far the largest protest in the history of the city. Although not strictly partisan, the event was a reaction to Trumps presidency. Protesters waved signs such as Trump: racist and rapist, and politicians called for voters to become more involved in every level of government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight years later, American voters have picked Trump again. This time, there dont appear to be any local 20,000-person marches in the works. And Davis, instead of looking to march, is planning to move out of the country. We felt like we could achieve something the first time around, Davis said. I think its clear now. You just throw your hands in the air. Its lost. Trump critics in Florida where the president-elect won 56% of the vote are feeling a range of emotions from despondence to determination. But the vibes around Trumps re-ascendancy are decidedly different than they were in 2016, both in Florida and around the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amy Weintraub, who helped plan the St. Petersburg Womens March in 2017, said there isnt as much appetite for protest this time around. Instead, activists are taking a step back to better understand the nature of the political moment. Weintraub retired this year from the organizing group Progress Florida. She said progressives, who have worked to defeat Trump, are trying to see the challenge before them with clear eyes. We have faced it before and so the second time is not as jarring, Weintraub said. Even though for many of us the first Trump administration was awful and nightmarish, we did survive. Back in 2016, 2017, we werent sure about that. Polls show that Americans are more supportive of Trump and his policies than ever. According to the polling aggregation site RealClearPolitics, Trumps disapproval rating was always higher than his approval rating in his first term. Earlier this month, for the first time ever, he turned that on its head. Voters are now just as likely to say they approve of him as not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his first election, Trump encountered significant resistance to his rise not only from Democrats but from within his own party, with some worried he posed an urgent threat to the country. Now, Trumps swaggering brand of politics is an accepted and even beloved by some reality of American life. Athletes impersonate his dance moves and the most popular podcasters on Earth sing his praises. In December, Trump rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange while the crowd chanted, USA! The president-elect has his pick of Florida politicians Republican and even reportedly at least one Democrat for his Cabinet. To some on the anti-Trump side of the American political divide, the president-elects widespread acceptance only adds to the urgency of his opposition. The type of reflection and focus that were doing right now as movement leaders is really, really important, Weintraub said. Its important for us not to just react for reactions sake and do protests for protests sake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarah Henry, a Democrat who narrowly lost her race for a Seminole County-area state House seat in November, said shes seeing her activist colleagues carefully consider what it would take to resist Trumps policies. Instead of pulling permits for massive urban demonstrations, theyre trying to get their community ready for Trumps agenda particularly mass deportations of people in the country illegally, she said. I dont know that I would say in our communities right now that it is a sense of resignation, Henry said. I think its more like trying to be thoughtful about how we will act before Jan. 20 and beyond. The Netflix docuseries "American Nightmare" focused on the harrowing kidnapping of Denise Huskins, during which she was abducted from her California residence in front of her boyfriend Aaron Quinn in 2015 and held for two days before she was released. Authorities later arrested Matthew Muller on robbery and assault charges in 2015, suspecting him to be behind the abduction plot. Muller, a 2006 graduate of Harvard University and a U.S. Marine from 1995 to 1999, was once a practicing immigration attorney in San Francisco, according to an FBI arrest warrant obtained by NBC Bay Area. Muller, 47, has since been disbarred, according to the California State Bar. On Monday, Dec. 30, the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office announced in a news release that Muller has been charged in two 2009 home invasion sexual assault cases that occurred in Mountain View and Palo Alto, California. The district attorney's office said in a statement that "advances in forensic DNA testing" helped the attorney's office connect Muller to the crimes. Muller, who is currently in prison, is now being charged with two felony counts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what to know about Mullers crimes and where he is serving his 40-year prison sentence for kidnapping Huskins. American Nightmare. Matthew Muller in American Nightmare. How did Matthew Muller kidnap Denise Huskins? Muller broke into Huskins and Quinns home on Mare Island in Vallejo, California, between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. on March 23, 2015, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of California. He used a stun gun and a simulated gun with a laser attached to order the victims to the ground, where he bound and blindfolded them with blackened swim goggles, before forcing them to drink sedative, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Muller also played a prerecorded message indicating that not following the commands would lead to physical punishment or electric shock. He then put Huskins into the trunk of his vehicle, which he drove to his residence in South Lake Tahoe, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Huskins said Muller forced her to have sex with him twice, which he videotaped, while she was held in captivity at the cabin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During this time, he also sent two emails to Quinn, demanding a ransom of $17,000. Muller released Huskins in Huntington Beach on March 25, 2015, with no ransom ever being paid, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. While Huskins was missing, a Vallejo Police Department detective questioned Quinn for hours, at times suggesting Quinn was involved with Huskins disappearance, according to video footage of the interrogation aired in American Nightmare. The day Huskins was released, the department said in a statement investigators had found no evidence of a kidnapping and accused Huskins and Quinn of faking the abduction. Aaron Quinn and Denise Huskins in "American Nightmare." There is no evidence to support the claims that this was a stranger abduction or an abduction at all, Vallejo police said in the statement. Given the facts that have been presented thus far, this event appears to be an orchestrated event and not a kidnapping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vallejo Police Department did not respond to a request for comment from TODAY.com. When was Matthew Muller arrested? Quinn and Huskins case remained unsolved until the Dublin Police Services of the Alameda County Sheriffs Department arrested Muller on charges from a separate home invasion case on June 8, 2015, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. In the Dublin home invasion, a couple had been tied up while Muller attempted to abduct their daughter. Investigators found a cellphone they later traced to Muller, according to authorities. Dublin police searched Mullers South Lake Tahoe cabin and located evidence related to Huskins abduction, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. The FBI then searched the cabin, two other residences, a vehicle and a storage locker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FBI analysis of Mullers computers found a sound recording consistent with the instructions given to Mr. Quinn and Ms. Huskins, as well as video recordings of Muller sexually assaulting Huskins, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Muller pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping in September 2015 in Huskins and Quinns case, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Muller in 2022 pleaded no contest to two counts of forcible rape in California in Huskins case, according to the District Attorneys office. He also pleaded guilty to state charges of robbery of an inhabited dwelling, residential burglary and false imprisonment. When was Matthew Muller sentenced? U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley sentenced Muller to 40 years in prison for Huskins kidnapping in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sentence imposed today reflects the egregiousness of Mullers conduct in this case. Muller had advantages in life that most people only dream of, yet he used his considerable intelligence to plan and execute the physical assault and psychological torture of two innocent strangers, Nunley said during the sentencing hearing. It is difficult to imagine the level of suffering that Muller inflicted on his victims, Nunley continued. The sentence handed down today takes into account that suffering and strives to ensure that Muller will never again commit such crimes. Mullers defense attorney Thomas Johnson declined to comment to the Associated Press after the sentencing hearing, where he argued for a 30-year sentence, as his client had been diagnosed as manic and depressive and could be rehabilitated with proper treatment. (The 2015 FBI arrest affidavit stated Muller told authorities that he suffered from Gulf War Illness and was bipolar.) In 2022, Muller was sentenced to 31 years in prison after he pleaded no contest to two counts of forcible rape and guilty to three other charges in Solano County Superior Court. His state sentence will be served concurrently with the federal sentence. Where is Matthew Muller now? Muller is serving his prison sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, Arizona, according to the Bureau of Prisons. His release date is scheduled for July 8, 2049, per the Bureau of Prisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He gave a jailhouse interview to NBC Bay Area in 2018. Muller said he was married and also said he was not guilty. He said he pleaded guilty to the federal kidnapping charge in 2015 because he felt sorry for the couple. I dont think theres any excuse for the way the Vallejo Police Department handled it, he said. Thats why I thought it was worth it to take a dive and made sure they achieved justice for that wrongful accusation. He also said his guilty plea had to do with a "severe depression" he fell into while in the Sacramento jail. "I didnt care what happened to me, he said. Now, Muller is also facing two felony counts for sexual assaults during two home invasions in 2009. He was arraigned on Monday, Dec. 30 and faces life in prison if convicted, the Santa Clara County District Attorneys Office confirmed in a statement. 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 in a news release about Muller's latest charges. "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." According to the district attorney's office, Muller allegedly broke into a woman's home in Mountain View, California, in the early hours of the morning of Sept. 29, 2009. He allegedly attacked her, bound her and forced her to drink a mixture of medications. He also threatened to rape her. "After the victim, in her 30s, persuaded him against it, he suggested the victim get a dog, then fled," the district attorney's office said. A few weeks later, on Oct. 18, 2009, Muller then allegedly broke into another home in Palo Alto, California. There, he tied and gagged a woman also in her 30's and forced her to drink Nyquil. He then allegedly started assaulting her before the victim persuaded him to stop. He gave her crime prevention advice and left. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district attorney's office said both cases were investigated at the time but not solved. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Washington's duplicity in its China policy and the looming chaos in American politics could push Sino-American ties into high-risk territory during Donald Trump's second stint in the White House, a Chinese foreign policy expert has warned. Although US-China ties are entering a high-risk period, Beijing will remain hopeful about "win-win cooperation" and peaceful coexistence, according to Shen Yamei, director of the Institute of American Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, a government-linked think tank in Beijing. In a commentary last week, Shen spoke highly of the US-China detente following an eventful year, especially amid concerns among China watchers that Washington might cause China-US relations to deteriorate during the election year. 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. "However, the contradiction between China and the United States is structural, while the stability currently restored to the relationship is not," she wrote in the biweekly journal World Affairs, which is published by a press controlled by the Chinese foreign ministry. "As the US locks in its strategy of great power competition, China-US ties still face enormous challenges." She credited outgoing US President Joe Biden's administration for adjusting its tactics from "intense competition" to "managing competition", which helped stabilise ties by reopening "more than 20 communication mechanisms". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Washington's focus on countering China by promoting its Indo-Pacific strategy and forging ideological, economic and technological alliances clearly aimed at Beijing have laid bare its containment strategy, according to Shen. "The US has used selective cooperation in 'low politics' fields like the humanities and climate change to manage competition in 'high politics' areas like the economy, technology and geopolitics," Shen said. At the same time, Washington had used "verbal statements on the Taiwan issue to manage tensions caused by escalating US-Taiwan collusion, essentially using competition and confrontation as real moves, and management and cooperation as superficial moves", she added. "This duplicity and utilitarianism in its China policy have been strengthened," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shen went on to blame Washington for its failure to "clarify the nature, goals, content, boundaries, and endgame of its competition strategy with China" and for its frequent "contradictory" messages, which she said prompted questions and doubts about its China policy. With Trump's imminent return to the White House, she said the biggest uncertainty in future bilateral relations would stem from US domestic politics. "American politics is undergoing profound changes. Deep-seated conflicts such as economic inequality, racial conflicts, and culture wars are becoming more acute, and social trends are becoming more conservative," she said. "Diplomatically, the new Trump administration will put more emphasis on 'America first' and be more unilateral and economically nationalistic ... which may push Sino-US relations into a new high-risk period." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite anticipating bumpy ties ahead, Shen said China would take a long-term view of bilateral relations, improving its own strength while "adhering to win-win cooperation" with the US, rather than playing zero-sum games and taking a lead role in global governance. Following Trump's election victory last month, Chinese scholars and officials were generally pessimistic about the future of Sino-American ties despite stabilisation earlier this year. China's top diplomat Wang Yi last week called on the incoming Trump administration to "make the right choice and work with China in the same direction to avoid disruptions" amid what he described as "a world of turbulence and conflicts". Chinese President Xi Jinping also delivered a message for Trump during a meeting with Biden in Lima, Peru last month, just days after the US presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "China is ready to engage in dialogue, expand cooperation, and manage differences with the US so as to sustain the hard-won momentum towards stability" in bilateral ties, Xi said. Pang Zhongying, chair professor in international political economy at Sichuan University in Chengdu, said an inadequate understanding of American politics may hamper Beijing's efforts to seek better ties with the Trump administration. "It is unfortunate but true that most of us do not understand American politics well enough to grasp Trump's rise and his return," he said. Although Beijing has had some experience dealing with the first Trump administration and has closely followed his return to power, it remained unclear if this would put China in a better position to cope with the imminent challenges, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. WINNEBAGO, Neb. (KCAU) In Winnebago, Nebraska on Tuesday night, residents celebrated the New Year in a unique way. The city held its sobriety powwow, where members of the tribe of all ages came together to celebrate sobriety in the community and in the New Year. Organizers say its been going on for 25 years now. With around 300 people attending, members of the community and surrounding areas gathered, ate a meal together, and enjoyed a dance competition. Officials urge Siouxlanders to drive safe and drive sober while celebrating Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iit has really good vibes for everybody to be a part of, practice our culture and be together, said Felicia Masquat with the Winnebago Public Health Department. You know, alcohol isnt our way, and we as the Winnebago Public Health [Department] do our best to help people stay sober, succeed and bring in the New Year together. Masquat said what she enjoys most about holding this event is knowing the people attending are safe on New Years Eve, making smart choices and starting the year off right. 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. A looming winter storm could bring three or more inches of snow to the Indianapolis area this weekend and into next week. The National Weather Service in Indianapolis says meteorologists are also monitoring potential weather systems that could bring snow to the northern parts of Central Indiana as soon as Thursday. That's in addition to a winter storm slated to impact the area Sunday and Monday, bringing potentially "significant snow" to Indianapolis and surrounding areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're looking at the potential of 3+ inches of snow" in Indianapolis, said NWS Indianapolis meteorologist Aaron Updike. The potential for significant snow exists late Sunday to Monday night as a storm system slowly passes to our south. Mixed or icy precipitation is also possible, especially south of I-70. Stay tuned through the late week for updates regarding this potential hazard. #INwx #nwsind pic.twitter.com/XFFcr9k3W1 NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) January 1, 2025 It's unclear where the greatest impacts will be, according to the NWS. That should become more clear later this week, Updike said. "Right now, there's still a lot of questions with it," Updike said. "We're a little too early in the process to pinpoint specifics on snow totals." Indianapolis is among many cities likely to accumulate snow as part of the "major snowstorm (that) is forecast from a large part of Nebraska to southern and central Ohio and West Virginia," according to Accuweather. Others include St. Louis; Kansas City; Springfield, Illinois; Cincinnati; and Dayton, Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The heavy snow will fall along much of the I-70 corridor in this zone," according to Accuweather. For now, residents should monitor the weather forecast for updates and prepare for potential travel impacts this weekend and into the next week. "We want to make sure we raise that awareness," Updike said. "Know that impact to weather is possible starting Sunday afternoon, continuing to Sunday night and Monday morning. That could impact travel plans over the weekend and that Monday morning commute." Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@indystar.com This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Winter storm could bring significant snow to Indianapolis WOLFE COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) The Wolfe County Sheriffs Office arrested a man after a reported high-speed chase. According to the sheriffs office, on Monday, a vehicle reportedly driven by Keith Castle was seen driving recklessly near the Mountain Parkway and KY Highway 715. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Deputies said Castle was driving at a high speed and passing multiple vehicles while driving in the wrong lane. During the police pursuit, deputies said Castle rapidly hit his brakes, which did not allow the police vehicle enough time to stop. His vehicle slid off the roadway after being crashed into by the police vehicle. Wolfe County Sheriffs Office Read more of the latest Kentucky news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Castle was seen fleeing the vehicle on foot while leaving a woman and three small children in the vehicle, according to deputies. After a brief search, Castle was arrested and is facing a litany of charges, including: Reckless driving Speeding in excess of 26 mph Driving on a DUI suspended license First-degree wanton endangerment (six counts) First-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer (six counts) Endangering the welfare of a minor (three counts) First-degree fleeing or evading a police officer First-degree fleeing or evading a police officer on foot First-degree criminal mischief First-degree unlawful imprisonment (four counts) Second-degree driving under the influence of alcohol/controlled substances Second-degree criminal trespass He was booked into the Three Forks Regional Jail. 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. Dec. 31Officials say a woman died at an Albuquerque hospital last weekend after falling ill while behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center. An attorney told the Journal that other inmates said Violet Denetso had been complaining of stomach pain for days and was getting no help. Her sister said doctors told them Denetso had an infection from a ruptured intestine and died after a trio of heart attacks. The 44-year-old mother of three was pronounced dead Saturday night, 12 hours after being brought to the hospital from MDC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jail announced the death on Tuesday. "The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator will determine the official cause of death," MDC spokesman Daniel Trujillo said in an email. MDC's Office of Professional Standards and the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office are investigating the death. Denetso is the 32nd person to die at MDC or die after being injured or falling ill at the facility since 2020. The majority of those who have died were detoxing at the time. Trujillo did not answer several questions on the allegations made by Denetso's family and attorney Katherine Loewe, who represents incarcerated people in MDC's reform settlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trujillo said, "For MDC's part, the incident is under review by the Office of Professional Standards, as is standard procedure." Loewe said other inmates reported Denetso complained of pain for several days and, somewhere in between, that she was cleared by MDC's medical staff and sent back to her cell. "She continued to ask for help ... and what we've been told is that she was in such distress that she attempted self-harm to get medical help," Loewe said. "If this is accurate in any way, this is tremendously concerning." Trujillo said a medical code was called around 7:15 a.m. on Saturday "after Denetso reported experiencing severe stomach pain." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The inmate was moved to medical housing for direct observation and care," he said. Trujillo said around 10:45 a.m., Denetso was taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where she died 12 hours later. Vivian Denetso Lucero said her sister called from MDC the weekend before Christmas to say she had been jumped in jail. She said Denetso told them she had "excruciating pain" in her stomach, but MDC staff wouldn't see her and thought "she was on drugs." "She was like that for a week and a half before they even took her to the hospital," Denetso Lucero said. Denetso Lucero said doctors told them the intestines may have ruptured from a physical blow. "She was so outspoken, she was full of life. She didn't deserve this at all," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denetso Lucero said her sister, who lived on the streets, spent Thanksgiving with her family and children, making her "specialty" yams and frybread. That was the last time they saw Denetso. "My aunties were the ones that helped me tell the kids that she's not coming home, that she passed. They're really heartbroken," Denetso Lucero said. An Albuquerque officer was "engaged in proactive patrol activities" on Dec. 12 when he spotted Denetso holding drug paraphernalia on East Central, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. Denetso fled on a bike, throwing a spoon with a piece of heroin the size of a "BB pellet" on it. Police said the officer chased Denetso until she fell and scraped her head on the gravel. The officer called paramedics to assess Denetso's injury and she declined needing further treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer called for a police supervisor due to Denetso being injured and Internal Affairs was called to investigate. "Per protocol, I completed a use of force narrative ... documenting the details of the encounter," according to the complaint. Denetso's arrest came as Albuquerque police vowed to tackle open-air drug use along East Central with felony arrests, whereas previously many were cited for a misdemeanor. "In a way, I hope that it puts a little strain on the system," Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina said of the initiative. "I think the system needs to feel a little bit of strain on how we're going to get them the resources they need." Denetso's previous arrest, in August, also came at the hands of a proactive APD patrol. In that case, police sweeping a homeless encampment found Denetso, alleging she had a warrant for her arrest. The case was dismissed a month later, according to court records, because "the complaint and/or citation is unsigned or insufficient." The US government may move forward with the controversial plea agreements involving three men accused of orchestrating the 9/11 attacks, following a ruling by a Defence Department appeals court, the Washington Post reported. The court's unanimous decision, issued on Monday night, rebuked Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, who attempted to block the agreements in August despite their prior approval by a judge overseeing the cases. The plea deals involve Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, and two accomplices, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi. Under the agreements, the men would serve life sentences in exchange for admitting their roles in the al-Qaeda plot that killed 2,977 people. The hijackers crashed the first two planes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, and the third plane into the Pentagon (the headquarters of the American military) in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth plane was intended to hit a federal government building in Washington, DC, but crashed in a field. Austin had argued that the families of 9/11 victims and those affected by the resulting wars deserved to see the men stand trial. However, the appeals court ruled that while Austin could limit future pretrial agreements, he did not have the authority to nullify agreements already approved. The court emphasised that the defendants' admissions of guilt would undermine the possibility of any new trial. A senior defence official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the Defence Department and Justice Department are reviewing the ruling and exploring options. On Tuesday, the US government filed a motion to delay the plea agreements until January 27 to allow officials time to decide whether to pursue further legal action. A motions hearing in Mohammed's case is scheduled for January 6. The appeals court's ruling upholds an earlier determination by Air Force Col. Matthew McCall, a military commission judge, who found in November that the plea deals are valid and that allowing Austin to rescind them afterward would grant him an "absolute veto over any discretionary act" reached by the officer he had appointed to oversee the cases. The Pentagon appealed that ruling within days, setting the stage for the appeals court to act, according to a report by the Washington Post. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was one of the most high-profile terrorists before he was captured from his hideout in Rawalpindi, Pakistan in March 2003 and later sent to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The terrorist has remained in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba ever since. (ANI) ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Odessa Police Department has arrested one person in connection with a crash that happened earlier this month and left one child dead days later. 20-year-old Breanna Pinick has been charged with Intoxication Manslaughter, a second-degree felony, as well as one count of Intoxication Assault Causing Serious Bodily Injury, a third-degree felony. According to OPD, around 8:43 p.m. on December 22, officers responded to the area of Yukon and Grandview Avenue to investigate a crash. Investigators said a grey Dodge Ram, driven by a 25-year-old man, was traveling southbound in the 6100 block of N Grandview when it was struck head-on by a Chevrolet Cruze driven by Pinick, who was driving on the wrong side of the road. Investigators said Pinick was allegedly drunk behind the wheel at the time of the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pinick was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Her passengers, a 15-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy were also taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The five-year-old was later taken to a Lubbock hospital for continued treatment and died on December 30. Upon her release from the hospital, Pinick was arrested and booked into the Ector County Law Enforcement Center. She was also cited for driving without a license and for driving on the wrong side of the road. 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. A Los Angeles man has been arrested for the death of his girlfriend who was thrown from his car during a domestic dispute. Edgar Gutierrez, 34, of Panorama City was charged with murder Tuesday, a day after his girlfriend died at an area hospital from major head trauma. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Gutierrez was involved in an argument with his girlfriend Saturday afternoon in the North Hollywood area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple, who had been together for two years, got into an altercation outside a residence. As Gutierrez got into a nearby car, his girlfriend grabbed onto the vehicle and clung to it as Gutierrez sped away. The suspect accelerated to unsafe speeds and drove through several short residential streets while making violent maneuvers to force the victim from the car, the LAPD stated in a news release Tuesday. The woman was eventually thrown from the car and hit the pavement, suffering fatal injuries. Gutierrez then allegedly drove away from the scene, police said. Gutierrez was later arrested by Burbank police officers the following afternoon and booked at the LAPD Valley Jail in Van Nuys to await charges for attempted murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the victim died from her injuries, leading to those charges being amended to include murder. Hes currently being held on $1 million bail. His next court date has not been set. Anyone with information about the investigation is urged to contact homicide detectives from the Operations Valley Bureau at 818-374- 9550. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 800-222-8477. The victims name has not yet been 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 KTLA. A woman was killed and her husband was seriously injured in a fire in North Jersey on New Years Eve, authorities said. The victim, identified only as a 50-year-old woman, lived with her 66-year-old husband in an apartment in Passaic, according to News 12 Long Island. The 66-year-old man was in critical condition on Wednesday at a local hospital, the Bergen Record reported. Firefighters responded around 9:30 p.m. to the three-alarm fire at an apartment building about 10 miles west of Central Park, according to the Record. Rescuers pulled the woman through a window of the first-floor apartment and rushed her to a hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First responders also pulled the man through the same window, WABC reported. Additionally, three more people suffered minor injuries in the blaze, which was doused by 10:45 p.m. By the time I opened the door it was black, it was scary, I basically thought I was going to die, another resident told News 12. I was just trying to get my mother out, not thinking of grabbing anything but my mother. All 59 residents of the building were evacuated, and the structure remained off limits into Wednesday afternoon, the Record reported. Officials said they were waiting to reset the buildings alarms and restore running water. Five residents were staying at a shelter set up by the Red Cross, Passaic Mayor Hector Lora told the Record. He said that number could increase if the building remains closed. A female prisoner at the Washington Corrections Center for Women, Mozzy Clark-Sanchez, was forced to share a cell with a fully intact biological male and is now suing the Washington State Department of Corrections over multiple sexual assaults, per the federal lawsuit. Her biologically male cellmate, Christopher Williams, is a 34-year-old convicted sex offender, who was previously incarcerated in the mens prison. According to the suit, Williams assaulted a corrections officer to the point of being rendered unconscious in the mens prison, claimed to identify as a woman, and was transferred to WCCW as a result. Williams was initially sentenced for 342 months for assaulting his girlfriend in 2012, after hitting her on the head with a pipe, according to The National Review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark-Sanchez claims Williams threatened her, stalked her, and sexually assaulted her multiple times, beginning immediately after being moved into her cell. Other women in the prison were sexually harassed by Williams as well, to the extent that he was openly referred to as the shower shark, per the suit. The Daily Wire reported Williams has no female name, has not undergone a reassignment surgery, and has not gone on a hormone regimen. When Clark-Sanchez reached out to prison officers for help, they told her if she complained it would be considered a hate crime. The suit adds, the officers actively discouraged her from filing any complaints, telling her that Williams had in the past violently retaliated against individuals who complained about him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark-Sanchez claims the only advice she received from prison officials to separate herself from Mr. Williams was that she could go on suicide watch, per the suit. Further, during regular meetings with the prison therapist, Clark-Sanchez was stopped from speaking about being forced to share a cell with a man. Several weeks after filing a Prison Rape Elimination Act complaint against Williams, Clark-Sanchez was finally moved to a private cell. However, since Williams was not removed from the prison, he continued to harass and intimidate Ms. Clark by following her around in the yard and staring at her in a menacing manner. The suit claims that allowing biological males into a female prison violates the basic human rights of women, including the right to be safe from the risk of increased harm, and the right to privacy and dignity (by not being compelled to sleep, shower, or otherwise be naked in the presence of incarcerated men, or exposed to the naked bodies of incarcerated men), and the right to not be compelled, coerced, or pressured into using speech that reflects a belief that conflicts with biological reality. Currently, there are at least 11 biological men in the Washington Corrections Center for Women, according to The Daily Wire. The first of January ushers in a new year, a new month and new entries to the list of works in the public domain. While 2024 saw many popular intellectual properties lose copyright protection notably the first iteration of Mickey Mouse 2025 is not without its fair share of noteworthy additions. As of Jan. 1, 2025, several iconic books and characters are now freely available for public use, from Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms" to the original Popeye. List of popular intellectual property entering the public domain in 2025 Works from 1929 and sound recordings from 1924 are now open to all in the U.S. This means all books, films, songs and art published throughout the Roaring 20s are without copyright protection, making 2025 a significant year for the public domain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some of the most notable works that are newly free to use. "A Farewell to Arms," by Ernest Hemingway"The Sound and the Fury," by William Faulkner"Seven Dials Mystery," by Agatha ChristieThe first English version of "All Quiet on the Western Front" by Erich Maria Remarque, translated by Arthur Wesley Wheen"Rope," by Patrick Hamilton"The Karnival Kid," Mickey Mouse's first talking appearance and the debut of his signature white gloves, along with 11 other Mickey shorts"The Cocoanuts," the Marx Brothers' first feature film, directed by Robert Florey and Joseph Santley"The Skeleton Dance," Disney's first "Silly Symphony" short, directed by Walt Disney and animated by Ub Iwerks"Blackmail," directed by Alfred Hitchcock, his first sound film"Hallelujah," directed by King Vidor, considered to be one of the first major studio films to feature an all-Black castThe character of Popeye by E. C. Segar as he appeared in the "Thimble Theatre" comic strip "Gobs of Work"The character of Tintin by Herge as he appeared in the Le Petit Vingtieme magazine comic strip "Les Aventures de Tintin""Singin' in the Rain," music by Nacio Herb Brown, lyrics by Arthur Freed"An American in Paris," composed by George Gershwin"Tiptoe Through the Tulips," music by Joseph Burke, lyrics by Alfred DubinWhat does "public domain" mean, exactly? When a work is in the public domain, it has no copyright protection, meaning anyone can use and build upon it at leisure. "No fees, no licenses, no tracking down the person who owns it, no permission," Jennifer Jenkins, director of Duke University's Center for the Study of the Public Domain, told CBS News' Lee Cowan in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How does the public domain work? Copyright protects an original work for a finite amount of time. When this protection expires, the work enters the public domain. The founding fathers wrote this concept into the U.S. Constitution under the intellectual property clause, intended "to promote the progress of science and useful arts." However, the laws governing the public domain can be tricky. For example: Although Mickey Mouse returned to the people in 2024, this classification only applied to his first appearance in 1928's "Steamboat Willie." It was not until 1929 that Mickey began wearing white gloves, meaning any public reinterpretation showcasing this characteristic could have been liable for copyright infringement until this year. When does intellectual property enter the public domain? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the U.S., the length of copyright protection for a certain property depends on various elements. Generally, for works published or registered before 1978, the term lasts 95 years. For works created after this date, protection typically lasts for the author's life plus 70 years. "The public domain doesn't represent the death of copyright," said Jenkins. "It's just the second part of copyright's life cycle." What's entering the public domain in 2026? 2026 will be another exciting year for the public domain with works from 1930 losing their copyright. Protection will run out for the earliest versions of Betty Boop, Mickey Mouse's dog Pluto and his friend Clarabelle Cow, teen detective Nancy Drew, M.C. Escher's "The Bridge," Agatha Christie's Miss Marple and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspect identified in deadly New Orleans truck attack Suspected driver who slammed truck into New Orleans crowd is dead, sources say What's known about possible explosives, suspect after truck slams into New Orleans crowd The fate of a Canadian teenager who was infected with H5N1 bird flu in early November, and subsequently admitted to an intensive care unit, has finally been revealed: She has fully recovered. But genetic analysis of the virus that infected her body showed ominous mutations that researchers suggest potentially allowed it to target human cells more easily and cause severe disease a development the study authors called "worrisome." The case was published Tuesday in a special edition of the New England Journal of Medicine that explored H5N1 cases from 2024 in North America. In one study, doctors and researchers who worked with the Canadian teenager published their findings. In the other, public health officials from across the U.S. from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as state and local health departments chronicled the 46 human cases that occurred between March and October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been a total of 66 reported human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. in 2024. In the case of the 13-year-old Canadian child, the girl was admitted to a local emergency room on Nov. 4 having suffered from two days of conjunctivitis (pink eye) in both eyes and one day of fever. The child, who had a history of asthma, an elevated body-mass index and Class 2 obesity, was discharged that day with no treatment. Over the next three days, she developed a cough and diarrhea and began vomiting. She was taken back to the ER on Nov. 7 in respiratory distress and with a condition called hemodynamic instability, in which her body was unable to maintain consistent blood flow and pressure. She was admitted to the hospital. On Nov. 8, she was transferred to a pediatric intensive care unit at another hospital with respiratory failure, pneumonia in her left lower lung, acute kidney injury, thrombocytopenia (low platelet numbers) and leukopenia (low white blood cell count). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She tested negative for the predominant human seasonal influenza viruses but had a high viral loads of influenza A, which includes the major human seasonal flu viruses, as well as H5N1 bird flu. This finding prompted her caregivers to test for bird flu; she tested positive. As the disease progressed over the next few days, she was intubated and put on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) a life support technique that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs for patients with severe heart or lung conditions. She was also treated with three antiviral medications, including oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu), amantadine (Gocovri) and baloxavir (Xofluza). Because of concerns about the potential for a cytokine storm a potentially lethal condition in which the body releases too many inflammatory molecules she was put on a daily regimen of plasma exchange therapy, in which the patient's plasma is removed in exchange for donated, health plasma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the days went by, her viral load began to decrease; on Nov. 16, eight days after she'd been admitted, she tested negative for the virus. The authors of the report noted, however, that the viral load remained consistently higher in her lower lungs than in her upper respiratory tract suggesting that the disease may manifest in places not currently tested for it (like the lower lungs) even as it disappears from those that are tested (like the mouth and nose). She fully recovered and was discharged sometime after Nov. 28, when her intubation tube was removed. Genetic sequencing of the virus circulating in the teenager showed it was similar to the one circulating in wild birds, the D1.1 version. It's a type of H5N1 bird flu that is related, but distinct, from the type circulating in dairy cows and is responsible for the vast majority of human cases reported in the U.S. most of which were acquired via dairy cows or commercial poultry. This is also the same version of the virus found in a Louisiana patient who experienced severe disease, and it showed a few mutations that researchers say increases the virus' ability to replicate in human cells. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Louisiana case, researchers from the CDC suggested the mutations arose as it replicated in the patient and were were not likely present in the wild. Irrespective of where and when they occurred, said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University in Providence, R.I., "it is worrisome because it indicates that the virus can change in a person and possibly cause a greater severity of symptoms than initial infection." In addition, said Nuzzo who was not involved in the research while there's evidence these mutations occurred after the patients were infected, and therefore not circulating in the environment "it increases worries that some people may experience more severe infection than other people. Bottom line is that this is not a good virus to get." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Jan. 1JEFFERSON Scott Yamamoto was sworn in as interim Ashtabula County Auditor Tuesday morning, replacing David Thomas, who will soon be taking office as the Ohio 65th District State Representative. Thomas announced his resignation in a letter last week, and the commissioners appointed Yamamoto as interim auditor through a resolution Tuesday morning during the regular Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners meeting. When it came time for a second, Commissioner Casey Kozlowski jokingly said "I don't know" before laughingly giving his affirmation. The motion passed unanimously, opening the door for Yamamoto to serve in the position until the Ashtabula County Republican Party Central Committee can meet and appoint a replacement for Thomas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kozlowski said a meeting is set for Jan. 13 to make the appointment for the rest of Thomas' term. "We're excited to have you on-board," he said to Yamamoto. "We are looking forward to working with you." Yamamoto, who has been working in Thomas's office and training for this possibility, said he appreciated the opportunity, and looks forward to continuing the operation Thomas has created. "I will do the utmost I can for the county," he said. Thomas recommended Yamamoto as his replacement in August. He said he thought through possible replacements before he decided to run for the state legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas's recommendation does not have to be accepted by the central committee. Yamamoto said he has been around county auditors offices since he was 16 years old. He worked for the Geauga County Auditor from 2002 to 2012, before moving on to the Lake County Auditor's Office, where he worked until 2020, when he came to Ashtabula County. Yamamoto lives in Geneva, and his responsibilities at the Ashtabula County Auditor's Office have been steadily growing over the last four years. He also served as a Hambden Township Trustee for six years when he lived in Geauga County. A significant group of family and friends attended the ceremony, and broke into applause at its conclusion. Yamamoto has been supervising the transfer department, the geographic information system, the appraisal department and the mapping for the Ashtabula County Emergency Management Agency. I am speaking in front of the Mother Ukraine monument. A Ukraine that stands firmly, that is not bowing her head, that looks ahead of her, believes in her future and in victory over the evil Russia brought us. A Ukraine with a sword and a shield, capable of securing a just peace. Of protecting her people, her colours, her independence. Today Im addressing everyone who values Ukraine, protects their country, and whose words "This is my country" are filled with love. I am grateful to you for 2024. To you, Ukrainian people, who overcome hardship with dignity. People who pride themselves on being Ukrainian. I too pride myself on being the president of such people, of Ukrainian people who show that no cruise missile can defeat a people that has wings. During this year, a leap year, we proved this daily. We saw this yesterday, when we were overjoyed at the release of 189 Ukrainians from Russian captivity. They will celebrate the arrival of the new year at home. Because were bringing our people back, 1,358 people this year, 3,956 people [since the beginning of the full-scale invasion]. These are not estimates but exact numbers, because behind these numbers are people, our people, people who matter to us. With each person we bring back, we also bring back life. And we all cry each time this happens. It doesnt matter whether its a mother moved to tears, or a child who finally got to see their dad again, or the president of Ukraine we all cry, because we are all humans, and we have all managed to preserve our inner light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This light has helped us stand our ground for more than 1,000 days now. To be brave when it is so needed. To be strong when it is so needed. This is what our teachers, doctors, energy and transport workers, air defence personnel and mobile fire units have done. Soldiers who have shot down 1,310 cruise and ballistic missiles and 7,800 Iranian-made Shahed drones this year. Bravo! We are so proud of them! We are so grateful. We made it through this year together. Together we overcame everything this year brought: victories and defeats, triumphs and challenges, tears of joy when we managed what we set out to do, and tears of pain when we encountered setbacks and had our hearts broken. A morning in July. Okhmatdyt childrens hospital. Only weak people and cowards act like that. We will never forget those kids eyes. And we will never forgive! When evil brings death, we respond by forming a human chain. Thats what Ukrainian peoples strength looks like. Our unity was visible from space. God saw it. Saw our people, our kids. And I will never forget the eyes of the little boy from Okhmatdyt, a grown-ups eyes, so full of resolve, of life, of energy and of dignity. This one child is so much stronger than Putin. All of our children are so much stronger than Russias evil. Ukrainian boys and girls, who are winning this war, studying online and in basements, winning international science olympiads, raising money for our army, coming up with inventive technical solutions to bolster our defence. You are an incredible generation! You are who were fighting for. You are who our heroes, our soldiers, are defending. The people holding the line and carrying Ukraines independence on their shoulders. On every front, where bravery and valour are fighting every day, including today, on New Years Eve. On every front. In the east, where the situation is extremely challenging. But we believe and we know: they will stand. Our soldiers will stand. Their spirit and their bravery will stand. Everything that has enabled you to not surrender our Sumy and Kharkiv, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, however much the Russians wanted to capture those cities. Instead, you have repaid the occupiers by bringing the war to their home, to Russia. And those who brought evil to our land now sow it on theirs, in Kursk Oblast and other places that became targets of our attacks, of our justice. Justice. Just one word, but hundreds of thousands of our people stand behind it. Our defence industry and our science, which worked to make us stronger, with 30% of weapons and equipment our soldiers used on the battlefield this year having been made in Ukraine. I once asked a young engineer at a defence production facility: "How were you able to achieve so much, how could these people have done so much?" He quipped back: "Theyre not just people, theyre rockets." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And you know, at that moment, I was so ashamed as a citizen that our state had, for so long, since the 90s, failed to pay attention to those people. And Im proud when I hear during meetings throughout the year that they are happy that Ukraine needs them. That Ukraine has resumed domestic production of [defence equipment], of missiles, and is for the first time ever producing more than a million drones a year and forcing the enemy to learn Ukrainian words: Palianytsia, Peklo, Ruta; to shiver from the words Neptun and Samsan. These are all our missiles. Ukrainian-made missiles. Hor, Vampir, Kolibri, KAMIK, Liutyi, Heavy Shot and Fire Point these are all our drones. Ukrainian-made drones. These are all the arguments we deploy to achieve a just peace. Only strength can secure it. And we have proven countless times that we have it. Our athletes. Oleksandr Khyzhniak, Olha Kharlan and Yaroslava Mahuchikh, all of our Olympians and Paralympians, whom we supported and rooted for so much, yelling with excitement when our blue-and-yellow flag was raised. We took the punches and fought back together with Oleksandr Usyk. All this is about more than just sport. Its about our character. About who we are and what we are capable of. Its about meaning and symbols. Its about how [Usyks] fights, like the daily battles Ukraine faces, show us that it doesnt matter how much bigger the enemy is, but how much stronger your will is. And the whole world has its breath taken away. Global leaders told me frankly, "We have never seen anything like this, with the entire Notre Dame de Paris hall applauding." That applause was for all of you. All of our people. This is what respect for Ukraine sounds like. This is what independence is. When we refuse to give up what is ours or to leave our people, those in Russian captivity, behind. We will fight for every person who unfortunately still remains there. We will fight for everyone whom Russia forced into occupation but whose Ukrainian hearts it has failed to occupy. And no matter how many passports this evil hands out at gunpoint, our people say, "You are not here forever; you are only here temporarily." And all that imported weed will not take root on our land, will not defeat the people indigenous to this land. I always think of the story of an old Ukrainian man, whom the occupiers asked, in Russian: "What time is it?" And he said, in Ukrainian: "Its time for you to get off our land." This is what will is; will that is impossible to occupy. And I want to say to everyone in the temporarily occupied territories who carries this will inside: Dear Ukrainians! I know that you are celebrating the New Year according to our time zone, and you are hearing these words right now in our Crimea, in Donbas, in Melitopol, in Mariupol everywhere where people wait for Ukraines return and where one day Ukraine will return, for all of us to be together again. The only thing that will stand between Ukrainians will be a generous table. I know that all of our people will meet at this table, including those who are abroad now but who have preserved Ukraine in their hearts. The Ukrainian national anthem will be heard in the first moments of the new year in Warsaw, New York and Buenos Aires, and people in Berlin, Prague and Tokyo will say to each other, "Glory to Ukraine!" And the world will reply, "Glory to heroes!" Because Ukraine is not alone. Because our friends stand by our side. The US stood with Ukraine since the first moments of this war, and I believe that the US will still be by Ukraines side in the first moments of peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I remember my conversation with [US President] Joe Biden after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. I remember my conversation with Donald Trump after the election. All of my conversations with US Congresspeople, Senators, and ordinary Americans conversations with people who support us in the US, in Europe, and the world over. A common refrain across all these conversations was this: Putin cannot win. Ukraine will prevail. I am grateful to every American who put these words into action. I have no doubt that the new American president is willing and able to bring about peace and put an end to Putins aggression. He understands that the former is impossible without the latter. Because this is not a street fight where you have to appease the two sides. This is a full-scale aggression of a deranged state against a peaceful one. And I believe that we, together with the United States, are capable of showing the strength we need to show, of forcing Russia to accept a just peace. That means not forgetting or forgiving everything that Russia has done: Bucha, Olenivka, Avdiivka and all of our destroyed towns and villages. A truly just peace cannot begin with starting from scratch. Because the score is not 00. The score is thousands and thousands of Ukrainians whose lives were taken by Russia. Ukraines heart today is riddled with scars, the names of our fallen heroes. God forbid any other family in the world go through anything like this. I would not wish on any world leader to experience the feelings I have experienced when presenting posthumous awards and seeing the eyes of mothers, wives and children of soldiers who have given their lives for Ukraine and hearing from them: "Please dont let it be in vain." Thousands of our men and women have been killed. They are always here with us; they look down on us from the heavens. And we have no right to let them down, to betray their heroic deeds and their memory. Each day in the new year I and all of us have to keep fighting for Ukraine, for it to be strong enough. Because only a Ukraine that is strong enough is heard and respected on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am grateful to everyone who stood by our side: our partners, allies, friends and leaders. True leaders, who Im calling that not because this is a common turn of phrase but because they have proven their mettle with their actions. People who were not afraid to come to Ukraine, knowing how important it is to physically stand side by side. People alongside whom we worked across distance and time zones to find solutions and achieve results: Patriots, IRISs, NASAMS and ATACMS, F-16s, Scalps and Storm Shadows. The Czech initiative to give Ukraine one million shells. The Danish model and the hundreds of millions invested in domestic production. Twenty-seven security agreements and US$40 billion to support our army. The European Unions decision to give 50 billion to support our economy. The Group of Seven and their decision concerning US$50 billion of frozen Russian assets. These were huge international undertakings, our great international victory. I am grateful to our partners, grateful to you and grateful to the team. The army, the government, the Office [of the President of Ukraine], the parliament, the regions and communities and the volunteers. Everyone working to make our country stronger and who takes care of our people. I am grateful to everyone who has helped Ukraine stand and endure. Ukraine will achieve peace and strength. It will become a European Ukraine. And these are not just words. They became a reality in June this year with the opening of negotiations on Ukraines accession to the EU, a historic achievement. This path is irreversible. Ukraine will be in the European Union. And one day Ukraine will be in NATO, strengthening the Alliance and stability worldwide. Europes unity determines the fate of every nation on the continent. And this unity must be respected by all, including Budapest and Bratislava. I know that both the Hungarian and Slovak peoples are with us, with Ukraine, with Ukrainian people, on the side of truth. These countries leaders also have to see the truth. There is no need to be afraid of Ukraine in Europe, but we need to do everything we can to keep Russia out of Europe. Its tanks, its missiles, and the evil it will surely take further afield if Ukraine does not stand. If Russia shakes your hand today, it does not mean that tomorrow it will not start killing you with the same hand. Because Russians are afraid of free people, of what they are not familiar with. They are afraid of freedom. They were born under Putin, went to school under Putin, went to serve under Putin and are dying for his sick ideas. Thats why today it is so important to support all the people fighting for their freedom. People in Chisinau who refuse to relinquish their freedom. People in Tbilisi who are fighting for their future. And Im certain that a day will come when we will all say, "Long live Belarus!" Dear Ukrainian people! May 2025 become our year, Ukraines year. We know we will not be gifted peace. But we will do everything to stop Russia and put an end to this war. Thats what every one of us wants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mother Ukraine watches over every one of us. She deserves peace. That is what I wish for us all. Next year I will do everything I can to achieve it, as both the president of Ukraine and a Ukrainian citizen. And I will know I am not on my own, that millions of Ukrainians are doing the same by my side. A strong, free, beautiful and independent people. Happy New Year, dear Ukrainian people! Happy New Year, Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine! BENTON COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) As Benton County rings in the new year, officials are giving insight into how to stay safe while you celebrate the holiday. While alcohol and fireworks are common with new years, both can pose as hazards, afecting more than just the person using them. Shannon Jenkins with the Benton county sheriffs office says that impaired driving rises on the holiday across the nation and encourages proactive planning for the evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are planning on attending a gathering, have a plan already in place for how to get home, said Jenkins. RECAP: Northwest Arkansas and River Valleys 10 most impactful stories of 2024 This can include rideshare apps, choosing a designated driver or other similar options. Law enforcement across the state of Arkansas and particularly Benton County will be camping up their extra patrols, Jenkins said. Lonnie Harrell, Benton County fire marshal, says fireworks can quickly become a safety issue if theyre not handled properly. Fireworks like sparklers and even the bottle rockets and all can put off a spark and if its in a dry areaits easy to catch fire in dry grass or any kind of trash thats around, said Harrell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Making sure to stay out of dry areas and having sober adults handle fireworks are good ways to prevent harmful instances with fireworks. Harrell also notes the importance of using explosives the way they are directed. New dashboard tracks behavioral health crises across Arkansas T&C Fireworks owner Todd Reddish says he also reminds customers of what to do after using them. When youre finished shooting your fireworks, soak them with a water hose because some of them will reignite, said Reddish. T&C Fireworks has been selling the holiday classic since 2019 with the fourth of July and started selling for New Years the following year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reddish has loved fireworks since he was a kid and has used explosives during his twenties while he traveled with rodeo productions. All this paved the way for his firework business, giving the community a fun way to celebrate holidays. 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. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Northern lights ring in the new year over a ski slope in Levi, Finland. | Credit: Photo by Alex Nicodim/Anadolu via Getty Images What a start to 2025! While many celebrated New Year's Eve with bursts of glittering fireworks, Earth joined the festivities with a natural display of its own: the northern lights . Two coronal mass ejections (CME) struck Earth's magnetic field, sparking geomagnetic storm conditions and painting the night sky with vivid aurora displays as far south as California U.S., Austria, and Germany. The geomagnetic storms waxed and waned throughout the night, creating a dynamic celestial fireworks show that stretched well into the new year. What caused the strong auroras? A coronal mass ejection (CME) struck Earth's magnetic field on Dec. 31 at 11:21 a.m. EST (16:21 GMT) and a second CME hit later that night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When CMEs strike Earth's magnetosphere, they bring electrically charged particles called ions that collide with Earth's magnetic field . These collisions can spark geomagnetic storms. During these storms, ions collide with atmospheric gases, releasing energy in the form of light. This creates the stunning displays known as the northern lights, or aurora borealis, in the Northern Hemisphere, and the southern lights, or aurora australis, in the Southern Hemisphere. Geomagnetic storms are ranked by NOAA's G-scale, from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). For most of New Year's Eve, G1 conditions were experienced with G2 levels reported at 5:44 a.m. EST (1044 GMT) on Jan. 1, according to NOAA. When the second CME struck Earth it further escalated geomagnetic disturbances. Strong G3 levels were reached on Jan. 1 at 9:10 a.m. EST (1410 GMT). Several hours later G4 levels were reached, indicating a severe geomagnetic storm was reached at 12:41 EST (1741 GMT). More to come? And it's not over yet! The sun started 2025 with a bang, hurling a new CME toward Earth , which could trigger more northern lights around Jan. 3 and Jan. 4, according to space weather physicist Tamitha Skov. "Our Sun rings in the New Year! We just had a new #solarstorm launch from Region 3939 in the Earth-Strike Zone," Skov wrote in a post on X . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But first, let's look back at the incredible New Year's Eve display, with these spectacular northern lights photos. Photographer Alex Nicodim celebrated the new year with a stunning aurora show above a ski slope in Levi, Finland. northern lights above a ski slope fill the sky with red and green auroras. Nicodim and other skywatchers celebrating the new year were treated to an incredible northern lights display as tall pillars of green and red auroras filled the sky in the early hours of Jan. 1, 2025. northern lights in sky appear as red and green ribbons and pillars of light Photographer Hasan Akbas captured these stunning scenes above Alaska as the northern lights welcomed in the New Year. Image 1 of 4 northern lights above alaska during new year's celebrations. large ribbons of green light dance through the sky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Image 2 of 4 northern lights above alaska during new year's celebrations. large ribbons of green light dance through the sky. Image 3 of 4 northern lights above alaska during new year's celebrations. large ribbons of green light dance through the sky. Image 4 of 4 northern lights above alaska during new year's celebrations. large ribbons of green light dance through the sky. The northern lights were even spotted dancing in the skies above the southeastern French village of La Roquebrussanne by photographer Yohan Laurito on Jan. 1. bands of northern lights fill the sky colored pink, red and purple. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many skywatchers took to X to post incredible photos of the northern lights on New Year's Eve. Simon Rennie managed to snap this incredible photo of fireworks AND aurora over New Year's in Finland. Aurora chaser Mia Stalnacke captured these delightful photographs of the northern lights dancing alongside firework over Kiruna, Sweden. "How the new year started here in Kiruna. With both natural and man made fireworks in the sky. I know which ones I prefer," Stalnacke wrote in a post on X. Tour guide Halldor Sigurdsson captured this impressive video of the northern lights and fireworks filling the skies above Reykjavik, Iceland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An eagle-eyed aurora chaser spotted the northern lights as far south as the Mojave Desert, U.S. "Shockingly this G1 substorm is being detected all the way down at 35 Lat in the Mojave desert right now 9:20pm PST," Blue sky aloha wrote in a post on X . Bad weather may have canceled a large portion of Hogmanay firework displays across Scotland, including Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations, but some lucky skywatchers were treated to an even more impressive show. "What a way to bring in the New Year in bonny Scotland! Wishing you a happy & healthy 2025", Puja R. Mehta wrote in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amateur photographer Gary McIntyre shared this beautiful view of vivid red northern lights above Aberdeenshire, Scotland. "Happy New Year to you all! Mother Nature put on her own display for the bells. All the very best for 2025!" McIntyre wrote in a post on X. The northern lights were also visible over the Austrian Alps, with faint red hues captured by webcams in Saint Anton am Arlberg. "Beautiful activity for 47N considering Kp was ~4 (below storm threshold)!" aurora chaser Jure Atanackov wrote in a post on X. Atanackov also shared webcam views of the northern lights from Bayerische Zugsptizbahn, south Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Central Europe got a pretty decent show, despite the geomagnetic activity never reaching even the G1 storm threshold. If only Bz had been more favourable," Atanackov wrote on X. Editor's note: If you capture a stunning photo or video of the northern lights (or southern lights!) and want to share them with Space.com for a possible story, send images, comments on the view and your location, as well as use permissions to spacephotos@space.com. Electric load shedding lasting up to 20 hours a day has left residents frustrated in Battagram district with traders, vendors, and labourers associated with power-based businesses losing their livelihoods, Dawn reported. The impact of load shedding is not limited to businesses alone; it has also affected the daily lives of residents. Mohammad Saim Khan, who runs a small woodworks factory, expressed his concerns over the impact of load shedding on his business. "Prolonged power suspension has hit my business hard," he said. "We make wooden doors, windows and furniture through heavy electric machines, but when there is no electric supply, the work stops." Khan added that his machines required a powerful voltage supply, which cannot be provided through ordinary generators. Dawood Khan, who runs an engineering workshop, also shared his experiences. "Our businesses have suffered a lot due to the apathy of Peshawar Electric Supply Company officials," he said. "We take orders from customers for steel, iron, and aluminium works, but we cannot meet the delivery timeline due to the power outages." Dawood added that customers were disappointed and were trying to avoid placing orders locally. Sameer Mohammad, who runs a photocopy shop, said he had to operate photocopier machines on generators, which increased the cost of the work done," he said. "But people are not paying accordingly." Mohammad added that he had removed machine operators and was managing operations by himself to cut costs. Ghulam Ali, a trader, emphasised the impact of load shedding on businesses and labourers. "On one hand, businesses associated with power are badly affected, and on the other hand, labourers are losing their jobs," he said. "When businesses are not performing, who will pay the labourers?" The residents called on Pesco and the district administration officials to address the issue of load shedding and provide a reliable power supply, reported Dawn. Anwar Baig, general secretary of Jamaat-i-Islami, emphasised that their top priority was to put an end to the prolonged power outages and secure five megawatts of electricity from the Allai Khwar hydropower station, which has the capacity of producing 121MW power and is connected to the national grid. Baig argued that it's the people's right to benefit from locally generated resources. He pointed out that despite having electricity generation in 29 village councils of Allai tehsil, not a single electric pole had been installed to supply power to the area. This, he believes, is a clear injustice to the people of the area, who are being denied the benefits of their own resources. Meanwhile, the residents of Swat on Tuesday expressed their frustration with unannounced and prolonged power outages, which have severely disrupted their lives and livelihoods. The unscheduled load shedding has affected households and businesses alike, leaving the community grappling with mounting challenges. They said it was for the first time they experienced prolonged power cuts during winter. "We cannot even complete our daily tasks like washing clothes, ironing, or cooking on time," said Aisha Bibi, a homemaker from Mingora. "This load shedding has made our lives so difficult, especially in winter when we need electricity for heating." The impact extends beyond homes, with local businesses taking a significant hit. Tailors, who depend on electricity for their sewing machines, are among those most affected, Dawn reported. "We are unable to complete our customers' orders on time," lamented Sajid Khan, a tailor in Mingora Bazaar. "Frequent outages mean that our machines remain idle for hours, which damages our reputation and income." Similarly, owners of computer shops have raised concerns over the disruption to their operations. "We can't provide basic services like printing, photocopying, or computer repairs," said Farhan Ali, who runs a small computer shop in Swat Market. "Our customers leave dissatisfied, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to sustain our businesses." Residents have urged authorities to address the issue promptly and ensure scheduled load shedding with prior announcements. "We understand the energy crisis, but at least we should be informed about the timings," said Khalid Mehmood, a local trader. (ANI) RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) A man wanted on kidnapping charges out of New York who eluded police in a chase in Garner on Christmas Day is now in the Wake County Jail, according to the Garner Police Department. On Wednesday, Garner police said that 25-year-old Daveaun Whittle had been arrested Monday by the Wake County Sheriffs Office. The WCSO has made no announcement of Whittles arrest and sister station CBS 17 is waiting to hear back on a request for more information. READ NEXT | Union County sexual offender arrested in Mexico following international manhunt: Sheriff Booking photo of 25-year-old Daveaun Whittle. (CCBI) Whittles arrest record shows a home address as a home in Knightdale in the 1000 block of Silverbell Lane, though his arrest location is listed as the Wake County Jail at 3301 Hammond Road in Raleigh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges Whittle faces are: Hit/run, leaving scene and inflicting property damage dated 12/25/24 Felony flee to elude arrest with a motor vehicle dated 12/25/24 Second degree kidnapping by a fugitive with criminal obstruction, criminal mischief out of Rockland County, NY dated 12/30/24 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 Queen City News. ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) New Yorks Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) delivered around $6.5 billion in food assistance in 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday. A federally funded program, SNAP helps families with children, older adults and those with disabilities throughout the state afford healthy food. No New Yorker should ever go hungry, and no parent or caregiver should have to choose between buying groceries or keeping the lights on, Hochul said. New year means major changes to NYPD leadership Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a press release from the state, about 18% of New Yorks population received SNAP benefits in 2024; thats nearly 3 million New Yorkers. More than half of the receiving households included families with children and around 47% included an adult over the age of 55 or a person with a disability. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase designated products at authorized retail food stores. The average participating household receives about $376 in SNAP benefits per month. Children who live in food-insecure households are more likely than their peers to have health problems and difficulty in school, said Barbara C. Guinn, commissioner of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (ODTA). SNAP is New York States primary tool to help us fight hunger and food insecurity and helps millions of New Yorkers including working families, families with children, and seniors afford to purchase healthy food. Massive cleanup underway in Times Square after New Years Eve ball drop Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York has worked to expand SNAP in recent years by eliminating unnecessary requirements, simplifying the application process and increasing community outreach. As the new year begins, officials stress their dedication to supporting low-income families and households. As we enter the new year, I am committed to continuing to fight for funding for food assistance programs to make sure that all New Yorkers have the resources they need to put food on the table, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said. New Yorkers can learn more about and apply for SNAP benefits on the ODTA website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of a deadly vehicle attack in the U.S. city of New Orleans on New Year's Day. A truck driver in New Orleans intentionally rammed into a crowd on Jan. 1, killing at least 10 people and injuring 30. U.S. authorities are investigating the incident as a possible terrorist attack. "Horrified by the attack in New Orleans, U.S., which has claimed innocent lives and left many injured," Zelensky wrote in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We trust that those responsible for this terrible act will be brought to justice. Violence, terrorism, and any threats to human life have no place in our world and must not be tolerated." The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said it had identified a suspect, a 42-year-old military veteran from Texas. The man was killed in a firefight with law enforcement officers. The FBI said they do not believe the driver was solely responsible for the attack. "Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and we wish a swift recovery to all those injured," Zelensky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ukraine stands with the American people and denounces violence." Zelensky's comments came after Ukraine withstood its own barrage of New Year attacks. Russia launched over 100 drones at Ukraine on Jan. 1, killing two people in the capital city of Kyiv. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia attacks Kyiv on first day of 2025, killing 2, injuring 6 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his New Year video greeting late on Dec. 31 that no one would give peace to his country as a gift, but he believed the United States would stand together with Ukraine as it fights to stop Russia's full-scale invasion. In a 20-minute address, Zelensky thanked the U.S. for providing a wide array of critical military equipment, including 39 multiple-launch rocket systems, 301 Howitzer artillery weapons, and over 300 million units of ammunition. Zelensky added that he has "no doubt that the new American President is willing and capable of achieving peace and ending Putins aggression." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "(President-elect Donald Trump) understands that the first is impossible without the second. Because this is not a street fight where you have to calm down both sides. This is the full-scale aggression of a mad state against a civilized one," Zelensky said. "And I believe that we, together with the United States, are capable of exerting that force." Zelensky also recalled conversations with outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden, and "everyone who supports us in the United States". The Biden administration has provided the most substantial military support to Ukraine among Western nations since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. As of December 2024, the United States had committed over $60 billion in military aid and $26 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine, dwarfing the contributions of other major donors such as Germany ($11.4 billion) and the U.K. ($10.1 billion). Read also: US sends $3.4 billion in financial aid to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stressed in his New Years address that Ukraine will fight for the people who remain in the Russian-occupied territories. Source: President Zelenskyys New Year's address Quote: "I always think of the story of an old Ukrainian man, whom the occupiers asked, in Russian: What time is it? And he said, in Ukrainian: Its time for you to get off our land. This is what will is; will that is impossible to occupy. And I want to say to everyone in the temporarily occupied territories who carries this will inside: Dear Ukrainians! I know that you are celebrating the New Year according to our time zone, and you are hearing these words right now in our Crimea, in Donbas, in Melitopol, in Mariupol everywhere where people wait for Ukraines return and where one day Ukraine will return, for all of us to be together again. The only thing that will stand between Ukrainians will be a generous table." Details: Zelenskyy also said that "those who are abroad now but who have preserved Ukraine in their hearts" will also be at this table. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reacted to Russia's drone attack on Ukraine during the night of 31 December-1 January. Source: Zelenskyy on Telegram Quote: "Even on New Years Eve, Russia was focused solely on inflicting pain on Ukraine, launching 111 attack drones against our cities. Thanks to our air defence systems, mobile fire teams and electronic warfare units, most of them were intercepted. Sadly, one person was killed. My deepest condolences to their family and loved ones. There are also reports of casualties and damage. All emergency services are actively responding." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Zelenskyy expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who, regardless of the circumstances, protect Ukraine and its people every day and night whether on duty, at work, or in service: the military, rescue teams, emergency services and medical personnel. Background: Wreckage from a Russian drone fell on a residential building in Kyivs Pecherskyi district on the morning of 1 January, partially destroying the top two floors and causing a fire. Rescue workers have recovered the body of a woman from under the rubble, and seven more people were reported to have sustained injuries. Ukraines Air Force reported that the Russians bombarded Ukraine with 111 Shahed attack drones and other types of UAVs on the night of 31 December-1 January. Ukrainian air defence forces destroyed 63 drones, while 46 more failed to reach their targets. Support UP or become our patron! Zelenskyy said 30% of the military equipment Ukraine used in 2024 was domestically made. Ukraine is manufacturing more and more of its own weapons to fight back against Russia. Western weapons companies have also opened facilities in the country to feed its war efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that 30% of the military equipment Ukraine used in 2024 was domestically made, with Western nations' support not enough to push back against Russia's invasion. Zelenskyy said in a speech on New Year's Eve that "30% of everything our guys had on the battlefield this year all this was made in Ukraine." He added that the minds and efforts of people who work in the country's defense industry "have made us stronger." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's military industry has soared since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukraine is making more and more of its own weaponry, like naval drones, howitzers, and glide bombs. It also manufactures its own missiles and successfully tested its first homemade ballistic missile in August. An increasing number of Western manufacturers are also setting up operations in Ukraine. These include AeroVironment, an American defense contractor headquartered in Virginia, German arms maker Rheinmetall, and BAE, a major British defense firm. In his speech, Zelenskyy said that at one facility, he asked a young engineer, "How did you manage to achieve so much? How were these people able to do all of this?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the man joked: "They're not just people, they're missiles." Ukraine's allies have given the country billions of dollars worth of military support. But Ukraine is facing off against a far larger Russian military, and the war's grinding, brutal nature is seeing both sides expend vast amounts of equipment. Ukraine has, at times, run critically low on key weaponry and ammunition. It's currently running short on US-made long-range ATACMS missiles which can hit targets inside Russia, The New York Times reported last week. Ukraine has repeatedly said that it needs more weaponry and defensive gear in order to protect itself, and warfare experts have accused the West of drip-feeding aid to Ukraine rather than giving it enough to make a major difference on the battlefield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soldiers fighting in Ukraine have said that the way military aid arrives can make long-term planning and strategizing a challenge. President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House could also lead to Ukraine needing to rely more on its own supplies, with Trump previously criticizing the scale of US aid to Ukraine. Read the original article on Business Insider FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) Each year, Gov. Andy Beshear and first lady Britinay Beshear sit down and reflect on the year by reading and laughing at a collection of mean tweets theyve received in 2024. This is better than Christmas and birthdays rolled into one; this is mean tweets, the first lady said. Skibidi, demure, and Hawk Tuah: Kentuckys 10 favorite slang words of 2024 First up is a comment from Valentines Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Happy Valentines Day. Andy looks so young there. First lady Britiany, exactly the same. Dont tell Andy I mentioned the first part ;), it read. Im glad one of us hasnt aged poorly, Gov. Beshear said. On Sept. 26, the governor shared the following photo, captioned, Richmonds Circle K now recharges EVs and governors! (Gov. Andy Beshear) Andy being peak dad. You love to see it, the comment read. Ill take that this year, Gov. Beshear said. This is me at the Circle K. Peak dad. The governor and first lady had to call their son, Will, in for reinforcements for the next comment. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive got a tweet, Will, and it says, Andy, I love you. But you have zero aura. So is that like a good thing? he asked. Zero aura? That is a very bad thing, dad, Will translated. How do I explain this? You have zero coolness. Im not saying thats my opinion, but thats what the tweet says. Gov. Beshear was baffled, having gone from peak dad to zero aura in a matter of minutes. Thanks for being my translator today, Gov. Beshear said. I just want you to know I have so, so, so much aura. Another comment stated that at some point, Andy Beshear sounded like a goober. However, people were quick to clap back, one stating, Andy Beshear is the goober American needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I got you, America, Beshear said. Google reveals Lexingtons top searches in 2024 People even went as far as to comment on Gov. Beshears shoe choices, specifically in this photo with Kentucky musician Tyler Childers. Wishing @TTChilders good luck before his performance tonight as he closes out a record-breaking @BourbonNBeyond in Louisville. You make us proud! Gov. Beshear wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter (Gov. Andy Beshear) We gotta get Andy in some Forces, Jordan 1s or Dunks, man, the comment read. To that, Gov. Beshear said checkmate. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Well, isnt that good to know, he said, as the camera pans to the governor wearing custom Kentucky blue Nike Air Forces. Hows his aura now? the first lady jokingly asked. To close out, Gov. Beshear celebrated a historic year in the Commonwealth and reminded Kentucky that, While the internet may say a lot of things about us, stay close to the people around you. Make sure you hug the people that you love. We are honored to continue to serve you. 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 56 News. AUSTIN (KXAN) A senior economist for real estate company Zillow told KXAN that the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan housing market is set to enter 2025 in a healthier spot than its previous unsustainably hot situation. Zillow senior economist Orphe Divounguy said in a Dec. 11 interview that 2024 saw a cooling in the housing market. The company rated the Austin-Round Rock Metro as a buyers market in an October 2024 report. Were in a period of transition, and were going to continue to see home sales continue to rebound slowly from the big trough that we had in 2023, he said. The big surprise at the national level was the fact that we started to see some sellers return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2023: Zillows 2024 housing market predictions for Austin, nation Divounguys prediction for the national market in 2025? Volatility. The change in presidents has previously, and likely will again, bring tumult to housing and all markets. But prices should continue to ease over the next year. Well have some mortgage rate volatility, but we expect housing sales to continue to rebound slowly but surely towards where they were before the pandemic, he said. Austin may dodge a lot of that volatility thanks to its rapid construction. Its also one of a few cities to close an inventory gap caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were starting to see inventory in the Austin market surpass pre-pandemic levels, which is unlike what were seeing nationwide. The number of homes for sale in Austin last month was 30% higher than it was before the pandemic, Divounguy said. Unsustainably hot Prolific construction is just a part of the picture the Austin migration is slowing, easing demand on local housing. Austin was unsustainably hot during the pandemic, Divounguy said. By June 2022, the combination of higher home values and the doubling of mortgage rates really pushed affordability to an all-time low. We had a lot of people moving into the Austin market, pushing up house prices. For first time in more than a decade, Austin is not the nations fastest-growing metro Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The economist said the metros median price has dropped significantly, making it easier for potential buyers to enter the market. Increasing housing supply has really kept price growth in check and help to actually lower prices in that metro. Today, potential home buyers in Austin have more options than anywhere else in the country, and are in a better place, he said. I think it is one of the healthiest housing markets in the country. 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. PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. The US has imposed new sanctions on Iranian and Russian entities that attempted to interfere in the 2024 election, the Treasury and State Departments announced on Tuesday. The sanctions focus on a subordinate of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps called the Cognitive Design Production Center (CPDC), as well as a Moscow-based affiliate of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) called the Center for Geopolitical Expertise (CGE) and its director, Valery Mikhaylovich Korovin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These actors sought to stoke sociopolitical tensions and undermine our election institutions during the 2024 US general election, the State Department said in a statement. The sanctions "prohibit all transactions by US persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons." Treasury accuses Irans CDPC of running influence operations in the lead-up to the election. Microsoft flagged something similar in an October report, which stated that Iranian hackers were persuading Americans to boycott the elections over the candidates support for Israel via AI-generated fake news websites. Treasury also says Moscow-based CGE ordered and financed the creation of candidate deepfakes, which includes a manipulated video that produced baseless accusations concerning a 2024 vice presidential candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency didn't specify the candidate or the video, but according to the New York Post, it is most likely referring to a deepfake on X that shows a man accusing Governor Tim Walz of sexually assaulting him as a child. X is yet to take down that AI-generated video even though the person depicted in the clip came forward to say it's a fake. According to the Treasury, the CGE also used generative AI tools to quickly create disinformation that would be distributed across a massive network of websites designed to imitate legitimate news outlets to create false corroboration between the stories, as well as to obfuscate their Russian origin. The GRU provided CGE and a network of US-based facilitators with financial support to: build and maintain its AI-support server; maintain a network of at least 100 websites used in its disinformation operations; and contribute to the rent cost of the apartment where the server is housed, the Treasury adds. The Governments of Iran and Russia have targeted our election processes and institutions and sought to divide the American people through targeted disinformation campaigns, Acting Under-Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith said in a statement. "The United States will remain vigilant against adversaries who would undermine our democracy." Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Ali Muhammad Khan has said that a meeting between former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari could resolve country's political problems, ARY News reported. Speaking to ARY News, he stressed that the key to resolving all political issues lies in the release of Imran Khan. He believes that Imran Khan's release would help reduce political tension in Pakistan. Calling the meeting essential for democracy, he said that talks between Zardari, Sharif, and Imran Khan are necessary. On December 28, Special Assistant to Pakistan's Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, expressed similar views. Sanaullah said that Imran Khan, Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari should sit together to resolve Pakistan's issues. According to him, the attitude of some political parties has changed after the failed protest on November 26 2024. He expressed the government's commitment to making the negotiation process with the opposition successful. Sanaullah said national issues can only be resolved through talks. He said PML-N saved Pakistan from default, even by suffering political setbacks, ARY News reported. Meanwhile, PTI leader Asad Qaiser reiterated the demand for the release of arrested party workers and added that the same was communicated to the government in ongoing talks, according to ARY News report. Speaking to reporters, Qaiser said, "During the ongoing dialogues with the government, we insisted on the release of arrested workers. Now, the ball is in the government's court, lets see what it decides." He said that the situation of human rights has gathered attention from the entire Western world. Qaiser urged Chief Justice to take notice of the 'violations' of human rights in Pakistan. He voiced concern over the 'division' among lawyers, stating, "Lawyers need to stand united." Asad Qaiser demanded an open trial for the cases related to May 9 incidents. He said that Imran Khan connects his own release from prison with the release of PTI workers. On foreign policy, he emphasised the need for a reassessment, calling for talks to resolve issues with Afghanistan. (ANI) State lawmakers are considering making it a traffic violation to operate a vehicle in Arizona with an animal on the drivers lap. The violation would come with a fine. Do you agree? You voted: At the New Year's Eve gala hosted by US President-elect Donald Trump and incoming First Lady Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, Tesla CEO Elon Musk shared an optimistic outlook for the coming year. Taking to X, Musk posted a photo from the event, accompanied by the caption, "I have a good feeling about 2025." https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1874342693310259604 Meanwhile, the Trump campaign on X shared pictures of the New Year's Eve gala event. https://x.com/TeamTrump/status/1874292350195032136 https://x.com/TeamTrump/status/1874293629084487869 On being asked by the reporter about new year resolutions, Trump said, "I just want everybody to be happy, healthy, and well." In recent times, Trump and Musk have emerged as supporters of each other. A day earlier, Trump had expressed his support to entrepreneur and aide Elon Musk, over his statements on the contributions of immigrants to the United States. Musk had emphasised the value of hard-working individuals from all races, creeds, and nationalities who have contributed to the nation, urging Americans to preserve the country's identity as a land of freedom and opportunity. Musk in a post stated, "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!" Showing his support for Musk, the President-elect reposted the Tesla CEO's post on his social media platform Truth Social. Earlier, Trump had expressed his support for the H-1B visa programme and acknowledged frequently using it for his own properties, calling it a "great programme," according to a report by the New York Post. Calling it a "great programme," the President-elect said he has "always" been in its favour. "I've always liked the visas, I have always been in favour of the visas. That's why we have them," Trump said in a telephonic interview with the New York Post. He added, "I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I've been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It's a great programme." Trump's remarks on H-1B visas came after a major divide emerged within his MAGA team in the United States, as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy who advocated for the expansion of the visa program for 'highly skilled workers' faced heavy backlash from within the President-elect's base. (ANI) Get the guide Please enable Javascript to view this form. By submitting this form, I confirm that I have read and agree to SMG's privacy policy, consent to receive communications and understand that I can opt-out at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. In a big success for India, an American court has ruled in favour of extraditing the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India. India has been trying for a long to get Rana moved to India to face justice in the 2008 terror attack case. Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana, currently imprisoned in the United States, can soon be brought to India as a panel of judges from a U.S. appeals court has ordered Ranas extradition to India. Following this decision, the process of bringing him to India through diplomatic channels has begun. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating Ranas alleged role in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in 2008. Tahawwur Rana was arrested in the U.S. at Indias request for extradition over his alleged involvement in the 26/11 attacks. According to a report by The Economic Times, NIA officials have stated that steps to bring Rana to India via diplomatic channels are underway. In a decision on an appeal filed by Rana, a panel of judges from the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the district courts rejection of his habeas corpus petition, which challenged the magistrate judges certification for his extradition to India for his alleged role in the Mumbai terrorist attacks. Rana had filed an appeal against the extradition ruling on August 15, 2024, which was dismissed by the district court. The US court stated in its ruling that he could be sent to India under the extradition treaty between the two countries. Tahawwur Ranas name is listed as an accused in a 405-page chargesheet related to the Mumbai attacks, where he is alleged to have assisted the attacks mastermind and key accused, David Coleman Headley. According to the chargesheet, Rana is a member of the ISI and Lashkar-e-Taiba. On November 26, 2008, ten Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists launched attacks across Mumbai, engaging in mass shootings at multiple locations. The incident resulted in 166 deaths and around 300 injuries, including the deaths of some American citizens. After a three-day operation, security forces killed nine terrorists, while one, Ajmal Kasab, was captured alive and later executed in 2012 following a prolonged legal battle. Police in Awantipora, along with security forces, have arrested four terrorist associates belonging to the proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in the Tral area. In an official statement, the police said, "The arrested terrorist associates have been identified as Mudasir Ahmad Naik, son of Farooq Ahmad Naik, a resident of Tral Payeen; Umar Nazir Sheikh, son of Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Kuchmulla; Inayat Firdoos Rather, son of Firdoos Ahmad Rather, a resident of Tral Payeen; and Salman Nazir Lone, son of Nazir Ahmad Lone, a resident of Kounserbal Tral. Incriminating materials have been recovered from their possession." It is worth noting that all the arrested individuals were involved in providing logistical support and transporting arms and ammunition to active terrorists of the banned terror outfit JeM in the Tral and Awantipora areas. A case has been registered at Police Station Tral under relevant sections of the law, and further investigation is underway. In a horrifying incident on New Years Day, Lucknow Police arrested a 24-year-old man for allegedly murdering his mother and four sisters at a hotel in the Thana Naka area of the city. The accused, identified as Arshad, reportedly confessed to the gruesome killings, citing family disputes as the motive behind his actions. The bodies of the victimsAsma, the mother, and her daughters Alia (9), Alshia (19), Aksa (16), and Rahmeen (18)were discovered in a room at Hotel Sharanjeet by hotel staff on Wednesday morning. The staff immediately alerted the local police, who arrived at the scene to investigate. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Central Raveena Tyagi confirmed the incident, stating, We received information from the Thana Naka area stating that five dead bodies were found in a room at Hotel Sharanjeet. The local police immediately arrived at the scene to investigate. According to police, Arshad, a resident of Islam Nagar, Tedi Bagiya, Kuberpur in Agra, used a blade to kill his mother and sisters, likely while they were asleep. Preliminary investigations suggest he killed his mother first, followed by his siblings. Other occupants of the hotel reported no unusual noises during the night, leaving many shocked at the scale and brutality of the crime. During questioning, Arshad confessed to the murders, attributing his actions to frustration over ongoing family disputes. Forensic teams have sealed the crime scene and collected evidence, while senior police officers visited the site to oversee the investigation. The bodies of the victims have been sent for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Arshad, aged around 25 years and a resident of Agra, has been detained. In the initial investigation, it was found that due to family problems, he killed his four sisters and his mother. Further investigations are underway, DCP Tyagi added. Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on Wednesday slammed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal for writing a letter to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, labelling him as a "Sanghi." Kejriwal's letter to the RSS chief raised questions about BJP's recent actions. He asked whether the RSS supports the BJP's alleged wrongdoing, including vote-buying through open distribution of money and large-scale deletion of Dalits and Purvanchali votes from voter lists. "Doesn't the RSS feel that the BJP is weakening democracy?" Kejriwal questioned. Reacting sharply to this, Dikshit told IANS, "I don't understand the relevance of this letter. A person complaining to his own people or writing to his own people shows his connections. We have always said that Kejriwal has a connection with the Sangh. For this, we use the term 'Sanghi'." Dikshit added that no Congress leader or any leader opposing the RSS' ideology would write such a letter. "If one has an issue, they should write to the BJP, not the Sangh. The need to write to the RSS arises because he has always seen the 'Sangh' standing with him. It's well known that during the anti-corruption movement, the Sangh supported it entirely. Today, the real colour of Kejriwal has come out," Dikshit said. The Congress leader also criticised BJP Delhi State President Virendra Sachdeva's recent letter to Kejriwal, in which the latter accused the AAP leader of lying, making false promises, and playing with the sentiments of women, elderly, and religious people. "The Congress party, especially I, have raised several questions about AAP and Kejriwal, but he has never responded. Writing any letter to Kejriwal or challenging him for a debate is pointless as he always avoids situations where he has to face the truth," Dikshit said. Dikshit also responded to Chief Minister Atishi's letter to Delhi L-G V.K. Saxena over alleged demolition of multiple religious structures in Delhi. "If the L-G says there is nothing like this, it proves that the Chief Minister is not aware of the facts. She misrepresents the L-G and the Government of India and engages in false politics," Dikshit remarked. "The Government of India and the Delhi government will only work together when Kejriwal leaves the administration. The main hindrance in Delhi's development is Kejriwal himself," he said. Dikshit further alleged that the AAP government is apprehensive about losing the upcoming elections. "Why are they writing letters to each other? They should have a face-to-face debate. When the ruling party announces schemes and fails to implement them, it proves that they were false promises with no intention of execution," he concluded. Local terrorism has been nearly eradicated in Jammu and Kashmir, with active local terrorists and new recruitment dropping to single digits. Terrorist incidents have also seen a substantial decrease, according to data from 2024. Security forces' crackdown on the terrorist ecosystem and networks has significantly weakened local terrorism in the region. If this momentum and strategy continue, Jammu and Kashmir could soon be declared terrorism-free. Data obtained by Zee News highlights 2024 as a year of remarkable success in curbing terrorism. Notably, local youth recruitment into terrorist ranks declined drastically, with only seven residents of Jammu and Kashmir joining terrorist groups this year. For the first time since the onset of terrorism in the region, the number of active and recruited local terrorists has fallen to single digits, with just nine active local terrorists currently. Success in Counter-Terrorism Inspector General of the Border Security Force (BSF), Ashok Yadav, praised the reduction in local recruitment, attributing it to the collective efforts of security agencies. However, he acknowledged the continued challenge posed by foreign terrorists, who minimize communication and avoid populated areas to remain undetected. Yadav emphasized the development of counter-strategies to address this threat. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 has played a pivotal role in reducing local recruitment by over 96%. In 2019, 132 locals joined terrorist ranks, but this number has steadily declined, dropping to only seven in 2024. Effective Strategies The achievements stem from coordinated efforts by security forces, targeting both active terrorists and their support systems. High vigilance along the Line of Control (LoC) thwarted most infiltration attempts, disrupting the ecosystem of terrorist organizations. According to official data, security forces eliminated 68 terrorists in 2024, including four top commanders from groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Of these, 42 were foreign terrorists, 17 of whom were killed during infiltration attempts along the LoC and International Border. Community Engagement Security forces also focused on community awareness to keep locals away from terrorism. Efforts to dismantle the terrorist financing network and confiscate property linked to terrorism proved highly effective. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V.K. Birdi, emphasized the adoption of strict laws and multi-pronged strategies to deter involvement in terrorism. Declining Terrorist Incidents Terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir have decreased significantly, with only 61 incidents recorded in 2024a 47% drop compared to previous years. Civilian and security personnel casualties have also fallen, reflecting a trend toward peace and stability in the region. If the current pace of anti-terrorism measures continues, Jammu and Kashmir is on track to become a region free from terrorism, paving the way for long-term peace and prosperity. However, 26 security personnel also lost their lives in terror attacks and ambushes. Experts say that with terror incidents still a concern, there is still a long way to go for the security forces. Weather Update: Shallow to dense fog covered parts of Delhi early Wednesday as the temperature dropped to 7.4 degrees Celsius. The air quality is expected to stay poor until Thursday and worsen to the very poor category by Friday. Wednesdays minimum temperature was 0.5 degrees Celsius above normal but 2.2 degrees Celsius lower than Tuesday, when some parts of Delhi experienced cold day to severe cold day conditions. On Tuesday, the lowest maximum temperature, 12.8 degrees Celsius, was recorded at Pusa in West Delhi. However, the maximum temperature at Safdarjung, which reflects Delhis overall weather, did not qualify as a cold day. It was predicted to reach around 17 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. A cold day happens when the maximum temperature is 4.5 degrees Celsius or below normal, and the minimum falls below 10 degrees Celsius. A severe cold day is when the maximum is 6.5 degrees Celsius or below normal, with the minimum still under 10 degrees Celsius. Early morning fog reduced visibility to 100m at Palam and 700m at Safdarjung at 5:30 am on Wednesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said surface winds of 25-35 km per hour were expected during the day, which would keep temperatures from rising much despite sunshine. The minimum temperature is predicted to drop further by 1-2 degrees Celsius in the coming days. Delhis air quality worsened on Tuesday evening, falling into the poor category. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index was recorded at 283 at 4 pm on Tuesday, compared to 173 (moderate) at the same time on Monday. Dense fog is likely to continue for the next few days but may improve from January 3. The cold wave is expected to reduce visibility and keep daytime temperatures low across Northwest India. After some relief in air quality due to recent rains in Delhi and the NCR, pollution worsened again on December 31, returning to the 'poor' category. Preparations for the Mahakumbh are in full swing, with increased security measures being implemented amidst reported threats. Concerns over the circulation of counterfeit currency during the event have also emerged, as a significant haul of fake notes was recently seized from a madrasa in Shravasti, just 265 kilometers from Prayagraj. With billions of rupees expected to be exchanged during the Mahakumbh, authorities are investigating whether the counterfeit currency operation was aimed at infiltrating the event's financial activities. In today's DNA, Zee News analysed the fake currency challenge for Maha Kumbh: In a major breakthrough, the police in Shravasti have seized a large cache of counterfeit notes being printed in a madrasa. This raises suspicions that the operation may have been intended to supply fake currency during the Mahakumbh, which is expected to draw 45 crore people and generate transactions worth billions of rupees. Shravasti is located just 265 kilometers from Prayagraj, a distance that can be covered in six hours. The proximity adds to the speculation surrounding the motive behind the fake currency production. Shravasti police, in collaboration with the SOG (Special Operations Group), raided a madrasa in the Malhipur area and seized counterfeit notes worth Rs 34,500, along with Rs 14,500 in genuine currency. Five individuals were arrested during the operation. The raid also led to the confiscation of one printer, two laptops, bottles of ink, an illegal firearm, cartridges, and other electronic equipment. The team responsible for uncovering this fake currency racket will be rewarded Rs 25,000 for their efforts. Two persons and a policeman were killed and 18 others, including nine law-enforcement personnel, were injured in three separate blasts in South Waziristan Lower, Bannu and an attack on a police check post in Dera Ismail Khan district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday, Dawn reported. Two blasts occurred in South Waziristan Lower while another in Bannu and the attack on a check post took place in Dera Ismail Khan. According to police, a remote-controlled bomb blast occurred in Azam Warsak Bazaar in Birmal tehsil of South Waziristan Lower district. The district police officer of South Waziristan Lower, Asif Bahader, said that a person was killed and nine other were injured in the explosion. The injured people were rushed to District Headquarters Hospital, Wana, while two critically injured people, including a child, were taken to Dera Ismail Khan for treatment, according to Dawn report. According to official, preliminary probe has revealed that the explosion material was planted in a motorcycle which was detonated as people passed by it, causing destruction. Shops and vehicles were damaged in the blast which happened near a funeral procession. The second bomb blast targetinga Frontier Corps vehicle occurred in the Daza Ghundai area of Wana. Three FC personnel were injured in the blast while they were heading to investigate the earlier explosion. The injured were rushed to Scouts Hospital of Wana. Six policmen wre injured when their vehicle was targeted using an improvised explosive device in Bannu on Tuesday. A police official stated that a patrol party of the cantonment police station was passing through a road near Soorangi Adda in the Mamashkhel area when a roadside bomb planted by unknown miscreants exploded. Six police personnel were injured in the blast. The official said that the injured police personnel were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital where doctors said their condition was stable, Dawn reported. Following the blast, the policemen fired in the air to scare miscreants present around the venue from targeting them. A large police contingent also reached the site of the incident, cordoned off the area and started a search operation to find the miscreants. Separately, a policeman and a customs worker were killed while another police personnel was injured after terrorists stormed Daraban police check post in Dera Ismail Khan district on Monday night. According to police, some unknown terrorists targeted the police check post using modern weaponn, claiming the life of police constable Asmat Ullah and customs worker Abdullah while police constable Parvez was injured, Dawn reported. After receiving information about the attack, security forces and police teams immediately arrived at the spot and retaliated with gunfire. However, the terrorists escaped from the site of the incident. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned attack on the police post in Dera Ismail Khan. (ANI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to America for backing their commitment to Ukraine and voiced confidence in the ability of the new American President to achieve peace and put an end to Putin's aggression, emphasising that peace cannot be achieved without first stopping the aggression. In new year greetings to the citizens of the nation late Tuesday, Zelenskyy said, "Today, I address all those who value Ukraine, cherish their state, and lovingly call it "Mine." I thank you for 2024. Our people who endure all difficulties with dignity. People for whom being citizens of Ukraine is a source of pride. And for me, it is a pride to be the President of such people - Ukrainians who prove that no cruise missile can defeat a nation that has wings." Zelenskyy during his new year greetings also reflected on his conversations with Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and US lawmakers, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. "I remember my conversation with Joe Biden after the Russian invasion. I remember my conversation with Donald Trump after he was elected. All the conversations with Congressmen, Senators, ordinary Americans, with all those who support us in the US, in Europe, and around the world - in those many and varied conversations, there was always unity on the main point: Putin cannot win. Ukraine will prevail," Zelenskyy said. He added, "I thank all Americans for proving these words with deeds. I have no doubt that the new American President is willing and capable of achieving peace and ending Putin's aggression. He understands that the first is impossible without the second. Because this is not a street fight where you have to calm down both sides. This is the full-scale aggression of a mad state against a civilized one. And I believe that we, together with the United States, are capable of exerting that force." The Ukrainian President further emphasised the nation's commitment to bringing its people back home and spoke about the 189 Ukrainians who were recently freed. "Throughout this leap year, we have proven it every day. And we saw it yesterday. When we were uplifted with happiness because 189 Ukrainians returned from captivity to their native land. Because they will celebrate the New Year at home. Because we are bringing our people back. 1,358 people this year. 3,956 Ukrainians during this time. And I'm giving not estimates but precise numbers, because each one represents a person, our person, a very important person. And with each return - we bring life back to Ukraine," Zelenskyy said. He added, "May 2025 be our year. The year of Ukraine. We know that peace will not be given to us as a gift. But we will do everything to stop Russia and end the war. This is what each of us wishes for." The shocking car-ramming incident in New Orleans the United States, that claimed 10 lives, may be an act of terror and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating all possible angles in the case. The vehicle plowed into a crowd of New Orleans revellers early on New Years Day, leaving 10 people dead and 30 injured in what the FBI is treating as a potential act of terrorism. The driver was fatally shot during a confrontation with police after the attack, which occurred around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday on Bourbon Street in the busy French Quarter, according to the FBI. According to an Associated Press report, after the vehicle came to a stop, the driver emerged from the truck and opened fire on responding officers, New Orleans police said. Officers returned fire, striking and killing the driver, police said. Sad 12 dead and 30 injured after a terrorist driver plowed his car and then got out and fired his weapon at the crowd celebrating new year in Bourbon Street, New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/bSrJYG1ixg Tulsi For President (@TulsiPotus) January 1, 2025 Two officers were shot at and are in stable condition, police said. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the killings as a terrorist attack and the city's police chief said the act was clearly intentional. Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick said the driver was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did. It was very intentional behaviour. This man was trying to run over as many people as he could, Kirkpatrick said. FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan said officials were investigating the at least one suspected improvised explosive device at the scene. The area is known as one of the largest New Year's Eve destinations. The injured were taken to five hospitals, the city's emergency preparedness department said. The White House said President Joe Biden had been briefed, and the Justice Department said Attorney General Merrick Garland was also briefed. The attack is the latest example of a vehicle being used as a weapon to carry out mass violence, a trend that has alarmed law enforcement officials and that can be difficult to protect against. Two teenagers were hospitalized following separate stabbing incidents during New Years Eve celebrations in Sydney and Melbourne. Authorities confirmed the incidents, which unfolded amidst large-scale festivities across the cities. In Sydney, police were called to a park in Guildford, located approximately 20 kilometers west of the central business district, at 10:40 p.m. local time on Tuesday night. According to Xinhua News Agency, officers responded to reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, police learned that a group of males had allegedly been setting off fireworks illegally in the park when a 17-year-old boy was stabbed in the back. Emergency medical teams treated the victim at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital. The teenager is reportedly in serious but stable condition. The attacker fled the scene, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspect. Elsewhere in Sydney, New Years Eve celebrations attracted over one million people to the citys iconic landmarks and central business district. Police reported making 36 arrests for various offenses, including assault, robbery, and possession of weapons. The arrests underscored the challenges of maintaining public safety during large-scale events. Authorities continue to investigate whether the stabbing incident in Guildford was connected to other disturbances in the area. In a separate incident in Melbourne, another teenager sustained injuries during a New Years Eve stabbing. While details about this case remain limited, police confirmed the victim was hospitalized, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack are underway. New South Wales Police reiterated their commitment to ensuring public safety and called on witnesses to come forward with any information related to the Guildford stabbing. They emphasized the need for responsible behavior during large gatherings, particularly in light of recent events. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and families of victims staged widespread protests across Balochistan, demanding justice for Zareef Umar, who was recently killed, and for Naveed Hamid, allegedly slain by Pakistani security forces, The Balochistan Post reported. According to the Balochistan Post, the protests, organised by the BYC, saw large participation from victims' families and supporters. The demonstrations commenced in Turbat with a significant rally at Fida Chowk, near a camp set up by the families and BYC members. Protesters, including women and children, marched through the city's main bazaar and surrounding areas, before gathering outside the Deputy Commissioner's office. Holding placards and chanting slogans, they demanded justice for both Umar and Hamid, alongside an end to human rights violations in the region. A sit-in was held outside the Deputy Commissioner's office, with initial talks conducted with ADC Maqbool Anwar and later with ADC Khalil Murad. The protesters demanded the immediate registration of an FIR against the killers of Zareef Umar and their prosecution. Families of the victims pledged to continue their sit-in at Fida Chowk until justice was served, reported The Balochistan Post. Solidarity protests took place in Quetta, where BYC leaders, including Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Baloch, addressed large crowds. They condemned the killing of Zareef Umar, describing it as a reflection of "the growing impunity among state forces" and called for public unity against such injustices, as reported by the Balochistan Post. In the Kech district, tensions escalated as businesses shut down in protest while security forces imposed restrictions, harassed demonstrators, and confiscated mobile phones. In Hub Chowki, security forces used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse peaceful protesters, resulting in injuries and arrests, including among women, children, and the elderly, The Balochistan Post reported. Protesters demanded an independent investigation into Zareef Umar's killing and justice for Naveed Hamid. The BYC warned of intensified protests across Balochistan if their demands were not met and called on local and international human rights organisations to intervene and support their cause. (ANI) Calling India an "important neighbour", Bangladesh's Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman said that Dhaka is dependent on New Delhi in many ways. He said that many people from Bangladesh visit India for treatment and lot of goods are imported from India, Prothom Alo reported. In an interview with Prothom Alo, General Waker-Uz-Zaman said that India and Bangladesh have a "give and take relationship" and added that the relations must be based on fairness. He stated that Bangladesh has to maintain good ties based on equality. On being asked about talks being held between India and Bangladesh on some unresolved issues, General Waker-Uz-Zaman said, "India is an important neighbour. We are dependent on India in many ways. And India is getting facilities from us too. A large number of their people are working in Bangladesh, formally and informally. Many people go for medical treatment to India from here. We buy a lot of goods from them. So India has a lot of interests in Bangladesh's stability. This is a give-and-take relationship." "This must be based on fairness. Any country will want to get benefits from the other. There is nothing wrong in that. If we want extract our benefits, then we are to blame too. We must look into these matters. We have to maintain good relations based on equality. The people in no way should feel India is dominating over us, which goes against our interests. People should not feel this in any way," he added. In an interview with Prothom Alo, General Zaman said that Bangladesh will not do anything that goes against the strategic interests of India and vice versa. He said that both India and Bangladesh will look after their interests with equal importance. When asked about India seeking Bangladesh's cooperation in ensuring security in their northeast region, he responded, "See, the thing is that we will not do anything with our neighbour that goes against their strategic interests. At the same time, we will expect that our neighbour does nothing that is contrary to our interests. When we look after their interests, they will look after our interests with equal importance." "Unrest will not be created in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The stability along the Myanmar border will not be disrupted either. They will not kill our people along the borders. We will get our fair share of water. There is no problem with this. Let the relations be on equal footing," he added. Earlier in December, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Bangladesh. This was the first high-level visit from India to Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina was deposed as Prime Minister in August this year and since the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, assumed office. During his visit to Dhaka, Misri said India is keen to work closely with the authorities of the Interim Government of Bangladesh under the Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and addressing concerns related to the safety and welfare of minorities, including Hindus, in Bangladesh. While addressing a press conference after his meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain in Dhaka, Misri referred to recent incidents involving attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties and called for a constructive approach by the Bangladesh authorities to address these issues and ensure the safety and security of all communities. "I have underlined today India's desire to work closely with the Interim Government of Bangladesh authorities. At the same time, we also had the opportunity to discuss certain recent developments and issues, and I conveyed our concerns, including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities. We also discussed some regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties," he said. The Foreign Secretary noted that India and Bangladesh have long shared a people-centred relationship, driven by collaboration in areas such as trade, commerce, connectivity, power, water, and energy, and mentioned the wide-ranging areas of engagement between the two countries, including development cooperation, consular services, and cultural exchanges. (ANI) After fighting for over a year on seven fronts, Israel spread the war to Lebanon and Iran. The war began as a result of Israel's retaliation to Hamas's attack on October 7. As the year 2024 draws its curtains, the war sees no end. Although Israel drew ire from the international community for allegedly sidestepping a ceasefire, it has the support of the US. "The US stands with Israel as it defends itself against terrorism. We remain steadfast in our commitment to lasting peace and stability across the region and for a common future for Israelis and Palestinians with equal measures of security, dignity, opportunity, and freedom," a statement by the US Department of State said. October 7 Attack On October 7, 2023, Hamas, an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya (Islamic Resistance Movement), the largest militant group in Palestine carried out a massive terror attack on Israel. Over 1,200 people including foreign nationals were killed by Hamas, several women were killed, women were raped and over 250 hostages were abducted. Out of them, only around 100 are said to be alive, the rest are believed to be killed in captivity, and some were returned to Israel during a partial ceasefire in December 2023. Israel has called the October 7 attack the " largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust." Girls and women were sexually assaulted. Hamas also took 254 people hostage that day, including 12 Americans. Following this, Israel launched a strong counteroffensive targeting Hamas units in Gaza. It has resulted in over 45,000 deaths, according to the Gaza health ministry. Notably, there has been incessant domestic pressure on the Netanyahu government to bring back the hostages. There has also emerged a divide in Netanyahu's war cabinet, with some ministers and opposition leaders calling for ceasefire and hostage release, while far-right leaders of the cabinet strongly asserting for continued operation in Gaza. Entry of external factors from Iran and its proxies As the attack resulted in a full-blown conflict, more external factors entered the arena. Hezbollah, the militant group from Lebanon, and Houthis from Yemen -- both proxies of Tehran -- started launching fresh attacks on Israel. While Hezbollah targeted the northern part of Israel, Houthis started a chain of attacks on what they called "Israeli-linked vessels" passing through the Red Sea, severely disrupting the global connectivity in the region. Prodded on by several world leaders, Qatar mediated the war and pushed the warring groups into a week-long ceasefire that was in effect from November 24 to December 1. During this time, humanitarian aid was allowed to enter Gaza. Under this, Hamas agreed to release 50 women and children out of the 237 hostages. Israel also agreed to release 150 Palestinian women and children. In a major escalation, on October 1, last year, Iran launched between 180 and 200 missiles against Israel in what it said was retaliation for the killing of the Hamas political leader, the leader of Hezbollah, and a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This was the second direct attack by Iran against Israel in 2024, following an attack in April 2024 that Iran said was in response to an attack on its consulate in Syria. Israel vowed to respond, and on 26 October 2024, it launched air strikes at Iran which it said targeted missile and drone manufacturing sites and aerial defences. Iran's army said four soldiers and a civilian were killed. From Nasrallah to Sinwar: How Israel eliminated its top enemies As the conflict closed in one year, Israel succeeded in eliminating a number of top militants. Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in July, while he was in Tehran. Israel, however, admitted to killing him only in December last year. Hamas leader Hanieyh's killing came hours after top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed in an Israeli air attack on the southern suburbs of Lebanon's capital, Beirut, on July 31. Yahya Sinwar replaced Haniyeh as the group's military chief. On September 27, a precision strike by Israeli Defence Forces in the Lebanese capital Beirut killed another big name, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The US backed the operation, saying that Hassan Nasrallah's death "is a measure of justice for his many victims." Hezbollah on October 24 confirmed the death of the group's executive council head Hashem Safieddine, CNN reported. He was one of the candidates possibly slated to take charge after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's killing. Hezbollah's statement comes after the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced Hashem Safieddine was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut earlier in October. On October 17, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Hamas chief and one of the masterminds behind the horrific October 7, 2023 attacks, Yahya Sinwar, is dead, the Times of Israel reported. Following this, Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar was also eliminated in Israeli strikes in October, days after the anniversary of the October 7 attack by Hamas. The humanitarian concerns emanated from the war However, the raging conflict has also posed several humanitarian concerns amid mounting civilian casualties. According to the Gaza health ministry, over 45,000 people mostly women and children have been killed in Gaza. Casualties have also been reported in Lebanon. Though sympathy lied with Israel after October 7, some of it, seemed to have shifted amid reports of 'humanitarian concerns' in Gaza. Several videos and accounts showing Israeli attacks on civilians, UN peacekeepers and aid groups raised eyebrows globally. The United Nations has accused Israel of continuing to "systematically" hinder aid to Gaza. The United Nations relief agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, said aid is nowhere near enough and a ceasefire was desperately needed to deliver as famine loomed, Al Jazeera reported. Amid the biting cold, UNICEF said that seven infants died of hypothermia in the Gaza Strip in recent days. According to the UN, at least 1.9 million people (or nine in 10 people) across the Gaza Strip are internally displaced, including people who have been repeatedly displaced. The Israeli onslaught has displaced around 85 per cent of Gaza's population amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 6 per cent infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the United Nations. UN experts have even declared Israel's actions in Gaza to be tantamount to "crimes against humanity." The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and withdraw from the enclave, CNN reported. UN's top court situated in The Hague, Netherlands gave the order, in the case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide, citing "immense risk" to the Palestinian population. The International Criminal Court has also applied for arrest warrants against top Israeli and Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes. In another blow to Israel, some top European Union nations; Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognised the Palestinian state on Tuesday, which underscored the intensifying pressure on Israel from Europe on its ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. What a Trump presidency might mean for the conflict Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once described US President-Elect Donald Trump as the "best friend that Israel has ever had in the White House". During his previous term in office, Trump had brokered the "Abraham Accords", which aimed to stabilize relations between Israel and Arab nations. During his presidential campaign, Trump had said that he wanted the Middle East to return to "real peace, a lasting peace". Trump had visited Dearborn, Michigan, known as the "capital" of Arab America. And he spoke directly to Lebanese Americans fearing for their families overseas. US President-elect Trump also issued a stern warning to Hamas regarding the ongoing hostage crisis in the Middle East, stating there will be "ALL HELL TO PAY" in the region if the hostages are not released before January 20, 2025, prior to the date he will assume office in the White House. Trump vowed that those responsible for the hostage-taking would be "hit harder" than any previous actions taken against foreign entities by the US."Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!" the post further read. As Trump Presidency has been laced with unpredictability with reference to the Middle East crisis. (ANI) Protests in Skardu district of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan [PoGB] have entered their fifth consecutive day, with residents continuing to demand urgent government action to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Parachinar, located in Kurram District. Skardu TV has reported that the protests are fueled by mounting frustration over the killing, violence, and prolonged road blockages that have severely affected the region. Parachinar, which has been facing significant unrest, is reeling from the tragic death of over 100 children due to the lack of medical care. Skardu TV reported that the essential supply lines have been severed for months, making it nearly impossible for residents to access life-saving medicines and basic resources. Protesters in Skardu are voicing their solidarity with the people of Parachinar, condemning the government's failure to reopen critical roads and provide relief to those suffering from violence and shortages. "We always stand in solidarity with any movement that fights for human rights, and this time, we cannot remain silent while the people of Parachinar are dying because of road blockages and escalating violence," said one of the protest leaders, echoing the sentiments of many participants. The protestors are demanding immediate action from the government to reopen blocked roads, restore the flow of goods, and end the violence that has gripped the region for months. The blockade has disrupted medical supplies and caused severe shortages of food and other essentials, worsening the already dire conditions. Despite the ongoing protests, the government has yet to take decisive action, leading to heightened tensions and growing anger among the local population. With no sign of the blockade being lifted, residents of Skardu and surrounding areas are vowing to continue their protests until their demands are met. They are calling on international organizations and human rights groups to intervene, urging them to pressure the Pakistani government to address the crisis in Parachinar before more lives are lost. As the protests stretch into their fifth day, the situation remains tense, with both the local population and protest leaders determined to push for immediate government intervention. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], January 1 (ANI/TPS): Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection and Ministry of Health warn of potential exposure to possible asbestos hazards following the war in the North. As a result of direct hits, blasts, and shrapnel during the war, asbestos cement roofs were damaged, primarily in the northern region. Physical damage to a structure containing asbestos can cause the release of asbestos fibers that were trapped in the asbestos sheets, becoming a hazard as defined by law. In light of the preparations for the return of residents to the north and the welcome public initiative to assist residents, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Health are informing the population about the health dangers of exposure to asbestos hazards and how to avoid them. (ANI/TPS) Russia-Ukraine conflict: With three years into war, end in sight? How did the war erupt? According to Ukraine, the seeds of the conflict were sown with Russia's annexation of Georgia in 2008 and of Crimea in 2014. The intensifying Russian aggression led to Ukraine getting closer to the Western bloc and demanding membership of the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. In March 2014, Russian forces seized control of Crimea. Putin justified this move by claiming the need to safeguard the rights of Russian citizens and Russian speakers in Crimea and southeastern Ukraine. Following a local referendum in which Crimeans voted to join Russia, the peninsula was formally annexed by Russia. Ukraine's demand for NATO membership became a point of huge contention between Putin and the West. While the West backed Ukraine calling it its 'sovereign right', Russia called it a 'security threat' and warned to invade Kyiv, if it persists with the demand. In late February 2022, the United States issued a warning about Russia's plans to invade Ukraine, pointing to the increasing military buildup along the Russia-Ukraine border. As reported by Al Jazeera on February 20, 2022, Russia decided to extend military exercises in Belarus. This move raised concerns for US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who expressed heightened fears of an impending Russian invasion of Ukraine. On the night of 23 to 24 February 2022, Russia launched a military offensive in Ukraine. Putin Putin declared the start of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, involving land, sea, and air attacks targeting Ukrainian military sites and cities nationwide. Putin justified his "special military operation" in order to "demilitarize and denazify Ukraine," which he claimed was committing genocide against the Russian-speaking population in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine. Following the invasion, the Ukrainian authorities declared a nationwide state of emergency and announced other related defence and security measures, including the mobilization of reservists. Major events that happened in Russia-Ukraine war in 2024February: In a major shake-up of the Ukrainian military, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 8 removed his top general, Valerii Zaluzhnyi. In a post on Facebook, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerovwrote, "Today, a decision was made to change the leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. War does not remain the same. War changes and requires changes." August: Ukrainian forces in early August launched a surprising incursion into Russia's Kursk region near the border - reportedly the largest foreign attack on Russia since World War II. Russia Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported that at 5:30 am on August 6, units of the Ukrainian armed forces numbering up to 1000 people went on the offensive to capture a section of territory in the Sudzhansky district of the Kursk region. In July, PM Modi visited Russia, which marked his first bilateral visit after resuming office for the third time to participate in the 22nd Russia-India summit. PM Modi was also conferred with Russia's highest national award "The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle" for his contribution to fostering India-Russia ties. Putin and PM Modi remain in regular contact, holding talks over phone-call once every couple of months, according to the Russian Embassy in India. The two leaders also hold in-person meetings. On August 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a visit to Ukraine at the invitation of President Zelenskyy. This was the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in the year 1992. During his meeting with Zelenskyy, PM Modi reiterated the need for sincere and practical engagement between all stakeholders to develop innovative solutions to contribute towards the early restoration of peace. He reiterated India's willingness to contribute in all possible ways to facilitate an early return of peace. In October, PM Modi again visited Russia's Kazan for a two-day visit to attend the BRICS Summit. India has throughout reiterated that the solution to the long-standing conflict can only be found through dialogue and diplomacy, and not on the battlefield. September: CNN on September 12 reported that Russia launched a counter-attack in the Kursk border region. During a press conference, Zelenskyy said, "The Russians have started counteroffensive actions." In a statement, the Russian Ministry of Defence said that Russian forces had "penetrated" into the Kursk region, capturing 10 settlements. November: The United States on November 4 confirmed the presence of 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia's Kursk Oblast, with the Pentagon press secretary saying if they enter combat, they are "legitimate targets" for Ukrainian soldiers. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder also said officials estimate the presence of 11,000 to 12,000 North Korean troops in Russia. Reports showed North Korean troops entering Russia in October and getting trained by the Russian troops in infantry tactics, operating with unmanned aerial vehicles, artillery tactics, trench-clearing and the like. The country also provided the North Korean troops with Russian uniforms and equipment. US President Joe Biden in November also authorised the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine to target the deepest part of Russia. The move by Biden came as Donald Trump secured victory in the US Presidential elections on November 5 and is set to assume charge in January 2025. Biden's decision also came in response to Russia's decision to bring North Korean troops into the fight against Ukraine. On November 19, 1000 days passed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Marking the 1000 days, speakers in the UN Security Council discussed how best to achieve peace in Ukraine. The UN also urged the international community to continue showing solidarity with Ukraine. The UN also provided statistics on the impact of the war on the people of Ukraine. UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine Matthias Schmale said that over 39,000 civilians have been killed or injured; more than 3,400 schools and hospitals have been damaged or destroyed; and 10 million people have fled their homes. Schmale also said that since February 2024, civilian infrastructure has been decimated with over 2,000 attacks now on healthcare facilities, 2 million damaged homes, and 65 per cent of Ukraine's own energy production capacity has been destroyed OHCHR verified that at least 12,162 civilians, including 659 children, have been killed since February 24, 2022, while at least 26,919 have been injured. Amy Pope, Director General of the UN migration agency, IOM said that 1,000 days of war have left more than 14.6 million Ukrainians in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, including 3.5 million displaced within the country. According to the European Union, since February 2022, there have been 38 double-tap strikes at sites where first responders from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine have carried out their duties, resulting in 110 injuries and 34 deaths of rescue workers. As per the European Union, it is estimated that 5 million people in 2025 will face food insecurity in Ukraine, down from 11.1 million in 2023 and 7.3 million in 2024. Yet, the humanitarian situation on the ground remains critical, with conditions worsening in frontline regions and the harsh winter approaching .In 2024, the UN estimated that 14.6 million Ukrainians, almost 40% of the country's population, will need humanitarian assistance. In 2025, millions of Ukrainians will continue to be dependent on humanitarian aid. The needs range from across all sectors, like access to water and hygiene, health care, shelter, psychosocial support, and more. Experts estimate that this year's attacks on energy facilities in the country have resulted in the loss of some 9 gigawatts of production capacity - half of what Ukraine needs to get through the winter. Effect of global political developments on Russia-Ukraine conflict Donald Trump as new US President: US President-elect Donald Trump has been a strong critic of US' military aid to Ukraine. During the campaign, he even took a jibe at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calling him the "best salesman." He has even vowed to end the war within days of taking over the White House. According to an analysis by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, many expect that Donald Trump's victory will lead to a resumption of high-level contacts between Washington and Moscow, a reduction in the US aid for Ukraine, and disagreement in NATO. "However, this does not add up to victory for the Kremlin. The problem is that no Western leader--including Trump--has a plan for ending the war that would be remotely acceptable to Putin...," according to Carnegie Endowment. Following the win of Trump, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russian officials will be watching the actions of the president-elect closely. Response of global organisations: NATO has condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia's "brutal and unprovoked war of aggression" against Ukraine - which is an independent, peaceful and democratic country and a close NATO partner. The EU and its member states also stand united in their support for Ukraine and its people and firmly condemn Russia's military aggression. In the latest actions against Ukraine, the EU on December 16 adopted the 15th package of sanctions against Russia to weaken Russia's military and industrial complex. The EU also sanctioned 54 individuals and 30 entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Military and humanitarian aid: As per the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a research institute in Germany for globalization issues, since the beginning of the war in February 2022, 41 countries, specifically the EU member states, other members of the G7, as well as Australia, South Korea, Turkiye, Norway, New Zealand, Switzerland, China, Taiwan, India, and Iceland, have provided military, financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine. International organisations like the United Nations have also supported Ukraine. Aid to Ukraine was boosted by EUR70 billion in new commitments in September and October. That is mainly a result of European donor agreements to utilise profits from frozen Russian assets for financing budgetary aid. Way forward According to reports, Russia currently holds nearly 18-20 per cent of Ukrainian land, particularly in the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Though Ukraine made some gains in the Kursk region, the overall impact remains tilted in Moscow's favour. With resources running out, fatigue setting in, and Trump about to take over the White House, a settlement to the conflict seems impending, which has resulted in more desperate and aggressive attacks from both sides. The way forward in the Russia-Ukraine war remains uncertain and depends on several factors, including military developments, diplomatic efforts, and global political dynamics. Earlier this month, Putin, while speaking at his annual end-of-the-year news conference, had said that he was ready to discuss the possibility of reaching a compromise in talks with US President-elect Donald Trump on the issue of Ukraine. "I don't know when I'm going to see him. He isn't saying anything about it. I haven't talked to him in more than four years. I am ready for it, of course. Any time," Al Jazeera quoted Putin as saying. While a peaceful solution will be the best outcome, it will require compromises from both sides, as well as strong international involvement. Several big powers have put expectations on India to play a role in resolving the conflict, and Prime Minister Modi is one of the few global leaders to have visited both Kyiv and Moscow since the conflict began. It remains to be seen what role India and other big powers play, as Trump -- who has vowed to end the war -- takes oath, and if any settlement is reached, what conditions will it carry. (ANI) Agriculture slumped since Hamas's October 7 attacks as farmers near the Gaza and Lebanon borders could not access fields and orchards, and foreign laborers left the country. Ministry Director General Oren Lavie credited the recovery to dedicated farmers and ministry support. Lavie said the turnaround has reduced Israel's reliance on imports, lowering wholesale prices from 11 shekels (USD 3) to six shekels (USD 1.6) per kilo. (ANI/TPS) Karachi residents endured traffic problems for the seventh consecutive day on Wednesday due to ongoing protests against the recent killings in Parachinar area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Kurram district, Dawn reported. In Kurram, a Grand Jirga has been negotiating a peace agreement, though representatives from Lower Kurram have yet to sign it. Clashes over long-standing land disputes have resulted in at least 130 deaths since last month, with shortages of food and medicine reported due to prolonged road blockages, according to Dawn report. Since December 20, residents of Parachinar in Upper Kurram have been holding a sit-in protest, which is still ongoing today, the report said. The protest is against the law and order situation in the area, as well as the ongoing road closures The religio-political group Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) had issued a nationwide call for protests to show solidarity with the people of Parachinar. As a result, sit-ins began in Karachi on December 24 and escalated further last Thursday, causing traffic disruptions. Intense clashes occurred between the police and groups of youth at several locations in Karachi on Wednesday, leaving at least 11 people injured, including six police officers. Law enforcement used tear gas to disperse protesters who were staging sit-ins in response to the road blockades and killings in Parachinar. Meanwhile, the banned Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) organized counter-protests at 14 locations, leading to road closures at 18 spots across the city by last night. The MWM protests continued at four locations. Traffic disruptions continued today as the MWM protests entered their ninth day. A statement from the Karachi Traffic Police issued at 11 am (local time) stated that the MWM sit-ins were blocking several areas, including Abul Hasan Ispahani Road near Abbas Town, Kamran Chowrangi, Numaish, University Road heading towards Samama Shopping Centre, and Water Pump Chowrangi at Ancholi. Abul Hasan Ispahani Road, from Paradise Bakery to Superhighway, remained closed, while the opposite road, running from Superhighway to Maskan Chowrangi, was open for two-way traffic. A similar two-way traffic arrangement was observed at Ancholi and Numaish, where the road towards Gurumandir was blocked, according to the traffic police. On University Road, smaller vehicles were diverted to the service lane, while heavier traffic was rerouted through residential streets. Meanwhile, protests by the ASWJ continued at Paracha Chowk near Gulbai and Shahrah-i-Orangi, as reported by the traffic police. However, ASWJ spokesperson Umar Muavia stated that the group was holding protests at eight locations: Naagin Chowrangi, Orangi Town, Sher Shah Chowk, Jilani Centre near Tower, Fresco Chowk, Qayyumabad, Korangi No. 5, and Quaidabad. In a statement, the banned group called for a military operation in Parachinar and compensation for the families of the victims and the damages to property there. According to the report, police action on Wednesday led to the injury of nine police officers and seven protesters, according to lists provided by the Sindh police and obtained by Dawn.com. At Numaish Chowrangi, six officers, including a Counter-Terrorism Department superintendent, were injured by stones, while one was hurt by "firing," the list reported. Additionally, two policemen were injured by "firing" during protests at Malir 15 on the National Highway, according to the list. Another report from the Sindh IG Operations Room revealed that seven protesters were "injured by firing" at Malir 15 and were subsequently transported to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC). In a statement, Sindh Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon promised that strict action would be taken against those who "attacked the police and took the law into their own hands during the protests." He explained that the police had acted to uphold the rule of law and that the "unfortunate incidents during the enforcement of law and order" would be investigated thoroughly. IGP Memon also noted that police property was damaged and officers were injured. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar visited the injured officers at Aga Khan University Hospital and instructed that they receive the best medical care, with a designated police liaison to stay in contact with their families. The injured officers included Zaigham Abbas from Model Colony Police Station, Ayaz Khan from Shaheen Force, and Nawaz Ali from the Special Security Unit, according to the Sindh Information Department. Initially, the police encountered little resistance when they removed tents and dispersed protesters at nearly six locations. However, later in the evening, a confrontation between police and protesters in Malir 15 led to gunshot injuries to at least four protesters and two officers. Regarding the police action at Numaish, IGP Memon mentioned that protesters had set fire to some police motorcycles, and "some arrests" were made. Meanwhile, the MWM condemned the police response, alleging that over two dozen of its members were detained by law enforcement. MWM spokesperson Syed Ali Ahmer Naqvi told Dawn that in the morning, police fired tear gas and used batons to break up protests at 10 locations, including Abbas Town, and "forcefully ended the sit-ins." The MWM spokesperson also claimed that law enforcers mistreated the elderly scholar, Allama Syed Hasan Zafar Naqvi, at Numaish, according to Dawn report. The party has pledged to continue its protests. (ANI) The weather change in Northern Balochistan may influence the weather in Karachi, an official told ARY News. Pakistan's MeT Office on Tuesday predicted rain with heavy snowfall over the hills in western and upper parts of Pakistan during first week of January 2025. "The rain spell will begin in Balochistan's northern region from tonight. Ziarat and other areas likely to receive snowfall over hills from tonight," the official said. The MeT Office forecast rain and snowfall over hills in Balochistan's Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Chagai, Noushki, Kalat, Khuzdar, Harnai, Zhob and Musakhel from January 1-4. Under the influence of this weather system, rain with heavy snowfall is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir from January 1-6, while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from January 1-5, ARY News reported. Rain and snowfall also expected in Punjab and Islamabad from January 1-6 with occasional gaps, it said. Light rain expected in southern Punjab's Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Taunsa Sharif, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Okara and Bahawalnagar districts from tomorrow to January 5. While cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of Sindh and light rain in Dadu, Qamber-Shahdadkot, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur and Jacobabad on January 3-4. "Strong winds continuing to blow in Karachi", Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz told ARY News. The winter set in and the temperature further dropped as the wind speed dropped, weather official said. "Cold weather will further intensify from January 4-5," Sarfaraz said. Karachi's adjoining Thatta and Badin districts have also reported cold nights, with Badin reaching lows of 9C and higher humidity levels of 87 per cent. (ANI) India and Pakistan on Wednesday exchanged, through diplomatic channels, simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad, the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody. Under the provisions of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008, such lists are exchanged every year on January 1 and July 1. India has shared names of 381 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistani or are believed-to-be-Pakistani. Similarly, Pakistan has shared names of 49 civilian prisoners and 217 fishermen in its custody, who are Indian or are believed-to-be-Indian. Ministry of External Affairs said in a release that India has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel from Pakistan's custody. Pakistan has been asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 183 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentence. In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the 18 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan's custody, who are believed-to-be-Indian and have not been provided consular access so far. The release said that Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India. "India remains committed to addressing, on priority, all humanitarian matters, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each other's country," the release said. "In this context, India has urged Pakistan to expedite the nationality verification process of 76 believed-to-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen in India's custody, whose repatriation is pending for want of nationality confirmation from Pakistan," it added. The release said that due to sustained efforts by the Government, 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. This includes 478 Indian fishermen and 13 Indian civilian prisoners who have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2023. (ANI) Extended power outages, lasting up to 20 hours a day, have caused significant frustration for residents in Battagram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Dawn reported. Traders, vendors, and labourers reliant on electricity for their businesses have seen their livelihoods impacted. The effects of these power cuts are not confined to businesses; they are also disrupting the daily routines of local residents, Dawn reported. Mohammad Saim Khan, who operates a small woodworks factory, shared his worries about the effects of load shedding on his business. "The extended power outages have severely affected my operations," he said. "We produce wooden doors, windows, and furniture using heavy machinery, but when there's no electricity, production comes to a halt," Dawn quoted him as saying. Khan said that his machines need a high voltage supply, which ordinary generators are unable to provide, Dawn reported. Dawood Khan, who manages an engineering workshop, also spoke about his challenges. "Our businesses have been greatly impacted by the indifference of Peshawar Electric Supply Company officials," he stated. "We receive orders for steel, iron, and aluminum work, but the power outages prevent us from meeting our delivery deadlines," he said. Dawood added that customers were frustrated and were looking to place orders elsewhere instead of locally. Sameer Mohammad, who owns a photocopy shop, mentioned that he had to run his photocopier machines on generators, raising the cost of the services. "However, people are not willing to pay the higher charges," he said. Mohammad further said that he had let go of his machine operators and was now handling the operations himself to reduce expenses. Ghulam Ali, a trader, highlighted the negative effects of loadshedding on both businesses and workers. "On one hand, power-dependent businesses are severely impacted, and on the other, laborers are losing their jobs," he said. "When businesses aren't functioning, who will pay the workers?" The residents urged Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) and district administration officials to tackle the loadshedding issue and ensure a stable power supply. Anwar Baig, the general secretary of Jamaat-i-Islami, stressed that ending the ongoing power outages was their primary focus. He called for securing five megawatts of electricity from the Allai Khwar hydropower station, which has a capacity of 121MW and is connected to the national grid. Baig argued that local residents have the right to benefit from the resources generated in their area. He highlighted that despite the presence of electricity generation in 29 village councils of Allai tehsil, not a single electric pole had been installed to supply power to the region. He considered this a clear injustice, as the people are being deprived of the benefits of their own resources. On Tuesday, the residents of Swat voiced their anger over the sudden and extended power outages, which have caused significant disruption to their daily lives and businesses. The unplanned power outages have impacted both homes and businesses, causing the community to face increasing difficulties. They noted that this was the first time they had experienced extended power cuts during the winter season. Aisha Bibi, a homemaker from Mingora, expressed her frustration, saying, "We can't even finish basic tasks like washing clothes, ironing, or cooking on time." She added, "This loadshedding has made life extremely difficult, especially during winter when we rely on electricity for heating." The impact is also felt by local businesses, with tailors being among the hardest hit. Sajid Khan, a tailor in Mingora Bazaar, explained, "We can't fulfill our customers' orders on time." He added, "The frequent outages leave our machines unused for hours, hurting our reputation and income." As per Dawn, owners of computer shops have also expressed concerns about the disruption to their businesses. Farhan Ali, who owns a small computer shop in Swat Market, said, "We can't offer basic services like printing, photocopying, or computer repairs." He added, "Our customers leave unhappy, and it's becoming harder to keep our businesses afloat." Residents have called on the authorities to address the issue quickly and ensure that any load shedding is scheduled with prior notice. "We understand the energy crisis, but at least we should be informed about the timings," Khalid Mehmood, a local trader told Dawn. (ANI) Abdul Awal Mintoo, Vice-Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Former President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, while speaking about the extradition of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that while Bangladeshi government has the right to ask India for Hasina's extradition, Hasina too has the right to fight for her right in an Indian Court. Mintoo told ANI that Hasina is entitled to fair judgement through due process of law. "This is a highly political issue," Mintoo said, when asked about the current status and if there is any problem in the extradition process. Mintoo further explained that as Hasina is living in a democratic country, i.e. India, she has the right to fight against the extradition request in an Indian court. In such an event, the court's decision shall prevail. However, the situation is tangled as in such cases, even international laws get involved. "But then as a democratic country, because she is staying in India right now, or in any other country, she has also own right to go to the court in that country. So the court of that country will decide ultimately that what will be the process of our return to Bangladesh. It is not that easy, because the international law is involved, international humanitarian laws is involved," he said. "There are three issues involved here. One is our demand, which we are entitled to demand, because if a country's judicial system thinks that anyone has done a crime, whether it be a Prime Minister or not, and if he or she is residing in India, we have a right to demand that she should be repatriated to Bangladesh," Mintoo said. He said that under the repatriation treaty between the two countries, Bangladesh exercised their right to ask for repatriation. "India and Bangladesh has a repatriation treaty. So under that treaty we have additional right to demand. Now Bangladesh government already demanded her return to Bangladesh," he said. Mintoo said that every Bangladeshi has the right to a fair trial, which must be upheld. "It is the right of every Bangladeshi citizen to have a fair trial. If the trial is not fair, judgment will not be fair either. If judgment is not fair, that is not considered to be a fair in any respect. So that's why I am saying that we have a right to ask for extradition. She has a right to go to Indian court to defend herself. Why she should not be extradited? It all depends on how the treaty is being treated by the Indian court at this point," he said. On December 23, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that it received a Note Verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission in connection with an extradition request of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, it offered no comments on this matter. "We confirm that we have received a Note Verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request. At this time, we have no comment to offer on this matter, " said the spokesperson of the MEA. (ANI) Senior Levies officer said that Afghan nationals did not have legal travel documents and were subsequently deported at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing at Baracha in Chagai. He said Pakistan had bolstered security in its border areas with Afghanistan to stop illegal crossings. According to officials, Levies and Frontier Corps personnel conducted 10 joint operations in 2024, which led to the arrest of 3826 Afghan citizens, which included 2,779 men, 338 women and 290 children, from various border areas of Chagai district, Dawn reported. Following investigation, these Afghan families, who had illegally arrived in Pakistan, were sent back to Afghanistan. Levies officials said Pakistan is monitoring its border with Afghanistan to fulfil its commitment to stop illegal entries, maintaining law and order, and combating illegal activities. Previously, Pakistan implemented a "one-document regime" system for border crossings between the two nations, under which all movement at crossing points like Chaman be conducted using passports and valid visas, according to Dawn report. In order to implement this decision, the government created passport offices in Chaman and Qila Abdullah districts. Under this system, around 20,000 people have received passports, with no fee charged for the service. (ANI) In a post on X on Wednesday, the BYC shared that the areas of Ganz and Panwan in Jewani, Gwadar were "sieged by the Pakistani military forces launching a brutal operation". It noted that the Pakistani forces surrounded the towns, raided homes, harassed innocent civilians and forcibly abducted more than 18 Baloch people. Sharing details of two abducted individuals, namely Sajjad, son of Wajul and Zareef son of Shakeel, abducted in front of Ganz Hotel, while details of the rest have not been received yet as per the BYC. The Committee however noted the forces released some people however Shahjan Shahdad, Hassan Aziz, Sameer Abdul Hameed, Imran Mohammad and Zaheer Imam are still enforcedly disappeared. Earlier on Wednesday, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and families of victims staged widespread protests across Balochistan, demanding justice for Zareef Umar, who was recently killed, and for Naveed Hamid, allegedly slain by Pakistani security forces, The Balochistan Post reported. According to the Balochistan Post, the protests, organised by the BYC, saw large participation from victims' families and supporters. The demonstrations commenced in Turbat with a significant rally at Fida Chowk, near a camp set up by the families and BYC members. Protesters, including women and children, marched through the city's main bazaar and surrounding areas, before gathering outside the Deputy Commissioner's office. Holding placards and chanting slogans, they demanded justice for both Umar and Hamid, alongside an end to human rights violations in the region. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1874371668635763186 "Military Operations are a daily routine in Balochistan where each day Baloch are tortured, disappeared, killed and dumped. Military operations and enforced disappearances are mere tools of ethnic cleansing of the Baloch. Baloch Yakjehti Committee appeals to the global community and HR Organizations to find their voice and speak against this genocide", the BYC noted in its post on X. (ANI) Abdul Awal Mintoo, Vice-Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Former President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, while speaking about the ties between India and Bangladesh, said that there is goodwill after meeting of foreign secretaries of both the nations. Mintoo said while talking to ANI that the strained statements from both the countries would not prevail for long, and the good relations will return. "Well, right now, if I see all the statements of the people, it is little bit strange. But I think there is a goodwill, good wishes and also positive thinking, especially after the meeting of the two foreign secretaries, to take our relationship further to a positive state. So I hope that whatever strain you are seeing in the various statements of various political parties, that will not be for too long. And I think the endeavour is there. And the thinking is there for a good relationship with our neighbour," he said. Mintoo said that Indian producers can invest in Bangladesh. As the bilateral and economic relationship are essential for improving overall bilateral ties, investment in Bangladesh would help improve the ties. "India can contribute in Bangladeshi growth if Indian big, big producer, business people can invest here so that they can produce some of the goods here and also import in India if they need it. So I think that is the best way to improve the relationship. It is bilateral economic relationship, connectivity. All these are dependent on the trade between two countries. So trade between two countries we are doing very well. India is mostly our, the number one trading partner. So connectivity will improve automatically over the period of years," he told ANI. When asked what role could the BNP play in strengthening bilateral relation between both the countries, Mintoo said that they can encourage the government to maintain good relations with India. However, the final call rests with the government. "BNP can play a role as a political party to encourage the government that, this is our neighbour, we had always good relationship, they had lot of contribution during our liberation war, therefore we should have a good relationship with our neighbor. You can only encourage the government, but the real policy maker is the government, not the BNP. So BNP definitely will try to encourage the government so that whatever relationship may be strained at this point, it should be better in the future," he told ANI. Talking about the trade imbalance between India and Bangladesh, Mintoo said that trade imbalance is not a huge issue, as hoped that it will return back to normal soon. "Look, we have a huge trade with our neighbour. Trade imbalance is something I am not making it issues. I don't think our party will also make it issue. Because if we could produce those goods which we bring from India, then imbalance will be reduced. So long our people demand certain goods which we do not produce, or we are in shortage, we will import from any countries, whether it is India or China or some other countries. But obviously it is always preferable to import from the neighbouring countries, because it is easily importable in a small quantity. So I think that trade imbalance is not something which is straining our relationship at this point and it will not be because if we don't buy from India we have to buy from somewhere else. So it is not a big deal at this point," he said. Mintoo added that he wanted India to invest in Bangladesh, adding an example of China, how it makes investments in various countries for projects. "We want India it possible to make investment here, so that that is one way only you can upset some of the things. You know, like Chinese are making investment in many places, they are importing also from their own production or their own, the production in their own invested factories. So maybe that can be one of the issue," he said. When askd about what he believed India could do to promote economic growth and regional connection, Mintoo said that it was going well already, as there is good connection in terms of transport and that both countries have come a long way. "I think we have come a long way actually. I mean if you consider 25- 30 years ago, our connectivity and consider now I think we have come to a long way. We have a train service going on between Bangladesh and India and probably one or two more points may be used in the future. I think we are doing very well in terms of connectivity, it will improve slowly and gradually. You cannot push these things right away," he said. Mintoo said that he was not worried about the ties between both nations as he believed that all the other factors were already doing good, and that the political relations will soon be better. "As the political relationship will be better, I think connectivity relationship also will be better. So these are all tied up with one another. If one is not so good, the other one will not be so good also. But at this point I think that things are already in good shape, and I think in the future our relationship will be much better. Our connectivity relationship also will be much better. Our trade relationship also will continue to be more and more better. I am not worried about this," he said. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on December 13 that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's recent visit to Bangladesh focused on strengthening bilateral ties and during the meetings with Bangladesh's Chief Advisor and Foreign Affairs Advisor, Misri emphasised India's commitment to a democratic, stable, peaceful, and inclusive Bangladesh. (ANI) The army released footage showing the terrorists taking weapons to a white van parked outside a building just before Tuesday's strike. identified Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon transferring weapons from a weapons storage facility to a vehicle parked nearby in southern Lebanon. To remove the threat, the IAF struck the weapons storage facility and the vehicle. The IDF is operating in accordance with the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon. The IDF remains deployed in southern Lebanon and will operate against any threat to the State of Israel and its citizens. Under the terms of a two-month ceasefire that went into effect on November 27, Hezbollah is supposed to withdraw its armed presence from areas of southern Lebanon south of the Litani River. Israeli forces will also withdraw from southern Lebanon in stages. The Lebanese Armed Forces are to be deployed there first, including along the 120 km border with Israel, with monitors from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. According to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Second Lebanon War, Hezbollah is forbidden from operating in southern Lebanon south of the Litani River. (ANI/TPS) ): Leading Pakistan Human Rights body, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) brought to focus the cases of enforced disappearances recorded during the month of December at the hands of the military. In a post on X, BYC noted that despite dozens being dead, and the Baloch people forcibly disappearing during military brutality in the month of December, State repression continues with intensity in various areas. The post noted that in December, dozens of Baloch civilians were subjected to enforced disappearances as a result of military brutality in Duki, Harnai and other places in Balochistan. "State repression has reached its peak, but this cruelty has not only been exposed by the media but also by the international human rights community. The state of Pakistan continues to oppress and despotize in remote areas of Balochistan, and due to the absence of a communication system, these atrocities are not reaching the world", the post said. It also shared the details of how several members of the same family from Duki were forcibly disappeared, including Syed Muhammad Marri, Khair Muhammad Marri, Abdul Nabi Marri, who disappeared during the military atrocities. The post noted that as tools for repression in Balochistan, Pakistan uses tactics such as burning of houses, looting of livestock, beating of people, humiliation at check posts, and dumping of mutilated bodies after enforced disappearances and said that these actions have become daily routines. "The state has shut down mobile networks to hide its atrocities and has denied the public the right to express their opinions. It also denies rights. Families of those who have been forcibly disappeared are not allowed to access the media or protest, while state media and its propaganda tools rub salt in the wounds of the victims by portraying these incidents of enforced disappearance as drama", the post said. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1874405768042049857 BYC appealed to human rights organisations to play an effective role in the recovery of the forcibly disappeared persons from Duki, Harnai and other areas and also gave a call to Baloch people to unite against their genocide and form a common popular resistance and popularise them to the media to bring these atrocities ahead for the world to see. (ANI) Adverse foggy weather conditions have disrupted train services in Pakistan's Punjab and other areas, causing delays in both arrivals and departures from Karachi. According to ARY News, the Pakistan Express was delayed by 4 hours and 15 minutes due to the weather conditions. Similarly, the Karakoram Express and Allama Iqbal Express were delayed by five hours and one hour, respectively. Additionally, the Millat Express, scheduled to travel from Lala Musa to Faisalabad, was delayed by five hours and three minutes. Passengers of the Khyber Mail had to wait three hours and 45 minutes before the train departed, as per ARY News. On December 28, a tragic car accident occurred due to dense fog in Tandlianwala, Punjab, which resulted in the deaths of at least six people, including women and children, and left three others injured. The accident took place when a car travelling from Lahore to Tandianwala collided with a sugarcane-loaded tractor-trolley in a suburban area. The victims, members of the same family, included children aged between 3 and 6 years. The injured family members were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. According to the police, the family was travelling to Tandlianwala after exiting the motorway. The police have confiscated the tractor trolley, though the driver fled the scene. Authorities have launched an investigation, and a case has been registered against the fleeing driver, Ary News reported. The police have confiscated the tractor trolley, though the driver fled the scene. Authorities have launched an investigation, and a case has been registered against the fleeing driver. Meanwhile, the air quality in Islamabad remains a concern, with levels fluctuating between "red" (unhealthy) and "purple" (very unhealthy), as reported by Dawn on December 30. According to data from the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), the rise in air pollution is largely attributed to construction projects and increasing vehicular emissions. Zaigham Abbas, Director of Pak-EPA's Labs and National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS), pointed to extensive development projects across Islamabad as the primary cause of the hazardous air quality. (ANI) Abdul Awal Mintoo, Vice-Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has called for immediate, free, and fair elections in Bangladesh. The former President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry also urged the current government, led by Muhammad Yunus, to consult with other political parties and set a clear timeline for implementing essential reforms in the country. "That election has to be free, fair and acceptable. I think then we can have an election, we can have an elected government, we can have a constitutionally democratic government as soon as possible. So I think that government should talk to the political parties and decide on a time," he said. When asked about his expectations from the government in 2025, Mintoo said, "Well, I expect a lot of good things, but not necessarily that they may or may not happen." "What I expect is this, that we need lot of reforms. So it is nothing new in our mind that country need lot of reforms. You know that BNP, seven years ago, has issued a paper called Vision 2030. And in that we had clearly identified lot of areas and the issues to be reformed for the, to improve the life of the Bangladeshi people, improve our rights as a citizen," he added. Mintoo mentioned that earlier, they consulted various political parties and prepared a list of reforms, which are yet to be considered by the government. "During the last agitation, BNP originally has given twenty-seven point reforms. Later on, we discussed with many other political parties and increased to thirty-one points. So obviously, if we all want, reform should be done. But when you talk about the reforms, there is a few type of reforms, the institutional reforms, the constitutional reforms, the, you know, these kind of many reforms, the economic reforms. Some of the reforms require the public acceptance... We have also our own reform program. Once we get that from the government, then there should be discussion between the government and the political parties," he said. Mintoo stated that the current government does not belong to any political party, which is why they must consult with other parties and decide on the reforms they will prioritise. "Since the government does not belong to any political party, they should talk to all political parties and decide on which of the reforms they will undertake immediately. Some of the reforms, like judicial reforms or reforms of the institution, election commission, nobody is stopping them from doing. But the people expect, and as I expect, that reforms should be divided between the institutional, constitutional and kind of social reforms, some political reforms maybe, some economic reforms maybe. So whatever can be done by this government, they should identify that. And they should tell us how long it will take. And then they should talk to the political parties, come to an agreement," he said. (ANI) NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) Connecticut is ringing in the new year by celebrating the births of the first babies of 2025. Twins born in separate years in New Haven The following are the first babies born in Connecticut hospitals this year. This list will be updated as more hospitals announced their first new arrivals: 12:53 a.m. Rebecca Robles Irmaris and Dibamny Robes, of New Haven, welcomed their fourth daughter, Rebecca, at 12:53 a.m. at Yale New Haven Hospital. Rebecca weighed six pounds, six ounces. Irmaris and Dibamny Robles pose with their daughter, Rebecca. (Source: Yale New Haven Hospital) 2:33 a.m. Phoniex Judith Marrero, of Bridgeport, welcomes Phoniex (pronounced phoenix) at 2:33 a.m. at Bridgeport Hospital. She weighed eight pounds, three ounces, and is 22 inches long. Her siblings are 5-year-old Nikolai and 4-year-old Blanca. Judith Marrero poses with her daughter, Phoniex. (Source: Bridgeport Hospital) 4:17 a.m. Emilia Lindsey Barrueco Emilia Lindsey Barrueco was born to parents Samantha and Travis Barrueco, of Fairfield, at 4:17 a.m. at St. Vincents Medical Center. She weighed nine pounds at birth. Samantha and Travis Barrueco pose with their daughter, Emilia. (Source: St. Vincents Medical Center) 5 a.m. Aleksej Milosavljevic Andrijana Ignjevic and Nikola Milosavljevi welcomed little Aleksej at 5 a.m. at Hartford Hospital. He weighed six pounds and 10 ounces. Andrijana Ignjevic and Nikola Milosavljevic pose with their son, Aleksej. (Source: Hartford Hospital) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2:47 a.m. Adeline Leigh Hopkins Mary Jeanne Lena and Kristopher Hopkins, of Dayville, welcomed Adeline Leigh Hopkins at 2:47 p.m. at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. She is their fifth daughter. Adeline weighed six pounds, six ounces at birth, and is 18 inches long. Mary Jeanne Lena and Kristopher Hopkins welcomed their fifth daughter, Adeline, at 2:47 p.m. at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. (Source: Lawrence + Memorial Hospital) 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. COSHOCTON When villagers of his native Zambia ask Bornwell Sianjina of Coshocton why people thousands of miles away would help someone they've never met with a water crisis, he simply tells them it's because they're good people. That includes the Coshocton Rotary Club. Bornwell and his wife, Angela Sianjina, founded The Matthew 7:12 Project in 2021. It's named for the passage of the Bible usually summed up as "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." The primary focus is to provide LifePumps to villages in Zambia with water issues. This can include putting the pumps on existing wells or drilling new wells. Bornwell Sianjina of Coshocton installs a LifePump at a village in his native Zambia through The Matthew 7:12 project he and his wife established in 2021. The Coshocton Rotary Club is assisting with a donation of $170,000 for installing seven pumps in 2025. The pumps are designed to reach deeper and last longer than other pumps, providing communities with reliable access to clean water at greater depths than before. Bornwell, the chief financial officer for the Frontier Power Company, said many villages in Zambia don't have access to clean drinking water or villagers have to travel great distances to access it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After awhile, you start looking back at where you came from and, still to this day, I look back and see how challenged most people are. You have so many kids dying before they reach age 10 because of waterborne diseases. That's one of the things that pushed my wife and I to get involved," Bornwell said of the Mathew 7:12 origins. "The whole idea behind it is trying to do for others. If I was in that situation I know I would want for someone to help me get clean water." Matthew 7:12 installed one pump each in 2022 and 2023 and three pumps in 2024. Bornwell's goal is to do at least five pumps a year. He's hoping for seven pumps in 2025 through the generosity of the Coshocton Rotary Club. The wells would most likely be drilled during the dry season of August to September. "It's a humbling experience to have people from here in Coshocton trying to reach out to change lives," Bornwell said. "When I was there (in 2024) the biggest question those people ask me is 'How are these people willing to sacrifice so much when they don't know us.' How do you answer that person other than saying 'Because those people care about other human lives, because that's what you should want to do for anyone else.'" Bornwell Sianjina of Coshocton stands in a hole drilled for a water well in his native Zambia. "It's a humbling experience to have people from here in Coshocton trying to reach out to change lives," Bornwell said, referring to The Matthew 7:12 Project. Jason Hammond, president-elect and club service chair, said they're waiting to hear back on a $50,000 grant from Rotary International for the project. So far, they've raised about $120,000 through its Rotary district and working with other districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bornwell gave a presentation during a club meeting more than a year ago and Hammond said many club members felt it was a project they needed to take up. "We realized this is going to take a lot of work, but we have the ability to make a global impact, which our club just hadn't had much of an opportunity to do," Hammond said. "We had a lot of trust in Bornwell and his wife. They already had a lot of connections over in Zambia, that it helped us in making us feel more comfortable in completing a project like this." Bornwell said this is the largest single investment so far as they've mostly received smaller donations from individuals and churches. He would like to partner with bigger businesses and foundations. He said the wells are targeted to impact as many people as possible. One well Matthew 7:12 started serves 2,500 to 3,000 people a day and they're all grateful for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information about the project and to make a donation visit thematthew712project.org. Leonard Hayhurst is a community content coordinator and general news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune with more than 16 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. He can be reached at 740-295-3417 or llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @llhayhurst. This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Coshocton Rotary Club helps supply clean water to villagers in Zambia The start of a new year is also ushering in the start of new laws going into effect in Kansas. While it is far more common for new laws to take effect on July 1 following legislative sessions in the spring there were 101 new laws from the 2024 legislative session that went into effect July 1 there are a handful of laws taking effect Jan. 1, 2025. Here are five of those new laws, all of which were bipartisan when they were passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor. Kansas food sales tax cut Grocery shoppers will pay less sales tax starting Jan. 1, when the state sales tax on food is full eliminated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 2106, which was passed in 2022, has gradually reduced the state's 6.5% sales tax as applied to grocery food. Under the law, the state rate hits 0% on Jan. 1, 2025. Local sales taxes still apply. More: Kansas will finally get rid of its sales tax on food and groceries The balls and decorative elements that make up the Kansas Statehouse Christmas tree blend into the surrounding rotunda. Kansas lawmakers passed a handful of new laws that go into effect Jan. 1, 2025. Pay raise for Kansas lawmakers Legislators are getting a big pay raise starting in January with the new legislative session thanks to Senate Bill 229, which was passed in 2023. While Kansas lawmakers didn't technically give themselves a pay raise, they did set up a mechanism where a commission would decided on a pay raise unless the Legislature took action to stop it, which it didn't. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The starting base salary for the 165 lawmakers is now $43,000 a year, with more for leadership, extra compensation for meetings outside of session and a subsistence allowance to cover expenses. While comparison with prior compensation are imperfect and estimates vary, the new base salary is nearly double the previous compensation. More: Kansas lawmakers didn't stop pay raises that will be implemented on Jan. 1 New specialty license plates Senate Bill 359 authorizes several new distinctive license plates that Kansas drivers can pick from. While the law technically went into effect on July 1, the new license plates weren't allowed to be issued until Jan. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new license plates are for the Topeka Zoo, Sedgwick County Zoo, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Sporting Kansas City, Kansas City Current, Support the Troops and First City of Kansas. More: Kansans can show their support for the Kansas City Chiefs with a distinct license plate Restricted driving privileges Senate Bill 500, which deals with restricted driving privileges, takes effect Jan. 1. The new law is intended to prevent drivers who can't afford to immediately pay a ticket for a traffic infraction from having their driver's license suspended. Under the old law, an unpaid ticket could lead to a suspension after 30 days, while the new law allows for a restriction instead so that Kansans can still drive to work, school or church as they pay off the fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Can't afford your traffic tickets but still need to drive? Kansas lawmakers consider help Money transmission oversight House Bill 2560 updates several state financial laws. That includes provisions effective Jan. 1 related to money transmission and oversight by the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner. Other provisions went into effect on July 1, such as updates to the banking code, allowing children in foster care to get bank accounts without a cosigner and establishing state regulation of earned wage access services that provide employers and employees with pay-on-demand instead of waiting for pay day. Jason Alatidd is a Statehouse reporter for The Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jalatidd@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Jason_Alatidd. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas has new laws taking effect Jan. 1, 2025. Here are 5 of them Rhode Island's National Guard has a new commanding general, as Gov. Dan McKee appointed Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Chevalier to replace Maj. Gen. Christopher P. Callahan, who is retiring in January "after decades of service to Rhode Island," the governor's office said. Chevalier will serve as the adjutant general of Rhode Island and commanding general of the Rhode Island National Guard, according to an announcement from McKee's office. The "official transfer of authority" will take place at The Vets Auditorium in Providence on Jan. 31, the release said. Who is Brig. Gen. Andrew Chevalier? A graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School, Chevalier has been in the Rhode Island National Guard for more than 35 years and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1990 before attending the U.S. Army Flight School, the announcement said. He served a nine-month deployment to Kuwait in 2012 and is currently the Rhode Island National Guard's director of the joint staff, overseeing more than 3,100 service members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chevalier graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. He also completed the Leadership in Homeland Security program at Harvard Universitys Kennedy School of Government and has a master of arts degree in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport. I am truly honored to be selected as the 45th Rhode Island Adjutant General and look forward to serving with and commanding the incredible men and women of the Rhode Island National Guard, said Chevalier in the announcement. Major General Callahan is a remarkable leader, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Brigadier General Andrew Chevalier appointed to lead RI National Guard The full tragedy of the woman burned to death on the New York subway before Christmas was revealed Tuesday as police said they had finally established her identity. They named Debrina Kawam, 57, as the victim of the murder, committed early on the morning of Sunday Dec. 22, and said she was a homeless woman originally from New Jersey, according to The New York Post. Kawam was apparently sleeping on the F train at Coney Island when she was set ablaze by a man with a lighter, who then fanned the flames with a shirt. The case has become a political lightning rod after the man charged with her murder, Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, was revealed to be an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala who had previously been deported in 2018 after illegally crossing the border from Mexico. President-elect Donald Trumps incoming border czar, Tom Homan, claimed it was a matter of shame for the state and city of New York and used it to highlight Republican claims of an epidemic of killings by illegal immigrants, telling Fox News, Its almost a daily occurrence now. There are no official statistics to back his claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zapeta-Calil has been charged with first-degree murder and faces life without parole if found guilty. He has not entered a plea. New York authorities had struggled to identify Kawam due to her extreme injuries, and she was identified by police and the medical examiner through fingerprint analysis, according to reports. Kawams murder came after a tragic struggle with homelessness and debt, New York officials said. Mayor Eric Adams said that she had briefly spent time in New York Citys shelter system. Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, was arrested after fleeing the scene, having allegedly watched his victim die from a bench opposite the open train door. He faces life without parole if found guilty. / Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images Watching that tape, I couldnt even watch it all the way through. Just a bad incident, and it impacts on how New Yorkers feel, Adams said earlier this week. It really reinforces what Ive been saying, people should not be living on our subway system, they should be in a place of care. And no matter where she lived, that should not have happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sources told The New York Post that Kawam had been living in homeless shelters in the city since early September, and had last been recorded in one on the Bronx on Dec. 2, 20 days before her death. Kawam was said by authorities to have last lived permanently in Toms River, New Jersey, more than 70 miles from New York. Public records also show that in 2020 she had been living in a down-at-heel apartment in Atlantic City, NJ, and had struggled with debt over the years. She had a string of debts stretching back to the 1990s, and in 2008 she declared bankruptcy with debts as high as $100,000, saying she was unable to work due to illness. Kawam was on this F train at its terminus in Coney island, Brooklyn, when her killer set her on fire with a lighter and fanned the flames with a shirt, according to prosecutors. She had struggled for years with debt and homelessness. / Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images She had been arrested for disorderly conduct in Maryland in 2010, spent some time in Florida and also been pursued for unpaid rent in Toms River in 2016. Kawam was last seen alive on the F train at the Coney island terminus surrounded by her belongings and a walker. Horrific video footage showed how the alleged suspectwho police do not believe knew Kawam but who was also homelesswatched from a bench as his victim was completely engulfed in fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was moved away by police, who later issued his picture from surveillance footage. Three teenagers spotted Zapeta-Calil later in the day, leading to his arrest. My office is very confident about the evidence in this case and our ability to hold Zapeta accountable for his dastardly deeds, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said after charges were announced. By the time February 2025 arrives, marking three years since Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the situation on the front line could look very different. Currently, Russian forces are advancing in the east, slowly but surely, and they are shrinking Ukraines partial hold of the border region of Kursk. That the Russians havent been more successful is a testament, above all else, to the resilience of Ukraines troops on the ground, many of whom have been fighting continuously for years. Dysfunction in the Russian military, with Mr Putin as its de facto commander-in-chief, is another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But US president Joe Biden has sent the final military package of his tenure to Ukraine, ending the support (for now) of Kyivs most heavily-armed ally. US president-elect Donald Trump will soon re-enter the White House on the promise of ending the fighting altogether, even if that potentially means rewarding Mr Putin for his illegal land grab. Each inch of territory lost or gained could prove vital in future negotiations. Below, we look at the current flashpoints of the roughly 640-mile front line. Kursk Ukraine captured a chunk of the Russian border region of Kursk after a daring cross-border attack in August. They have held onto some of that territory ever since, though advancing Russian forces are shrinking the Ukrainian-held zone. Senior Ukrainian official Mykhailo Podolyak revealed to The Independent a week after the attack that the assault was a military tool of coercion to force Russia into the negotiation process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv will hope that what remains of their captured territory in Kursk when Mr Trump returns will prove vital in possible negotiations. Russian forces have recently shifted more towards infantry-led assaults in the area, having tended towards mechanised, vehicle-heavy attacks in their initial attempts to reduce the Ukrainian-controlled territory. Casualties are high. Bolstered by between 10,000 and 12,000 North Korean troops, however, they have continued to squeeze Ukraines perimeter. North Koreas forces, for their part, have already suffered upwards of 1,000 casualties, according to Ukraine, the US and South Korea. Russia has advanced into the northwestern side of Ukraines assault as well as to the southeast of Sudzha, the main city held by Kyivs troops in Kursk, located on the other side of the attack. Medics provide care at a first aid post in Kupyansk (Getty) Kupyansk Russian forces are conducting attacks to the north of the city of Kupyansk in the northeast Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, but they have gone months without a major breakthrough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recently, according to the Centre for Defence Strategies (CDS), a Ukrainian security think tank, the Russians were also forced to retreat from the northeastern outskirts of Kupyansk to fortified positions around the nearby village of Petropavlivka. In a swelling offensive to the south, though, they have captured several villages, the most significant of which is Lozova, made up of around 15 homes. It fell two weeks after the Russians surrounded it on three sides. Chasiv Yar Ukraine and Russia have been fighting in the streets of Chasiv Yar, a city in the Donetsk region, since July, when Kyivs troops withdrew from the eastern Kanal neighbourhood, establishing the waterway there as the new front line. Despite fears, at the time, that this could lead to the fall of the strategically valuable Chasiv Yar, which sits on high ground, Russian forces have yet to stage a significant breakthrough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Viktor Trehubov, a spokesperson for Ukrainian forces fighting in that area, said on 30 December that Russian forces are attempting to attack the Refractory Plant in central Chasiv Yar, a key Ukrainian defensive position in the settlement. He added, however, that Ukrainian forces continue to control the facility. Members of Ukraines Khyzhak Brigade prepare to fire a mortar at Russian troops on a front line near Toretsk (Reuters) Toretsk The Russians are pushing through the centre of Toretsk, another city in Donetsk, but have been held by Ukrainian forces for months, some of whom have been defending that area for years. Mr Trehubov stated on 29 December that street fighting continues within Toretsk. He added that lightly armoured Russian forces have been spotted picking up anti-tank mines and then throwing them at buildings in the Toretsk direction. Pokrovsk This appears to be the ultimate objective of the Russian forces advancing in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region. Sitting on logistical routes connecting the rest of the region, Pokrovsk is a linchpin of Donetsks defence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the Russian capture of the city of Avdiivka in February, Moscows troops have advanced around 30 miles to the outskirts of Pokrovsk, seizing around 400 square miles of the region in the process. That advance looks like a swollen bulge protruding from the front line. Their success in the direction of Pokrovsk is clear as the Russian forces push towards the western outskirts of the city. Like in Kursk, they appear to have shifted towards small, infantry-led assaults after months of costly mechanised attacks. Ukraine estimates Russian vehicle losses in that area alone to be upwards of 2,000 in recent months, which includes tanks and armoured personnel carriers. The situation of Ukrainian Defense Forces continues to deteriorate, writes CDS. The enemy is gradually expanding its penetration south of Pokrovsk. Ukrainian soldiers of Skala Battalion load anti-tank mines into an armoured vehicle near Pokrovsk (AP) Senior Ukrainian officers have blamed the disastrous defence of the Pokrovsk area partially on poor management and communication between generals and those fighting on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv hopes to fix this issue in 2025, having appointed a new land forces commander. In his latest update, Ukraines military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi described the fighting in Pokrovsk as the hottest of the roughly 640-mile front line. Russia is suffering high casualties, he added, as it carries out continuous meaty assaults. Kurakhove Roughly 15 miles southwest of Pokrovsk lies Kurakhove. It sits in the bottom left-hand corner of Russias bulging attack towards Pokrovsk. Russian forces have had success in this area, pushing along the northern outskirts of Kurakhove along the Vovcha reservoir. They have reached the outskirts of the village of Shevchenko beyond the reservoir and behind Kurakhove, according to DeepState, a Ukrainian war tracker with close ties to the military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of Ukraines troops, meanwhile, have retreated several miles back from Kurakhove, around Shevchenko, to defend the advancing Russian forces. Fighting within Kurakhove, however, is ongoing. Velyka Novosilka After the capture of the town of Vuhledar in October, Russian forces have advanced around 18 miles towards Velyka Novosilka, a town that sits near the Donetsk border with the Zaporizhzhia region. The town has served as a key assembly area for both offensive and defensive operations in the area, says Frontelligence Insight, a Ukrainian war tracker. It is also a key route linking towns further east to the rest of unoccupied Ukraine. Its capture could afford Russia multiple options for further advances, the group adds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Velyka Novosilka is almost surrounded on three sides by Russian forces. The main thrust of recent Russian attacks has been on Velyka Novosilkas western flank, but Moscows troops have also pushed towards the town of Novyi Komar to the east, as well as from the south. A representative of a Ukrainian brigade operating near Velyka Novosilka said that Russian forces are attempting to bypass and seize Velyka Novosilka to reach the junction of the three regions of Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Dnipropetrovsk. TOKYO, Jan 02 (News On Japan) - An elderly man in Tokyos Itabashi Ward died on New Years Day after choking on mochi, prompting the Tokyo Fire Department to issue a safety warning. According to the Tokyo Fire Department, the incident occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m. on January 1st. A man in his 70s choked on mochi at his home, and his family immediately called emergency services. The man was rushed to the hospital by ambulance, but he was later pronounced dead. During last years New Year holiday period, 19 people, ranging in age from their 40s to 90s, were transported to hospitals within the Tokyo Fire Department's jurisdiction due to mochi-related accidents. Among them, one person died. The Tokyo Fire Department is urging the public to take precautions when consuming mochi. They recommend moistening the throat with tea or soup before eating, cutting mochi into smaller, easier-to-eat pieces, chewing slowly, and swallowing carefully to prevent accidents. Source: ANN By Michael Ovat The wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has acknowledged the birth of Anambras first baby of the year 2025 as a redefining blessing for a renewed and more prosperous Anambra State. Anambras first baby boy of the year 2025, who weighed 2.4 kilogrammes, was born at General Hospital Nnobi Community, in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, through normal delivery to Mrs. Elizabeth Nwachukwu, from Enugu State, at exactly eighteen minutes past twelve oclock in the morning, on January 1st, 2025. The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the Anambras first baby celebration is an annual event conceived by the governors wife to honour babies born in the earliest minutes of the New Years day in the state. While speaking to journalists at the premises of Ekwulobia General Hospital, Ekwulobia, in Aguata Local Government Area of the state, where she also showered New Year gifts on babies born today, Mrs. Soludo urged mothers to focus more on exclusive breastfeeding. The governors wife, who is also the founder of the Nonye Soludo Healthy Living Initiative, said it was certain that the newborn would bring blessings to his immediate family, Anambra State, and Nigeria at large. I do this every year, and we are here today to welcome our new babies into the world, celebrate with their families, and to show our love, kindness, and gratitude to God. Im so impressed with the health workers and their relentless efforts in rendering effective services to the mothers and their babies. I also want to encourage the mothers to live a healthy lifestyle and observe the mandatory exclusive breastfeeding period of six months to make their babies healthy and good-looking. I felt happy to witness the free delivery, which she added was part of her husbands vision of making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland in Nigeria. Exclusive breastfeeding will not only make the baby healthy and strong, it will also help reduce unnecessary spending on health issues, she said. She commended the state governments efforts in improving maternal and child health policies, upgrading healthcare facilities, and ensuring accessible and affordable services. Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, urged mothers to make use of the state governments free antenatal and delivery care services as well as immunisation. While appreciating the governors wife for the gestures, Mrs. Elizabeth Nwachukwu said she did not pay for the antenatal care and delivery services she enjoyed. She also promised to canvass votes for Governor Soludos second term election come November 8th, 2025. Polls closed Sunday (29 December) in Chads legislative, provincial and local elections after three years of military rule, but were boycotted by the opposition that accuses authorities of fraud and of failing to oversee a credible electoral process. After Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno won a disputed presidential election in May, his government is now presenting these polls as a key step toward transition to democratic rule. But the main opposition parties boycotted the Sundays vote, with the opposition leader Succes Masra criticizing the process, alleging vote rigging, claiming that the fabricated results are already in the computers. On the flip side, the boycott of the elections has led to the sidelining of the opposition, leaving the field open to candidates aligned with incumbent Idriss Deby Itno. The vote was also marred by allegations by the opposition party PDPT about missing ballots in the southern city of Bongor, which prompted it to call the public for vigilance against alleged fraud. In a controversial move during the presidential election in May, Chadian authorities banned 2,900 EU-trained observers from monitoring the poll. The voting was being held amid a broad array of security challenges, including the countrys tensions with France, recurring attacks by the jihadist group Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region, and allegations of interference in Sudans conflict. This first legislative elections since 2011 also took place under heavy criticism of the government for autocratic practices and repression, highlighted by a media blackout due to a strike by online journalists. The oil-exporting country of 18 million people, among Africas poorest, had not had a free and fair transfer of power since it gain independence from its colonial master, France, in 1960. As the world prepares to welcome 2025, a sense of sorrow and unease hangs over the resources-rich eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that has seen at least 21 people killed by Islamic State group-linked ADF rebels during the Christmas week. In a series of brutal attacks over the past week, ADF rebels reportedly killed at least 21 people near Manguredjipa, a town known for its rich mineral resources located in the conflict-riven eastern DRC. ADF fighters attacked the village of Robinet, killing six individuals, followed the next day by an onslaught on the neighboring village of Kodjo, resulting in 12 more deaths. On Christmas Day, three more victims were reported in the village of Makele. The dates, locations and tolls of these attacks were confirmed to media by multiple separate local sources. The ADF, originally from Uganda and active in the DRCs restive north-east, where its fighters have killed thousands of civilians since the mid-1990s, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in 2019. The IS touts the ADF as its Islamic State Central Africa Province and claims responsibility for some of the rebel groups attacks. Despite a joint military operation jointly launched by the DRC and Uganda in late 2021, the offensive has so far proven unsuccessful, as the attacks by the ADF rebels have continued unabated. The region remains volatile, with ongoing conflicts involving various armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23 movement. The escalating conflict between the DRC army and the M23 has only intensified in recent months, further plunging the region into a state of fear and uncertainty. The African Development Bank (AfDB) will support the first phase of Egypts Private Sector Development and Economic Diversification Program. This comes under a $131 million agreement with the Egyptian Government and is part of a broader effort to strengthen Egypts economy and improve the business environment. This initiative aligns with the governments strategy to enhance economic stability and sustainability and constitutes a continuation of collaboration with international partners to implement structural reforms. A similar agreement, worth 1 billion, was sealed with the European Union as part of a macroeconomic support program. These efforts aim to stimulate private sector growth, implement reforms, and diversify the economy. The Private Sector Development and Economic Diversification Program focuses on two key goals. The first is to boost private sector investment by improving the investment climate, fostering fair competition, and enhancing trade practices. The second is to encourage economic diversification and a shift toward a green economy by strengthening sectors like industry and agriculture and promoting sustainable practices. To support these goals, the government has introduced reforms, including creating the Supreme Investment Council, amending the 2017 Investment Law to provide new incentives, removing tax exemptions for state-owned enterprises engaged in investment, and establishing the Egyptian Intellectual Property Office. These measures aim to attract both local and foreign investors and create a more business-friendly environment. On the green economy front, the government has enacted laws to regulate unlicensed industrial facilities and allocated 26,000 square kilometers of state-owned land for renewable energy projects. These steps are designed to support Egypts transition to sustainable energy, promote environmentally friendly practices, and strengthen its position as a leader in renewable energy initiatives. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, operating under Libyas parallel Government, announced the arrival of a shipment of 800 cows at the Benghazi seaport. The livestock shipment originated from the Port of Marseille in France and was imported by Emaar Libya Holding Company for the Ghout Al-Sultan Production Project, located east of Benghazi. In its statement, the Ministry emphasized the strategic importance of the shipment, which aims to support local agricultural and livestock production as part of broader efforts to enhance food security and boost the regions economic development. The Ghout Al-Sultan Production Project is a cornerstone initiative designed to revitalize the agricultural sector in eastern Libya and reduce dependence on imported food products. Veterinary teams from the National Center for Animal Health have already commenced thorough examinations of the cows to verify their compliance with breeding and production health standards. These assessments include checks for diseases, vaccinations, and overall fitness for integration into the production systems, ensuring the livestock meet national and international health requirements. This initiative reflects a renewed focus on strengthening Libyas agricultural and livestock capabilities. It is part of a broader plan to modernize farming practices, increase productivity, and support the countrys economic diversification. The Ministry has reiterated its commitment to enhancing food security through sustainable and innovative approaches, including the development of local infrastructure and partnerships with international suppliers. The arrival of this shipment is expected to contribute significantly to the Ghout Al-Sultan Production Project, which aims to establish a model for modern livestock farming and dairy production in the region. The project also plans to provide training and employment opportunities for local farmers and workers, aligning with efforts to stimulate economic growth and improve livelihoods in eastern Libya. Mauritania has officially become a gas-producing country, as announced by the Minister of Energy earlier on December 31, 2024. The milestone was achieved with the opening of the first natural gas well at the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) field, marking a decisive step in the development of this major cross-border energy project. The first drop of gas was produced at 5 p.m. that same day. According to the Mauritanian Minister of Energy, Mohamed Ould Khaled, the start-up phase of production involved stabilizing pressure at the pre-treatment units, a process overseen by the production teams. The liquefaction of the first gas molecules for export is scheduled to begin during the first quarter of 2025. In this initial phase, production is estimated at 2.5 million tons per year. The second phase aims to double production to 5 million tons annually, with the ultimate goal of reaching 10 million tons per year during the third phase. The Mauritanian and Senegalese governments celebrated the official opening of the GTA project, highlighting it as a model of successful energy cooperation. Developed collaboratively by the Societe Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMH), Senegalese company Petrosen, bp, and Kosmos Energy, the GTA project is one of the largest deepwater gas discoveries in the West African region. It is located on the maritime border between Mauritania and Senegal, showcasing unprecedented regional collaboration in the energy sector. The Senegalese Minister of Energy, Petroleum, and Mines, Birame Souleye Diop, emphasized the significance of this achievement for Senegal. He described the project as a reflection of the shared vision between the two nations to establish the GTA project as a model of energy collaboration. Echoing him, his Mauritanian peer highlighted the strategic importance of this milestone, noting that it demonstrates the ability of Mauritania and Senegal to achieve ambitious and sustainable goals together. The energy future of our region looks promising, he said. The opening of the GTA gas wells marks the beginning of a new era for the energy industry in West Africa. The project is expected to play a pivotal role in the economic development of both Mauritania and Senegal, while solidifying their standing in the global energy market. This historic achievement paves the way for the imminent marketing of gas, promising long-term benefits for the region. The civilian facade of the Algerian regime, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, gave 2024 a classic end when he indulged in a speech before MPs in all sorts of insults against jailed novelist Boualem Sansal, whom he bluntly called a bastard. Tebboune said Sansal was sent by France as an imposture with an unknown identity and who does not know his own father. Tebboune vindicated the fears of rights defenders who have been warning of the politically-motivated arrest of Sansal. After insulting the novelist, Tebboune confirmed that the real accusation behind Sansals arrest was the fact that he uttered some historical truths relating to the Moroccan past of what has become now Western Algeria. Sansal was arrested in Algiers airport last November, right after his arrival from France. He is facing heavy charges including terrorism, which has been used by the regime to silence peaceful opponents and intellectuals. The attack of Tebboune on Sansal was seen as a violation of the presumption of innocence and a confirmation that the writer is facing regime reprisals for practicing his freedom of speech. Human rights activists and renowned writers from across the globe have called for his release to no avail. Means and ways of enhancing Moroccan-Qatari military cooperation were discussed at a meeting in Rabat Tuesday between FAR Inspector General Mohammed and Commander of the South Zone, Mohammed Berrid, and visiting advisor to the Amir of Qatar for Defense Affairs, Lieutenant General Hamad Ben Ali Al Attiyah. During this meeting, both parties highlighted the brotherly and friendly ties between the FAR and their Qatari counterparts, built on trust, mutual respect and a shared will to further strengthen them, the General Staff of the FAR said in a press release. Discussions also focused on upgrading military cooperation, in line with the high directives of the two heads of State. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Minister Cheikh Oumar Diagne on Tuesday, December 31, following public outrage over comments he made labeling Senegalese riflemen, who served in Frances colonial campaigns, as traitors. The remarks ignited widespread condemnation in Senegal, a former French colony. During a December 21 interview on the local television station Fafa TV, Diagne claimed that those honoring the riflemen misunderstood their role, stating that The riflemen are traitors. They fought against their brothers during uprisings and anti-colonial wars in Africa. In response, President Faye issued a decree removing Diagne from his position as Minister of Administration and Equipment at the Presidency of the Republic. He has been replaced by Papa Thione Dieng, as announced in the decree published on Tuesday. While no official reasons for the dismissal were provided, government spokesman Moustapha Njekk Sarre had earlier denounced Diagnes comments, describing them as unfortunate and affirming that the riflemen are heroes of the Nation. The backlash extended beyond government circles. Lamine Ba, a former minister and spokesperson for a collective representing descendants of Senegalese riflemen, condemned the remarks as insulting and shameful. Public criticism of Diagne also surged across media and online platforms, with many demanding his resignation. This controversy comes in a year when Senegal commemorated the tragic events of December 1, 1944, at the Thiaroye military camp near Dakar. French colonial forces had fired on repatriated African riflemen, including Senegalese troops, who were demanding overdue pay after fighting in Europe. The official death toll reported by French authorities was 35, but historians estimate the number could be as high as 400. The massacre remains a poignant and unresolved chapter in Senegals colonial history. Cheikh Oumar Diagne, known for his controversial statements, had been appointed to his post after President Faye assumed office in March. His past remarks on religious leaders and Muslim brotherhoods, highly influential in Senegal, had already drawn criticism. Calls for his dismissal had intensified in recent months, with religious leaders, political opponents, and the public voicing their disapproval of his polarizing rhetoric. Geothermal could soon be the hottest new thing in the United States energy mix. The naturally clean energy source has traditionally enjoyed broad bipartisan support in the United States, which is an increasingly impressive feat for any item of legislative interest. But while geothermal has a lot of things going for it zero emissions, constant productivity but it has a lot of hurdles to overcome before it becomes commercially competitive. To grow as a national solution, geothermal must overcome significant technical and non-technical barriers in order to reduce cost and risk, says the introduction to a 2019 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) report GeoVision: Harnessing the Heat Beneath Our Feet. The subsurface exploration required for geothermal energy is foremost among these barriers, given the expense, complexity, and risk of such activities. Currently, geothermal energy accounts for just a tiny portion of the worlds total energy mix, representing just 0.5% of renewable energy globally. But a growing number of geothermal proponents are determined to grow the geothermal sector in the United States. Since one of the biggest hurdles to geothermal buildout is exploration, a nonprofit called Project Innerspace is launching an initiative to use the surface data of Google Maps to map out exactly what parts of the United States are most optimal for tapping into the heat from the Earths core. The North American version of GeoMap, which was released in June of this year, includes over 150 layers of subsurface and surface data, allowing users to explore and rank geothermal development opportunities utilizing factors like state and county boundaries, pollution point sources, transmission lines, heat and electricity demand, regulatory incentives, and techno-economic considerations according to the organizations website. Those maps have revealed that there are widespread hot spots for potential geothermal access close to the surface of the earth across the United States, but particularly in the West. Texas in particular could be a major geothermal energy hub, with a hundred-mile-wide corridor of near-surface geothermal heat spanning from the Rio Grande Valley in northwestern Texas, passing Houston, and stretching all the way to Shreveport, Louisiana. Critically, the GeoMap shows that a huge number of military bases in the western United States are situated atop relatively easily exploitable geothermal resources. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Department of Defense is currently funding geothermal pilot projects at six military bases across the West. There are also some critical hot spots in the colder and older East, but these are more isolated and anomalous. Theres huge parts of Texas and the Gulf Coast that have far more potential than previously thought, says Drew Nelson of Project Innerspace. Parts of South Carolina and into West Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York are some interesting hot spots. The hope is that this map will help kickstart a rapid interest in investing in a new wave of geothermal energy across the United States. The next generation of geothermal is currently in its infancy, and the first few projects will be expensive and high-risk as the industry gets its feet under it, the Hill reports. The point of GeoMap [...] is to help planners, researchers and the general public identify the lowest-hanging fruit: the places where the best geothermal resources lie closest to both the surface and the industries that demand it. Once investors take these low hanging fruit and run with it, the hope is that the industry will then progress toward enhanced geothermal, which involves drilling deep into the earth using technology borrowed from the fracking industry. In this way, geothermal energy can be accessed from virtually anywhere on earth, instead of depending on the geographically unique places where heat already reaches close to the surface. While such projects are cost-prohibitive up front, the overhead would be relatively low, and could even overtake nuclear power in the United States. If geothermal finally gets its moment in the sun, it will massively and irreversibly transform the energy sector, providing a completely emissions-free baseload power source available to any country and county with the means and the will to tap into it. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The government's plans to increase gas production and invest in green energy are not providing immediate relief to citizens struggling to stay warm during the harsh winters. The increased use of coal and illegal tree felling for firewood are causing significant environmental damage and air pollution. Uzbekistan's gas production has been declining, forcing citizens to rely on coal, wood, and animal manure for heating and cooking, despite the country having abundant gas reserves. In 2021, Uzbekistans energy minister said the country produces enough natural gas to meet domestic demand three times over. But production in the gas-rich nation has been dropping for half a decade, and the reality is this: Many Uzbeks rely on coal, firewood, and animal manure to heat their homes and cook their meals, and many of the power plants feeding the electrical grid are fueled by coal. Experts and activists have sounded the alarm about the effects on the environment: The most carbon-intensive fossil fuel, coal is a major contributor to human-caused climate change, and thousands of trees are being cut down illegally for firewood. Citizens accuse the government of failing to offer an alternative. The problem worsens every winter as demand for energy rises amid a chronic shortage of natural gas. Its been quite cold since late November, and were experiencing problems with gas supplies not only in the villages but even in cities, too, says activist Abdusalom Ergashev, who lives in the eastern city of Ferghana. In the downtown area where I live, the gas pressure [in the pipes] drops so low during the winter that the stove doesnt even get warm. People are left with no choice, so theyre burning whatever they can -- coal and animal dung, and theyre felling trees, even fruit trees, Ergashev said. Illegal tree felling has become so widespread that the government has toughened legal punishments for the crime. Under a law that came into force in February, individuals convicted of illegal tree cutting face fines of up to 17 million soms ($1,300). Penalties are higher for government officials and companies or other entities. Offenders must also plant 100 saplings for each tree they felled unlawfully. Many Uzbeks, especially those living outside urban areas, say they start preparing for the winter many months in advance, storing firewood, collecting and drying domestic animals manure, and buying coal. In many households, even walnut shells and fruit pits are used as fuel. The average village household burns about 1.5 tons of coal over the winter, in addition to firewood, cotton stalks, dry manure, and other fuels. Environmental damage is not the only effect of the dark plumes of smoke billowing from chimneys in winter. I was driving through Ferghana, and even with my car windows closed, the smell of the evening air was suffocating, popular vlogger Akmal Isomiddinov said in a recent video. Its not only happening in Ferghana. Its the same in 90 percent of our country. It is harmful to environment and peoples health. King Coal? Relief may not come soon. With an estimated 1.8 trillion cubic meters of proven reserves, the Central Asian nation of some 36 million people is among the worlds top 20 countries for natural gas. But its long-exploited deposits are gradually being depleted and the reserves more difficult to drill, according to the government, which also says more modern technology is needed. According to official statistics, in the first 10 months of 2024, Uzbekistan produced nearly 39 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas, which is 4.8 percent less than the same period last year. In 2018, the country produced about 61.6 bcm. Production had fallen to 46.7 bcm in 2023, a 24 percent decrease over five years. The government plans to gradually increase production by 33 percent, reaching 62 bcm -- slightly above the 2018 level -- by 2030. In the meantime, however, the government has reportedly been urging the country to burn more coal. Thousands of state-run schools, kindergartens, and medical facilities were ordered by authorities in 2023 to switch to from gas to coal, Uzbek media reports said. As gas production dropped, coal production climbed steadily, according to government figures. Annual production rose from less than 4 million tons in 2016 to 6.5 million tons in 2023. The government plans to boost coal production to 10 million tons in 2025. As for warnings over climate change concerns, the Uzbek government says that it has been investing in green energy sources, has introduced subsidies for electric vehicles, and launched a nationwide campaign to plant 200 million trees to help clean the air. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Western powers are concerned about China's control over rare earth supply chains and are seeking to diversify sources and develop their own refining capabilities. Rare earth elements are the new oil. This group of 17 metallic elements has become indispensable for the clean energy transition and for modern manufacturing in general. These elements have unique characteristics that make them essential ingredients for the future of technology. [Rare earths] just change everything about automobiles; about green technology; about the accuracy of weapons systems. And so theyve just become essential. said Jim Kennedy, the president of ThREE Consulting, a rare earths consultancy. You want a Prius? You need rare earths. You want a long-range Tesla? You need rare earths. You want a cruise missile that is accurate to 1 meter? You need rare earths. The particular utility of rare earth elements primarily comes from their uses as catalysts and magnets in traditional and low-carbon technologies. Other important uses of rare earth elements are in the production of special metal alloys, glass, and high-performance electronics. Rare earth elements have remarkable physical and chemical properties that make them arguably the superheroes of the periodic table, Ryan Castilloux, the managing director of minerals consultancy Adamas Intelligence, told Foreign Policy. Rare earths arent really as rare as the name would lead you to believe. These minerals are naturally occurring all over the world but the key lies in finding them in great enough concentrations to make their extraction worth the time and money required. All of this serves to make rare earths the new axis of geopolitical power on a global scale. The nations that have naturally occurring reserves of these elements and the capacities and resources to extract and refine them will find themselves wielding enormous financial and political leverage in the coming years. So which countries are at the top of this new geopolitical totem pole? China is far and away the largest producer of rare earth elements. After China, which provides about 38 percent of the worlds raw rare earth minerals, Vietnam has the next biggest rare earth reserves, accounting for about 19 percent. Then there is Brazil with 18.1 percent, Russia with 10.4 percent, India with 6 percent, Australia with 3.5 percent, and finally a tie between the United States and Greenland, accounting for 1.3 percent each. No other country has more than one percent of rare earth reserves. However, out of all these countries, only one really has geopolitical control of rare earth supply chains and all of the secondary markets that rely on those materials, and that country is China. China supplies about 8595 percent of the worlds refined rare earth minerals and has dominated the global market since the late 1990s. This is because Beijing has a near-monopoly on rare earth refining capacities. As we know, a handful of other countries also have significant reserves of critical rare earth elements, but lack the established infrastructure necessary to process them for use in an efficient or cost-effective manner. China alone accounts for 85-90 percent of the worlds rare earth mine-to-metal refining. Whats more, Chinese refineries supply 68 percent of the worlds cobalt, 65 percent of nickel, and 60 percent of EV-battery-grade lithium. As a result, a whopping 75 percent of all EV batteries are made in China. There is significant concern that if other nations rich in rare earths dont step up to compete with China, this is giving Beijing entirely too much leverage and creating a market that is anything but free. So far, however, some experts contend that such worries are overblown. But its no secret that rare earths are the new oil, and Western powers are scrambling to regain control. Global tensions around rare earth are certain to heat up in coming years, and mitigating such lopsided control of the market will be critical to maintaining balanced trade mechanisms. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Wintering red-billed gulls arrive in Donghu Lake scenic spot in Wuhan, C China Xinhua) 09:20, January 01, 2025 Tourists take photos of red-billed gulls on a tour boat at the Donghu Lake scenic spot in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Dec. 31, 2024. A large number of wintering red-billed gulls arrived in Donghu Lake scenic spot recently, attracting lots of tourists. (Xinhua/Hu Jingwen) An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 29, 2024 shows red-billed gulls flying near a tour boat at the Donghu Lake scenic spot in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. A large number of wintering red-billed gulls arrived in Donghu Lake scenic spot recently, attracting lots of tourists. (Xinhua/Hu Jingwen) An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 29, 2024 shows red-billed gulls flying near a tour boat at the Donghu Lake scenic spot in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. A large number of wintering red-billed gulls arrived in Donghu Lake scenic spot recently, attracting lots of tourists. (Xinhua/Hu Jingwen) This photo taken on Dec. 31, 2024 shows red-billed gulls flying at the Donghu Lake scenic spot in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. A large number of wintering red-billed gulls arrived in Donghu Lake scenic spot recently, attracting lots of tourists. (Xinhua/Hu Jingwen) An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 29, 2024 shows red-billed gulls flying at the Donghu Lake scenic spot in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. A large number of wintering red-billed gulls arrived in Donghu Lake scenic spot recently, attracting lots of tourists. (Xinhua/Hu Jingwen) (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu) The Nigerian Army yesterday faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its adopted position on the governorship election in Rivers State. It maintained that the INEC failed to look at the circumstances that prompted military intervention during the conduct of the exercise and more so when it made a presentation to the INEC fact-finding committee during its visit to the state. In a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations in Charge of 6 Division, Col Aminu Iliyasu, the Army accused the Festus Okoye committee of lack of sincerity in its final report. Col Iliyasu said: Headquarters 6 Division Nigerian Army (NA) have observed with dismay and sense of betrayal in the statement made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye Esq on 15 March 2019. The statement according to INEC was the findings of its Fact-Finding Committee that assessed the situation in Rivers State. It is, however, pertinent to note that, representatives of the 6 Division met with the Fact-Finding Committee on Tuesday, 12 March, 2019 at the INEC Headquarters in Port Harcourt and had honest discussions and made a written submission to aid the committee in its task. Regrettably, none of the Divisions input from any of the findings of INEC has been made public. This clearly indicates lack of trust by an institution that the NA sacrifices so much to assist in the course of performing their role. Genesis of the suspension of Governorship/State House of Assembly elections process in Rivers State. What INEC failed to mention or even consider is the fact that at about 10:30 pm on Saturday 9th March 2019, troops of 6 Division NA detailed at the outer perimeter of Obio/Akpor Local Government Headquarters Collation Center were brazenly attacked by Governor Wikes security aides and armed thugs who stormed the collation center with the Governor in a convoy of more than 50 vehicles while collation of results was going on. In the ensuing melee, Captain Adams Salami was shot at close range by the security aides of Governor Wike while Corporal Adeosun Adebayo was matcheted by Governor Wikes thugs. Both victims are currently receiving treatment at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) Intensive Care Unit and Military Hospital Port Harcourt respectively with life threatening injuries. Thereafter, election materials were carted away and electoral officials abducted by the governors thugs to an unknown destination. This was made known to the INEC Fact-Finding Committee but INEC does not see it worth condemning or mention in its report. Consequently, after due consultations and considerations between 6 Division and the Rivers State Police Command on Sunday the 10th of March 2019, the Rivers State Police Command, on their own, took the initiative to invite the media to the hospitals where the two victims are receiving treatment and thereafter to host a press conference on the matter with the view to dissociate itself from the unprofessional conduct exhibited by their men attached to Wike and tell the public what disciplinary action the command will take or is already taking. However, while the visit to the victims was accomplished and the two victims interviewed by the media, the press conference was aborted by the Police after journalists have been assembled. Coincidentally, a rescheduled press conference on the matter was also aborted on Thursday the 14th of March 2019. Most disheartening is that while the Rivers State Police Command accepts the involvement of their personnel in the attack at Obio/Akpor LG Headquarters, till date those personnel have not at least been reprimanded. To this end, in the circumstance, the 6 Division NA as a stakeholder in the 2019 General Elections takes exception to the lopsided and therefore unfair INEC report and is hereby strongly and totally rejected by the NA. The Division is equally disappointed with the attitude exhibited by the Nigerian Police in this regard and hereby request the police leadership to commence full scale investigation of those security aides to Governor Wike that attacked troops at the Obio/Akpor LG Headquarters Collation Center and shot at Capt AA Salami with a view to appropriately sanction those found responsible/culpable. Until that is done, Headquarters 6 Division NA will have to review all existing joint activities with the Rivers State Police Command. The United States Department of Justice has released details of how some Nigerian fraudsters operating outside of Los Angeles and in Nigeria, fraudulently dispossessed a Japanese woman of $200,000, an equivalent of N70 million. The woman, simply identified as J.K, was a victim of an online romance scam. According to the DoJ, J.K had thought she was in conversation with a US Army captain, Terry Garcia, stationed in Syria. Over the course of 10 months, J.K exchanged daily messages with supposed Garcia and ended up losing $200,000. In the elaborate scheme to swindle F.K of her money, the scammer who had impersonated the American captain told the woman that he had found a bag of diamonds in Syria and would want to smuggle it out of the country. He introduced J.k to supposed associate and Red Cross representative to legitimize his claims. This Red Cross representative would later inform J.K that Gracia had been injured but had given him the box of diamond. F.K. eventually made 35 to 40 payments, receiving as many as 10 to 15 emails a day directing her to send money to accounts in the U.S. Turkey and the United Kingdom through the captains many purported associates. The fraudsters even threatened her with arrest if she did not continue to pay and at one point she travelled to Los Angeles because she was told a Russian bank manager had embezzled more than $33,000 of her funds. This was part of the indictment on the 77 Nigerians accused of online fraud and money laundering. Reacting to the incident, Nick Hanna. United States Attorney for the Central District of California, said: We believe this is one of the largest cases of its kind in US history. We are taking a major step to disrupt these criminal networks. The indictment was a result of about three years investigation. F.K. was and is extremely depressed and angry about these losses, the federal complaint states. She began crying when discussing the way that these losses have affected her. United States authorities arrested 14 defendants on Thursday, mostly in the Los Angeles area. US officials said they are also working with security outfits of other nations to bring the culprits not in America to justice. By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Above photo shows vandalism in the Portland State Library calling to burn ballot boxes. A few months later, someone set fire to a ballot box in Multnomah County. Below, is what Portlands rank choice voting ballot looked like in November. There were 6 bubble spots for each candidate giving people over 100 voting spots. No wonder, Portlands rank voting choices saw 20% less voter participation than traditional ballot choices. Here is a sample of the over one-million dollars of damages done to the Portland State University Library when rioters who took control of it for several days. They demolished computers, door, phones, books. Another scene from the library. Also, during the Portland State riots the rioters distributed flyers calling for arson. That very night 15 Portland police vehicles were torched. Photo of unsafe tree that homeowner was denied permit to cut down for safety. The tree soon fell over and crushed their house. (OPB) Multnomah District Attorney calls for ban on oil as part of $40 billion lawsuit to bankrupt oil and energy companies. Drug addict steals truck with employee still inside, hanging on for dear life. These three men in Portland helped to rob an elderly man that was caught on video. It is hard to defend yourself from a trio of thieves, which is why it is so important to have tough-on-crime penalties to get them off the streets. Rioters protested outside a Portland comedy club for daring to have a Jewish comedian. The rioters set off fireworks in hopes of chasing away attendees. The scene looks like an apocalyptic zombie film location but really it is just another Portland meth-house. Portland protestors call for the abolishment of Israel. Portland downtown businesses prepare themselves ahead of the 2024 General Election by boarding up all their windows for several blocks. One of the more common looting tactics in Portland is to use your car to ram the storefront in order to gain speedy smash-and-grab access. During the February Special Session lawmakers rolled back parts of the Measure 110s drug decriminalzation law. The pro-drug protestors rallied outside the capitol calling drug laws a form of white supremacy. One person had a t-shirt that read elect hoes. This is a Springfield bust of a lego-theft ring that could barely fit inside three garages. A ringleader would recruit drug users to shoplift at stores and then pay them mere dollars for each stolen item (which is all meth heads needed). Angry Leftist protesters plastered posters across Bend threatening Biden in the election. The same protestors also called for the end of America. Portland Public Schools had a recommended booklet on how kids could pray to Allah as well as related material on anti-Israel information. By this odd example, it appears liberals do not believe in prayer in schools unless it involves attacking Jewish people and their home. Finally, there was the sad headlines detailing Governor Koteks scandal. Was that not an impressive photo review of 2024? If so, Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty). By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com The first notable thing the newly elected Secretary of State Tobias Read did was to hold a special closed door meeting with the States highest elected officials (Governor Tina Kotek, New Attorney General Dan Rayfield, Treasurer-elect Elizabeth Steiner, and Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson). The secret meeting was to discuss how to coordinate efforts to stop President Donald Trump and his actions in 2025. The second big notable action by our new Secretary of State Tobias Read is to send out a campaign mailing (as seen above) attacking President Trump. Since the Secretary of State is the States highest election official shouldnt Tobias Read be a little less partisan and extreme as he enters that office? Maybe the States highest election official should be more concerned about the 50,000 Oregon voters who were registered without verifying that they are a U.S. Citizen. Oregons prior Secretary of State was focused less on her job and on promoting marijuana and she resigned in scandal. Maybe the Secretary of State, who also runs the Audits division should be concerned about the rash of agency scandals. See below: Tobias Read should stop playing national politics and get busy to the work Oregonians hired him to do. Was this helpful? If so, Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty). Joe Biden and Pope Francis On December 23, 2024, President Joe Biden commuted the death sentences for all federal prisoners with the exception of three. ABC, as usual, broadcast verbatim and without any critical questions the press release from the White House justifying Mr. Bidens actions. After noting that activists, including Pope Francis, have called for an end to the death penalty in America, ABC quoted Biden as saying: But guided by my conscience and my experience as a public defender, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Vice President, and now President, I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level. ABC continued: Bidens decision comes after some notable figures and many activists called for Biden to take action. Pope Francis has called for the sentences of Americans on death row to be commuted during his Angelus address in October, the Vatican News Sources reported. Today, I feel compelled to ask all of you to pray for the inmates on death row in the United States, the Pope said at the time, according to the report. Let us pray that their sentences may be commuted or changed. Let us think of these brothers and sisters of ours and ask the Lord for the grace to save them from death. Biden is a devout Catholic and is set next month to visit the Holy See during a trip to Italy, where he will also have an audience with the pope. Look, there is hardly a word in the article by ABC that doesnt reek of lies, embellishment, and hypocrisy. So lets work our way through it. The claim is that Mr. Biden was guided by my conscience and my experience as a public defender, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Vice President, and now President. . . But even a cursory look at Mr. Bidens history gives the lie to everything in that sentence. First, nothing in Mr. Bidens experience as a public defender would serve as a reason for opposing the death penalty. There is no record of Mr. Biden trying any major felony cases let alone any capital punishment cases. Second, during Mr. Bidens terms in the Senate he sponsored and campaigned for the 1994 Crime Bill which increased the number of crimes eligible for the death penalty thus enlarging rather than limiting the use of the death penalty. And finally there is no record of Mr. Biden seeking congressional approval for the elimination, or even the limitation, of the use of the death penalty. This is just another manipulation by Mr. Bidens staff who have been seeking their own personal goals while using the diminished capacity of Mr. Biden to usurp his powers. Somewhere buried in the United States Code there has to be a prohibition against the usurpation of presidential power a fact that has been going on for over two years as Mr. Bidens cognitive abilities diminish. Congress owes the American people both an investigation and a determination of the specific charges to be leveled against those who have taken it upon themselves to exercise the powers of the President. If you cannot find an applicable code you could start with the provisions relating to treason which oddly enough carries the death penalty. Next, it is made to appear that Mr. Biden was responding to the worlds number one hypocrite Pope Francis as a rationale for commuting all of those death penalties. Its very doubtful that Mr. Biden, given his diminished capacity, was even aware of the Popes comments led alone responding to them. Be that as it may, lets first note that Pope Francis condemned only the United States and failed to mention that Italy which surrounds Vatican City has the death penalty and so does Pope Francis native Argentina. I am unaware of any time when Pope Francis has condemned the use of government executions in either Italy or Argentina, or for that matter the blood thirsty regimes of Iran, Russia, Communist China, Cuba, Venezuela, or Nicaragua but then again if you condemn Iran they may kill you and the rest are all socialist/communist countries. Pope Francis is a disciple of liberation theology which was made popular by progressives back in the 60s as they tried to wed the atheist philosophy of the socialists/communists with the selective teaching of the Church. It didnt work because there is no common cause between atheism and Christianity one is a socio-economic political philosophy that is only sustainable under a totalitarian regime while the other is a spiritual/religious philosophy that can only exist where there is free expression. and in many instance as a resistance to totalitarian regimes. And finally, this continuing gibberish about Mr. Biden being a devout Catholic. Mr. Biden is a decades long advocate for taxpayer funded abortions on demand. A policy that has resulted in more than sixty five million abortions in the United State and continuing at a rate of about one million per year. The Catholic Church has been unflinching in its opposition to abortion. The Church has likewise condemned the concept of supporting pro-abortion candidates on the basis of some proportional response. There is none. Mr. Biden specifically runs on, and raises money specifically because of his support for taxpayer funded abortion on demand. As a member of Congress he has supported pro-abortion legislation and appropriations, and as president he has approved legislation and appropriations doing the same. You cant have it both ways. You cannot be a devout Catholic and support abortion. At best Mr. Biden is a nominal Catholic or better said a Catholic-in-name-only. As he draws closer to his final days his crises of conscious becomes more acute. ABC speculates that Mr. Biden is going to seek solace from Pope Francis for all of the negativity surrounding his upcoming departure from the presidency. I hope that Mr. Biden uses his time with Pope Francis to seek forgiveness and that Pope Francis can leave aside his dislike for America long enough to counsel Mr. Biden as a parish priest instead of a socialist politician. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Fast radio bursts are brief and brilliant explosions of radio waves emitted by extremely compact objects such as neutron stars and possibly black holes. These fleeting fireworks last for just a thousandth of a second and can carry an enormous amount of energyenough to briefly outshine entire galaxies. Since the first fast radio burst (FRB) was discovered in 2007, astronomers have detected thousands of FRBs, whose locations range from within our own galaxy to as far as 8 billion light-years away. Exactly how these cosmic radio flares are launched is a highly contested unknown. Now, astronomers at MIT have pinned down the origins of at least one fast radio burst using a novel technique that could do the same for other FRBs. In their new study, appearing in the journal Nature, the team focused on FRB 20221022Aa previously discovered fast radio burst that was detected from a galaxy about 200 million light-years away. The team zeroed in further to determine the precise location of the radio signal by analyzing its "scintillation," similar to how stars twinkle in the night sky. The scientists studied changes in the FRB's brightness and determined that the burst must have originated from the immediate vicinity of its source, rather than much further out, as some models have predicted. The team estimates that FRB 20221022A exploded from a region that is extremely close to a rotating neutron star, 10,000 kilometers away at most. That's less than the distance between New York and Singapore. At such close range, the burst likely emerged from the neutron star's magnetospherea highly magnetic region immediately surrounding the ultracompact star. The team's findings provide the first conclusive evidence that a fast radio burst can originate from the magnetosphere, the highly magnetic environment immediately surrounding an extremely compact object. "In these environments of neutron stars, the magnetic fields are really at the limits of what the universe can produce," says lead author Kenzie Nimmo, a postdoc in MIT's Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. "There's been a lot of debate about whether this bright radio emission could even escape from that extreme plasma." "Around these highly magnetic neutron stars, also known as magnetars, atoms can't existthey would just get torn apart by the magnetic fields," says Kiyoshi Masui, associate professor of physics at MIT. "The exciting thing here is, we find that the energy stored in those magnetic fields, close to the source, is twisting and reconfiguring such that it can be released as radio waves that we can see halfway across the universe." The study's MIT co-authors include Adam Lanman, Shion Andrew, Daniele Michilli, and Kaitlyn Shin, along with collaborators from multiple institutions. Burst size Detections of fast radio bursts have ramped up in recent years, due to the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME). The radio telescope array comprises four large, stationary receivers, each shaped like a half-pipe, that are tuned to detect radio emissions within a range that is highly sensitive to fast radio bursts. Since 2020, CHIME has detected thousands of FRBs from all over the universe. While scientists generally agree that the bursts arise from extremely compact objects, the exact physics driving the FRBs is unclear. Some models predict that fast radio bursts should come from the turbulent magnetosphere immediately surrounding a compact object, while others predict that the bursts should originate much further out, as part of a shockwave that propagates away from the central object. To distinguish between the two scenarios, and determine where fast radio bursts arise, the team considered scintillationthe effect that occurs when light from a small bright source such as a star, filters through some medium, such as a galaxy's gas. As the starlight filters through the gas, it bends in ways that make it appear, to a distant observer, as if the star is twinkling. The smaller or the farther away an object is, the more it twinkles. The light from larger or closer objects, such as planets in our own solar system, experiences less bending, and therefore do not appear to twinkle. The team reasoned that if they could estimate the degree to which an FRB scintillates, they might determine the relative size of the region from where the FRB originated. The smaller the region, the closer the burst would be to its source, and the more likely it is to have come from a magnetically turbulent environment. The larger the region, the farther the burst would be, giving support to the idea that FRBs stem from far-out shockwaves. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Twinkle pattern To test their idea, the researchers looked to FRB 20221022A, a fast radio burst that was detected by CHIME in 2022. The signal lasts about two milliseconds, and is a relatively run-of-the-mill FRB, in terms of its brightness. However, the team's collaborators at McGill University found that FRB 20221022A exhibited one standout property. The light from the burst was highly polarized, with the angle of polarization tracing a smooth S-shaped curve. This pattern is interpreted as evidence that the FRB emission site is rotatinga characteristic previously observed in pulsars, which are highly magnetized, rotating neutron stars. To see a similar polarization in fast radio bursts was a first, suggesting that the signal may have arisen from the close-in vicinity of a neutron star. The McGill team's results are reported in a companion paper in Nature. The MIT team realized that if FRB 20221022A originated from close to a neutron star, they should be able to prove this, using scintillation. In their new study, Nimmo and her colleagues analyzed data from CHIME and observed steep variations in brightness that signaled scintillationin other words, the FRB was twinkling. They confirmed that there is gas somewhere between the telescope and FRB that is bending and filtering the radio waves. The team then determined where this gas could be located, confirming that gas within the FRB's host galaxy was responsible for some of the scintillation observed. This gas acted as a natural lens, allowing the researchers to zoom in on the FRB site and determine that the burst originated from an extremely small region, estimated to be about 10,000 kilometers wide. "This means that the FRB is probably within hundreds of thousands of kilometers from the source," Nimmo says. "That's very close. For comparison, we would expect the signal would be more than tens of millions of kilometers away if it originated from a shockwave, and we would see no scintillation at all." "Zooming in to a 10,000-kilometer region, from a distance of 200 million light years, is like being able to measure the width of a DNA helix, which is about 2 nanometers wide, on the surface of the moon," Masui says. "There's an amazing range of scales involved." The team's results, combined with the findings from the McGill team, rule out the possibility that FRB 20221022A emerged from the outskirts of a compact object. Instead, the studies prove for the first time that fast radio bursts can originate from very close to a neutron star, in highly chaotic magnetic environments. "These bursts are always happening, and CHIME detects several a day," Masui says. "There may be a lot of diversity in how and where they occur, and this scintillation technique will be really useful in helping to disentangle the various physics that drive these bursts." More information: Magnetospheric origin of a fast radio burst constrained using scintillation, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08297-w A pulsar-like polarisation angle swing from a nearby fast radio burst, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08184-4 Journal information: Nature This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain SpaceX knocked out a midnight launch from Cape Canaveral on Sunday, but has a midnight Monday launch on tap from Kennedy Space Center to cap off a record year for the Space Coast. The Sunday launch saw a Falcon 9 lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Space Launch Complex 40 carrying communication satellites for Astranis Space Technologies Corp. The mission was delayed from a Dec. 20 attempt that saw the booster shut down as the countdown clock reached 0. SpaceX ended up switching boosters for the mission. This one, flying for the seventh time, including this year's Crew-8 and Polaris Dawn missions, made a recovery landing on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas stationed in the Atlantic. It marked the 92nd launch from the Space Coast for 2024, already 20 more than the 72 seen by all providers in 2023, and one more to go. SpaceX's final launch of the year could come at midnight with another Falcon 9 carrying 21 Starlink satellites set to lift off from KSC's Pad 39-A during the launch window that runs until 3:28 a.m. and backup opportunities on Dec. 31 during the same window. Space Launch Delta 45's weather squadron forecasts a 60% chance of good launch conditions as a front moves through the Florida peninsula on Sunday. The first-stage booster for that mission is flying for the 16th time, having previously flown the Crew-6 mission among 15 other flights. It will aim for a recovery landing on the droneship Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic. It will mark the end of a busy weekend for SpaceX, which also flew a Starlink mission from California late Saturday. Elon Musk's company will have flown 134 missions of its Falcon family of rockets, with 62 from Cape Canaveral, 26 from KSC, including the two Falcon Heavy launches of the year, and 46 from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base. It also flew its in-development Starship and Super Heavy on four suborbital test flights from its Texas launch site Starbase. For the Space Coast, the KSC launch will mark 93 launches for the year, with all but five from SpaceX. The other five were all from United Launch Alliance, which flew three different rockets from two launch pads. 2024 saw the debut of its Vulcan rocket in January, which flew a second time in the fall while also flying two Atlas V missions, including the Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test, all from Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41. The year also saw the final launch of ULA's Delta IV Heavy rocket from Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 37. Among the Space Coast launches were five human spaceflights carrying 16 people to space. Those include the Starliner flight from ULA to the International Space Station, and four launches of SpaceX's Crew Dragon. SpaceX's launches of the Crew-8 and Crew-9 missions as well as its flight for Axiom Space on the Ax-3 mission also went to the ISS. The Polaris Dawn mission took billionaire and the next nominee to head NASA, Jared Isaacman, and three others on an orbital mission that featured the first commercial spacewalk. One rocket that didn't launch in 2024, but could still, is Blue Origin's New Glenn, which had been trying to get its debut mission off the ground before the end of the year. The Federal Aviation Administration only gave Jeff Bezos' company a launch license for the heavy-lift rocket on Friday, which was also when Blue Origin was able to finally perform a test hot fire of the rocket on the pad at Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 36. The FAA has cleared the NG-1 Blue Ring Pathfinder mission for a launch window late Monday during a window from 11:30 p.m. into early Tuesday until 2:45 a.m. and a backup late New Year's Eve into New Year's Day during the same window. 2024 Orlando Sentinel. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Kenyan officials said Wednesday they were investigating fragments of metal, believed to be from a rocket, that crashed into a village in the country's south. The issue of space trash has risen in tandem with increased spatial traffic. Kenya Space Agency (KSA) said the object, a metallic ring roughly 2.5 metres (8 feet) in diametre and weighing some 500 kilogrammes (1,100 pounds), crashed into Mukuku village, in Makueni county, on December 30 at around 3:00 pm local time (1200 GMT). The KSA, working alongside other agencies and local authorities, "secured the area and retrieved the debris, which is now under the Agency's custody for further investigation." It said "preliminary assessments indicate that the fallen object is a separation ring from a launch vehicle", which are designed to either burn up upon re-entry to Earth's atmosphere or fall over uninhabited areas. "This is an isolated case, which the agency will investigate and address," the KSA said in a statement. It said the object was not a threat to public safety, and praised the villagers nearby who had swiftly alerted authorities. The KSA said they were working to identify the piece's origin. Past examples of manmade human space debris hitting Earth include part of a SpaceX Dragon capsule landing on an Australian sheep farm in 2022. And earlier this year, NASA faced a lawsuit from an American family whose Florida home was hit by a piece of falling metal. China has also been criticized by NASA for allowing its giant Long March rockets to fall back to Earth after orbit. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A supermoon rises behind an observation deck in New York City as seen from Hoboken, N.J., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File The new year will bring a pair of lunar eclipses, but don't expect any sun-disappearing acts like the one that mesmerized North America last spring. While the world will have to wait until 2026 for the next total solar eclipse, the cosmos promises plenty of other wow moments in 2025. It's kicking off the year with a six-planet parade in January that will be visible for weeks. Little Mercury will join the crowd for a seven-planet lineup in February. Five planets already are scattered across the skyall but Mars and Mercurythough binoculars or telescopes are needed to spot some of them just after sunset. "People should go out and see them sometime during the next many weeks. I certainly will," said the Planetary Society's chief scientist Bruce Betts. Here's a sneak peek of what's ahead: Eclipses The moon will vanish for more than an hour over North and South America on March 14, followed two weeks later by a partial solar eclipse visible from Maine, eastern Canada, Greenland, Europe, Siberia and northwestern Africa. The cosmic double-header will repeat in September with an even longer total lunar eclipse over Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia, and a partial solar eclipse two weeks later near the bottom of the world. The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are visible over Lake Washington, in Renton, Wash., on Friday evening, May 10, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File Supermoons Three supermoons are on tap this year in October, November and December. The full moon will look particularly big and bright those three months as it orbits closer to Earth than usual. November's supermoon will come closest, passing within 221,817 miles (356,980 kilometers). Last year featured four supermoons, wrapping up in November. Planet parade Six of our seven neighboring planets will line up in the sky to form a long arc around mid-January. All but Neptune and Uranus should be visible with the naked eye just after sunset, weather permitting. The parade will continue for weeks, with some of the planets occasionally snuggling up. Mercury will make a cameo appearance by the end of February. The planets will gradually exit, one by one, through spring. Northern and southern lights The sun burped big time last year, painting the sky with gorgeous auroras in unexpected places. The earth's shadow covers the moon during a total lunar eclipse Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Yokohama near Tokyo. Credit: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File Space weather forecasters anticipate more geomagnetic storms that could yield even more northern and southern lights. That's because the sun has reached its solar maximum during its current 11-year cycle that could continue through this year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Shawn Dahl urges everyone to stay on top of space weather news, so as not to miss any pop-up, razzle-dazzle shows. Meteor showers The Perseids and Geminids are perennial crowd-pleasers, peaking in August and December, respectively. But don't count out the smaller, less dramatic meteor showers like the Lyrids in April, the Orionids in October and the Leonids in November. The darker the locale and dimmer the moon, the better it will be for viewing. Meteor showers are generally named for the constellation in which they appear to originate. They occur whenever Earth plows through streams of debris left behind by comets and sometimes asteroids. 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. WILDWOOD Federal and state authorities expect an island-wide beach project that has been in the works for more than a decade to finally begin construction in 2025, with partnership agreements signed with four communities included in the project area. But that does not mean everyone is happy. Officials in Wildwood Crest and Wildwood say the latest plans will take too big a bite out of their beaches for the benefit of North Wildwood. Wildwood Crest Mayor Don Cabrera said the Crest has sent a letter formally opposing the plans, which are a joint project of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the state Department of Environmental Protection. Wildwood Crest will remain in opposition unless there are significant changes to the proposal, he said. But Cabrera said he remains willing to keep talking. They did say that if we didnt want the project, to just let them know, Cabrera said Tuesday. Much of the local discussion about the project in recent years centered on plans to create a wide dune system the length of the island, which some property owners and local officials had argued would block views and change the local community in the name of shore protection. Now, the primary objection relates to the proposed source of the sand to rebuild the badly eroded North Wildwood beaches: the exceptionally wide beaches of Wildwood and Wildwood Crest. DEP commissioner meets with Cape mayors on flood rules, beach work and more Sand could be heading to North Wildwood beaches by 2026, but there is no word from DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette on potential changes to planned flood rules. At a Monday meeting of the Wildwood Board of Commissioners, Mayor Ernie Troiano criticized the proposal, after a member of the public suggested it could hurt Wildwood. Their project will be devastating to our beaches if it goes through, Brian Schwartz told the commissioners. This project will change the landscape of this town forever, negatively. From its inception, the proposal has been to take sand from the beaches farther south on Five Mile Beach, the island that includes the Wildwoods and the Diamond Beach section of Lower Township, and use it to rebuild the beaches at the north end of the island. While erosion is a persistent problem on New Jerseys barrier islands, Wildwood and Wildwood Crest have exceptionally wide beaches. A public presentation from 2014 described using back passing to gather sand from beaches in Lower Township, Wildwood and Wildwood Crest to build both the dune and the North Wildwood beaches. Back passing involves taking sand from the tidal zone, removing it when the tide is out, which will allow some sand to be returned by the incoming tide. But in separate interviews, both Cabrera and Troiano said they did not have a clear picture of just how much sand would be taken until a recent presentation from state and federal officials took place in Wildwood. The most recent plan would reduce the width of the beach from Cresse Avenue to the Wildwoods Convention Center by about 900 feet, Troiano said, adding, They said thats the worst-case scenario. He said the most recent plan, presented to local officials at a meeting in Wildwood before Christmas, was dramatically different from what the city has seen before. Troiano said North Wildwood will not be happy, but he has to do what is best for Wildwood and for his citys economy. Van Drew, Pallone take credit for inclusion of NJ erosion study in water bill Two New Jersey lawmakers said Tuesday they successfully lobbied to include an erosion study in a water infrastructure bill, the final version of which was recently negotiated by the House and Senate. There was no immediate response from North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello to a request for comment Tuesday. Vincent Grassi, a DEP press officer, said each impacted town gave support to the project at a December meeting. In an email Jan. 2, he said the meeting Dec. 16 meeting was called to update towns on the plans for the work and the status of the process of acquiring easements from property owners. He said more discussion will take place in the New Year. "At the meeting, each municipality shared their support for the Project. Some concerns were raised, including post construction beach width and questions related to required sand quantities," Grassi said. "In January, the USACE and the DEP will be holding individual coordination meetings with each municipality to discuss these and other concerns and the full project implementation as we move towards bidding and construction slated for spring of 2026." He directed further questions about the project plans to the Army Corps of Engineers. Attempts to speak with someone from the Army Corps were unsuccessful. The potential impact of the project has been a concern for Wildwood all along, with city officials saying they could not support a proposal that would not allow large-scale events on the beach. For instance, the Barefoot Country Music Fest takes place on the beach and draws thousands to town. The June 2025 lineup includes stars like Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson, and plans are for the festival to return for years to come. According to Troiano, the meeting on beach plans took place the same day as a meeting with DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette and Cape May County mayors on proposed new flood rules, which local officials argue could severely impact the local economy. On Monday, Troiano said the state could not say it needs to plan for the worst in terms of flood rules, meant to address significant sea level rise by the end of the century, and not expect the worst case scenario when it comes to Wildwoods beaches. He cited significant storms like Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and Winter Storm Jonas in 2016 that included tides that overwhelmed the citys wide beaches. In a previously released statement, LaTourette indicated that everything was ready for the project to get underway in 2025. As of 2023, the towns of North Wildwood, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and Lower Township had all signed aid agreements to enable our partnership to proceed, LaTourette continued. Throughout 2024, federal, state, and local government engineers collaborated on a detailed project design that is now near complete. NJDEP is grateful for the partnership of all involved, including at our most recent and productive Mayors meeting. In 2025, NJDEP expects that the shore protection project design will be completed and that property easements necessary for construction in all four towns will be secured. These steps will make way for the shore protection project to begin construction in 2026. LaTourette emphasized the importance of the shore protection project, which take place regularly in other beach communities, but not in the Wildwoods. All of New Jerseys Atlantic Ocean beachfront is now protected by an engineered beach and dune system, except Five Mile Island, the barrier island that is home to the Wildwoods, LaTourette said. The Wildwoods need and deserve the same protection, especially as coastal storms and erosional forces become more intense, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) have committed to design, construct, and fund the barrier island-wide project that would run between Hereford and Cape May Inlets. But in Cape May, Ocean City, Sea Isle City and other communities, the beach projects draw sand from nearby inlets, which are pumped onto beaches. In 2024, Avalon celebrated a change in federal law that would allow sand to be pumped from Hereford Inlet, between Stone Harbor and North Wildwood, for beach projects in Avalon and Stone Harbor. In previous interviews, North Wildwoods Rosenello was not certain whether the change would also allow inlet sand to be added to beaches in his town. Wildwood Crests Cabrera said most of his communitys objections would evaporate if the sand was taken from the inlet, although there remain concerns about the dune proposal as well. The original cost estimate on the project was $21.8 million, but that was from 10 years ago. Even then, the total cost estimated over the long term was close to $60 million. North Wildwood once had an exceptionally wide beach, much like its neighbors, but over about 20 years, that sand has been disappearing. For years, North Wildwood rebuilt its own beach, trucking sand in from farther south on the barrier island until erosion reached a point that there was no route to take to deliver the sand. Avalon lauds decision on Hereford Inlet sand A change in federal rules, pushed by U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew and Avalon officials, will allow sand to be taken from Hereford Inlet for regular beach projects in Stone Harbor and Avalon. That had previously been prevented by environmental regulations, but only for some projects. The city and the DEP also resolved long-running legal disputes over shore protection in December. Things looked bad for the summer of 2024, with little beach in a wide area of the town at high tide and water lapping sections of the seawall. Gov. Phil Murphy helped push through an emergency beach project in the spring, through the state Department of Transportation rather than the DEP. Rosenello said the work saved the summer, dredging sand from offshore and adding it to the badly eroded beaches. A beach project for the Wildwoods has been under consideration since the 1980s, and Rosenello has been calling for a project for years. LaTourette seemed confident that sand could be moving before the end of 2025. I dont know where its going to go from here. Its going to be interesting, Troiano said, adding he expects more information from the Army Corps and the state. Theyre going to powwow and come back to us. Will they say we dont have a choice? I dont know. Federal authorities will continue routine searches for poachers off coast of Chetumal Chetumal, Q.R. Naval authorities intend to continue surveillance this year to deter poaching off the coast of Chetumal. Vice Admiral Jose Luis Tlatelpa Castillo says the illegal fishing represents a threat to the marine ecosystem and the economy of local fishermen. For this reason, maritime and environmental authorities will continue to work to reinforce surveillance and inspection operations in matters of fishing. He says the reinforcement is with the objective of guaranteeing the maintenance of the Rule of Law in the national seas and coasts. We have a program around poaching where we are carrying out overflights with aircraft from the Navy and also patrolling aboard interceptor patrols in Banco Chinchorro and along the coasts of Chetumal. We are also conducting tours with various state and municipal government agencies with groups that are searching for any element or vessel that is carrying out an activity that is not considered usual, such as poaching. We are also working with Conanp. Vice Admiral Jose Luis Tlatelpa Castillo pointed out that the operations help to prevent poachers from catching species during their closed fishing seasons. He says Naval personnel are patrolling the coasts to locate potential poachers, but to date, have not located anything illegal. According to Tlatelpa Castillo, authorities are also searching restaurants, warehouses, shops and places where seafood is sold, in search of recently purchased illegal fish species. Networks have been detected during anti-fishing patrols, so restaurants, warehouses and vessels at sea have been inspected, but so far, what has been found is within the rules. We have not discovered any illegal fishing. He added that if fishermen are caught poaching, their boat, fishing equipment and catch is seized and a legal process started to send a clear message to the offenders that illegal fishing is not tolerated in the seas and coasts of Mexico. Italy returns 101 archaeological pieces belonging to Mexico Mexico City, Mexico The Italian government has returned 101 archaeological pieces belonging to the national cultural heritage to Mexico. The pieces were return during a recent ceremony headed by the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Maria Teresa Mercado Perez. Mercado Perez traveled to Rome with representatives of Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente and authorities from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), a department of the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico. Most of the pieces correspond to anthropomorphic figures. They were confiscated by the Carabinieri in Rome, Perugia, Udine, Ancona and Cosenza The return took place at the Mexican Embassy in the Italian capita with the presence of the Mexican ambassador to Italy, Carlos Garcia de Alba and he Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Giorgio Silli, among others. Undersecretary Mercado Perez highlighted the symbolic meaning of the ceremony as it reflects the excellent state of the bilateral relationship between Mexico and Italy. She also expressed the gratitude of the Government of Mexico to the Italian authorities for the significant and numerous restitution of pieces. Giorgio Silli also expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation in this area and stressed his countrys conviction that this heritage is integral to the identity of nations such as Italy and Mexico, cultural powers with a rich shared history. Through a virtual link, the General Director of INAH, Diego Prieto Hernandez, offered details about the set of 101 archaeological pieces. He reported that they were seized in the cities of Rome, Perugia, Udine, Ancona and Cosenza. He added that bilateral cooperation also includes the training of specialized personnel in the Mexican National Guard, based on the model of the Carabineros, to act against the plundering and trafficking of property. Most of them are anthropomorphic figures, which shows the enormous value that our ancestors gave to the human body, although there are also decorative elements and objects of daily use. They come from various regions of Mesoamerica and their temporalities cover a horizon that starts in the year 900 before our era, and reaches up to the moments closest to the Spanish occupation of the current Mexican territory, in the 16th century, he explained. Since 2018, thanks to bilateral cooperation, Mexico has achieved the restitution of almost 800 archaeological pieces confiscated by Italian security forces. The glass, aluminum, and stainless steel panels reclined at low angles and basked in the sun as the men in suits and ties, flanked by reporters, took to the West Wing roof to look at what they thought was the future. That day, June 20, 1979, was clear enough for the sun to bring out a bright reflection on the panels, and for shadows of those on the roof to be drawn dark and tight around them. For President Jimmy Carter, it had been nearly three years of tough fighting for clean energy. After a long rollout of green tax credits, the creation of a nascent Energy Department, and a pledge to conduct the moral equivalent of war (at the time, spoofed by critics as MEOW) against an energy crisis, Carter had built up scars. And there would be more to come. He had had battles with Congress and with his political enemies over green issues. But he had some victories, too, and this day brought one more, a small moment of symbolism. Solar panels, some 32 of them, were on the roof of the White House. The set was just right the sun had come out for the press as though for a stage call. Tape rolled, the cameras snapped. Self-conscious about his idealism, or perhaps just realistic, the president gave voice to his doubts about the panels: A generation from now, this solar heater can either be a curiosity, a museum piece, an example of a road not taken, or it can be a small part of one of the greatest and most exciting adventures ever undertaken by the American people. The point of all this was simple, Carter said. America was to harness the power of the sun to enrich our lives as we move away from our crippling dependence on foreign oil. Carter was a person of simplicity, of conservation; he was also sort of an oddball, a hybrid, an anti-political Christian proto-green who had donned a cardigan sweater, lowered the White House thermostat, and declared Sun Day on May 3, 1978. A year later he had his panels. In the stillness of that rooftop scene captured now in celluloid for history Carter reaches out both hands, straight out, palms to the ground, as if to feel the heat. Trees ring the background. The panels reflect the image of his outstretched arm. An election defeat, a grinding stagflation, a mad Ayatollah, and a bungled hostage crisis were all soon to end his political future. But in that moment he was a creator. The panels were primitive but serviceable. They heated water. They cost about $28,000 to install. According to the person who convinced Carter to put up the panels, George Szego, who died in 2008 at 88, they were models of industry. They cranked out hot water a mile a minute, he said. Carter, in his State of the Union address the year the panels were installed, presented an ambitious plan to put America on a clean energy path: 20% of energy from renewable sources by 2000. Part of his idea was to go far beyond simple hot water solar collectors and direct government research funds toward the development of photovoltaic cells, the kind that could put energy into the grid. Its worth tracing the history of Carters panels the idea and the reality where they went, how they got lost. Reagan: Tear down these panels The 1979 panels survived for a surprising seven years, well into the age of Ronald Reagan well into the age of what seemed a waning energy crisis, of deregulation, and of a final showdown with a dying evil empire. The panels became objects of increasing indifference. And so did the tax credits and research funds that had provided the real meat of Carters energy initiatives. President Reagan had declared government the problem, not the solution. That meant no energy credits. That also meant no solar panels. Ronald Reagan helped tear down the Berlin Wall, and he also helped tear down the White Houses solar panels. Seven years after the West Wing roof party, in 1986, the symbolic solar collectors met with roof repairs, and they were never reinstalled. They were put in a warehouse in Virginia and forgotten. There must have been a little hue and cry at the time enough to force a statement from the White House media shop. Reagan press secretary Dale Petroskey told the Associated Press: Putting them back up would be very unwise, based on cost. That said, the exact motives for the removal of the panels nonetheless remain murky. A top Reagan official felt that the equipment was just a joke, the panel installer Szego recalled to The Washington Post, and he had it taken down. There is no easy way to get the truth whether it was part of an anti-environment, anti-regulation, anti-Carter policy, or just prudent home repairs by Reagans groundskeepers as they fixed a roof leak. A few rumors assuming the worst about Reagans motives of course float on the Internet. No big deal. A scan of dozens of biographies and histories of the Reagan era sheds little light. Edwin Meese, Reagans Attorney General and longtime confidant and adviser, is said to have given the thumbs-down to the panels, insisting they were not befitting of a superpower. Maybe thats apocryphal, too. But in 2008, Meese issued memos from a conservative think tank to the Bush White House, urging the Bush EPA to stall on climate change regulation, according to The Wall Street Journal. Curiously and this may say it all the Reagan administration also allowed Carters financial incentives promoting renewables to expire around the time that the panels were removed. Tax credits established in 1977 for homeowners installing solar water heaters ended Dec. 31, 1985, just months before the White House roof coup detat. Much of Americas fledgling solar industry, started under Carter, went dark. A long strange solar trip Meanwhile, the 32 solar panels had been collecting dust in Virginia. They spent five years there. Finally, an administrator at Unity College, a then down-at-heel Maine school looking for publicity, stripped out the seats from a tattered school bus, drove down I-95, and took the panels from the government warehouse back to Maine. There, in the hinterlands, U.S. energy policy was postponed, exactly 559 miles from relevance the distance between 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and the Unity campus at 90 Quaker Hill Road. The panels remained far from Washington under later presidencies, too, even under the Bill Clinton/Al Gore self-proclaimed green one. Clinton had come into office with some promises to address our energy dependence problem. But the 1990s will not be remembered as a time of clean energy renewal. [D]uring his eight years in office aside from a failed effort to pass a carbon tax in 1993 Clinton pretty much ignored the energy business, writes energy journalist Robert Bryce in his book, Gusher of Lies. Eventually, in 2006, one panel made it down to the Carter Library in Atlanta, delivered there, fittingly, by two students in a vegetable oil-powered vehicle. Library director Jay Hakes said in a 2007 statement that the current problems of dependency on unreliable sources of oil and climate change would probably be much less than they are today had the panels and their symbolic power been taken more seriously. Editors note: A lot has happened since we first published this article in 2008. Solar panels went back up on the roof of the White House during the Obama administration. President Donald Trump left the panels in place, according to ThoughtCo. ThoughtCo also reports that the Carter panels can be seen today at museums and show houses around the world. One resides at the Smithsonians National Museum of American History, one at the Carter Library and, one joined the collection of the Solar Science and Technology Museum in Dezhou, China. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250101/fbi-discovers-largest-bomb-stash-in-bureaus-history-1121325370.html FBI Discovers Largest Bomb Stash in Bureau's History FBI Discovers Largest Bomb Stash in Bureau's History Sputnik International The FBI has discovered the largest stash of explosives in its history during a detention of a Virginia resident, according to court documents. 2025-01-01T08:23+0000 2025-01-01T08:23+0000 2025-01-01T08:23+0000 americas us joe biden fbi https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/14/1119845839_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_27c6cc924162d42ee198e2d36211c4cf.jpg Brad Spafford was detained on December 17 for storing an unregistered short-barreled rifle, the documents read, adding that during the search at his farm, a stash of explosives was found. "The FBI found more than 150 apparent explosive devices on the property, preliminarily assessed as the largest seizure by number of finished explosive devices in FBI history. FBI bomb technicians, who x-rayed the devices on scene, assessed them as pipe bombs. The majority were found in a detached garage, organized by color... Some were hand-labeled 'lethal.' Some were preloaded into an apparent wearable vest," prosecutors have said in a motion for detention. The investigation into Spafford was initiated in 2023 when his neighbor reported to authorities that he stores explosives and has already lost three fingers. The neighbor also said that the detained used photos of US President Joe Biden as target practice at a gun range. Spafford's lawyers appeal for his release before the hearing, citing his personal characteristics as "a hard-working family man with no criminal record." https://sputnikglobe.com/20241112/fbi-and-justice-department-anticipate-shake-up-following-trumps-comeback-1120869010.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 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 fbi bombs, bombs infbi building, fbi has discovered the largest stash of explosives https://sputnikglobe.com/20250101/houthis-say-shot-down-us-mq-9-drone-over-yemen-1121327145.html Houthis Say Shot Down US MQ-9 Drone Over Yemen Houthis Say Shot Down US MQ-9 Drone Over Yemen Sputnik International Yemeni movement Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, brought down a US military MQ-9 drone in northeastern Yemen, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said on Wednesday. 2025-01-01T12:33+0000 2025-01-01T12:33+0000 2025-01-01T12:33+0000 military yemen israel red sea middle east ansar allah houthis mq-9 reaper us red sea crisis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/18/1116363772_0:0:2668:1501_1920x0_80_0_0_b534227d8dfb0df4abe95cb3b641bace.jpg "The air defenses of the Yemeni Armed Forces were able to shoot down an American MQ_9 aircraft while it was carrying out hostile missions in the airspace of Ma'rib Governorate," Saree said in the statement. He added that a Yemeni-made surface-to-air missile shot down the drone. It is the second such drone shot down in the past three days and the 14th since the start of active combat operations by the Houthis in support of Gaza, Saree said.In November last year, Yemeni forces began attacking what they say are ships associated with Israel in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in response to Tel Avivs military assault on the Gaza Strip. The US and the UK have since launched a series of strikes at targets in Yemen. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241227/yemeni-houthis-say-carried-out-hypersonic-missile-strike-on-ben-gurion-airport-in-tel-aviv-1121281481.html yemen israel red sea Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 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 houthis, yemen, red sea crisis, mq-9 reaper drone, us drone, houthis shot down american drone https://sputnikglobe.com/20250101/hungary-to-lose-over-1bln-in-funds-frozen-by-brussels---reports-1121325550.html Hungary to Lose Over $1Bln in Funds Frozen by Brussels - Reports Hungary to Lose Over $1Bln in Funds Frozen by Brussels - Reports Sputnik International Hungary will lose 1.04 billion euros ($1.07 billion) out of 6.3 billion euros frozen by Brussels over rule of law claims against Budapest, the Financial Times newspaper reported on Tuesday. 2025-01-01T08:38+0000 2025-01-01T08:38+0000 2025-01-01T08:38+0000 world europe hungary budapest brussels european union (eu) frozen funds https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/1e/1118697555_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_6826f4cfe8ce18e0d662e31baf7e9123.jpg Budapest will not receive the funds, as this amount must be allocated by the end of 2024, otherwise the deadline will expire, the report said. The report noted that in total, about 19 billion euros from post-pandemic recovery funds and other EU funds remain frozen for Hungary. The newspaper recalled that in June, a EU court fined Hungary 200 million euros and ordered the country to pay 1 million euros daily for refusing to comply with previous court decisions related to violations of European rules for accepting migrants. The remaining funds will likely remain blocked until the parliamentary elections in Hungary in spring of 2026, the report read. The European Commission said in mid-December 2023, that it was ready to unfreeze 10.2 billion euros, roughly a third of Hungary's total withheld funds, as it had received the latest clarification from Budapest about its claims about the rule of law in the country. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241030/eu-wants-to-subdue-hungary-by-replacing-viktor-orban-with-their-protege--hungarian-analyst-1120731099.html hungary budapest brussels Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 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 frozen hungarian funds, how much money did eu freeze for hungary, did europe freeze hungary's funds, hungary vs brussels, hungary tensions with eu https://sputnikglobe.com/20250101/nearly-500000-join-pro-palestinian-rally-in-istanbul--organizers-1121326631.html Nearly 500,000 Join Pro-Palestinian Rally in Istanbul Organizers Nearly 500,000 Join Pro-Palestinian Rally in Istanbul Organizers Sputnik International Some 450,000 politicians and activists are taking part in a pro-Palestinian rally in Istanbul on Wednesday, condemning Israels military operations, one of organizers, the non-governmental organization TUGVA, said. 2025-01-01T11:57+0000 2025-01-01T11:57+0000 2025-01-01T11:57+0000 world middle east recep tayyip erdogan palestine istanbul israel al-aqsa mosque hagia sophia palestine-israel conflict turmoil in syria https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/1d/1118171057_0:227:3072:1955_1920x0_80_0_0_23f6b6dea4fe8f2762494476c0d942bf.jpg "There are 450,000 our citizens here today, adults and children, who stand with humanity and the Palestinian people," TUGVAs chair, Beytullah Cicen, told the Haberturk broadcaster. The public rally is being held under the motto "Hagia Sophia yesterday, Umayyad Mosque today, Al-Aqsa Mosque tomorrow," with over 300 NGOs taking part in the event. He also told the CNN Turk broadcaster that the events in Syria provide hope for the Gaza Strip, as the West is "unable to prevent the genocide." The Turkish leader has repeatedly said that Turkiye is the only country that has imposed economic sanctions on Israel and completely stopped trading with it. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250101/fatahs-journey-one-movements-struggle-for-liberation-of-palestine-through-decades-1121323652.html palestine istanbul israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International middle east, recep tayyip erdogan, palestine, istanbul, israel, al-aqsa mosque, hagia sophia, palestine-israel conflict, turmoil in syria https://sputnikglobe.com/20250101/russia-halts-gas-flow-through-ukraine-as-deal-expires--gazprom-1121324332.html Russia Halts Gas Flow Through Ukraine as Deal Expires Gazprom Russia Halts Gas Flow Through Ukraine as Deal Expires Gazprom Sputnik International Russias Gazprom has no technical and legal ability to supply gas for transit through Ukraine due to the expiration of the agreement with Ukrainian national oil and gas company Naftogaz, the Russian energy giant said on Wednesday, adding that the gas supply stopped at 8 a. m. Moscow time (5:00 GMT). 2025-01-01T07:10+0000 2025-01-01T07:10+0000 2025-01-01T07:10+0000 economy ukraine russia moscow gazprom naftogaz gas supplies natural gas supplies gas export gas transit https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0c/03/1121077051_0:118:3221:1929_1920x0_80_0_0_1c2e3023f34662a8f5132a353253176d.jpg "On January 1, 2025, at 8:00 Moscow time, the validity period of documents signed on December 30, 2019, ended: the agreement between Gazprom and Naftogaz of Ukraine on the transportation of Russian gas through the Ukrainian territory, and the cooperation agreement between the operators of Russia's and Ukraine's gas transmission systems Gazprom and Operator of the Ukrainian Gas Transmission System," Gazprom said on Telegram. The company also said it had been deprived of an ability to supply gas to Ukraine due to the "repeated and explicit refusal of the Ukrainian party to extend these agreements." https://sputnikglobe.com/20241229/major-winners-and-losers-of-halting-russian-gas-transit-through-ukraine-1121300467.html ukraine russia moscow Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 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, russia stops gas transit, gas transit through ukraine, why is russia halting gas exports, how much russian gas does europe buy https://sputnikglobe.com/20250101/senegal-to-expel-foreign-troops-in-2025-1121324975.html Senegal to Expel Foreign Troops in 2025 Senegal to Expel Foreign Troops in 2025 Sputnik International Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has confirmed that the country intends to get rid of foreign military presence as early as 2025. 2025-01-01T08:18+0000 2025-01-01T08:18+0000 2025-01-01T08:18+0000 military senegal france gabon military forces military presence https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/0e/1108367871_0:320:3073:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_32caf21282576ea7e47a1d685cb76f20.jpg "I have instructed the minister of the armed forces to propose a new doctrine of cooperation in the field of defense and security, which will entail the end of any foreign military presence in Senegal from 2025," the president was quoted as saying by Senegalese news agency APS on Tuesday. In November, Bassirou Diomaye Faye said that the presence of French military bases on the territory of the country is incompatible with national sovereignty. In late January, French media reported that France was going to significantly reduce its military contingents in Gabon, Senegal and Cote d'Ivoire. Last week, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said that the country will close all foreign military bases in the near future. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241224/us-military-biological-footprint-expands-rapidly-in-africa---russian-defense-ministry-1121252582.html senegal france gabon Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 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 foreign troops in africa, foreign presence in senegal, military contingent in africa, senegal to expel foreign troops in 2025 https://sputnikglobe.com/20250101/staggering-toll-ukraine-lost-nearly-600000-troops-in-2024-1121324133.html Staggering Toll: Ukraine Lost Nearly 600,000 Troops in 2024 Staggering Toll: Ukraine Lost Nearly 600,000 Troops in 2024 Sputnik International Ukrainian forces have lost around 593,410 troops over 2024, according to Sputnik calculations of the Russian Defense Ministry's data. 2025-01-01T07:03+0000 2025-01-01T07:03+0000 2025-01-01T07:03+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine kiev ukraine russia ukraine crisis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/19/1118103144_0:109:3072:1837_1920x0_80_0_0_7851c1362c5abe2e62e314e4da968972.jpg The ministry's weekly briefs over the year indicate that Kiev lost around 4,000 soldiers weekly in early 2024. By March, this figure increased to 7,000, before it experienced a slight decrease. Besides, in March, Ukrainian forces attempted to cross the Russian border in the Belgorod and Kursk regions, which resulted in losing around 3,000 troops more, Sputnik calculated on Wednesday. After that, Kiev's combat losses started increasing, reaching over 10,000 people per week in late May, after which the number did not go lower than that. The most significant weekly losses for Kiev's troops occurred from October 26 to November 1, with approximately 17,000 Ukrainian fighters being lost. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241231/2024-milestone-russian-army-liberates-over-200-settlements-1121315104.html kiev ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 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 russias special military op in ukraine, special military operation, special military operational zone, special op zone, russian troops in special op zone, ukraine casualties in conflict, total ukrainian losses, how many people did ukraine loose, how many people did kiev loose, new russian weapons in ukraine, advanced russian weapons, russian defense ministry statements, latest russian military statements, what did shoigu say about ukraine, donetsk peoples republic, nato in ukraine, is nato in ukraine, russian drones, drone warfare, new military drones, uavs in ukraine, ukraine crisis, ukraine conflict, battlegroup sever, battlegroup yug, battlegroup zapad, battlegroup vostok, battlegroup tsentr, battlegroup dnepr, russia ukraine peace talks, russia ukraine peace settlement, russia ukraine negotiations, russian air defenses, mercenaries in ukraine, foreign merc in ukraine, russia liberates settlements in donbass, liberated russian towns in donetsk, ugledar liberation https://sputnikglobe.com/20250101/ukraine-violates-draft-rights-restricts-religious-freedom-and-tortures-pows--un-report-1121324555.html Ukraine Violates Draft Rights, Restricts Religious Freedom, and Tortures PoWs UN Report Ukraine Violates Draft Rights, Restricts Religious Freedom, and Tortures PoWs UN Report Sputnik International Ukraine has been violating its own constitution by unduly restricting the right to conscientious objection to military service during mobilization, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a report published on Tuesday. 2025-01-01T07:46+0000 2025-01-01T07:46+0000 2025-01-01T07:46+0000 world ukraine crisis ukraine russian federation un human rights office (ohchr) the united nations (un) russian orthodox church military draft https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/01/1118738497_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_aab223957c263e6f5619c6e3c42577e6.jpg "The right to conscientious objection to military service has continued to be subjected to undue restrictions in law and practice Domestic law in Ukraine unduly restricts this Constitutional right only to some forms of religion or belief, excluding others, contrary to applicable obligations of equality before the law and non-discrimination under the ICCPR," the report said. For example, five men faced arbitrary detention and torture in Ukraine for attempting to exercise their right to conscientious objection to military service, the UN rights watchdog said. "During the reporting period, OHCHR documented the cases of five men who were assigned to military duty and transferred to a military training facility after attempting to exercise their right of conscientious objection to military service. In all cases, the men were arbitrarily detained between two to four days by military personnel responsible for conscription and subjected to ill-treatment or torture." the report said. Religious Freedom Under AttackThe UN report also found that Ukraine's new legal provisions restricted religious freedoms by prohibiting the Russian Orthodox Church. "In territory controlled by the Government of Ukraine, new legal provisions regarding religious organizations entered into force; these prohibit the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian religious organizations found to be affiliated with counterparts in the Russian Federation. The law introducing these provisions established disproportionate restrictions on the freedom to manifest ones religion or belief," the report read.Torture of PoWsFurthermore, almost all Russian PoWs in Ukraine interviewed by the UN from September to November 2024 were subjected to torture, the report said. Fourteen soldiers were subjected to sexual violence. The UN agency said it verified the killing by first-person-view drones of three Russian and one Ukrainian servicepersons who were "hors de combat" and severely wounded on the battlefield. It cited drone video footage that showed a heavily wounded, unarmed Russian serviceman being killed by a drone while lying on the ground. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241123/media-reveals-number-of-men-ukraine-may-mobilize-1120972217.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240823/ukraine-sells-orthodox-heritage-out-to-west-but-wait-its-russian-1119881246.html ukraine russian federation Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 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 martial law in ukraine, military draft in ukraine, age of military draft in ukraine, martial law in ukraine, mobilization in ukraine After more than four decades of infusing himself with the blood clotting factor his body cant make, Chad Stevens decided it was time to try something new. Stevens, 63, suffers from hemophilia B, a bleeding disorder caused by a genetic mutation that affects production of a type of protein known as factor 9. Over the years, bleeds have damaged his joints. His ankles have been fused, his knees and elbows have severe damage. And successfully hitting a vein to infuse himself as he got older wasnt getting any easier. In mid-October, Stevens traveled from his hometown of Newdale, Idaho, to Omahas Nebraska Medical Center, where he became the hospitals first patient to receive the first gene therapy approved for his condition. Called Hemgenix, the therapy doesnt fix the damaged gene. Instead, a modified virus delivers the working gene to the liver, providing the instructions his body needs to make the factor on its own. The medical center is the first hospital in the region to become an administration site for the therapy, according to drug-maker CSL Behring. Since then, Stevens hasnt had any bleeds or needed to infuse clotting factor. He said he hopes the therapy will provide enough to take him from severe hemophilia to a milder version that might require infusions only for a severe trauma or surgery. Thats really promising, Stevens said. I hate to get too excited about it, because you never know whats going to happen. But Im quite thrilled with it. So is Dr. Alex Nester, a hematologist with Nebraska Medicine who specializes in benign or non-cancerous blood conditions, including bleeding disorders and sickle cell disease. Its incredible, he said. Its (been) a dream in the hemophilia community for 20-plus years. The treatment, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2022, is one of a number of gene therapies that have trickled out in recent years for a variety of genetic conditions. The FDA approved a separate gene therapy for hemophilia A last year. The agency also has approved two gene therapies for sickle cell disease, another inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become misshapen, block blood flow and cause painful episodes. Kim Phelan, CEO of The Coalition for Hemophilia B, said the lasting advantages of the gene therapy include reduced joint damage, fewer hospitalizations and a better quality of life for people with hemophilia. An estimated 7,000 people in the U.S. have hemophilia B, and approximately 17,000 have hemophilia A, which involves a different blood clotting factor. After more than 25 years of anticipation and hope, individuals with hemophilia now have access to a groundbreaking therapy that offers the potential for greater independence and a more normalized life, she said. Gene therapy at Nebraska Medicine At Nebraska Medicine, the addition of the gene therapy builds on the work of the team involved in bone marrow transplants and cellular therapies, including CAR-T, or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. That treatment involves removing patients immune cells from their bodies and genetically engineering them to recognize and attack their cancer. Dr. Matthew Lunning, medical director of gene and cellular therapy at Nebraska Medicine, said earlier this fall that the team has used CAR-T to treat hundreds of lymphoma and leukemia patients since the late 2010s. Earlier this year, he and his team used CAR-T for the first time to treat an Omaha woman with lupus, an autoimmune disease, as part of a multi-site clinical trial. He credited Nebraska Medicines leaders for making the investment required to offer such ground-breaking therapies. Still, gene therapies, according to news reports, have been somewhat slow to catch on. In the case of hemophilia, Nester said he suspects that may be a result of the complex modern history of the condition. By the 1980s, he said, hemophilia patients who suffered trauma were given a concentrated form of the missing proteins when they needed help getting their blood to clot. But many contracted infections such as HIV and hepatitis C from contaminated blood products, which killed thousands of those with severe disease. Later, the products were purified but still were reserved for cases of active bleeding. As a result, older patients like Stevens suffered significant joint damage. In the 1990s, researchers began producing a recombinant version of the missing proteins in hamster cells, similar to the way insulin is made. Children diagnosed with hemophilia could dose themselves with clotting factors to prevent bleeds, he said. That resulted in a generation with no bleeding episodes for years at a time and without the joint damage suffered by older patients. You dont need a lot of these factors to live a pretty normal life, said Nester, also an assistant professor of medicine in UNMCs oncology and hematology division. That also means younger patients may have less interest for now in a more permanent solution, he said. Some also may be holding off for newer versions of the gene therapy that are in the pipeline. Stevens said his parents, on the other hand, were told he probably wouldnt survive his teens. Between his mother and her three sisters, three had children with hemophilia, a total of seven. He was the youngest. He is now the sole survivor. Several died from bleeds and a couple died of complications of AIDs due to the contaminated clotting factor relied on at the time. It took a big toll on the hemophilia community, he said. It just decimated it, really. So us older ones are pretty lucky to have survived all of that. Issues with earlier blood products, however, also have made older patients skeptical about new treatments. We like to wait and see how the products are doing out there before you jump on it, he said. Cost of treatment can run into the millions Patients also have to weigh the cost. The price for the one-time treatment reportedly was set at $3.5 million. A spokesperson for CSL Behring said the company has seen an acceleration in the number of people being infused with the therapy since its approval, which the company attributes to its outreach to patients and work with insurers. Some 90% now cover the therapy, and the company also offers a program to help patients with copays. She declined to say, however, how many patients have received the therapy. But Nester said clotting factors also are costly. Depending on the patient, the source of their factor and their insurance, it may run a half a million dollars a year to keep nothing from happening, he said. Meanwhile, he said, researchers have seen that the majority of patients who have received the gene therapy are making 10% or more of the normal levels of the missing clotting factor even five years after being treated. That means their bodies are producing at least the preventative dose. Patients still may have a bleeding episode after twisting their ankle or maybe needing a dose before surgery, Nester said, but, generally speaking, spontaneous bleeds or bleeds associated with minor trauma are gone. Not every hemophilia patient will qualify for the treatment, however, he said. Patients cant have antibodies to either the virus or the factor theyre missing. Stevens said his infusions probably cost closer to three-quarters of a million dollars a year. So far, the cost of his gene therapy has been covered. Previously employed in banking in Boise, he retired and applied for Social Security disability benefits on the advice of his doctor after his pain and mobility issues had made it nearly impossible for him to get out of his chair at work. He moved back to Newdale, population 325, in eastern Idaho. But he didnt like being on disability, because he wasnt giving back. He was elected to the City Council and appointed mayor, a post he continues to hold. It was just a pleasure to be contributing again, Stevens said. Since receiving the therapy, he said, he seems to be moving a little better, and his knee isnt bothering him as much. Since the damage was done at an earlier age, he doesnt think the therapy will do much to repair it. But if we can keep it from getting any worse, Stevens said, thats the goal. NEW DELHI, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Indian government on Wednesday extended the subsidy on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer beyond the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) till further orders, in a bid to ensure sustainable availability of DAP at affordable prices to farmers. The endeavor would cost the federal government's exchequer to the tune of 38.5 billion Indian Rupees (around 448.77 million U.S. dollars). Farmers in the country would continue to purchase a 50-kg bag of DAP at the rate of 1,350 Indian Rupees (around 15.73 dollars), which normally costs around 3,000 Indian Rupees (around 35 dollars). After the federal cabinet's decision, the country's Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told media persons, "the government has decided to store the DAP in advance." Loader Please wait while your request is being verified... Waves break this summer at McGee Beach in Corpus Christi. Red algae called digenea simplex has been spotted this week lining a long stretch of the beach by the South Packery Channel Jetty in Corpus Christi. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News A young beachgoer uses his hands to shovel sand this summer at McGee Beach in Corpus Christi. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Anyone taking a stroll down the South Packery Channel Jetty in Corpus Christi has probably noticed something out of the norm recently and its a bit smelly. Red algae called Digenea simplex is lining a long stretch of the beach and piling up as high as 4 feet in some areas. The thick, hairy red algae grows in large mats that look a lot like stinky seaweed to the untrained eye. The Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies said it supports a wide variety of small invertebrates. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its separate from the microscopic and toxic "red tide algae blooms, such as the one that killed fish along the states coastal waters in the fall of 2023. Though this type of red algae serves an important purpose, it can smell a lot like decaying sea life, and often sends visitors hurrying in the opposite direction. READ MORE: Why a parasitic fly in Mexico is a threat to Texas livestock But not marine biologist Jace Tunnell, director of community engagement at the institute. He walked knee deep into the piles this week to assess the situation. An hour later, his legs still reeked of the stuff, the research institute said in a Facebook post. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dont worry, holiday beachgoers. The algae thats been washing up for the past few days wont be there long. CIUDAD JUAREZ , MEXICO - NOVEMBER 27 Cattle are detained in the pens of the Chihuahua Regional Livestock Union , at the Jeronimo-Santa Teresa border crossing in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on November 27, 2024. The United States stops imports of Mexican cattle due to the presence of screwworm. After a case of screwworm was identified in the town of Catazaja, in Chiapas, the United States chose to temporarily suspend imports of live Mexican cattle, according to the Government of Mexico itself. (Photo by Christian Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images) Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images The New World screwworm fly, pictured here, lays eggs on open wounds on warm-blooded animals, including livestock and wildlife. The eggs hatch into larvae that then burrow into the host animal's flesh to feed. Untreated infestations can kill the host animal within one week, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Courtesy U.S. Department of Agriculture CIUDAD JUAREZ , MEXICO - NOVEMBER 27 An aerial view of cattle, detained in the pens of the Chihuahua Regional Livestock Union, at the Jeronimo-Santa Teresa border crossing in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on November 27, 2024. The United States stops imports of Mexican cattle due to the presence of screwworm. After a case of screwworm was identified in the town of Catazaja, in Chiapas, the United States chose to temporarily suspend imports of live Mexican cattle, according to the Government of Mexico itself. (Photo by Christian Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images) Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images CIUDAD JUAREZ , MEXICO - NOVEMBER 27 An aerial view of cattle, detained in the pens of the Chihuahua Regional Livestock Union, at the Jeronimo-Santa Teresa border crossing in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on November 27, 2024. The United States stops imports of Mexican cattle due to the presence of screwworm. After a case of screwworm was identified in the town of Catazaja, in Chiapas, the United States chose to temporarily suspend imports of live Mexican cattle, according to the Government of Mexico itself. (Photo by Christian Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images) Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images CIUDAD JUAREZ , MEXICO - NOVEMBER 27 Cattle are detained in the pens of the Chihuahua Regional Livestock Union , at the Jeronimo-Santa Teresa border crossing in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on November 27, 2024. The United States stops imports of Mexican cattle due to the presence of screwworm. After a case of screwworm was identified in the town of Catazaja, in Chiapas, the United States chose to temporarily suspend imports of live Mexican cattle, according to the Government of Mexico itself. (Photo by Christian Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images) Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images A creature that burrows headfirst into flesh, driving sharp hooks into open wounds and feeding on their hosts? It sounds like the stuff of a horror movie. Thats the New World screwworm, a parasite that can kill livestock and occasionally infest humans. It was previously eradicated from North America, but has been moving northward again and was recently found in southern Mexico, setting off alarm bells for officials in the federal and Texas governments. Since the insects were detected on a cow in Chiapas in late November, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has suspended imports of live cattle and bison from Mexico, and approved emergency funding to try and contain the spread. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is asking residents, especially those along the southern border, to monitor wildlife, livestock and pets for potential signs of the insects. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Heres what to know about the parasitic insect, and why it has officials on guard. What is it? The New World screwworm fly is an insect thats native to the Western Hemisphere. The adults are metallic blue or green with orange eyes and three stripes on their back just behind the head, according to the USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The name screwworm is thought to refer to how the fly's maggots feed: by burrowing into an open wound like a screw being driven into wood, according to a brochure from the service. Advertisement Article continues below this ad How do they infect livestock? The flies lay eggs on warm-blooded animals, primarily on open wounds or other orifices, such as the nostrils, eyes and mouth, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. While they primarily infest livestock, they can also affect wildlife, including deer and birds, and humans, the agency said. Those wounds can be as small as tick bites, the federal inspection service said. One female fly can lay up to 300 eggs at a time and up to 3,000 in her life, Parks and Wildlife said. The eggs hatch into larvae, which then begin feeding by burrowing into the flesh with sharp mouth hooks. As the larvae feed on the tissue, the host animals wounds get larger and can cause serious, deadly damage, the state agency said. The process can also attract more flies, who lay more eggs and cause more damage, according to the inspection service. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The larvae eventually drop off to the ground, burrow into the soil and emerge about seven days later as adult flies, starting the life cycle over again. Left untreated, animals may die within one week of being infested, the inspection service said. READ MORE: How to identify bird flu symptoms as cases rise in Texas How can you spot an infection? Signs of the infection, called NWS myiasis can include irritated or depressed behavior, loss of appetite and head shaking, Parks and Wildlife said, as well as the smell of decaying flesh, isolation from other animals or people, and the visible presence of maggots in wounds. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Potential cases in livestock should be reported to the Texas Animal Health Commission or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, TPWD said, while suspicious wildlife can be reported to the state agencys local wildlife biologists. They were eradicated but now theyre coming back? The USDA launched an eradication program in 1957 in an effort to get rid of the fly. Sterile flies were dispersed in infested areas, using both sterilized pupae, or insects between the larvae and adult stages, and adult flies. Because female screwworm flies mate just once in their lifespan, the only eggs she will lay are not viable and will not develop into maggots, according to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. As more sterile flies are released, the population ultimately dies off naturally over a few lifecycles. The flies were eliminated from the U.S. in 1966 and the sterile insect technique was used to continue eradicating them further south, with the effort reaching southern Mexico by the 1980s. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The U.S. and other Central and South American countries have established a permanent sterile fly barrier between Panama and Colombia to prevent the re-establishment, according to the agency. The USDA and Panamas Ministry of Agriculture Development operate a sterilization facility in Pacora, Panama, producing millions of sterilized flies each week to maintain the buffer. But over the last two years, the flies have been moving north again into Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Hondura and Guatemala. The USDA attributed that spread to new areas of farming in the barrier regions and increased cattle movements. On Nov. 22, Mexicos chief veterinary officer notified U.S. officials of a positive detection in a cow at an inspection checkpoint in Chiapas, close to the Guatemalan border. To try and stop their spread, the USDA has suspended import of cattle and bison into the U.S. The agency also announced in December that it would provide $165 million in emergency funding for efforts including surveillance, animal health checkpoints and work to reestablish the biological barrier. Why does it matter? The small flies and smaller maggots can cause serious pain for infested hosts and major problems for the livestock industry. During the 20th century, the presence of NWS cost the U.S. livestock industry more than $100 million annually, APHIS said. Another incursion into the United States could cost millions of dollars from livestock losses, trade embargoes, and eradication work, the Department of Agriculture said. Pets, livestock, wildlife, and even humans may suffer and die from screwworm myiasis. In 2016 and 2017, an outbreak was identified in Florida; there were 136 cases identified in wildlife and nine in domestic animals. The Key deer, an endangered species of deer that lives only in the Florida Keys, was affected by the outbreak. About 15% of the herd died from screwworm infestation, the USDA said. It cost about $3.2 million to eradicate the flies in that outbreak, including placing 188 million sterilized pupae over the course of six months. Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht delivers his State of the Judiciary speech at the Supreme Court in Austin on April 5, 2023. Leila Saidane/The Texas Tribune 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 coming 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, authored 7,000 pages of opinions and retires now not because hes had enough, but because state law requires him to. Late on a Friday afternoon, just two weeks before he hung up his robe, he was still in his office, his mind mired in the work that was left to be done. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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 Born in Clovis, N.M., Hecht studied philosophy at Yale before getting his law degree from Southern Methodist University. He clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia and returned to Texas, where his reputation preceded him. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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 they 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 district court in 1981 and quickly made a name for himself, pushing the court to modernize their stenography practices and taking the unusual step of writing opinions as a trial judge. He was elected to the court of appeals in 1986, and ran for Texas Supreme Court two years later. This 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. 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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 only accept 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. 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. 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2000, he wrote a dissent disagreeing with 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, ruled in favor of wealthy school districts that wanted to use local taxes to supplement state funds. His pro-business bent stood out next to the courts history of approving high dollar payouts for plaintiffs. Alex Winslow, then 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. Extremist would be an appropriate description, Winslow said. Hes 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, Richman, 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. 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. This advocacy work raised ethical questions that Hecht fought for years, starting with a reprimand from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Hecht got that overturned. The Texas Ethics Commission then fined him $29,000 for not reporting the discount he got on the legal fees he paid challenging the reprimand. He appealed that fine and the case stretched until 2016, when he ultimately 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 and abortion rulings on the justices in recent elections, Republicans continue to easily win these down-ballot races. Hecht is aware of the perception this 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 President-elect Donald Trump. 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. Theres no Republican side to an oil and gas case. Theres no Democrat side to a custody hearing, he said. Thats the bread and butter of what we do, and thats 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, 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. I didnt plan it like this, Hecht said. I just kept getting reelected. 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, Lets 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 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 dont understand the impact the rules can have on the equitable resolution of disputes, but theyre 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 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 like 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 lifes energy to a work that mocks the justice that hes 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 youre too poor, theres no such thing as equal justice under the law. What comes next Despite the sudden departure of their longtime leader, the Texas Supreme Court will return in January to finish out its term, which ends 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. Last year, the court heard oral arguments about the Department of Family and Protective Services oversight of immigration detention facilities, and in mid-January, theyll consider Attorney General Ken Paxtons efforts to subpoena Annunciation House, an El Paso nonprofit that serves migrants. Theyll also hear arguments over Southern Methodist Universitys 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. Youre not in this community 155 years without giving trusted service, says Dr. Dwaun Warmack, the ninth president of the states oldest historically Black college/university. Warmack has spearheaded transformative change at Claflin University since he arrived on campus in 2019 with everything from the erection of new buildings to the development of new and innovative majors of study, but he has also realized that true change could not come without lifting the community up. A $44 million, 80,000-square-foot student center, which boasts a ballroom and Orangeburg Countys only movie theatre, has become a hub of campus and community engagement. Also, the transformation of a historic downtown building into apartments and a business accelerator for minority women-owned businesses is set to begin in 2025. These are just a few of the community enhancements that have come along with the business of educating some of the nations top scholars at Claflin University in Orangeburg. Were intentional about economic and workforce development. Everything we do has this elevation and transformation agenda, and the city and the community are tied directly into it, Warmack said. Because of his efforts, Warmack has been selected as the 2024 Times and Democrat Person of the Year. The president said he is thankful for the honor and humbled. I truly see it as a blessing. I do this work because its Gods calling. I never do it for accolades, I never do it for recognition. I always do it for I know what my higher calling and mission is, Warmack said. Education is what we do, but community wellbeing has been a part of my strategic focus since Ive arrived. I cant do good inside these gates and the community is suffering. Were committed to ensuring that the community is successful, as well. You only get better when that happens, he said. The transformation continues Claflin University cut the ribbon on its massive student center located at Magnolia Street and Goff Avenue in March. The facilitys amenities include, but are not limited to, a movie theater, a multi-purpose conference room/ballroom with seating for 800 or more guests, a communal retail space, esports lab, Barnes & Noble bookstore and meeting rooms. The only movie theater in Orangeburg County provides opportunity and access for folks, at least those who may not be able to travel to Summerville, Columbia or Charleston to go to a movie, Warmack said, The president said the communitys usage of the student center is remarkable, including those who make reservations for various events. Were packed up through the summer with weddings, receptions and hosting national conferences. It has been a really amazing experience for the student center, but also, too, outside of campus were thinking about downtown Orangeburg and the revitalization of that space, Warmack said. The university purchased the Kress Building, where work will be done to create an accelerator, incubator space for minority and women businesses, Warmack said. In the top space, we will put condos to be able to have great places to live, work and play in Orangeburg, he said. Were extremely excited that were continuing to have a focus on academic excellence. We continue to do things that are getting our graduates to go on and do amazing work, go to top Ivy League schools or graduate school, the president said. Our graduates continue to have a high GPA when they graduate. I think the transformation continues to manifest in many different ways, he said. The university, for example, started bachelors and masters degree programs in cybersecurity in 2024. We also hosted the first HBCU Tech Summit, where we had all the companies from Silicon Valley come here to Orangeburg, South Carolina. ... Bringing those individuals here to Orangeburg to participate and doing it in the new student center was amazing, Warmack said. Claflins H.V. Manning Library has undergone renovations that include, but are not limited to, the addition of two virtual reality pods and a Panther Podcast Room with acoustic wall panels, green screen, lighting and microphone. The upper floor includes 10 pod-style offices with sliding-glass front doors and conference rooms. Warmack said the library space has been totally reimagined and includes a teaching and learning lab for faculty and a graduate computer lounge, among its other amenities. I think this library can serve as a catalyst to continue to push teaching and learning within that space and provide an opportunity to involve technology. We still have our traditional stacks there, as well. Itll allow us to merge the best of both worlds: digitization and also a traditional library feel, he said. Campus and community safety has also been a part of the universitys transformation. Orangeburg City Council gave its final OK to the closure of a portion of Goff Avenue near Claflin University in April. Warmack has said the road was not being closed to block anyone from campus, but to improve safety. The amount of issues and incidents that happened out there was extremely problematic. ... Our solution was: Lets block it off from Magnolia to Clark, and lets provide access to folks who need to get through there, the president said. The citys ordinance allows the city to accept ownership of Goff Avenue from the state. The city would take control of the area from Clark Street to Magnolia Street. The city could then close that portion of the road and turn it over to Claflin, which would allow the university to control the area along its campus. For me its about: How do I begin to think about safety and security in a different way? ... The safety and wellbeing in this community is everyones responsibility. It is our hope that everyone invests in that to ensure that all constituents in this community are safe, Warmack said. I love Orangeburg Warmack is looking forward to 2025. Claflin has, for example, more than $100 million in construction planned on campus by the end of the second quarter of next year, including new biotech and nursing facilities and a social science building. That is a major influx of capital into this community, he said. Warmack said the universitys nursing graduates will also make a significant impact on the community. When you think about rural health in the state, I dont think anyone is having, in regard to per capita, the amount of minority nurses that were producing at this pace, the president said. The university had 55 nursing graduates among its fall graduating class. A lot of the individuals that are coming through our nursing program are coming through Family Health Centers and theyre funding them to go, but part of that is they have a commitment to stay in the community to work. So, its a win-win, Warmack said. The university also received a $1.8 million grant from the S.C. Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare for its CU-DEEP Wellness Initiative, which focuses on specific areas of health and wellness that are often areas of concern in rural, minority communities, such as chronic disease management. Through a collaboration between the universitys math, computer science and nursing departments, the university has a SmartHOME which uses technology to monitor vital signs, identify health risks, and aid in managing conditions like diabetes and heart disease. In this house right across the street, we want to begin to combat diabetes and hypertension in African Americans. Its still in the beta testing (phase). Weve been working on this for about two years, Warmack said. Everything we do is intentional. Its about community. All of it aligns with our strategic plan and our focus that is there. We do a farmers market. We have a demo kitchen within our wellness center where individuals can be taught healthy meal preparation, he said. Community members have memberships to the universitys wellness gym. If you go in there in the morning between 6 and 8 a.m., youll see a bunch of senior citizens from the community in the gym walking on the indoor track, on the treadmill, on the elliptical machine, Warmack said. The president said he is fortunate to be able to work with an amazing staff, board of trustees and an outstanding alumni base at the university. To only be the ninth president in 155 years just speaks volumes to long-term sustainability, and it doesnt happen without an outstanding board of trustees. I think that if anyone gets credit, its the board of trustees for the bold governing and fiduciary responsibility that they take on, Warmack said. The 2019-2024 President's Report reveals that the university, which has an enrollment of roughly 2,000 students, has an endowment of $72.9 million and has seen increases in several areas, including its total assets and net assets. The university's total assets equal $223,204,838. Net assets stand at $151,739,399. Im fortunate to work with an amazing board, to serve with a spectacular staff and fantastic faculty and, I would argue, the most superb students. So, with that combination, things will continue to be great, he said. The president, a Detroit native, said he enjoys living in the City of Orangeburg and values its leaders, who he said are poised to help lead the city to greater heights economically and socially. I love Orangeburg in the sense that its peaceful. I fundamentally believe its a great place to raise a family. Its centrally located. If I want to go to Charleston, Columbia, Charlotte, Atlanta, I can do all those places, Warmack said. I truly enjoy it, but I also, too, value the leadership in Orangeburg. I think we have an amazing mayor who has a strong vision for the city. I think we have an outstanding city administrator. I think the (Orangeburg County School District) superintendent is really moving the school district in a way that it has never moved before, the president said. He also touted the development of MUSC Health-Orangeburg and the achievements of Orangeburg County Development Commission Executive Director Merle Johnson and Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities Manager Warren Harley and their team members. I think were in a perfect storm for Orangeburg to be one of the most magnificent, fastest-growing places in the state of South Carolina, and it has the potential to be a national model if we do it right, Warmack said. It takes all of us working in a collaborative effort to be able to do it. I think that the leadership that is currently in place has all those skill sets and abilities to be able to move this place to where its never been before. Im excited. I am even more excited than I was when I started, he said. Saudi-based Jabal Omar Development Company today (December 31) announced the signing of an agreement with Durat Taibah Investment Company for the sale of a prime plot of land located within its project in Makkah city. The parcel of land, spanning 7,503.37 sq m area, was sold for SAR1.35 billion ($359 million), said Jabal Omar Development Company in its filing to Saudi bourse Tadawul. The sales proceeds will be used for paying off loans and funding existing projects, it added. On the financial impact, Jabal Omar said the deal is expected to have a positive impact on the company's financial results after the completion of the transaction. This deal comes just days after Jabal Omar had completed the sale of a similar plot within its Makkah development. The 5,649-sq-m parcel of land was snapped up by an investor Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Mohaissin for SAR1.1 billion. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa ratified and issued Law (14) of 2024 amending Article IV of Law (57) of 2006 on the establishment of the Labour Fund, following approval by the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives. The law aims to increase employment opportunities for Bahraini citizens by limiting Labour Fund Tamkeen's support to Bahraini-owned enterprises and improving the skills, productivity, and competitiveness of Bahraini workers, reported BNA. On the amendment, the report said Paragraph (A) of Article IV of Law (57) of 2006 will get replaced with the following text: (A) The Fund shall undertake all necessary tasks and powers to achieve its objectives, including but not limited to: 1- Providing and supporting programmes to train and qualify Bahraini workers to enhance their skills, productivity, and competitiveness in the labour market. 2- Increasing the comparative advantage of Bahraini workers over expatriate workers. 3- Providing and supporting social programmes and projects related to the development and enhancement of the labour market. 4- Contributing to removing obstacles limiting women's participation in the workforce. 5- Supporting and providing programmes to enhance the private sector's capacity to boost economic activity in the Kingdom. 6- Offering interest-free loans to citizens in compliance with Islamic Sharia to establish and fund small and medium enterprises. 7- Supporting and funding projects where Bahrainis own shares or stakes, especially those contributing to increased employment of Bahrainis, focusing on projects with added economic value. 8- Supporting and offering financial and advisory services to companies and establishments with Bahraini ownership to enhance the efficiency and productivity of their workers. 9- Supporting and providing programmes to enable employers in Bahraini-owned companies and establishments to align with labour market development plans and programmes. 10- Supporting research and studies in the Funds fields of work and encouraging the utilisation of their results. 11- Acquiring movable and immovable assets, managing and investing the Funds resources, executing contracts, and undertaking all actions necessary to achieve its objectives, in compliance with Islamic Sharia. The law stipulates that the support outlined in clauses 7, 8, and 9 may be extended to projects, companies and establishments not covered by these provisions, according to regulations issued by the Board of Directors. These regulations shall consider Bahraini employment rates, investment volume, and the economic impact of such projects, companies, and establishments, stated the BNA report. The Prime Minister and the relevant ministers shall implement this law, which shall take effect the day following its publication in the Official Gazette, it added. UN human rights chief calls for investigation into Israeli attacks on Gaza hospitals Xinhua) 09:25, January 01, 2025 An injured child is seen at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on Dec. 19, 2024. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua) Widespread destruction of Gaza's healthcare infrastructure has resulted in significant loss of life among patients and medical staff, deepening the humanitarian crisis. GENEVA, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Israeli attacks on hospitals in Gaza have pushed the region's healthcare system to "the brink of total collapse", causing "catastrophic effect" on Palestinians' access to health and medical care, said a report released on Tuesday by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). "It is essential that there be independent, thorough and transparent investigations of all of these incidents, and full accountability for all violations of international humanitarian and human rights law which have taken place," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. A man injured in an Israeli attack is treated at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, north of Gaza City, on Oct. 21, 2024. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) The attacks, documented between Oct. 12, 2023 and June 30, 2024, raise serious concerns about Israel's compliance with international law, the report said, adding that widespread destruction of Gaza's healthcare infrastructure resulted in significant loss of life among patients, medical staff, and civilians, deepening the humanitarian crisis. This photo taken on Feb. 29, 2024 shows an exterior view of the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva, Switzerland. (Xinhua/Shi Song) In most cases, Israel claimed Palestinian armed groups misused hospitals for military purposes. However, the report described these allegations as "vague and broad," with insufficient evidence provided. In some cases, the accusations appeared "contradicted by publicly available information." "The protection of hospitals during warfare is paramount and must be respected by all sides, at all times," said Turk. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu) Abdur-Rahim Jabbar, 24, brother of Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, suspect in the deadly New Orleans truck attack that occurred on January 1st, 2024, holds a photograph of his brother and family on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Beaumont. Shamsud-Din Jabbar is seen on the right in this photo. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Mumtaz Bashir holds his 19-month-old son as he speaks with the media Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Houston about his next door neighbor Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Yesterday police conducted an investigation on the property, located in the 12000 block of Crescent Peak Drive, which contain multiple mobile homes. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Military personnel walk down Bourbon street, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) George Walker IV/Associated Press Members of the media are shown outside a property in the 12000 block of Crescent Peak Drive Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Houston where yesterday police conducted an investigation at one of the mobile homes associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. There are multiple homes on the property, the home Jabber reported lived in is located at the far back of the property and cannot been seen from the street. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Abdur-Rahim Jabbar, 24, brother of Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, suspect in the deadly New Orleans truck attack that occurred on January 1st, 2024, holds a photograph of his brothers high school graduation on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Beaumont . Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer A man uses a power washer on Toulouse street a day after a vehicle was driven into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon streets, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. George Walker IV/AP Harris County Sheriffs vehicles are shown at a road block on Hugh Rd. at TJ Jester Blvd. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Houston. Yesterday police conducted an investigation in the neighborhood on Crescent Peak Drive at an address associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer A mobile home in the 12000 block of Crescent Peak Drive is shown Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Houston where yesterday police conducted an investigation at the property associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. The next door neighbor, Mumtaz Bashir, says Jabber lived at the home and said police breached the metal door in the metal fence. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Abdur-Rahim Jabbar, 24, brother of Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, suspect in the deadly New Orleans truck attack that occurred on January 1st, 2024, holds a photograph of his brother on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Beaumont. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Members of the media are shown outside a property in the 12000 block of Crescent Peak Drive Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Houston where yesterday police conducted an investigation at one of the mobile homes associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. There are multiple homes on the property, the home Jabber reported lived in is located at the far back of the property and cannot been seen from the street. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Mumtaz Bashir holds his 19-month-old son as he speaks with the media Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Houston about his next door neighbor Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Yesterday police conducted an investigation on the property, located in the 12000 block of Crescent Peak Drive, which contain multiple mobile homes. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Abdur-Rahim Jabbar, 24, center in photo, holds a photo of his brother of Shamsur-Dinn Jabbar, 42, right in photo, the suspect in the deadly New Orleans truck attack that occurred on January 1st, 2024, from his home Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Beaumont. Also pictured is their father, Rahim Jabbar, second from left. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer A bouquet of flowers stands at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Canal Street during the investigation after a pickup truck rammed into a crowd of revelers early on New Year's Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in New Orleans. Matthew Hinton/AP Mumtaz Bashir holds his 19-month-old son as he speaks with the media Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Houston about his next door neighbor Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Yesterday police conducted an investigation on the property, located in the 12000 block of Crescent Peak Drive, which contain multiple mobile homes. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer A law enforcement officer stands by where a police investigation continues into the New Orleans attack suspect on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Houston. An address on Crescent Peak Drive is associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Law enforcement officers work the scene where a police investigation continues Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Houston. An address on Crescent Peak Drive is associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Members of the FBI walk around Bourbon Street during the investigation of a truck fatally crashing into pedestrians on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter in New Orleans, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Matthew Hinton/AP A coroner's van is parked on the corner of Bourbon St. and Canal St, after a vehicle raced into a crowd of revelers early on New Year's Day, in New Orleans on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Jack Brook/Associated Press Neighbors stand and watch just outside the police lines where a police investigation continues into the New Orleans attack suspect on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Houston. An address on Crescent Peak Drive is associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Harris County Sheriffs Deputies position to close Crescent Peak Drive as a police investigation continues in the neighborhood near Hugh and TC Jester Blvd. Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Houston. An address on the street is associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Harris County Sheriffs Deputies direct traffic near Crescent Peak Drive saying they are closing the street as a police investigation continues in the neighborhood near Hugh and TC Jester Blvd. Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Houston. An address on the street is associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Harris County Sheriffs Deputies position along Crescent Peak Drive as a police investigation continues in the neighborhood Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Houston. An address on the street is associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Harris County Sheriffs SWAT members are shown near Crescent Peak Drive where a police investigation continues Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Houston. A property on Crescent Peak Drive is associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Harris County Sheriffs Deputies speak to the media on Crescent Peak Drive saying they are closing the street as a police investigation continues in the neighborhood near Hugh and TC Jester Blvd. Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Houston. An address on the street is associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Two mobile homes on a property along Crescent Peak Drive where a police investigation continues are shown Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Houston. The property address on Crescent Peak Drive is associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer A resident of Crescent Peak Drive speaks the media as he leaves from the street and says he was unaware of a police investigation in the neighborhood relating to Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the New Orleans attacker, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Law enforcement officers stand by on a side street where a police investigation continues Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Houston. An address on Crescent Peak Drive is associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Law enforcement officers approach a location where a police investigation continues Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Houston. An address on Crescent Peak Drive is associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Police officers stand near the scene where a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon streets, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. George Walker IV/AP Matthias Hauswirth of New Orleans prays on the street near the scene where a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon streets, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. George Walker IV/AP Emergency service vehicles form a security barrier to keep other vehicles out of the French Quarter after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. Gerald Herbert/AP FBI members examine the scene on Bourbon Street during the investigation of a truck fatally crashing into pedestrians on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter in New Orleans, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Matthew Hinton/AP Edward Bruski, center, gets emotional at the scene where a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. Gerald Herbert/AP Emergency services attend the scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Gerald Herbert/Associated Press Emergency services attend the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Gerald Herbert/Associated Press Investigators work the scene after a person drove a vehicle into a crowd earlier on Canal and Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Gerald Herbert/Associated Press Investigators work the scene after a person drove a vehicle into a crowd earlier on Canal and Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Gerald Herbert/Associated Press The FBI investigates the area on Orleans St and Bourbon Street by St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter where a suspicious package was detonated after a person drove a truck into a crowd earlier on Bourbon Street on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton) Matthew Hinton/Associated Press Superintendent of Police for the New Orleans Police Department Anne Kirkpatrick makes a statement after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. Kirkpatrick was at the Oakland Police Chief. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Gerald Herbert/Associated Press Emergency services attend the scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Gerald Herbert/Associated Press Find Day 2 of live updates on the New Orleans attack here. At least 15 people died and dozens more were injured Wednesday morning when a truck drove into a crowd in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Police have described the attack as intentional, and said the truck's driver opened fired on police after the crash at approximately 3:15 a.m., wounding two officers. The driver, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, was killed in a shooting, according to the FBI. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The motives for the attack are unknown. In an early-morning press conference, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell called the crash a "terrorist attack." The FBI on Wednesday morning said it was investigating the attack as a "act of terrorism." The FBI and other officials are continuing to search a property believed to be where Shamsud-Din Jabbar lived, the FBI said in a statement Wednesday night. It is located near the intersection of Hugh Road and Crescent Peak Drive. Personnel are expected to remain in the area for the next few hours, the FBI said. The public is asked to stay away and a flight restriction is currently in place. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "No arrests have been made and FBI personnel will be at the scene for several more hours," the statement reads. "Throughout this operation, we have deployed specialized teams including our FBI SWAT team, Crisis Negotiators, Special Agent Bomb Technicians, Tactical Operations Center, Evidence Response Team, and a group of counterterrorism investigators." A law enforcement officer launches a drone at the scene of an ivestigation into the New Orleans terror attack on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Houston. An address on Crescent Peak Drive is associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer A verified GoFundMe for Reggie Hunter, one of the at least 15 people killed in the New Orleans attack, was posted Wednesday to help raise money for funeral services. The fundraiser has a goal of $25,000. As of 9:30 p.m., $2,725 had been raised. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "As we come to terms with Reggie's passing, we are faced with the difficult task of arranging his final farewell," the fundraiser's summary reads. "We want to give him the dignified and heartfelt send-off he deserves, but unfortunately, the financial burden of funeral expenses is overwhelming for our family during this already challenging time. We are reaching out to our community for support in honoring Reggie's memory." Hunter was 37, according to NOLA.com, and had two kids. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in an interview with NBC the Sugar Bowl should be delayed at least another day. However, Murrill noted it was not her decision to make. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup between Georgia and Notre Dame was scheduled to kick off Wednesday night in New Orleans. The game was postponed to Thursday at 3 p.m. following the attack. "I would like to see it delayed at least another day," Murrill said. "If they asked my opinion, I would tell them that...We probably need to wait another day." Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill believes the New Orleans community is safe but thinks Thursday is too early for the Sugar Bowl. "Not my decision but I would like to see it delayed at least another day. If they asked my opinion I would tell them that." pic.twitter.com/Vd7uU9H5u4 Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 1, 2025 Jonathan Gandal, a managing director at Deloitte, said Shamsud-Din Jabbar worked at the company since 2021. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jabbar reported he earned $120,000 per year with Deloitte in a 2022 statement related to his most recent divorce. We are shocked to learn of reports today that the individual identified as a suspect had any association with our firm," Gandal said in a statement. "The named individual served in a staff-level role since being hired in 2021. Like everyone, we are outraged by this shameful and senseless act of violence and are doing all we can to assist authorities in their investigation. Four people who were killed Wednesday in the New Orleans attack have been identified, according to multiple media reports. The identified victims include Tiger Bech, a former college football player at Princeton in the 2010s. His brother is TCU star wideout Jack Bech. Jack Bech reposted an X post on his brother's death Wednesday and said that Tiger was an inspiration to him. "Love you always brother," Bech wrote. "You inspired me everyday now you get to be with me in every moment. I got this family T, dont worry. This is for us." A robot is deployed into the scene where a police investigation continues into the New Orleans attack suspect on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Houston. An address on Crescent Peak Drive is associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer The owner of the pickup truck used in the New Orleans attack said he never met Shamsud-Din Jabbar before the truck was driven out of Houston. The owner, who did not want to be named out of concern for his own safety, said he recognized his vehicle only when he saw a picture of it on the news Wednesday morning. The man said he has rented out the 2023 Ford Lightning F-150, an electric truck, multiple times on Turo, the carsharing app, and that Jabbar used an unlock code to get into the vehicle in the first place. A Turo spokesman earlier on Wednesday confirmed that the truck was rented through the app and said the company was not aware of anything in Jabbars background that would have identified him as a trust and safety threat. The trucks owner said hes been using the app for months without a problem. He said hed been in contact with multiple agencies, including the FBI and ATF, and was cooperating with investigators. The man has not been charged with any crimes. President Joe Biden warned the public not to jump to any conclusions about the terror attack in New Orleans during a Wednesday evening address to the nation, describing the situation as very fluid. We are working nonstop to investigate this heinous act, he said. Biden confirmed reports that the driver, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, had uploaded videos to social media in the hours before the attack in which he allegedly said he had been inspired by ISIS. Federal law enforcement officials are looking for any connections, associates and co-conspirators Jabbar might have worked with, Biden said. FBI officials believe Jabbar was an American citizen, born in Texas, who served many years in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserves, Biden said. Investigators are working to determine whether there was any ongoing threat to public safety following the attack, Biden said. They are also investigating whether there is any connection between the New Orleans attack and a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside a Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. Biden vowed to provide updates as soon as federal authorities can confirm more details. People look on at the scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. Gerald Herbert/AP Shamsud-Din Jabbar served in the U.S. Army from March 2007 until January 2015, the Army confirmed Wednesday. Jabbar was a human resources and information technology specialist and served in Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010. He joined the Army reserves in 2015, and continued his service there until 2020, rising to the rank of staff sergeant, according to the Army. - John Wayne Ferguson The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office reported that at least 15 people were killed in the attack and more than 30 were injured, according to The Times-Picayune. A woman uses her phone to record the scene where a police investigation continues Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Houston. An address on Crescent Peak Drive is associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Just after 4 p.m., a tactical team made up of FBI agents and Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies rolled up to the property at the intersection of Crescent Peak Drive and Hugh Road, in north Harris County. The property is believed to be where Shamsud-Din Jabbar lived in Houston. Police were flying a drone over the property, and carried long guns with them. At 4:20 p.m., a member of the team got on a loud speaker and told someone inside a building on the property to come out with their hands up. - Nicole Hensley Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a statement that the suspect in the attack in New Orleans drove the truck in Houston before driving to Louisiana. Patrick said on X that the suspect had been living in the Houston area, and he rented the truck used in the attack on Dec. 30. He said the state had been working with Houston Mayor John Whitmire and law enforcement on the incident, and he urged people to follow the FBIs notice to avoid north Houston. Law enforcement officers take cover behind a SWAT vehicle where a police investigation continues Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Houston. An address on Crescent Peak Drive is associated with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is identified as the attacker in the New Orleans massacre. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer FBI Houston and Harris County Sheriffs Office reported that they were conducting law enforcement activity in north Houston related to the attack in New Orleans. The agencies secured a perimeter near the intersection of Hugh Road and Crescent Peak Drive, and they are asking people to avoid the area. FBI Houston personnel and specialized teams will be on-site for several hours, according to a statement. The FBI said that no further information could be provided due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. Investigators have reviewed video showing three men and a woman placing an improvised explosive device in connection with the car attack, according to a Louisiana State Police bulletin obtained by The Associated Press. The revelation could help explain why officials at a Wednesday news conference said that they were aggressively hunting for additional suspects and did not believe the driver of the pickup truck acted alone. - Associated Press The FBI investigates the area on Orleans St and Bourbon Street by St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter where a suspicious package was detonated after a person drove a truck into a crowd earlier on Bourbon Street on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Matthew Hinton/Associated Press In recent years, Shamsud-Din Jabbar worked for the U.S. military and a Houston real estate company. Public records and social media accounts provided the first pictures of Jabbars life before the New Years Day attack. In a 2020 YouTube video, Jabbar pitched himself as a dedicated worker ready to manage and sell properties in the Houston area. He called himself a Beaumont native and said he spent 10 years working for the U.S. military in human resources and information technology roles. Public records show that around the same time, Jabbar was going through a divorce that involved splitting custody of a child with his former wife. Nothing in Jabbars revealed public history has connected him with violent crime or extremism. Jabbar made a comfortable living in Houston, well above the areas median income, according to a 2022 statement related to his most recent divorce, which was filed in 2021. In the report filed in August 2022, Jabbar showed he made $120,000 annually from his job with Deloitte Consulting. Deloitte officials did not respond immediately to requests for comment. An online profile for Jabbar said his employment ended with the company in 2022. As a result, he was ordered to pay his ex-wife $1,353 monthly for care of their child. Both shared custody of the child, according to the final divorce agreement. Previously, Jabbar had a relationship in Harris County that turned contentious over child custody and support in 2012, but details of the case are sealed. - Dug Begley The FBI is leading the investigation into the deadly terror attack in New Orleans that led to the deaths of at least 10 people and scores more injuries, with investigators saying they believe more people were responsible than just the driver of the truck. Police have described the attack as intentional, and said the truck's driver opened fired on police after the crash at approximately 3:15 a.m., wounding two officers. The driver, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, was killed in a shooting, according to the FBI. We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible, Alethea Duncan, FBI assistant special agent in charge, said at a news conference Wednesday afternoon. We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates. Elected leaders vowed law enforcement would track down all responsible. - Matt DeGrood The Sugar Bowl has been postponed to Thursday following the attack in New Orleans, Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley said in a statement during a press conference. The University of Notre Dame was scheduled to play the University of Georgia in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal Wednesday in the Caesars Superdome. "We have been in consultation with ESPN, the College Football Playoffs, the Southeastern Conference, the University of Georgia, with Notre Dame, Hundley said. "All parties agreed it's in the best interest of everybody and public safety that we postpone the game for 24 hours." The game was initially scheduled for Wednesday evening in New Orleans, but it will now be held at 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Hundley said. Houston ISD's Waltrip High School Ram Band performed in the Sugar Bowl parade Tuesday before the attack, but all students are accounted for and safe, according to the district. Emergency services attend the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. Gerald Herbert/AP The FBI said in a statement that it had identified the suspect in the attack as Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas who was driving a Ford pickup truck that "appears to have been rented." According to the statement, the FBI is working to determine the subject's potential affiliations with terrorist organizations after an ISIS flag was located in the truck used in the attack. The agency is also looking into confirming how the suspect came into possession of the vehicle. The FBI reported that the vehicle had weapons and a potential IED inside, and it also located other potential IEDs in the French Quarter. The agency said its special agent bomb technicians were working with law enforcement to determine if any of the devices were viable. FBI is asking anyone with information or video of the incident to submit them to its website or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. Car rental company Turo on Wednesday afternoon confirmed its service was used to rent the truck used in the massacre. "We are heartbroken to learn that one of our hosts vehicles was involved in this awful incident," Turo spokesman Steve Webb said in a statement. "We are actively partnering with the FBI. We are not currently aware of anything in this guests background that would have identified him as a trust and safety threat to us at the time of the reservation." The 2023 Ford Lightning truck was registered in Houston, according to reports. Shamsud-Din Jabbar was a Houston resident, law enforcement sources confirmed to the Chronicle. Earlier this morning Jabbar was identified as the man who drove a truck into the crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 10. According to public records, a man matching Jabbar's name and age is connected with addresses in north Houston. Court records show he was arrested on a misdemeanor theft charge in Katy in 2002. The car used in the attack was registered to a 42-year-old Houston man, law enforcement sources told The New York Times. CNN reported that the truck did not belong to the suspect, according to two federal law enforcement officials. The truck's owner told CNN that his vehicle, a white Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck, was listed on Turo, a website that allows owners to rent out their vehicles. A mounted police officer arrives on Canal Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd earlier in New Orleans, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. Kevin McGill/AP Several students in Houston ISD's Waltrip High School Ram Band were in New Orleans to perform in the Sugar Bowl parade. HISD said in a statement Wednesday that all students, parents, and staff in New Orleans are accounted for and are safe. "No HISD students were near Bourbon Street at the time of the incident, and all students, parents, and staff are currently safe in their hotel," the district said. "Excursions and other student activities scheduled throughout the day have been postponed." The students were accompanied by six HISD PD officers, 14 parent chaperones, and five HISD staff members, including Waltrip Principal Jeanette Cortez, according to the district. "Our hearts are with the victims of this tragic incident and with the New Orleans community this morning," the district said in a statement. Authorities also found an improvised explosive device in the truck after the crash. It did not explode and it was unclear if the device was a viable bomb. The crash happened around 3:15 a.m. on Bourbon Street, the legendary party district in the heart of New Orleans. The truck driver apparently drove through or around barricades meant to stop traffic from entering the street, officials said. In addition to the 10 people killed, as many as 35 people were injured and rushed to New Orleans hospitals. The two officers who were shot survived their wounds. New Orleans police superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said the man was "hellbent on creating the carnage." At least 10 people were killed in the attack. The names of the people killed hadn't been released as of Wednesday morning. New Orleans police superintendent Kirkpatrick said majority of the people killed or injured appeared to be "locals versus tourists." A registered nurse told the Times-Picayune 26 people, many of whom were in critical condition, were being processed in the emergency department at around 7:30 a.m. at University Medical Center. A member of the emergency services attends the scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Gerald Herbert/Associated Press Gov. Greg Abbott said he had been briefed by the Texas Department of Public Safety about the incident, and he was treating the heinous crime as a terrorist attack. He said he had ordered Texas DPS to ensure no one in Texas faces a safety threat. I will work closely with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas National Guard, and law enforcement at every level to ensure we know exactly what happened, that the danger is contained, and that every detail is analyzed to make sure there is no other attack like this, Abbott wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a statement that he was praying for the families who had lost loved ones or who were injured, and he was grateful to all law enforcement officers for preventing more from being killed or injured in this heinous attack. U.S. President Joe Biden said the FBI was taking the lead in investigating the horrific incident as an act of terrorism. He said federal, state, and local law enforcement would be working assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible. AN unused piece of equipment intended for NiQuan Energy Trinidad Ltds operations is among several assets now up for sale by the receiver, just after the seventh anniversary of the gas-to-liquid plants grand opening. The unused FT Max Catalyst-T 2811, weighing 231,000 pounds and used in gas-to-liquids (GTL) processes, is being sold by receiver manager Varune Mungal. 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. Rhyma Castillo is a trending reporter for the Express-News and a member of its Digital Go Team. She can be reached at rhyma.castillo@express-news.net. A native of San Antonio and a Texas A&M University graduate, she is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience. She has reported on politics, immigration, climate change, gun violence, and workers rights. Additionally, she excels in lifestyle and entertainment writing, covering music, television, video games, technology, and relationships. In her free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, cooking, hiking, climbing, gardening, playing video games, cuddling with her cats, and making music with her band. The durian business has proven to be a highly profitable investment for Dak Lak Rubber Joint Stock Company, or Dakruco, outperforming other crops like rubber and cashews. The company recently announced its business plan for 2025, expecting to harvest 640 metric tons of durians next year, with an average yield of approximately 62 kilograms per tree. These durians are cultivated on about 30 hectares of farmland managed by a subsidiary in Laos, Daklaoruco. According to Dakruco, the projected cost of goods sold (COGS) for durians in 2025 is VND30,596 (US$1.3) per kilogram, while the selling price could exceed VND50 million ($2,127) per ton. This is estimated to generate over VND32 billion ($1.3 million) in revenue, with total costs amounting to only about VND19.6 billion ($834,042). Laos remains the largest overseas investment market for this Vietnamese enterprise. As reported by the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Laos, Vietnamese businesses have approximately 417 active projects in Laos, with a total registered investment capital exceeding $4.9 billion, including around $680 million in agricultural ventures. Dakruco's durian farm, planted with the Dona variety, started harvesting in 2024, yielding an estimated 300 metric tons. Although durian is the newest product, it has quickly become a key contributor to its profitability. The Dona durian, developed from the Thai Monthong variety, is renowned for producing high-quality fruit with an appealing appearance, making it a favorite among consumers. In the third quarter of 2024, durian accounted for roughly 12.4 percent of net revenue but contributed 20 percent of gross profit. During this period, durian sales brought in nearly VND17.7 billion ($753,191) in revenue, with a COGS of only VND5.5 billion ($234,042), yielding a profit margin of approximately 70 percent. By comparison, rubber latex sales generated VND125 billion ($5.3 million) in revenue during the same period, with a COGS of nearly VND78.8 billion ($3.35 million), resulting in a profit margin of around 37 percent. However, the banana cultivation incurred a loss of VND43 million ($1,829) in the quarter. Despite generating VND472.6 million ($19,692) in revenue, the segment faced a COGS that was 9 percent higher than its earnings. As a result, over 10,000 banana trees were uprooted to expand the durian orchards. According to Vietnam's General Department of Customs, the countrys durian exports reached approximately $3.1 billion in the first 11 months of 2024, a 44 percent increase from the previous year. This year, durians are expected to account for nearly half of Vietnam's total fruit and vegetable export value. For 2025, the enterprise anticipates a total revenue of VND613 billion ($25.5 million), primarily from rubber production, and a net profit of around VND110 billion ($4.58 million). The company plans to harvest over 8,200 hectares of rubber plantations, yielding an average of 1.65 metric tons per hectare. The management estimates that the production cost of finished rubber will be $1,350 per ton, while the average selling price for rubber latex is projected to be $1,695 per metric ton. The company recently issued a resolution to sell over 18.1 million DRI shares through order-matching and negotiated transactions on the market for unlisted public enterprises, or UPCoM, at a starting price of VND14,300 ($0.6) per share. The sale is expected to close between December 19, 2024 and January 17, 2025. If successful, Dakrucos ownership will drop from 60 percent to approximately 36 percent. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Read what is in the news in Vietnam today: Society -- Fireworks lit up the sky across Vietnam at midnight on Tuesday, drawing millions of people to the streets to celebrate the arrival of 2025 with joy and hope. -- At exactly 0:00 on Wednesday, Tu Du Hospital, one of the oldest maternity hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, welcomed seven newborns, including four boys and three girls. -- Police in Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City announced on Tuesday that they had initiated legal proceedings and temporarily detained a 43-year-old woman from Quang Ninh Province for allegedly stealing cash, gold jewelry, and mobile phones worth over VND500 million (US$19,619) from her Australian boyfriend, whom she recently met and is currently traveling in the city. -- The Peoples Committee of Khanh Hoa Province has fined the investor of the Scenia Bay Residence apartment building on Pham Van Dong Street in Nha Trang City VND500 million for multiple operational violations. -- Police in Hiep Binh Chanh Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday summoned a woman who assaulted a train crossing guard the day before for questioning, took her statement, and sent the guard for a disability assessment to determine the basis for legal action. The woman, riding a motorbike with another person at the time of the incident, attacked the female guard after she refused to lift the barrier and let them pass while a train was approaching. Business -- Many hotels and accommodations in Ho Chi Minh City reached 80-90 percent occupancy in the final days of 2024, as the number of international visitors surged with many choosing the city to ring in the New Year 2025. Lifestyle -- The Miss Sea Vietnam 2024 pageant concluded in Binh Thuan Province on Tuesday night with Nguyen Hoai Linh from Ha Nam Province winning the crown. World News -- Colombias armed forces seized 626 metric tons of cocaine chloral hydrate during 2024, up 35 percent year-on-year, Reuters quoted the armed forces general command as saying in a statement on Tuesday. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Last year, Vietnams southern hub Ho Chi Minh City achieved many breakthroughs in various fields including politics, economics, culture, society, administrative reform, and digital transformation. The city administration has wrapped up 2024 by highlighting the 10 most outstanding events in the metropolis. 1. Party General Secretary To Lam, senior leaders of the Party and State work with Ho Chi Minh Citys leaders on important issues On August 17, General Secretary To Lam visited and worked with the citys Party Committee on the implementation of the resolutions of the 13th National Party Congress and the 11th city Party Congress, as well as the execution of Directive 35 of the Politburo on Party Congresses at all levels towards the 14th Party National Congress. On August 10, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh worked with local authorities on the socio-economic situation, focusing on the implementation of Resolution 98 of the National Assembly (NA) on several special mechanisms and policies for the development of the city and the fourth meeting of the Southeast Regional Coordination Council. On October 5, NA chairman Tran Thanh Man chaired a working session with the Standing Committee of the citys Party Committee to evaluate the results of one year of implementing Resolution 98 and the execution of the NAs Resolution 57 on the construction of the citys Belt Road 3. 2. Ho Chi Minh City authorities and peoples demonstration of great national unity The Party Committee, government and people of Ho Chi Minh City, with the tradition of solidarity and love for compatriots, are ready to help and donate to underprivileged people in other localities. In 2024, local people gave support to many northern localities affected by Typhoon Yagi, joined the national movement to eliminate dilapidated houses, and contributed to the Fund for the Poor, among other charity and social activities. 3. People's Council promptly issue policies to bring NA resolutions and regulations of the central government to life During 2024, the People's Council issued 46 resolutions to implement specific mechanisms and policies in the fields of investment, finance, urban areas, science and technology. These resolutions have helped mobilize resources and remove obstacles in the implementation of key projects, significantly contributing socio-economic development of the municipality. 4. The city economy on right track of sustainable development, with debut of Center for Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (C) and secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen (R) and citys People Committee chairman Phan Van Mai at the inauguration ceremony for the Center for Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in the city on September 25, 2024. Photo: VNA The city economy continued to recover and develop after the COVID-19 pandemic, with its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) estimated to rise by 7.17 percent from 2023. The total state budget revenue hit around VND508 trillion (US$19.94 billion), five percent higher than the years target, while e-commerce turnover grew by 52 percent, or 10 percent higher than the national average. On September 25, the city inaugurated the C4IR, which is expected to create a new driving force for sustainable development. 5. Digital transformation, administrative reform gain significant achievements According to the bi-annual 2024 United Nations e-Government Survey report, the city ranked 53th in Online Service Index (LOSI) among the 152 typical cities of the countries surveyed in the year, one position higher than in the 2022 report that surveyed 146 municipalities. The city deployed the Microchip Development Program in the High-Tech Park for the period 2025-30, helping the semiconductor microchip further penetrate into the global supply chain. On November 14, the city also officially launched the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Citizen application, boosting communication between authorities and people. The city recorded around 2,000 start-up businesses in 2024, accounting for 50 percent of the countrys total, and the value of its startup ecosystem reached $5.22 billion in the year, ranking third in Southeast Asia. In addition, administrative reform has been sped up, with the public satisfaction rate reaching 98 percent in terms of handling feedback and recommendations and 97 percent for receiving and resolving administrative procedures. 6. Metro line No. 1 officially put in commercial operation This image shows a part of Ho Chi Minh Citys metro line No. 1 when it was officially put into commercial operation on December 22, 2024. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre The citys first metro line began official operation on December 22 after 12 years of construction, marking a historic milestone in the urban transport sector. The metro line No. 1 spans 19.7 kilometers, including 2.6 kilometers of underground railway and 17.1 kilometers of elevated track. It has 17 trains, each of which consists of three carriages that can accommodate a total 930 passengers, including 147 sitting and 783 standing. The trains can reach maximum speeds of 110kph on elevated sections and 80kph in underground areas. The line, the first of the citys eight planned urban railway projects, began construction in August 2012 with a total investment of VND43,700 billion (US$1.72 billion), most of which came from Japans official development assistance (ODA) loans. 7. Social order-related crimes reduce significantly In Ho Chi Minh City, social order violations dropped sharply at a rate of eight percent annually from 2014 to 2024, with last year registering the biggest reduction ratio. Over the first 11 months of 2024, 3,995 crimes of this category were documented, down 22 percent from 2023. Local police have proposed many solutions to combat drugs and drug-related crimes. The municipal police department was awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces by the State on August 17. 8. Significant activities to celebrates great anniversaries On the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7), Ho Chi Minh City built a rural power grid project for northern Dien Bien Provinces Dien Bien Dong District with a total cost of VND50 billion ($1.96 million). In addition, the city allocated VND85 billion ($3.33 million) to the construction of works at some Dien Bien Phu relic areas in the province. The citys Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee also built 10 social houses worth VND10 billion ($392,500) in total in Dien Bien, while the municipal Peoples Council donated an information technology facility with 70 computers to Noong Het Secondary School in the province. On celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army and the 35th anniversary of the National Defense Day (December 22), Ho Chi Minh City organized activities such as soldier meetings, a Book Week introducing the army, and an exhibition of 200 pictures to feature the 80-year history of the army. 9. Ho Chi Minh City becomes member of UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), strives to make itself ASEAN regional healthcare center On February 14, UNESCO announced a list of 64 cities from 35 countries recognized as members of the GNLC, including Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam. 2024 also marked the first time in Vietnam that two public hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City met international quality standards recognized by two foreign organizations. Hung Vuong Hospital and Blood Transfusion - Hematology Hospital were recognized by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International and the U.S.-based Joint Commission International after their doctors successfully performed the interventional cardiac catheterization techniques for fetuses with congenital heart disease. The achievement is one of the efforts to develop the city into an ASEAN regional healthcare center in the future. 10. Ho Chi Minh City a center of culture, tourism, sports, festivals, events Ho Chi Minh City is one of first localities in Vietnam that have approved and implemented projects for cultural industry development. It has organized many major cultural and tourism events with the participation of a large audience, such as the Hozo International Music Festival, Anh trai vuot ngan chong gai (Call Me By Fire), Anh trai say hi (Say Hi to Bros), the Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival, and the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival, among others. Its tourism revenue in 2024 was estimated to reach VND190 trillion ($7.46 billion), an increase of 19 percent from 2023. The local tourism industry received many international awards in 2024, including Asia's Leading Business Tourism Destination; Asia's Leading Festival and Event Destination, and Asia's Leading City Tourism Board. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Several streets in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City plunged into a sea of garbage after the 2025 New Years countdown and fireworks ended in the wee hours of Wednesday, January 1. The Bach Dang Wharf area, which was crowded with residents and tourists during the countdown event, was blanketed with plastic bags, used plastic cups and cans, cartons and wrappers left behind by New Year revelers. I feel too disappointed to see a huge amount of garbage after this years event, said Trieu, a resident of District 1. Many areas around the venues designated for New Year countdown parties and fireworks shows are strewn with trash. If everyone is environmentally aware, we would not see such a mess, he said. Trash cans are overflowing with garbage on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, Ho Chi Minh City after the New Year countdown event ends in the wee hours of January 1, 2025. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street and the surrounding areas were flooded with rubbish left behind by thousands of revelers. Leftovers and plastic garbage were scattered along downtown streets, causing a messy scene. Quy, a worker at District 1 Public Services Company, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the company had mobilized over 10 trash trucks for clean-up efforts at Bach Dang Wharf and on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street. The volume of garbage littered during this years event was larger than that recorded in previous years due to various promotional programs offered by nearby food and beverage stores. It took sanitation workers a lot of time to clear away confetti, leftovers, and plastic trash. Despite the difficulties, we are determined to clean up trash-filled inner-city areas to restore the citys cleanliness on the first day of the New Year, he shared. Several types of trash cover a section of Ton Duc Thang Street near Bach Dang Wharf after the New Year countdown event ends in the wee hours of January 1, 2025. Photo: Nguyen Khang / Tuoi Tre Confetti scattered around the Bach Dang Wharf area, making life harder for sanitation workers to clean up. Photo: Nguyen Khang / Tuoi Tre A pile of trash on Ton Duc Thang Street in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre Young people and foreigners also joined hands to clear away trash in the Bach Dang Wharf area after the event. Dulani, a tourist from Sri Lanka, said that such a huge amount of trash made it harder for sanitation workers on the first day of the New Year. She hoped that revelers would be mindful of their responsibilities for environmental protection, especially after any big event. A section of Huynh Thuc Khang Street near Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street full of garbage. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre Garbage left behind by New Year revelers, creating a messy scene on Ham Nghi Street in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre Sanitation workers clear up rubbish at Bach Dang Wharf in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nguyen Khang / Tuoi Tre Dulani (R) from Sri Lanka joins hands with young people in the city to clean up a trash-flooded area in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nguyen Khang / Tuoi Tre Bach Dang Wharf Park in downtown Ho Chi Minh City becomes spotless after over an hour of clean-up efforts. Photo: Nguyen Khang / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam, have detained and prosecuted a 43-year-old woman for allegedly stealing assets totaling over US$19,600 from her Australian boyfriend late last month. Ha Thi Anh Nguyet, hailing from northern Quang Ninh Province, has been indicted on charges of theft, police in the citys Binh Chanh District said on Tuesday. The victim is N., a 63-year-old Australian tourist, who reported the theft to local police on December 27, claiming he had lost a mobile phone, gold jewelry, cash and other belongings worth more than VND500 million ($19,625) in total. The foreign man said that he suspected Nguyet, his Vietnamese romantic partner, as the possible thief who committed the crime at his temporary residence in Binh Chanh. After examining the scene and collecting information from witnesses and other sources, the district police launched an investigation into the case and hunted for Nguyet. Detectives tracked down the woman and detained her on Tuesday while she was preparing to flee to the central region. Nguyet confessed that she had taken advantage of N.'s trust to steal his assets, then sold all the stolen objects for cash and deposited in her bank account. The district police have recovered some of the stolen assets and returned them to N.. According to local media, the Australian man expressed his sincere thanks to the police for their professional support. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Anyone would think he had a new movie to promote. Robbie Williams certainly made his presence felt on New Years Eve featuring on three different broadcasts in three different continents. Williams was Live in Sydney for his music set as part of ABCs New Years Eve broadcast, even counting down the final seconds of 2024 into the fireworks spectacular. He was also on The Graham Norton Shows New Years Eve show in the UK -an annual special which is pre-recorded and will screen in Australia on 10 this Sunday night. Meanwhile a portion of his Sydney show was replayed in the US as part of Dick Clarks New Years Rockin Eve hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora. Williams is less well-known stateside, where some viewers on social media were referring to Robin Williams, but the movie should go part of the way to addressing that. Not yet done, Williams is also making an appearance at Federation Square in Melbourne today for an interview, song and keys to the city. ABC drew big audiences to its broadcast, claiming a record streaming day on ABC iview with over 1 million live streams of ABC TV channel. ABCs Head of Arts, Music and Events, Kath Earle said: Its always thrilling to bring the images of Sydneys iconic New Years Eve fireworks and celebrations to millions of Australians and people all over the world. A huge congratulations to our partner City of Sydney for another incredible New Years Eve it was without doubt a night to remember. And Id like to thank everyone, especially all the ABC staff, who have worked tirelessly over the past few months to bring our audience music, fireworks, and every moment of the celebrations across ABC TV and ABC iview, ABC Radio, ABC digital and social media. A very happy new year to all! A South Korean court has issued an arrest warrant for impeached, suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol, investigators said Tuesday, over his short-lived bid to impose martial law on the country. Yoon briefly suspended civilian rule this month, plunging South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades. He was stripped of his presidential duties by parliament over the action, but a constitutional court ruling is pending on whether to confirm the impeachment. "The arrest warrant and search warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol, requested by the Joint Investigation Headquarters, were issued this morning," the Joint Investigation Headquarters said in a statement. The conservative leader faces criminal charges of insurrection, which could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Investigators probing Yoon over his declaration of martial law requested the warrant Monday after the suspended president failed to report for questioning a third time. "The reason for the warrant is that there is a concern that the individual may refuse to comply with summons without justifiable reasons, and there is sufficient probable cause to suspect the commission of a crime," a Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) official told reporters at a briefing on Tuesday. "The warrant is valid until January 6," the official said, adding that Yoon could be held at a police station or the Seoul detention center. Yoon's lawyer called the arrest warrant for the impeached president "illegal and invalid", saying investigators lacked the authority to probe the president. "The arrest warrant and search and seizure warrant issued at the request of an agency without investigative authority are illegal and invalid," a statement sent to AFP by lawyer Yoon Kab-keun said. Even though the warrant has been issued, it is unclear whether investigators and police will be able to execute it. The Presidential Security Service has previously refused to comply with three search warrants. It said Tuesday that "security measures regarding the execution of the warrant will be carried out in accordance with lawful procedures," in a statement to local media. But lawyer Yun Bok-nam, president of Lawyers for a Democratic Society, told AFP that while there was a legal basis for rejecting a search warrant "there's no such provision for arrest warrants". "I expect the (arrest) process will proceed smoothly," he said, adding that warrants were typically valid seven days and had to be executed within that time frame. Police were deployed early Tuesday outside Yoon's residence in central Seoul, in a likely bid to head off scuffles. Yoon's supporters and protesters calling for his removal have both staked out his residence, with local media running images of altercations between the two camps overnight. "Up to 3,000 people will move to protest against the unfair and unvalid arrest warrant," said an official from the largest protest group supporting Yoon. Local media reported than an imminent arrest or search of the presidential residence was unlikely, as investigators would seek to coordinate with the presidential security service. Technically, anyone obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant could be arrested. Yoon 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 weapons if needed to enter parliament during his failed martial law bid. Yoon's lawyer had previously dismissed the prosecutors' report, telling AFP it was "a one-sided account that neither corresponds to objective circumstances nor common sense". Yoon declared martial law in an unannounced televised address on December 3, saying it was aimed at eliminating "anti-state elements". Lawmakers rushed to parliament within minutes of the declaration to vote it down. At the same time, heavily armed troops stormed the building, scaling fences, smashing windows and landing by helicopter. According to the prosecution indictment report, Yoon told the chief of the capital defence command, Lee Jin-woo, that military forces could shoot if necessary to enter the National Assembly. The report also said there was evidence that Yoon had been discussing declaring martial law with senior military officials as early as March. South Korea's political turmoil deepened late last week when Yoon's replacement, Han Duck-soo, was also impeached by parliament for failing to sign through bills for investigations into Yoon. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has taken over as the new acting president, and found himself thrust immediately into a disaster with the Jeju Air plane crash Sunday that claimed 179 lives. HA NOI Geely Auto Group and Tasco Joint Stock Company plan to start construction of an automobile manufacturing and assembly plant in the Tien Hai Economic Zone, Thai Binh Province, in the first half of 2025, aiming to roll out the first vehicles by early 2026. Under the cooperation agreement, the two parties will establish a joint venture for automobile assembly and distribution in Viet Nam. The factory, spanning 30 hectares, will have an initial designed capacity of 75,000 vehicles per year. The total investment is estimated at US$168 million, with Tasco holding a 64 per cent stake and Geely Auto holding 36 per cent. Alongside the construction of the manufacturing facility, Tasco Auto, a subsidiary of Tasco, will officially distribute Geely Auto vehicles in Viet Nam. The first model introduced to the market will be the Geely Coolray, a compact SUV that has seen success in the Philippines and Russia. Equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged engine delivering 177 horsepower and advanced safety features, the Coolray is positioned as a competitive offering in the Vietnamese market. An initial shipment of 200 Coolray units from Malaysia has already arrived in Viet Nam, ready for launch events. In addition to catering to domestic demand, the joint venture aims to export vehicles to markets with free trade agreements (FTAs) with Viet Nam. Industry analysts believe this move reflects a broader trend of global car manufacturers expanding into Southeast Asia, leveraging the region's growth potential and favourable trade policies. Beyond manufacturing and distribution, Geely and Tasco plan to invest in local supply chains, R&D centres, and workforce training programmes. These initiatives are expected to bolster Viet Nams automotive industry while creating significant employment opportunities. Geely Auto, one of Chinas leading automotive brands, has established itself as a global player with ownership stakes in renowned names such as Volvo and Lotus. The company has consistently invested in advanced technologies, including electric and hybrid vehicles, aligning with global trends towards sustainable transportation. Geelys entry into Viet Nam represents not only an expansion of its market presence but also a step towards establishing the country as a regional manufacturing hub. Meanwhile, Tasco, a diversified corporation in Viet Nam with expertise in infrastructure, transportation, and real estate, has been increasingly focusing on the automotive sector. With Tasco Auto playing a pivotal role in vehicle distribution and after-sales services, the partnership with Geely marks a strategic move to capitalise on Viet Nam's rapidly growing middle class and rising demand for quality vehicles. VNS HA NOI The year 2024 left many hallmarks on the cause of national construction and development, with many strong and positive changes, breathing new wind into almost all activities in society and creating an important prerequisite for the entire country to make breakthroughs and accelerate the progress towards realising the set targets and firmly advance into a new era after the 14th National Party Congress. On the occasion of New Year 2025, State President Luong Cuong granted an interview to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA). The following is a translation of the interview: Reporter: Over the past years, the Party and State have strongly carried out judicial reform. Could you elaborate on judicial reforms contributions to the countrys socio-economic development achievements and measures for continuing to perfect a law-governed socialist State? State President Luong Cuong: Judicial reform is an important content of the Partys oi Moi (Renewal) policy, and an inevitable and continuous trend to adapt to changes in the situation, helping build and perfect the law-governed socialist State of Viet Nam. Under the Partys leadership, over the past years, our countrys judiciary has made positive strides and obtained significant results in various aspects. It has institutionalised the policies on enhancing crime prevention effectiveness and benevolence in handling criminals; reducing prison sentences and expanding the application of fines and non-custodial rehabilitation for some types of crimes; applying lighter sentences to juvenile offenders; limiting the death penalty to only certain types of particularly serious crimes; ending the criminalisation of civil and economic relations, and the omission of criminals and offenders; and strengthened the regulations on expungement of criminal records to create favourable conditions for convicted persons to reintegrate into the community as soon as possible. The improvement of civil law has contributed to creating an equal business environment, protecting the rights and legitimate interests of organisations and individuals, along with the States interests and public interests; and creating fairness in civil and economic relations as well as the settlement of civil cases. The legal regulations on judicial proceedings have been improved towards democracy, openness, transparency, facilitating and increasing people's access to justice, and eliminating injustice and mistakes in litigation activities. Recently, the Politburo agreed in principle on the policy of considering and improving the legal regulations on initiating civil lawsuits when the holder of civil rights is a vulnerable group or related to public interests but there is no one to initiate the lawsuit; on improving the effectiveness of applying simplified procedures, with the combination of non-judicial procedural methods with judicial procedural ones. The National Assembly passed the Law on Justice for Minors, helping build a child friendly and protecting legal system. The promulgation of the Law on Mediation and Dialogue at Court has created a new method of dispute resolution without the need for a trial, contributing to the settlement of conflicts and contradictions in civil and administrative relations in a friendly manner that maintains unity among the people. Besides, the resolutions on online trials and the pilot handling of evidence and assets during the investigation, prosecution and trial of a number of criminal cases... were also issued. The organisation and operation of judicial agencies have been constantly innovated and perfected towards greater efficiency and effectiveness; the quality of litigation at court has been given more attention and increasingly improved. The special amnesty work has also received attention. Since 2021, the State President has granted amnesty to 9,236 prisoners, demonstrating the Party and States lenient and humane policy. The abovementioned results have made considerable contributions to promoting socio-economic development and international integration, defending justice, protecting human rights and civil rights, and firmly safeguarding the Fatherland. In the coming time, to continue implementing Resolution No. 27-NQ/TW on building a law-governed socialist State of Viet Nam in the new period; and strive to build a professional, modern, fair, strict, and upright judiciary serving the Fatherland and the people, judicial reform must be pushed ahead more effectively to better serve socio-economic development and national defence; and carried out in tandem with legislative innovation, state apparatus restructuring and administrative reform. In particular: - The legal system must fully institutionalise the Party's policies and guidelines in a democratic, fair, humane, complete, harmonious, consistent, timely, feasible, open, transparent, stable, accessible, close to reality, and people and business-centred manner. (We) must continue to build and refine legal regulations on preventing and combating corruption, wastefulness, and negative phenomena, and those on minors; while researching and developing a mechanism for controlling the issuance of by-law legal documents and considering the responsibility of those who issue documents causing serious consequences. (We) must work out a mechanism for initiating administrative lawsuits so that the court can make decisions in cases where state management agencies and the parties concerned do not implement or do not implement law properly, causing damage to public interests and the States interests. It is also necessary to review and evaluate legal regulations related to the death penalty and the execution of death sentences with a view to amending and supplementing them appropriately towards reducing the crimes subject to the death penalty; further improve the management, education and rehabilitation of prisoners; and ensure and better protect human rights for those serving sentences. - The process of building a law-governed socialist State of Viet Nam, including judicial reform, must bring into full play the people's right to mastery, protect human rights and citizens' rights; develop awareness and a lifestyle that respects the Constitution and the law in society; effectively enforce the principle that citizens are allowed to do everything that the law does not prohibit, and that citizens' rights are closely linked to citizens' obligations; thoroughly address injustice and mistakes in litigation; and ensure safety, openness and fairness in civil relations, paving the way for innovation, creativity and sustainable development. It is also necessary to continue to reform and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of supervision by the National Assembly, People's Councils and the Fatherland Front committees at all levels. On the occasion of major anniversaries in 2025, the Party and State will conduct special amnesty for prisoners with good behaviour. Reporter: In 2024, Viet Nam continued to engage in significant external activities to enhance the country's position. To date, Viet Nam has established comprehensive strategic partnerships with nine countries, including four of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Could you please share the orientations for foreign affairs in 2025? State President Luong Cuong: Looking back at the complicated and profound developments in the region and the world in 2024, we can see that Viet Nam's foreign policy and diplomacy - based on the principles of unwavering adherence to the Party's leadership and the close cohesion of the three pillars: Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy - have contributed to opening a new, broad and unprecedentedly favourable complexion for Viet Nam's foreign affairs. Viet Nam's foreign policy and diplomacy continued to affirm their pioneering role, contributing to the establishment and maintenance of a peaceful, stable environment, while safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, thus strongly supporting national development, elevating Viet Nam's position, and enhancing its new stature and reputation. In relations with neighbouring countries, traditional friends, and key and important partners, both bilaterally and multilaterally, Viet Nam builds on the experience and achievements of previous generations. The "Vietnam story" has increasingly attracted global attention and welcomed by international friends with admiration, respect, and goodwill. Notably, the United Nations General Assemblys adoption of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, known as the Hanoi Convention, on December 24, 2024, which addresses a pressing issue for both Viet Nam and the global community, and will open for signature in Hanoi in 2025, underscores Viet Nam's increasing international position and prestige, as well as its active, responsible, and substantive participation in addressing global challenges. In addition, economic diplomacy and external economic relations have developed strongly, helping to achieve the country's growth targets as well as promoting the process of economic restructuring based on science, technology, and innovation. Cultural diplomacy, overseas Vietnamese affairs, and information for foreign service have further highlighted and spread the image of a peaceful, stable, and developing Vietnam in the region and the world. Viet Nam's foreign policy and diplomacy, with a new mindset, new appearance, and new thinking, are confidently stepping into a new era - the era of the nations rise. Amid the complicated and unpredictable developments of the global situation, the mission of foreign affairs in 2025 and beyond is to continue consolidating a favourable external complexion, positioning Viet Nam within the flow of the times, promoting national interests, and meeting the requirements of the cause of national construction and defence. I think that Viet Nam's foreign policy and diplomacy this year need to carry out the following tasks: First, Viet Nam's foreign policy and diplomacy must uphold the key and regular role, alongside other forces, in maintaining an environment of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development; resolutely and persistently safeguarding the country's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while proactively and actively addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges. To achieve this, Viet Nam's foreign policy and diplomacy must prioritise the highest national interests based on international law and the United Nations Charter, being imbued with and creatively applying the principle of utilising the invariables in response to variables, and President Ho Chi Minhs diplomatic philosophy of "persuading people, winning over people, and gaining their support through reason and morality." Second, it is essential to continue promoting the precious tradition of the Vietnamese nation, particularly in the close integration of foreign affairs with national defence and security to safeguard the nation from afar, safeguard the nation early before any danger arises, so as to avoid passivity or surprises, following the motto of rich nation, strong army, peaceful inside, and tranquil outside, "warm inside and serene outside" - a unique identity rarely found in other nations. Third, in a world where the development of each nation is inseparable from the external environment, foreign affairs must also take on the task of creating opportunities and attracting resources for national development. Accordingly, it is necessary to strengthen economic diplomacy and external economic relations during the acceleration phase of the 20212025 socio-economic development plan, with innovative and breakthrough approaches. It is essential to promptly define and make the most of new driving forces for development that have a leading role, as well as emerging global trends such as digital transformation, green transition, and energy transition; and key breakthrough fields like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and green energy. Additionally, fostering partnerships with innovation hubs can position Viet Nam as a vital link in the global innovation network and production chain. Fourth, with new strengths and capabilities, our country is well-positioned to enhance its contributions and affirm its new position on the international arena. Besides successfully hosting international events, foreign policy and diplomacy must further enhance their role and international responsibility, and make substantive and responsible contributions to addressing global issues. We should not only proactively participate in formulating rules and regulations in global governance but also strengthen our core and leading role in significant strategic issues and mechanisms that align with our interests, and actively contribute to building a fair and equitable international order based on international law. Fifth, it is crucial to further promote the nations "soft power" to spread the image of a country that is rising. This involves not only mobilising resources for the nations socio-economic development but also connecting Viet Nam with the world, fostering friendship with other nations, enhancing its position and influence, and responsibly contributing to regional and global issues. More attention must be given to overseas Vietnamese-related affairs so as to affirm our Party and State's care and support for our compatriots abroad, strengthen national solidarity, and mobilise resources and knowledge for national development. Finally, in the ongoing revolution to streamline and re-organise the apparatus nationwide, foreign affairs must build an elite, streamlined, effective, efficient, and professional organisational apparatus, and a contingent of skilled, competent, and politically steadfast personnel to develop a comprehensive, modern, and professional diplomacy of Viet Nam, thus meeting the requirements of the new era and catching up with the stature of the nation. Reporter: In the context of the complicated developments in the world and the region, maintaining the Fatherland's independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, as well as ensuring national defence and security, are of utmost importance. In your capacity as Chairman of the National Defence and Security Council, could you please outline the key tasks for protecting the Fatherland in the new situation? State President Luong Cuong: Protecting the nation is a regular and critical responsibility for the entire Party, people, and armed forces, as well as the entire political system, and a sacred duty and a noble right of citizens. In the current context, we need to remain steadfast in our goals of national independence and socialism, continuously enhancing the countrys overall strength, and firmly safeguarding the Fatherland in all situations. The focus should be on implementing a comprehensive set of tasks and solutions, including: First, the most crucial and decisive issue is to strengthen the building and rectification of the Party and political system to ensure they are truly clean and strong, while associating the building and perfecting of the socialist rule-of-law State of the people, by the people, and for the people with streamlining the political systems organisational apparatus to ensure that it is effective, valid and efficient. The role of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and political-social organisations in monitoring and providing feedback in the cause of national construction and defence should be maximised. Second, we must strengthen the power of great national solidarity, promote socialist democracy and the people's right to mastery; preserve and deepen the close bonds between the Party and the people, and consolidate a solid "people-based position; promote patriotic emulation movements, mobilise all resources, potential, and creativity of every Vietnamese citizen, to achieve the goal of "prosperous people, a strong nation, democracy, justice, and civilisation." Third, it is necessary to build an independent, self-reliant economy, accelerate industrialisation and modernisation, and promote rapid, comprehensive, and sustainable development of the country, while effectively implementing projects and initiatives to enhance national defence and security in combination with socio-economic development, especially in strategic areas and key regions. We must push forward with the development of science and technology, build a self-reliant, modern, strong and dual-use national industry to meet the requirements of the cause of national construction and defence. Fourth, it is a must to build and promote the cultural values and human strength of Vietnamese people in the cause of Fatherland construction and protection. We should strengthen education on patriotism, foster national pride, instill trust, and develop a sense of responsibility among the people in building a prosperous, civilised, and happy country. The system of national values, cultural values, and human standards should be developed in connection with preserving and promoting the family values of Vietnamese people in the new era. Fifth, we must enhance national defence and security; maintain the absolute and direct leadership of the Party in all aspects, the centralised and unified management of the State over the armed forces, and the Fatherland protection cause. We must continue to build a revolutionary, regular, elite, modern Peoples Army and Peoples Police forces, with unified strength, high combat readiness to safeguard the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the nation, and ensure national security and social order and safety in all circumstances. Sixth, we will continue to pursue a consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, multilateralisation and diversification of international relations, and proactive and deep international integration, while promoting the pioneering role of foreign affairs in creating and maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for the development of the country and safeguarding the Fatherland "from early, from afar," and "protecting the country before the danger arises" through peaceful means. Reporter: On the occasion of New Year 2025, what message do you want to send to the people across the country and our compatriots abroad? State President Luong Cuong: 2025 is a year with many significant events of our Party and nation, particularly the 80th founding anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam (now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam) and the 50th anniversary of the South liberation and national reunification. It is a year for us to speed up to complete the goals set by the 13th National Party Congress, laying a solid foundation for our country to step into a new era the era of the nations rise. I hope that all the people, soldiers, and our compatriots will continue to uphold the tradition of patriotism, solidarity, creativity, self-reliance, self-confidence, self-reliance, self-improvement and national pride, and work together to overcome all difficulties and challenges, building a strong, prosperous, civilised, and happy country, and firmly protecting our beloved Fatherland, while actively contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. Under the leadership of the Party, the participation of the entire political system, the solidarity and high determination of the entire people and our compatriots abroad, and the valuable support and cooperation of international friends, I am confident that the year 2025 will obtain new, greater achievements and open up a bright future for our country. On the occasion of New Year 2025, with new faith and enthusiasm, I would like to send my deep sentiments and best wishes to every Vietnamese citizen and international friends - A New Year, A New Victory! Reporter: Thank you very much! HA NOI Localities across Vietnam on Wednesday organised ceremonies to welcome visitors on the first day of the New Year 2025, pinning high hopes for a prosperous year. In the central city of a Nang, the municipal Department of Tourism welcomed nearly 3,000 first visitors this year. They included nearly 2,000 tourists from Europe and America on board the Noordam cruise ship. Representatives from the citys tourism department gave them flowers, souvenirs, and vouchers. The tourists were treated to traditional lion dance performances and had the opportunity to take memorable photos. On the first day of the new year, the a Nang International Airport received 125 flights, including 57 international ones. From December 28, 2024, to January 1, 2025, the airport hosted over 600 flights, marking a 15.6 per cent increase year-on-year. Deputy Director of the department Tan Van Vuong said that this year, the city expects to attract over 11.9 million visitors, up 10 per cent from 2024, with international visitors estimated at over 4.8 million. Revenue from accommodation, dining, and travel services is projected to exceed VN36 trillion (US$1.41 billion), representing a 16 per cent year-on-year rise. Meanwhile, the neighbouring central city of Hue welcomed more than 100 passengers on flight VN6317 from Ha Noi which landed at the Phu Bai International Airport at 9:15 a.m. Its the first flight that carries the first tourists to the city in 2025. Of them, four received round-trip domestic flight tickets from Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines, along with souvenirs from the tourism department while others enjoyed art performances and New Year gifts from city officials. The event marks the beginning of the Hue Festival 2025 and a series of year-round tourism activities celebrating Hue as a centrally run city from January 1, 2025 and the Visit Vietnam Year - Hue 2025. In the central province of Quang Nam, Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Le Van Dung offered gifts and congratulations to the first visitors to its Hoi An ancient town, including 18 from Italy. Nguyen Van Lanh, Vice Chairman of the Hoi An city Peoples Committee, stated that Quang Nam Province welcomed 8 million tourists in 2024, with Hoi An alone attracting over 4.5 million, reaffirming its status as a leading tourist destination. Arriving in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre on January 1, visitors from Canada, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Russia were warmly received and gifted local souvenirs. At Buon Ma Thuot Airport, the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the Central Highlands province of ak Lak welcomed the 1.5 millionth tourist and the first flight to the province in 2025, with traditional gong performances. The first three passengers received flowers, gifts, and round-trip air tickets while all passengers on the flight were given a pair of tickets each to visit local tourist attractions, and a ak Lak travel guide book. VNS A Hawaiian Airlines flight bound for Honolulu was forced to return to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport shortly after takeoff due to reports of fumes in the cockpit, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed. Initially, the FAA stated the crew had reported smoke on the flight deck but later clarified it as fumes. Hawaiian Airlines Flight 21, an Airbus A330, departed around 1 p.m. Monday, carrying 273 passengers and 10 crew members. The plane was en route to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu when the crew detected the issue, airline spokesperson Marissa Villegas said in an email to The Associated Press. "The captain declared an emergency to obtain priority handling and the Airbus A330 landed at SEA without incident," Villegas said. Fire and medical personnel met the aircraft at the gate as a precaution and everyone onboard safely deplaned. After the aircraft returned to Seattle, the Port of Seattle Fire Department boarded to investigate but did not detect any smoke or unusual odors, airport spokesperson Perry Cooper said in an email. According to airline spokesperson Marissa Villegas, Hawaiian Airlines Flight 21 departed Seattle again on Tuesday morning using a replacement aircraft. "Safety is our priority, and we sincerely apologize for this event," Villegas said. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident. Reports of cockpit smoke incidents have increased, with multiple airlines experiencing similar issues in recent months. On December 28, 2024, a United Airlines flight en route from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Phoenix International Airport (PHX) was forced to make an emergency landing at Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ) due to smoke in the cockpit. On November 16, 2024, a Wizz Air flight between Gdansk and Tromso diverted to Stockholm Arlanda Airport after cabin crew detected smoke mid-flight. The incident occurred at cruising altitude, approximately 30 minutes after the aircraft's 6:04 PM departure from Gdansk. Such events underscore ongoing safety concerns and the importance of thorough investigations to mitigate risks. There is a checklist to guide cities through the first 24 hours of a mass shooting. Its what Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway reached for after receiving a text from Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes on the morning of Dec. 16, alerting her that there was an active shooter at Abundant Life Christian School. The booklet, developed by the Public Health Advocacy Institute, includes a to-do list to help cities navigate the grimmest of emergencies: Make a plan to regularly communicate with the press. Set up a fund for the victims. Establish a reunification area for families. Plan a vigil. Madison was suddenly added to a long list of cities that have had to activate plans to deal with a school shooting. In this case, 15-year-old Natalie Samantha Rupnow would kill 14-year-old student Rubi Patricia Vergara and teacher Erin Michelle West, 42, and injure six others, two of them critically, before killing herself. Firefighters and police officers practice how to respond in a mass shooting. The city and county emergency management officials have planned for it too, and active shooter drills are a fact of life for students today. You think about what you are going to do if a mass shooting happens, Rhodes-Conway said. The big takeaway is that the training worked. Nearly two weeks after the tragic shooting at Abundant Life, the mayor sat down to talk about the citys response in the first hours and days. She said the lessons from 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced Madison and cities across the country to quickly shut down, came flooding back when she heard about the shooting. After receiving the first text, the mayors staff helped coordinate communication with victims families and the press, and arranged for a reunification center at an SSM Urgent Health Clinic, where worried parents received information and waited for their children. The United Way of Dane County set up a fund for the victims and their families. The mayor and United Way CEO Renee Moe had talked well before the shooting about how the nonprofit could help in an emergency. 211 operators were ready to take calls from the community. Now that the first weeks have passed, Rhodes-Conway said the citys focus has turned to making sure those who need mental health services and other support can find it. City, county and state emergency management and victim assistance representatives are helping with the effort. The citys responders have well established peer support systems and employee assistance, and the school is working to support staff, students and family. But there are many other people in the community who have been affected by the tragedy, including parents and students at other schools, Rhodes-Conway said. On the larger solution of preventing another shooting, though, Rhodes-Conway admits to some pessimism. Madison is the last in a long list of cities that have dealt with shootings, and nothing has changed. The city can try to educate gun owners on safe storage, and they can encourage parents to ask questions of other parents. There need to be more conversations about mental health, and seeking treatment needs to be normalized, the mayor said. We can talk about what resources are available, Rhodes-Conway said. How can we collectively take care of each other? But the laws and resources needed to make real change lie with state and federal legislators, she said. Its enormously frustrating, she said. There is still a lot thats unknown about the shooting. Police have not yet said what might have led to the shooting or how Rupnow got the two handguns she brought to the school that day. Police have so far refused to release the names of the six surviving victims and would not talk about the nature of their injuries. In a press briefing the day after the shooting, Rhodes-Conway said it was absolutely none of yalls business who was injured. She also said it is up to law enforcement, not her, to release that information. Police have not had a press briefing on the shooting since then. Last week, Rhodes-Conway stood by that statement, saying victims families should decide when and whether to talk about their loved ones. Sometime in the coming months, those involved will have a debriefing led by emergency management, to talk about lessons learned and areas for improvement. For now, the mayor said, theyll work to support the victims. Rhodes-Conway attended both of the funerals. Mayors from across the country have offered their help, including the mayor of Highland Park, Illinois, which experienced a mass shooting on July 4, 2022. Were all human beings and this hit all of us hard, Rhodes-Conway said. What I saw was people trying to do their best. Avoid visiting hospitals in north Wales If unwell amid seasonal illnesses spike, urges health board This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Jan 1st, 2025 Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is urging members of the public to avoid visiting loved ones at the regions hospitals if they are feeling unwell. The warning comes amid a rise in cases of seasonal illnesses, including flu, RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) and norovirus (also known as the winter vomiting bug). In North Wales hospitals, infections rates are currently higher than usual for the time of year. As a result people who are feeling unwell with a sore throat, cold, cough, a high temperature or an upset stomach are being asked to avoid visiting loved ones in hospital in a bid to reduce the spread of flu, norovirus, RSV and covid-19 to in-patients. Although face masks havent been reintroduced for visitors, masks are available for those who wish to wear one. The following advice has been issued to the public by the health board: Do not visit a patient at hospital if you have had flu like symptoms or norovirus, and please avoid visiting if you have been in contact with someone who has had symptoms, in the last 48 hours Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before and after entering any wards or clinical areas. Visitors are not permitted to sit on patient beds or use patient toilets to help prevent the spread of infection. You may notice facemasks in some areas of our hospitals. Masks will be available for patients and visitors who choose to wear one. There are simple actions you can take to help stop the spread of germs, such as covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and washing your hands regularly. The NHS flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster can help protect the most vulnerable against serious illness and reduce the circulation of these viruses in the community. We urge everyone eligible for the vaccines to take up the offer this winter.; Rates of infection in our hospitals are higher than usual at this time of year, as so many viruses are circulating within our communities, so there is more of a risk of infection, said Angela Wood, Executive Director of Nursing & Midwifery at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. We understand that visiting loved ones in the hospital is important, particularly over the Christmas period. However, patients who are unwell in our hospitals are more likely to be vulnerable to severe illness because of flu, COVID-19 and other infections such as colds, diarrhoea and vomiting. To protect our patients and staff we ask that if you are experiencing symptoms of flu, norovirus and COVID-19 or if you have been in contact with someone who had those symptoms within the last 48 hours that you do not visit our hospitals. If you are feeling unwell with a cough, cold or sore throat we also ask you to not visit our hospitals at this time this will help us stop the spread of germs on our sites. As an additional precaution to help reduce the spread of infections, when you visit our hospitals face masks are available should you wish to wear one. Thank you for your continued support and understanding in helping us to maintain a safe environment for everyone. You can check your eligibility for the flu vaccine here. More information on reducing the spread of winter illnesses can be found on the health board website. Welsh Ambulance Service stands down critical incident but significant challenges persist This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Jan 1st, 2025 The Welsh Ambulance Service has stood down the critical incident it declared on Monday night (30th December 2024), following two days of extreme strain on the 999 system caused by rising seasonal illnesses and hospital handover delays. The declaration, which reflected a surge in demand due to flu, norovirus, and Covid-19, prompted the Trust to implement additional measures under its contingency plans to maintain safe services. While the critical incident has now been resolved, the service has emphasised that significant pressures remain on its resources. Judith Bryce, Assistant Director of Operations for the Welsh Ambulance Service, issued a statement apologising to patients affected during the critical period. We would once again like to apologise to all those patients who have waited far too long for an ambulance during an extremely challenging 48-hour period, she said. She urged the public to continue using emergency services responsibly. Please only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency, and if its not a life-threatening emergency, please consider one of the many alternatives to 999, starting with the NHS 111 Wales symptom checkers as well as your local pharmacist, Minor Injuries Unit, and GP. Ms Bryce also provided advice on limiting the spread of seasonal illnesses and staying safe during current yellow weather warnings for heavy rain and high winds. Help limit the spread of viruses by staying at home if you have flu-like symptoms, washing your hands regularly, and keeping your distance from vulnerable people, she said. The critical incident declaration came amid delays caused by prolonged hospital handovers, which remain a significant issue for ambulance crews. The Trust has also urged the public to take extra care during adverse weather conditions to reduce avoidable demand on emergency services. Ms Bryce concluded by thanking staff and volunteers for their dedication. We would like to thank staff and volunteers across Wales who have been doing their utmost to provide the best possible care to every single patient. Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, James Evans MS, commented: The recent declaration of a critical incident by the Welsh Ambulance Service highlights Labours disastrous record and mismanagement of the NHS here in Wales. This is not just a winter crisisits a glaring symptom of long-term failures under Labour in Wales. Patients waiting in distress and overstretched frontline workers deserve far better. Under Labour, Wales is broken. Its time for real leadership and concrete action to fix these systemic issues once and for all. Wrexham councillors up to date on council tax ( others in Wales not so much) This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Jan 1st, 2025 Freedom of Information (FOI) requests submitted to Wales 22 local councils have revealed instances where councillors were sent reminders for non-payment of council tax. The data is a snapshot of the 22-23 and into 23-24 financial year and highlights the amounts owed and resolutions where provided. While many councils reported no such occurrences, others detailed councillors who received reminder notices, summonses, and even liability orders for unpaid council tax. Council tax is a local taxation system used across the UK to fund essential public services, such as education, waste collection, social care, and emergency services. Payment is legally required by all residents, including elected councillors. Private Eye conducted a UK wide data run on the topic in 2016-17 and reminds the public by summarising Section 106 of a Finance Act, To ward off hypocrisy, the Local Government Finance Act forbids councillors from voting on the councils budget and determining the council tax if they themselves have missed payments for two consecutive months and have not taken action to remedy the problem. The act states that such councillors either have to stay away from the meetings or, if they want to show up, they must stand up before their peers and explain why they cannot vote. Failure to take those steps is a criminal offence and can result in a maximum fine of 1,000 at a magistrates court. The FOI responses highlighted varying levels of non-payment among councillors. Some cases involved single reminders with quick resolutions, while others escalated to court summonses and involvement of enforcement agents. Wrexham Council reported one councillor receiving a single reminder for 516.69, which was fully paid by January 2023. Similarly, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council issued one reminder to a Labour councillor, with the outstanding amount paid in December 2022. In Ceredigion, an Independent councillor received three reminders for 214.00, which was then paid in full. Bridgend County Borough Council revealed multiple instances. Two Bridgend County Independents received reminders for 387.83, which was settled in June 2022. Two Labour councillors faced arrears, including a summons: one owed up to 1,794.29 but had a repayment agreement in place, while another owed 952.39. Cardiff Council detailed multiple councillors with arrears, including cases progressing to final notices and a court summons. One councillor was issued reminders for 328.00 in July 2022, rising to 818.00 by December. Another faced a court summons for arrears exceeding 1100.00 but arranged a payment plan with the Recovery Office. Other councils also reported similar patterns: Flintshire County Council issued reminders to two Labour councillors for amounts exceeding 1200. Both paid in full after receiving their reminder notices. Caerphilly County Borough Council provided detailed records of councillors receiving multiple reminders, including Labour, Plaid Cymru, and Independent councillors. One councillor, for instance, received eight reminders but ultimately resolved the arrears. Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council highlighted an Independent councillor whose debt escalated to a liability order and enforcement agent collection action for 405. Several councils, including Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, and Conwy, reported no reminders sent to their councillors. Monmouthshire County Council, confirmed fewer than five reminders but withheld specific figures, citing data protection laws. While many councils provided detailed responses, others were less forthcoming. Carmarthenshire and Gwynedd councils failed to respond to the FOI requests. In Denbighshire, the council acknowledged a councillor in arrears but withheld details to protect the individuals identity. In Vale of Glamorgan, one councillor received a reminder for the full financial years council tax. However, the council stated that under new rules, councillors can choose to withhold their addresses, limiting the extent of their response to the FOI. In some cases, councillors arrears escalated to legal action. In Neath Port Talbot, for example, a councillors debt of 474.37 progressed to court, with a liability order obtained in July 2022. Finally, Pembrokeshire revealed councillors from two political partyWelsh Conservatives and Independentwho received multiple reminders for amounts ranging from 80.00 to 1,100. In all instances, the accounts were eventually brought up to date following receipt of the reminders notice. The mother of the teen suspected in a double stabbing in Fernley has been released from the hospital. The suspect, 19-year-old Adam Miller appeared in Fernley District Court Tuesday morning. During the short appearance, he was scheduled to undergo a competency hearing on January 13, 2025. According to the criminal report, Miller allegedly stabbed his father, Lance Miller in the neck and chest, killing him. His unidentified mother was transported to a hospital where she recovered. Authorities say Miller surrendered after a 30+ hour manhunt that prompted temporary school closures and shelter-in-place orders in neighborhoods. Update (12/20/2024, 11:10 a.m.): The teen arrested in connection with a double stabbing in Fernley now faces murder-related charges. 19-year-old Adam Miller faces charges of open murder, attempted murder, concealing/destroying evidence and domestic battery or strangulation after being booked into the Lyon County jail. Miller is accused of fatally stabbing his father and seriously injuring his mother, both believed to be his adopted parents, late Wednesday morning in Fernley. A 30+ hour manhunt ensued, eventually ending inside a barn on Thursday afternoon in Fernley. DECEMBER 19, 2024: Lyon County deputies say a 30+ hour manhunt is now over after a teen stabbing suspect was found by SWAT inside a barn early Thursday afternoon. Deputies say 19-year-old Adam Miller surrendered and then was transported to a nearby hospital for a medical evaluation. Miller is suspected of stabbing his father and mother Wednesday morning in Fernley. They are believed to be his adoptive parents. Earlier, authorities said that they narrowed their search to about 16 homes in Fernley, but did not immediately say if Miller was found within that area. Deputies say they used cell phone technology, along with help from the FBI, to eventually find Miller. About 25 deputies helped in the search along with a helicopter. Thirty hours after a shelter-in-place was issued for a new area Thursday morning, Sheriff Brad Pope announced that Miller's father had died while his mother is expected to survive. Miller was believed to be in the area of Sweetwater Road - Richards Way - Drayer Lane - Park Court - Smithridge Lane - Barndale Road - Alta Vista Way - in Fernley. And because of that, the shelter-in-place issued remains. Deputies say the 19-year-old is considered to be 'armed and dangerous'. Deputies say that they believe he 'hunkered down' somewhere either in a manmade dwelling or some type of bunker, they say it was possible that he could be hiding in an outbuilding, trailer, or RV. The Lyon County Sheriff's Office says the teen has a violent history and has been arrested before. Earlier, the Lyon County School District announced that area schools would be open for Thursday. The district says they are committed to providing a secure environment for learning, and that due to uncertainty surrounding the safety of neighborhoods in the area, they will not provide transportation services to and possibly from school. When the school day started, a lockout was implemented to maintain the safety of all students and staff until Miller is in LCSO custody. UPDATE - 5:25 p.m. The Lyon County Sheriff's Office has released an updated photo of the teen suspected of stabbing his parents fleeing the scene. In the photo, released on Facebook, he is seen wearing red pants and a black shirt. UPDATE - 4:09 p.m.: While deputies are still searching for this armed and dangerous suspect, they have advised that all Fernley students will be released from school, but they advise every student must be picked up by their guardian, and that guardian must provide identification. Deputies say that no buses are running and no student will be released without a guardian. Deputies say to expect delays picking up students as there are major back-ups around all the area schools. ORIGINAL STORY - 2:25 p.m.: Lyon County Deputies have released a photo of the teen suspected of stabbing his parents. Deputies say Adam Miller should be considered armed and dangerous and has a violent history - and to call 911 if you see him. He was last seen wearing red sweatpants. Deputies say that Washoe County Sheriff's Office has Raven in the air searching for Miller along with other agencies, road closures will remain in place as the suspect is still on the loose and believed to be in the areas that are blocked off. Deputies say the stabbing happened around 11 a.m. on Wednesday and there's no immediate word on the condition of the parents of the 19-year-old suspect. On Facebook, Lyon County deputies initially said they were responding to a 'major law enforcement incident' on Farm District Road near Clearwater Parkway. Deputies also say, 'schools are on lockdown at this time.' Residents are being asked to shelter-in-place. Farm District Road is currently closed in both directions from Jessica Lane to Desert Lakes Drive. Avoid the area. If you have any information that can help authorities, call or text your anonymous tip to Secret Witness at 775-322-4900. We have a crew on scene getting more details. A variety of small bites at ChopnBlok's Montrose location. StuffBenEats But between restaurant critic Alison Cook (who recently left an award-winning career in newspaper journalism), a food editor, columnist and reporter, our team has covered a lot more ground. We ate our way through Fungs Kitchens lobster mountain and tasting menus at newly minted Michelin-starred restaurants. There were countless meals scouting out the best tacos, pizzas and burgers. Of course, our annual Top 100 restaurants project also required stomachs of steel as we crisscrossed the greater Houston area, from The Woodlands to Kemah. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As we put together this list of the 10 best new restaurants to open in 2024, however, it goes without saying that it was a tough year for restaurants. Still, we saw great potential in the debuts of establishments like the Marigold Club, surely one of the most stunning dining rooms in Houston, and James Beard nominated-chef Chris Williams Late August. For the following 10 restaurants to stand out is a salute to not only the chefs and restaurateurs, but the restaurant workers who feed Houstonians on a nearly daily basis. Were grateful for them and cant wait to see what the new year brings. Note: The Houston Chronicle pays full price for every meal consumed during restaurant visits; our staff writers never accept freebies or comps in exchange for coverage. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bar Bludorn Steak tartare with potato rosti, egg yolk, and horseradish at Bar Bludorn. Karen Warren/Staff photographer As Cook noted in her last restaurant review for the Chronicle, a restaurant doesnt always have to be consistent to be a favorite. When the food sticks its landing at Bar Bludorn, its glorious: the fried chicken platter and a simple side of french fries, especially. But perhaps what vaults this restaurant, from Aaron Bludorn, his wife Victoria and their business partner Cherif Mbodji, to the front of the class is a refined-yet-approachable level of service thats rare these days. The Bludorn team knows how to operate restaurants that make you feel like you want to be a regular. 9061 Gaylord; barbludorn.com Baso Fire cooked half-shell shrimp from Baso. Michael Wyke/Contributor This Basque-inspired live-fire restaurant in the Heights felt tailor made for foodies with its minimalist decor, esoteric wine list and chefs with Michelin credentials. But what does Basque-inspired mean? And isnt barbecue live-fire cooking? Just watch co-chefs Jacques Varon and Max Lappe in their open kitchen. They use modernist techniques in preparing a number of seafood dishes (dont pass on the half-shell shrimp dusted in a flurry of calabrian chiles); they also use the grill fish and pork chops with expertise. You wont find these dishes at any other restaurant in town. 633 W. 19th, Suite A; basohtx.com Advertisement Article continues below this ad ChopnBlok ChopnBlok is expanding on its existing menu at Post Houston for its brick-and-mortar location in Montrose. StuffBenEats West African restaurants are not new to Houston, but when Ope Amosu opened ChopnBlok in the Post Houston food hall, the fast-casual format introduced the cuisine to a wider audience. His brick-and-mortar space in Montrose, which Amosu has described as a love letter to the African diaspora, deserves this bigger stage. The dishes are not plated in the mold of so-called tweezer food youd find in Eurocentric fine dining restaurants. For example, the Golden Bowl includes a protein atop a bed of smoky jollof that you want to make sure is covered in the rich, fragrant curry. The Polo Club Suya (grilled beef skewer) is as good as any top-rate brisket or cut of steak in town. We can only hope ChopnBloks expansion ushers in more restaurants showcasing the richness of West African food. 507 Westheimer; chopnblok.co HOUSTON EATS: The Chronicles top 100 restaurants Credence The duck is one of the signature dishes at Credence. Levi Goode has hit a home run on many fronts in his first attempt to establish a standalone restaurant outside of his familys well-liked Goode Company chain. Credence, which includes the upscale bar Sidebar, pays homage to Texas without feeling kitschy. The talented chef Joseph Geiskopf executes flawlessly on dishes including a deviled crab laced with smoky tomato butter that was easily one of our most memorable bites in 2024. A pork rib chop schnitzel recognizes the states German roots, and there was no doubt it belonged on the menu when each golden, crisp slice was dipped into the gribiche. A buttermilk soft serve sprinkled with toasted pecans was another nod to Texas. 9757 Katy Freeway; credencehtx.com Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ema Horchata berlinesa, a brioche donut with horchata pastry cream at Ema. Karen Warren/Staff photographer This Heights bakery-cafe is spot you can visit every day. Stephanie Velasquezs beautiful Mexican pastries play with classics (the humble concha) as much as her creative recipes (a seasonal Texas peach danish). Her partner in business and life, Nicolas Vera, focuses on heirloom corn for many of the breakfast and lunch items (try the carrot taco). Marlen Mendoza oversees a delightful coffee program with a cafe de olla to complement everything. Its easy to understand why we want to hang out here for hours working our way through Emas menu. 5307 N. Main; emahtx.com Hong Kong Food Street Crispy roasted pork belly at Hong Kong Food Street in Katy. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Cantonese fare can seem demure. At Hong Kong Food Streets revival in Katys Asiantown, dishes such as rice porridge, wonton noodle soup and roast duck may not tip the Scoville scale but theres no shortage of flavor. When Johnny Cheung brought back HKFS after a nearly two-decades long run off Bellaire Boulevard in Asiatown, he took no shortcuts. Some of the same chefs are back ensuring each cube of roasted pork belly is crisp and glistening with a sheen of fat or that a garlic-laced sea bass is steamed until fork tender. Our hot take: Houston has more room for Cantonese cooking. 23015 Colonial Parkway, A101; hkfstx.com Advertisement Article continues below this ad MORE FROM BAO ONG: From kolaches to tasting menus, chef collaborations offer some of Houstons most exciting food Ishtia Owner and chef David Skinner holds an original dish he calls three sisters, beans, corn and squash, with scallops in the dinning room at Ishtia, in Kemah. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer If you dont understand why chef David Skinner has been called the Houston food scene's Willy Wonka, just look at the 20 or so courses at his visionary Native American tasting menu spot. He sprinkles indigenous ingredients and flavors throughout: satiny, glazed scallops sit on a shimmer of corn butter amid billows of fog-on-the water created by dry ice. A soup features a pasta colored in yellow, black and red to resemble the coral snake floating in a mushroom-fortified broth. Its hard to know where all the inspiration comes from and how flavor and technique are married in each course, but no worries, either Skinner or a server happily guides diners through some of the most imaginative cooking in these parts. 709 Harris, Kemah; ishtia.com Kira Sous chef Fernando Villasmil makes a hand roll at Kira. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Restaurants serving temaki (Japanese hand rolls) are plentiful in Houston. Consider Kira in Upper Kirby from the team behind Neo, the nearly-impossible-to book omakase spot. This 15-seat bar combines a focus on the more casual hand rolls paired with excellent drinks and a fun vinyl selection. The two restaurants value the same attention to sourcing and preparing the freshest seafood, much of it from Japanese markets, whether its the hand rolls, crudo or a donburi blanketed in fish roe, uni and an egg yolk. The front row seat also gives you a perfect view of the team shaving a block of ice (also from Japan) for the kakigori dessert thats an idyllic finish to a luxe-but-casual dining experience. 2800 Kirby, B128; kirahtx.com Miltons Italian-inspired dishes are featured on the menu at Milton's, an "American trattoria" in Rice Village. Julie Soefer The cresta di gallo, a pasta dish buoyed by roasted mushrooms and Parmesan cream, may take foodies back to Seth Siegel-Gardners days at The Pass & Provisions. But Miltons has much more to explore with Siegel-Gardner and chef Kent Domas at the helm. Theyve managed to create an Italian red sauce-inspired menu that feels surprising instead of staid. Chargrilled oysters dripping in calabrian butter or sourdough toast topped with tuna nduja kick off a meal that checks off all the comforting boxes. The parsley salad studded with little nobs of warm guanciale nods to the late, great Dolce Vita; the lasagna, with its "100 layers," is special perhaps the next signature pasta dish from Miltons. 5117 Kelvin; miltonsandlees.com Pizzana Carnitas pizza is on the menu at Pizzana. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Niagara bauxite discovery grows to over 14km2 as latest drilling returns exceptional grades High Grade Bauxite Discovery Grows to Over 14sqkm Perth, Jan 2, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Arrow Minerals Limited ( ASX:AMD ) is pleased to report more outstanding assays from its first drilling program at the Niagara Bauxite Project in Guinea. The project is located within trucking distance (~100km) of the multi-user Trans-Guinean Railway (refer Figure 1*). This mineralised area comprises just three of the nine well-established targets; 11 scout holes identify additional zones of high-grade bauxite mineralisation for follow up in 2025, Resource estimation work to start in January. Highlights - Latest assays from 39 holes include; o BS000153, 7 metres at 54.4% Al2O3, 3.4% SiO2 from surface, o BS000184, 2 metres at 53.1% Al2O3, 1.5% SiO2 from surface, o BS000152, 2 metres at 51.3% Al2O3, 1.6% SiO2 from surface, o BS000151, 9 metres at 50.2% Al2O3, 4.0% SiO2 from surface, o BS000134, 7 metres at 49.7% Al2O3, 3.9% SiO2 from surface, o BS000150, 7 metres at 49.6% Al2O3, 4.3% SiO2 from surface, o BS000146, 5 metres at 48.4% Al2O3, 3.6% SiO2 from surface, o BS000158, 4 metres at 47.8% Al2O3, 2.9% SiO2 from surface, o BS000177, 4 metres at 47.8% Al2O3, 5.5% SiO2 from surface, o BS000148, 2 metres at 47.7% Al2O3, 1.7% SiO2 from surface, o BS000142, 4 metres at 47.4% Al2O3, 3.6% SiO2 from surface, o BS000182, 4 metres at 47.2% Al2O3, 3.8% SiO2 from surface, o BS000130, 8 metres at 46.6% Al2O3, 5.2% SiO2 from surface, o BS000164, 7 metres at 46.5% Al2O3, 7.0% SiO2 from 1 metre, o BS000176, 7 metres at 45.9% Al2O3, 2.1% SiO2 from surface, o BS000182, 3 metres at 45.5% Al2O3, 3.7% SiO2 from 7 metres, o BS000143, 7 metres at 45.1% Al2O3, 3.2% SiO2 from surface, o BS000181, 4 metres at 45.0% Al2O3, 2.9% SiO2 from surface, o BS000179, 4 metres at 44.9% Al2O3, 1.5% SiO2 from surface, o BS000178, 10 metres at 44.4% Al2O3, 2.3% SiO2 from surface. - Results from 173 of 184 holes now identify the presence of high-grade bauxite over a combined area approximately 14km2, within trucking distance of multi-user rail - Results from 11 scout holes identified presence of high-grade bauxite along strike to the South-West quadrant of the Niagara permit - Guinea is the world's largest producer of bauxite, typically attracting a premium for high-grade and low silica content - Following the drilling of 180 holes (on 800 by 800 metre spacings) by Vale in 2007, Arrow has defined nine priority bauxite exploration target areas; The 14km2 high-grade bauxite area sits within three of these target areas - Offtake and strategic partnership discussions with global bauxite giants progressing well - Record high bauxite prices of US$120/t (CIF China) for Guinea bauxite at 45% Al2O3 and 3% SiO2 - The Company's first JORC Mineral Resource estimate scheduled for coming quarter to be followed by Scoping Study in June 2025 quarter Arrow has already completed first pass baseline environmental studies and community engagement. It has also started recruiting people from local communities to support the current operations. Arrow Managing Director, David Flanagan, said: "We are extremely pleased with the outcomes of our first bauxite drilling programme at Niagara." "This is all within trucking distance of the Simandou multi-user railway at a time of record alumina and bauxite prices." "Guinea is the world's largest and most important supplier of high-quality bauxite. These results continue to compare favourably with the product that has made Guinea the world's number one bauxite producer." "Guinea bauxite is in high demand, contributing approximately 30% of global supply with a premium product specification at 45% Al2O3 and 3% SiO2, attracting premium pricing that is currently at alltime record highs of up to US$120/t CIF China." "With SRK's site visit scheduled for January, we are on track to estimate our initial Mineral Resource to form the basis for our planned Scoping Study to follow in the first half of 2025." Niagara Bauxite Project and Bauxite Background Arrow is exploring the Niagara Bauxite Project with the benefit of work done on this project by various mining companies since the 1960's, including geology and assays from 180 holes drilled by Vale in 2007. This announcement includes new results for 28 drill holes on 300 by 300 metre spacings, as well as 11 scout holes as part of a program of 184 holes targeting high-grade mineralisation intercepted in historical drilling. The Company has previously reported results from 145 drill holes. With the guidance of Independent Resource Consultants, SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd (SRK), the Company has designed the current program with the intention of estimating sufficient Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources required to underpin a Scoping Study. Drilling includes twinning previous Vale holes, a program of shallow pitting in areas of mineralisation, as well as all the required quality control sampling, and value in use ore characterisation studies required to comply with modern resource reporting standards. A typical commercially viable Guinea plateau bauxite deposit is flat with a thickness that varies from 1 to 10 metres, on average, will have 44 to 46% alumina and silica levels typically averaging 3%. Mineralisation is typically thickest along the plateaux edges coinciding with subtle changes in gradient of 1 to 3 degrees, where meteoric waters, over geological time have enhanced grade and removed deleterious elements. The application of surface miners to bauxite mining is now common throughout the industry, negating the need for drill and blast, and crushing and screening. The ability to excavate consolidated material (i.e. no drill and blast) and mine a minimum mining thickness of approximately 300mm using high precision GPS machine guidance makes the surface miner well suited to plateau bauxite mining in Guinea. The Company has visited bauxite mining operations, inspected various mining equipment and met with several contractors with current operating experience in bauxite mines in Guinea. The information collected during these visits, combined with the results from the current drilling campaign, allows the Company to start to define important operating parameters that will ultimately be fed into a planned Scoping Study, subject to the estimation of sufficient Mineral Resources. Arrow has also commenced and completed preliminary baseline social and environmental impact studies. The Company remains committed to progressing this work and continuing to engage with all relevant stakeholders through the permitting processes to conclude them in a timely manner. No impediments to exploration or mining have been identified and the Company has established productive relationships with key community and government stakeholders. There are several existing rural and national roads which can be leveraged to link the project to the Trans-Guinean Railway (TGR) which is currently under construction (Figure 1* and Figure 6*). The TGR is being commissioned and funded by a large consortium in a joint venture which includes the Government of Guinea as a 15% part owner. Members of the consortium include Baosteel, Chinalco, Winning, Rio Tinto, Hongqiao and the Government of Guinea. The TGR will be operated by a management company that will provide ore haulage services to the developers of the two large mines at Simandou and other third parties (Figure 1*). Arrow has previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Baosteel. This MOU, subject to the Company delivering a fully permitted mining project, contemplates concluding a binding mine gate sale agreement for iron ore from Arrow's Simandou North Iron Project to Baosteel. The railway is due for commissioning in late 2025. The Company intends to take full advantage of the multi-user obligations of the TGR to underpin the development of the Niagara Bauxite Project for the benefit of shareholders and the people of Guinea. The TGR is a critical piece of infrastructure, and without it the project would likely remain undeveloped for many years. It's also important to recognise that the historical absence of infrastructure has contributed to the preservation of this high-quality project. Against a backdrop of current record high bauxite prices, the drilling results at Niagara have so far delivered high-grade intercepts from surface in several drill holes across substantial lateral extent. Given the location is within trucking distance of the TGR, the Company is very encouraged by the drilling results received to date. Geological Results Analysis from 39 drill holes (the subject of this announcement) for a total of 449 metres of drilling have been received from ALS Global. Results include: - 28 drill holes for a total of 331 metres of drilling for the newly reported Boussoura Far-South target, and includes holes BS000129 to BS000134, BS000139 to BS000159, and BS000164 - 11 drill holes for a total of 118 metres of extension drilling for the Boussoura South-West targets, and include holes BS000174 to BS000184 Results are reported in Table 1 using a 1m minimum intercept, nil dilution for intervals less than 4m, 1m dilution for intervals 4m or greater, and cut-off grades of 40% Al2O3 and 37% Al2O3 respectively. Drill holes that return assays below cut-off grade are omitted from reporting but may subsequently be reported subject to the results of metallurgical testwork. The locations of all drill intercepts are shown in plan form in Figure 2* and Figure 3*. Drill Section 1,202,500mN for Boussoura Far-South is given in Figure 5* and shows lateral extent and continuity of the bauxite, and underlying laterite lithologies. Samples for XRF analysis are processed and reported by ALS Global in batches of approximately 200 samples. The results reported in this announcement represent the final 564 analyses in the Company's third and final consignment for 2024 of 1,218 samples. Results reported herein have identified that bauxites with grades in the range of 40 - 54% total alumina extend across to the Far-South area of the Boussoura plateau tested with drilling. Elevated thicknesses of bauxite are noted at Boussoura Far-South most notably in drillholes BS000151 (9m grading 50.2% Al2O3), BS000153 (7m grading 54.4% Al2O3) and BS000134 (7m grading 49.7% Al2O3). Results for the 11 scout holes completed over a strike extent of approximately 5km of the SouthWestern area of the Boussoura plateau confirmed the presence of bauxites in the grade range of 39 - 53% total alumina. Elevated thicknesses of bauxite are noted in drillholes BS000178 (10m grading 44.4% Al2O3), BS000176 (7m grading 45.9% Al2O3), and BS000183 (6m grading 42.3). These drillholes confirm historic observations that bauxite occurrences persist along the full extent of the Boussoura plateau system, and present additional drill targets for ongoing exploration. Exploration Following the drilling of 180 holes (on 800 by 800 metres spacings) by Vale in 2007, Arrow has defined nine bauxite resource targets, three of which have been tested in the current campaign. Arrow has completed the programme comprising 184 drill holes for a total of 2,166m of drilling. Of this, 2,163m of drilling have been logged and sampled, however 3m were not sampled due to void or wet ground conditions encountered during drilling (BS000083, 2m, and BS000015, 1m). All samples for the 2024 campaign have been submitted for analysis on a priority basis to ALS Global's analytical laboratory in Loughrea, Ireland. The Company would like to acknowledge the rapid turnaround and high-quality client service received from ALS Global's Loughrea laboratory. A total of 2,721 samples have been processed, including 2,163 drill samples from 2,166m for 184 drill holes, and a further 558 Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QAQC) samples comprised of field and pulp duplicates, blanks, and Certified Reference Materials. The final 564 chemical analyses from the third and final batch of 1,218 samples for 39 drill holes, are reported herein. Following receipt of the final batch of assays from the 2024 program, the Company has commenced the selection of analytical pulps based on lithology and grade for submission along with pit samples to independent analytical laboratory Bureau Veritas in Perth, Australia for specialist analyses, including the determination of Available Alumina (AA) and Reactive Silica (RxS) using low and high temperature digestion using a laboratory scale version the Bayer process, along with Total Carbon, Total Organic Carbon, and selected mineralogy by X-Ray Diffraction. The Company notes that ALS Global have ceased offering high temperature Bayer digestion for the determination of AA and RxS as an analytical service, therefore has sought to consolidate this specialised analysis at a single laboratory. Bureau Veritas have been selected for these analyses on the basis of their expertise in bauxite analysis, with existing production laboratories at bauxite mines within Guinea. Additional physical tests to inform the Mineral Resource estimation and subsequent Scoping Study are also being conducted on bulk samples from recently excavated pits at Geoprospects' laboratory at Sangaredi in Guinea. The Company's Independent Consultants SRK are scheduled to conduct the prerequisite site visit to Niagara in January 2025 in preparation for the commencement of the estimation of first mineral Resources. The Company expects to report the outcomes of the estimation during the first quarter 2025. The Company will subsequently proceed with the estimation of a Scoping Study for Niagara subject to satisfactory estimation of sufficient Mineral Resources. *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/924PKI0S About Arrow Minerals Ltd Arrow Minerals Ltd (ASX:AMD) is an exploration and development company focused on delivering long-term shareholder value through the discovery of economic mineral deposits in West Africa. The Company has implemented a systematic science-based exploration philosophy whilst remaining commercially nimble to ensure we capture and retain value. Related Companies Judge Franklin Bynum sentences Guido Herrera in County Criminal Court District 8, Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Harris County Criminal Courthouse in Houston. Herrera, charged with disorderly conduct, is expected to be sentenced in a case where he showed up at the Galleria in February with a loaded assault-styled weapon in one hand and a bible in the other. He had extra ammo in his coat. Police tackled him before he could aim the weapon at anyone. Herrera later, while out on bond, tried to enter an FBI office in Houston with a gun in his possession. Mark Mulligan/Staff photographer Harris County Prosecutor Jacob Salinas, left, makes arguments in a sentencing hearing for Guido Herrera in Judge Franklin Bynums County Criminal Court District 8, Thursday, July 14, 2022, at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse in Houston. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A tribunal has upheld disciplinary action against a former misdemeanor jurist, who the Harris County District Attorneys Office accused of violating strict judicial policies ranging from bias toward their prosecutors and taking strides to avoid jail time for defendants in his court. The judge, Franklin Bynum, ousted by voters in 2022, was handed a public sanction by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct in August a decision he then appealed following years of complaints from prosecutors. The first complaint in 2020 stemmed from Bynum ordering prosecutors to court twice a week despite stay-at-home orders during the early months of the pandemic. He did not issue similar guidance to defense attorneys, according to court documents. From there, prosecutors picked apart Bynums rulings and public comments he made highlighting a photo on his social media of him wearing a shirt "Defund Chicago Police" from Chicago's chapter of Democratic Socialists of America. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bynum was elected to office in 2018 after campaigning as a self-professed Democratic socialist. MORE COURTHOUSE NEWS: Appellate judges take issue with shackling of Harris County defendants at trial Bynums attorney, Mark Bennett, said the decision appears aimed at other judges who may feel inclined to speak out about injustices. This is an attempt to keep other judges in order, Bennett said. The earlier sanction doesn't prevent Bynum from seeking judicial office again, but future opponents could use the disciplinary action to try swaying voters against him. The commission earlier sought Bynum's suspension from office. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The tribunal, comprising of three appellate judges across Texas, heard testimony in November from prosecutors surrounding the complaint, later upholding the commissions sanction as an appropriate response to restore and reaffirm public confidence in the administration of justice. The 40-page opinion, which effectively caps the commissions proceedings against Bynum, outlines each allegation some of which focused on his alleged refusal to enforce or follow Texas laws. Most of the claims centered on questioning his conduct and judicial authority. The justices wrote that Bynums actions as judge appeared part of an ongoing personal effort to prevent defendants from spending time in jail, regardless of Texas law. The opinion repeatedly cites Bynums 2019 interview with The Nation about campaigning to abolish prisons and end pretrial detention, alleging that he expressed a desire to demolish the criminal justice system in the report. Bennett argued the interview, which fueled some of the complaints, was taken out of context and that Bynum wanted to participate in federally-mandated changes to misdemeanor bail practices as judge. I saw that the system as it was, was going to be destroyed, Bynum said in the interview. And I knew that there would be a new system built in its place. And I saw that I had the opportunity to try to see the demolition through, and see the design of something different through also. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The tribunal's opinion goes on to cite an instance where prosecutors accused Bynum of giving a defendant pleading guilty to driving while intoxicated about a months credit for time served when he had spent about two days in Houstons jail. The tribunals decision is among more than 30 made by similar tribunals overseeing judicial complaints in the past two decades. Pyaar, intekaam aur badle ki anokhi kahani ko lekar aa rahe hai, Gunnah Season 2 only on Disney+ Hotstar. Your favourite heart-wrenching tale of passionate and unabashed love is back. This time, be seated for double the drama and triple the tribulations as Abhimanyu (Gashmeer Mahajani) and Tara (Surbhi Jyoti) after their dreading encounter previously, are all set to cross paths but with a twist and an unknown intention in their minds. Directed by Anil Senior, Gunaah Season 2, starring Gashmeer Mahajani, Surbhi Jyoti, Darshan Pandya, and Shashank Ketkar will stream exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar from 3rd January 2025 onwards Adding to this, Annirudh Pathak, Showrunner added, This Season of Gunaah is not just a continuation of the story, its a reinvention of how we approach revenge dramas. The story dives deeper into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, blending intense drama with unexpected twists that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This season is more than just revenge, its about the gray areas of love, morality, and redemption. Weve crafted a season thats more intense, more gripping, and will leave the audience questioning their own perceptions of right and wrong. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Disney+ Hotstar (@disneyplushotstar) Director of the show Anil Senior said, "The first season of Gunaah set the stage for a gripping revenge drama with intense emotions and complex relationships. In Season 2, were going deeper into the characters minds and pushing them to the limits of their comfort zone. You can expect more twists, deeper conflicts, and an even more exciting story. Weve listened to the audience and are ready to bring a sharper and more engaging season with Surbhi and Gashmeer elevating their characters like never before. The way the first season of Gunaah was received on a platform like Disney+ Hotstar by the audience, I am beyond thrilled and excited for what they have to say about the second season. " Surbhi Jyoti, who plays Tara, expressed, Tara is a character full of contradictions, and I believe that makes her so intriguing. In Season 2, well see her grappling with the consequences of her past choices while trying to take back control of her life. This season dives deeper into her vulnerabilities and strength, showcasing her resilience as she faces new challenges. Working alongside Gashmeer Mahajani has been an incredible experience. Gashmeers intensity as Abhimanyu brought so much depth to our scenes. His dedication and energy truly elevated my performance, and Im grateful to have such passionate collaborators on this journey..Im excited for everyone to see what Season 2 has in storeits going to be bigger, better, and full of surprises only on Disney+ Hotstar!" Gashmeer Mahajani, reflecting on his role as Abhimanyu, added, Abhimanyu is the kind of character that consumes you entirely. His love, his pain, his quest for revenge, its all so raw and primal. In Season 2, hes walking an even darker and more unpredictable path, and that makes him both thrilling and terrifying to portray. Surbhi has been a phenomenal co-actor. Her portrayal of Tara is magnetic, and together, weve brought out the best and worst of our characters. I can promise the audience thisif you thought Season 1 was intense, brace yourselves, Season 2 will be a rollercoaster that will leave you gasping for breath. And I cant wait for audiences to experience it on Disney+ Hotstar. Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. announced that Li Haslett Chen is stepping down from the Companys Board of Directors (the Board), effective January 31, 2025. Chen, who has served on the board since April 2022, played an important role in guiding the company through its strategic evolution. Her expertise in direct-to-consumer go-to-market strategies, multi-surface platform development, and technology innovation has been instrumental in shaping Warner Bros. Discoverys approach to engaging global audiences. Chen is the Founder and CEO of Howl, a leader in retail media and social commerce. In the past year, Howl has pioneered strategic partnerships with industry leading retail media networks and launched an innovative new platform. As Howl enters a major phase of growth in 2025, I have decided to dedicate my full attention to the company during this exciting time. It has been an honor to serve on the Board of Warner Bros. Discovery for the past three years, said Chen. I look forward to seeing Warner Bros. Discovery continue to thrive. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Li for her service and considerable contributions to Warner Bros. Discovery, Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr., Chair of the Board of Warner Bros. Discovery. Li has been an exceptionally engaged and dedicated member of the Board, bringing unique insights and deep technology expertise that have been valuable as we have overseen managements strategic progress. We wish Li the best in her future endeavors. Beed Murder Scandal: Minister Munde's Aide Walmik Karad Surrenders Amid Political Firestorm 2 Walmik Karad, a close associate of Maharashtra NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, surrendered in Pune on Tuesday in connection with an extortion case tied to the brutal murder of a sarpanch in Beed district. The court in Kej subsequently remanded him to 14-day police custody during a late-night hearing. Karad arrived at the Crime Investigation Department (CID) office in Pune alongside his associates, where a preliminary inquiry was conducted before transferring him to the Beed CID team for further investigation. Before surrendering, Karad released a video on social media, alleging he was being framed as part of a political vendetta. The case revolves around the abduction and murder of Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village, who was killed on December 9 after allegedly opposing an extortion attempt targeting a windmill company. While four arrests were made earlier, Karad was named as a wanted accused in the extortion case. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also handles the Home Department, faced mounting criticism over the delay in apprehending Karad. There will be no goonda raj in Maharashtra. Everyone involved in this case will be brought to justice, Fadnavis assured. However, opposition parties, including Congress and NCP, questioned the polices inefficiency and demanded stronger action. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe criticized Fadnavis, calling for his resignation and demanding a judicial probe led by a sitting judge. NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad demanded the immediate dismissal of Dhananjay Munde, arguing that his position could hinder an impartial investigation. NCP working president Supriya Sule expressed shock over Karads ability to post a viral video while evading authorities for nearly three weeks. Meanwhile, Beed BJP MLA Suresh Dhas commended Fadnavis for Karads surrender but took a dig at Munde, alleging complicity. The scandal has also sparked outrage among Maratha community leaders, including activist Manoj Jarange and former Rajya Sabha MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati. Both demanded stringent action, with Sambhajiraje urging the invocation of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against Karad, a move that would make securing bail exceedingly difficult. The case has plunged the newly-formed Fadnavis-led government into a political quagmire, with allegations of caste dynamics, ministerial connections, and administrative lapses dominating the narrative. As the investigation unfolds, the demand for accountability continues to escalate. BSP to Go All In: Aiming for All 70 Seats in Delhi Assembly Polls 2 The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is gearing up to contest all 70 seats in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, with its first list of candidates expected to be announced by mid-January. According to party officials, Delhi has been divided into five zones, and the process of finalizing candidates in each zone is in full swing. A senior BSP official described the upcoming elections, scheduled for February, as both interesting and challenging. Coordinators have been assigned to oversee the candidate selection in each zone, ensuring recommendations are sent to BSP chief Mayawati for final approval. The list is anticipated to be finalized by January 15. Historically, the BSP has contested all 70 seats in Delhi since 2008 but has struggled to gain significant traction. In the 2020 Assembly elections, the party secured a mere 0.71% vote share and failed to win any seats. Its highest performance came in 2008, with a 14.05% vote share and two seats. Despite recent setbacks, the party is optimistic about reclaiming ground in the capital. On the ground, small-scale meetings are underway to identify key issues and agendas, with candidate selection informed by these discussions. The BSP plans to kick off its poll campaign on January 5, with Mayawati and her key leaders expected to hold rallies under the guidance of zonal coordinators. The upcoming Delhi Assembly elections are expected to feature a fierce battle between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While AAP has already released its candidate list, featuring prominent names like Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi and Atishi in Kalkaji, the BSP is determined to make its presence felt, banking on its grassroots efforts and inclusive agenda. Governor Greg Abbott is joined by Mayor John Whitmire, PUC Texas Chairman Thomas Gleeson and Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd for a briefing and press conference on Texas ongoing response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Beryl on Monday, July 15, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Gov. Greg Abbott has requested assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration to determine the extent of damage caused by a series of storms that slammed southeast Texas last week, according to a Tuesday news release. According to the release, officials from the SBA are expected to arrive Monday, and will assist local officials in conducting an initial damage assessment after storms brought at least two rounds of tornadoes to the Houston area Thursday and Saturday. The assessment will determine if federal assistance is necessary to help repair infrastructure and property damage caused by the storms, which left at least one Houston-area woman dead. "Today, I requested the U.S. Small Business Administration join our state and local officials to begin preliminary damage assessments so we can better help our fellow Texans recover quickly from damage caused by the recent storms and tornadoes," Abbott said in the release. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Previous reporting from the Chronicle confirmed last week's storms whipped up at least 11 tornadoes in Harris and surrounding counties. In Brazoria County, a 48-year-old woman was found dead around 100 yards from her residence in Liverpool, and authorities reported widespread damage to homes, schools and other property throughout the county. Officials are still reviewing damage reports submitted through the Texas Department of Emergency Management's Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool, according to the release. The iSTAT allows residents to self-report damage through the tool's assessment survey. Abbott encouraged all residents who sustained property damage during the storms to fill out the survey. "This assistance will be a critical first step for Texans to begin to rebuild and recover in Southeast Texas," Abbott said in the release. "All Texans impacted by these storms are urged to report sustained damages to their homes or businesses through TDEMs iSTAT survey. Judges or Dynasty? Singhvi Applauds SC Collegium's Move to Curb Nepotism in Judiciary 2 Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi has hailed the Supreme Court collegiums proposal to dissuade the appointment of judges close relatives in high courts. He emphasised that such reforms should be implemented swiftly to combat nepotism and enhance meritocracy in judicial appointments, which he described as much murkier and more non-objective than originally conceived. Taking to X, Singhvi expressed his support for the move, calling it a bold and necessary step. The reality of judicial appointments is much murkier and far more objective than originally conceived. Mutual backscratching, uncle judges, and family lineages demoralise others and tarnish the institutions reputation, he remarked. Singhvi lamented the systemic resistance to change, noting that even straightforward reforms, such as banning lawyer relatives from practicing in the same high court as their judge relatives, have been difficult to implement. Time and again, the system has proved stronger than desirable impulses for reform, he added. Recalling an idea he floated decades ago, Singhvi suggested that collegium judges disguise themselves and observe candidateswhether judges or lawyersin action to gain an unfiltered understanding of their capabilities. We would all be astonished (and scared) at the gap between CVs and reality, between paper appraisals and courtroom performance, he wrote, endorsing the proposed interviews as a significant improvement, albeit not as effective as surprise inspections. The Supreme Court collegium is reportedly deliberating on a proposal that could prevent high court collegiums from recommending candidates whose parents or close relatives are current or former judges of the Supreme Court or high courts. Sources suggest this reform could diversify the judiciary by creating more opportunities for first-generation lawyers and ensuring merit trumps lineage. While the idea has garnered support, concerns have been raised about the potential exclusion of deserving candidates solely due to familial ties to the judiciary. A source remarked that such disqualification could lead to unintended injustice but acknowledged the potential benefits in fostering inclusivity and merit-based appointments. The collegium, currently comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices B.R. Gavai and Surya Kant, along with Justices Hrishikesh Roy and Abhay S. Oka for high court recommendations, has recently introduced personal interactions with candidates for elevation. This marks a departure from the traditional reliance on biodata, written evaluations, and intelligence reports, signalling a progressive shift towards transparency and accountability. As the judiciary wrestles with these proposed reforms, Singhvis candid observations underscore the urgent need to overhaul a system often criticised for perpetuating privilege over performance. Whether the collegiums radical ideas materialise into concrete changes remains to be seen, but the debate has undoubtedly reignited calls for judicial accountability and meritocracy. AI Generated Image The growing misuse of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, originally enacted to protect women from cruelty and harassment, is a pressing concern that demands immediate legislative and judicial attention. The alarming trend of exploiting this provision to implicate not only husbands but also their extended families is causing untold harm and undermining the laws intended purpose. While safeguarding womens rights remains paramount, the unchecked misuse of such a potent legal tool must be addressed to maintain balance and fairness in the justice system. A recent judgement by the Supreme Court in Dara Lakshmi Narayana & Others vs. State of Telangana & Another has once again highlighted this issue. Delivered on December 10, 2024, the Court strongly cautioned against the nefarious tendency to indiscriminately involve entire families in cases arising from matrimonial disputes. Such misuse of the law not only dilutes its efficacy but also destroys the lives of innocent individuals who are falsely accused. The courts words serve as a dire warning and a call for reform to prevent further abuse of Section 498A. The tragic suicides of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash and Delhi cafe co-founder Puneet Khurana serve as stark reminders of the human cost of this misuse. Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old professional, took his life after enduring relentless harassment from his estranged wife and her family. His heartbreaking video and 24-page suicide note revealed his ordeal, including allegations of systemic corruption where a judge allegedly demanded a bribe to settle his case. These revelations paint a grim picture of the intersection of personal vendettas and systemic failures that pushed him to the brink. Similarly, Puneet Khuranas suicide on New Years Eve underscores the toll such harassment can take. Puneet, co-founder of a well-known cafe in Delhi, had been embroiled in a contentious marital and business dispute with his wife. Audio recordings and other evidence point to persistent threats and demands, including financial extortion and the threat of implicating his parents in false cases. His tragic end, after years of emotional and mental torture, highlights the urgent need for systemic safeguards to prevent such abuses. These cases are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a larger problem that needs to be confronted with seriousness and resolve. While the intent behind Section 498A is noble, its implementation has, in some instances, turned into a weapon for personal vendettas. The misuse of the law, coupled with the lack of adequate safeguards, has led to devastating consequences, including loss of life. This growing trend necessitates immediate action, both in the form of legislative amendments and a rethinking of how such cases are investigated and prosecuted. Amending Section 498A to include stringent checks and balances is critical to ensuring that genuine cases of harassment are addressed without allowing the law to be exploited. A thorough preliminary investigation should be mandated before registering cases, and mediation should be encouraged as a first step in resolving disputes. Additionally, penalties for filing false complaints must be enforced to deter misuse. Law enforcement agencies need to be trained to discern between genuine cases and baseless allegations, and judicial oversight must be strengthened to prevent undue harassment. As a society, we must recognise the gravity of this issue and advocate for reforms that protect all individuals from abuse, regardless of gender. While womens safety and empowerment remain essential, the misuse of laws meant to protect them cannot be ignored. The tragic stories of Atul Subhash and Puneet Khurana are powerful reminders that justice must be impartial and balanced. Their untimely deaths should galvanise society, lawmakers, and the judiciary into action to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated. A fair and just legal system is not just a necessity; it is a fundamental pillar of a civilised society. Abbie Stockard is in Florida this week for the Miss America competition. As Miss Alabama 2024, Stockard is one of 52 women vying to become Miss America 2025. The title comes with $50,000 in scholarship money and a yearlong reign. Miss America 2024, Madison Marsh, will crown her successor at the finals. (See photos of the Miss America contestants in the gallery at the top of this post. This years list includes Miss Puerto Rico and Miss D.C., as well as competitors from all 50 states.) Preliminary events for Miss America are planned through Saturday, Jan. 4, along with receptions, interviews, rehearsals, a breakfast, a talent showcase, a fashion show and more. The Miss America finals are set for Sunday, Jan. 5, at 6 p.m. CT at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando. The theater, 445 South Magnolia Ave., is part of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Also, online voting is underway for an Americas Choice spot at the Miss America competition on Sunday. Votes can be cast for donations of $1 or more. The contestant with the most votes gets a place in the top 11 at the finals event, according to the Miss America website. Tickets for the Miss America finals are sold out, according to the Miss America website. The pageant will not be broadcast on television this year. However, the Miss America finals show will stream online, and you can watch it for free at PageantVision.com or the Miss America YouTube channel. Theres also a $99.99 streaming bundle at PageantVision.com that allows viewers to see other events this week, including preliminaries and talent for Miss America. Judges for the Miss America finals include Heather Whitestone McCallum, a Dothan native who was named Miss America 1995. She moved on to the national pageant in September 1994, after winning the title of Miss Alabama earlier that year. Whitestone McCallum lost her hearing in early childhood due to a severe ear infection, and was the first deaf woman to win Miss America. She became a strong advocate for people with disabilities, regained her hearing in 2002 through a cochlear implant, and lives in Georgia with her husband and four sons. Alabama has produced three Miss America winners over the pageants history, in 1950, 1994 and 2004. All of them have been significant figures for the competition, resulting in milestones during or after their victories. READ: Has Miss Alabama ever won the Miss America pageant? Other judges for the Miss America finals are Olympic medalist Carl Lewis, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Stayce D. Harris, Miss America 1985 Sharlene Wells Hawkes and Cheer star Gabi Butler. Miss Hoover Abbie Stockard wins Miss Alabama 2024 at Samford University's Wright Center, Saturday, June 29, 2024. (Vasha Hunt | preps.al.com)Vasha Hunt | vhunt@al.com Miss Alabama 2024 won her title in June, competing as Miss Hoover at Samford Universitys Wright Center in Birmingham. Stockard, from Birmingham, is a student at Auburn University, where she majors in nursing. According to her Miss Alabama bio, she plans to gain critical care experience and apply to nurse anesthesia school after graduation. Her goal is to earn an advanced degree, a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice, and specialize in pediatrics. READ: Miss Alabama 2024: Abbie Stockard, Miss Hoover, takes the crown Over the past six months, Stockard has been making public appearances, doing charity work, speaking to community groups, motivating students and more. Her community service initiative as Miss Alabama is Be the Change: Find a Cure Cystic Fibrosis Awareness. During a July interview with Stockard, AL.com asked how she felt about moving on to national stage. I want to do everything I can to make sure that I am going to represent Alabama in the most positive light, and the best way possible, Stockard said. I want to go into Miss America knowing that I couldnt have done any more work, and that Im going to make the state proud. READ: Miss Alabama 2024 Abbie Stockard: Im going to make the state proud Miss Americas Teen will be chosen in Orlando this week, as well, with finals set for Saturday, Jan. 4, at 6 p.m. CT. Ali Mims of Harpersville, Miss Alabamas Teen 2024, is representing the state in that competition, which is linked to Miss America. An afternoon shooting in southwest Birmingham left two people injured and a suspect in custody. The shooting happened shortly after 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 3600 block of Maple Avenue. According to police communications, a woman was shot in the head and a man was shot in the leg. Their conditions have not been released. Police surrounded a nearby house where they took a male suspect into custody. No additional information has been released. This story will be updated if more information becomes available. Alabama State Rep. Juandalynn Givan in a speech outside Birmingham City Hall today and campaign ad posted on social media said she is running for mayor of Birmingham to stem the tide of deadly violence in the city. Birmingham ended 2024 with 151 homicides, breaking its record set in 1933. 2024 being one of the deadliest years on record for this great city, a city once known as the Magic City, it has been marred with death, destruction, doom and -- some days -- we felt like damnation, the Democrat said in the social media ad. Givan said 1933, much like 2024, was marked by a climate of fear, segregation, and economic hardship. I refuse to let that be our Birmingham today. Its time for change. Its time for us to rise and reclaim our city. After the September mass shooting in Five Points South killed four people and injured 17 others, Givan publicly sparred with Mayor Randall Woodfin over his response to homicides in the city. Givan called Birmingham unsafe and said the Birmingham Police Department was dangerously understaffed. She also said that in the event of another catastrophic event, Gov. Kay Ivey may need to send in the National Guard to maintain public safety in Birmingham. Woodfin responded with a social media meme featuring mugshots of state legislators and thanking them for their support, with Givans mugshot in the center over the words, Not you. Woodfin later apologized, though he did not mention Givan by name. In a human moment, I took my eyes off the 99 percent of our local and state and federal partners and Birmingham residents who have been nothing but supportive and put too much focus on the one percent who were not, Woodfin said. When you then say the one percent, who is the one percent? Givan replied. Its another jab, its another attack, and another attempt to target me. While Woodfin has not definitively said he would seek a third term, he suggested in August 2023 it was likely he would do so. Givans platform for mayor includes: An initiative aimed at resurfacing and repairing roadways, with immediate attention given to potholes. A plan to clean up Birminghams 99 neighborhoods and 23 communities within the first 122 days of her administration. A program to eliminate homeless tent communities and provide sustainable housing solutions for those affected. A focus on improving public transit options and creating more accessible public transportation routes. An effort to attract retail businesses. Enhancing community centers, recreational spaces, and arts programs for youth, and provide trade skills and job opportunities. Efforts to bolster police recruitment efforts and improve mental health resources for law enforcement officers, as well as revitalizing neighborhood watch programs and expand police Explorer Programs. Our city is facing serious challenges, but we cant afford to wait any longer to address them, Givan stated. We must do something now, because our lives depend on it. Birmingham deserves leadership that is bold, compassionate, and effective. I am ready to lead. Givan has represented District 60 in the Alabama House of Representatives since 2010. This city belongs to all of us, and together, we can build the Birmingham weve always dreamed ofa city where safety, opportunity, and progress are within everyones reach, Givan said. Birmingham ended 2024 with 151 homicides, the highest number of killings in the city in more than nine decades. Revenge, machine gun conversion devices and mass shootings drove the number of people killed to heights not seen since 1933, when there were 148 violent deaths. We have a culture in Birmingham that is centered around reacting in violence, said Birmingham police spokesman Officer Truman Fitzgerald. What that does, especially on our youth, is it influences them to react with violence instead of taking a non-violent approach. Murder, by the numbers Of the 151 homicides, one involved a fatal shooting by a Birmingham police officer, which BPD does not include in its homicide count, three victims wounded in previous years who died in 2024, and 11 others that were ruled justified. Birmingham police only have to report the remaining 138 murders to the FBI for its annual analysis. In all of Jefferson County, there were 194 homicides in 2024, including the 151 in Birmingham. Fourteen of those homicides happened in unincorporated Jefferson County. See also: The breakdown for other cities was Bessemer, 11, Fairfield, 5, Brighton 4, two each in Hueytown, Leeds and Midfield, and one each in Hoover, Adamsville and Lipscomb. Additionally, the Jefferson County Coroners Office recorded three additional deaths as homicides including the June stabbing death of an inmate at William Donaldson Correctional Facility, and two men, both with heart disease and intoxicated on a stimulate, who died after being tased while in police custody. The cause of death for those two men was due to their heart disease and stimulate intoxication that was aggravated by their exertion while being restrained. AL.com does not include traffic fatalities where criminal charges were filed in the annual homicide tally. The 138 murders recognized by the BPD put the city at a 7% increase over the 128 non-justified slayings in 2023. The 2024 deadly record comes as Birminghams population has suffered years of decline and as police were called to investigate multiple mass shootings and three quadruple homicides. The citys population today is a little under 197,000 people, giving the city a murder rate of 7.5 homicides per 10,000 people. In 1933, Birmingham had roughly 259,000 people, giving the city a murder rate of 5.7 homicides for every 10,000 people. A drive-by shooting in Birmingham's Smithfield community left four men dead on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024.(Carol Robinson) In 2024, Birmingham saw three shootings that resulted in four deaths: On Feb. 16, a broad daylight drive-by shooting in Smithfield left Talton TJ Tait, 36, Cortez Ray, 32, Terrell Edwards, 38, and Kevin McGhee, 38, dead. Angela Weatherspoon, 56, of Center Point, Markeisha Gettings, 42, of Birmingham, Stevie McGhee, 39, of Birmingham, and Lerandus Anderson, 24, of Center Point, were killed at a shooting at a birthday party at a nightclub on July 13. On Sept. 21, four people were killed and 17 injured in a mass shooting outside the Hush hookah lounge in Five Points South . Those killed were Carlos McCain, 27, Roderick Lynn Patterson Jr., 26, Anitra Holloman, 21, and Tahj Booker, 27. Damien Laron McDaniel III, 22, of Fairfield, is a suspect in the July and September mass shootings and is accused of killing a total of 11 people and wounding 29 others in five Birmingham incidents between July and September. There were also multiple homicides where two or three people were killed in the same incident. How did we get here? Birmingham experiences deadliest year on record with 151 homicides in 2024. pic.twitter.com/Fxdhh2pqib AL.com (@aldotcom) January 1, 2025 The new record comes after 2023 saw a break in a years-long trend of a growing number of homicides in Birmingham. The city ended 2023 with 135 homicides, a 6.25% drop over 2022, which had 144 homicides. Birminghams 2022 homicide total -- 144 -- surpassed that of the deadliest year in recent city history when 141 people were killed in 1991. Birmingham ended 2021 with 132 homicides and 2020 with 122 homicides -- which at the time was the highest number in 25 years. Birmingham ended 2019 with 106 homicides and 2018 with 107 homicides. Homicide across the nation Murder was down 15% in 63 cities of 250,000 or more, according to noted crime analyst Jeff Asher, and down 19% in 246 cities of under 250,000 people through October. As of late November, according to Ashers Real Time Crime Index, murder was down more than 40% in Philadelphia through late November, down 23% in Memphis, down 38% in New Orleans, down 15% in Los Angeles (where murder was up as of mid-year), down 29%t in D.C., down 24% in Baltimore, down 20% in Kansas City, There are 40 cities in the RTCI reporting a double-digit decline in murder while just eight cities are reporting a double-digit increase, Asher wrote. Not every city in America is experienced a decline this year, and even cities with sharp declines have massive room for continued improvement, Asher wrote. Still, the data from many individual cities is remarkable. Fitzgerald attributes that to Birminghams culture. We still glorify criminality, Fitzgerald said. Where we see that evident is often there is more of an outcry for the accused than for the victim. We see it firsthand on our social media platforms, he said. We see more support for the person accused than the person who lost their life. Guns and revenge Fitzgerald said the states permitless carry law took away a valuable law enforcement tool. Alabama in 2022 became the 25th state in the U.S. to approve such a law. We as a department cant use that as an excuse, but from a criminal justice perspective, you cant avoid that in a conversation of why we see as many crimes involving guns as we do, he said. Something progressive we are trying to do, our may has been on the national scene with visiting the White House, speaking out about how guns have impacted our city, but Mayor Woodfin has also reached out to our state legislators to get a law on the books that bans Glock switches, Fitzgerald said. Right now, we are 100% dependent on our federal partners to prosecute cases involving machine gun conversation devices, he said. They have been great, but we also want to be self-sufficient. Four people were killed and nine injured in a July 13, 2024, drive-by shooting at an adult birthday party in Birmingham.(Carol Robinson) The majority of Birmingham killings involved guns. Of the 151 homicides, 145 involved either a handgun, a rifle, or both. This year was the year of the Glock switch or machine gun conversion device, Fitzgerald said. That was a major factor in why we had the carnage that we saw in 2024. Many of our mass shootings, the suspect or suspects had Glock switches or machine gun diversion devices, he said. The remaining homicides victims were killed either by arson, blunt force trauma or asphyxiation. Ten of the homicides were domestic-related. Others included fights, drugs, robbery, and many happened for reasons still unknown. One of the motives that really stands out to us is revenge, Fitzgerald said, We saw double-digit homicides occur with the motive being listed as revenge. And those are the ones we know are revenge, he said. For revenge to be the motive and it be listed as the motive, that gives insight to how much evidence our homicide team that pointed to revenge. That is the alarming stat when you start looking at motives, he said. That goes to the important of getting the offenders off the streets before someone else has a change to get revenge on them, Fitzgerald said. What we have seen in these revenge shootings, that is often when many innocent bystanders are caught in the gunfire because revenge shootings are often more violent, and they are often more recklessly carried out, whether shooting at a person in a crowd or shooting at a person who is inside a house. Where and when do murders occur? The citys East Precinct had the highest number of murders 45, an increase of 40% over the previous year. The West Precinct, the city largest precinct and traditionally the most violent, had 44 murders, down 14% over 2023. There were 30 murders in the North Precinct in both 2024 and 2023. South Precinct saw a slight increase with 18 compared to 15 the previous year. Birminghams rise in homicides did not mirror the national trend, which at least one expert said saw an enormous decrease in murder. One man was killed an another seriously injured in a shooting early Saturday outside Shell and Boston Fish Supreme on Birmingham's Third Avenue West.(Carol Robinson) Birmingham police officers work in three shifts: day shift which runs from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., evening shift from 4 p.m. until midnight, and morning shift, from midnight until 8 a.m. Over the past year, 43 homicides occurred during day shift, 76 during evening shift and 29 on morning shift. An interesting crime trend, which is consistent with past years, is during the warmer months from May until Nov. 1, 88 homicides took place, Fitzgerald said. We saw a major spike in homicides during the warmer months. Birmingham had about 2,000 aggravated assaults in 2024, which is any assault with a weapon, whether it be a gun, knife or blunt force object. There were roughly 2,200 aggravated assaults in Birmingham in 2023. So, in 2024, Fitzgerald said, less than 10% of aggravated assaults were fatal, something that can possibly be attributed to medical professionals. Our homicide numbers would be much higher if we didnt have the amazing medical staff that we have in Birmingham, Fitzgerald said. We have to admire the work that our medical staff does at various hospitals in Birmingham, he said. Those numbers would be much higher. We have been on scenes where we have reported a victim has passed away, and they were taken to UAB and survived, he said. Ive responded to numerous scenes where we were told the victim wasnt going to survive and they took them to UAB Hospital, and they survived. The police department saw not only a decrease in the number of aggravated assaults in 2024, but also declines in sexual assault, robbery and auto theft. The decrease in auto thefts were due in part to the community arming themselves with education about KIA and Hyundai security vulnerabilities, Fitzgerald said. Those two vehicles made up the bulk of our auto thefts in recent years, whereas in 2024 weve seen a decrease. Overall, Fitzgerald said, there was a 5% decrease in Part 1 offenses which includes murder, rape, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, theft, auto theft and arson. There were increases in murder and burglary. Though the number of aggravated assaults were down, our murders were up and the reason for that lethality is the weapons were seeing used in these homicides, such as the handguns enhanced by the machine gun conversion devices, he said. Also, the suspects have armed themselves with assault rifles in many of these homicides which adds to the lethality of those aggravated assaults, he said. More arrests being made, police say There was some good news in 2024. As homicides rose, so did the number of arrests, Fitzgerald said. Homicide detectives made arrests in 57% of the killings, a dramatic increase over the 38% clearance rate in 2023. The national average is around 57.8%. With the communitys help, our department was able to increase the clearance rate in these homicides by nearly 20%, Fitzgerald said. When you look at the average caseload that our detectives have, some of our homicide detectives have been assigned upwards to 16 homicide victims per detective, he said. That is a lot. The average recommended homicide caseload nationally is four to five cases per detective a year to really be able to focus on those cases. For our detectives to have the clearance rate they do with the caseload, it speaks to their dedication to their cases as well as the resources we have at our disposal to increase their efficiency. A major tool for detectives is the departments Real Time Crime Center, which now operates 24/7. Adding those additional hours has had a tremendous impact on the departments response to crime, Fitzgerald said. Department leaders also credit the Crime Reduction Team and SWAT team with swift arrests of the suspects. Tips to Crime Stoppers also skyrocketed in 2024. Interim Chief Michael Picketts game plan for 2025 is centered around the department being strategic with the approach to violent crime, including using current technology and improving those tools and enhancing the partnership with other local law enforcement agencies. The Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, Fitzgerald said, has been instrumental in the arrests of several Birmingham homicide suspects. Its exhausting when you have a city as beautiful as Birmingham thats making strides economically, strides in the events that are taking place in our city and will soon take place in our city, Fitzgerald said. Its heartbreaking that we have such a dark cloud over our city caused by a small percentage of individuals that do not represent our community in its entirety. Birminghams being recognized for her growth and potential, he said. We as a community have to do our part to ensure public safety. Thats a team effort the police department, the community and the court system. We hope we dont see the reoccurring fact patterns that weve seen in recent years, Fitzgerald said. One pattern we repeatedly see is a physical altercation turns into shots being fired. You always hear, Why couldnt the two just fight instead of shooting at one another,' he said. Our message is no fighting period. Police say Birmingham breaking its 91-year-old homicide record in 2024 was fueled, in part, by the alleged two-month crime spree of Damien Laron McDaniel III, a 22-year-old multiple mass murder suspect charged with killing 11 people and wounding 29 others. In all, Birmingham ended 2024 with 151 homicides, the highest number of killings in the city since 1933. If guilty of those 11 homicides, McDaniel is to blame for 7.3% of all of Birminghams 2024 murders. Without the lives lost by his alleged actions, Birmingham would have ended the year with 139 homicides. That would have still been more than the 2023 total of 135 but fewer than its 2022 homicide total of 144, which surpassed that of the deadliest year in recent city history, 1991. See also: Birmingham police spokesman Officer Truman Fitzgerald said the violence in 2024 cant be discussed without mentioning the crime spree we witnessed from July through September. That spree included two mass shootings, one in July at Trendsetters lounge in north Birmingham and the other at Hush lounge on the citys Southside. McDaniels family and his attorneys have declined to comment on the accusations against him. Court records, police statements and his own words paint a bleak picture of how McDaniel, the son of a convicted drug trafficker and accused killer, came to face the possibility of execution or life in prison if convicted in a string of murders that would make him one of the most prolific killers in Alabama history. He would have not stopped McDaniel is accused in two of the three quadruple homicides that shocked the city in 2024. Angela Weatherspoon, 56, of Center Point, Markeisha Gettings, 42, of Birmingham, Stevie McGhee, 39, of Birmingham, and Lerandus Anderson, 24, of Center Point, were killed at a shooting at a birthday party at a nightclub on July 13. On Sept. 21, four people were killed and 17 injured in a mass shooting outside the Hush hookah lounge in Five Points South. Those killed were Carlos McCain, 27, Roderick Lynn Patterson Jr., 26, Anitra Holloman, 21, and Tahj Booker, 27. Damien Laron McDaniel III(Jefferson County Jail) A second suspect is charged alongside McDaniel in the Trendsetters mass shooting, and four others in the robbery/killing of another man, but McDaniel is the only suspect so far charged in the Hush massacre. McDaniel is also charged in the Sept. 19 killing of Diontrante Tinae Brown, a 35-year-old mother who police say was an innocent bystander shot to death inside 604 Bar and Lounge on Ninth Street North. He is also charged in the Sept. 22 robbery shooting death of 32-year-old Jamarcus McIntyre, who died in a hail of gunfire in the 700 block of 81st Place South less than 24 hours after the Five Points South shooting. How did we get here? Birmingham experiences deadliest year on record with 151 homicides in 2024. pic.twitter.com/Fxdhh2pqib AL.com (@aldotcom) January 1, 2025 McIntyres killing was caught on chilling home surveillance video and showed gunmen shooting McIntyre and stealing his backpack. Four others have also been charged in McIntyres slaying. He is also suspected in other unsolved homicides, police confirmed. When we announced his arrest for additional homicides aside from the Hush shooting, we announced that in working with the Jefferson County Districts Office and going over the impact that Damien McDaniel as well as the other suspects had in our community, they were responsible for up to 30 percent of all homicides from July to September, Fitzgerald said. The community played a major role in removing Damien McDaniel from our streets, and anytime you have an individual responsible for at least 11 homicides, the community stepping up and helping us remove him from the streets has saved lives and will save lives moving into 2025, Fitzgerald said. There is no question that he would have not stopped harming our community members if he was still on the street. Investigators have previously said some of the killings in which McDaniel is charged were likely hits. Who paid for the killings and why have not have been revealed. Who is Damien McDaniel? What little is publicly known about McDaniels past comes from court records, news reports and a short interview he gave in a YouTube documentary about Birmingham violence. McDaniel, then 17, was arrested at Fairfield High School for an October 2019 case in which two people were shot at in Fairfield. He pleaded guilty on April 26, 2023, to two counts of attempted murder. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison with two years to serve followed by three years of probation. The week before Birmingham police announced McDaniels arrest in the Hush massacre, Jefferson County Bessemer Cutoff Chief Assistant District Attorney Lane Tolbert filed a motion to revoke McDaniels probation in the 2019 attempted murder cases. McDaniel, prosecutors contended, violated his probation terms by engaging in injurious and vicious habits. He was recorded on social media brandishing firearms at least nine times between April 1, 2024, through Oct. 1. His probation was revoked on Dec. 12. There has been criticism about the sentence and probation on the Fairfield cases which put McDaniel back on the streets. Tolbert said they were fortunate to obtain a conviction by way of McDaniels guilty plea -- and the 15 year split sentence of time served awaiting trial and probation. Prosecutors, he said, had no one who was willing to come forward with information. When you have no witness cooperation, like in most of his cases, because of fear probably, we were lucky to get that, Tolbert said. Damien McDaniel III enters a Jefferson County courtroom on Dec. 12, 2024.Carol Robinson He wasnt released early,' Tolbert said. He got what he got because no one was willing to cooperate. McDaniel had at least a half-dozen arrests as a juvenile which were either dismissed or ended with him being given probation. Those charges ranged from being a juvenile in possession of a gun to giving false information to police. In 2021, he was arrested by the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office on an attempted murder charge, but he would later tell investigators the grand jury did not indict him. He was also arrested by Vestavia Hills police on charges of trafficking cocaine, heroin and meth. The disposition of those charges was not available. McDaniel is the father of two children who were last known to live Georgia. He described his relationship with his children to investigators as poor. McDaniels own father, 43-year-old Damien Laron McDaniel Jr., is in federal prison in Kentucky. He was sentenced to 26 years in 2013 for trafficking cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. His fathers arrest in that case came after a six hour standoff with U.S. Marshals in Adamsville. The older McDaniel was described in news reports as a former leader of the Bloods gang in the Fairfield area. When McDaniel III was a boy, about 5 or 6, his father was charged with the fatal 2007 shooting death of 23-year-old Cedric Burch in Fairfield two months after McDaniel Jr. and others allegedly poured gasoline on Burch and set him on fire. NyQuan Cordae Lollar and Damien McDaniel in a Youtube documentary.Screengrab At the time of that homicide, McDaniel Jr. was out on bond for shooting Burchs brother and had already served at least part of a 10 year sentence for possessing cocaine. The case was nol prossed, and Damien McDaniel Jr. never went to trial for the slaying. His son was a few months shy of his 12th birthday when McDaniel Jr. received the 26 year sentence. Damien McDaniel Jr. is scheduled to be released in 2037, according to the federal prison system. They aint going to spare me. The younger McDaniel previously worked at a Walmart, but that job ended with his 2019 cases. He attended Fairfield High Preparatory School until his junior year, leaving in 2019 when he was arrested. During his time in high school, he had been suspended for fighting. McDaniel told investigators in 2023 that he was prescribed psychotropic medications for various mental health issues, however he stopped taking them during his time in jail. He also reported having therapy a couple of times a week. McDaniel, prior to his arrest in the Hush shootings, was interviewed in a YouTube documentary about violence and murder in Alabama called This City Eats People Alive: The Most Dangerous Place in Alabama, America: The Dirty South posted by The Taboo Room With Aaron S. NyQuan Cordae Lollar, 22, another suspect in McIntyres death, was also featured in the documentary. They were asked if they would have any empathy toward the mothers of someone who was murdered. Im (expletive) going to do the same thing to you so why not do it to them? McDaniel said. Why show them compassion when they aint gonna show your folks compassion? They aint sparing (expletive), Lollar says. They aint going to spare me, McDaniel said. If their son ends up dead and they come to court, they aint going to spare me in the mother (expletive) courtroom. Theyre going to want my ass (inaudible). Nippon Steel proposed giving the U.S. government a veto over any reduction in U.S. Steels production capacity in a last-ditch bid for President Joe Bidens approval to acquire the venerable American steelmaker, according to a document sent to the White House on Monday. The proposal is aimed at mollifying the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which warned last week that Nippon Steels $14.9 billion takeover of U.S. Steel could lead to a decline in domestic steel output that would pose risks to the national security of the United States. The president has publicly opposed the takeover for months, leaving him at odds with many of his advisers who favor the deal, according to two senior administration officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. Biden is siding with David McCall, the president of the United Steelworkers union, who has blasted Nippon Steels bid as bad for workers and questioned the companys commitment to U.S. Steels unionized operations. As White House deliberations continue, administration officials for the first time are considering an approach that would leave a final decision to the Trump administration, said the two administration officials and an industry executive who also spoke on the condition of anonymity. Biden, who faces a Jan. 7 deadline for a final decision, could condition approval of the takeover on Nippon Steel complying with a set of additional requirements, such as the preservation of American jobs, one of the administration officials said. Hammering out those details could push the matter past Inauguration Day. U.S. Steels share price rocketed almost 14 percent on news of the latest developments, before closing up 10 percent. In its new proposal, Nippon Steel offered a 10-year guarantee that it would not reduce production capacity at U.S. Steels mills in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Alabama, Texas, California and Arkansas without approval by the Treasury-led review panel. The Japanese company offered a similar pledge regarding a mostly idle mill in Granite City, Illinois, which would last for two years, according to the document, a joint letter to CFIUS from the companies that was seen by The Washington Post. The new language goes beyond Nippon Steels previous agreement to limit any production cuts to those approved by independent members of U.S. Steels board, who would be appointed subject to CFIUS approval. Even with the new conditions, U.S. Steels actual output could rise or fall in line with customer demand. But to maintain production capacity - or ability to produce a given amount of steel - for a full decade, Nippon Steel will need to invest many billions of dollars in addition to its existing commitments, according to a person familiar with the companys thinking, who was not authorized to speak about the matter. Nippon Steel has already pledged $2.7 billion in new investment for U.S. Steels unionized operations in Pennsylvanias Mon Valley and in Gary, Indiana. Coupled with Nippon Steels promise to rule out layoffs or closures of any unionized facilities for the duration of the current union contract, which expires in September 2026, the new proposal effectively places the burden of adjusting to any future economic downturn on U.S. Steels nonunionized operations in Arkansas, the person said. By providing assurances against reductions in production capacity - which assurances will be legally binding and enforceable by the U.S. Government - Nippon Steel is underscoring the ironclad nature of its commitments to U.S. Steel and its union-represented employees, the companies Dec. 30 letter said. By contrast, without this Transaction, given limited resources, U.S. Steel will revert to its pre-Transaction strategy of deprioritizing existing, union-represented facilities. The companies revised national security agreement was addressed to White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, White House Counsel Ed Siskel, and Andrew Fair, the acting assistant treasury secretary for investment security, who coordinates the internal CFIUS process. We received the CFIUS evaluation and the president will review it, said Robyn Patterson, a White House spokeswoman. Since announcing its planned purchase of U.S. Steel in December 2023, Nippon Steel has been engaged in an awkward courtship of the steelworkers union. But in recent weeks, as a deadline loomed for final government action, the relationship has deteriorated into open hostility. McCall, who backed an alternative bid by rival steelmaker Cleveland Cliffs, accused Nippon Steel of planning to shift work from U.S. Steels unionized blast furnaces to a nonunion facility in Arkansas. And he pointedly complained that Nippon Steel has a history of dumping, or selling below production cost, foreign steel in the United States. McCall on Tuesday dismissed Nippon Steels latest initiative. Both U.S. Steel and Nippon have been deliberately misleading in their public statements and communications to our members, making splashy - but ultimately unenforceable - claims about the future of our facilities, he said in a statement. Nippon Steel has fired back in its communications this month with CFIUS, saying that McCall sought to leverage his political relationship with Biden to kill the deal. The steelworkers union endorsed Biden in 2020 and this year. Mr. McCall has made clear from the beginning his intent to use his relationship with President Joe Biden to subvert the CFIUS process and block the Transaction, attorneys for the two companies wrote this month. The steelworkers union also is split over the sale of U.S. Steel. While McCall and other top officials remain implacably opposed, rank-and-file union members who work in some of the aging mills that the Japanese company has promised to modernize are supportive. The union and management are at odds over prospects for U.S. Steel if the Nippon Steel deal collapses. McCall has argued that the company can survive on its own. But David Burritt, U.S. Steels chief executive, said in September that the deals failure would put thousands of good-paying union jobs at risk and could lead to the company relocating its Pittsburgh headquarters to another state. Nippon Steel also improved its proposal by agreeing to ensure U.S. Steel has sufficient resources to support any future U.S. government trade complaints against foreign steel producers. The pledge came in response to a Dec. 14 CFIUS letter, which said that U.S. Steel - once owned by a Japanese company - could reduce its participation in U.S. trade remedy investigations and reviews. In a third change, Nippon Steel offered to appoint a full-time board observer subject to CFIUS approval, who would attend all U.S. Steel board meetings and monitor compliance with the agreement. The Japanese steelmaker had previously pledged to appoint U.S. citizens to top U.S. Steel management jobs and a majority of board seats after the merger. But in a Dec. 23 letter, CFIUS said it was unable to reach a consensus on whether those steps would be sufficient to alleviate the governments national security concerns. With the committee deadlocked on that issue, a final decision fell to Biden, who has publicly opposed the acquisition. U. S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated, the president said in March. New Years celebratory gunfire may have led to an Alabama man being shot in his bed early Wednesday. Jefferson County sheriffs deputies were dispatched at 5:54 a.m. to a report of a person shot at Rusk Mobile Home Park on Pinson Valley Parkway. Center Point Fire and Rescue took the victim, a 39-year-old man, to UAB Hospital. Sheriffs spokesman Henry Irby said the mans injuries are not life-threatening. Irby said the investigation showed the man was asleep in his bed when he was struck by a bullet and that the shooting may have occurred as a result of celebratory gunfire. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriffs office at 205-325-1450 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. An apparent stabbing on New Years Eve in Ensley left one man dead. Just after 7 p.m. Tuesday, Birminghams West Precinct Officers were dispatched to a house in the 2500 block of 15th Street Ensley. Officers entered the house and found the victim unresponsive inside. He was rushed by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service to UAB Hospital where he later died. Officer Truman Fitzgerald said it appears the victim had been stabbed but said that will have to be confirmed through an autopsy by the Jefferson County Coroners Office. Investigators have spoken with numerous people on the scene, but they have not yet been able to determine what led to the fatal assault. A friend of the victims discovered him wounded and called 911. However, our officers are trying to track down if anyone saw what took place, Fitzgerald said. Officers have responded to the house on previous occasions, mostly for disputes, and only have made contact with one person there. The victim, Fitzgerald said, is the not person with whom officers are familiar. No arrests have been made. The victim, whose name has not been released, is Birminghams 151st homicide this year. Of those, one was an officer-involved shooting, three happened in previous years but the victims died in 2024, and 11 have been ruled justifiable. Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. A walkway of Chinese lanterns during the holiday light show, Radiant Nature at the Houston Botanic Garden. Karen Warren/Staff photographer As people make New Years Eve plans to wrap up the year 2024, many Houstonians are preparing for another tradition to bring in the new year the Lunar New Year. Here's what to know about the celebration. When is the Lunar New Year? The Lunar New Year is a festival typically celebrated in China and other Asian countries that begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, 15 days later, according to a Britannica article. The calendar is based on the cycles of the moon meaning the dates of the holiday vary from year to year, beginning sometime between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20, the articles states. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This year, the Lunar New Year begins on Jan. 29. The new moon on Dec. 30, the last of 2024, is a rare black moon and begins the countdown to the Lunar New Year, Forbes reports. The year of 2025 is the year of the Snake a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and transformation that also represents elegance, resilience, and mystery, according to the Asia Society. What is the Lunar New Year? The Lunar New Year is often referred to as the Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, a Britannica article states. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The origin of the celebration is steeped in legend, the article states. One legend includes Nian, a hideous beast believed to feast on human flesh on New Year's Day. And because Nian feared the color red, loud noises and fire, red paper decorations were pasted to doors, lanterns were burned all night and firecrackers were lit to frighten the beast away. About 10 days before the new lunar year, houses are cleaned to "remove any bad luck that might be lingering inside," the article states. Celebrations on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day include religious ceremonies honoring ancestors, gifting red envelopes containing money, dances and fireworks. The celebrations culminate in the Lantern Festival. The Lantern Festival, celebrated on the last day of the New Year's celebrations, involves colorful lanterns that light up the houses while traditional food is served. Where to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Houston. The Texas Lunar Festival will be held at the Alief Career Center off 12160 Richmond Avenue in Houston on Feb. 1, according to the festival's website. The festival will consist of performances and will be live-streamed through STV 21.8 and online at scdaily.com. The event can also be viewed through the Southern News TV app. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Asia Society Texas will also be hosting a festival at 1370 Southmore Boulevard on Feb. 1. A Mississippi man who was celebrating New Years Eve in New Orleans says his friend who dreamed of becoming a nurse was among the people killed in an attack on Bourbon Street. Zion Parsons, 18, said a vehicle suddenly appeared and he watched it hit his friend, 18-year-old Nikyra Dedeaux. At least 10 people were killed. Parsons described the crowd scattering and the gruesome aftermath. Bodies, bodies all up and down the street, everybody screaming and hollering Parsons said. He said he watched as authorities put a tarp over Dedeauxs body. He later called Dedeauxs family to tell them what had happened. I hadnt had time to cry up until I called her mother and she asked me, Wheres my baby, Parsons said. That broke me. Officials say residents and visitors should feel safe in New Orleans even as they have repeatedly acknowledged that they are aggressively seeking additional possible suspects in the attack. During a news conference, Gov. Jeff Landry bristled at a question about how officials were confident that Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar did not act alone, saying, Why would we tell you? But a Louisiana State Police bulletin obtained by The Associated Press and circulated among law enforcement contained a possible clue. The document said surveillance footage captured three men and a woman placing one of multiple improvised explosive devices. A beloved goat owned by a suburban Austin, Texas, high school student died suddenly in October, and now the owners classmate stands accused of using a pesticide to intentionally kill the animal. Aubrey Vanlandingham, a student at Vista Ridge High School in Cedar Park, is facing a felony charge of cruelty to livestock in connection with the Oct. 24 death of the goat, named Willie, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. The affluent suburb of Cedar Park is roughly 15 miles northeast of Austin and located in Williamson County. The 17-year-old teen was arrested on Nov. 22 but later released that same day after posting a $5,000 bond, jail records show. Under state law, the maximum penalty for cruelty to livestock is a fine of up to $10,000 and possible jail time of up to two years. According to sheriffs office investigators, the incident was captured on school surveillance cameras at the facility where the goat was kept. And Vanlandingham allegedly confessed to poisoning the goat because she believed Willies owner is a cheater, the affidavit said. And Aubrey doesnt like cheaters, the deputy wrote in the document. News of the crime has gone viral on social media with reports about the goats death published in news outlets around the world. The incident took place on Oct. 23, based on surveillance video seen by investigators. Law enforcement officers were notified two days later, according to the affidavit. The tape showed Vanlandingham entering the school barn area and retrieving a bottle of pesticide from a storage closet before using a drench gun to administer the toxic substance to the goat. Investigators said the girl was seen in the video straddling the goat while forcing a tube in its mouth to ingest the chemical, identified by officials as phosmet, a highly lethal insecticide used to control pests on crops. The girl returned to the goats pen several times during the day to check on the animals condition, according to the affidavit. The deputy wrote in the affidavit that Willie began exhibiting severe symptoms shortly after being force fed the chemical, including suffering from convulsions, diarrhea and uncontrollable shaking. The animal was taken to a local veterinary clinic by its owners after being alerted by phone and video sent by Vanlandingham about the goats condition, according to deputies. The goat died the following morning and was taken back to the vets office by a schoolteacher, the affidavit says. A necropsy performed on the animal confirmed the presence of phosmet in the goats stomach. During the necropsy, authorities said the smell of the pesticide was unmistakable and identified it as the primary cause of death, according to the affidavit. Police said a search of the suspects phone by detectives uncovered internet searches related to poisoning animals, including inquiries about using bleach and pesticides. The Dallas Morning News called Vanlandinghams attorney multiple times for comment Tuesday but received no immediate response. The school was on recess until Jan. 6, and administrators there could also not be immediately reached for comment. ______ 2024 The Dallas Morning News. Visit dallasnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. English News China, U.S. should expand list and make bigger pie of cooperation Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 30 Decembre 2024 Both China and the U.S. are great nations, and cooperation between them is a noble endeavor. The U.S. should work with China in the same direction to find a right way for the two countries with different civilizations, systems, and paths to coexist in peace and achieve common development on this planet. By Zhong Sheng, People's Daily China and the United States recently signed a protocol to extend the 45-year-old Agreement Between the United States and China on Cooperation in Science and Technology for additional five years. The international community widely welcomes the renewal of the agreement. They believe that sci-tech cooperation between China and the U.S. not only serves the interests of both peoples but also facilitates their joint efforts in addressing global challenges. This once again demonstrates that China-U.S. cooperation can lead to fruitful results that are beneficial to both countries and the rest of the world. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 45 years ago, China-U.S. relations have gone through the tests of winds and rains but have largely sustained a positive momentum. From the "Ping-Pong Diplomacy" that broke the ice of bilateral relations to the group "Kuliang Friends" that continued the legacy of friendship, each small step of "harmony" and "cooperation" between China and the U.S. has injected impetus into the historical development of their relationship. Over the past four years, China-U.S. relations have gone through ups and downs, but the two sides have also been engaged in dialogue and cooperation. The relationship has remained stable on the whole. Facts have proved that when the two countries treat each other as partners and seek common ground while shelving differences, their relationship will make considerable progress. But if they regard each other as rivals and pursue vicious competition, they will roil the relationship or even set it back. To steer China-U.S. relations to the right course and foster a stable, sustainable and productive China-U.S. relationship, it is necessary to draw inspiration from the past experiences and grasp the general direction of bilateral cooperation. The interests of China and the U.S. have been closely intertwined. Win-win cooperation is a defining feature of bilateral relations, and dialogue and cooperation remain the only right choice for the two countries. The total trade between China and the U.S. has exceeded $660 billion. Over 70,000 American companies are doing business in China, earning a profit of $50 billion annually. In terms of employment, exports to China alone support 930,000 jobs in the U.S. Chinese products have not only offered American customers more choices, but also lowered costs for them, and Chinese investment has not only created more jobs in the U.S., but also bolstered local economies. Around two-thirds of Qualcomm's global revenue and a quarter of Intel's global revenue come from the Chinese market. Out of Apple's 200 major suppliers worldwide, over 80 percent have set up factories in China. Tesla alone accounted for 28.6 percent of China's new energy vehicle exports last year. These examples illustrate the vast potential for China-U.S. cooperation. The two countries stand to gain mutual benefits and win-win outcomes from cooperation. The two sides should expand the list of cooperation and make a bigger pie of cooperation based on their complementary advantages. The success of one side should be an opportunity rather than a challenge for the other, and one's achievement should help rather than hinder the development of the other. The world economy is facing many difficulties and challenges, and each country faces its own set of challenges. The right choice is to build an open world economy through cooperation. Neither decoupling nor supply-chain disruption is the solution. "Small yard, high fences" is not what a major country should do. History and facts have proved that tariff war, trade war, and tech war are against the trend of history and laws of economies. Imposing restrictions or engaging in unilateralism and protectionism will inevitably disrupt normal trade cooperation and the stability of industrial and supply chains. It is a clear-cut choice that China and the U.S. should choose cooperation over confrontation, and win-win cooperation over zero-sum games. Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers recently said that centuries of economic studies and past practical experiences have shown that for major economies, initiating a global trade war is a highly detrimental choice. China's foreign policy is open and transparent. It is focused on managing its own affairs well to bring better lives to its people. While realizing its own development, it is also ready to work with other countries for common development and to jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind. China's policy toward the U.S. is highly stable and consistent. Its goal of a stable, healthy and sustainable China-U.S. relationship remains unchanged; its commitment to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation as principles for handling China-U.S. relations remains unchanged; its position of resolutely safeguarding China's sovereignty, security and development interests remains unchanged; and its desire to carry forward the traditional friendship between the Chinese and American peoples remains unchanged. The one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques are the political foundation of China-U.S. relations. They must be observed. The Taiwan question, democracy and human rights, China's path and system, and China's development right are four red lines for China. They must not be challenged. These are the most important guardrails and safety nets for China-U.S. relations. Misjudging China-U.S. relations and misinterpreting China's development will mislead the people of both countries and the international community, resulting in more harm than good. The U.S. should view China and its development in a positive and rational light, so as to maintain a right strategic perception, which is fundamental to the China-U.S. relationship, just like the first button of a shirt that must be put right. Both China and the U.S. are great nations, and cooperation between them is a noble endeavor. The U.S. should work with China in the same direction to find a right way for the two countries with different civilizations, systems, and paths to coexist in peace and achieve common development on this planet. (Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.) Dans la meme rubrique : < > High-quality Belt and Road cooperation create opportunities for global growth Technological cooperation leads to closer China-Africa economic, trade ties China's economic resilience, vitality in four sets of data Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News The Commercial Press' "Chinese Translations of World Academic Masterpieces Series" reaches 1,000 titles Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 30 Decembre 2024 From the perspective of building an autonomous knowledge system in Chinese philosophy and social sciences, and advancing Chinese-style modernization, 1,000 titles are far from sufficient, said Gu Qing, executive director of the Commercial Press. By Zhang Mingse, People's Daily The Commercial Press, a leading publishing house in China, just celebrated a remarkable milestone this year: the publication of the 1,000th title in its "Chinese Translations of World Academic Masterpieces Series." Over 42 years, this collection has grown to include 1,000 works, with cumulative sales reaching tens of millions books. As one of the most ambitious academic translation projects in modern Chinese publishing history, the Series carefully selects and expertly translates seminal works from the vast expanse of global academic literature, contributing intellectual resources to national development and social progress. The Series has become a highly respected and widely recognized hallmark of quality. Timeless classics such as Plato's The Republic, Jean-Jacques Rousseau's The Social Contract, Alexis de Tocqueville's The Old Regime and the Revolution, and John Maynard Keynes' The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money remain perennial bestsellers, consistently appealing to generations of readers. This is a collection that has always been closely aligned with the times. In 1905, The Commercial Press published Yan Fu's Chinese translation of Evolution and Ethics by Thomas Henry Huxley, introducing the theory of natural selection, which profoundly influenced modern China. In subsequent years, many series brought together works reflecting diverse academic perspectives, acting as a beacon of knowledge and inspiration during pivotal moments of national rejuvenation and progress, akin to distant dandelions spreading seeds of enlightenment. In the early days of China's reform and opening up, the demand for academic reading material surged amid what was then a "book famine." In the preface to the first book of the Series, Chen Yuan, then editor-in-chief of the Commercial Press, noted, "The publication of this collection is a response to the needs of the times." Thanks to the Series, translated works such as Lectures on Aesthetics by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, History of the French Revolution from 1789 to 1814 by Francois Mignet, and Adam Smith's An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations introduced a generation of young scholars to expansive academic vistas and intellectual exploration. "Our generation of academics built the foundations of contemporary Chinese scholarship with the help of this collection," remarked Han Zhen, director of the Academic Committee at Beijing Normal University. Today, the era of the "book famine" is long past. Expectations for the Series have shifted from questions of availability to concerns about quality and diversity. The times call for more expansive disciplinary coverage, improved translation quality, and broader academic horizons. "In recent years, the Series has evolved in two key ways: extending its temporal scope and expanding its geographic and linguistic range," said Li Xia, deputy editor-in-chief of the Commercial Press. The chronological scope, once informally limited to works published before 1848, has gradually extended to include titles from the mid-20th century, the 1980s, and even the late 20th century. Additionally, the editors have increasingly turned their attention beyond Western civilization, incorporating significant works from Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and other regions. A growing number of these translations are rendered directly from the original languages, delivering authentic academic nourishment to Chinese readers. Why has the Series gained such enduring popularity? Beyond its meticulous selection of topics, exceptional translation quality, and rigorous editorial structure, its success lies in its comprehensive inclusion of classics from diverse civilizations. Chen Xiaowen, editor-in-chief of the Commercial Press, said that the translated masterpieces are characterized by their classic status and systematic approach. The selected titles represent the intellectual and cultural essence of various eras, nations, and peoples. "Translating a classic is not merely about aligning two languages - it is about fostering a dialogue between two systems of thought." This statement from one of the Series' translators left a deep impression on Li Tingting, director of the academic editing center of the Commercial Press. From the choice of a single word to the compilation of an entire anthology, the translations are imbued with the spirit of the times, reflecting how contemporary Chinese scholars view the essence of human thought. "The goal of these translations is to anchor human spiritual achievements, serving readers of today and tomorrow," Li said. "The Series has opened a window into the world's academic achievements, enabling us to learn from the entirety of human civilization with an open mind. It has played a pivotal role in the modernization and globalization of Chinese scholarship," noted Gao Peiyong, former deputy director of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. From the perspective of building an autonomous knowledge system in Chinese philosophy and social sciences, and advancing Chinese-style modernization, 1,000 titles are far from sufficient, said Gu Qing, executive director of the Commercial Press. "We are undaunted by the scale, unfazed by the timeline, and undeterred by the challenges. From this moment forward, we set sail once again, aiming to expand the Series to 2,000 titles," Gu added. Dans la meme rubrique : < > High-quality Belt and Road cooperation create opportunities for global growth Technological cooperation leads to closer China-Africa economic, trade ties China's economic resilience, vitality in four sets of data Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) Ukraines Foreign Minister just visited Damascus to meet the leader of the new terrorist regime in charge, now that the U.S. has removed the $10 million bounty on his head. It turns out Ukraine had long been assisting the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters with intelligence and drones, presumably paid for by us. We had also directly been sending aid to a terrorist network which over the years had variously been ascribed to al-Qaeda, Jabhat al-Nusra, ISIS, or ISIL. Once HTS triumphed over Assad, the terror killings commenced. The Western press has ignored this because it conflicts with the narrative that Assad was the only mass murderer in that nation. HTS founder and leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani (aka Jolani) fought Americans long ago under the al-Qaeda leader, Abu Musab Zarqawi in Iraq. Ukraine achieved its objective in Syria, of pinning down Russian assets working to maintain Assad in power. So it therefore no longer has any legitimate interests there. You would think. That the State Department sent our Ukraine proxy to Damascus tells us what could have been anticipated if Trump lost. The chaos planned for that part of the world must be substantial. As Trump recently declared, we have no interest in that quagmire, so we should exit. After Assads fall, Ukraine shipped 500 tonnes of food aid to Syria. Ukraines Foreign Minister declared: Ukraine will remain a linchpin to food security in Syria, even if our country is engaged in a war. How much of the billions Biden keeps shipping to Ukraine will end up in Syria? Why does the State Department use Ukraine as a U.S. cutout? Because we can not overtly support a regime led by a man who fought Americans in Iraq and supported the 9/11 and October 7 attacks. Once Assad fled Syria, the U.S. State Department wasted no time in removing al-Jawlanis terrorist designation. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf met with him in Damascus on December 20 after the terror group seized control on December 8. Per Leaf: He came across as pragmatic. Of course, we areweve been hearing this for some time, some very pragmatic and moderate statements on various issues from womens rights to protection of equal rights for all communities, et cetera. Got that? Al-Jawlani has dropped his goal of imposing sharia law. He is coming around on womens rights. Imagine that. Which is worse: if Leaf actually believes this, or is too dense to know otherwise? According to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, HTS is a good, old-fashioned Islamic terrorist organization: HTS primarily focuses on attacks against the Assad regime and seeks to replace it with a government guided by a fundamentalist interpretation of Islamic law. HTS uses suicide attacks, guerilla tactics, and small-arms units to conduct attacks. The group places a priority on anti-regime activities to enable its long-term survival in northwest Syria, although in 2014 Jawlanias head of the Nusrah Front and before his break with al-Qaidacalled for retaliatory attacks against the US-led coalition in response to airstrikes in Syria. A far more realistic appraisal of HTS than that from Leaf can be found in this Twitter thread. The group endorsed the October 7 terror attack on Israel. They are barbaric and have conducted summary executions (graphic warning) recently. Christians have targets on their backs. Most Christians in the ancient Aramaic-speaking community of Maaloula have already fled. Beheadings have begun. But Washington denizens are jubilant. Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin confidently assures us the new regime will not be anti-Christian. Rogin enthusiastically drones on in this podcast for 80 minutes. If you make it through 20 minutes you are doing good. Confirmation bias is alive and well in Washington. A few years ago we were told that the Taliban 2.0 were also swell fellows who would treat their countrymen well. Hundreds of our abandoned Afghani allies were subsequently murdered, others were tortured. The lack of Western media interest in reporting on the great successes of Taliban rule in Afghanistan tells us a) there are no successes, and b) its probably far worse than anyone realizes. How long would the NY Times remain welcome in Afghanistan if it honestly reported on the situation there? Acting as PR flaks for terror regimes is a venerable tradition for that paper, extending back almost a century. In Ukraine, no less, when Stalin starved four million to death. The Times Pulitzer Prize-winning Moscow correspondent Walter Duranty played a starring role in the Holodomor concealment, including with his infamous article titled: Russians Hungry but Not Starving. This was right up there with CNNs 2020 Summer of Love chyron: fiery but mostly peaceful protests as Kenosha burned live behind the reporter on screen. Honest reporters who attempted to report on the Holodomor had their careers destroyed. Some things remain constant. The question is if the HTS rebranding in recent weeks actually fools State Department types or if there is tacit support for the group. America has a long history of cavorting with various Muslim fundamentalist groups since the U.S. began down this path with support for Bin Laden in the 1980s in Afghanistan to act as a proxy against the Soviets. Al-Qaida, literally the database, was the list of thousands of mujahideen from across the Near and Middle East recruited and trained with CIA expertise and arms and funded by the Saudis to defeat the Soviets. Claims by both American and jihadi operatives that there was no direct U.S. involvement ring hollow. At the very least, Saudi and Pakistani intelligence CIA cutouts did directly interface with al-Qaeda. It is, unsurprisingly, murky whether the CIA supported HTS. Ayatollah Khamenei thinks this is certain. Bin Laden's associate Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman was given visas to enter the U.S. by the CIA. Egyptian officials testified that the CIA actively assisted him. Rahman plotted the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Rahman died in a North Carolina prison in 2017. If the U.S. just created yet another monster in that region of the world, it would hardly be a first. Jawlani (a nom de guerre) is making the talk show rounds under his actual name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. He trimmed his beard and adopted Western business suits. HTS has established a media operation to spin gullible journalists and UN types. Terrorists are now rebels. Mohammed al-Bashir, Syrias caretaker prime minister until March 1, is advertised as an engineer. What goes unmentioned is that he also holds a degree in Sharia law. Syrian officials now take care to wear business suits, actors on a stage, in the hopes they can con the UN, World Bank, etc. into providing money. This represents Jihad 2.0, a kinder, gentler facade adopted to fool the West into supplying the rope to hang itself. Something the Biden administration seems happy to do. Biden is the antithesis of Jimmy Carter. Since Assads fall, Ukraine received an additional almost $6 billion. Douglas Schwartz blogs on history, politics, economics and gaslighting at The Great Class War. Image: Free image via Flickr. The U.S. border crisis has an historical underlay that is generally disregarded in analyses of the illegal migrant crisis. Unconscious as well as longstanding conflicts impact so-called current events. Most of the migrants are from Mexico and Central and South America, although clearly with the Biden-manipulated influx we also see cohorts of Chinese, Middle Eastern, and African migrants. This writer saw about 20 migrants from Bangladesh and Pakistan being interviewed as they trekked into their new life. The interviewer asked them how they got here, and to a man (they were all men) they said they had walked. The interviewer was incredulous and asked, From Pakistan?! How could you have walked from Pakistan? But the migrant stuck to his guns and answered with a straight face, Yes, we walked. The role of NGOs was not mentioned, nor flights, nor pocket money, nor meals, etc. etc. Tensions over our Southern border with Mexico extend back to the 19th century. Mexico actually invited Americans to come settle in what was then Mexican territory in what is today northeastern Texas. Sam Houston and various frontiersmen accepted Mexicos offer, but conflicts began and the Texas became independent of Mexico in 1836 which included the major defeat at San Jacinto of the Mexican forces led by Santa Ana by Houstons Texans. Texas became an independent Republic of Texas from 1836 to 1845. By 1844 President James Polk came into office and was committed to a doctrine of Manifest Destiny that promoted the idea that U.S. territory should expand dramatically across the continent beyond the vast territory that had been added by Jeffersons Louisiana Purchase. This ideological position was based on a vision of democratic ideals and rights-based political philosophy that were uniquely American being put in place throughout the North American continent. Manifest Destiny was not a mere power play ideology as leftists often portray it. The phrase Manifest Destiny, which emerged as the best-known expression of this mindset, first appeared in an editorial published in the July-August 1845 issue of The Democratic Review. In the editorial, the writer criticized the opposition that still lingered against the annexation of Texas, urging national unity on behalf of the fulfillment of our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions. Here the key word is not power but Providence. This word is now rarely used, but the founding fathers of the USA and others following them were fond of this word because it communicated a sense of God-wrought expansion of the principles of sound governance based on Biblical values that were the hallmark of our founding and success as a nation. The crisis between Mexico and the U.S. came to a head in 1846 when U.S. troops crossed the Nueces River into the land area between the Nueces and the Rio Grande. The USA claimed the Rio Grande was the boundary between Mexico and the USA while Mexico claimed the Nueces was. Thus, the crossing of the Nueces by U.S. troops was adjudged by Mexico to be an act of war and the Mexican-American war began. Mexico lost the war and about one-third of its territory was taken by the USA, including nearly all of present-day California, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. For this writer, the expansion of democratic political ideals claimed by Manifest Destiny actually pre-dates the 19th century and goes back to the adversarial relationship between Spain and England in the 16th century. That tension reached its climactic point during the reign of Elizabeth I. Plots were formed against her and after she supported the Dutch revolt against Spain, the opposition of Spain intensified. Spain directed its fleet (Armada) to attack England in 1588. Just after midnight on August 8, the English sent eight burning ships into the crowded harbor at Calais. The panicked Spanish ships were forced to cut their anchors and sail out to sea to avoid catching fire. The disorganized fleet, completely out of formation, was attacked by the English off Gravelines at dawn. In a decisive battle, the superior English guns won the day, and the devastated Armada was forced to retreat north to Scotland. The English navy pursued the Spanish as far as Scotland and then turned back for want of supplies. Battered by storms and suffering from a dire lack of supplies, the Armada sailed on a hard journey back to Spain around Scotland and Ireland. That defeat of the Spanish marked the ascendancy of England as a great power. Lastly, we should recall the Spanish-American War. Spain resisted the Cuban desire for independence, and this resistance threatened U.S. investments in Cuba at the end of the 19th century. In April 1898, Spain declared war on the U.S., but by December they had lost the war. Under the Treaty of Paris signed in December 1898, Spain renounced all claims to Cuba, ceded Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States, and transferred sovereignty over the Philippines to the United States for $20 million. If we look at our southern border conflict within this wider historical context of there being a longstanding conflict with, Spanish-speaking people and English-speakers, we see a deeper dimension of our so-called immigration crisis. Certainly, the Democrats are looking for more voters who are dependent upon government and will cling to their left-wing programs and superficial philosophy. However, their interest has a deep historical context. Our differences with the Spanish-speaking world are long-standing and real. Image: Currier & Ives The footage is beyond horrifying: a woman burning to death in a New York City subway car, her alleged killer calmly watching her die, indifferent to the human suffering he caused. This tragedy was soon followed by another harrowing incident: a man was shoved onto the subway tracks in an unprovoked attack, leaving him in critical condition. These arent just indictments of individual depravity theyre glaring symptoms of the larger rot afflicting New York and, indeed, the nation. This rot is fostered by the reckless policies of leaders like Governor Kathy Hochul and the Biden administration, who prioritize ideological posturing over the rule of law and public safety. The suspect in the horrific F train attack, according to reports, is an illegal alien. That fact alone should be enough to spark a national conversation about the consequences of sanctuary policies and the refusal to enforce immigration laws. But in todays political climate, will it? Or will it be waved away as yet another isolated incident, treated as an inconvenient anecdote for an ideology that grows more indefensible with each passing day? As someone who once marveled at the energy and resilience of New York, its devastating to see the city devolve into a dangerous free-for-all. Walking through its subway stations now feels less like experiencing the cultural heartbeat of America and more like bracing for the next headline-worthy tragedy. A Sanctuary for Lawlessness New York has proudly proclaimed itself a sanctuary for illegal aliens, shielding them from federal immigration enforcement and lavishing resources on them. Advocates insist that this approach is rooted in compassion, but the real-world results tell a different story. The floodgates have been thrown open not just to those seeking a better life, but to individuals whose intentions are far more sinister. By refusing to cooperate with federal authorities and actively obstructing the enforcement of immigration laws, New York has created a two-tiered system of justice: one where American citizens are held accountable for their actions while illegal immigrants enjoy de facto immunity. The result? Communities across the state are forced to bear the burden of policies that reward lawlessness and undermine public safety. This isnt compassion; its reckless malfeasance. And its human cost is mounting. Hochuls Tone-Deaf Victory Lap On the same day two subway riders were brutally stabbed in Queens one in the face, another in the chest and another passenger was barbarically burned alive, Governor Kathy Hochul posted on social media to congratulate herself for making subways safer. Her post, which featured a photo-op of her smiling with subway riders, landed like a slap in the face to New Yorkers reeling from these horrific events. Its hard to imagine a more oblivious and tone-deaf response from a leader. Crime and chaos are engulfing the citys transit system, yet Hochul continues to pose for selfies and celebrate hollow victories that do not address the root causes of this lawlessness. She touted security measures like deploying the National Guard and installing cameras, but what good is a camera after someone has been burned alive? These are surface-level solutions for problems that demand systemic changes. Cameras dont prevent crimes; they simply document the horrors. Worse still, the killing of a subway rider by fire on the F train marks a gruesome milestone: 11 murders in New York Citys subway system in 2024, the highest number in decades. According to The Atlantic, this alarming figure adds to the pervasive unease felt by New Yorkers during their daily commutes. Violent crime on a per-rider basis has also risen, leaving millions worried about whether they will be next. These statistics paint a stark contrast to Hochuls self-congratulatory messaging and expose the failures of her administrations approach. Whats worse, New York Citys trajectory is starting to mirror its darkest eras: the spiraling decline of the 1970s and the David Dinkins era, when rampant crime left residents paralyzed with fear. Hochuls response today feels eerily reminiscent of the pre-Giuliani years, when political leaders offered platitudes but no solutions. Back then, New York turned things around by embracing broken windows theory the idea that addressing small crimes prevents larger ones. But Hochuls administration has abandoned this lesson, allowing unchecked lawlessness to fester. Her timing has rightly drawn bipartisan criticism. Elected officials on both sides of the aisle have labeled her response as disconnected from reality. While Hochul focuses on optics, New Yorkers are left grappling with the reality of a transit system that feels increasingly unsafe. Washingtons Role in the Crisis Hochuls actions are merely an extension of the broader agenda emanating from Washington, where the Biden administration has treated border enforcement as optional. The federal governments refusal to enforce immigration laws has overwhelmed communities nationwide, but in a sanctuary state like New York, the effects are particularly acute. New Yorks sanctuary policies, layered on top of Washingtons inaction, have created a perfect storm. Millions of illegal crossings nationally, coupled with policies that shield individuals from deportation and prosecution, have left cities like New York withstanding the worst of these failures. In a densely populated metropolis where millions rely on public transit daily, the consequences are not theoretical; they are immediate and deadly. The crisis in New York serves as a cautionary tale for the nation. When federal leaders abdicate their responsibilities and local officials double down on ideological policies, the result is chaos that spreads beyond New Yorks borders. The sanctuary state model has created a revolving door of crime and lawlessness, leaving New Yorkers, and increasingly Americans in other urban centers, to suffer the consequences. The so-called compassionate policies that shield repeat offenders may be politically expedient for progressive leaders, but they do nothing to protect the law-abiding citizens who must navigate the aftermath. As New Yorkers struggle with these failures, Americans in other states are watching their own cities edge closer to the precipice. Washingtons refusal to act enables sanctuary policies to flourish, with repercussions that will ripple across the country until leaders prioritize safety and the enforcement of the law. A Path Forward New Yorkers have turned the tide before, and they can do it again but it will take more than surface-level fixes or political posturing. Broken windows theory worked because it addresses the root causes of decay and disorder, restoring confidence and reclaiming public spaces. That lesson must be relearned today. Ending sanctuary policies and enforcing immigration laws already on the books is a critical first step, but its not the last. Leaders must commit to systemic reforms that prioritize safety, accountability, and the rule of law. The F train tragedy and the recent assault of a man pushed onto the tracks are not just horrifying incidents; theyre wake-up calls. New York is spiraling toward another dark era, and only bold leadership can reverse course. If Hochul and her allies refuse to act, the people of New York must demand leaders who will. The stakes are too high to wait. Charlton Allen is an attorney and former chief executive officer and chief judicial officer of the North Carolina Industrial Commission. He is the founder and editor of The American Salient and the host of the Modern Federalist podcast. Image: Billie Grace Ward via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Government praising and celebrating evil? Im shocked, shocked I tell you! According to a new report from Ildefonso Ortiz and Brandon Darby at Breitbart, the mayor of a small Mexican town in the state of Michoacan is under investigation after some pretty unfortunate and damning videos emerged on social media in which local officials were seen honoring and applauding the generosity of cartel honcho El Mencho and his sons after they handed out hundreds of toys to local children. For context, El Mencho heads up the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Which Ortiz and Darby describe as hyperviolentan excerpt from Rolling Stone article details the violence below: In the first five months of 2017, the homicide rate [in Mexico] leapt another 30 percent. Thousands of these killings can be chalked up to CJNGs push for territory. Vast burial sites have been discovered in states where the cartel has been most aggressive, like Veracruz, which the state attorney general recently described as a giant grave; in Colima, where CJNG and Sinaloa spent last year fighting for supremacy, the murder rate more than tripled. [snip] Mencho has also displayed a savagery thats extreme even by narco standards. For the admittedly brutal Chapo, killing was a necessary part of business. For Mencho, it seems more like sadism as public spectacle. There have been mass killings, such as the 35 bound and tortured bodies dumped in the streets of Veracruz during evening rush hour in 2011. Two years later, CJNG operatives raped, killed and set fire to a 10-year-old girl whom they (mistakenly) believed was a rivals daughter. In 2015, CJNG assassins executed a man and his elementary-school-age son by detonating sticks of dynamite duct-taped to their bodies, laughing as they filmed the ghastly scene with their phones. This is ISIS stuff, says one DEA agent who has investigated the cartel. The manner in which they kill people, the sheer numbers its unparalleled even in Mexico. Considering the viciousness of El Mencho, earlier this month the U.S. State Department upped the reward for any information that would lead to the arrest and/or conviction of El Menchohes now got a $15 million bounty on his head. Now to be fair, the mayor probably wants to keep her headwe all know what happens to any official who dares to stand up to the criminality of the cartel. Yet, is it really that shocking to see a government praise and cheer what is evil? First of all, the obvious. Identifying differences between a criminal cartel and a government is a nearly-impossible task, and the two entities are cut from the same clothit makes sense theyre on the same ideological and moral page. Secondly, we see it all the time. Pride parades are almost always officially sanctioned; jurisdictions around the West, from big city on down to tiny town, recognize Pride month and fly the pervert banner on public property; Kamala Harris made it a point to campaign from an abortion mill during business hours in Minnesota where there are no gestational limits to protect babies, even at the ninth month of their in-utero life; Californias Scott Wiener is a regular attendant of the very gross and very obscene Folsom Street Fair; leading Democrats in Congress took a knee for a violent criminal who overdosed during an arrest; and legislators and officials hawk the sexual mutilation of children as gender-affirming care. The litany of offenses is essentially neverending. Image: Free image, Pixabay license. Happy Holidays, from New York City, again. #BREAKING: Police have charged 23 year old Kamel Hawkins with attempted m*rder after he pushed a random man in front of a NYC Subway train today The victim is currently in critical condition. Democrats OWN THIS. START TAKING CRIME SERIOUSLY! pic.twitter.com/9QQrsn33ZN Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 1, 2025 According to the Daily Mail: NEW YORK A man was critically injured Tuesday after police say someone pushed him in front of a train at a Manhattan subway station. It happened around 1:30 p.m. on the downtown platform at the 18th Street subway station in Chelsea. The disturbing incident was captured on video. Surveillance video obtained by CBS News New York shows the victim, a 45-year-old man, standing on the platform, looking down at his phone. Another man can be seen walking past him on the platform. He disappears for a minute, then is seen again standing behind the man a few feet away. With no apparent warning, he then pushes the 45-year-old onto the tracks just as a 1 train pulls in. Subway pushings are not new in New York, but incidents like these, and other atrocities, such as the crime of the woman who was set on fire in a New York subway shortly before Christmas, seem to be more frequent -- and more shocking as video from cell phones graphically show just what happened. Nicole Gelinas at the New York Post reports that 43 people were killed on the subway by random criminals as they went about their daily lives since March 2020. That figure wouldn't include this man, who actually survived the pushing with a broken skull and rib. They are shocking because they seem so unavoidable. In New York, subways are in enclosed spaces where you can't always get away on rides, making you vulnerable right there to predators. What's more, there's no practical way of getting around all the time through New York City's vast spaces unless you use that subway. For 3.6 million New Yorkers, they simply have to do it. Which raises questions as to why this incident happened. Not much is known about the attacker, whether he was here legally or not, but a couple other things stand out from the video: The opening sequences begins with two fare-jumpers leaping over the turnstile without consequences ahead of the masked third man already in the subway who did the pushing. It's not known from the video if the pusher was with them or not, but the point is obvious that small crimes like fare jumping are going unenforced. Obviously, if the little crimes are not enforced, the big ones will become more common and likely because the message sent is that no one cares. That's from James Q. Wilson's "broken windows theory" which was employed back in the 1990s by then-Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and his cop chief, Bernie Kerik, to make New York City safe, following a godawful period of "Fort Apache"-style crime and lawlessness, along with the rise of social service agencies. A subsequent mayor, radical left-wing Bill De Blasio, got rid of that enforcement and beefed up the NGOs. Net result: a sudden resurgence of callous, shocking crime. Two: New York doesn't enforce drug laws much. A lot of sudden-onset impulse crime, such as random assaults and subway pushings, are done by perpetrators on drugs, particularly marijuana, most of whom claim diminished capacity once they are picked up by the cops and charged after their crimes. We still don't know if this subway pusher was in that category, but let's just say the possibility of it can't be dismissed. Pot is a drug that triggers psychotic episodes in some users, studies show, yet taking these drugs is perfectly legal in New York. This is from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: It is legal for adults 21 and older to possess up to three ounces of cannabis and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis outside your home for personal use in New York. You are allowed to store up to five pounds of cannabis in your home. You can buy cannabis at adult-use or medical dispensaries licensed by the State Office of Cannabis Management. Licensed dispensaries post a New York State Licensed Cannabis Dispensary decal (PDF) on or near their main entrance. To find a licensed dispensary, visit the adult-use dispensary locator. What kind of crap is that? Did I just read: "You can buy?" Way down on the same page, the $1.6 billion agency admits that pot use can be dangerous, following its section on its "benefits": So the psychotic stuff is just one risk to take after all those benefits and availability notices with this substance being legal. They seem to think this is a risk-reward ratio worth having in tolerating pot use, and too bad about the people who pay the consequences. You can have legal pot, or you can have safe subways, but odds are good you can't have both. That, plus sanctuary laws that protect illegals who commit heinous crimes creates yet another problem that hits the subways particularly hard, particularly when they take drugs. The subway burner reportedly claims he was taking K-2, an illegal synthetic pot, which he obviously had no problem obtaining even as he supposedly lived in a rehab shelter. Nobody enforcing anything over at that place. And lastly, the accused perpetrator in the pushing attack seemed to be a career criminal, getting second, third, fourth, fifth and more chances by the system. Citing the New York Post, the Mail continued: According to the publication, Hawkins has a pending assault cases going through the courts. He was allegedly charged with assault in June 2019 after attacking a police officer, and was charged on October 12 for assault, harassment and possession of weapons. He ought to have been locked up for the first one, and left there, but that's not blue-city politics. It would have spared the victim the horrific attack and kept other criminals from getting ideas. Some wiseacres say that New York can solve its subway safety problem by doing what Singapore does, which is puts up glass barriers to prevent pushings. Given the older design of the New York subway, and the likelihood that potheads and other criminals will just kick the glass in, good luck with that. Much better to target the hearts and minds of those who would commit the crimes, because they will always find a way to do them. The latest pushing incident raises questions as to whether unenforced small crimes and pot use are worth tolerating given the consequences to many innocent riders. City officials, as it stands now, have no answers. Which makes me think New Yorkers must long for a new Giuliani, or might even take the old one, given the horrible specters now seen on the subways. At a minimum, ridership will go down with these incidents, and New York's MTA says it's already down to two-thirds of what it was prior to the last pandemic. The grotesqueness of what is happening now calls for some kind of solution. More guards, more barriers isn't going to do it. Addressing the drugs, petty crime, and sanctuary status of the city is a much more serious argument, which will take that hardest of things to come by in blue-city politics: political courage. Image: X video screen shot Joe Biden is known to be resentful and bitter, not just at being forced out of the presidential race only to see his designated successor lose to Donald Trump. He's been resentful for years, at President Obama making him a figure of fun during his administration, at Obama endorsing his rival in 2015, and at Obama famously telling him in 2019 "you don't have to do this, Joe," all the while, watching Obama remain popular with the left. Of course he's bitter. Now he's blowing up things as he prepares to leave office -- selling off border wall materials, launching regulations to ensure that bureaucrats cannot be fired or downsourced, throwing forward as many leftist judges as he can. His final insult, though -- enacting a plea deal that a court just ruled can't be undone -- with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two other flaming terrorists -- that spares the three of them the death penalty for those 2,975 murders that KSM's proudly pleading guilty to in exchange for the deal. He may also have secured therapy for his "torture" treatment in the early years of his detention dating from 2003, and a guarantee of no solitary confinement, always in the convivial company of his fellow terrorists for the rest of his spa-prison life. The New York Times described the babying they had expected with this list: The prisoners also sought a civilian-run program to treat sleep disorders, brain injuries, gastrointestinal damage or other health problems they attribute to the agencys brutal interrogation methods during their three to four years in C.I.A. custody before their transfer to Guantanamo Bay in 2006. Those were some of the plea-bargain terms thrown out there by Biden's designated leftist, a wokester DEI hire, former Army Brigadier General Susan Escallier, who knew she had nothing to lose as a temp hire from retirement if she wanted to go woke and let KSM off easy, giving him what he wanted. It's actually not known how many goodies that plea deal had in it because the Pentagon is not releasing the details. That tells us all we need to know. Sure, Biden said he was against the extra goodies after word got out. Then Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, after hearing the public outcry after the July plea deal was announced said he was surprised to hear about it, and relieved the already retired Escallier of command. (No such action to the clowns who started the plea process before her in 2022). But all of this points to culpable ignorance at best. It also points to Biden's likely pressure to get the matter resolved before he left office, as the Post noted. In reality, there should have been no plea deal. JAG advocates like Escallier shouldn't have had any authority to rule out the death penalty like it was some petty mugging murder case, all by herself with her woke cronies. A huge national enterprise was undertaken in the wake of the 2,975 death, and war was made on those who made war on us, with thousands of Americans giving their lives to get this dirtbag. He should have been dead years ago, and had U.S. troops not captured him, he might have been, internecine warfare among terrorists being what it is and the streets of Pakistan being what they are. The bottom line here is that this should not have been treated like the prosecution of a soldier who went AWOL, got drunk and peed in the sergean't canteen. No crime of this magnitude should ever be subject to a plea deal. The blood, toil and sacrifice of thousand of Americans in his post-terror years has been reduced to nearly nothing. The New York Post called it Biden's "final screw you" to America. That's on Biden, the final stain on his sleazy legacy. Image: Wikimedia Commons, via Picryl // public domain Coalition for the Homeless outreach worker, Kris Donaldson, talks with Carrie Campbell of Houston in Midtown during the annual national point-in-time count of the homeless on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024 in Houston, TX. Sharon Steinmann The number of homeless people in America grew by 18% since last year, setting a record high of 771,480 individuals, according to a federal report released Friday. Instead of bringing us all together in common cause, this news closed out a tumultuous election year with more partisan finger-pointing. Add this to President [Joe] Bidens regrettable legacies, though its notable that progressive states accounted for most of the increase, writes the editorial board of the Wall Street Journal in a piece titled The Blue State Homeless Boom. True enough, states led by Democrats saw the biggest spikes. Higher housing costs compared with red states are one culprit. In addition, the data has a number of quirks and shortcomings because it was collected by local governments and nonprofits for the annual point-in-time count in January 2024. Understanding the national debate, our local data and emerging trends takes patience -- and an open mind. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Borders, buses and addiction The most recent point-in-time count captures a specific moment when immigration policy was in flux. Gov. Greg Abbott's buses had delivered nearly 40,000 people to New York, which at that point guaranteed a right to shelter. As a result, the Big Apple's homeless numbers surged, but crossings were already dropping rapidly and Biden later clamped down on asylum seekers at the border. Migrant encounters have plummeted and New York is phasing out the use of hotels as shelters. Meanwhile, in Texas, migrants typically dont seek refuge in shelters, at least not in large numbers or over extended periods of time. SEARCH Homeless Services outreach workers LaVoy Darden, center, and Torey Handy, talk with homeless people in Midtown during the annual national point-in-time count of homeless people on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024 in Houston, TX. Sharon Steinmann Texas also comes out a hero in the Wall Street Journal editorial when it comes to the unsheltered homeless, because of our prosecution of drug possession and public disorderly conduct as a lever to induce addicts and the mentally ill into treatment as an alternative to jail. THE WAY HOME: Read the special editorial series on homelessness in Houston Advertisement Article continues below this ad The irony is that Houston has long been considered the model for implementing a progressive housing first strategy, which doesnt require homeless people to prove they are sober or employed before getting a subsidized apartment along with services such as drug counseling. Never mind that this policy, which conservatives often deem a failure based on outcomes in other states, first got federal backing during the George W. Bush administration. Dallas, Austin and San Antonio are now doing their level best to emulate Houstons focus on permanent supportive housing, so whatever is working in Texas cant be attributed to tough red-state policies alone. Over at the American Enterprise Institute, a center-right think tank, Kevin Corinth gets the lesson right from our blue-and-red, polka-dot pragmatism: A combination of increased pressure to move off the street and more effective shelter and housing options once individuals come indoors is likely needed. Debra Kimber, 72, stands next to her belongings in Tranquillity Park in Downtown Houston, TX on December 12, 2024. Sharon Steinmann Is Houston really a model? For Houstonians driving by tents under highways and walking by encampments on downtown streets, the idea that were some sort of national model for reducing homelessness may come as a surprise. When we informed Debra Kimber of that fact, the 72-year-old woman evicted from her home and sleeping in Tranquillity Park near City Hall responded with a deadpan, yippee. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Can we trust these homeless numbers in the first place? Well, they are flawed and, at this point, the January data is old. But the point-in-time data is the best weve got. Amber, 40, and her children, Emily, 4, and Dawson, 17, take shelter on the porch of a friend during a downpour north of Harris County on October 31, 2024. The family has been homeless since Hurricane Beryl damaged their camper in July. Sharon Steinmann We know we're not counting everybody, said Catherine Troisi, a professor and epidemiologist at UTHealth who independently reviews Houstons data. She told us that timing the count in January works well in the north because homeless people tend to seek shelter in the cold and are easier to count. In contrast, January rains may have depressed numbers in Houston, driving people to more hidden spots. But Troisi told us Wednesday that by keeping the method consistent year after year, we're fairly confident that we are detecting trends. That trend shows a nearly 60% drop from 2011 to 2016, and then a mostly steady state since. Khena Minor, far right, an outreach worker with Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County, talks with Brandy Maher, 47, on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, in Conroe, TX. Minor was part of a team speaking with homeless people during the annual point-in-time count. Sharon Steinmann Any attempt at counting people without addresses across over 3,000 square miles of Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties is inherently imperfect. Especially when many homeless people deliberately stay out of sight to avoid fines, harassment or losing custody of a child. Even so, the 450 volunteers who conduct the survey most of them staff at homeless service providers make their best effort. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The volunteers are hindered, though, by an overly strict definition of homelessness that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines require them to use. It doesnt include people who are couch surfing, staying in motels or doubled up with another family. Houston Independent School District uses a broader definition and reports that 7,250 of its students are homeless more than double the point-in-time count that includes kids and adults. Despite the limitations, we have found in our extensive reporting no evidence of a deliberate attempt to cook the numbers for the sake of fundraising or other motives. On the contrary, outreach workers such as Molly Permenter, who was once homeless herself, have inspired us with their dedication. Sheri Macek, 52, talks with Molly Permenter, an outreach worker from the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County at the intersection of State Highway 288 and Almeda-Genoa in Houston, TX on July 13, 2023. Sharon Steinmann Emerging trends in Houston While New York's numbers could look better in the January 2025 count, it may go the opposite direction. We've run out of COVID relief funds that paid for an expanded rapid rehousing program and new federal housing vouchers have been paused. Our vaunted system of moving people from the streets into apartments is gummed up. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Most concerning is that, nationally, families with children experiencing homelessness jumped 39%, among the largest increases of any group. That could be a harbinger of whats happening now in Houston. We interviewed a mother who lived with her two kids in her pickup. She asked us only to use her first name, Amber. We believe families like hers could be underrepresented in Houstons survey, in part because shelters are often at capacity and turn people away. Unsheltered homeless parents are often afraid of child protective services and afraid to talk. Will the January 2025 point-in-time count reach them? We fear not. Data from the United Way of Greater Houstons 211 helpline shows an alarming increase in housing insecurity. Requests for transitional housing or shelter are up by 45% in 2024 compared with 2023. Tina Hatcher, Executive Director of Hope Impacts in Katy, TX, left, talks with an unhoused woman her organization is helping in Katy, TX during the annual Point in Time count on Wednesday January 24, 2024. Sharon Steinmann The incoming White House should act quickly by funding new housing vouchers. We dont mind if President-elect Donald Trump puts his signature on them with thick Sharpie markers, as he did on checks during the pandemic, as long as he helps the desperate folks weve met many of them Trump supporters. UPDATED 1530 EST: Not only can we confirm that this was definitely Islamic terrorism, but we know that this was meant to be a devastating terror attack involving several actors and intended to cause hundreds of deaths throughout the French Quarter: Guns and pipe bombs were also found in the vehicle, according to a Louisiana State Police intelligence bulletin obtained by The Associated Press. The devices, which were concealed within coolers, were wired for remote detonation, the bulletin said, and a corresponding remote control was discovered inside the vehicle. The FBI said other potential explosive devices were also located in the French Quarter. According to the intelligence bulletin, surveillance footage captured three men and a woman placing one of multiple improvised explosive devices. I should add that, as a Jewish person, I am always incredibly cautious about targeting a specific religious group and suggesting that it is a danger to society. Having said that, the Nazis scapegoated the Jews simply for being, fusing together ancient European antisemitism and modern European socialism. Jews were either insular (leave me alone, and Ill leave you alone) or extremely well and happily assimilated. Those who were communists were no better or worse than non-Jewish communists. Im sorry to say that its different with Islam. Islams entire principle, as Mohamed himself articulated and history proves, is to create a worldwide caliphate through violent conquest. In our era, Muslims have repeatedly shown themselves anxious to engage in mass slaughter across the world, including in Islamic countries against the wrong types of Muslims. Islam is incompatible with Western values and the American Constitution. The problem for the West now is whether it is possible to separate the wheat from the chaff -- that is, the truly assimilated Muslims from the dangerous ones. As the video of Jabbar, below, shows, there was no way to tell by looking at or listening to him that he was not assimilated. (Jabbar, incidentally, was a Democrat.) We must figure this out quickly, or the Western world will be over in our childrens lifetimes...or maybe ours. ******** Its a New Year, and the Muslim world is on the march across the West. Its becoming increasingly clear that the mass murder in New Orleans earlier today, while people were still celebrating New Years Eve, was an ISIS terrorist attack, although thats not yet confirmed. Meanwhile, what is confirmed is that Muslims went on the rampage in Belgium and Germany. The West is running out of time to put the evil Muslim genii back in the box before were all praying to Mecca. First, New Orleans. In the wee hours of the morning, a man in a white pickup truck drove into a crowd of revelers in New Orleans French Quarter. He then jumped out of the truck and opened fire, using weapons that had been reported stolen in New Jersey. When he was done, ten 15 people were dead, and dozens were injured. The police shot the killer at the scene. His truck, when searched, contained explosive devices. The FBI, via a spokesperson with a nose ring (the FBI used to be known for its conservative, spit-and-polish look), immediately denied that what happened was a terrorist attack: ADMIN POST. It appears USA "authorities" are as cowardly as Europe's. Listen as the FBI describe the clear terrorist attack by someone driving a truck into crowds, with what appears to be an ISIS flag flying from it, before shooting masses, an "event", multiple times. pic.twitter.com/kCy06bMQHG Tommy Robinson (@TRobinsonNewEra) January 1, 2025 Of course, everyone assumed the FBI was lying, especially because someone had gone to great efforts to hide from view a flag on the killers trucka flag that, even folded up, looked exactly like an ISIS flag: Of course....it wasn't just a "BLACK FLAG" if u look anyone can see it was a ISIS flag with the Arabic Writing on it. Yes, it's apparently blown around or upside down, but the last letter is clearly shown here...and in full version u can see it again pic.twitter.com/pEkk2HEMYn 100% PROUD MAGAT LOVE USA+1 TRUE PRESIDENT DJT! (@Gary99625591) January 1, 2025 The cynics who doubted the FBI seemingly were right. Reports are flooding in that the killer was Shamsud Din Jabbar, the kind of name weve come to associate with Islamic terrorist attacks. X, which tends to get things first (although not always right), thinks it knows who this mass murderer was. Its alleged that he was an American-born of immigrant to Pakistani parents and that he served in the U.S. Army (just like the Fort Hood murderer, another American-born Islamist who served in the U.S. Army). BREAKING: Shamsud Din Jabbar, 43, named as the terrorist behind the New Orleans car ramming. He is alleged to be an army vet and was reportedly found with body armor and an ISIS flag. Globalize the Intifada isnt a trendy sloganits a violent, growing threat on our pic.twitter.com/dRYbJ2qYuV StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) January 1, 2025 This video might be the Jabbar who engaged in the massacre, although there may be another 40-something Shamsud-Din Jabbar in Houston who served in the U.S. military, so please dont jump to conclusions: Im sure well get more information, including the usual statement from those who know the killer that he was a good person but having mental health problems. You know...a lone wolf who just happened to be Muslim and engage in an ISIS-style terrorist attack. Meanwhile, in Europe, Muslims celebrated the New Year by going on wild rampages. In Belgium, home to some of the greatest medieval Christian art and architecture in Europe, Muslims violently attacked police in Brussels (home to the EU), Antwerp, and Ghent (click on the tweet to read the whole thing): More New Year's Eve Enrichment! New Years Eve in Brussels turned into a scene of chaos, as immigrant thugs torched cars, scooters, and shared bicycles. Meanwhile, in Antwerp and Ghent, similar criminals armed themselves with heavy fireworks, using them as weapons against the pic.twitter.com/gzgKn5HOal Amy Mek (@AmyMek) January 1, 2025 Islam is Belgiums second-largest religion. While nobody knows exactly how many Muslims are in the country because religious censuses are forbidden, estimates range from 4% to 7.6% of the total Belgian population. My guess is that the numbers are much, much higher and they include both immigrants and converts. (Young Europeans, faced with the leftist nihilism that replaced Christianity, find meaning in Islam.) Naturally, these Muslims arent living in the countryside. They are concentrated in the cities...such as Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. However, in 2005long before Angela Merkel invited the Muslim world into Europe, a Muslim writer for the leftist Brookings Institute guesstimated that Muslims made up 20% of Brussels population. If that was the number in 2005, it must be closer to 30% now. Germany fared no better on New Years Eve. Once again, Amy Mek reports, and you should read her entire tweet: Berlin Burns: The Lefts Deliberate Sabotage of Germany This New Years Eve, Berlin wasnt celebratingit was under siege. Alexanderplatz and Reinickendorf erupted into chaos, with migrant gangs turning the streets into war zones. Fires raged, bottles smashed against police pic.twitter.com/0xCR68uJfb Amy Mek (@AmyMek) January 1, 2025 A guess is that 10% of Berlins population is Muslim, but no one really knows because, as in France, the government is careful not to keep count. Again, I suspect that the numbers are actually much higher. When Muslims reach 10% of the population, they tend to increase lawlessness as a means of complaint about their conditions... At around 20%, nations can expect hair-trigger rioting, jihad militia formations, sporadic killings, and the burnings of Christian churches and Jewish synagogues... By 40%, things get really rough, with widespread massacres, chronic terror attacks, and ongoing militia warfare... Europe is on the edge of a complete Islamic takeover. Indeed, 2025 may be the continents last chance to retain its millennia-long non-Muslim identity. (Same goes for the UK.) With European women refusing to have babies and Muslim women having them in volume, time is running out. And here in America, Donald Trump had better act and act fast to put Islam back in the box. Image: X screen grab. It appears the incoming White House chief-of-staff Susie Wiles is on the job ensuring the well-being of members of the Trump team. According to a memo obtained by the New York Post, Wiles instructed Trumps nominees who are up for Senate confirmation to refrain from social media use: 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 Accordingly, all intended nominees should refrain from any public social media posts without prior approval of the incoming White House counsel. Some of Trumps cabinet picks have been subjected to smears and attacks by the Democrats, and their propaganda wing that masquerades as the mainstream media. The New York Post, citing a member of the Trump transition team, revealed that this Wiles memo wasnt issued in response to the recent social media chaos over H-1B visas involving Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) chairs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy and some Trump supporters. This move by Susie Wiles is reminiscent of a headmistress demanding order and discipline from her students ahead of an important school event. Lets dig deeper. Social media has been largely a boon for free speech absolutists and those keen to learn the unvarnished facts. But it can also be an absolute bane. Social media firms usually offer their services for free, which means they earn their profit due to user engagement. The algorithms are hence designed to keep the user on the platform for as long as possible. Prolonged use of social media can cause a series of problems ranging from damage to eyesight to psychological harm. Social media doesnt always reflect public opinion. PR firms can be hired to push trends, and users assume it is the opinion of the general public; how often do we make spurious claims and defend gullibility with, But I read it on social media! Social media can also increase division and boost the creation of echo chambers because people tend to follow those with whom they are in absolute agreement. The formation of these online tribes causes people to attempt to outdo each other to prove their loyalty to the cause and to seek attention. Opinions are stripped of nuance and presented superficially, and people purposefully post content that will cause outrage because it increases engagement, and in some cases boosts subscriptions. This is the means of livelihood for social media influencers and they easily stoop to any extent for attention and revenue. They could lie, engage in hoaxes, or make the most outrageous claims just to cause a viral moment that causes infamy or notoriety, but certainly boosts revenue. This behavior usually incurs the wrath and disdain of regular people. But what we are witnessing in recent times is many people in power have adopted the social media influencer behavior. We see politicians use social media not to communicate with voters but to carefully craft an image that impresses voters. During hearings, they engage in theatrics, knowing that clips will be circulated on social media. They appear on television and put on a show to impress their voters, irrespective of whether it is factual. They even make reels like influencers and engage in stunts to impress voters: Being a politician has been reduced to a performative art. The likes of AOC are absolute masters of this deception. For Trump nominees, this is a tough phase; they are relentlessly subjected to smears based on falsehoods. Pete Hegseth has been called a womanizer and a drunkard, Tulsi Gabbard was branded a Russian asset, and RFK Jr. was called a dangerous conspiracy theorist who will cause ruin. Democrat operatives on social media will attempt to trigger these nominees on social media to elicit a response. Perhaps their rage gets the better of some nominees, and they end up making claims that will eventually hurt them. This is another drawback of social mediathe internet never forgets. When an individual is addressing a large gathering, one is aware of the people and the possible impact. But posting on social media is a private experience; one can post from the privacy of ones home, even in ones bathtub, without comprehending the damage it causes. At times a thought isnt fully formed, and one posts content based on instinct, or in a heated moment following an attack that one regrets later. Quite often people have suffered due to foolish and needless social media posts. Hence mandated restraint at this point is good. One wonders why this wasn't enforced sooner. Let the nominees mount their defense where it matters during Senate hearings. It may be a good idea for all Trump administration personnel to practice restraint on social media during Trumps tenure. There needs to be a disciplined and coordinated effort by members to push Trumps message, reflect his record, and counter D.C. and media falsehoods. The last thing President Trump needs is needless hassles from attention-seeking social media influencers on his team. Image: Public domain. About 200 kilometers north of the spectacular Iguazu Falls, along the border between Brazil and Paraguay, was another natural wonder even more spectacular than the Iguazu. The so called Guaira Falls or Seven Falls (Sete Quedas in Portuguese) was a series of 18 immense waterfalls on the Parana River located at a point where the river was forced through a narrow gorge. At the head of the falls, the river narrowed abruptly from a width of about 380 meters to 60 meters, creating one of the most powerful waterfalls on earth with a flow rate twice that of the Niagara Falls. The churning water created a deafening noise that could be heard from 30 km away. For many year, it was a tourist attraction and a favourite among the locals, until 1982 when the Brazilian military blew away the rocks over which the water fell to create a reservoir for the newly constructed Itaipu Dam. Photo credit The Itaipu Dam is the largest operating hydroelectric plant in terms of annual energy generation, generating close to 100 TWh of power each year, that accounts for 75% of the electricity consumed by Paraguay and 17% of that consumed by Brazil. To build such a massive dam some sacrifices had to be made, and one of them was to flood the Guaira Falls. Months before the great flood, thousands of tourists flocked to the area to see the falls for the last time. When a group of enthusiastic tourists walked over a poorly maintained suspended footbridge, it collapsed under the weight resulting in the death of 80 people. As the waters began to rise, hundreds of people gathered to participate in a guarup, an indigenous ritual in memory of the falls. The inundation took only 14 days, occurring during the rainy season when the level of the Parana River was high. By October 27, 1982, the reservoir was fully formed and the falls had vanished. The Brazilian government later dynamited the submerged rock face of the falls, to promote safer navigation on the river. The director of the company that built the dam, later issued a statement saying, "We're not destroying Seven Falls. We're just going to transfer it to Itaipu Dam, whose spillway will be a substitute for [the falls'] beauty". Also see: Lake Reschensee and the Drowned Village of Graun and The Thousand Island Lake and Ancient Submerged Cities Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit Guaira Falls, after the are was flooded. Photo credit Sources: Wikipedia / Newtown News / Britannica Every so often, interesting new patents emerge from big tech companies. Even though not all of them become commercial products, they do show what the biggest names in the industry are working on. Now, a new Microsoft patent hints at the potential return of the Surface Duo lineup. Remember the Surface Duo series? They were smartphones with a unique foldable design based on two screens joined by a hinge. The devices were designed with productivity in mind, integrating Microsofts suite of proprietary apps. They even offered support for the Surface Slim Pen 2 stylus. Microsoft patents hinge for foldable phones like the Surface Duo Microsofts new patent describes a hinge design that could be ideal for foldable smartphones. However, it could also work for laptops, according to the document. More specifically, the filing says it can be implemented in computing devices that include first and second device portions that are coupled at a hinge assembly too. This means that the new hinge might show up on both a foldable Surface phone and a foldable Surface laptop. The patented design differs from what the industry has seen thus far. The company is getting rid of the common water drop hinge that is found on most foldable devices today. The name of this type of mechanism is due to the fact that the flexible screen forms a water drop right at the folding point. This approach helps to improve the durability of the screen and reduce the crease. Microsoft envisions foldable screens that move Instead, Microsoft is betting on a hinge design based on subassembly sections. The whole set of sections can bend and slide so that the foldable screen can move. Microsoft claims that this design guarantees greater durability and thinner foldable devices. While foldable laptops can also incorporate the hinge, it appears more appropriate for devices with smaller form factors. The Surface Duos return is unknown, but this patent suggests one technology Microsoft may use. There were many reasons why the first Duo devices didnt work out, including its high price. Only time will tell if the Redmond giant plans to enter the smartphone segment again. Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community collected hundreds of bags of litter in towns and cities across the UK as part of an annual New Year clean-up. More than 1,700 people took part in the event organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA), in major UK cities including London, Glasgow, Liverpool and Manchester. The organisation hosts several community service projects throughout the year, including tree planting, fundraising, blood donations and street cleaning. Imam Adeel Shah said more than 1,700 people took part in the clean-up (Imam Adeel Shah/ PA) Imam Adeel Shah, who led the community litter pick in east Hampshire, said a number of non-Muslims also joined in. Its not only limited to just members of the Ahmadiyya community, Imam Shah told the PA news agency. If the general public, if the locals, want to join as well, theyre more than welcome to. Imam Shah, who is involved in leading worship at the largest mosque in western Europe Baitul Futuh mosque in Morden, south London is one of an estimated 30,000 Ahmadiyya Muslims based in the UK. He said despite some of the difficulties his community faced during the riots in the summer of 2024, they remain committed to unity and service. Even after the riots earlier last year, we never lost hope, we never stopped giving back. Were all going to stand together always. Thats the kind of sentiment and community cohesion that we are trying to replicate across the UK. A team of volunteers in east Hampshire on New Years Days morning (Imam Adeel Shah/PA) In recent times, some voices have wrongly suggested that Islam is incompatible with British values, said Abdul Quddus Arif, AMYA UKs national president. The New Year Street Clean-Up is just one example of the initiatives the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association has been organising for over a decade to serve the community and country we proudly call home. From street clean-ups to various charitable efforts, our youth are committed to giving back. Over the past two years alone, our volunteers have dedicated more than 57,000 hours to serving people across the nation. Additionally, we have raised over 84 million for British charities and donated more than 4.6 million meals to those in needfurther demonstrating our commitment to the welfare of our fellow citizens. Author M.T. Zimny was pretty confused when she got a text from her mother-in-law. Zimny was driving home from a visit when her mother-in-law asked her an important question: had she seen her chocolate Lab, Finn? Of course not right? Well unfortunately the woman was in for a big surprise. Zimny was a whole 30 minutes into her drive home when she got the text. And boy oh boy was it a doozy. The woman shared the story on her TikTok page and had people in the comments section in pure suspense. Related: Chocolate Lab Completely Unbothered by Broken Leg Is the Definition Of a Good Boy "I was like, there's no way her dog is in my car because he's a chocolate Lab and I loaded the Goldens myself," she explained in the clip. "I would know if there was a chocolate Lab in my car." But she checked it out just to "be safe." And well you know what happened next. Finn had planned himself a little sleepover. Sadly he didn't run it by his mama first. "Finn is a good, sneaky boy, and now he gets to keep me company during late night writing sessions for the next few days," she wrote in the caption. Anyone who has nieces and nephews has been there. Although it's not everyday that your dog plans a visit without his humans being in the loop. Which is why people in the comments section were cracking up. "Awww. He forgot to tell you that he was not done playing," joked one person. "They made the cousin sleepover happen!" another commenter teased. "When kids make plans without informing the parents," chimed in someone else. "Golden's whispering to Finn on the way home, 'Just stay quiet a little longer and she'll have to let you sleepover,'" agreed one commenter. Most Mischievous Dog Breeds Finn has some explaining to do when he gets home. But some dogs are just a little more sneaky than others. Like Beagles! These pups were originally bred as hunting dogs, which means they have a strong sense of smell that can get them into trouble. Welsh Pembroke Corgis are another misbehaving breed. These guys might be small, but they really can do a lot of damage in a tiny package. Despite their beauty, Shiba Inu dogs can be sort of destructive when left alone for too long. Watch your shoes! Similarly Border Collies can cause some real chaos when they get bored. So make sure to keep them mentally stimulated or else things will go wrong. It shouldn't be a surprise that Finn stowed away because Labrador Retrievers also make the list. Luckily no real harm was done. Although we're sure that Zimny will always check the car for a chocolate Lab hiding in the back. 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. Man arrested after New Year revellers injured by hit-and-run driver A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after a hit-and-run incident in which two New Year revellers were injured. Metropolitan Police officers were called to the junction of Regents Park Road and Primrose Hill in north London short after midnight, following reports of a vehicle crashing into a pedestrian. The driver failed to stop and made off along Primrose Hill Road where a second pedestrian was struck. Police confirmed a 21-year-old man suffered minor injuries that did not require medical treatment. The second pedestrian, a 59-year-old man, was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital where his injuries were assessed as non-life-changing. A 40-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, causing grievous bodily harm and possession of controlled drugs. A police spokesman said officers located the vehicle a short distance away at the junction of Primrose Hill Road and King Henrys Road. They also confirmed the incident is not being treated as terror-related. Nearly 200 Royal Navy sailors were recalled to their ship on Christmas Day to deploy to shadow Russian warships for 500 miles in the North Sea and through the English Channel. The crew of frigate HMS Somerset set sail on Friday December 27, to keep a watch on the corvette RFS Soobrazitelny and two support vessels, MV Sparta II and MV General Skobelev. The Russian ships remained in international waters until December 31 when Somerset finished shadowing them. Sailors of the Royal Navy were recalled to HMS Somerset (right) to shadow Russian corvette RFS Soobrazitelny (left) and ro-ro transporter/support ship MV Sparta II (centre) for 500 miles in the North Sea and through the English Channel (Royal Navy/PA) HMS Somersets commanding officer, Commander Joel Roberts, said: As the UK is an island nation, at all times of the year the Royal Navy maintains units at very high readiness to conduct operations in support of the UKs national objectives. Maintaining maritime security, demonstrating an assertive presence, ensuring compliance with maritime law, and deterring malign activity in our territorial and adjacent waters are essential components of our maritime strategy and crucial to our national interests. Warrant Officer Stephen Doyle, the frigates executive warrant officer, said: Despite being recalled on Christmas day, HMS Somersets crew spun up at short notice for operational tasking in a swift and professional manner. Personnel returned from leave from all parts of the UK; although returning during this period is always emotional, the requirement for the tasking was understood by all onboard. Support from our families remains a key factor in allowing the sailors to perform at the highest level. A Merlin Mk 2 aircraft at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, Cornwall (Ben Birchall/PA) Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said: I would like to thank the crew of HMS Somerset for their dedication after readying themselves for action at short notice during the Christmas period, and promptly setting sail from Devonport to keep the UK safe. All the sailors involved are testament to the professionalism of the UK Armed Forces, with thousands more sailors, soldiers, and aviators keeping us secure at home and strong abroad, throughout the year. A Royal Navy spokesman said: With conditions in the Channel and North Sea foggy, aside from visually monitoring the Russian ships progress, HMS Somerset used her extensive suite of hi-tech sensors to follow the trio for more than 500 miles. When the weather has cleared, the ships Merlin helicopter, provided by 814 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall, became airborne to support the monitoring mission and also capture imagery of both the Russian vessels and HMS Somersets shadowing operation. It explains that the forecast offers information on wind direction, wind speed, precipitation and visibility - Gareth Fuller/PA The BBC has produced a beginners guide to the Shipping Forecast to help listeners decode what it means 100 years since it began broadcasting the programme. The half-hour programme features Caroline Nicholls, a Radio 4 continuity announcer, explaining the format and its meteorological references. It marks the centenary of the maritime forecast and prompted Jonny Dymond, presenting the Today programme, to joke that the guide was perhaps 100 years too late. Paddy OConnell, presenter of the guide, said: It is a code, and I ignored it for years and only really understood it for a programme that I made recently, so Im new to it. The 100-year celebration on Radio 4 also featured Ruth Jones, writer and star of Gavin and Stacey, reading the forecast, alongside Sir Stephen Fry and actor Adrian Dunbar, who explained why they find it such a soothing listen. Last year, the reading of the Shipping Forecast was decreased from four times a day to twice. However, Katy Hubbard, head of presentation for Radio 4, reassured listeners that the broadcast remains an important part of the schedule. She said: Im happy to say that there is still a huge amount of affection for The Ships from all around the world. It is part of our identity and The Ships will continue to be moored in the Radio 4 harbour for a long time to come. The guide explains that the forecast divides the waters around the British Isles into 31 areas, starting at Viking, to the north between Scotland and Norway, and finishing at South East Iceland. The information provided covers wind direction, wind speed, precipitation and visibility. The guide explains that the forecast divides the waters around the British Isles into 31 areas, starting at Viking and finishing at South East Iceland - Emoscopes Each forecast is 350 or 370 words in length, but the late-night edition is longer, to accommodate the additional sea area of Trafalgar. The programme, available on BBC Sounds, also traces the history of forecasting, with the Royal Charter Gale in 1859 a tragedy that cost hundreds of lives, including 450 people aboard the Royal Charter ship off the coast of Anglesey and demonstrated the need for storm warnings. The first iteration of the Shipping Forecast was broadcast in 1925. The grainy picture of Sheila Fox, released in a West Midlands police appeal, led to her being found after 52 years. Photograph: West Midlands police A woman who went missing 52 years ago has been found alive and well after police released a grainy photograph as part of an appeal, solving one of Britains longest-running missing person cases. Sheila Fox, now 68, disappeared from Coventry in 1972 when she was 16. At the time, West Midlands police said she had been living with her parents and could have been in a relationship with a man. Officers said they were keeping an open mind, believing she may have moved out of the area. On Sunday, West Midlands police launched a fresh appeal to help find Fox, releasing a photograph of her from around the time of her disappearance on their website and social media. Within hours of it going out, members of the public had got in touch with information, and on Wednesday police officers confirmed that Fox was alive and well. They said she was living in another part of the country. A police spokesperson said: We are delighted to announce the conclusion of one of West Midlands polices longest-running missing person investigations. A single photo of Sheila from around the time of her disappearance was found by officers investigating and published on our website and social media. Within hours of the appeal, members of the public got in touch with information which led the team to her. DS Jenna Shaw, from the cold case investigation team, said: We searched through every piece of evidence we could find and managed to locate a photo of Sheila. We are a small team of officers and Id like to recognise the work of DC Shaun Reeve, who managed to resolve this case with help from the public. Every missing person has a story, and their families and friends deserve to know what happened to them and, hopefully, be reunited with them. Students pass by a memorial that was created outside Milby High School for Sergio Rodriguez, 15, on Thursday December 12, 2024 in Houston, TX. Rodriguez was struck and killed by a train around 7:30 a.m. near campus on Monday December 9, 2024. Sharon Steinmann Mere hours after a teen boy was struck and killed by a train on his way to Milby High School, Sylvia Garcia, the longtime congresswoman representing the area, says she found herself in a tense phone conversation with Union Pacifics president. Garcia demanded a meeting in person, in Houston, in the community where 15-year-old Sergio Rodriguezs life had been violently extinguished, where hundreds of schoolchildren routinely risk life and limb to bypass stalled or slow-moving trains blocking their paths to and from school. Tower 26, pictured on November 23, 2022, is described as the busiest rail junction in Houston, TX by Christof Spieler, vice president and director of planning at Huitt-Zollars. Spieler is also a senior lecturer at Rice University, he teaches transportation to both architecture and engineering students. Sharon Steinmann A man hurries to collect his belongings as a slow moving train approaches the junction at Tower 26 on November 23, 2022. The location near downtown is described as the busiest rail junction in Houston, TX by Christof Spieler, vice president and director of planning at Huitt-Zollars. Sharon Steinmann A memorial that was created outside Milby High School for Sergio Rodriguez, 15, continues to grow on Thursday December 12, 2024 in Houston, TX. Rodriguez was struck and killed by a train around 7:30 a.m. near campus on Monday December 9, 2024. Sharon Steinmann At some point, Garcia recalled in an interview with this editorial board Monday, she must have raised her voice, prompting what she described as a flash of condescension from UP President Beth Whited. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She said I was being too emotional and I needed to calm down, Garcia recalled. I said of course Im emotional. Theres a kid who got killed. Who wouldnt be emotional? Perhaps the president of a $6 billion railroad company headquartered 900 miles away in Omaha, Nebraska who is trying to grow an already 27% net profit margin? U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia speaks during a Railroad Town Hall on February 23, 2023 at McReynolds Middle School in Houston, TX. Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Amit Bose is pictured at center. Sharon Steinmann A Union Pacific spokesperson said that Whited disagreed with the congresswoman's characterization of the conversation and maintained that Whited had actually said it was an "emotional situation." Certainly, Garcia's emotion when she talks about the tragedy stands in stark contrast to the resigned silence of some of Texas other leaders in Washington. Where are the vows of action from U.S. Senators John Cornyn or Ted Cruz, who serves as ranking member on an influential committee overseeing rail? Even U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Richmond, who, to his credit, has called for eliminating as many potentially deadly grade crossings as possible where Advertisement Article continues below this ad rail and roadways meet, offered up no solutions after Sergios death. In the end, Whited did come to Houston to meet, not with Garcia, but with Mayor John Whitmire. Her company did agree to stop sending trains past Milby around arrival and dismissal times and to "collaborate on long-term solutions and additional rail safety outreach efforts." Various school and elected officials made other promises: a pedestrian bridge or two, train safety education, perhaps even hundreds of millions more in state funding to address congested rail crossings across Texas. The promises matter, but theyre woefully inadequate in a vast state with more than 9,000 at-grade crossings, of which 700 are in Houston alone. McReynolds Middle School students make a run for it to get past a train as they walk home from school on October 22, 2022. The school is about 300 feet from a busy section of tracks close to the Union Pacific Englewood Yard in Houstons Fifth Ward. Sharon Steinmann Building one bridge near Milby does nothing to mitigate the daily dangers of thousands of other schoolchildren at Houston ISDs more than 118 campuses built near rail crossings. The kids at McReynolds Middle School, only 300 feet from train tracks, have been begging UP for a bridge for years, as we documented in a video project earlier this year. In fact, confusing these recent minor concessions with real progress may actually impede the fundamental change thats needed in Houston, and frankly, across the nation, in communities that are obstructed and imperiled by trains growing ever longer in the pursuit of corporate profits and a railroad industry seemingly impervious to regulation and accountability at any level. We cant get sucked into saying oh great, youre going to give us a bridge, and pat ourselves on the back and move on, Garcia says. We cant let them appease us with one little piece. We dont need less emotion or concern around Sergios death. We need more. Our communitys loss shouldnt just be another statistic chalked up to the cost of doing business. It should not end up, for instance, like the largely forgotten tragedy in Leggett, just north of Houston, where paramedics risked their own lives responding to a mothers 911 call in 2021, crawling between the cars of a train known to block the road for hours, to get to 11-week-old K-Twon, who had inexplicably stopped breathing. It was too late. The baby boy died later at a hospital. These tragedies should be wake-up calls about the daily risks our city, our region, our state and our nation face from trains. McReynolds Middle School students are blocked by a train as they walk home from school on October 22, 2022. The school is about 300 feet from a busy section of tracks close to the Union Pacific Englewood Yard in Houstons Fifth Ward. Sharon Steinmann Blocked crossings have long been a major obstruction to American motorists, a financial hardship to nearby businesses and a life-threatening risk to patients and fire victims whose rescues are delayed when first responders are blocked by stalled or slow-moving trains. In Houston, fire trucks and ambulances are blocked about 100 times per month, totaling more than 1,100 times this year, according to Fire Chief Thomas Munoz. Yes, there are some workarounds and Houston is experimenting with sensor technology that alerts first responders of passing trains but we need solutions that keep pace with the problem, which is only growing. Texas leads the nation in reports of blocked crossings, according to data from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Houston alone saw more than 5,300 reports this past year, compared with more than 300 in Chicago and around 30 in Los Angeles. And blockages are almost certainly severely underreported since Union Pacific encourages motorists to call its own private number whose data is not released and the FRA refuses to improve access to reporting tools beyond a cumbersome website that few know about. Still, we encourage people to use it: https://www.fra.dot.gov/blockedcrossings/ Federal funding is flowing to address safety issues, but while grants are being sought locally for bridges and grade separations, sporadic efforts arent terribly organized or successful. Union Pacifics newsletter pointed out recently that Chicagos Cook County has 67 percent more grade-separated crossings than Houstons Harris County, which has the most rail crossings than any other part of UPs 32,000-mile network. As local principals and firefighters have told us, we need more than Band-Aid fixes to address a blockage problem thats only getting worse as trains get longer and more frequent. ProPublica has documented how the rail industry is getting richer even as its monster trains some stretching two and even three miles long are hampering communities and derailing while regulators do little to address the risk. Advertisement Article continues below this ad How can this be? The railroad industry enjoys three privileges that few others can boast: a nostalgic legacy (theres a locomotive on Houstons city seal), a powerful lobby (A New York Times analysis found that U.S. railroads and the Association of American Railroads have spent about $454 million on federal lobbying over two decades), and a vexing legal confusion over who can regulate it. Tower 26, pictured on November 23, 2022, is described as the busiest rail junction in Houston, TX by Christof Spieler, vice president and director of planning at Huitt-Zollars. Spieler is also a senior lecturer at Rice University, he teaches transportation to both architecture and engineering students. Sharon Steinmann A mix of lobbying and election year politics last year helped sink even the popular, bipartisan, Donald Trump-endorsed Railway Safety Act that Republican Sen. JD Vance and Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown pushed passionately to address some of the causes and toxic aftermath of a derailment devastating East Palestine, Ohio. Garcia, the Texas congresswoman, says Browns office at one point agreed to add some provisions of a bill she was carrying to curb train blockages. Does the bill have another chance now that Vance will be able to cast a tie-breaking Senate vote as Trumps vice president? Not so fast. Republican majority leader John Thune is a former railroad lobbyist who has taken hundreds of thousands of dollars from the industry. And Trumps pick for the Federal Railroad Administration? David Fink, former Pan Am Railways president whom financial analysts have already declared a positive for railroad stocks. The legal situation is perhaps even more bleak. Regulating the railroad has always been a fraught issue. Federal railroad officials lack the authority (or the will) to take meaningful action. State rail safety legislation has been proposed in Texas but passage is doubtful and the outcome of court challenges would be uncertain given rulings striking down other states attempted regulations, including of train lengths, due to supposed federal jurisdiction. In 2022, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxon joined 17 other states top lawyers in urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an Ohio case they hoped would end a regulatory void by affirming states ability to address blocked crossings and other aspects of rail safety. The high court declined. That leaves Congress among the few avenues for real relief. Advertisement Article continues below this ad U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia speaks during a Railroad Town Hall on February 23, 2023 at McReynolds Middle School in Houston, TX. Sharon Steinmann And that gets us back to Congresswoman Garcia, whose "emotional" commitment to protecting the schoolchildren in her district is only one of her many tools. She has deep relationships and knowledge of the railroad and its battles in Houston, some of which she has fought in her long career of public service as a county commissioner, state senator and now U.S. representative. She plans to refile her anti-blocking bill that previously went nowhere but certainly now deserves urgent attention from her colleagues. It would allow for penalties for train blockages that exceed a certain amount of time. She also plans to propose something like a "school zone" that would encompass rail crossings within 2 miles of campuses to protect students who live too close to qualify for bus transportation and often must walk. Similar to how motorists are subject to stricter rules and lower posted speeds around schools, Garcia wants a federal law requiring crossing guards, better lighting and signage to protect kids. Will she have the bipartisan support she needs? Cruzs office didnt respond to our inquiry but Cornyns did. A spokesperson said Cornyn would be willing to review Garcias proposals once they're introduced and would be open to working in a bipartisan way to address the issue next Congress. Thats a start. We need others to commit to the same. We need more than that. We need a true turning point. We need a true paradigm shift where our leaders stop throwing up their hands and start rolling up their sleeves. We need a true coordinated effort at all levels federal, state and local to address the many safety risks posed by trains in our communities. Garcias ideas for a train caucus and safety summit sound good to us. Yes, trains are vital for fueling our economy and delivering products we need in our daily lives. But the same can be said for 18-wheelers, Amazon trucks, airplanes and shipping vessels. Our leaders and regulators diligently try to ensure their safety and minimize their harm and negative impacts on communities. Railroads require the same diligence. Sergio deserved the same diligence. Thousands of Houston schoolchildren and residents still do. No cargo is more precious than a human life. Leila de Lima will run in the midterm elections in May 2025 for the new Mamamayang Liberal party, which promises to champion the rights of marginalised groups. Photograph: Bullit Marquez/AP Leila de Lima, one of fiercest critics of the former Philippine president Rodrigo Dutertes bloody war on drugs who was jailed for more than six years on baseless charges, will try to return to politics in 2025. De Lima was one of the few politicians who criticised Duterte during his time in office, and enraged the former leader when she began investigating killings carried out during his anti-drugs crackdowns. She knew to expect retaliation, she said. I thought it would just be regular vilification, the slut-shaming, the verbal attacks, she said. She did not anticipate that she would spend more than six and a half years in prison. Finally free, and vindicated by the courts in the summer, she hopes to return to national politics next year and will run as the lead party list nominee of Mamamayang Liberal, a new party formed as a wing of the once-ruling Liberal party, in midterm elections in May 2025. The party promises to champion the rights of marginalised groups, including fishers, farmers, women, youth, the poorest communities in cities, and LGBTQ+ people. De Lima said she remained committed to ensuring justice for victims of the war on drugs. Its been more than seven years already, and justice for them has been so elusive, she said of victims families. As many as 30,000 people, mostly men, are estimated to have been killed during the crackdowns. Duterte, who was succeeded as president by Ferdinand Marcos Jr in 2022, is facing growing scrutiny over his anti-drug campaigns. He is the subject of an investigation by the international criminal court and inquiries by the Philippines congress. The ICC investigation, into possible crimes against humanity, was already at its advanced stage, De Lima said, adding that an arrest warrant could be issued imminently. I knew that eventually, truth would prevail, and that is what is happening now, she said. Witnesses are coming out, not any more scared, telling the people, telling their testimony, what they knew about Dutertes war on drugs. Duterte is not worried about domestic investigations, she added. He feels that he could still influence them, pressure them, or even scare them. He knows he cannot influence the ICC. De Lima, 65, was elected to the senate in 2016 the same year Duterte won the presidential vote after promising a deadly crackdown to rid the streets of drugs. He promised to kill so many criminals that funeral parlours would be packed. When De Lima, who was then chair of the Senate committee on justice and human rights, began an inquiry into the killings, Duterte accused her of being an immoral woman who had a very sordid personal and official life. He accused her of facilitating the drugs trade and receiving payments from drug lords while she was justice secretary. He also accused her driver of collecting drug payoffs and to have a sex tape of the two of them. At a rally of his supporters, he said if he were her he would hang himself. De Lima was removed as chair of the committee investigating the drugs war and arrested in 2017. They wanted to make an example out of me so that the other politicians, other public figures, would be scared, said De Lima. In prison she continued her senate work, handwriting notes for her staff who set up a mobile office in a car outside the prison. She kept a strict routine: prayers and bible reading, senate work, feeding stray prison cats (she adopted five upon her release), walking around the perimeter of the compound, reading and journal writing. De Limas siblings never told their 92-year-old mother that she had been imprisoned, and instead said she was studying abroad. Every time my mom is watching the TV, if its already the news time, they would change channels, she said. Witnesses that testified against her have since recanted their statements, with some saying they were pressured to falsely implicate her. The last of the three charges against her, which were all drugs-related and condemned by UN experts as politically motivated, was dropped in June. Whether or not Duterte is prosecuted by the ICC depends on Marcos. In 2022, Marcos ran on a joint ticket with the former leaders daughter, vice-president Sara Duterte, and always said he would not cooperate with the ICC. But there is speculation he could change his mind, as the two families are now embroiled in a fierce political war. Over recent months, Sara Duterte has launched scathing attacks on Marcos, threatening to dig up the remains of his dictator father and throw them into the sea, and she claiming she had spoken to a hitman and instructed him to kill Marcos and his wife if she were to be killed. The violent language typical of her fathers political brand is understood as an attempt shore up support among their base before next years midterms. Rodrigo Duterte will run to become mayor of Davao, their familys stronghold on the southern island of Mindanao. They know that their influence is diminishing, said De Lima. They are struggling to survive politically and in the power play [with the Marcos camp]. There is speculation she will run for president in 2028, though her approval ratings have fallen. De Lima called Sara Duterte a dangerous leader who is becoming increasingly like her father. She is backing one of three petitions calling for her impeachment over issues including allegations related to misuse of public funds and threats against public officials. Whether this progresses will depend on how much support it receives from the House of Representatives. Marcos has advised against impeachment. But De Lima is hopeful that he will comply with the ICC if it seeks Rodrigo Dutertes arrest. Marcos is reluctant to openly commit to doing so now, given the popularity of his rivals, she said. But in time she expects this will change: I think deep inside of him, thats what they want. Thats the best way to get rid of Mr Duterte. Firefighters on their way to tackle a wildfire in Ano Loutro, near Xylokastro in Corinthia, Greece, in September 2024. Photograph: Vassilis Psomas/EPA A former EU environment commissioner has warned against backsliding on the protection of nature and the battle against the climate crisis after the bloc decided to delay its landmark deforestation law. Virginijus Sinkevicius, the Lithuanian MEP and a vice-president of the European parliaments Green group, said he disagreed with the decision to amend the deforestation law in order to give companies a year of extra time to ensure their products are not implicated in the felling of trees. Every EU law is born through a very difficult negotiation where everyone needs to give ground a bit, he told the Guardian. A last-minute change does not give credibility to the EUs decision-making. Sinkevicius, who was EU environment commissioner for nearly five years until July, was responsible for drafting the legislation, which will ban the sale in the EU of commodities linked to deforestation such as cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil and rubber, as well as products, including chocolate, leather and furniture. Last month, the EU agreed a one-year delay to the lawafter intensive lobbying from industry and forested countries around the world. Sinkevicius said problems with implementing the law could have been tackled with a grace period, rather than reopening negotiations between EU lawmakers. That additional year was a bit of a reward to those who did not try hard enough in order to comply with the legislation, he said. Some of the biggest companies, he said, were waiting for the law to apply, because it brings fair competition. He said businesses that were trying to avoid deforestation faced additional costs, against competitors that would cut corners on nature protection and yet be on the same shelf in the shop. In 2023, 6.37m hectares of forests worldwide were lost to cattle raising, crop growing, mining, road building or devastating fires among other causes, according to the Forest Declaration Assessment. Sinkevicius was speaking at the start of a new five-year term for the EU institutions, with growing pressure to roll back elements of the green agenda. MEPs in the European parliament, which has a record number of far-right lawmakers, have proposed cancelling the 2035 ban on selling petrol and diesel cars, as well as suspending pollution trading (a CO 2 reduction strategy) for heavy industry. Speaking in general about green policies, Sinkevicius said it would be the biggest possible mistake to now shift to reverse gear, adding that the clean industrial deal promised by the new commission in its first 100 days would be an important first test of how we see our economy of the future. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, has pledged a clean industrial deal for competitive industries and quality jobs although details remain sparse. Sinkevicius was the EUs youngest ever commissioner when he took charge of EU policy on environment, fisheries and oceans in 2019, aged 28. Protecting nature was always an uphill battle, he said, as business sees fewer opportunities in conserving soil, forests, seas and oceans than investing in clean energy. But he expressed confidence that the new commission had not forgotten nature protection, despite the headline focus on Europes lagging economy. During his time in office, von der Leyen scrapped the ambition to halve pesticide use by 2030, after angry protests by farmers. Sinkevicius said he had always been critical of that target, which he described as overkill. He contended the 50% reduction target was unfair on member states that had already reduced pesticide use: When I have to cut 50% from a very little amount, thats going to be painful while I see that my neighbour is cutting 50% from 20 times bigger [starting point]. And that was a big issue. And therefore I was suggesting that we need to find more tailor-made solutions. The draft pesticides law, in fact, accounted for differences in historic use of pesticides by setting national targets, requiring different efforts, underneath the headline 50% reduction goal for the EU. Asked for clarification, an aide to the MEP said he stood by his earlier remarks. As a former European commissioner, who was required to put aside his party affiliation, Sinkevicius said he hoped to be a bridge between the Greens and other mainstream pro-EU groups in the European parliament, the centre-right European Peoples party, the Socialists and the centrist Renew group. He acknowledged the Greens could be isolated if the centre-right chose to look further right for allies, but said: If you want a truly pro-European coalition, the Greens is your answer because we are stable, we are reliable. priest A priest who was fired because he wanted to work from home was unfairly dismissed by his diocese. Father Stavros Bozos told bosses he should not have to go to work because the church computer was at his home and the commute would be a waste of time, an employment tribunal heard. It was told that during the pandemic, the orthodox priest of 18 years had not fulfilled his duties after he refused to conduct services for feasts on days other than Sundays when Covid lockdown restrictions were lifted. After being uncooperative and defensive in meetings where concerns were raised, he was eventually sacked. Despite finding Fr Bozos had been evasive when challenged and reluctant to make himself available for parishioners, he won his claim of unfair dismissal. The judge said his sacking was justified, but still awarded him more than 2,200 in compensation because no dismissal procedure was followed. The Leeds tribunal was told he worked at the citys Three Hierarchs Orthodox Church having moved over from Greece in 2018, until his dismissal in 2022. It was heard Fr Bozos responsibilities in his role for the Greek Orthodox Community included providing spiritual and pastoral care, being registrar for weddings, baptisms and funerals, and conducting church services during the week and on Sundays. However, when giving evidence he implied it was his decision as the priest to decide when services were to be carried out. It was heard that after lockdown restrictions were lifted, Fr Bozos was not fulfilling the duties that were expected of him, particularly by failing to provide regular catechism at the Greek school. Controlling and uncooperative Fr Bozos claimed he had not been present at the church because the community computer was at his house, it would be exhausting for him and it would put a strain on his family with the commute stopping him working some hours. He did not accept the requirement to spend more time at the church in order to be readily available for parishioners. In a further January 2022 meeting, more concerns were raised of him being controlling and uncooperative but he presented a report dismissing their complaints. Giving evidence, the priest claimed complaints including not conducting services for feasts on days other than Sundays were not credible because there was no statistical evidence. However, the tribunal heard he did not provide divine liturgy classes between January and March 2022, despite the issue having been raised with him. It was heard he even made efforts to restrict his parishioners access to him by limiting unplanned face to face contact. As a result, by March 2022, the diocese concluded the relationship with him had deteriorated to the point they felt he could not continue in post. The tribunal heard the diocese wanted a divorce preferably with consent but was prepared for an acrimonious one. Having effectively made up their collective mind to sack him, the archbishop informed Fr Bozos of this in May 2022. However, the priest then took to social media to announce his ousting. Of the 600-membership parish, 32 signed a petition calling for a meeting to discuss his position. Obdurate and evasive Rejecting his claims of wrongful dismissal, employment judge Hannah Bright said the deterioration between Fr Bozos and his employer was so significant it could only result in a total rupture of the relationship. She ruled church services and other events should have taken place at times that were most convenient to the community rather than solely to suit the priest or at his convenience. The judge said he had been obdurate and evasive when challenged and had been reluctant to make himself available for parishioners. However, he won his claim of unfair dismissal because the diocese genuinely did not understand he was technically their employee due to the unusual arrangement between the Greek Church and the British-based charity. The community conceded no proper dismissal procedure was followed because of this. As a result, he was awarded 2,232 in compensation. Makani founders Nourin Abubaker and Yara Ourfali. Photograph: Makani Amany Killawi made a breakup playlist every time she was dumped, three in all. The playlists, which feature songs such as Gotyes Somebody That I Used to Know and Apologize by OneRepublic, would make good soundtracks to romantic splits, but thats not what they were. The playlists came together after Killawi was told by three different banks and payment processors they would no longer work with LaunchGood, the crowdfunding platform for the Muslim community she co-founded. Stripe said its banking partner instructed the company to cut ties with LaunchGood after five years of working with the crowdfunding platform. Stripe also told the company it couldnt be associated with any international humanitarian work in sanctioned jurisdictions like Syria a prerequisite for a crowdfunding platform that caters to the Muslim community. Another bank told the company there were too many Muslim and Arabic names and figuring out if those names belonged to sanctioned individuals was difficult. People dont realize Muhammad is the most sanctioned name, Killawi, who was the chief operating officer at LaunchGood, said. With each dismissal, it felt like LaunchGood was on the brink of collapse. If you cant accept payments, you cant exist as a company, she said. There were few existing options that gave Killawi and her co-founders the stability and reliability they sought. So they did what a growing number of Muslim founders have done since: create their own solution. To mitigate the impact on the business if and when another bank decided to stop working with LaunchGood, Killawi and her co-founders Chris Blauvelt and Omar Hamid made the decision to establish a network of payment providers and banks to work with. Their hope was that there would no longer be one point of failure that could tank their business. When they were dumped by a bank, which continued to happen over the years, they had several backups. Now, more than 10 years since its founding, LaunchGood has become a household name and has enabled its largely Muslim user base to raise nearly $700m. While the platform also hosts personal fundraisers, LaunchGood is better known for its emphasis on charitable giving and has enabled its users to set up an automated donation for every day of the holy month of Ramadan. It has become the primary gateway for many during Ramadan, during which many Muslims donate to charities on a daily basis. The sites rise and the challenges it has faced are not an anomaly. The halal consumer market, which includes halal food, financial services and other goods and services that cater to Muslims, has grown to an estimated $2tn globally, according to research and advisory firm Dinar Standard. Yet a 2022 study conducted by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) found that Muslims were more likely than other faith groups to have their accounts at banks and other US financial institutions closed, investigated or otherwise challenged, with businesses effectively denying themselves access to Muslim customers. Thats why Killawi has stepped away from her day-to-day responsibilities as chief operating officer of LaunchGood to start a sister company, a payments processor called PayGood in 2024. She hopes to provide for Muslim businesses and charities what LaunchGoods team had to hack together for themselves: a reliable payment system that doesnt discriminate. At some point it felt so existential. Can you even survive if you dont have financial access in this world? Amany Killawi When [my co-founders and I] started out 11 years ago, we just wanted to build community, Killawi said. We never thought wed have to become compliance experts. At some point it felt so existential. Can you even survive if you dont have financial access in this world? While LaunchGood was among the early entrants into the largely untapped Muslim-friendly tech space, its sister company is part of a growing class of tech and software companies that aim to cater to Muslims in the US, Canada and the UK. But what it means to be a Muslim-friendly business has started to shift since the 7 October attack by Hamas. Targeting Muslim consumers has always meant, to some degree, aligning with the ethics and values of the Muslim community whether that was providing a halal-friendly dating app, interest-free loans or modest clothes. Now, this new crop of players that provide Muslim-friendly technology are also either overtly or implicitly working to address a growing demand among its intended customers: make it easier to stop contributing to Israels oppression of Palestinians. What happened in Gaza this past year hit a very different nerve, Killawi said. Palestine is an evergreen issue for Muslims, but the level and scale of destruction of this past year was unlike any other. It accelerated this overall Islamic ecosystem and economy. Theres a new consciousness of people saying: Let me really make sure I vote with my dollars. Even PayGood, which is still in beta, has begun to emerge as an alternative to major payments processors such as Stripe and PayPal as Muslims navigate whether these existing platforms align with their values. PayPal stopped provided services to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza in 2021. Muslim and pro-Palestinian founders have begun to question the leadership at Stripe. In late November, Stripe CEO Patrick Collison posted a picture from Tel Aviv a move many took as tacit approval of the Israeli government and its actions. In the weeks since then, Killawi said she has had at least 20 calls with founders looking for a simple payments solution and alternative. This is the most Ive seen the Muslim community draw a line. Theyre saying: I want to put my money where my mouth is, Killawi said. They feel ethically very conflicted. People just want to switch over to a product that aligns with their values. The official movement to end international support for Israels occupation of the West Bank and siege of Gaza, called Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS), is nearly 20 years old. But in this past year, more Muslims took up the cause of spending their money in accordance with that movement. More companies are answering the communitys call for BDS-safe alternatives, and boycotting the major brands on the official BDS list is beginning to feel sustainable. The growing appetite for considered consumption is in part what inspired Adil Abbuthalha to start Boycat. In its current form, the app allows people to scan or search for brands to determine whether they have any ties to or involvement in activities that support Israeli occupation, apartheid or violate Palestinian rights. Abbuthalha has also launched a website that suggests alternatives to those brands when possible. Ultimately, Abbuthalha hopes the app will become the primary ethical alternatives marketplace, not just for issues relating to Palestine but all human rights violations. To empower someone to make the right decision and vote with their wallet, we need to create a BDS-like tool that not only tells you what to avoid, it also tells you what to spend your money on instead, Abbuthalha said. We want to make ethical shopping effortless. Without alternatives, divesting from companies that profit from Israels occupation is difficult. Yet when Nourin Abubaker and Yara Ourfali started a home-swapping platform called Makani Homes less than a year ago, they didnt set out to create a pro-Palestinian alternative to Airbnb. They wanted to give Muslims more options that accommodated the communitys often shared preferences such as alcohol- or pork-free homes or homes with bidets. But the duo launched the platform at a time when many Muslims were looking to rely less on Airbnb after it reversed a ban on renting homes that were illegally built in the occupied West Bank. As of 2020, Airbnb had 200 listings in the West Bank, according to Amnesty International, which urged the company to stop benefiting from illegal settlements built on stolen Palestinian land. As Makani has expanded its offerings, the founders have become more comfortable positioning the app as a means to spend less money on companies that operate in the West Bank. The site, which until now exclusively offered its users the ability to swap homes, just launched a home rental service much like Airbnbs. The company also organizes Muslim-friendly experiences. Our whole purpose is to let people know that just because companies exist and theyre huge doesnt mean that you always have to give your money to them Nourin Abubaker Boycotting just got easier, the subject line of a recent email introducing the companys rental services read. The email goes on to talk about supporting a community-driven business instead of a major travel corporation that has listings in the occupied territories. Our whole purpose is to let people know that just because companies exist and theyre huge doesnt mean that you always have to give your money to them, Abubaker said. Back in 2013, Killawi and her co-founders struggled to raise money to start LaunchGood. At the time, she says, few people were willing to take a bet on the Muslim community and even fewer on a Muslim-focused crowdfunding platform. In the years since then, investors have increasingly recognized the financial opportunity in backing Muslim-focused businesses. In 2017, a halal dating app, Muzz, became the first ever Muslim-centric app to be backed by Y Combinator. The halal investment platform Wahed has raised nearly $95m and was last valued at $300m. These companies have in many ways paved the path for startups such as Boycat and Makani, enabling a much less hostile fundraising environment for a Muslim-run company. And in the last year, as more in tech have become more active around the cause of Palestine, an infrastructure for pro-Palestinian companies has also materialized. Paul Biggar, who was kicked off the board of a company he founded after writing a pro-Palestinian blogpost, started an incubator called Tech for Palestine that aims to provide support for companies that are advocating in some way for Palestinian freedom. As of November, the incubator was supporting 36 projects including Boycat. While Tech for Palestine differs from a traditional incubator in some ways it doesnt provide funding at the moment and not all the companies it supports are startups those running it provide startup-like advice focused on how to advance the goal of supporting the pro-Palestinian movement, Biggar said. Were trying to address the complicity of the tech industry in various different ways, Biggar said. The theme of everything were doing is supporting Palestine, either indirectly or directly. Being outwardly pro-Palestinian has still presented some challenges. Abbuthalha said the vast majority of venture capital firms wont go near Boycat, though it boasts a good deal of momentum. The app surpassed a million users in less than a year and has partnered with the official BDS movement. Despite the challenges Muslim-run and pro-Palestinian companies face, Killawi remains bullish about businesses that cater to the Muslim community. The time is now, she said. Its a lot easier to get things started today than when we first started. Just start small, its worth taking a bet on this community. Sir Keir Starmers approval ratings have plummeted since taking office - Oli Scarff/Getty Labour has lost five times as many council seats as it has won since the general election, analysis has found. Six months since winning a historic landslide on July 4, the party lost 33 council seats in by-elections across England, Scotland and Wales, and gained only six. The Tories, meanwhile, gained a net 24 seats, in a marked reversal of both parties fortunes at the general election. Reform has made a net gain of seven seats, while the Lib Dems and Greens have each added two to their tally. The swing against Labour has increased in recent months, according to the figures compiled by Baron Hayward, the veteran pollster, indicating that the party is becoming less and less popular. The Tory peer said the scale of antipathy towards the Government was quite abnormal at such an early stage, with barely any honeymoon period to speak of. It will serve as a warning to Sir Keir Starmer after a tumultuous start to his tenure in Downing Street, in which he has caused uproar by slashing benefits for millions of pensioners and hiking taxes on farmers and businesses. His approval ratings have plummeted since taking office, with a recent survey suggesting he was more unpopular after five months in No 10 than any other premier since the late 1970s. Last week, a poll by the More in Common think tank found that Labour would lose almost 200 of the seats it won in July if an election were to be held now. According to Lord Haywards analysis, there were 176 council by-elections between July 5 and December 19, of which Labour contested 151. Of these, Sir Keirs party lost 33 council seats it had held, roughly 21 per cent of the total it contested. It gained six from other parties, meaning overall it was 27 seats down. Lord Hayward said an unusually low turnout suggested Labours losses could be put down to its supporters staying at home, having been put off by Sir Keirs first few months in No 10. The peer told The Telegraph: They have turned on Labour already, primarily in not turning out to vote, and therefore allowing particularly the Conservatives to gain seats. He said Labour had experienced its worst set of results since the Budget, when the Chancellor raised taxes by 40 billion, indicating a marked disapproval, adding: This is very important in terms of being able to see the public mood. Initially, Labours vote went down at the first few by-elections after the general election, but it was probably [people thinking] Well, lets wait and see. What has been striking is that as the year has gone on the swing against Labour has increased, and the most recent by-elections have shown the biggest swings the ones since the Budget. So there does now seem to be a marked disapproval of the Labour Party. This shows up in by-elections all over the country. As weeks have gone on, the Labour Party has become less and less popular, and it is quite abnormal that the antipathy towards the Government is so great. Normally, theres a honeymoon period. The honeymoon period for this Government lasted a few days. Lord Hayward said the Tories were expected to suffer a painful defeat at the local elections in May, with the partys fortunes having plummeted dramatically since the seats were last contested in 2021 a bounce year for the Conservatives. However, while he urged caution when predicting future elections, he said voters seem to be turning so strongly against Labour that the Tories may well do better than expected. He pointed out that a number of the recent by-elections have taken place in council seats vacated by new intake of Labour MPs, suggesting there has been a collapse in support in areas that should be safe Labour territory. In local elections in May, the turnout is normally about 35-40 per cent. In these by-elections in November, December, the turnout has been below 20 per cent in many cases. So it appears as if voters are just abstaining at the moment, he said. But the people who are abstaining most are Labour supporters. Because when you think about it, these people who have become MPs, they were councillors, theyre sitting in safe Labour council seats. But people are just not turning out, and theyre losing seats all over the place. Lord Hayward said the Labour leadership should be concerned by the figures, adding: They say theyve taken the tough decisions, but the indications from these by-elections are that people do not like what theyre seeing, but will need a lot of convincing in the future that the decisions were right and that they were warranted. A Labour spokesman said: This Labour Government inherited unprecedented challenges from the Conservatives, with crumbling public services and crippled public finances with the Tories 22 billion black hole. In the short six months since the election weve already begun fixing the foundations and delivering change. Theres still much more to do in 2025, and the Government remains committed to delivering our Plan for Change to rebuild Britain and deliver growth. A woman was also set on fire in a subway train this month. Photograph: Deccio Serrano/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock A man waiting for the subway in Manhattan was pushed in front of an oncoming train on Tuesday afternoon, but survived with injuries to his leg and head, according to the New York police department. The apparent attack comes less than two weeks after a woman died after being set on fire on a stationary train in New York, an act of violence that horrified the city. In the new incident on Tuesday, which was captured on video, a man approached another man, and pushed him from behind onto the subway track, just as a southbound train was pulling into the station at around 1.35pm ET, a police department spokesperson said. The incident happened at the 18th Street subway station in the Chelsea neighborhood in the heart of Manhattan, several blocks west of Union Square. Related: New York subway killing suspect charged with first-degree murder The police have one man in custody who is a person of interest in the incident, but have not yet filed charges, NYPD spokesperson Austin Glickman said. The man who was pushed in front of the train was transported to Bellevue hospital in critical, but stable, condition. He is 45, the Associated Press reported. The power on the southbound line of the station was shut off for about an hour to facilitate the rescue of the man who had been pushed, and the investigation into what had happened, according to a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Service was fully restored on the line by 4pm ET, the spokesperson said. The woman who was set on fire earlier this month was identified on Tuesday as 57-year-old Debrina Kawam, of Toms River, New Jersey. The suspect in the murder, Sebastian Zapeta, has been charged with first-degree murder. Prosecutors allege Zapeta on the morning of 22 December set the womans clothing on fire and fanned the flames using a shirt while she was asleep on a Brooklyn F train. The suspect reportedly told authorities he did not know what had happened. Personal safety in the subways is generally comparable to safety in the city as a whole. But life-threatening crimes such as stabbings and shoves spread alarm about the trains that have carried more than 1 billion riders over the course of this year. Police figures show major crimes on subways were down this year through November, compared with the same period last year, but killings rose from five to nine. A person died in March after being shoved in front of a subway train in East Harlem. The Associated Press contributed reporting The drugs trade in prisons is so lucrative that gangs are headhunting highly skilled drone pilots from the non-criminal world to ferry their cargo. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian Prisons will need more money to combat the rapid rise in drones delivering drugs, the head of an influential Commons committee has said, as figures showed the number of aerial incursions predicted to have tripled in two years. A freedom of information request by the Guardian found there were 1,296 drone incidents at prisons in England and Wales in the 10 months to the end of October 2024, a tenfold increase since 2020. The Labour chair of the Commons justice committee, Andy Slaughter, said the figures should set alarm bells ringing about prison security. We wouldnt be having these increases in incidents if the Prison Service was on top of it. Clearly they are playing catch up, he said. Its particularly galling that organised crime and whoever is operating the drones are effectively steps ahead of the people who are supposed to be keeping prisons secure. With an average of about 130 drone incidents a month, the number of incursions is expected to have increased to more than 1,550 by the end of 2024 more than triple the 478 incidents in 2022. Given that many drone deliveries happen at night under the cover of darkness, the true figure is believed to be far higher. HM chief inspector of prisons, Charlie Taylor, said last month that the surge in the use of large unmanned aerial vehicles was his number one concern and had increased the possibility that firearms would be used to settle turf wars or in attempts to escape. A recent report by Taylors inspectors into HMP Garth, near Leyland in Lancashire, said so many drones were flying to the prison at night to deliver contraband to cell windows that an inmate had compared it to an airport. The drugs trade in prisons is so lucrative that gangs are headhunting highly skilled drone pilots from the non-criminal world to ferry their cargo to cell windows. The more sophisticated drones, worth several thousand pounds, are about a metre wide and equipped with thermal imaging, allowing them to transport several kilogrammes of illicit goods under the cover of darkness. The scale of aerial deliveries continued to grow in 2024 despite laws introduced last January that made it a criminal offence to fly drones within 400 metres of any closed prison or young offender institution in England and Wales. Drone operators that break the rules could face fines of up to 2,500, while those found smuggling illicit items face up to 10 years in prison. Some prisons have introduced counter-drone technology to detect when unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are nearby, but few if any are thought to actively block the devices from approaching. The crumbling state of many prisons has made it easier to make often-brazen deliveries to cells, where inmates use broomsticks and other devices to fish in contraband through easily breached windows. The cross-party Commons justice committee launched an inquiry last month into tackling drugs in prisons, with one area of focus the sharp increase in drone deliveries. Slaughter described the incursions as a pretty fundamental breach of security that would need more money to fix. Theres going to be cost to it, whether that comes out of the increased maintenance budgets or whether it has to come from other means, he said. It would be a shame if youre diverting funds from other things such as rehabilitation, staffing, conditions and maintenance generally in prisons, because they are in an appalling state. But before you do anything else, you have to make sure that your prisoners are secure and so this is going to have to be a priority. Slaughter said his inquiry would examine whether sophisticated technology such as signal blockers, which would prevent drones from entering prison airspace, could be used. Within a short period of time we have to have a solution. You do feel that prisons, as so often, are a Cinderella service, and if this was an issue as it has been around an airport or a military facility it would be dealt with, he said. A government spokesperson said: The availability of drugs and other illicit items in prisons is evidence of the crisis in our prisons that the new government inherited. We are working with the police to deter, detect and disrupt the growing illegal use of drones around prisons. Our Crime in Prisons taskforce will bear down on drugs in jails further, including tackling serious and organised crime. Lily Marsh described being invited to do the sculpture of the King as a dream job - CHRIS WATT PHOTOGRAPHY The first bust of the King to be commissioned since his accession will depict his thoughtfulness, its sculptor has said. The bronze bust was commissioned by the Kings Foundation to mark its 35th anniversary and will be on permanent display at its Dumfries House headquarters in Scotland. The idea for the bust arose during discussions about how best to mark the anniversary among staff, students and alumni. The King will see preview images of the final creation and, it is hoped, will be present for the grand unveiling in early 2025. In a nod to the charitys commitment to heritage crafts, former student, Lily Marsh, 40, was given the honour of creating the bust. Ms Marsh, a mother-of-two, is a graduate of the foundations building crafts programme, which provided a springboard into a successful career in stone masonry. Its a dream job She said she was stunned when she was contacted in September and asked to put together a proposed design for a bust of the King and a plinth. Its mind-blowing, she said. I was very excited, really daunted. But I think its a dream job, really, in terms of being able to do a portrait and sculpt, and do something in bronze. To be able to do a commission which is such high profile its such a fantastic privilege. Ms Marsh, from Sheffield, said the way a subject was portrayed was crucial. Her aim was to convey the Kings thoughtful character, recognising that he is a deep thinking and spiritual monarch. I think for myself, my key sense is a thoughtfulness, thats what I wanted to put into the portrait, she said of her impression of the King. So, a sense of thoughtful consideration in terms of expression, his thoughtful character. Sam Starsmore, from Norfolk, a student on the building crafts programme, was tasked with carving the lettering on the plinth. Sam Starsmore was tasked with carving the lettering on the plinth - CHRIS WATT PHOTOGRAPHY Ms Marsh based her work on recent photographs of the King. But while he did not sit for her, he is aware of the commission and fully supportive of the idea. Ms Marsh, who worked as a trainee psychologist in the prison service before switching careers, said the Kings Foundation course had enabled her to secure work placements at Gloucester Cathedral and Windsor Castle, giving her confidence to pursue a career in a field traditionally dominated by men. In February 2022, the then Prince Charles, Duchess of Cornwall and Duchess of Cambridge visited the foundations base at Trinity Buoy Wharf in east London a rare joint outing. The Duchess of Cambridge, now the Princess of Wales, was invited by her father-in-law in recognition of their shared interest in the arts and creative industries. As the royal trio toured the site, which offers courses in craft and art forms from fashion and textiles to thatching and blacksmithing, the Kings eye was immediately drawn to a snail shell sculpture created by students. There he met Ms Marsh, revealing that he was fascinated by the piece. The King told her of the importance of safeguarding traditional skills for future generations. She has since been hailed as a fantastic example of the courses success. Sustainable communities The Kings Foundation was founded when he was Prince of Wales in 1990. Known until recently as the Princes Foundation, its aim was to promote sustainable communities through education, training, and regeneration of historic sites. When he stepped in to save Dumfries House for the nation in 2007, with a 45 million rescue package, it became the charitys base, offering educational courses for almost 15,000 students a year, with a focus on traditional and heritage crafts. The King spoke last year about the battle to maintain such timeless skills, noting: They are all rather disappearing. Kristina Murrin, the chief executive at the Kings Foundation, said: To celebrate the Kings Foundations 35th anniversary in 2025, we felt it was fitting to install a permanent monument to His Majesty at our charity headquarters Dumfries House, to recognise his role as our royal founding president and his positive impact on the local community. Most importantly this new installation will showcase the talents of our students and alumni. Very proud Ms Murrin added: We are very proud of our graduate Lily, who has gone on to a successful career as a stone carver and sculptor. She is perfectly suited to take on the job of creating this permanent reminder of our 35th anniversary. Equally to have Sam, a current student on our building craft programme, creating the plinth for such an important commission just shows the depth of talent in traditional skills in this country and how hopeful we should be for the future generation of master craftspeople. The Roman with Scandinavian ancestry lived in Britain between AD100 and AD300, long before the Anglo-Saxons or Vikings arrived. Illustration: Chronicle/Alamy People with Scandinavian ancestry were in Britain long before the Anglo-Saxons or the Vikings turned up, researchers have found after studying the genetics of an ancient Roman buried in York. The arrival of the Anglo-Saxons brought an influx of Scandinavians to ancient Britain in the fifth century, with the first major Viking raid which targeted the monastery at Lindisfarne occurring in AD793. However, researchers studying a man thought to have been Roman soldier or perhaps even a gladiator who lived between the second and fourth century have found that 25% of his ancestry came from Scandinavia. The ancestry that we thought would come in [with] Anglo-Saxons maybe in some parts was already there, said Dr Leo Speidel, first author of the study and a group leader at Riken, a national scientific research institute in Japan. The discovery is part of a large-scale study that has taken a new approach to analysing ancient DNA, shedding fresh light on migrations across Europe in the first millennium. Dr Pontus Skoglund, co-author of the study from the Francis Crick Institute in London, said much of the history explored in the study was set down by the Romans about other groups of people. Theres some degree of historical information, but theres so [many] things left in the dark, he said. While advances in extracting and analysing ancient DNA have allowed researchers to explore the mixing of very different groups such as Neanderthals and modern humans, or even the mixing of present-day populations the approach is more challenging in the case of groups that are very similar genetically, such as the populations that lived in different parts of Europe in the first millennium. Writing in the journal Nature, Speidel and colleagues report how they developed a new approach to tackle the issue. Instead of considering all of the genetic differences between populations, the new method focuses on relatively recent mutations within genomes arising, for example, in the past 30,000 years or so allowing the relationships between genetically similar populations to be explored in greater detail. When we saw that it worked, it was just this amazing horizon to me that opens up where we can answer new questions, said Skoglund. The team applied their new approach to more than 1,500 genomes from people who lived in Europe in the first millennium. Among other findings, the team was able to shed new light on the migration of Germanic groups early in the first millennium, revealing at least two waves of migration from northern Germany or Scandinavia into western, central and eastern Europe. However, the team was surprised to find evidence of a later migration in the opposite direction. We found this previously unknown migration into Scandinavia [about] AD500 to AD800 that transforms completely the genetic makeup in the Viking age in Scandinavia, said Speidel. Previously, people had noticed that they were relatively diverse, but it was kind of hard to know why. The main explanation was that these Vikings would go to places and then bring back people, perhaps. The study also explores the Viking expansion from Scandinavia, with highlights including the discovery that many individuals found in two late Viking-age mass graves in Britain had a genetic makeup typical for Viking-age southern Scandinavia suggesting they could have been Vikings who met a sticky end. While the new approach can challenge, support or add detail to the historical record and even produce revelations the researchers say it also offers the chance to explore the lives and movements of those overlooked in written history, a source often more biased than human remains. The idea is that we can now investigate history with ancient DNA, said Speidel. Law enforcement officers at the crime scene on Bourbon Street - Michael DeMocker/Getty Standing motionless, with a hand covering her mouth, a woman stares at the lifeless body at her feet as a security guard from a nearby bar attempts to drag her away. But she refuses to leave, alone and frozen by the horror in Bourbon Street, New Orleans. Moments earlier, the now empty road where she stands, the hub of the citys legendary bar scene, had been packed with partygoers celebrating the new year. For many, spending New Years Eve in the historic citys French Quarter, which dates back to 1718, would have been a rare experience. But at around 3.15am, a man driving a white Ford pickup truck drove around barriers erected to protect the public, put his foot down and rammed into the crowd. At least 15 people were killed, and 35 injured. The victims were mostly locals rather than tourists, officials said. After speeding down the one-way street, the vehicle crashed outside the four-star Royal Sonesta Hotel, between Bienville and Conti Streets, its hood crumpled. Photos showed what looked like a black cloth or flag, which authorities believe may have been linked to Islamic State, the terror group known for its opposition to alcohol, dancing and hedonism of any kind. In the immediate aftermath, Jimmy Cothran described how moments earlier he had been walking down Bourbon Street towards Canal Street when he noticed a lot of commotion and slipped into a nearby nightclub. When a group of women ran inside and started hiding under tables, he initially thought they were being chased or shot at, and went up to the nightclubs balcony to see what was happening. Mr Cothran, from New Orleans, told NBC News he saw the bodies of horribly disfigured victims strewn across the street. Two looked at least alive but others were graphically deceased. One victim, he said, had visible tyre tracks on his body. It just kept going, he said. Like, every eye shot, body, body, body, body. An aerial view of the scene of the New Orleans attack - Gerald Herbert/AP Whit Davis, 22, was in a nearby bar in the citys popular French Quarter as the attack happened. Never seen a scene like what I just saw on Bourbon Street, he wrote on social media. If me and my friends had left the bar 10 minutes before we did, who knows if wed be alive right now? Mr Davis, from Shreveport, Louisiana, told the BBC: We had been on and around Bourbon Street since the beginning of the evening. When we were in the bar, we didnt hear shooting or crashes because the music was so loud. People then began hiding under tables as though it was an active shooter drill, he said. When he and his friends were allowed to leave the bar, they were walking past dead and injured all over the street. Kevin Garcia, 22, told CNN: All I seen was a truck slamming into everyone on the left side of Bourbon sidewalk. A body came flying at me. He added that he also heard gunshots. Credit: X / Gakruks1; X / DrageLiten Zion Parsons, 18, told CNN he had gone to the French Quarter to celebrate New Years Eve and was now desperately trying to reach a friend who was seriously wounded in the attack. It was just like a movie. Thats the only way I can explain it, he said of the moment the pick-up raced towards him through the pedestrian-only area. There were bodies and blood and all the trash, he said. The best way I can describe it is truly a war zone. Kimberly Stricklin and her husband Michael were visiting from Mobile, Alabama, and told The New York Times that they saw the truck accelerating towards Bourbon Street. We heard him punch the gas and then the impact and then the screams, she said. It just took a moment to register, it was just so frightening it was like something out of a horror movie. Mrs Stricklin said she cant get over the screams of one young victim. earthcam.com Despite initially saying that Wednesdays horrific attack was not a terrorist event, contradicting LaToya Cantrell, the mayor of New Orleans, the FBI later said it was investigating it as an act of terrorism. The driver, Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, 42, understood to have been wearing a helmet and body armour, fired shots and struck two police officers before being killed in a shoot-out. Officials found what appeared to be improvised explosive devices in the truck and were trying to determine whether they were viable. On Wednesday, officials were trying to work out whether the suspect had used a long-gun rifle to fire into the crowd while he was driving. This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could, Anne Kirkpatrick, the New Orleans Police Department superintendent, said. Because of the intentional mindset of this perpetrator who went around our barricades in order to conduct this, he was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did. Mr Cothran criticised the lack of barricades to stop vehicles from being able to access the busy area. US media reported that city authorities had removed the steel barricades that would normally be placed to block traffic around the area to be renovated, replacing them with alternative measures. We couldnt understand why no one was helping. Im trained and certified, and they would not let us out. We just stood by and watched for several moments, he said. Police cordoned off the intersection of Canal Street and Bourbon Street - Matthew Hinton/AFP via Getty Hours after the attack, several coroners office vans were parked on the corner of Bourbon and Canal streets, cordoned off by police tape. Crowds of dazed tourists stood around, some trying to navigate their luggage through the labyrinth of blockades. We looked out our front door and saw caution tape and dead silence and its eerie, said Tessa Cundiff, an Indiana native who moved to the French Quarter a few years ago. This is not what we fell in love with, its sad. Elsewhere, life went on as normal in the city known to some for a motto that translates to let the good times roll. People react to the news at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Canal Street - AP Matthias Hauswirth prays on the street near the scene - AP Close to where the truck came to rest, some people were talking about the attack, while others talked football after the Sugar Bowl in the city was postponed. At a cafe a block away, people crowded in for breakfast as upbeat pop music played. Two blocks away, people drank at a bar, seemingly as if nothing happened. China expects 9 bln inter-regional trips during Spring Festival travel rush Xinhua) 09:26, January 01, 2025 Passengers prepare to board a train at Loudi South Railway Station in Loudi, central China's Hunan Province, Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Wu Yonghua/Xinhua) BEIJING, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- About 9 billion inter-regional trips are expected to be made in China during the upcoming Spring Festival travel rush, according to a national teleconference on Tuesday. The figure is forecast to rise by 7 percent from the last Spring Festival peak travel season, and is likely to hit a record high. This annual travel rush, also known as "Chunyun," is usually a period of high transportation demand as people return to their hometowns for family reunions. The 2025 Chunyun will last from Jan. 14 to Feb. 22. Cross-regional rail journeys and civil aviation passenger trips are also expected to hit record highs of 510 million and 90 million, respectively. Eight government departments, including the Ministry of Transport, on Tuesday released an action plan to secure the safety, smooth operations and services of the upcoming travel rush. The plan specifies measures to ensure the supply of charging services for new energy vehicles, pledging efforts to open additional charging facilities in busy service areas and provide guidance for drivers to ensure orderly parking and charging during the peak travel period. The Spring Festival, the most important traditional festival in China, will fall on Jan. 29 in 2025. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu) Houston Mayor John Whitmire gives remarks during a swearing in ceremony for METRO Police Chief Ban Tien at Houston City Hall on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 in Houston. Chief Tien, who along with HPD, has worked in DEA and is a veteran, is the first Asian American to lead the department. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Mayor John Whitmire leads a press conference with Acting governor of Texas, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick behind him at the Emergency Operations Center about the citys response on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, after Hurricane Beryl hit the Houston area on Monday Karen Warren/Staff photographer Throughout his first year in office, Mayor John Whitmire has consistently mentioned one solution for addressing the citys financial struggles turning to his connections in Austin. But those connections might not come to fruition the way the former state senator has long promised. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a recent interview with the Houston Chronicle, Whitmire admitted that where he thought hed find congeniality among his former peers at the legislature, hes instead found resistance when it comes to boosting the citys revenue. The citys critics say Houston doesnt need that kind of money, Whitmire said. Nobody works as hard as we do, Whitmire said. The people saying that, they dont even stop to consider we got a tougher revenue cap than any big city. We're growing rapidly. We are the life growth of the state of Texas. How Houston goes is how the state goes. The opposition may come as a surprise to some, especially given Whitmires 52 years as a state lawmaker. But experts say the phenomenon isnt necessarily unique to Whitmire. Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, said its a difficult time to ask state leaders for money, despite Texas healthy surplus. The state doesnt often view more progressive cities like Houston as being able to govern themselves, he added. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That's a conundrum that the mayor is going to face, no matter who the mayor is, Rottinghaus said. Nancy Sims, who also lectures on politics at the University of Houston, said the resistance comes down to the conservative views in the legislature. They don't like the urban areas because they do tend to be more Democratic, and it's true of every major city in the state, Sims said. As concerns about Houstons financial future grow, Rottinghaus warns Whitmire will have to start painting a clearer picture sooner rather than later. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The vagueness about the relationships and money has to come to fruition before too long, Rottinghaus said. The city's financial woes will become more pressing and the voters become more impatient. Houston Mayor John Whitmire talks during his State of the City address at Hilton Americas-Houston on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer How could it fare for Houston? Sims said Whitmire is finding himself in the same situation as past Houston mayors. The city continuously ran into pushback from state leaders under former Mayor Sylvester Turners administration. Other Texas cities face similar obstacles. State lawmakers overturned a local ordinance in Austin that protected heritage trees that were wider than 24 inches in diameter from being cut down unless there was a safety concern after Gov. Greg Abbott faced challenges removing a tree from his own yard. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Theres no denying Whitmire has strong relationships with state lawmakers, Sims said, but the legislature is leaning even more conservative after Attorney General Ken Paxtons impeachment trial ended up strengthening Paxton and GOP candidates who supported him. As a result, Whitmire who has often worked both sides of the aisle will likely face more frustrating municipal challenges. You will see him exercise all the strength he can, but still, the sheer nature of the legislature is anti-urban, Sims said. Governor Greg Abbott is joined by Mayor John Whitmire for a press conference on Texas ongoing response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Beryl on Monday, July 15, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Sometimes, Whitmire makes it work Despite the obstacles, there have been success stories. In his first year as Houstons mayor, Whitmire said he used his Austin connections to his advantage when Houstonians narrowly avoided a tax increase this year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The city has historically been prohibited from raising taxes due to two revenue caps one thats state imposed and another locally imposed cap. But this years severe storms opened a rare loophole in the law that would have allowed the city to raise taxes and generate more revenue as it responded to the emergencies. In the final hours before the council was set to hear competing tax proposals, Whitmires team announced the city would receive state funding to cover costs associated with storm debris removal. The council members who proposed a tax increase backed off as a result. WHITMIRE AND THE GLO: Whitmire says it's the dawn of a new era with Texas Land Commissioner as hurricane season nears Whitmire and Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham have both presented their new administrations as the forging of a new bond between the city and the General Land Office after years of rocky relations. When the city was led by Turner and the GLO by George P. Bush, the pair had a dispute over Hurricane Harvey mitigation dollars after the city ended up with none of the $4.3 billion in federal funds the GLO handed out to cities following the storm. The city did receive $1.3 billion to rebuild housing that was damaged by Harvey. But even that funding pot had its own set of problems. The city sued the state agency to take over the portfolio in 2020, and the GLO continued to reduce funding as the city missed spending benchmarks. With lawmakers heading back into session in January, Whitmire said he hopes the results of an ongoing audit of city finances will help him make the case that city government is efficiently managed under his watch, and deserves support from the legislature. A hooded thief was spotted on CCTV taking the Brie and other cheeses Fed up with the number of freshly delivered products being stolen from outside his wine bar, David Straker decided to turn the tables on the thieves. After viewing security footage showing hooded thieves taking goods from a storage box minutes after they were dropped off he decided to use an AirTag tracker in an attempt to trace where the stolen items were being taken. Mr Straker, 56, who owns the William and Victoria wine bar and restaurant in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with his wife Johanna, 53, used a Brie wheel as bait to lure the thieves. He placed the tracker, around the size of a coin, inside the 10 cheese before sealing the wrapper up again. The Brie was left in the storage box at the back of his restaurant at night, with the delivery driver told not to touch it when he made his early morning delivery of milk, cream, and cheese. David Straker owns The William and Victoria Restaurant & Wine Bar in Harrogate with his wife - Facebook Moments after the delivery a hooded thief was spotted on CCTV camera taking the Brie wheel from the unlocked box at 7.25am, on Friday 6 December. With the Apple tracking device inside the AirTag emitting a Bluetooth signal, Mr Straker was able to follow the location of the Brie on his phone. Mr Straker monitored the movements of his stolen Brie for more than three weeks, with the cheese being transported to different locations around Yorkshire. At one point it appeared to be inside a property in Harrogate, but Mr Straker decided against confronting the occupiers. There were mattresses outside and a strong smell of a certain substance coming from the house and I thought no, this is not a good idea and decided to leave it, he said. The stolen Brie was moved to various addresses around Harrogate and neighbouring Knaresborough, as well as Otley and Menston in West Yorkshire. The Brie was tracked and could be seen moving to various addresses Mr Straker said: I think it has been driven around in a van. It has been moving around so much I decided to wait until it had stopped before reporting it to the police. It is also our busiest time of the year and I just havent had the time to go to the police and give a statement. I am going to do that this week and hand over my evidence. The AirTag registered as being stationary since Christmas Eve, suggesting that either the tracker had been found and removed or that the Brie had been dumped, possibly in a commercial bin in Knaresborough, five miles from his restaurant. The identity of the thief remains unknown, though Mr Straker says he is not confident the police will identify the culprit. I feel bad saying it but I dont have great expectations of the police, he told Mail Online. David Straker wanted to catch the thieves who kept stealing food deliveries - Facebook Mr Straker said he hopes his decision to turn detective will bring home to the public the cost of thefts to businesses like his. On his restaurants website, he wrote: Over the past few years, weve been battling an increasingly brazen band of delivery looters who seem to think our fresh produce is their free buffet. Were sure this all sounds a bit comical, and believe us, weve had a laugh too (because if you cant laugh while tracking stolen cheese, when can you?). But the reality is far from funny. This theft has a cost: not just to us, but to the many independent businesses trying to make ends meet. Think about it. For every block of cheese stolen, theres a disruption to our service, a strain on our suppliers, and an impact on our bottom line. Hospitality is tough enough right now without playing hide-and-seek with criminals. Mr Straker has fitted a locked and secured container for deliveries to his wine bar in the hope of deterring further thefts. In his message to customers, he added: Next time you see a suspicious cyclist with a backpack full of dairy, spare a thought for us and our lost Brie. And remember: crime might pay, but cheese always costs. European sea sturgeon, Acipenser sturio, return from coastal waters to spawn in rivers. Photograph: VPC Animals Photo/Alamy The European sturgeon, Acipenser sturio, is a fish that has been around since the time of the dinosaurs and looks it. Specimens are armour plated and big, up to six metres in length. Once abundant in British waters, sturgeon became extinct as a breeding species in the 1950s but there is now a concerted effort to reintroduce it by rewilding rivers. Hopes are high because sturgeon are increasingly being accidentally caught in nets around British coasts as bycatch by fishers. This shows that and French and German attempts to breed the fish in captivity and release them into rivers is working. However, sturgeon are slow-growing and take up to 20 years to sexually mature so reintroducing them takes time. They spawn in fresh water like salmon, migrate down rivers to the sea, and live in muddy outer estuaries dining mostly on worms, small fish and crustaceans before swimming upriver to spawn when they reach maturity. Unlike salmon, a percentage of sturgeon do not seek to return to their rivers of birth but try to find new spawning grounds, hence the hope that they will reintroduce themselves to British rivers. However and this is the difficult bit the rivers need clean water with no obstructions such as dams, and oxygen-rich gravel beds for spawning. Swedens wolf population dropped by almost 20% in 2022-23, and there are now 375 recorded individuals. Photograph: agefotostock/Alamy Swedens wolf hunt starts on Thursday, with the country aiming to halve the population of the endangered predator. The Swedish government has given the green light for five entire wolf families, a total of 30 wolves, to be killed in a hunt campaigners say is illegal under EU law. Under the Berne convention, protected species cannot be caused to have their populations fall under a sustainable level. Swedens wolf population dropped by almost 20% in 2022-23, and there are now 375 recorded individuals. The decline is due to increased hunting pressure, and the government announced earlier this year that it intended to halve the population, with 170 wolves becoming the new minimum level for favourable conservation status, instead of the current minimum of 300. Critics say this will endanger the wolf population, which has historically had a fragile stronghold in Sweden, partly due to overhunting. Sweden had no breeding wolf population from 1966 until 1983, and the species is listed in the country as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list. Related: A wolf killed the EU presidents precious pony - then the fight to catch the predator began The plans are part of a wider trend, with the EU intending to loosen rules around wolf persecution, allowing countries to increase the number they can kill. The European Commission is considering revising its habitats directive to reflect the fact that wolf numbers have increased, particularly in alpine and forested regions of Scandinavia and central Europe. Farmers say the increased population poses a threat to livestock such as sheep. Earlier this month, members of the Berne convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats voted to change the status of wolves from a strictly protected to a protected species. This change will enter into force on 7 March 2025 and will make it easier for the EU to change the habitats directive to allow more wolves to be shot. But environmentalists have said that instead of changing the laws to allow wolves to be culled, farmers can take preventive measures with electric fencing. We are very critical to the path that the EU is now taking, downgrading the protection status of the wolf, said Magnus Orrebrant, the chair of the Swedish Carnivore Association. If the EU follows up the latest Berne convention decision by changing the wolfs protection status in the habitat directive, the result will be very negative not only for the wolves, but for all wildlife in Europe. In Sweden, it will have no immediate impact on the wolf population, since the Swedish government since 2010 has been blatantly disregarding the wolfs special protection status, allowing a yearly licensed quota hunt and thereby breaking EU law. We filed a formal complaint to the EU commission, leading to an infringement procedure against Sweden, as yet to no avail. Lea Badoz, the wildlife programme officer at Eurogroup for Animals, a lobby group, said: The wolf is unfortunately the latest political pawn, a victim of misinformation. Downgrading protection will not solve the challenges of coexistence, nor help farmers. The Swedish environmental protection agency has been contacted for comment. The IPPR called for bolder measures including a new civic duty for citizens to staff polling stations. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA UK elections are close to a tipping point where they lose legitimacy because of plummeting voter turnout among renters and non-graduates, an influential thinktank has said. Analysis by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) found that the gap in turnout between those with and without university degrees grew to 11 percentage points in the 2024 general election double that of 2019. The turnout gap between homeowners and renters grew by nearly a quarter between the 2017 and 2024 elections, to 19 percentage points. The findings suggest a growing disillusionment with politics among certain social groups, which is leading to increasingly unequal elections. Parth Patel, an associate director of democracy and politics at IPPR, said: We are close to the tipping point at which elections begin to lose legitimacy because the majority do not take part. That should be ringing more alarm bells than it is. Turnout inequality in the 2024 election was 11 percentage points between the top and bottom third earners and between people in working-class and middle-class jobs, which was largely unchanged since 2015. The turnout gap between 18- to 24-year-olds and over-60s was 21 percentage points, a measure that has also remained stable, according to the analysis. The data is likely to provoke concern among Labour strategists. Morgan McSweeney, Keir Starmers chief of staff and most influential adviser, built his 2024 election strategy around winning over voters without university degrees. Party figures have turned their attention to combating the rise of Nigel Farages Reform UK, which came second in 89 Labour-held seats, including in many of the partys former industrial heartlands in the north of England. Labour committed to several franchise-boosting measures in its manifesto, including making voter registration easier, lowering the voting age to 16 and tightening the rules around political donations. The party has declined to unpick voter ID rules introduced by the Conservatives but has said it will increase the types of ID accepted at polling stations. Related: Automatic voter registration may be an answer to UKs troubling turnout gap It has not pledged to introduce automatic voter registration but the Guardian reported in June that it was drawing up plans to do so. All these policies would form part of a democracy bill, which is in the early stages of development. The IPPR called for bolder measures including a new civic duty to staff polling stations, which would be akin to jury service. The thinktank said that without action to improve participation in democracy, populist movements would continue to gain more traction even if the economy was doing well. Only one in two adults living in the UK voted in the July 2024 general election, the thinktanks analysis showed, which was the lowest share of the population to vote since universal suffrage. Among registered voters, only three in every five cast a ballot. The IPPR recommended four policies that it said would be effective in raising turnout, narrowing inequality and could feasibly be implemented in this parliament. These were: Lowering the voting age to 16. Implementing automatic voter registration. Introducing a 100,000 annual cap on donations to political parties. Creating an election day service. This latter would involve recruiting poll workers from the population by lot, similar to selecting citizens to do jury service. Other policy suggestions included moving polling day to a weekend or making election days a public holiday, and scrapping the voter ID requirements introduced by the Conservatives. The IPPR also said the government should consider enfranchising the 5 million long-term tax-paying residents who are not citizens of the UK, Ireland or Commonwealth countries. Another suggested change is redrawing constituency boundaries based on the entire adult population of an area, not just registered voters. Finally, the thinktank recommended bolstering the Electoral Commissions powers to investigate candidate rule-breaking and impose sanctions, including fines of up to 500,000 or 4% of campaign spending. Last month the Guardian reported that ministers were considering proposals from Vijay Rangarajan, the chief executive of the elections watchdog, to strengthen the rules around political donations to protect the electoral system from foreign interference. Rangarajan said linking donations to political parties to the UK profits of companies owned by foreigners was one of the urgent changes needed to retain the trust of voters. The move, which the government is looking at, could cap the amount that Elon Musk could donate through the British arm of his social media company X (formerly Twitter). There has been speculation that Musk, who is an ally of Donald Trump and a fierce critic of Starmer, could make a $100m (80m) donation to Reform. Ryan Swift, an IPPR research fellow who co-authored the report, said: The widening turnout gaps between renters and homeowners, and graduates and non-graduates, highlight a glaring blind spot in tackling political inequality. To rebuild trust and strengthen democracy, we need bold reforms like votes at 16, automatic registration and fairer electoral rules. Australian man David Jonathan Thackray is among 12 individuals and eight entities sanctioned by the US treasury department. Photograph: Olivier Douliery/AFP/Getty Images An Australian man has been sanctioned by the US treasury department over his alleged involvement in the global narcotics trade. David Jonathan Thackray and a New Zealand national, Ho Kai Leung, were among 12 individuals and eight entities sanctioned by the departments Office of Foreign Assets Control (Ofac) in an action it said was being taken against global narcotics traffickers. He is now among three Australians listed under the Ofacs sanction regime, which does not require criminal prosecution or conviction for a person to be listed. Thackray was sanctioned for having engaged, or attempting to engage, in activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of materially contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit drugs or their means of production, Ofac alleged in a statement last month. Thackray was charged with importing nearly a kilogram of cocaine into New Zealand in 2014 and was subsequently jailed, NZ police said in a statement acknowledging the Ofac sanctions. Leung was convicted in New Zealand of procuring and possessing methamphetamine and amphetamine, and is the director of two New Zealand-registered companies sanctioned by Ofac. Related: I heard the pops and I just ran: New Orleans in shock after vehicle attack Ofac also targeted the Lithuanian nationals Rokas Karpavicius and Virginijus Labutis, who they also allege are involved in the trafficking of cocaine and methamphetamine, money laundering and corruption. Drug traffickers earn significantly higher commissions on the transport of illicit drugs to Australia and New Zealand, where the increased profits offset the high costs of trafficking narcotics, Ofac said. Karpavicius and Labutis coordinated significant narcotics shipments from Central and South America to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and the US, Ofac alleged. Karpavicius has been arrested in multiple jurisdictions including New Zealand since the 1990s for drug-related charges and has allegedly laundered drug trafficking money. Ofac alleged he was the majority owner of a number of companies, including the Switzerland-based Dragon Secure GmbH. Labutis was arrested in October 2024 on an Interpol red notice for drug trafficking charges. Any property or entities of sanctioned individuals in the US are blocked and reported to Ofac, and any transactions within the US that involve such blocked property are prohibited. Number of migrants arriving in UK after crossing Channel up 25% in 2024 The number of migrants arriving in the UK in 2024 after crossing the English Channel in small boats was up by a quarter on the previous year, figures show. Some 36,816 people made the journey in 2024, a jump of 25% from the 29,437 who arrived in 2023, according to provisional figures from the Home Office. The total is down 20% on the record 45,774 arrivals in 2022, however. The last crossings of the year took place on December 29, when 291 people made the journey from France in six boats. (PA Graphics) The Home Office recorded no further crossings for the remaining two days of 2024, amid blustery weather conditions. It means 2024 saw the second highest number of arrivals in a year since data on Channel crossings began in 2018. The total was comparatively low in both 2018 (299) and 2019 (1,843), before climbing to 8,466 in 2020, 28,526 in 2021 and a record 45,774 in 2022. It then fell in 2023 to 29,437, before rising in 2024 to 36,816. The jump in crossings came in a year that former prime minister Rishi Sunak had to accept he failed to meet his vow to stop the boats when the Conservatives were defeated by Labour in the general election. The change in government also meant former home secretary Suella Braverman never got to see her dream of sending migrants to Rwanda become reality, after the policy stalled amid legal action and was then ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court. Her successor, James Cleverly, never succeeded in his bid to get flights off the ground, despite bringing fresh legislation back to Parliament and signing another treaty with the east African nation in a bid to firm up the agreement and satisfy concerns raised by the court. (PA Graphics) Some 13,574 migrants arrived in the UK between the start of 2024 and the general election on July 5, according to analysis of Home Office data by the PA news agency. It was a record number for this period of the year and was 19% higher than the 11,433 who arrived between January 1 and July 5 in 2023, as well as being 5% higher than the 12,900 who arrived in the equivalent period in 2022. The number of arrivals between the general election and the end of 2024 was also higher than the equivalent period in 2023, but lower than the figure for 2022. Some 23,242 migrants arrived between Labours victory on July 5 and December 31, up 29% on the 18,004 arrivals in this period in 2023 and down 29% on the 32,855 in 2022. At his first press conference after entering Number 10 as Prime Minister in July, Sir Keir Starmer said the deportation plan was dead and buried, with Labour swiftly meeting one of its manifesto pledges by scrapping the scheme. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said last month that the Government has a moral responsibility to tackle Channel crossings but refused to set a deadline on when a target to see the numbers fall sharply will be met. She said the UK must go after the gangs behind the dangerous crossings and appeared to rule out creating more safe and legal routes for asylum seekers as a way of curbing the number of attempts when facing questions from MPs. 2024 was the deadliest for Channel crossings as more than 50 people died attempting the journey (Gareth Fuller/PA) Sir Keir has put international co-operation with law enforcement agencies in Europe at the heart of his bid to cut the number of arrivals. The Prime Minister previously said his Government inherited a very bad position with record numbers of migrants in the first half of last year because the entire focus until we had the election was on a gimmick, the Rwanda gimmick, and not enough attention was on taking down the gangs that are running this vile trade. But if the boats and the engines arent available, it obviously makes it much more difficult for these crossings to be made, he said. His comments follow him previously vowing to treat people smugglers like terrorists as he announced extra cash for his new border security command. The National Crime Agency said it is leading around 70 live investigations into organised immigration crime or human trafficking. The year 2024 was considered the deadliest for Channel crossings, according to incidents recorded by the French coastguard, with 53 people dying while embarking on the journey across the busiest shipping lane in the world to reach the UK. The International Organisation for Migration has reported several more migrant deaths which are believed to be linked to crossing attempts last year. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said Labour has lost control of our borders and made a catastrophic mistake in cancelling the Rwanda scheme. These figures make clear Labour has totally failed on illegal immigration by small boat, he said. Numbers have sky-rocketed since the general election. Over three times more illegal immigrants crossed in December this year compared to last year an insult to the British people. The National Crime Agency warned that a removals deterrent was needed, and the law enforcement alone would not be enough. This means Labour made a catastrophic mistake by cancelling the Rwanda removals to deterrent before it even started. He added: Labours claim to smash the gangs is nothing new. That was happening already, and Labour voted against measures to increase prison sentences for these very same gangs when they were in an opposition. (PA Graphics) There are usually more small boat arrivals in the second half of the year because the weather in summer and autumn is generally more favourable, with days on which the wind and wave levels in the Channel are most conducive to crossings referred to as red days. Home Office sources said there were 88 such days in the second half of 2024 compared with 50 in the second half of 2023, citing this as the key reason for the difference in the number of arrivals between those periods. There were 11 red days in the final three months of 2023, which was the lowest number for any quarter since records began, while 41 in the same period between October and December was the highest since 2020, according to Government analysis. A Home Office source said: The Tory government failed to take our border security seriously. They let criminal gangs take hold all along our borders and, on their watch, small boat crossings grew from just a few hundred in 2018 to tens of thousands by the time they left office. They spent an eye-watering 700 million to send just four volunteers to Rwanda the failed scheme was more of a distraction than a deterrent. Labour is fixing our border security, with a new Border Security Command backed up by an additional 150 million and 100 new specialist investigators to go after the evil smuggling gangs making millions out of small boat crossings. One of Stephen Lawrences killers is to face a parole hearing in 2025, the Parole Board has confirmed. David Norris, 48, could face a hearing as early as May this year, but a date is yet to be set. Mr Lawrence, 18, was murdered by a gang of racists in south-east London in 1993, but only two of his killers have faced justice Gary Dobson and David Norris were jailed for life in 2012. Stephen Lawrence (Family handout/PA) The original police investigation into the 18-year-olds death was marred by institutional racism in the Met, incompetence and alleged corruption. Norris was jailed for a minimum of 14 years and three months for murder in January 2012 at the end of an Old Bailey trial that hinged on tiny traces of forensic evidence. Mr Lawrences father, Neville Lawrence, has said he is not satisfied with Norris getting parole, but if he can show remorse he will accept it. Mr Lawrence told the Daily Mail: He would have to say he was sorry for killing Stephen and that he had changed his ways and apologise to our family (for me to accept his release). I am not satisfied with him getting parole but what I am saying is if he can show remorse and show hes changed then I will accept that. Its not that Im OK with it but, if someone shows they know they did something wrong and have changed, then I can accept that. Neville Lawrence, the father of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence (Kirsty OConnor/PA) He has given a statement to the Parole Board but said he is yet to decide if he will attend the hearing, the Daily Mail reports. A Parole Board spokesperson said: The Secretary of State for Justice has referred David Norriss case to the Parole Board for a review. A member of the Parole Board has assessed the case on the papers, by reviewing a dossier of evidence, and has decided that an oral hearing should take place. The date for this hearing is yet to be set. Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community. A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims. Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing. Evidence from witnesses including probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements are then given at the hearing. The prisoner and witnesses are then questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority. President Biden called New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell on Wednesday to offer full federal support after a truck driver killed at least 10 people who were celebrating New Years Eve on Bourbon Street. The retiring 82-year-old president placed the call from his private residence in Wilmington, Del., ahead of a planned trip to Camp David in Maryland. President Biden called New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell this morning to offer full federal support following the horrific news that a driver killed and injured dozens of individuals in New Orleans overnight, the White House said. Biden called New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell to offer full federal support after a driver killed at least 10 people on Bourbon Street celebrating New Years Eve. AP The FBI confirmed in a statement that it was investigating the act of terrorism. The President has been briefed on the latest developments by senior FBI and DHS leadership and his homeland security team, and he will continue to be briefed on this incident throughout the day. FBI is leading the investigation and is working closely with local and state officials. The motive of the driver, who reportedly was shot and killed by police, was not immediately known, though the vehicular carnage along the popular tourism street drew immediate parallels to well-known terrorist acts. The FBI confirmed in a Wednesday morning statement that it was investigating the act of terrorism after claiming an hour before that the slaughter was not a terrorist event despite improvised explosive devices having been recovered. Follow the latest on the terror attack on New Orleans Bourbon Street: This morning, an individual drove a car into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing a number of people and injuring dozens of others. The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased. The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism, the bureau said. Cantrell had declared in a press conference beforehand: The city of New Orleans was impacted by a terrorist attack. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell makes a statement after a vehicle drove into a crowd at New Orleans Canal and Bourbon streets. AP House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called the slaughter an act of pure evil and demanded accountability from any living participants in the attack. AP In a subsequent statement, Biden added: The FBI is taking the lead in the investigation and is investigating this incident as an act of terrorism. I will continue to receive updates throughout the day, and I will have more to say as we have further information to share, he said. In the meantime, my heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nations communities. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called the slaughter an act of pure evil and demanded accountability from any living participants in the attack. The vicious attack on innocent people celebrating the New Year in New Orleans early this morning was an act of pure evil, and justice must be swift for anyone who was involved, Johnson said. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump expressed their sympathies to the victims and their families after an armed driver drove a speeding truck into a crowd of New Orleans partygoers early on New Years Day. The two statements from the current and future president addressed the deaths of at least 10 people and 35 others who were injured Wednesday morning in the city's French Quarter in what the FBI says it's investigating as an act of terrorism. Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department, Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil! Trump's statement also decried the crime rate in the U.S. Police attend the scene where a pickup truck drove into a large crowd on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. January 1, 2025 in this screengrab taken from a video. When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true, Trump posted on Truth Social Wednesday morning. The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before. For his part, Biden said he was being continually briefed by federal law enforcement leadership and Department of Homeland Security and that the attack was being investigated as an "act of terrorism." "I am grateful for the brave and swift response of local law enforcement in preventing even greater death and injury," Biden said in a statement. "I have directed my team to ensure every resource is available as federal, state, and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat of any kind." FBI investigators arrive at the scene where the white Ford F-150 pickup truck crashed into a work lift after allegedly driving into a crowd of New Year's revelers in the French Quarter of New Orleans, LA, on Jan. 1, 2025. At least 10 people were killed and 30 injured Wednesday when a vehicle plowed overnight into a New year's crowd in the heart of the thriving New Orleans tourist district, authorities in the southern US city said. Biden's statement also promised to give further updates as he learns more."In the meantime, my heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday," he said. "There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation's communities." The attack, in the historic French Quarter district famous for its nightlife, was at least the fourth involving mass casualties killed by vehicle ramming in the last decade, according to the Associated Press/USA TODAY/Northeastern University Mass Killing Database. Law enforcement has not released information on the identity of the driver, who police confirmed with USA TODAY was fatally shot by police. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House Correspondent for USA TODAY. You can follow her on X @SwapnaVenugopal This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden, Trump offer sympathies to New Orleans NYE victims and families Update: The FBI said Thursday, Jan. 2, there does not appear to be evidence of any accomplices. Read the latest on the investigation here. A man intentionally drove a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans' French Quarter in a deadly rampage early on New Year's Day. At least 14 people were killed before the attacker died in a shootout with police, officials said. Dozens of others were injured in the attack. A black ISIS flag was flying from the truck's rear bumper, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation called the attack an act of terrorism. The man driving the vehicle has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen from Texas, the FBI said. In televised remarks Wednesday evening, President Biden said the FBI has determined that just hours before the attack, Jabbar "posted videos to social media indicating that he was inspired by ISIS, expressing a desire to kill." The vehicle was an electric Ford pickup truck that appears to have been rented, the FBI said. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said on social media Jabbar rented the truck on Dec. 30, while living in the Houston area, before heading to New Orleans. FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia said at a news conference Thursday that the attack was an act of terrorism. "It was premeditated and an evil act," he said. While the FBI initially thought Jabbar may have had help carrying out the attack, Raia said that as of Thursday the bureau believes no one else was involved. Passport photo of Shamsud-Din Jabbar / Credit: FBI A person familiar with the investigation told CBS News that at this point, neither ISIS nor any other foreign terror organization has claimed responsibility for the attack. The attacker drove around barricades and up onto the sidewalk of Bourbon Street, New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said, avoiding barriers that had been placed by police. Kirkpatrick said the man "was trying to run over as many people as he could." "We had a car there, we had barriers there, we had officers there, and he still got around," Kirkpatrick said. Map shows the trajectory of the vehicle before it plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans' famous French Quarter on New Year's Day. / Credit: CBS News The man then exited the car and opened fire on officers, Raia said. He died after exchanging gunfire with three responding officers, the FBI said. He was struck by police fire and declared dead at the scene, the New Orleans Police Department said. Two police officers were hit by gunfire and treated at a hospital. Weapons and two potential improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, were located in the vehicle, FBI Special Agent Alethea Duncan said at a news conference Wednesday. On Thursday, Raia gave more details on the explosives, saying FBI bomb technicians found two functional IEDs in coolers in the area. Jabbar is seen placing the devices in surveillance video footage, Raia said. Both devices were rendered safe, and two other items were determined to not be IEDs, he said. Kirkpatrick said police walked the area as a grid, looking for any suspicious items. Anyone who sees anything suspicious should contact officials, Duncan said. Emergency services at the scene on Bourbon Street in New Orleans after a vehicle drove into a crowd on Jan. 1, 2025, killing at least 14 people. / Credit: Gerald Herbert/AP Two law enforcement sources told CBS News that the suspect had an AR-15 style weapon and a handgun with him at the time of the truck attack. The long gun had a "suppressive device" on it that acted as a silencer, according to sources on the scene. Two sources familiar with the investigation told CBS News the man was wearing body armor. Investigators from the FBI, Homeland Security and bomb squad have all been on the scene at an Airbnb in the St. Roch area of New Orleans, where officials tell CBS News the suspect was staying while in New Orleans. That building caught fire on Wednesday and the investigation into that fire is ongoing. Duncan asked that anyone with information about the man contact the FBI. A U.S. official confirmed to CBS News that he had previously served in the U.S. military. Officials react to "horrific act of violence" Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry called it "a horrific act of violence" and said he and his wife were "praying for all the victims and first responders on scene." He urged people to avoid the area. "As of now, 15 people are deceased. It will take several days to perform all autopsies. Once we complete the autopsies and talk with the next of kin, we will release the identifications of the victims," New Orleans Coroner Dr. Dwight McKenna said in a statement. The coroner's office later clarified that the 15 dead included the attacker. The popular tourist district was full of New Year's Day revelers at the time of the attack. Witnesses told CBS News reporter Kati Weis that a white truck crashed into people on Bourbon Street at high speed, and the driver then started firing a weapon from inside the vehicle, with police returning fire. Weis saw multiple people on the ground being treated for injuries near the intersection of Bourbon and Canal Streets. The City of New Orleans said in a statement posted online that 30 people were transported to area hospitals with injuries and 10 people were confirmed dead. Kirkpatrick later said that at least 35 people were hospitalized. "He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did," Kirkpatrick said. Duncan said the FBI will be leading the investigation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Justice Department's National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana will work with the FBI and local officials to support the investigation, Attorney General Merrick Garland said. Mr. Biden was briefed about the attack, the White House said, and his administration has been in touch with Cantrell to offer support. Mr. Biden said in a statement he has directed his administration to "ensure every resource is available as federal, state, and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat of any kind." "My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday," Mr. Biden said. "There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation's communities." President-elect Donald Trump also acknowledged the attack in a post on TruthSocial. "Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department," Trump said, in part. Sugar Bowl postponed The Sugar Bowl college football playoff game was set to be played at the nearby Superdome later Wednesday, but has been rescheduled for Thursday. Kirkpatrick said bomb sweeps have been conducted at the Superdome, and said the stadium would be locked down until the game. Jeff Hundley, the chief executive officer of the Sugar Bowl, announced the delay at Thursday's news conference. More details about the rescheduled game will be available in the coming hours, he said. "We live in the fun and games world, with what we do, but we certainly recognize the importance of this and we're going to support it 100%," Hundley said. A student from the University of Georgia, one of the teams playing in the game, was "critically injured" in the attack, according to a statement from the school on social media. The student was not identified. Witnesses attempted to help victims Jim and Nicole Mowrer were in New Orleans visiting from Iowa and witnessed the incident. The couple told CBS News they had watched the city's fireworks display and were enjoying the New Year's Day atmosphere in the French Quarter when they heard crashing noises coming from down the street. They said they then saw a white truck slam through a barricade "at a high rate of speed," followed by gunfire and police. The couple said the truck hit people about a block away from where they had been walking. "Once the gunfire stopped, we stayed in the alcove until the gunfire stopped, came out into the street, and came across a lot of several people who had been hit, [we] wanted to see what we could do to help," Nicole Mowrer said. She said the couple found the victims had died. The Mowrers said the victims they saw had injuries from the truck impact, and they did not see any apparent gunshot wounds. They said they left the area once emergency responders started arriving. In a 2017 memo reviewed by CBS News, the city of New Orleans had acknowledged the risk of a mass casualty incident in the crowded, tourist-friendly French Quarter. The memo specifically referenced vehicle attacks in Nice, France, London, England and New York City. To minimize risk, the city said it planned to establish a camera and surveillance program, a centralized command center, more police patrols and infrastructure upgrades. The city had been in the process of upgrading the pedestrian bollard system in the French Quarter to modernize and bolster protections, with work ongoing through February. Suspect identified in deadly New Orleans truck attack Suspected driver who slammed truck into New Orleans crowd is dead, sources say What's known about possible explosives, suspect after truck slams into New Orleans crowd A disgruntled Arby's customer who had some beef over his meaty order was arrested on assault and child abuse charges after he choked a teenage employee handling the drive-thru, Utah police said. A disgruntled Arbys customer who had some beef over his meaty order was arrested on assault and child abuse charges after he choked a teenage employee handling the drive-thru, Utah police said. Salvador Anthony Espericueta, 51, was sitting at the Arbys drive-thru in South Jordan around 2:15 p.m. on Saturday when he became upset with his order and got out of his car to confront the fast-food employee, according to the South Jordan Police Department. The alleged maniac asked the employee described as a juvenile if he was man enough to have a conversation before shoving him against the wall and door of the sandwich joint, according to court documents obtained by multiple outlets. The unruly customer was charged with aggravated assault, aggravated child abuse and disorderly conduct. Christopher Sadowski Espericueta then put his hand around the victims neck before getting back into his car and fleeing the scene. The alleged maniac is accused of putting his hand around the victims neck before fleeing the scene. Google Maps Police arrested Espericueta at his home. He admitted to authorities that he made a mistake at the Arbys drive-thru, located about 15 miles south of Salt Lake City, police said. He was charged with aggravated assault, aggravated child abuse and disorderly conduct. A Virginia man arrested two weeks ago on an illegal gun charge was allegedly concealing the largest arsenal of finished explosive devices ever seized by the FBI, the bureau said in court documents. Brad Spafford, 36, was found to have over 150 homemade explosive devices, an illegal short-barrel rifle, a target-practice photograph of President Biden, and bomb-building materials at his Norfolk farm, prosecutors claim, according to Court Watch. The FBI claims to have seized 150 finished explosive weapons with the help of a police informant. AP Spafford was taken into custody outside his farm on Dec. 17 based on a criminal complaint alleging he was in possession of an unregistered short-barrel rifle, according to Court Watch. Investigators, searching the 20-acre property, then allegedly found the majority of the 150 explosive devices in a detached garage, court documents filed by the Joint Terrorism Task Force state. More pipe bombs were found in Spaffords bedroom those were stored in a backpack that had a patch in the shape of a hand grenade bearing the phrase #NoLivesMatter, prosecutors allege. Prosecutors also alleged that Spafford was in possession of a jar of hexamethylene triperoxide diamine or HMTD a highly volatile compound used in high profile terrorist acts including the 2005 London public transport bombing. Prosecutors alleged that the amount of materials found in the accuseds home indicate a plan that would require help. JIM LO SCALZO/EPA-EFE/Shuttersto A notebook containing recipes for explosives was also found on the property, according to the court documents. Spafford used a photograph of Biden in his shooting range for target practice and allegedly remarked to a police informant that he wanted to bring back political assassination, Court Watch reported. That informant was a neighbor who secretly recorded conversations with Spafford, according to The New York Times. Prosecutors alleged in a bond hearing that the amount of equipment found at the home indicates the accused was planning something that Spafford would not be able to do alone, according to the Smithfield Times. Bond was set at $25,000 bond on the condition that Spafford remains under electronic monitoring and within the confines of his mothers house. Cocoa beans are pictured in Ghana's eastern cocoa town of Akim Akooko Thomson Reuters Cocoa was the top-performing commodity of 2024. The price of the bean surged as headwinds battered key producers. Prices are likely to stay high into 2025, analysts at ING said. Cocoa closed out 2024 ahead of every major commodity, after a year of poor weather and weak harvests sparked a triple-digit gain for the bean. Cocoa gained about 172% in the past year, briefly reaching a record of nearly $13,000 per metric ton on the international exchange in December. Prices have appreciated dramatically as leading cocoa-producing countries, such as Ghana and the Ivory Coast, have been battered by crop failures. Bean disease, floods, and falling pay for farmers all contributed to a worsening supply crunch. According to ING, global cocoa stocks have dropped to their lowest levels in over a decade. Though the firm expects supply prospects to improve slightly in 2025, weather risks will continue to cloud the market in the new year. "Not only are prices likely to remain historically elevated due to uncertainty over the West African crop outlook and tight stocks, but prices need to stay high to keep a lid on demand," ING said. Meanwhile, drought conditions have damaged hope for strong coffee output in Brazil, driving the price of arabica beans to a forty-year high. The commodity rose 67% in 2024. Coal was the worst commodity performer last year, mainly due to slower growth in China's economy. Demand for bulk metals also suffered as the second-largest economy continued to navigate a property crisis and weak consumer demand. Oil meanwhile, ended the year with a loss. Brent crude, the international benchmark, finished 2024 at $74.64 a barrel, down about 3%. Read the original article on Business Insider Police officers stand guard in the streets after fireworks for the New Year's celebrations in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) BERLIN (AP) The German government on Wednesday condemned a series of incidents on New Years Eve in which police officers and firefighters were attacked and injured, mostly with fireworks. Revellers across the country traditionally ring in the new year by setting off large numbers of fireworks in public places. But the latest celebrations were marred by the use of fireworks against emergency officials. In Berlin, 30 police officers and one firefighter were injured in confrontations or attacks during New Year's Eve, leading to 400 arrests, city officials said. Hundreds of police officers from across the country were deployed to the capital to help prevent further violence. Five people were killed and hundreds injured across the country after being hit accidentally by fireworks, German news agency dpa reported. Explosions of very strong, illegal fireworks in Berlin also caused extensive damage in two Berlin neighborhoods and injured numerous people, some of them seriously. According to the city's fire department, powerful detonations severely damaged numerous house facades and broke many windows. Thirty-six apartments are currently uninhabitable, dpa reported. The deployment of strong police forces from the federal states and the federal police and an early and consistent crackdown are the right means against perpetrators of violence and chaos," German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said. "However, the many arrests in Berlin alone and the renewed attacks on police officers also show that this crackdown was absolutely necessary. She wished all injured officers a speedy recovery and vowed that all perpetrators will be "prosecuted and punished with the utmost severity. Speaker Mike Johnson is huddling with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on New Years Day, as the two strategize for a high-stakes House vote on Friday to elect a speaker for the 119th Congress. Im going to be with him at Mar-a-Lago on New Years Day. Were going to map out some strategy, Johnson (R-La.) told News Radio 710 in Shreveport on Tuesday. Trump, 78, endorsed Johnson for House speaker on Monday, quelling some of the resistance to the Louisiana Republicans second bid for the gavel that had been building in the wake of a government funding fight last month. Speaker Mike Johnson is huddling with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on New Years Day, as the two strategize for a high-stakes House vote on Friday to elect a speaker for the 119th Congress. REUTERS That announcement had initially been scheduled to take place at the president-elects Palm Beach, Fla., resort on Jan. 1 with Trump wanting to take photos and do a big endorsement, Johnson said. I called him yesterday and said, Mr. President, lets go ahead and do that, the House speaker added with a chuckle, so he did. Trump jumped the gun on the endorsement as several House Republicans expressed reservations about Johnson being re-elected speaker. House Republicans will start off with 219 members on Friday, meaning Johnson can only afford to lose one vote to hit the needed 218 threshold and win the speakers gavel. Getty Images I remain undecided, as do a number of my colleagues because we saw so many of the failures last year that we are concerned about that might limit or inhibit our ability to advance the presidents agenda, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) told Fox Business Varney & Co. on Tuesday. Right now, I dont believe he has the votes on Friday, added Roy. Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) demanded that Johnson commit to significant spending audits and cuts if he wanted her vote, adding that the House GOP should engage competent, unbiased non-swamp professionals to start tackling the ballooning national debt. Right now, I dont believe he has the votes on Friday, Texas GOP Rep. Chip Roy said. Getty Images Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has declined to back Johnson no matter what. Asked Tuesday night about the holdouts, Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago, I think theyll support Speaker Johnson. Hes the one that can win right now, the incoming president said. People like him, almost everybody likes him. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has declined to back Johnson no matter what. Getty Images Others are very good, too, but they have 30 or 40 people that dont like them, so thats pretty tough, he added, promising he would call GOP lawmakers to whip up support for Johnson if its necessary. On Monday, Trump gave Johnson his Complete & Total Endorsement and urged Republicans not to BLOW THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY WHICH WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN. House Republicans will start off with 219 members on Friday, meaning Johnson can only afford to lose one vote to hit the needed 218 threshold and win the speakers gavel unless some lawmakers decide to vote present. Others are very good, too, but they have 30 or 40 people that dont like them, so thats pretty tough, Trump told reporters on Tuesday, promising he would call GOP lawmakers to whip up support for Johnson if its necessary. Getty Images Roy floated Reps. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) as potential alternative speakers but neither was able to win enough votes in past speakership ballots to clinch the gavel. Disgruntled House GOPers are still reeling from the passage of a government spending bill on Dec. 20 that went through multiple drafts due to Trumps demand that it include a suspension of the nations debt ceiling. That didnt pan out. Other Republican lawmakers also bemoaned the high price tag of the spending package, while celebrating small wins in having cut costlier provisions including a 4% pay hike for lawmakers. Hes the one that can win right now, the incoming president said of Johnson. People like him, almost everybody likes him. Mike Johnson/Facebook Johnson succeeded former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who was deposed in October 2023 by every Democrat and eight Republicans in a mutiny led by ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.). Through several rounds of voting, Jordan, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and others were put forward as successors only to lose by higher margins than the number that defenestrated McCarthy. Johnson was elected unanimously after roughly three weeks of the House Republican infighting. We need a Speaker right now whos not only a proven fighter, which I am, and a trusted lifelong conservative, which I am, but somebody who can also work with every single member of this very diverse House GOP, because weve gotta get Trumps priorities over the line, Johnson said on Tuesday. Theres no other alternative for speaker of the House, guys. Theres not another name circulated, theres no other candidate proposed because everyone knows that Im the only one who can get the votes, he added. McCarthys ouster was made possible due to his own difficulties winning the gavel in January 2023. California Republican had previously conceded to changing House rules to allow a single member to make a so-called motion to vacate, which would trigger a vote on removing the speaker. Johnson has since manuevered to shift shifted the rules back to require nine members to trigger a motion to vacate. The House will vote on that change in the new rules package for the 119th Congress after voting to determine the next speaker on Friday. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in August withdrew the plea deals after they were announced. A U.S. military court on Monday upheld a judges ruling that said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin acted improperly this year when he invalidated plea agreements for three men accused of planning the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The Court of Military Commission Review heard an appeal that sought to preserve Austin's move in August to unravel the plea deals with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi. The agreements allow the defendants to plead guilty to lesser charges that would prevent them from receiving the death penalty. Guantanamo Bay detainees, from left, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi. The three-judge panel concluded that Austin did not have the authority to back out of deals implemented by Susan Escallier, the convening authority for military commissions appointed by the defense secretary last year who worked to negotiate the agreements. The court said the defense secretary improperly rescinded the deals after the pretrial agreements were already underway. Chief Judge Lisa M. Schenck wrote in her opinion, with the two other judges concurring, that Austins intervention in existing pretrial agreements was without precedent. The Defense Department is weighing its options, including whether to appeal, a defense official said. On Tuesday, the Pentagon filed a request asking the Military Commission to pause the matter, specifically any submission of pleas under the deal, until Jan. 27 as it weighs its options, the official said. The ruling affirms a lower court's finding last month that the three defendants should be allowed to move forward with their plea deals. All three are accused of aiding, abetting and conspiring to carry out the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and other sites. The ruling noted that lawyers informed the court of the plea deals Aug. 1. The next day, Austin withdrew Escallier's authority to make such an agreement. "Responsibility for such a decision should rest with me," Austin said at the time. The court said that it would be unjust and outside the bounds of his authority for Austin to dismantle such a deal retroactively. It said the existence of a convening authority who can negotiate plea deals in this case, Escallier and a boss who can unravel them is not supported under military justice. Joseph Shepard | WNMU It will be a happy new year for Joseph Shepard, the outgoing president of Western New Mexico University (WNMU), who is scheduled to receive a $1.9 million lump-sum payment on January 15 as part of a severance package after resigning amid allegations of "wasteful" and "improper" spending. Under the agreement, which the public university's five-member Board of Regents unanimously approved on December 20, Shepard, who had been receiving about $415,000 annually in salary and bonuses as WNMU's president, will step down into a tenured position paying him $200,000 a year to teach a couple of business classes each semester. The salary is guaranteed for at least five years, adding another $1 million to the cost for taxpayers. That sweetheart deal for Shepard came a month after a scathing report from New Mexico State Auditor Joseph M. Maestas highlighted $214,000 in travel spending that violated WNMU's own policies, along with another $150,000 or so in improper charges on university credit cards. One example of the former: The university spent $25,500 in taxpayer money for six staff members to undergo training at a Ritz-Carlton resort in Palm Springs, California. Searchlight New Mexico, which has been digging into WNMU's spending practices for more than a year, notes that the same course was available online. The state auditor's report, which covers July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2023, describes "$214,261.91 worth of spending covering 402 instances of domestic and international travel and lodging for university staff and leadership" that were "found to be noncompliant with university policies and rules." It also cites "$149,264.08 worth of spending" on university credit cards by Shepard "covering 91 instances of procurement," including noncompliant purchases of "high-end custom furnishings" for Shepard's house on the WNMU campus in Silver City. Maestas notes trips by Shepard that were covered by the university even though they "appear[ed] to be unrelated to official university business." They included "trips related to other noneducational organizations [with] which the President is affiliated, such as the Finca Vigia Foundation, dedicated to saving author Ernest Hemingway's Cuban legacy, and for conferences and events where his spouse [former CIA officer Valerie Plame] was a guest speaker." The investigation "found that the travel requests and travel reimbursements provided by WNMU for the University President and members of the Board of Regents during the period" were "consistently noncompliant with university policies." The report cites many cost-control deficiencies, including international travel "lacking any documentation articulating the business need, purpose, justification, or authority for the travel." The audit also found meal expenditures and upgrades in seating, amenities, and lodging that likewise were "lacking any documentation articulating the business need or purpose." While traveling on the taxpayer's dime, Maestas notes, Shepard improperly used his university credit card to buy "alcohol, food or room service." Although the university "was subsequently reimbursed for the disallowed purchases with private funds by the university's Foundation," the report says, WNMU "appears to have affirmatively disregarded its policy and allowed the initial use of public university funds rather than private foundation funds" for those purchases. The report notes Shepard's "use of a university credit card to purchase high-end custom furniture" at a total cost of about $25,000. Although Plame was not a WNMU employee, she was issued a university credit card, which she used to buy an "oriental sofa" from Etsy for $1,488.27 and to pay $4,073 for a purchase from the fireplace company Woodland Direct. Maestas notes that "the University's purchasing card holder agreement applies to university employees" and "requires approval of their supervisor," while "any violation of the agreement references sanctions which can only be enforced on university employees." In a November 18 letter to Board of Regents President Mary E. Hotvedt, Maestas said WNMU had "engaged in the waste of public funds" through "excessive or extravagant domestic and international travel," "improper use of procurement and university credit cards," and "expense accounts and purchasing cards" for "a non-University employee." He described "an appearance of management overreach and a lack of a strong 'tone at the top'" at WNMU. "Without the proper example being set by the University's management and Board, which is fundamental to an effective internal control system, any disincentives for university employees to engage in inappropriate or extravagant travel spending are limited or removed," Maestas wrote. "Further, University management and Board failed to uphold their fiduciary responsibilities by neglecting to adhere to the corresponding elements as established in the University's policies, procedures, and rules regarding travel, per diem, and procurement." Maestas noted that WNMU, in response to reports of improper spending, had "taken proactive steps to strengthen the University's internal control structure" and "engage in an external forensic special audit to further review these and related issues." But he warned that "complacency or indifference to oversightexposes the University's governing body and leadership to the threat of further waste" and "opens the door for potential fraudulent acts to occur, each of which negatively impacts the university and its finances." Responding to the report, Hotvedt thanked Maestas for his "time and insights," which she conceded raised "serious concerns." But she said those concerns "have been addressed" by a "comprehensive review of cost disparities," policy updates that "align with applicable state guidelines and regulations," "revised travel and procurement procedures," "staff training to ensure compliance," and "an independent cost-benefit analysis of international initiatives." Shepard, for his part, has defended his lavish spending as necessary to support fundraising and recruitment of foreign students. During the period covered by the state audit, Searchlight New Mexico notes, "international students made up less than 2 percent of the university's entire student body," although that share "has grown by a small amount" since then. On the day that the Board of Regents approved his severance package, Shepard complained that he had not received "due process" from the state auditor's office. "I leave my post not in defeat, but with a deep understanding that it is the right thing to do, to advance that which I dearly love," he said. Stephanie Rodriguez, New Mexico's secretary of higher education, called Shepard's resignation "long overdue," adding: "I have been and remain deeply troubled about the reports of gross negligence and mismanagement of taxpayer funds at Western New Mexico University. The health and stability of WNMU moving forward will require further examination and accountability." Given that the regents were implicated in wasteful spending along with Shepard, it is not surprising that they were keen to quash the scandal, even at the cost of another $3 million in squandered taxpayer money. The Santa Fe New Mexican notes that the regents sealed the deal "without ever mentioning the amount of public money Shepard will receive." But news of the severance package provoked outrage among members of WNMU's faculty. Keen to act before Shepard gets his payout, the WNMU Faculty Senate scheduled a meeting for this Thursday to consider a vote of no confidence in the Board of Regents and a demand for the resignation of all its members. "We call upon our state elected officials to work to remove any who will not resign, in accordance with the Constitution of the State of New Mexico," a draft of the statement says, "and to use any legal authority at their disposal to halt the recent severance agreement" with Shepard. Phillip W. Schoenberg, president of the Faculty Senate, noted a "unanimous request" for the meeting from "the voting faculty [at] the School of Business," who "feel particularly outraged by the severance agreement." They complained that the regents had offered Shepard the consolation position in their school without consulting anyone there. "The decision to approve such a substantial payout to a president who has been the subject of past accusations of financial misconduct" is "troubling," said Jorge Romero-Habeych, an assistant professor at the business school. "Furthermore, the package appears to be a clear conflict with the everyday struggles faced by average New Mexicans, many of whom are living paycheck to paycheck and rely on the institution to serve the public good. The optics alone are damaging, and the ethical implications cannot be ignored." Update: On Tuesday, the Albuquerque Journal reports, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham "asked for the immediate resignation of all of WNMU's regents 'to help ensure that Western New Mexico University will be able to regain its equilibrium and once again serve its students first and foremost.'" The post A University President Accused of Squandering Public Money Resigns in Exchange for a $2 Million Payout appeared first on Reason.com. Emergency services arrived at the scene of the attack within minutes - George Cracknell Wright A man has been stabbed after being attacked with a machete on Oxford Street, in London, in the early hours of New Years Day. The 25-year-old man is in hospital after witnesses said he was attacked during a fight involving knives. Police attended the scene along the stretch outside Bond Street underground station following reports of a group of men who were armed with knives in the area. Paramedics arrived within four minutes and found the man wounded and he was taken to hospital. So far there have been no arrests. Bond Street station was closed following the incident and buses were also diverted. A witness told The Sun: It was terrifying people were screaming and running. The area was swarming with police and paramedics within minutes. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: At 4.04am on Wednesday, January 1, police were called to Oxford Street, just outside Bond Street underground station, following reports of men armed with knives. Officers attended and at the junction of Oxford Street and South Malton Street they found a 25-year-old man with a stab wound. He has been taken to hospital and we await an update on his condition. An investigation is underway and a crime scene remains in place. At this early stage there have been no arrests. Oxford Street has been closed as the police continue their investigation - George Cracknell Wright The stabbing comes after Sir Sadiq Khans knighthood was described as an insult to the families of knife crime victims, with violent crime in London having risen sharply during his tenure as Mayor of London. Campaigners say Sir Sadiq has completely ignored the pleas of victims families to take more action to reduce stabbings, despite a 38 per cent rise in knife crime in the capital since he took office. A London Ambulance Service spokesman said of the incident: We sent resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, a paramedic in a fast response car, a member of our Tactical Response Unit and Londons Air Ambulance. The first of our crews arrived in four minutes. Our crews treated a man at the scene, before taking him to hospital. The incident came after a 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after a hit-and-run in which two revellers were injured. A 25-year-old man has been taken to hospital owing to the attack - George Cracknell Wright Met Police officers were called to the junction of Regents Park Road and Primrose Hill in north London shortly after midnight, following reports of a vehicle crashing into a pedestrian. The driver failed to stop and made off along Primrose Hill Road, where a second pedestrian was struck. Police confirmed a 21-year-old man suffered minor injuries that did not require medical treatment. The second pedestrian, a 59-year-old man, was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital where his injuries were assessed as non-life-changing. A 40-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, causing grievous bodily harm and possession of controlled drugs. A police spokesman said officers located the vehicle a short distance away at the junction of Primrose Hill Road and King Henrys Road. 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. Three people were charged in the death of a man with cerebral palsy who was starved to death. The Pennsylvania parents of a 21-year-old blind and deaf man with cerebral palsy who died in September after being starved for months have been charged in connection to his death, authorities announced Tuesday. Tylim Hatchett was found dead on the floor of his apartment weighing a mere 59 pounds and a medical examiner determined that his complications with cerebral palsy were partially to blame, but that he had also apparently been starved, according to the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Office. Tylims mother, Sherrilynn Hawkins, father Vernon Hatchett and caregiver Loretta Harris are all charged with neglect of a care-dependent person, according to a news release from District Attorney Kevin Steeles office. Hawkins faces first-degree and third-degree murder. Hatchett is also charged with involuntary manslaughter while Harris faces a charge of theft by deception. Sherrilynn Hawkins mugshot. Montgomery County District Attorney's Office Hawkins and Harris were both receiving benefit money to care for Tylim, who they had frequently left alone for extended periods of time, Steele wrote. Tylim could not care for himself because of his complications with cerebral palsy, which included immobility, blindness, and deafness. He fully relied on his parents and caretaker, but Steele alleged that in the last 18 days of his life, he was left alone for 356 out of 425 hours. All the while, his mother pocketed $2,000 from a company called Aveanna Health Care. Harris also cashed $3,000 from the company. Loretta Harris mugshot. Montgomery County District Attorney's Office Detectives on the case put a lot of hours and a lot of time into this to make these determinations to show where these individuals were, that they were not with Tylim, which [is where] they were getting paid to be, Steele said at a press conference. These efforts included tracking Hawkins cell phone location, her vehicles appearance on license plate readers in the area, swipe access records into the Promenade building where Tylim lived, and other data. Steele said that the three had each neglected their responsibility to care for Tylim, who wholly relied on them. The neglect spanned months, if not years. Tylim had lost over 30 pounds since he was weighed in February at Abington Hospital, where he was listed at 90 pounds. Vernon Hatchett has not been apprehended by police yet. Montgomery County District Attorney's Office This is an individual who couldnt care for himself and was totally dependent upon care. Hes a care-dependent person and they starved him to death. They just didnt provide for him during this period of time, Steele said. Theyre taking money that theyre not doing the work for. These were intentional omissions that she was making through this period of time. [Hawkins] had a duty as a parent, [Harris] had a duty as a contracted employee, she was receiving benefits for this, and she let him die. Hawkins and Harris are in custody, but Hatchett has not been apprehended. Police are still working to track him down so he can face arraignment on his hefty charges. A police dog in South Carolina has been shot dead during a pursuit and now three teenagers are under arrest. Bumi the police K-9 was killed on Dec. 23 as deputies with the Richland County Sheriffs Department chased a car that was believed to be stolen, the agency said Tuesday. Following a "short pursuit" around 2:30 a.m., deputies used stop sticks that caused the car to crash, the department said in a news release. K-9 specialist Alan Ware and Bumi (pronounced BOO'-me) began chasing two suspects while a third was immediately detained, the agency said, adding that one of the two fleeing boys fired a gun, hitting the dog twice. Bumi, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois/German shepherd mix, was rushed to the vet but died. No one else was hurt. Bumi (pronounced boo-me), a K9 with the Richland County Sheriffs Department was fatally shot last week on Dec. 23, 2024 as officers chased a vehicle they believe was stolen. Two bullets recovered from K-9's chest In a press conference on Monday, Sheriff Leon Lott said that two bullets were recovered from inside Bumi's chest, adding that though the dog was wearing a protective vest, "it doesn't cover up underneath." Lott said that young people have "total lack of respect for human life or even for a police dog," and that "there's no hesitation in shooting and using a gun." He continued to say that "there is no reason juveniles should be out at 2:30 in the morning" and that "parents need to step up and have accountability." Bumi was the third K9 the sheriffs department has lost this year. Its a war out there, Lott said after a processional for the dog Friday, The State reported. Our Deputy (Alan) Ware is suffering, his family and his kids are suffering. That dog was part of their family. Now its just been snatched away for no reason whatsoever. Richland County Sheriffs Department's K-9 Specialist Alan Ware with Bumi. Teen suspects apprehended, 2 plead guilty The sheriff's office said they believe it was a 13-year-old suspect who fired the shots that killed Bumi. They arrested him later that day at his home without incident. The department says that a 17-year-old who fled with the 13-year-old was arrested Saturday after his mother contacted the sheriff's department and turned him in. He was taken to the sheriffs department headquarters by his parents, authorities said, where he was taken into custody. A 16-year-old was arrested immediately after the car crashed. The 13-year-old has pleaded guilty to killing a police dog, possessing a weapon under 18 and malicious injury to personal property over $10,000, while an attempted murder charge was downgraded to assault and battery, the sheriff's department said. He is expected to be sentenced on Feb. 5, Lott said during the news conference. The 16-year-old pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and was sentenced to 12 months of probation, the sheriff's department said. The 17-year-old remains in detention and will be charged as an adult, Lott said. He faces charges of grand larceny, failure to stop for blue lights, possession of a weapon under 18, and unlawful carry, among others. It's unclear whether he has entered a plea or obtained an attorney. Our investigators worked tirelessly to ensure the rapid capture of all three suspects, Lott said in a statement Monday. This has been a heartbreaking year for our K9 team and entire department. I am proud of our deputies for continuing to compassionately serve our community despite being the targets of increased violence. Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: South Carolina police K-9 killed during pursuit of 3 teenagers Kawam, who was originally from Toms River, said her memories at the public school were participating in freshman and sophomore cheerleading and that her secret ambition was "to party forever." The sleeping subway passenger who was burned to death on a Brooklyn F train had aspirations to be a flight attendant and was known for her million dollar smile, according to her high school yearbook biography. Debrina Kawam, known to her classmates as Debbie or Deb, graduated from Passaic Valley Regional School in Little Falls, New Jersey, in 1985, the New York Times reported. Kawam, 57, later fell on hard times: Sources said she was living in New York City homeless shelters from September until Dec. 2. Debrina Kawam, the NYC subway passenger who was burned to death, was known to her classmates as Debbie or Deb, and graduated from Passaic Valley Regional School in Little Falls, New Jersey, in 1985. Passaic Valley Regional High School Her horrific death shocked the city and the nation. Illegal Guatemalan immigrant Sebastian Zapeta-Calil is charged with setting her on fire around 7:30 a.m. Dec. 22 on an F train in the Stillwell Avenue-Coney Island station. She was asleep on the train when she was set ablaze, video shows. Kawam, who was originally from Toms River, said her memories at the public school were participating in freshman and sophomore cheerleading and that her secret ambition was to party forever. She signed off her biography thanking her parents for everything. Kawam was one of three students who earned the superlative of million dollar smile and most punk, according to the outlet. Kawams body (seen on fire) was IDd through fingerprints more than a week after the horrific tragedy. Zapeta-Calil, 33, was indicted on first- and second-degree murder and one count of arson on Dec. 27. Curtis Means/POOL Kawams body was IDd through fingerprints more than a week after the horrific tragedy. Zapeta-Calil, 33, who was deported in 2018 but sneaked back into the US, was indicted on first- and second-degree murder and one count of arson on Dec. 27. He claimed he was too drunk and didnt remember the attack. Zapeta-Calil faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole if hes convicted on the top count of first-degree murder, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said. It is the most serious statute in New York state law, and my office is very confident about the evidence in this case and our ability to hold Zapeta accountable for his dastardly deeds, Gonzalez said. Zepata-Calil claimed he was too drunk and didnt remember the attack. G.N.Miller/NYPost Toms River resident Olga Corpion had purchased the house Kawams mother once lived in and said she met Debrina shortly after Corpion moved into the neighborhood in May. She said, Hi, my name is Debrina, and I want to go see my mom. My mother lives here. I want to talk to her, Corpion told The Post. She looked like she was in her 50s, so right away I assumed she was not well, because she didnt know her mom had moved. Im in shock that she was standing right here and then I found out she died so horribly. Videos posted on social media show smoke outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday. An eletric vehicle burst into flames outside of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday, according to officials and videos on social media. The vehicle appeared to be a Tesla Cybertruck, though local officials had not yet made any announcements about the automobile's make or why it caught fire. The cause of the fire was not immediately clear. In the videos circulating online, sirens can be heard inside the lobby of the Trump International Hotel as the vehicle just outside the doors is seen engulfed in flames. One person on social media said they were near the front door when the vehicle exploded and that they were forced to leave their luggage by the door. The Clark County Fire Department confirmed that it had responded to a vehicle fire in the valet area of the Trump International Hotel at approximatley 8:40 a.m. local time. The Federal Bureau of Investigations Las Vegas also said in a statement to NBC News that it has personnel on scene to offer assistance to our local partners, who handled the initial response. Tesla, as well as the companys vice president of vehicle engineering, Lars Moravy, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a statement from The Trump Organization, which was also shared by President-elect Donald Trump's son Eric Trump on X, the organization acknowledged that a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochere of Trump Las Vegas. The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism, the statement read. The Trump International Hotel Las Vegas is owned by the Trump Organization and American businessman Phil Ruffin. In videos of the lobby, loud blasts could be heard as the fire grew larger just beyond the entrance to the hotel, which is embossed with the letter "T" for Trump. Mary Lescano Paguada, 43, who was on vacation in Las Vegas freom San Antonio, Texas, to celebrate the New Year at Trump International Hotel, told NBC News she heard an explosion in the early morning. Initially, she didn't worry until she started seeing law enforcement responding the scene. Paguada said once she and her husband reached he lobby they heard screaming and were told by hotel staff to get out and "don't breathe the smoke. Don't stay." She said they were not allowed to return to their rooms after they went downstairs in an attempt to get them to evacuate the area. Social media posts showed smoke filling the air in the area around the building. Other videos taken from nearby hotels show first responders appearing to race to the scene of the fire. President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Tesla CEO Elon Musk to co-lead an advisory council, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), during his second administration, which aims to slash federal regulations and government spending. Musk, who is the worlds richest person, contributed $277 million to back Trumps campaign and other GOP candidates according to campaign finance records. Russian gas is no longer flowing to EU states through Ukraine following the expiration of a five-year deal, closing an energy route that has existed since the end of the Soviet Union in 1991. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the move means Russia can no longer earn billions on our blood. His energy minister, Herman Halushchenko, confirmed on Wednesday morning that Kyiv had stopped the gas flows in the interest of national security. This is a historic event, he wrote on the social media platform Telegram. Russia is losing markets and will incur financial losses. The deal had allowed for Russian gas to travel through Ukraines pipeline networks into European countries, primarily Hungary, Slovakia and Austria. Its end will not cut off all Russian gas to Europe, but significantly reduce it. Gas can still travel from Russia to Europe via the Turkstream pipeline, but no longer through Ukraine, cutting gas imports to the EU by around 14 billion cubic metres. The European Commission has said that this volume can be replaced by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline imports from other sources, such as Norway and the United States. However, the impact is already being felt in parts of EU candidate country Moldova, which was getting Russian gas via Ukraine. The breakaway Russian-speaking region of Transnistria, home to around 45,000 people, cut supplies to households. There is no heating or hot water, said a worker at energy company Tirasteploenergo. The financial impact Though Ukraine benefitted financially from the now-expired agreement to the tune of $800m (640m) a year, the gas was not imported to Ukraine itself. Latest estimates show that Russia is expected to lose around 5bn (4.14bn) a year from gas transported to Europe via Ukraine. According to its own reports, Gazproms market capitalisation stands at around 22bn (3 trillion roubles). Gazprom is Russias largest company, and has the largest gas reserves in the world. Since the invasion of Ukraine its business has taken several blows. By the end of 2024, Russian gas exported to Europe via the Ukraine pipelines alone has already dropped by 78 per cent since the contract started in 2020. And for the first time since 2001, Gazprom reported a net loss of 5.5bn (629 billion roubles) in 2023, after gas sales plummeted. Up to this point, the gas giant consistently raked in billions each year; including even 14bn (1.9 trillion roubles) in 2022, during the first year of the war. Revenue decreased by around 27 per cent in 2023, to 61bn, while revenue from gas sales in particular fell by 40 per cent. In this context, a loss of 4.14bn in gas sales without the Ukraine transit deal could trigger a further 6.7 per cent decrease in revenues for Gazprom and Russia. The Russian oil and gas war chest Russias oil industry is seen as vital to financing its continued war against Ukraine (AP) Gazprom is majority state-owned, which means that the Russian state receives a sizeable sum of its profits. Russia relies on oil and gas business in part to fund its ongoing war in Ukraine; with revenues accounting for 30 to 50 per cent of the Russian federal budget, according to The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES). Other than the EU, Russias biggest pipeline gas exports go to Turkey and Belarus, while LNG exports are largely reliant on sales to China and Japan. According to Bloomberg, Russian gas exports to China are discounted as heavily as -28 per cent compared to European exports, meaning that they are less profitable for Russia overall. But ultimately, the vast majority of Russian state oil and gas revenues come from oil sales, rather than gas sales, according to the OIES. Although the EU has banned oil imports from Russia, numerous reports suggest that Russian oil is still reaching the EU via back channels. A Global Witness investigation found that 130 million barrels of refined products were imported into the EU from refineries that process Russian crude oil in 2023, worth an estimated 1.1bn in tax revenue to the Kremlin. Russia is the largest crude oil supplier to China and India. The UK and EU countries import billions in refined oil from these two countries, part of which is likely originating from Russia despite sanctions. The trouble with Russian gas Russian president Vladimir Putin (L) and Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh shake hands (EPA) Separately to sanctions from the invasion of Ukraine, European countries reliance on Russian gas has been a difficult challenge to address. Russia has historically used its gas pipeline exports to exert political control over dependent countries, from Ukraine to Armenia. As of today, Gazprom is also weaponising the same tactic in Moldova, cutting off gas supplies over an alleged $709m (565m) debt. Yet the decision not to extend gas transit via Ukraine faced some pushback. Slovakias prime minister threatened to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine in retaliation, as he said that ending Russian gas transit would increase energy prices. Nonetheless, gas transit via Ukraines pipelines has now ceased. Ukraine says it has halted the transport of Russian gas to Europe. (Gleb Garanich/Reuters/File) Ukraine has made good on its promise to halt the transport of Russian gas to Europe through its territory after a key deal with Moscow expired on Wednesday. Ukraines refusal to renew the transit deal was an expected but symbolic move after nearly three years of its full-scale war with Russia, and comes after Europe has already drastically cut Moscows share of its gas imports. Ukraines energy ministry said it ended the deal in the interests of national security. We have stopped the transit of Russian gas. This is a historic event, the ministry said in a statement, adding that its gas transportation infrastructure had been prepared in advance of the expiration. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the move one of Moscows greatest defeats. In a Telegram post Wednesday, he accused Moscow of turning energy into a weapon and engaging in cynical energy blackmail against its partners and expressed hope that the United States would increase its supply of gas to Europe. Last year, Kremlin-owned gas giant Gazprom, which signed the transit deal with Ukraines Naftogaz in 2019, recorded a $6.9 billion loss, its first in more than 20 years, due to diminished sales to Europe, Reuters reported. Thats despite its efforts to boost exports to new buyer China. Ukraine now faces the loss of some $800 million a year in transit fees from Russia, while Gazprom will lose close to $5 billion in gas sales, according to the news agency. Several European countries still purchasing Russian gas had previously arranged alternative supply routes, it reported. The lapsed deal had represented about 5% of the European Unions total gas imports, according to Brussels-based think tank Bruegel, and supplied mainly Austria, Hungary and Slovakia. Now, after its expiry, Europe receives pipeline gas from Russia via a single route: The Turkstream pipeline, which runs through Turkey and on to Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary, says Bruegel. Henning Gloystein, head of Energy, Climate & Resources at Eurasia Group, said the deals end came as no surprise but expects it to trigger a jump in spot gas prices when markets reopen on Thursday. But a major price spike as seen during the previous Russian supply cuts is unlikely as EU importers have long prepared for this (scenario), he told CNN, adding that most of Europe has had a mild start to winter. The European Union has been working with countries for over a year to prepare for the possibility of the deals expiry, a spokeswoman for the European Commission told CNN. The European gas infrastructure is flexible enough to provide gas of non-Russian origin to (central and eastern Europe) via alternative routes, the spokeswoman said. It has been reinforced with significant new (liquefied natural gas) import capacities since 2022. We did our homework and were well prepared for this scenario, Austrias Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler said in a statement on X early Wednesday, adding that the countrys energy firms had sought out new, non-Russian suppliers. However, Slovakias Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Wednesday that the halt of Russian gas flows via Ukraine will have a drastic impact on the EU but not on Russia, according to a Reuters report. Fico has previously argued that the end of the deal would lead to higher gas and electricity prices in Europe, the news agency said. What does this mean for Europe? Before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia was the European Unions biggest supplier of natural gas. The bloc has whittled Russias share of its pipeline gas imports down from over 40% in 2021 to about 8% in 2023, according to the European Council. To fill the gap, Europe has imported vast quantities of liquefied natural gas (LNG) a chilled, liquid form of natural gas that can be transported via sea tankers from the United States and other countries, as well as pipeline gas from Norway. The EU has also ramped up imports of Russian LNG to help heat its homes and power its factories, but faces a self-imposed deadline of 2027 and plans to break its dependence on all Russian fossil fuels. Analysts told CNN last month that countries receiving Russian gas through the transit deal with Ukraine are not at risk of an energy shortage and would likely fill the gap by importing more LNG or more natural gas via pipeline from other European nations. Still, Massimo Di Odoardo, a senior natural gas researcher at energy data firm Wood Mackenzie, told CNN in late December that the deals expiry would make it harder for Europe to refill its stores before next winter. Thats one reason why European gas prices are likely to remain close to their current levels or perhaps rise in 2025, he said. Prices have tumbled from all-time highs reached in summer 2022 but are still more than double their historical levels. There are already signs of strain in the region. Reuters reported on Wednesday that Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova, a non-EU country that also receives Russian gas via Ukraine, had cut heating and hot water supplies to households following the expiry of the transit deal. This story has been updated with additional information and context. Juliana Liu contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images/Kseniya Ovchinnikova If you're looking for a fun way to kick-start your New Year's fitness goals, I've discovered the perfect exercise for animal lovers: kitty yoga. Finding the motivation to work out can be tough, but adding cats to the mix is bound to make it more exciting. Echo Wang, CEO and founder of Yoga Kawa, says: "Yoga with cats is such a delightful experience. Cats make us feel peaceful and happy their calming purrs and funny quirks turn them into walking stress-busters. "Studies even show that a cats purring frequency can promote physical healing and reduce inflammation. Combine that with yogas grounding and mindfulness benefits, and youve got the perfect recipe for relaxation and joy. Cats also bring a playful energy to the class, encouraging you to stay present and embrace the moment." I tried a class in London where six British Shorthair kittens joined me for a session here's how it went: My experience with cat yoga I don't know about you, but I have to psych myself up for ages before doing any kind of exercise even if it's something I enjoy! However, I'd been looking forward to this class all week for a change. As someone who usually finds yoga incredibly boring, I can vouch for cat yoga being a completely different ball game. I had a basket of two adorable kittens in front of me, so whenever things felt challenging, their little faces looking up at me powered me through. Image 1 of 3 A room with yoga mats, toys, scratching posts and two kittens near a bowl Image 2 of 3 Megan lying down on a yoga mat next to a basket with a kitten instead Image 3 of 3 Kitten asleep in a basket with blanket If you're wondering whether the kittens actually do any yoga, the answer is no. Instead, they're free to roam around or snooze in their cat beds while you practice your poses. You can give them a little stroke if they come near you. It's the same as a regular yoga class, just with a few extra furry classmates. The room was dotted with baskets, blankets, toys, and scratching posts, along with the best cat treats for you to feed them. At the end of the session, we had 20 minutes of playtime, which didnt involve any yoga (and, admittedly, this was my favorite part!). The only thing I would note is that, since it was the kittens' first time doing the class, they were a little shy and hesitant. Thankfully, there was a cat expert on standby to offer handling advice and ensure the kittens were okay. In the future, I would opt for a class with older cats who felt more confident around people and seemed happy to be involved. It's also worth researching whether the animals are vaccinated and regularly checked over by vets. The session was pretty expensive too, costing around 35 (which is around $44) for a ticket, compared to the average 1215 ($15$18) for a standard yoga class in London. That said, you are getting kittens included, which makes it a unique experience! How to try cat yoga at home Most classes are located in city centers, which can make them tricky to get to for some people, and they can also be pricey if you're attending regularly. If you're a cat parent, you might want to try a session at home instead. We asked Echo for her three top tips for practicing cat yoga here's what she said: 1. Stick to floor work and gentle sequences, like sun salutations or stretches from the mat. 2. Cats are curious by nature, so let them move around freely. They'll swing by when they feel like it. 3. They might take their sweet time to warm up, so patience is key. They might even wander onto your back! And dont stress about it being a 'perfect' yoga session. Its half yoga and enjoying the moment together. Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Single Ingredient Cat Treats If you want to reward your cat for their yoga efforts, these tasty treats are a good way to do it! Made from a single ingredient (boneless chicken breast) they're high in protein, delicious, and free from unhealthy additives. Our tester, Alisa, says her cats enjoyed this flavor the most.View Deal A suspect is arrested by police following an incident at a New York City subway station X/@AngryCitizenxx A subway passenger in New York City has been left critically injured after a stranger shoved him into the path of an oncoming train. The 45-year-old man was standing on the platform, apparently looking at his phone, when he was suddenly pushed onto the tracks by a 23-year-old named as Kamel Hawkins. He fell underneath the approaching train but miraculously survived. As firefighters pulled him from between subway carriages, a bystander shouted: Hes alive, hes alive. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition. The terrifying incident was captured by security cameras on Tuesday afternoon, as the city was preparing to celebrate New Years Eve. The motive for the attack, which happened at the citys 18th Street subway station, was not known. Hawkins has been charged with attempted murder and second-degree assault. He has a substantial criminal record, US media reported. He was charged with assault in 2019 after attacking a police officer, and was also charged with assault and weapons possession in October last year. Emergency crews were seen attending to the victim following the attack on Tuesday afternoon - X The possibility of being pushed onto the tracks is a long-running nightmare for many New Yorkers. While it occurs rarely compared to the millions of rides each day, a push as recently as March killed a person in East Harlem. Such attacks have happened elsewhere as well: a woman died after being shoved into a San Francisco commuter train this summer. Tuesdays attack also follows a recent spate of violence and random attacks on New York subways, which carried more than a billion passengers in 2024. High-profile incidents include a woman being set on fire by a stranger while she was asleep on a train on Dec 22. The victim, named as Debrina Kawam from New Jersey, died of her injuries following the attack in Brooklyn. The 57-year-old had previously worked at the pharmaceutical giant Merck from 2000 until 2002, but her life subsequently took a downward turn and she had been living in a homeless shelter after moving to the city. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, has been charged with murder and arson over her death. He allegedly fanned the flames with a shirt, engulfing her in the blaze, before sitting on a platform bench and watching as she burned. Initially thinking he was a bystander, footage showed police ushering Zapeta away from the scene as he watched the woman burn from the platform. Zapeta, who is originally from Guatemala, was later arrested and is due to appear in court on Jan 7. A suspect was led from the scene by police after the man was pushed onto the tracks Identifying the victim proved to be a challenge. It took police until Dec 31 to identify Ms Kawam due to the nature of her death. Ms Kawam had worked at the pharmaceutical giant Merck from 2000 until 2002, but her life at some point took a rocky turn. She had briefly been in a New York homeless shelter after moving to the city recently, the Department of Social Services said. It did not say when. Police had an address for Ms Kawam in Toms River, a community on the Jersey Shore, and authorities said they notified her family about her Dec 22 death. Hearts go out to the family a horrific incident to have to live through, Eric Adams, the mayor of New York, said at an unrelated news briefing. Two days later, on Christmas Eve, a man attacked two people with a knife in Manhattans Grand Central subway station. The victims both survived, while the man was arrested on assault and other charges, authorities said. At a press conference on Tuesday morning, hours before the latest attack, Mr Adams insisted: Crime is not surging in the subway system. You know, we have some high-profile incidents, and were really disturbed about it. He also said overall subway crime was low. However, concerns over crime prompted authorities to deploy more than 1,000 members of the National Guard to patrol the transit system during the holiday season. The recent spate of attacks also prompted the Guardian Angels, a group of anti-crime volunteers, to begin patrolling the subway system for the first time since 2020. The non-profit organisation was founded in 1979 to deal with a surge in crime in the city. 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. A woman who died after being set on fire on a New York City subway train this month has been identified, according to police. The woman was named as Debrina Kawam, 57, of Toms River, New Jersey, the New York Police Department said. Kawam was sleeping on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn on the morning of Dec. 22 when she was set ablaze allegedly by an undocumented 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen, according to police. PHOTO: Sebastian Zapeta, accused of setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train, appears in court, Dec. 24, 2024, in New York. (Curtis Means/AP) The suspect, Sebastian Zapeta, has been charged with first-degree and second-degree murder and first-degree arson. He has yet to enter a plea. "The depravity of this horrific crime is beyond comprehension, and my office is committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice," Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said in a statement released shortly after the homicide occurred. "This gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman will be met with the most serious consequences." The suspect allegedly "approached and lit the victim on fire" with a lighter, police said. Police officers in the area at the time smelled smoke and went to the train to investigate, where they found the woman standing inside the car "fully engulfed in flames," the NYPD said. She was pronounced dead at the scene. PHOTO: A man wanted for questioning by the NYPD, in connection with the death of a woman who was set on fire while she was sleeping on a stationary subway train, is seen in a still image from surveillance video, Dec. 22, 2024, in New York. (NYPD via Reuters) Images of the suspect were captured on officers' body cameras as he stayed on the scene after the incident, sitting on a nearby bench, according to police. Those images were released as police requested the public's assistance in identifying the man. MORE: Man accused of fatally burning woman on subway is indicted in 'malicious' case: DA Three high school students recognized the suspect and contacted police. Zapeta was taken into custody in a subway car at Herald Square within hours of the incident, according to police. When he was captured, the suspect had a lighter in his pocket. A motive for the crime remains under investigation. Zapeta was initially removed from the U.S. back to Guatemala in June 2018 after U.S. Border Patrol encountered him in Sonoita, Arizona, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson said. He unlawfully reentered the United States at an unknown time and location, the spokesperson said. MORE: National Guard to be deployed in New York City subway in crime crackdown: Governor ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations will lodge an immigration detainer with the NYPD location where Zapeta is being held, an agency spokesperson said. During a news conference on Tuesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Kawam briefly stayed in a city homeless shelter. He said authorities have been in contact with her next of kin, but he released no additional information about her. The NYPD previously misstated her age as 61. "Our hearts go out to the family," Adams said, calling the homicide a "horrific incident to have to live through." He said such high-profile "random acts of violence" have overshadowed the success police have achieved in bringing crime down in the subway system. NYPD crime statistics show that as of Sunday, overall crime in the subway system is down 5.4% compared to last year. "It was just a bad incident and it impacts on how New Yorkers feel," said Adams. "But it really reinforces what I've been saying: People should not be living on our subway system. They should be in a place of care. And no matter where she lived, that should not have happened. Woman set on fire on New York City subway identified by police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com On the first day of the year, Pope Francis urges the faithful to protect life "from conception to natural death, so that everyone may look with hope to the future. In Marys name, the pontiff mentioned mothers with hearts full of pain because of war. Vatican City (AsiaNews) Pope Francis delivered his message to the world today, the first day of the year and the 58th World Day of Peace. In it, the pontiff notes that the Church calls on the faithful to contemplate in Marys Divine motherhood the mystery of Jesus "born of a woman", in order to restore dignity to the lives of everyone born of woman, for this is the basis for building a culture of peace. This includes respect for life, "from conception to natural death", as well as facing the horrors of today's wars. Today began with Mass in the Vatican Basilica. In his homily, Francis urged the faithful to fix our gaze on Jesus "born of a woman". Let us entrust this new year to Mary, Mother of God. May we learn, like her, to discover Gods greatness in the little things of life. May we learn to care for every child born of a woman, above all by protecting, like Mary, the precious gift of life: life in the womb, the lives of children, the lives of the suffering, the poor, the elderly, the lonely and the dying. Today, on this World Day of Peace, all of us are invited to take up the summons that flows from the maternal heart of Mary: to cherish life, to care for wounded lives, he said. For this reason, I ask for a firm commitment to respect for the dignity of human life from conception to natural death, so that each person may cherish his or her own life and all may look with hope to the future. The pope placed the Jubilee Year in Marys care. Let us entrust to her our questions, our worries, our sufferings, our joys and all the concerns that we bear in our hearts. [. . .] Let us entrust to her the whole world, so that hope may be reborn and peace may finally spring up for all the peoples of the earth. During the Angelus, Francis said to look at "mothers whose hearts are full of pain, because their children have been taken away by violence, pride, hatred. How beautiful is the peace that gladdens the life of peoples! How inhuman war is, which breaks the hearts of mothers". The pontiff thanked all those working to find solutions to the ongoing wars in Palestine, Israel, tormented Ukraine, and Myanmar. Let us pray that fighting may cease on every front and work for peace and reconciliation be done," he said. War always destroys, war is always a defeat." Finally, citing his message for this World Day of Peace, Francis once again renewed the Jubilee appeal to "cancel or reduce as much as possible the debts of the poorest countries. How and Where to Buy a Sex Toy Online Our Favorite Online Sex Toy Stores to Help You Explore Your Sexuality The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. The taboo on sex toys has officially been broken. Men use them; women use them; single people use them; couples use them. You can find them mentioned in Hollywood movies or casually referenced in HBO shows, and occasionally they even crop up unexpected, in the background of Zoom calls or news interviews (yes, really). But that doesn't mean that buying your first sex toy is as easy as strolling into Walmart. After all, it's still an inherently personal purchase, one that many people would prefer to make discreetly. Thankfully, there have been excellent online sex toy stores for almost as long as there has been an Internet. These sex toy shops not only specialize in selling high-quality, hygienic toys to meet a massive variety of needs and wants; they also often include helpful guides, personalized tips, and special care instructions to help you get the most out of your purchase. RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Butt Plugs Curiosity piqued? Eager to get to the goods? Here are some our very favorite online sex toy shops, as well as what makes them special. Adam & Eve The name Adam & Eve is appropriate for this sex toy company, as these guys have been in the business almost as far back as the biblical characters go. Established over half a century ago (when this stuff was super taboo), the site makes it a point to stay up to date with the latest sex toy offerings. Items are divided out into sections, complete with handy guides that accompany each one. 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Azerbaijan's economic diversification policy is yielding tangible results, driven by the strategic vision of President Ilham Aliyev. Under his leadership, revenues from the countrys energy resources are being strategically channeled into various sectors, laying a strong foundation for the growth of the non-oil economy. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 1 January 2025 20:25 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The year 2024 has marked significant milestones for Azerbaijan, solidifying its position as a force to be reckoned with in the South Caucasus and on the global stage. From crucial advancements in sovereignty to major infrastructure projects and a powerful presence at international forums, Azerbaijan has undoubtedly shaped the year. Although being a small state, listing the country's achievements in the past year would be quite challenging. Yet, below, we reflect on some of the most pivotal moments that highlight the country's growing influence and strategic goals. Azerbaijan's Strategic Goals One of the defining moments of 2024 was Azerbaijans reaffirmation of its territorial integrity and sovereignty, particularly in the context of the South Caucasus. President Ilham Aliyevs leadership has been instrumental in bringing about these new realities, not just for Azerbaijan but for the entire region. The successful restoration of Azerbaijans sovereignty over its territories, including Garabagh and East Zangezur, has been a central pillar of the countrys strategic vision. These territories are not only vital for national security but also for the development of infrastructure, energy, and trade routes that are pivotal to Azerbaijans broader aspirations. As President Aliyev has often pointed out, the world has already accepted the new realities in the South Caucasus, acknowledging Azerbaijans rightful sovereignty over these territories. The geopolitical landscape of the region has shifted, with Azerbaijan asserting its dominance while continuing to build strong bilateral relations with countries like Turkiye, Russia, and others in the region. Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict The post-2023 landscape has seen tangible progress in Azerbaijan-Armenia relations. Yet, there are some key milestones, such as Armenias return of four villages to Azerbaijan in 2024, in line with the Alma-Ata Declaration, marked a critical step in acknowledging each other's territorial integrity. Establishing a de facto peace regime has led to unprecedented cooperation, with border guards patrolling demarcated areas without helmets or bulletproof vests. Despite these advancements, contentious issues remain particularly Azerbaijan's demand for constitutional amendments in Armenia to formally renounce territorial claims. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan faces mounting domestic opposition, complicating his governments ability to sustain diplomatic momentum. However since then, although some experts suggest/predict that peace deal will be sealed, it did not happen. There were once a great chance for the both parties to seal the deal during COP29, back in November, but Armenian choose not to participate in the event. COP29: Azerbaijan's Role in Shaping Global Climate Policy Azerbaijans green energy transition has been another focal point of national policy in 2024. The countrys efforts to reduce carbon emissions and increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix are in line with global trends, positioning Azerbaijan as a key player in the sustainable energy sector. Azerbaijans commitment to green energy was showcased during COP29, where President Aliyev delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the countrys green agenda and the importance of balancing energy security with environmental sustainability. Azerbaijan is making substantial investments in renewable energy infrastructure, with a focus on solar and wind power, alongside traditional energy sources like oil and gas. Notably, during COP29, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement was fully endorsed, unlocking new investment opportunities in the developing world. The New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance sets a target for developed countries to increase their climate action financing for developing nations, raising the annual mobilization from $100 billion to a minimum of $300 billion by 2035. Azerbaijans role in green energy was also highlighted through partnerships with international organizations and companies, including those in the Middle East and Europe. The recent agreements with Masdar for solar power projects further solidify Azerbaijans position as a leader in renewable energy development in the region. In this context, it is important to note that through the implementation of renewable energy projects, Azerbaijan is building the necessary infrastructure to create a green energy corridor connecting the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea, and Europe. This includes the development of solar and wind power plants with foreign investment. These efforts will contribute to the construction of power plants in Azerbaijan with a total capacity exceeding 11 GW. The Restoration of Garabagh and East Zangezur: A New Era for Azerbaijan In parallel with its energy initiatives, Azerbaijan has made remarkable progress in the restoration of Garabagh and East Zangezur. These developments represent not just the rebuilding of infrastructure but the resurgence of national pride and unity. On September 20, Azerbaijans National Sovereignty Day, President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated the renovated Garabagh University, emphasizing the importance of instilling national values in youth. By the end of September, over 1,100 students were enrolled. Throughout the month, the president toured several restoration projects in the Aghdam district, including the Imaret Complex and the Aghdam City Hotel. He also visited the Uzeyir Hajibeyov House-Museum in Shusha and reviewed the construction of the Aghdam-Asgaran-Khojaly-Khankendi road and the Congress Center in Khankendi's Victory Square. A bridge connecting the East Zangezur economic region with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is nearing completion. Earlier in the year, President Aliyev noted that infrastructure projects would facilitate the return of displaced persons to their ancestral lands. By June, 50 families were already resettled in Khojaly, with plans to double that number by years end. The revival of several other villages has also commenced, including Karkijahan and Ballija, where new homes were handed over to 48 families. Currently, nearly 35,000 individuals live in the liberated areas, with over 20,000 specialists working on restoration projects. The Small and Medium Business Development Agency has received over 2,500 applications for business activities in these regions, highlighting growing interest in the revitalization of the area. Azerbaijan's Expanding Global Influence Azerbaijan's role in international organizations continued to grow, especially with its membership in the Organization of Turkish States (OTS) and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). These memberships represent a strengthening of Azerbaijan's ties with key regional players and reinforce its position as a central actor in both regional and international politics. Azerbaijans strategic alliances have contributed to its growing influence in global affairs, positioning the country as a key actor in regional stability and economic cooperation. A notable development in 2024 is the strengthening of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). In the early months of the year, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the importance of the OTS, stating, "a priority for us" and emphasizing that "our family is the Turkic world." Acknowledging the current budget's insufficiency for achieving the organization's objectives, during the 11th OTS summit in Bishkek, the president expressed hope that financial contributions from Bakuspecifically, $2 million to the OTS Secretariat and $100,000 to the Council of Elderswould help enhance the organization's capacity. Path Forward in 2025, and what to expect? As President Ilham Aliyev emphasized yesterday in his annual New Year's speech, Azerbaijan has created new realities in the South Caucasus, and the world has already accepted these new realities. There is no doubt that these realities will be further confirmed in 2025. No force, no center of power can influence the will of the Azerbaijani state or turn it away from its path. With an unwavering commitment to its sovereignty, economic development, and international partnerships, Azerbaijan is poised for even greater achievements in the coming year. As we (Azerbaijan) have recently entered "2025 The Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty," the main title of this year's theme makes it even more intriguing, and eyes for more changes to come in the 30th Anniversary of the nation's Constitution. Who knows maybe this year's theme also eyes for an end to a longstanding dispute. Finally, to conclude we wish nothing but the best for our beloved nation! 1 January 2025 11:58 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan Abdelrahman, President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Republic of the Sudan, Azernews reports. Dear Mr. President, On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I sincerely congratulate you and your people on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of the Sudan Independence Day. I fondly recall your visit to Baku to participate in COP29. I believe that the relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of the Sudan will continue to develop in a spirit of friendship and cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally, in line with the interests of our peoples. On this festive occasion, I extend my best regards to you and wish your friendly people peace and prosperity. Sincerely, Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Baku, 27 December 2024 1 January 2025 14:45 (UTC+04:00) On January 1, the Charge d'Affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Azerbaijan,Seyyed Jafar Aghayi Marian, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. According to the Ministry, a strong protest was conveyed regarding the insulting remarks made against Azerbaijan and its leadership during an event in Ardabil on December 29. The remarks, delivered by Seyyed Hassan Ameli, the Supreme Leaders representative in Ardabil province, were broadcast on the "News Network" channel of the Iranian Radio and Television Organization. The Azerbaijani side also expressed concern over the recent increase in anti-Azerbaijani sentiment incited among Iran's population. Officials emphasized that such propaganda contradicts the spirit of bilateral relations and undermines efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations and their peoples. The Ministry demanded an immediate cessation of provocations aimed at creating hostility and hatred against Azerbaijan. 1 January 2025 10:30 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. Azerbaijan significantly increased its natural gas exports to Turkiye in the first ten months of 2024 Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 1 January 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00) Thousands of people led by students rallied in Bangladeshs capital, calling for the prosecution of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and those responsible for hundreds of deaths in a mass protest against her government in July. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement organised the "March for Unity" at the Central Shaheed Minar on Tuesday, a national monument in Dhaka. Protesters chanted slogans calling for Hasina's trial and the banning of her Awami League party. Hasina fled to India on August 5 after weeks of violence in which authorities say hundreds of people were killed and thousands more wounded on orders of her government. The uprising ended the 15-year rule of the countrys longest-serving prime minister, who began a fourth consecutive term in January following an election boycotted by the major opposition parties. Last week, Bangladesh sent a formal request to India to extradite Hasina. She faces many court cases over the deaths of protesters, including some on charges of crimes against humanity. "Since August 5, we have no more enemies in Bangladesh. Our only enemy is the Awami League," Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the student movement, said while addressing the crowd. 1 January 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00) The President of Cote dIvoire, Alassane Ouattara, has declared the withdrawal of French troops from the country, highlighting the growing confidence in the nations armed forces, Azernews reports. Speaking in an address to the nation, Ouattara emphasized the progress made in modernizing Cote dIvoires military. Ivorians should be proud of the modernized state of their armed forces. In this context, we have decided to withdraw French troops in a coordinated and organized manner, the president stated. This announcement aligns with Frances broader strategy to reduce its military presence in West and Central Africa. The country plans to scale down its troops in the region from approximately 2,200 soldiers to 600. The shift follows a similar decision by Senegalese President Bassiru Diomay Fay, who recently announced the withdrawal of French and other foreign forces from Senegal by 2025. The developments signal a shift in the regional approach to security, with African nations taking greater responsibility for their defense. 1 January 2025 11:00 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Investigators have successfully extracted data from one of the black boxes of the Jeju Air plane that crashed on Sunday, according to South Koreas transport ministry, Azernews reports via BBC. The recovered cockpit voice recorder data is now being converted into an audio file, while efforts to access data from the flight data recorder are ongoing. The second black box, which could provide critical insights, is missing a key component required for decoding. The crash, which occurred at Muan International Airport, claimed the lives of 179 people, making it South Koreas deadliest aviation disaster. The Boeing 737-800, flying from Bangkok, slid into a wall after crash-landing, bursting into flames. Only two crew members survived the tragedy. Authorities are investigating various factors that may have contributed to the crash, including a potential bird strike or adverse weather conditions. Officials from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board have also joined the probe. South Koreas acting president, Choi Sang-mok, announced that all victims had been identified through DNA and fingerprint analysis, as many bodies were severely damaged. The victims, aged between three and 78, were predominantly South Korean, with two Thai nationals among the deceased. In response to the tragedy, South Korea has declared a seven-day national mourning period, and New Years Day celebrations have been cancelled or scaled down. Jeju Air CEO Kim Yi-bae stated that pre-flight inspections revealed no issues with the plane and pledged emergency compensation for victims families, including funeral costs. Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to uncover the sequence of events leading to the crash and provide answers to the grieving families. 1 January 2025 14:15 (UTC+04:00) Russian gas has stopped flowing to EU states via Ukraine after a five-year deal expired, marking the end of a decades-long arrangement, Azernews reports via BBC. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier that his country would not allow Russia to "earn additional billions on our blood" and had given the EU a year to prepare. The European Commission said the continent's gas system was "resilient and flexible" and that it could cope with the change. Slovakia, however, could face disruption and Moldova, which is not in the EU, is already suffering shortages. Russia can still send gas to Hungary, Turkiye and Serbia through the TurkStream pipeline across the Black Sea. Russian company Gazprom confirmed that gas exports via Ukraine to Europe stopped from 08:00 local time (05:00 GMT) on Wednesday. Moscow has transported gas to Europe through Ukraine since 1991. While immediate effects are light, the strategic and symbolic impact for the whole of Europe is enormous. Russia has lost an important market, but its president, Vladimir Putin, says EU countries will suffer most. The EU has significantly reduced imports of gas from Russia since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but a number of eastern member states still depend largely on the supplies, making Russia about 5bn ($5.2bn; 4.2bn) a year. Russian gas was less than 10% of the EU's gas imports in 2023, according to the bloc. That figure was 40% in 2021. But several EU members, including Slovakia and Austria, continued to import significant amounts of gas from Russia. Austria's energy regulator said that it did not forecast any disruption as it had diversified sources and built up reserves. But the end of the transit deal has already caused serious tensions with Slovakia, which is now the main entry point of Russian gas into the EU and earned transit fees from piping the gas on to Austria, Hungary and Italy. 1 January 2025 17:18 (UTC+04:00) In the early hours of this morning, a vehicle ploughed into a crowd on Bourbon Street, a popular tourist district in New Orleans, Azernews reports. US news outlet CBS News reported that the truck crashed into the crowd at high speed, and the driver got out and started firing a weapon, with police returning fire. The City of New Orleans said in a statement posted online that 30 people were transported to area hospitals with injuries and 10 people were confirmed dead. Weis saw multiple people on the ground being treated for injuries near the intersection of Bourbon and Canal Streets. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says the city was impacted by a terrorist attack. The mayor added that the incident, which killed at least 10 people, is currently under investigation. P.S. SENSITIVE CONTENT, PLEASE BE AWARE! 1 January 2025 18:09 (UTC+04:00) Additional contributions Germany has also provided engineering equipment, anti-mine systems, thousands of small arms, millions of cartridges, and substantial logistical support. Highlights of Germany's contributions include tanks, armored vehicles, self-propelled artillery systems, and advanced air defense systems. The delivered equipment underscores Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities. Germany has emerged as a leading contributor of military aid to Ukraine, supplying an extensive arsenal of weapons and equipment, according to Defense Express, citing German government data, Azernews reports. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 1 January 2025 18:37 (UTC+04:00) Starting today, January 1, Switzerland's ban on face coverings in public places has officially come into force, Azernews reports via Blue News. The so-called "burqa ban," approved by a referendum in 2021 with 51.2% of the vote, marks the first time clothing regulations have been incorporated into the Swiss constitution. While the new law primarily targets individuals wearing face veils, such as the burqa or niqab, it also applies to hooligans at sporting events and violent demonstrators who conceal their faces. The legislation is expected to affect only a small number of people. Switzerland is home to approximately 400,000 Muslims, but the Federal Council estimates that only a few wear face-covering veils. However, tourism experts have raised concerns that the ban might deter Muslim tourists, particularly from the Near and Middle East, who traditionally wear such veils. Former Swiss Peoples Party (SVP) president Marco Chiesa, a proponent of the initiative, described the ban as "a clear signal against radical Islam, against masked hooligans, and for the peaceful coexistence of people in Switzerland." The law also includes penalties for violations, though the extent to which it will impact everyday life in Switzerland remains to be seen. As the country begins to implement the controversial measure, its social and economic implications are likely to come under scrutiny in the months ahead. 1 January 2025 19:03 (UTC+04:00) The number of foreign nationals illegally crossing the English Channel to the United Kingdom in 2024 increased by 25% compared to the previous year, rising from 29,400 to 36,800 individuals. This data was reported by the UKs Ministry of Internal Affairs, Azernews reports. The record for illegal crossings was set in 2022, when 45,800 individuals made the dangerous journey across the English Channel in rubber boats. In total, 150,000 migrants have crossed from France to the United Kingdom over the past six years in hopes of seeking asylum. However, the perilous journey has led to the deaths of over 300 individuals during this time, including 77 fatalities in 2024 alone. In a statement, the Home Office strongly condemned the role of criminal smuggling groups in facilitating these crossings: "Criminal groups that smuggle people into the UK do not care whether the vulnerable people they exploit die or survive. The main thing for these criminals is to make money. We will do everything to stop their activities and bring them to justice." The issue of illegal migration has become increasingly pressing since the UKs departure from the European Union, with the problem serving as one of the key drivers of Brexit. In response to the ongoing crisis, the UK government has stepped up efforts to combat illegal crossings. In September 2024, the Home Office announced a $100 million initiative aimed at strengthening border security and enhancing measures to tackle criminal groups involved in migrant smuggling. The plan includes increased patrols, improved surveillance technology, and international cooperation to dismantle smuggling networks. The rising numbers highlight the growing urgency to address the root causes of illegal migration and ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals while safeguarding national borders. 1 January 2025 19:33 (UTC+04:00) Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Sberbank CEO German Gref were appointed to lead the project. In instructions posted on the Kremlin's website, the head of state called on the aforementioned parties to "ensure further cooperation with the People's Republic of China in conducting technological research and development in the field of artificial intelligence." Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the government and PJSC Sberbank to work with Beijing on artificial intelligence, Azernews reports. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 1 January 2025 21:25 (UTC+04:00) Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico insisted on Wednesday in a video address that stopping the flow of Russian gas through Ukraine won't affect Moscow that much, but will have a "drastic impact" on the European Union, Azernews reports. Fico has been very vocal about his disapproval of the actions taken by Ukraine when it comes to Russian energy sources, constantly repeating that both Slovakia and the bloc would lose millions of euros. Earlier, Ukrainian authorities confirmed that with the expiration of a previous agreement, Russian gas will no longer be transferred via Ukraine's territory. 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Here in North Carolina, our leftie governor Roy Cooper has just done a Biden on commuting death sentences so murderers don't receive the death penalty that juries gave them. Democrats seem to be all alike when it comes to being soft on crime. Biden just commuted most of the death sentences on the federal death row, 37 of them. Roy Cooper has just done the same thing in North Carolina, commuting the death sentences of 15 murderers on the state death row in our state. Only the very worst and most brutal of murderers get the death sentence and these are the people whose lives Biden and Cooper are saving. Also in this vein, a court has just ruled that the most egregious Democrat act to spare the death penalty must be accepted. That was a Biden political appointee making a deal to spare the three masterninds of the 9/11 World Trade Center terrrorist attack from the death penalty. Those Muslim jihadist thugs killed over 3,000 Americans in that attack, but now they will get to live. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/12/just-final-day-office-north-carolinas-democrat-governor/ No wonder the Democrats are so gung ho to give felons the vote. That seems to be a natural constituency of theirs. UPDATE: The truck used by New Orleans terrorist Shamsud din Jabbar was rented. Another truck, a cyber truck, rented from the same agency was equipped with an improvized explosive device and exploded on New Years Eve in front of the Trump hotel in Las Vegas, killing its driver and injuring 8 bystanders. Jabbar was a convert to Islam, and this may be an adopted name rather than his original name. Jabbar made a video driving from Texas to Louisiana in which he complained about his divorce, said he originally intended to gather his family together and kill them, but decided based on a dream to join ISIS instead. He had been radicalized recently, and that may be related to the mosque he attended. https://redstate.com/bonchie/2025/01/01/new-bourbon-street-terrorist-made-several-disturbing-and-revealing-videos-while-driving-from-texas-n2183832 https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14242697/cybertruck-explosives-las-vegas-terror-links.html UPDATE: Four other suspects who were detected on surveillance video placing improvised explosive devices with remote detonators around the French Quater are being sought. Similar bombs were found in Jabbar's truck. https://redstate.com/bonchie/2025/01/01/leaked-intel-bulletin-reveals-surveillance-footage-of-four-more-terror-suspects-placing-ieds-in-nola-n2183822 ORIGINAL POST: The New Years Eve terrorist attack at Bourbon Street in New Orleans that killed at least ten Americans was carried out using a truck that crossed the border from Mexico two days ago. A license plate reader at the border at Eagle Pass, Texas recorded the same license plate number as found on the truck in New Orleans. What this means for the investigation is still unclear, but it suggests a number of things that need to be followed up on. Photos of the truck also show a black flag in the truck bed, but not well enough to identify the design on the flag. Several Muslim terrorist groups including ISIS use black flags with varying designs. Identification of that flag will also be an important clue. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/01/breaking-fox-news-says-new-orleans-terrorist-entered/ UPDATE: The black flag on the truck has been identified as an ISIS flag. The driver of the truck has been identified as Shamsud din Jabbar, an arabic name. THere were also improvised explosive devices found in the area. The FBI says it is not terrorist related, but the mayor of New Orleans says it is and even Joe Biden says it is being investigated as a terrorist incident. One hopes that someone more credible than the FBI is also investigating this attack. The FBI has become far too prone to cover things up instead of being forthright with the public. https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/01/01/report-new-orleans-ramming-suspect-identified-shamsud-din-jabbar/ One hopes the Biden regime will be more forthcoming with information on this terrorist attack than they have been with the New Jersey drone incidents. I was branded too posh to push but my caesarean section was hell A growing number of expectant mothers are opting for C-sections rather than a natural birth, but judgement about the procedure remains More than half of C-sections in England in 2023 were elective Charlotte Cripps UK Independent Wed 1 Jan 2025 at 11:00 Im not ready! I blurted out as I was being wheeled into my caesarean section, at 3.30 pm to be exact. Id had it in the diary for months it was well planned. But I felt terrified. I wanted to jump off the hospital trolley and make a sharp U-turn out of the building. The thought of having a new baby in my arms within 10 to 15 minutes threw me. It just felt too quick. The nurse rolled her eyes and looked at me in horror. Its a bit late now for all that, isnt it? she laughed. Youve had nine months to prepare. Surely having a baby cant be a shock! How sex ed booklet for schools got the DUP hot under collar Iris Robinson and Jim Wells wrote to department in 2001 over teaching guide containing activities to foul too describe The booklet sparked outrage among two DUP politicians (Stock image) Sam McBride Wed 1 Jan 2025 at 08:24 DUP politicians wrote to the Department of Education to express abhorrence at a sex education booklet for children that included activities too foul to describe. Woman with worst case of condition one medic has seen urges Stormont to gets its act together over female health Laurene with husband Chris and children Ellie (6) and Alex (4) celebrating her birthday in hospital A woman told she has the worst case of endometriosis one doctor had seen has called for a more serious approach to female health. Laurene Agnew (35), who lives in Co Down, has suffered from the condition for over two decades. It causes tissue similar to the lining of the womb to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Symptoms include extremely painful period cramps, infertility and fatigue. There is no cure, and Laurene has had five organs removed as a result. It is now beginning to affect her bowels and she was recently admitted to the Ulster Hospital. The mum-of-two explained: Since May I have been losing weight rapidly, passing blood, and now I have incontinence. These are alarming symptoms, this is why I went to A&E, and still doctors were talking to me in the context of painful periods, and saying gynaecology wont see you for pain conditions. I shouldnt have to state to my doctor that these are more life-threatening symptoms. Laurene doesnt currently have a gynaecologist as her condition also affects her digestive system, meaning doctors trained in gynae care have referred her to gastroenterology and vice versa. She was also told by a medic in the Ulster Hospital it was the worst case of endometriosis they had seen, and they did not know of any local consultants with the expertise to treat her. Laurene added: Its completely illogical how siloed everything is at the minute. Each person will look at their tiny little section and say: Well, this isnt to do with me, it must be you. And at no point are any of these teams coming together to share what they have, to try and put the jigsaw together. Its so individually compartmentalised. Im 35, and Im compos mentis now, but theres people in this situation who dont know how to handle this. Theyre getting left behind by the system too, which they cant afford to be doing anymore, because the waiting lists are in the years now. Waiting lists for gynaecology appointments across the UK more than doubled between February 2020 and November 2024, and they are worst in Northern Ireland. A review of gynaecology was conducted for the NHS by external organisation, Getting It Right First Time, at the beginning of 2024. Among 20 recommendations were that all five health trusts here should urgently develop an improvement strategy for waiting lists, and a gynaecological hub should be created in each trust area, including at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen. Following its publication, the Department of Health set up a regional gynaecology forum with input from the trusts, primary care and Public Health Agency to oversee ongoing service improvement and ensure these improvements were implemented at a local and regional level. A separate task and finish group was also established to consider how the endometriosis pathway can be improved. In October Health Minister Mike Nesbitt cited budget constraints for not proceeding with a Womens Health Strategy proposed by his predecessor Robin Swann. SDLP MLA Sinead McLaughlin, who lobbied for such a strategy, described the decision as a failure to recognise the severity of these issues and an abandonment of the women who are crying out for change. Laurene said: Whats been happening is all the elective gynae procedures are sitting, never being done. They are never getting seen, and are becoming critical. For example, people who were having cysts that were deemed elective, those cysts are now turning cancerous, or the cyst has grown or caused contortion, and theyre becoming red-flagged and getting surgery. You are waiting on a list until you come to a point where youre that bad. The Department of Health said it was developing a Womens Health Action Plan which will also highlight where there are currently gaps in investment, or opportunities to make improvements if additional funding becomes available. It added: The department will be running a number of engagement events from January to listen to womens representative groups and further inform the development of the action plan. Running alongside this, a large scale public listening exercise was launched by the Health Minister on November 11 with the aim of informing a longer term womens health strategy. It will run until January 31. The department is engaging with relevant stakeholders including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. A project backed by world-famous chef Yotam Ottolenghi to transform the Old Mill in Dundonald into a destination restaurant is nearing completion (Liam McBurney/PA) The acclaimed author and restaurateur is one of the main investors and consultants in the ambitious renovation of the old watermill on the outskirts of Belfast. The restoration of the almost 300-year-old building is the brainchild of Ottolenghis former executive chef, Carlos Capparelli. Capparellis wife, Lucie, is from Belfast and the couple and their two children moved from London to Northern Ireland during the coronavirus pandemic, with the dream of opening their own restaurant. Carlos Capparelli inside a new glasshouse extension at the back of the Old Mill that will become part of the restaurant (Liam McBurney/PA) Guided by heritage experts, the project has involved specialist stonemasons working to painstakingly preserve the original character of the building in Dundonald as it is converted into a deli, cafe and restaurant. Engineers have also been engaged to get the Old Mills waterwheel turning again. Ottolenghi recently visited the site to assess progress 18 months into the project. The Old Mill is set to open to customers in summer 2025 a move that is anticipated to create a significant number of hospitality jobs in the Dundonald and greater east Belfast area. Carlos Capparelli (left) and Yotam Ottolenghi on site at the major restoration project in Dundonald (Liam McBurney/PA) Ottolenghi told the PA news agency: Carlos has been working for me for many years and then, when he and Lucie, his wife, moved back to Northern Ireland, where Lucie is from, he got involved in all sorts of projects, and then he was telling me about this idea with the mill and the restaurant and cafe and we started talking, and I loved the idea, and thats how it all started. He went on: I spend a lot of time in Northern Ireland, so I know this area really well, and I think this project would be an incredible contribution and addition to whats on offer here in terms of food. So Im super-excited. But I also know how devoted and talented Carlos is, so I think those things together this area and what it needs, and his skills are going to create an incredible thing for this part of the world. I saw this place when it was disused and unloved, and I realised that this could be an incredible place to do things. I mean, that mill and the history are something that you can see and feel immediately, and I think its got tonnes of potential to become something really, really special. An engraved stone at the mill dated 1752 (Liam McBurney/PA) Capparelli, who owns an eponymous artisan pasta brand, was born in Brazil to parents of Italian heritage. He hopes to bring that mix of cultures, along with a Middle Eastern twist, to the food offered in the restored mill. When we moved to Belfast we were looking for a venue and we found the Old Mill, he said. The first time we came to this place we fell in love with it its a beautiful venue with a lot of historical background. The 42-year-old said there have been quite a few surprises in the project to date, including discovering an absence of proper foundations under the building. That required the contractors local Co Down firm Gareth Roddy Building Ltd to undertake a major scheme to reinforce and underpin the mills walls. Carlos Capparelli hopes the building will open to the public in the summer of 2025 (Liam McBurney/PA) It has been quite a challenge, but we are working hard to overcome those challenges and bring this building back to life, said Capparelli. Theres a lot of care, and were working alongside the council to preserve the history of the building and keep as much as possible, and also bring it back to what it used to be like. The old house used to be white, so weve painted it white. Were bringing that back to life, and I think were doing a great job. He added: Its a big building, its a big project and we will be employing a substantial amount of people in hospitality back of house, front of house and in the farm shop. I think were in a good place right now, and we are hoping to open by the early summer. Other investors in the project include the owner of Old Mill site, BH Estates, and Belfast-born hospitality industry entrepreneur Paddy Bamford. Tributes have been paid following the sudden death of a Belfast woman, widely known for her social media presence. Chantelle Louise Mullan, affectionately known as Chazzy Shankill, passed away earlier this week aged 33. On Tuesday her sister, Shannon Mullan, took to Facebook to announce the death of her best friend. In a post on the social media platform she said: This all just feels like a big nightmare, my heart is so, so sore. I dont know how Ill ever overcome this. "You werent only my sister, you were my best friend. Your no longer in pain. Rest in peace. Forever 33 sis. Ms Mullan was well known for her social media presence, and amassed over 14,600 followers on TikTok. Since news of her passing was announced, tributes have poured in. One mourner said that Ms Mullan was one in a million and would be missed, adding that she made us laugh, made us cry, made us giggle. Belfast charity, Hope Harbour, were among those to express their condolences. A spokesperson said in a Facebook post: "May Chantelle rest in eternal peace and be at peace. Thoughts and prayers are with Chantelles family and friends. They added that they would have a team of volunteers available to offer a listening ear to those who need that extra bit of support following this sad loss. Many shared condolences in response to the charitys post. One person said: "Hopefully she can rest in eternal peace. Thinking of her family and her beautiful kids. "May God give them the strength to get though this awful time. On Tuesday evening Ms Mullans sister thanked the community, following the outpouring of support. On behalf of the Mullan family we want to thank each and everyone for there kind words messages phone calls etc on the loss of Chantelle Louise Mullan, she said. She was a mother, daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter and cousin who we will all missed dearly. We wish to keep our home private when she arrives to rest before her final resting place. Chantelle Louise Mullan News Catch Up - Wednesday 1 January John George was last contactable on December 14 The search for missing John George is continuing in Alicante A search team will travel from Northern Ireland to Spain to join in the hunt for a missing Belfast man after a public fundraising campaign. John George, also known as John Hardy, last made contact with his father Billy on December 14. Spanish police believe the 36-year-old father-of-two was shot dead soon afterwards. Eight technicians and two dogs from K9 Search and Rescue NI (K9SARNI) will travel tomorrow to Alicante, where Mr George was last seen. Chair Joanne Dorrian said it had received requests for help from the family and the public. Ms Dorrians sister Lisa disappeared from a caravan park in north Down in 2005. She is believed to have been murdered, but her body has never been found. Johns family said they had really had no support out there from professional search and rescue agencies, she said. They are out there searching themselves, but theyve realised that the area is so vast that they need skilled professionals to help them. K9SARNI Chair Joanne Dorrian (centre), treasurer Don Allen (left) and dog handler Shauna Harper with search and rescue dog Koda We have been in close contact with Courtney, John Georges sister, and have been trying to get the logistics sorted. Ms Dorrian said the fact Mr George was a local added to the wish to help. We do this to find missing people, no matter who they are or where they come from, but when you hear it is someone from here, from Belfast, of course that resonates with you, she added. All of the team are thinking: This could be my son, my brother. And when you watch videos of John Georges father desperately begging for help, you couldnt help but be moved by that. There were videos posted and we were just phoning each other within the team saying we had to do something we absolutely had to try and get out. The search for missing John George is continuing in Alicante The team and the search manager have a very bespoke way of detailing where needs to be searched based on the landscape, the situation, and we would do that with any missing person. That will be based on the last location being the apartment he was staying in while he was there. Spanish police believe John George was shot dead before Christmas Allison Morris reporting from Spain, on the missing man John George The group will be working under the umbrella of the European Association of Civil Protection Volunteer Teams (EVOLSAR), who are encouraging other European teams to join in the search. K9SARNI is self-funded and the operation has been made possible by the public drive that has raised almost 23,000. Thankfully there have been a lot of donations from the public; the family has an army of people behind them and people are really supportive, she said. We are not in a privileged position with the Spanish authorities; it is a case of we just need to get out there and start looking for him, take it one day at a time. John George's father Billy It comes as fears grow the main suspects in the Belfast mans disappearance are planning to flee the jurisdiction. A solicitor acting for the family has also written to the PSNI asking if Interpol can be brought in to help with the investigation, as one person of interest is understood to have already left Spain for Thailand. Johns father Billy met with detectives at the headquarters of the Guardia Civil in Alicante on Monday morning. He said that, as the family exhausted new leads, they needed more professional help. As the days go on this is really taking its toll on us, he told the Belfast Telegraph.. The family are trying to remain strong and focus on the positives, but thats easier said than done. Spanish police believe John George was shot dead before Christmas Billy George, father of John George, talks to Allison Morris Conor Murphy blackened name of our slain son...he will be little loss to NI politics Paul Quinns family again urges Sinn Fein veteran to state their son was not a criminal Breege and Stephen Quinn holding a photo of their son Paul (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Bill Breathnach Wed 1 Jan 2025 at 08:28 The family of a young man beaten to death by an IRA gang has said Conor Murphy will be little loss to Northern Irish politics. Minister urges drivers to think about their behaviour after 68 lives lost on NIs roads in 2024 ODowd says too many families are left shattered by traffic accidents Flowers left at the scene of the Killylea Road crash. Credit: BBC News NI Flavia Gouveia Wed 1 Jan 2025 at 08:20 Infrastructure Minister John ODowd has urged people to think about their behaviour when driving after 68 lives were lost on Northern Irelands roads in 2024. The Pinta Island Giant Tortoise is now said to be extinct in the wild (Alamy/PA) A study of the publics reaction to news of a species extinction shows that those using social media mourn their loss, but only for a short time, researchers in Galway have found. As the world experiences what experts describe as the sixth mass extinction, researchers studied how people react to the news of animals, such as the last Pinta Island tortoise, Lonesome George, disappearing from the planet for good. The team, led by University of Galway in collaboration with University College Dublin (UCD) and Maynooth University, turned to data and the world of culturomics to measure how we react to the demise of animals and plants and whether we mourn their loss, or if we are numb to the effects. Dr Kevin Healy, School of Natural Sciences and the Ryan Institute at University of Galway, said: Culturomics is an approach where we gather large amounts of online data to understand cultural patterns. In our study we tracked changes in tweets, and Wikipedia page visits before and after the extinction of eight species ranging from Lonesome George, the last Pinta Island tortoise, to more obscure species such as the bean snail. The research team analysed data of more than two million Wikipedia page visits and more than 100,000 tweets and retweets on Twitter between 2007 and 2023, relating to eight species now extinction species. These included the Pinta Giant Tortoise; the Christmas Island Whiptail-skink; the Bramble Cay Mosaic-tailed Rat; the Alagoas Foliage-gleaner; Captain Cooks Bean Snail; the Oahu Tree Snail; the Rabbs fringe-limbed treefrog and the West African black rhinoceros, to test if people increased engagement after the extinction and how global it was. By measuring interactions on both X and visits to Wikipedia, the researchers were able to gauge how people engage with the more immediate world of social media in comparison to the expected slower-paced world of an online encyclopaedia. The study showed that while tweets, retweets and posts on X relating to a species increased after its extinction, this was only a short-lived phenomenon. In contrast, visits to Wikipedia pages relating to an extinction had longer-lasting engagement. Dr Susan Canavan, of the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Galway and lead author on the study, said: Overall, we found that people mentioned a species on Twitter (X) more often directly after its extinction however, this increase was quite short-lived. However, when we looked at Wikipedia page visits the increase in page visits after an extinction was sustained for far longer. The researchers also found that the most commonly used words are strongly associated with sadness and that for a brief moment even those relatively obscure species found in highly localised parts of the world are mourned across the globe. Dr Canavan added: Overall, it does look like people care and are saddened by the news of extinction. We see words like RIP and lost commonly appear, and that the location of tweets expand from close to the species range, to across the globe after extinction. However, while people display a sense of caring on hearing news of extinction, where they hear it from, or how they hear it, was found to be an important driver in how they engage with it. The researchers found that a small cohort of influencers drive the majority of engagement on X. Engagement on X after the extinction of the West African black rhinoceros were heavily influenced by posts from the comedian Ricky Gervais. While people respond to the news of extinction on mainstream media, there was no noticeable increase in engagement or page visits associated with official extinction announcements from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Dr Healy added: From a conservation point of view, these results show that we can do better in communicating species extinction by more clearly linking in with media outlets and engaging with particular parts of social media. Peoples engagement with conservation issues, such as extinction, does matter, as it can drive funding, or add support for conservation policy and even influence conversations on controversial topics such as attempting to bring species back from extinction using biotechnology. Gardai seek information on movements of silver car Gardai investigating the suspicious disappearance of a woman received key information that led them to discover her body hidden in an area of bogland at Curraghaleen, Co Roscommon. A murder investigation has now been launched and investigators believe that Croatian national Mirjana Pap may have died at a different location than where her body was found. One line of inquiry is whether her body was transferred to the bog in a car after her death. CCTV footage is being examined which focuses on the movements of two seized vehicles. This is seen as an integral part of the garda investigation. In a further update yesterday, gardai said they are particularly interested in the movements of a silver 08-G-registered Peugeot 207 on Saturday, December 28, between 11am and noon. The car is understood to have travelled from Beechville estate, Athlone, on to the N6 motorway (west-bound) from junction 11 to junction 13 before continuing on the R362 from Monksland to Bealnamulla. Motorists who travelled along these routes within this timeframe are asked to provide gardai with dash-cam footage. A silver Peugeot 207 like the one gardai are seeking information on From a very early stage in this investigation, this womans disappearance was being treated as suspicious, a source said. It was cause of major concern, as it was totally out of character for the lady to go missing from her home in Athlone. There were grave concerns for her welfare from a very early stage, the source added. There have yet to be any arrests made in relation to the discovery of Ms Paps body, but a person of major interest in the case has been identified. Officers conducted numerous searches in the timeframe of over 60 hours between when Ms Pap was last seen alive in the early hours of Saturday and the discovery of her body on Monday afternoon. In an update yesterday, the force said gardai in Athlone are continue to investigate the death of a woman in her 50s, whose body was discovered on lands at Curraghaleen, Co Roscommon, on Monday, December 30th, 2024. A post-mortem examination was carried out by the Deputy State Pathologist, Dr Yvonne McCarthy, at Galway University Hospital. Results of the post-mortem are not being released for operational purposes, they said. The deceased has now been formally identified as Mirjana Pap and following a post-mortem examination, An Garda Siochana has commenced a murder investigation. The investigation is being led from the incident room at Athlone garda station by members of the Crime Functional Area in the Meath Westmeath Division under a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO), with assistance from the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI). A family liaison officer (FLO) has also been assigned to provide support to the family. Examinations are currently under way at the scene and at a residential property in Athlone by the Garda Technical Bureau. Two cars have also been seized for examination, they added. Politics and new year energy price hikes ring in the first front pages of 2025. The Times says in his first New Years Day message as Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged many people feel it is hard to think about the future amid news of Labours falling poll numbers. 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 Daily Mirror also focuses on the Prime Ministers message, saying he has promised to make 2025 a special year by honouring the sacrifices of veterans on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World 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 The Daily Express and the Daily Mail both splash on energy bill hikes which come in on New Years Day. 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 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 Daily Telegraph writes that private schools across the country will increase school fees as the Governments VAT raid takes effect. 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 Guardian leads on private dentists , who it says are cashing in on the rarity of NHS treatment. 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 Calls have been made for the UK to follow Australia and ban a kitchen worktop material blamed for deadly lung disease, according to the i. 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 And the Daily Star hears from veteran Brian Blessed about how he once punched a polar bear to stop his fellow campers from shooting it. Arnold Ruutel, the last communist leader of Soviet Estonia and the Baltic countrys second president after the restoration of independence, has died at the age of 96 (Mindaugas Kulbis/AP) Arnold Ruutel, the last communist leader of Soviet Estonia and the Baltic countrys second president after the restoration of independence, has died at the age of 96. The office of the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, said on its website that Mr Ruutel died on Tuesday. A trained agriculturalist, Mr Ruutel was almost 50 when, in 1977, he began serving in high-ranking positions within the communist party of the Soviet republic of Estonia. Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvilis wife, Sandra Roelofs, welcomes Romanian President Traian Basescu, left, and Estonian President Arnold Ruutel, centre, to Tbilisi in November 2005 (Shakh Aivazov/AP) In 1983, he was elected chairman of the republics supreme council, becoming the highest-ranking communist official in Estonia. Soon, however, he was using his position to prepare for Estonias split from the Soviet Union, which had occupied the tiny European country on the Baltic Sea in 1940. In November 1988, Mr Ruutel was a key figure in preparing a declaration of independence, with full sovereignty following three years later. In the newly independent Estonia, which inherited a sizeable ethnic Russian minority as part of its Soviet legacy, he advocated social democratic policies and support for farmers, and in 1994 helped form the Peoples Union, a left-leaning party that took part in several ruling coalitions. Arnold Ruutel outside the Estonia Concert Hall in Tallinn in September 2001 (Peeter Langovits/AP) Mr Ruutel was elected president in 2001, succeeding the highly popular Lennart Meri and serving the next five years while shepherding the Baltic nation into Nato and the European Union in 2004. He sought re-election for a second five-year term in 2006 but was defeated by Toomas Hendrik Ilves. Mr Ruutel will be buried with full state honours, Estonian public broadcaster ERR reported on Wednesday, but it did not give a date for the funeral. Exclusive | Missing mans partner endured flight next to suspect who skipped bail in Spain Police on runway in Belfast couldnt arrest man without European warrant John George who also goes by the name John Hardy Allison Morris Wed 1 Jan 2025 at 08:12 A suspect in the disappearance of Belfast man John George skipped bail in Spain and flew back to Northern Ireland on the same flight as the missing mans partner, it can be revealed. A couple kiss after the ball drops in New Yorks Times Square (AP/Stefan Jeremiah) From Sydney to Mumbai to Nairobi, communities around the world have welcomed 2025 with spectacular light shows, embraces and ice plunges. The New Years Eve ball dropped in soggy Times Square, where thousands of revellers stuck it out in heavy rain to celebrate the start of 2025 in New York City. Countries in the South Pacific Ocean were the first to ring in the New Year with midnight in New Zealand striking 18 hours before the ball dropped in Times Square. In New York, crowds cheered and couples kissed when the ball weighing almost six tonnes and featuring 2,688 crystal triangles descended down a pole in Times Square. The celebration included musical performances by TLC and the Jonas Brothers. Revellers watch and record as confetti falls over Times Square (Heather Khalifa/AP) Its the biggest party in the world. Theres no other place to celebrate New Years than Times Square, said Tommy Onolfo of Long Island. Rio de Janeiro threw Brazils main New Years Eve bash on Copacabana beach, with barges shooting off 12 straight minutes of fireworks. Thousands of tourists on cruise ships and charter boats witnessed the show up close, while many more streamed onto the sand to find their spot. The crowd on Copacabana was expected to exceed two million people most decked out in white to keep with tradition. They packed together to enjoy concerts by Brazilian music legends Caetano Veloso, Maria Bethania and Ivete Sangalo, among others. Right after the fireworks concluded, Brazils biggest pop star Anitta took to the stage. People celebrate as fireworks light up the sky over Copacabana Beach during New Years celebrations in Rio de Janeiro(AP/Bruna Prado) Auckland was the first major city to celebrate, with thousands thronging downtown or climbing the citys ring of volcanic peaks for a fireworks vantage point. Fireworks blasted off the Sydney Harbour Bridge and across the bay. More than a million Australians and others gathered at the iconic Sydney Harbor for the celebration. British pop star Robbie Williams led a singalong with the crowd.The celebration also featured Indigenous ceremonies and performances that acknowledged the lands first people. Much of Japan shut down ahead of the nations biggest holiday, as temples and homes underwent a thorough cleaning. Fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour ahead of New Years Eve celebrations in Sydney (Bianca De Marchi/AAP via AP) The upcoming Year of the Snake in the Asian zodiac is heralded as one of rebirth alluding to the reptiles shedding skin. Other places in Asia will mark the Year of the Snake later, with the Lunar New Year. In South Korea, celebrations were cut back or cancelled during a period of national mourning following Sundays crash of a Jeju Air flight in Muan that killed 179 people. In Thailands Bangkok, shopping malls competed for crowds with live musical acts and fireworks shows. A fireworks display in Indonesias Jakarta featured 800 drones. Conflict muted acknowledgements of the start of 2025 in places like the Middle East, Sudan and Ukraine. Chinese state media covered an exchange of New Years greetings between leader Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin in a reminder of growing closeness between two leaders who face tensions with the West. Mr Xi told Mr Putin their countries will always move forward hand in hand, the official Xinhua News Agency said. Fireworks explode over the Chao Phraya River during New Year celebrations in Bangkok (AP/Sakchai Lalit) China has maintained ties and robust trade with Russia since the latter invaded Ukraine in 2022, helping to offset Western sanctions and attempts to isolate Putin. In India, thousands of revellers in the financial hub of Mumbai flocked to the citys bustling promenade facing the Arabian Sea. In Sri Lanka, people gathered at Buddhist temples to light oil lamps and incense sticks and pray. In Dubai, thousands attended a fireworks show at the Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest skyscraper. And in Nairobi, Kenya, scattered fireworks were heard. Romes traditional New Years Eve festivities have an additional draw: the start of Pope Francis Holy Year, the once-every-quarter-century celebration projected to bring some 32 million pilgrims to the Eternal City in 2025. During Mass on Wednesday, the Pope is expected to again appeal for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East. Paris capped a momentous 2024 with its traditional countdown and fireworks extravaganza on the Champs-Elysees. The citys emblematic Arc de Triomphe monument was turned into a giant tableau for a light show that celebrated the citys landmarks and the passage of time, with whirring clocks. Paris is a party, proclaimed Mayor Anne Hidalgo. The Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games hosted in the French capital from July to September transformed the city into a site of joy, fraternity and astonishing sporting achievements. In Switzerland and some other places, people embraced the cold, stripping and plunging into the water in freezing temperatures. American Samoa will be among the last to welcome 2025, a full 24 hours after New Zealand. My time in jail with Paddy Hill, and one of the IRA men who really did bomb Birmingham Writing after the death of Paddy Hill, former IRA man Shane Paul ODoherty reflects on advising the man next door Shane Paul O'Doherty and Paddy Hill (inset) Shane Paul O'Doherty Wed 1 Jan 2025 at 08:23 In his book, Forever Lost, Forever Gone, Paddy Hill kindly recorded our interaction in 1982 in Gartree Prison, Leicestershire, when in a fit of depression at his wrongful conviction and imprisonment he threatened to begin a hunger strike to the death. He was not joking. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. PITTSFIELD A second employee of the Berkshire Family YMCA has been placed on paid administrative leave amid a pending investigation by the state Department of Children and Families. YMCA Executive Director and CEO Christian Bianchi would not name the employee, and said he does not know the reason for this second investigation. Bianchi said the DCF investigation is based on what he believes are more unsubstantiated claims made on social media amid a handful of DCF investigations into current and former Pittsfield High School staff. But the investigation into the second YMCA staffer is unrelated in substance, he said, to those school-based allegations. Meanwhile, Bianchi said he is still awaiting the results of the agencys investigation into another YMCA employee, Taverick Tank Roberson, based on a complaint made to the DCF about his alleged conduct at his former job at Pittsfield High School. Bianchi said this latest investigation began several days after Dec. 13, the day the agencys Springfield office opened its investigation into Roberson. Both probes are expected to take 15 days each from the date they started. I wish I had more information, Bianchi told The Eagle, referring to the Roberson investigation. Im waiting with bated breath. The DCF opened this latest investigation following a sudden storm of unfolding accusations, claims and revelations about current and former staff at Pittsfield High that has shaken the community and put school officials on hot seats. The agency has now opened five investigations this month into the alleged inappropriate conduct with students or relationships with minors. The Pittsfield School Committee has contracted with a law firm to conduct its own investigation. It all began with the FBIs arrest on Dec. 11 of Lavante Wiggins, a Pittsfield High School dean of students, on allegations of cocaine trafficking. Wiggins was soon under DCF investigation for alleged conduct with students. It was followed by DCF investigations into the conduct of Vice Principal Alison Shepard and Dean of Students Molly West. All three were placed on administrative leave. English teacher Robert Barsanti, who retired in June, is also being investigated by the agency after The Eagle reported on Dec. 18 that a current Pittsfield High senior filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him in federal court. On Dec. 14, Bianchi announced in a Facebook post on the YMCA page that "There have been recent posts and serious accusations about the BFYMCA and staff. At this time, we have put some staff on administrative leave pending investigation with the proper authorities." Bianchi reiterated that that the YMCA does criminal background checks and fingerprinting on all its prospective employees. Uncertainty continues over selection for Bengal CEO Dibyendu Das, the Additional Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal will be operating as the acting CEO in the state till the time someone permanent is assigned for the chair which has become vacant following the retirement of Aariz Aftab. Aftab retired from the post on Tuesday. Sources in the office of the CEO West Bengal said that since Das is the senior-most among the existing Additional CEOs in the state and also has experience of operating as acting CEO he has been chosen to operate till the time someone is nominated as a permanent CEO. Meanwhile, uncertainties over the selection of Aftabs successor as the permanent CEO are continuing as the West Bengal government is yet to send the list of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers of the state cadre as the next occupant for the chair to the Election Commission of India (ECI). As per the rules, the ECI will select one name from the panel of IAS officers forwarded to it by the state government. Sources aware of the development said that it is quite an unprecedented situation that no panel has been forwarded to the ECI before the retirement or replacement of the sitting CEO in the state. It is up to the ECI whether they will wait for some time for the state government to send the panel of IAS officers or ask state Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to immediately act on the matter. Aftab, a 1991 batch IAS officer of the West Bengal cadre, had been one of the longest-serving CEOs in West Bengal, having taken over in February 2017. Under his supervision, the state witnessed three major elections, namely the Lok Sabha election in 2019 and 2024 and the state Assembly elections in 2024. His tenure as the CEO had been more or less free of controversies. In fact, before the general elections earlier this year, his role was highly appreciated as he reportedly cautioned the District Magistrates, district Superintendents of Police and the Police Commissioners that he would not tolerate deterioration of law and; order anywhere in the state at any cost. However, there were initial controversies over his appointment. The first two panels sent by the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government then were rejected by the ECI. Aftabs name was picked up by the ECI from the third list sent by the Mamata government then. 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. For Stephanie Nesbitt, the symptoms started a few days before Christmas with a sore throat and some sneezing. A day later, her symptoms worsened, and she took two rapid tests for COVID-19. Both came back negative. By Christmas, Nesbitt was feeling even worse, so she scheduled an appointment to be seen at Berkshire Health Urgent Care the following day. Sound familiar? Respiratory illness tends to spike in winter. And this season is no exception: You or someone you know is likely suffering just like Nesbitt. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows respiratory illnesses were on the rise in December throughout southern New England and New York. Levels were low in Vermont and Maine but very high in New Hampshire. At Berkshire Health Systems' three facilities in North Adams, Pittsfield and Great Barrington, there were six to eight COVID admissions across all three hospitals as of Monday. Dr. James Lederer, chief medical officer and chief quality officer for Berkshire Health Systems, said the uptick of RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, a common and highly contagious virus that primarily affects the respiratory system that began in November is probably more significant than COVID or influenza, although influenza has been on the rise in the past two weeks as well across the state. In winter, we tend to usually see influenza start to spike somewhere in January, he said. In anticipation of the expected rise in respiratory illness, Berkshire Health Systems is enacting masking protocols starting Thursday. Health officials are beginning reviews of virus activity on a weekly basis to determine masking requirements. We're watching our staffing absences, Lederer told The Eagle. We're watching the respiratory dashboard. We're watching the wastewater [for the virus that causes COVID-19]. We're watching our COVID admissions and our Emergency Department admissions. The masking protocol is based on three levels of severity, according to the Berkshire Health Systems masking protocol memo. A green level means respiratory viruses are low and masking is voluntary unless someone is symptomatic when in a BHS facility. Yellow signifies moderate virus activity and would require masking for all staff when in direct contact with patients, masking for those with symptoms and voluntary masking for all others. It would also limit visitation to those over 18 years of age. A red level means virus activity is high and masking is required for health care professionals, patients and visitors, with additional limits on visitor access and universal testing of all inpatients at BHS hospitals. In that memo, Lederer also advocated masking, regular hand washing and social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID, RSV and influenza. He also advises vaccinations. In the last six months in Berkshire County, 20.2 percent of residents have received a COVID-19 vaccination and 32.4 percent have received the influenza vaccination, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Healths online dashboard. RSV can pose significant risk to very young children, whose airways are so small that any inflammation will compromise their breathing, or in adults, particularly older adults, who may have underlying co-morbid illness, particularly respiratory illness, Lederer said. What about pneumonia? Pneumonia is just a more severe manifestation of any viral illness, he said. So I can have RSV, where I have the runny nose, the slight sore throat, the cough, but it can also end up being more severe where I have significant cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest congestion. By the time Nesbitt got to Urgent Care, "I was very miserable. Lots of head congestion, pain in my face, even like my teeth were hurting, headache. I felt like my head was being squeezed. Nesbitt donned a mask before going in, decided against taking one of the two open seats in the waiting room and headed back to her car to wait. It took an hour. I kind of think that made my lungs worse, because I waited in the car and it was really cold, she said. I can't imagine how long the people who just walked in had to wait. She was tested for both flu and strep throat. Both tests came back negative. Her diagnosis was a sinus infection for which she was prescribed antibiotics. But by Monday, she was feeling worse. Her congestion had descended to her chest. Shed begun wheezing and had developed a productive cough complete with phlegm. She was also experiencing fatigue and mild body aches. Im making a follow-up appointment with my primary care doctor, just to make sure were treating the right thing, she said. Jeff Robbins, a part-time resident of Stockbridge, is a former U.S. Delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Council and a former assistant U.S. attorney and chief counsel for the Democrats on the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. He is the author of Notes from the Brink: A Collection of Columns About Policy at Home and Abroad. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. ARCHIVE - Viktor Orban, Prime Minister of Hungary. Photo: Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa/Archivbild Keystone Hungary has lost its entitlement to around one billion euros in EU aid due to breaches of the rule of law. In order for the money to be released, the country would have had to implement reform requirements by the end of 2024, a spokeswoman for the European Commission confirmed to the German Press Agency. Point Buckler Island in Suisun Marsh will be sold at auction in January. The private island is popular with kiteboarders and wildlife watchers. Courtesy of John Sweeney A private island in Solano County is scheduled to be auctioned in January after years of legal battles. Known as Point Buckler Island, the property sits in Suisun Marsh, just east of the Carquinez Strait, where San Francisco Bay transitions into the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Previously owned by John Sweeney, the island has faced trouble with state and federal regulators after Sweeney began fixing old levees in an effort to develop his kiteboarding club. Officials said the work interfered with tidal flows and wildlife habitat, which Sweeney denies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sweeney said he was served papers saying that the island would be put up for auction on Dec. 24 and has been publicly advocating for interested parties to participate in the auction. Sweeney said that the current owner of the property is Point Buckler Island LLC, whom he transferred the island to in 2015. The island, which was previously listed for $75 million, will be auctioned off in front of the Solano County Courthouse in Fairfield on Jan. 22 at 10 a.m., according to documents provided by Sweeney. Bidding will start at $0 and increase by increments of $100. Potential bidders must register with the Solano County Sheriffs Office by Jan. 7 to take part in the auction, and must sign a document promising to restore the island, which is expected to be a costly operation. John Sweeney drives a boat past Chipps Island in 2015, near Pittsburg. Sweeney is a previous owner of Point Buckler Island, which go to auction in January. Leah Millis/The Chronicle The kiteboarding operation didnt evolve beyond large shipping containers and built-up patios that served as lounges and guest quarters. SiliconValley.com reported that the kiteboarding club sold memberships for $750,000 each. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sweeney bought the parcel in 2011 for $150,000. The island, which is in an area popular with both kiteboarders and wildlife watchers, had previously existed as a duck-hunting club. Sweeney said that he will enter a bid of $3.6 million the value of his mortgage on the island in the auction. Sweeney said that he has spent $6 million in legal battles over the island. The previous owner also said that he has been fined about $4.5 million over work on the island, which would be paid for, at least partially, by the sale of the property. Sweeney said that if the island is purchased for more than the fees, he would be able to keep some of the funds, but that anything less than $4.5 million would mean he still faces a lien to cover the fees. Eileen White, executive officer at the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, one of the agencies involved in the legal disputes, said that in 2016 Sweeney was issued a cleanup and abatement order over his unauthorized construction of a levee, measuring about a mile, in 2014 and 2015. Sweeney claims that he repaired a levee in several spots, which he was allowed to do, SiliconValley.com reported. Advertisement Article continues below this ad White said the board fined Sweeney $2.8 million, which she said was affirmed in court later. The fees would be paid through the sale of the island. White also claimed that Sweeney has refused to comply with post-judgment court orders about the islands restoration. White said that the board is less concerned with the recovery of funds than with the restoration of the island by the next owner. Sweeney said that he has been reaching out to previous kiteboarding visitors to the island which has two helipads to see if they would be interested in buying the property. He claimed that some of those who came to the island in years past were billionaires. The island is now listed by Sothebys for $40 million, pointing to amenities like the islands 400-foot deep-water dock and the nearly 50-acre size of the property. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gardai are appealing for witnesses after a child was reportedly assaulted in Ballymun in Dublin. A man is alleged to have attacked a young boy at a bus stop on the Ballymun Road shortly before 10pm last Friday night December 27th. Advertisement Anyone who was in the vicinity at the time or who may have information is being asked to contact gardai. A litany of stories feature on Irish front pages on New Year's Day, including the alleged murder of a woman in Roscommon. The Irish Times lead with a story about secondary schools struggling to fill hundreds of teaching posts, a story about the Order of Malta child protection being criticised and a story about bin bags being banned in the area around Grafton St and Temple Bar. Advertisement The Irish Examiner lead with a story saying that gas and power bills may rise in 2025. The Herlad leads with a story about a woman in Tallaght dying in a house fire. The Irish Daily Mail lead with a story saying that former Justice Minister Michael McDowell has called the newly enacted hate crime legislation, which has broadened the definition of gender, 'a high point of wokeism'. The Irish Independent, Irish Daily Mirror and Irish Daily Star lead with stories about a woman who was found dead in Co Roscommon. Advertisement British newspapers British politics and new year energy price hikes ring in the first front pages of 2025 in the UK. The Times UK says in his first New Years Day message as Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged many people feel it is hard to think about the future amid news of Labours falling poll numbers. The Times: Warning over Labours 5bn-a-year plan to recruit teachers #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/9mP7gax41Q George Mann (@sgfmann) December 31, 2024 The UK Daily Mirror also focuses on the British Prime Ministers message, saying he has promised to make 2025 a special year by honouring the sacrifices of veterans on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Wednesday's front page: PM @Keir_Starmer pledges to honour sacrifices of war generation 80 years on - and build a country they would be proud ofhttps://t.co/QW9WUDts9Z#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/UZJsLNUXDi The Mirror (@DailyMirror) January 1, 2025 The Daily Express and the UK Daily Mail both splash on energy bill hikes which come in on New Years Day. Daily Express: WINTER FUEL PAY VICTIMS SUFFER 500 BILL RISE #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/vDvVZz6O5z George Mann (@sgfmann) December 31, 2024 Daily Mail: So much for for cutting our energy bills! #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/Z8A1yCYhnP George Mann (@sgfmann) December 31, 2024 The Daily Telegraph writes that private schools across the country will increase school fees as the Governments VAT raid takes effect. The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph: 'Private schools to defy Treasury over fees'#TomorrowsPapersToday Sign up for the Front Page newsletter https://t.co/JIMevXsl8s pic.twitter.com/WCHTIXT48M The Telegraph (@Telegraph) December 31, 2024 The Guardian leads on private dentists, who it says are cashing in on the rarity of NHS treatment. The Guardian: Surge in private dentist charges prices patients out of treatment #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/xdhwJNec8h George Mann (@sgfmann) December 31, 2024 Calls have been made for the UK to follow Australia and ban a kitchen worktop material blamed for deadly lung disease, according to the i. Advertisement i: Kitchen revamp stone blamed for deadly lung disease must be banned in UK, warn unions #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/uXTVqRUIkd George Mann (@sgfmann) December 31, 2024 And the UK Daily Star hears from veteran Brian Blessed about how he once punched a polar bear to stop his fellow campers from shooting it. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the 42-year-old Texas man accused of crashing a truck into New Year's Day revelers in New Orleans, killing and injuring dozens of people, was a U.S. Army veteran who later worked in real estate, according to officials and public records. Federal officials and local law enforcement in New Orleans say that Jabbar did not act alone and that they are looking for accomplices. Advertisement The FBI said Jabbar had an Islamic State flag on his truck and view the attack as a potential act of terrorism. The Islamic State, or ISIS, is a Sunni Muslim militant group which has carried out attacks throughout the world. While the investigation is ongoing, so far no information has surfaced to explain why Jabbar, a U.S. citizen raised in Texas, would carry out the New Orleans attack. Jabbar died at the scene in a shootout with police, officials said. Jabbar was a veteran of the U.S. Army from which he appears to have been honorably discharged, FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan told a briefing on Wednesday. In addition to serving in the Army, Jabbar enlisted in the Navy in August 2004 under a delayed entry program but was discharged a month later, a Navy official told Reuters. Advertisement In a promotional video for his real estate business posted to YouTube in 2020, a man by the same name as the suspect said he served in the military for 10 years as a human resources and IT specialist, learning the importance of great service and taking everything seriously. "I've taken those skills and applied them to my career as a real estate agent, where I feel like what really sets me apart from other agents is my ability to be able to one be a fierce negotiator," he said, encouraging clients to give him a call. In the video, the man introduced himself as a manager at Blue Meadow Properties LLC, a Texas-based company whose license expired in 2022. He was registered as a real estate sales agent for four years through February 2023, records show. He said he was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. Advertisement The FBI believes Jabbar rented the Ford pickup truck he used to ram into the crowd in New Orleans' French Quarter in the early hours of Wednesday. Jabbar then opened fire on police, injuring 35 in addition to the at least 10 people who have died. The ISIS flag on the truck prompted an investigation into possible links to terrorist organizations. Investigators found weapons and a potential explosive device in the vehicle, as well as other potential explosive devices in the French Quarter. "We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible. We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates," Duncan said. This is not just an act of terrorism. This is evil, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said. Advertisement The driver defeated safety measures that were in place to protect pedestrians, she said, and was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did. Emergency services at the scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd in New Orleans (Gerald Herbert/AP) Jabbar drove on to a pavement, going around a police car that was positioned to block vehicular traffic and protect Bourbon Street revellers, authorities said. A barrier system designed to prevent vehicle attacks was undergoing repairs in preparation for the Super Bowl, which is being played in the city in February. Police killed Jabbar after he exited the vehicle and opened fire on responding officers, police said. Advertisement Three officers returned fire. Two were shot and are in a stable condition, police said. They were in addition to 33 people injured in the vehicle attack. A photo circulated among law enforcement officials showed a bearded Jabbar wearing camouflage next to the truck after he was killed by police. Investigators recovered a handgun and an AR-style rifle after the shootout, a law enforcement official said. The FBI said a potential improvised explosive device was located in the vehicle and other potential explosive devices were also located in the French Quarter. At a news conference, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the incident as a terrorist attack and the citys police chief said the act was clearly intentional. Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick said of the attacker: He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did. It was very intentional behaviour. This man was trying to run over as many people as he could. Two police officers who were shot after the driver emerged from the truck are in a stable condition, she added. New Orleans police and the FBI were at odds over whether the attack was terrorism-related (Gerald Herbert/AP) New Orleans emergency preparedness department, Nola Ready, said the casualties had been taken to five local hospitals. University of Georgia president Jere Morehead said a student was critically injured in the attack and is receiving medical treatment. Zion Parsons told NOLA.com that he and two friends were leaving a Bourbon Street restaurant when he heard a commotion and banging and turned his head to see a vehicle barrelling on to the pavement toward them. He dodged the vehicle but it struck one of his friends. I yell her name, and I turn my head, and her leg is twisted and contorted above and around her back. And there was just blood, Mt Parsons said. The 18-year-old said he ran after hearing gunshots shortly thereafter. As youre walking down the street, you can just look and see bodies, just bodies of people, just bleeding, broken bones, he said. I just ran until I couldnt hear nothing no more. President Joe Biden said the FBI is investigating the horrific incident as an act of terrorism and that he has directed his team to ensure every resource is available as authorities work to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible. My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday, Mr Biden said in a written statement. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nations communities. Attorney General Merrick Garland has also been informed, the Justice Department said. Additional reporting Reuters From Sydney to Mumbai to Nairobi, communities around the world have welcomed 2025 with spectacular light shows, embraces and ice plunges. The New Years Eve ball dropped in soggy Times Square, where thousands of revellers stuck it out in heavy rain to celebrate the start of 2025 in New York City. Advertisement Countries in the South Pacific Ocean were the first to ring in the New Year with midnight in New Zealand striking 18 hours before the ball dropped in Times Square. In New York, crowds cheered and couples kissed when the ball weighing almost six tonnes and featuring 2,688 crystal triangles descended down a pole in Times Square. The celebration included musical performances by TLC and the Jonas Brothers. Revellers watch and record as confetti falls over Times Square (Heather Khalifa/AP) Its the biggest party in the world. Theres no other place to celebrate New Years than Times Square, said Tommy Onolfo of Long Island. Rio de Janeiro threw Brazils main New Years Eve bash on Copacabana beach, with barges shooting off 12 straight minutes of fireworks. Advertisement Thousands of tourists on cruise ships and charter boats witnessed the show up close, while many more streamed onto the sand to find their spot. The crowd on Copacabana was expected to exceed two million people most decked out in white to keep with tradition. They packed together to enjoy concerts by Brazilian music legends Caetano Veloso, Maria Bethania and Ivete Sangalo, among others. Right after the fireworks concluded, Brazils biggest pop star Anitta took to the stage. People celebrate as fireworks light up the sky over Copacabana Beach during New Years celebrations in Rio de Janeiro(AP/Bruna Prado) Auckland was the first major city to celebrate, with thousands thronging downtown or climbing the citys ring of volcanic peaks for a fireworks vantage point. Advertisement Fireworks blasted off the Sydney Harbour Bridge and across the bay. More than a million Australians and others gathered at the iconic Sydney Harbor for the celebration. British pop star Robbie Williams led a singalong with the crowd. The celebration also featured Indigenous ceremonies and performances that acknowledged the lands first people. Much of Japan shut down ahead of the nations biggest holiday, as temples and homes underwent a thorough cleaning. Fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour ahead of New Years Eve celebrations in Sydney (Bianca De Marchi/AAP via AP) The upcoming Year of the Snake in the Asian zodiac is heralded as one of rebirth alluding to the reptiles shedding skin. Other places in Asia will mark the Year of the Snake later, with the Lunar New Year. Advertisement In South Korea, celebrations were cut back or cancelled during a period of national mourning following Sundays crash of a Jeju Air flight in Muan that killed 179 people. In Thailands Bangkok, shopping malls competed for crowds with live musical acts and fireworks shows. A fireworks display in Indonesias Jakarta featured 800 drones. Conflict muted acknowledgements of the start of 2025 in places like the Middle East, Sudan and Ukraine. Chinese state media covered an exchange of New Years greetings between leader Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin in a reminder of growing closeness between two leaders who face tensions with the West. Advertisement Mr Xi told Mr Putin their countries will always move forward hand in hand, the official Xinhua News Agency said. Fireworks explode over the Chao Phraya River during New Year celebrations in Bangkok (AP/Sakchai Lalit) China has maintained ties and robust trade with Russia since the latter invaded Ukraine in 2022, helping to offset Western sanctions and attempts to isolate Putin. In India, thousands of revellers in the financial hub of Mumbai flocked to the citys bustling promenade facing the Arabian Sea. In Sri Lanka, people gathered at Buddhist temples to light oil lamps and incense sticks and pray. In Dubai, thousands attended a fireworks show at the Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest skyscraper. And in Nairobi, Kenya, scattered fireworks were heard. Romes traditional New Years Eve festivities have an additional draw: the start of Pope Francis Holy Year, the once-every-quarter-century celebration projected to bring some 32 million pilgrims to the Eternal City in 2025. During Mass on Wednesday, the Pope is expected to again appeal for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East. Paris capped a momentous 2024 with its traditional countdown and fireworks extravaganza on the Champs-Elysees. The citys emblematic Arc de Triomphe monument was turned into a giant tableau for a light show that celebrated the citys landmarks and the passage of time, with whirring clocks. Paris is a party, proclaimed Mayor Anne Hidalgo. The Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games hosted in the French capital from July to September transformed the city into a site of joy, fraternity and astonishing sporting achievements. In Switzerland and some other places, people embraced the cold, stripping and plunging into the water in freezing temperatures. American Samoa will be among the last to welcome 2025, a full 24 hours after New Zealand. Ukraine has halted Russian gas supplies to European customers that pass through the country, almost three years into Moscows all-out invasion of its neighbour, after a pre-war transit deal expired. At a summit in Brussels last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed that Kyiv would not allow Moscow to use the transits to earn additional billions on our blood, on the lives of our citizens. Advertisement But he briefly held open the possibility of the gas flows continuing if payments to Russia were withheld until the war ends. Ukraines energy minister, Herman Halushchenko, confirmed on Wednesday morning that Kyiv had stopped the gas flows in the interest of national security. This is a historic event. Russia is losing markets and will incur financial losses. Europe has already decided to phase out Russian gas, and (this) aligns with what Ukraine has done today, he said in an update on the Telegram messaging app. Russias Gazprom said in a statement on Wednesday morning that it had been deprived of the technical and legal ability of sending gas through Ukraine due to Ukraines refusal to extend the deal. Advertisement Even as Russian troops and tanks moved into Ukraine, Russian natural gas kept flowing through the countrys pipeline network set up when Ukraine and Russia were both part of the Soviet Union to Europe, under a five-year agreement that ran until the end of last year. Gazprom earned money from the gas and Ukraine collected transit fees. Before the war, Russia supplied nearly 40% of the European Unions pipeline natural gas. Gas flowed through four pipeline systems one under the Baltic Sea, one through Belarus and Poland, one through Ukraine, and one under the Black Sea through Turkey to Bulgaria. Advertisement After the war started, Russia cut off most supplies through the Baltic and Belarus-Poland pipelines, citing disputes over a demand for payment in roubles. The Baltic pipeline was blown up in an act of sabotage, but details of the attack remain murky. The Russian cut-off caused an energy crisis in Europe. Germany had to shell out billions of euros to set up floating terminals to import liquefied natural gas that comes by ship, not by pipeline. Users cut back as prices soared. Norway and the US filled the gap, becoming the two largest suppliers. Advertisement Europe viewed the Russian cut-off as energy blackmail and has outlined plans to completely eliminate Russian gas imports by 2027. Russian gas currently accounts for about 8% of Europes supply. The Ukrainian transit route served EU members Austria and Slovakia, which long got the bulk of their natural gas from Russia but have recently scrambled to diversify supplies. Gazprom halted supplies to Austrias OMV in mid-November over a contractual dispute, but gas flows through Ukraines pipelines continued as other customers stepped in. Advertisement Slovakia this year signed deals to begin buying natural gas from Azerbaijan, and also to import US liquefied natural gas through a pipeline from Poland. Among the hardest-hit will be EU candidate country Moldova, which was receiving Russian gas via Ukraine and has brought in emergency measures as residents brace for a harsh winter and looming power cuts. Separately from Kyivs decision to let the transit deal expire, Gazprom said last month it will halt gas supplies to Moldova from January 1, citing unpaid debt. Gazprom has said Moldova owes close to 709 million US dollars (565.5 million) for past gas supplies, a figure the country has fiercely disputed, citing international audits. Moldova, Ukraine and EU politicians have repeatedly accused Moscow of weaponising energy supplies. On Wednesday, Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski called Ukraines move to halt supplies a victory for Russias opponents. On a post on social media site X, he accused Moscow of systematic attempts to blackmail Eastern Europe with the threat of cutting off gas supplies, including through a Baltic pipeline bypassing Ukraine and Poland and running directly to Germany. Moscow can still send gas to Hungary, as well as non-EU states Turkey and Serbia, through the TurkStream pipeline across the Black Sea. Natural gas is used to generate electricity, power industrial processes, and in some cases to heat homes. Meanwhile, overnight into New Years Day, Russia launched a drone strike on Kyiv that left two people dead under the rubble of a damaged building, according to the city administration. At least six people were injured across the Ukrainian capital, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. If 1998s Youve Got Mail was made today, it would be a very different film. Putting aside the fact it would probably be a straight-to-Netflix release with the incredibly charming Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan replaced by two robotic, heavily Botoxed actors, the trajectory of its characters digital dalliance would be derailed by one key thing: the unsend message feature. In recent times, our digital overlords have caved in to the whims of cowards, introducing a slew of features that render our communication impermanent. In 2017, messaging services Telegram and WhatsApp brought in functions that allowed users to unsend messages. In 2019, Apple followed suit, then Instagram. Youve Got Mail might have been a very different film if it were made this century. Credit: Warner Bros Given the trend, Im certain the modern-day version of the AOL chatroom in Youve Got Mail would have allowed messages to be unsent. Imagine Hanks Joe Fox, tentatively asking Ryans Kathleen Kelly to meet in person. Would he have stuck to his guns and resisted deleting it in a moment of self-doubt? Unlikely. Sure, the laws of romcoms would dictate that Kathleen and Joe be brought together eventually, but Youve Got Mail would be a much longer film. As children, the utterance no takebacks is sacred. But something seems to happen between then and adulthood as we all become soft and gutless, reneging on our word without a thought. Arent we taught as children to think before we speak? Brothers Wesley Cornett, 17, and Andruw Cornett, 19, went missing in Thermalito Afterbay near Oroville on Dec. 14. Courtesy of the Butte County Sheriffs Office The search for two brothers who went missing in Thermalito Afterbay near Oroville on Dec. 14 included hundreds of people from 21 different organizations, Butte County authorities said. Courtesy of the Butte County Sheriffs Office Authorities confirmed on Tuesday the recovery of one of the bodies of two brothers who went missing during a duck-hunting trip in Northern California. At around 9:30 a.m., a Butte County Sheriffs Office helicopter pilot spotted a body in the northern section of Thermalito Afterbay, a large reservoir near Oroville. The discovery was part of a search for Andruw Cornett, 19, and Wesley Cornett, 17, of Yuba County, who have been missing since Dec. 14. The brothers were last seen hunting ducks in the area. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The sheriffs office marine unit, along with search and rescue teams, recovered the body, which was later identified as Andruw Cornett. Authorities said the next of kin have been notified. The recovery operation, however, was briefly interrupted when a drone flew dangerously close to the helicopter, forcing the pilot to land. Drone interference has become a continuing issue, and authorities have repeatedly warned the public to refrain from participating in the search. The brothers disappeared on the morning of Dec. 14 after Wesley overturned his kayak around 8:30 a.m. Andruw tried to rescue his brother after contacting sheriffs dispatchers, who advised him not to enter the water. Both brothers became submerged, and neither was wearing a life jacket. A weekslong search involving more than 300 personnel from 21 agencies led to the discovery of Andruws body. Wesley remains missing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The search effort has been hampered by challenging conditions, including water temperatures hovering near 46 degrees, high winds and rough swells up to 4 feet. She states that the earl informed her by text message in March that their marriage was over, completely refusing to discuss it in person or even to provide an explanation, behaviour that she says she found both cruel and inexplicable. She says the affair became clear after she discussed matters with Jarmans husband, Tom Jarman, who told her that his wife had multiple sclerosis. Charles Spencer and Cat Jarman in January 2023. Credit: Instagram The countess states that this information was volunteered by Tom Jarman because he plainly believed that it was relevant to his wifes behaviour and the fact she had embarked on an affair. It was considered a relevant and integral part of the picture, the document states. She says that at no point was it suggested to her that the diagnosis was a secret or that she should not mention it to anyone else. About the same time, Jarman was due to spend five weeks at Althorp, the Spencer family estate in Northamptonshire, to conduct a dig. She stayed in a separate property on the estate, but she was due to have dinner every evening in Althorp House itself. The countess decided to email Jarman to confront her about the affair and to insist that she did not enter the family home while she and her daughter still lived there. She also called into question the appropriateness of the claimants dig continuing in such circumstances. Earl Spencer and archaeologist Cat Jarman on his Althorp estate. Credit: Instagram In response, Jarman is accused of threatening to sue the countess. She also insisted that she would still be having meals in the family home for the next month and that the earl had told her she could stay on the estate. Lady Spencer says she was left feeling helpless and confused. She found out that Jarman objected to her telling anyone about her medical condition only when she received a solicitors letter in May, two weeks after she had been told about it. As a result, the countess says, she told no one else. Despite this, Jarman instructed her solicitors to hound Lady Spencer in correspondence, even complaining that she had told people about her affair with her husband, it is alleged. The countess explained that she needed more time to respond to the claim because of a sudden deterioration in her fathers health, which meant she needed to return to her family in Canada. Earl Spencer, the brother of Princess Diana, with her son Prince Harry. Credit: AP In the hours after her fathers death, whilst Lady Spencer was heavily grieving on Vancouver Island, the claimant instructed her solicitors to demand responses from her under the threat of immediately forcing her into court in London [at the same time as a similar threat was made by Earl Spencer], the document states. Lady Spencer will refer to the bullying and highly insensitive manner in which this correspondence was orchestrated by her husband and his girlfriend. Loading The countess argues that in the short period during which she shared the multiple sclerosis diagnosis with immediate family members or close friends and associates, it was in a way which was entirely justified and legitimate in the circumstances as she came to terms with her husbands affair, his sudden and cruel request for a divorce and the implications for herself and her daughter. In her claim form, Jarman alleges that she was forced to turn down work owing to the distress caused by the leak of her private medical information. Exhibition themed "A Panorama of Hubei" opens in Wuhan Xinhua) 09:31, January 01, 2025 This photo taken on Dec. 31, 2024 shows pottery items on display at the exhibition "A Panorama of Hubei" in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. The exhibition opened here on Tuesday, showcasing the history and culture of Hubei in both ancient and modern times. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) This photo taken on Dec. 31, 2024 shows a set of jade ware on display at the exhibition "A Panorama of Hubei" in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. The exhibition opened here on Tuesday, showcasing the history and culture of Hubei in both ancient and modern times. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) This photo taken on Dec. 31, 2024 shows lacquerware on display at the exhibition "A Panorama of Hubei" in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. The exhibition opened here on Tuesday, showcasing the history and culture of Hubei in both ancient and modern times. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) This photo taken on Dec. 31, 2024 shows a set of bamboo slips on display at the exhibition "A Panorama of Hubei" in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. The exhibition opened here on Tuesday, showcasing the history and culture of Hubei in both ancient and modern times. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) This photo taken on Dec. 31, 2024 shows bronze mirrors on display at the exhibition "A Panorama of Hubei" in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. The exhibition opened here on Tuesday, showcasing the history and culture of Hubei in both ancient and modern times. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) This photo taken on Dec. 31, 2024 shows a bronze drum on display at the exhibition "A Panorama of Hubei" in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. The exhibition opened here on Tuesday, showcasing the history and culture of Hubei in both ancient and modern times. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) This photo taken on Dec. 31, 2024 shows a stone sculpture on display at the exhibition "A Panorama of Hubei" in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. The exhibition opened here on Tuesday, showcasing the history and culture of Hubei in both ancient and modern times. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) People visit the exhibition "A Panorama of Hubei" in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Dec. 31, 2024. The exhibition opened here on Tuesday, showcasing the history and culture of Hubei in both ancient and modern times. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu) Search and rescue teams rescued a 20-year-old hiker who fell ill in the Ventana Wilderness after a 16-hour mission, authorities said. Provided by the Monterey County Sheriff's Office Search and rescue teams rescued a 20-year-old hiker who fell ill in the Ventana Wilderness after a 16-hour mission, authorities said. Provided by the Monterey County Sheriff's Office Search and rescue teams rescued a 20-year-old hiker who fell ill in the Ventana Wilderness after a 16-hour mission, authorities said. Provided by the Monterey County Sheriff's Office A hiker who fell ill in the Ventana Wilderness was rescued Sunday after a 16-hour rescue mission, authorities said. About 8 p.m. Saturday, the Monterey County sheriffs search and rescue team was notified that a 20-year-old man was sick and unable to hike out of a remote area near Sykes Hot Springs on his own, the sheriffs office said. Six team members found the man, provided first aid and requested a helicopter rescue, but poor weather made a helicopter rescue impossible, the sheriffs office said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Other team members then joined the rescue effort and hiked in on foot, but while returning on the trail, high water levels in a river stranded the rescue teams overnight, the sheriffs office said. The team members asked the U.S. Coast Guard to send a helicopter rescue, but bad weather again prevented the helicopter from lifting the patient to safety. On Sunday morning, rain began to fall, but search and rescue teams were able to carry the patient across the river, out of the trail and into an ambulance, which took him to a hospital. The rescue effort spanned 16 hours and 16 miles of steep trails, the sheriffs office said. The patients identity and condition were not immediately available. While we mourn the death of former President Jimmy Carter, he undertook a lot of admirable projects after he was defeated by President Ronald Reagan in 1980. Let us not forget that every problem we encounter in the world today is a result of the failed policies of President Carter. He didnt support the Shah of Iran when protests were going on in Iran, more concerned about human rights. Then the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini took over the government causing the problems in the middle east. After the Iranians took U.S. citizens hostage he sat on his hands and did nothing except protest. Then he micro-managed the failed hostage rescue attempt that resulted in the death of many U.S. servicemen. He recognized China and gave them most favored nation status and now we owe the Chinese billions of dollars and they are challenging the USA in all areas of the world, using our money to do so. And last he gave away the Panama Canal, that the USA built and paid for where hundreds of workers were killed while building it. Richard Genter * * * The comments expressed by Richard Genter about the late President Jimmy Carter are inappropriate and in extremely poor taste. Mr. Genter is entitled to his political opinions but is not entitled to disrespect the memory of a good man who spent his life in service to the country and to others. The former President has just died; Mr. Genter should show some respect for his life and his family, especially since the former President is also a fellow veteran. Tim McDonald * * * Mr. Genter acknowledged President Jimmy Carter's death, and that after his presidency, he took on many admirable projects for humanity. Mr. Genter forgot to mention the extremely high interest rates, gas shortage, and the cancellation of the Clinch River Breeder Reactor project under President Jimmy Carter's watch. Jim Rosenbloom * * * Let us not forget that every problem we encounter in the world today is a result of the failed policies of President Carter. How in the world Mr. Genter arrived at that conclusion, I cannot deduce. Raleigh Perry In October, a jury determined that BART owed $7.8 million to six former employees who were fired or forced into retirement after declining the COVID vaccine. Paul Chinn/The Chronicle 2020 A federal judge on Monday blocked Bay Area Rapid Transits attempt to toss out a jury verdict that found the transit agency discriminated against six former employees who sought religious exemptions to its COVID-19 vaccine mandate. In October, a jury determined that BART owed $7.8 million in damages to the six ex-employees, who were fired or forced into retirement after declining the vaccine, according to court documents. The transit agency tried to overturn the verdict, but the motion was denied. Under a 2021 mandate approved by the agencys Board of Directors, BART employees were required to receive the vaccination or risk termination. The Pacific Justice Institute, a conservative legal nonprofit, filed a lawsuit the following year on behalf of the six workers, who described themselves as devout Christians. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In an earlier verdict in the case, jurors found that BART had failed to show that accommodating the former employees religious exemptions would pose an undue hardship to the agency. BART tried to overturn the motion and ask for a new trial, arguing that scientific evidence supported their original argument that firing unvaccinated employees was a necessary public health measure. The agency also argued that accommodating employees religious exemptions in other ways, like granting unpaid leave or allowing them to work while taking other precautions like wearing masks, would have posed an undue hardship, according to court documents. But U.S. District Judge William Alsup, who presided over the case, denied the transit agencys motion and upheld the jurys verdict. The transit agency failed to demonstrate that alternative accommodations short of firing employees were an unreasonable burden, Alsup said, according to court documents. Alsup noted that the case was not an anti-vaxxer trial about the vaccines efficacy and that the agencys authority to mandate the vaccine was never in question. Instead, the trial hinged on whether BART could have accommodated its employees religious exemptions without undue hardship, rather than firing them. In October, Pacific Justice Institute Chief Counsel Kevin Snider, who represented the BART workers, said the jurys verdict brought a sense of closure to this difficult chapter. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Tennessee Supreme Court on Jan. 8 will hear oral arguments on a Chattanooga case. It involves a lawsuit brought by former Chattanooga firefighter Matthew Long against the Fire & Police Pension Fund. The case will be heard at the Tennessee Supreme Court building in Knoxville, beginning at 9 a.m. The case will be livestreamed to the TNCourts YouTube page at www.youtube.com/@TNCourts/featured. Attorney Janie Varnell of Davis & Hoss, PC will be presenting the case to the Tennessee Supreme Court next week," said attorney Lee Davis. "For many years Davis & Hoss has successfully represented clients like firefighters and police before the Supreme Court. Nearly a decade ago Lee Davis represented former Police Chief Larry Sneed who won his case before the Supreme Court involving wrongful discharge by the city of Red Bank. Petitioner Matthew Long worked as a firefighter with the Chattanooga Fire Department for 15 years. In 2019, Mr. Long was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from his work as a first responder to emergencies involving severe injuries and death. Mr. Long applied to the Chattanooga Fire and Police Pension Fund seeking disability benefits under the Funds disability policy. After a transcribed administrative hearing, the Board of Trustees for the Fund denied Mr. Longs application on the basis that Mr. Long failed to show that the events causing his PTSD were unexpected, as is required by the Funds disability policy. Mr. Long filed a petition in Hamilton County Chancery Court challenging the Funds decision as arbitrary and capricious. After a hearing, the Chancery Court found that the term unexpected was ambiguous and that the disability policy should be construed in favor of Mr. Long. The Chancery Court vacated the Funds decision and awarded Mr. Long disability benefits. The Court of Appeals affirmed, finding that the Boards interpretation was entitled to deference under the Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, but the ambiguity in the policy must be construed in favor of Mr. Long. The Tennessee Supreme Court granted the Funds application for permission to appeal to determine the proper standard for courts to review claims involving the administrative denial of disability benefits. President Jimmy Carter had ties to Chattanooga and visited the city several times. The 39th President of the United States died Sunday at his home in Plains, Ga. at the age of 100. Many area residents, who met the President, said theyd never forget him (especially his smile) and his humility. President Carter served as Georgia governor from 1971-1975. In 1972, he began talks about property his state owned in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. Governor Carter flew to Lovell Field for a news conference in 1974 to discuss what was going on with a possible land deal. This writer was at that press briefing in the pilot's lounge as the governor outlined, in detail, where the case stood. Georgia eventually sold all their Chattanooga property. In 1991, WRCB TVs David Carroll caught up with the Carter family while they were dining at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The former President told Mr. Carroll, When I became governor, the state of Georgia owned a great portion of downtown Chattanooga because of railroad rights. Im probably more familiar with downtown Chattanooga than downtown Atlanta. Jokingly, the former President told Mr. Carroll, Im not here to reclaim the property. Mr. Carter released his intentions to run for president at the end of 1974 and became the Democratic nominee in July, 1976. A few weeks later, his campaign announced he was coming to the First Baptist Church in Calhoun, Ga. and the governor would teach a Sunday school class. This writer was among the journalists from Chattanooga and Atlanta selected to attend. The candidate chose 1 Corinthians, chapter 13, the love passage, as his scripture text. After a closing prayer, Mr. Carter shook hands with those of us on the front row, thanked us for attending, and left the church for his car. He was accompanied by his friend, Bert Lance. Hamilton County Clerk Bill Knowles said in 1975 he was asked to escort Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter thru the court house. Mr. Knowles said he took the Carters from office to office, meeting with various officials and their employees. Mr. Knowles said a few days later he received a handwritten letter from Governor Carter thanking him for his hospitality. The letter read, To Bill Knowles, I enjoyed being with you and appreciate your fine help at the courthouse. Your being with me was a great political advantage. Your continuing advice and active support will be very valuable to me in the coming months. Mr. Knowles said he had the letter framed and it hangs on his office wall. President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian General Omar Torrijos signed two Panama Canal Treaties in 1977. Republican Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker, from Tennessee, is credited with helping President Carter get the necessary Senate votes. Senator Baker was guest speaker at a Professional Society of Journalists meeting in Chattanooga, Feb. 25, 1983. Senator Baker said, Jimmy Carter was badly underrated. He did a lot of things that will live on for a long time. I disagreed with him a lot of the time, but I get offended when I see him constantly downgraded. He was not that bad, he was a pretty good man. Retired Broadcaster Ben Cagle said, I was fortunate enough to meet Jimmy Carter on three separate occasions. We won station of the year and one afternoon he dropped in to say congratulations. Ive always had a lot of respect for President Carter and the way he treated people. Retired National Transportation and Safety Board Chairman Jim Hall from Signal Mountain said, Jimmy Carter was a great President who served our nation in the military, his state, his home town and persons in need across America and the world; a wonderful human being, who was always giving back to the nation he served. His life was a Sunday School. Chattanoogan Joel W. Solomon was good friends with Mr. Carter. President Carter named Mr. Solomon General Services Administrator and he served from 1977-1979. In 1981, the General Services Administration acquired the Chattanooga Federal Courthouse and renamed it the Joel W. Solomon Federal Building. Town and Country Restaurant owner Bill Hall Jr. recalled a Saturday night when Democratic leader Ward Crutchfield brought Rosalyn Carter in for dinner. Mr. Hall said Mrs. Carter asked his father if hed support her husband for president. Mr. Hall said his dad didnt know much about Jimmy Carter, but found out quickly. The late Ben Haden, who served as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga for 31 years, said he met with President Carter several times. Mr. Haden said, President Carter was a man of strong faith and had a genuine interest in people. Television newsman Mort Lloyd won the Democratic 3rd District Congressional nomination in the summer of 1975. A short time later, Mort was killed in a plane crash on the way to see his parents in middle Tennessee. Governor Carter attended his funeral at the Brainerd Church of Christ. The late Congresswoman Marilyn Lloyd was chosen to succeed her husband, and she won in November. Mrs. Lloyd served in the House of Representatives from 1975-1995 and worked with five Presidents. The Chattanooga Democrat sat down with this writer for a wide ranging radio interview on May 30, 2002 and described working with those Presidents, including Mr. Carter. Mrs. Lloyd said when she was elected, the thought never crossed her mind that shed be working with Governor Carter in the White House. As for President Carter, in her words, Jimmy Carter wasnt a friend of nuclear power and killed the Clinch Rover Breeder Project, my big project in Oak Ridge. I fought the White House all the way. Think of where we might be today with our energy shortage if wed been able to continue with the breeder reactor. One time I got him to take Air Force One to Oak Ridge and I rode with him. The President told me his mind was made up on Clinch River and dont you think this trip is going to change it. He was very specific about it. In the radio interview, Mrs. Lloyd credited President Carter with supporting federal funding for downtown development (U-DAG Grant) of the TVA complex, Trade Center and adjoining hotel. Mrs. Lloyd said she was proud of the Camp David Accords, the peace agreement between Israel Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, signed by President Carter in March, 1979. Despite their difference, Mrs. Lloyd told this writer, Jimmy Carter is my friend, and Ive been to Plains to visit with him several times. He told me, he was proud I was the first woman from Tennessee elected to congress for a full term. President Carter is seeing his best days right now, hes doing good work, Hes a true man of God and Im very grateful for him. President Carter will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol before his Jan. 9 funeral at the Washington D.C. National Cathedral. Observances will also be held in Plains and Atlanta, Ga. Heyearl1971@epbfi.com The 100-year-old mosaic golden cross medallion found in Jerusalems Ein Kerem, Israel. | Photo Credit: Israel Antiquities Authority A remarkable discovery was made by a 10-year-old boy during a school field trip to Ein Kerem in the Judean Hills. Nehorai Nir discovered a golden medallion with a micro-mosaic technique, which was later examined by Amit Reem, the Jerusalem District Archaeologist for the Israel Antiquities Authority, according to the Jerusalem Post. Ein Kerem is considered a significant pilgrimage destination for Christians wishing to visit the birthplace of John the Baptist. It is also where Mary, the mother of Jesus, had a notable visit with her cousin, Elizabeth, who is John's mother. Nir explained how he stumbled upon the medallion, stating, 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. In Israel, any unique or seemingly ancient item must be reported to the Antiquities Authority for verification, as archaeological finds over 100 years old are considered state property. Keeping such items without proper reporting is illegal and may lead to legal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Reem noted that the medallion is not considered antiquity because it is only between 100-200 years old, yet despite not being from a more ancient era, the discovery is still attracting significant attention. He explained that creating the medallion required great skill, highlighting, This technique was developed in Rome about 1800 or slightly earlier and continued until the early 20th century. Reem added, This cross is a testament to the personal story of a pilgrim who visited Ein Kerem 100 to 200 years ago, reflecting the centrality of the Holy Land to the three monotheistic religions. A firetruck is stationed outside Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, on December 24, 2024, following an incident involving the identified suspect, Aaron Suppes. | Screenshot: KHOU 11 via YouTube A 33-year-old man accused of threatening to release deadly sarin gas during a Christmas Eve service at a Houston megachurch is facing a felony charge. According to the Houston Police Department, officers were dispatched to Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church around 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve after the suspect, identified as Aaron Suppes, made the threat. Suppes claimed he planned to release sarin gas, an extremely toxic chemical weapon, at the church during the crowded candlelight service, which was reportedly filled with over 5,000 people at the time. A local CBS affiliate reported that services continued uninterrupted as police reviewed security footage and determined there was no immediate threat. Authorities found duffel bags that Suppes had brought to the church and left near the front entrance. A bomb squad, along with a Houston Fire Department hazmat team, inspected the bags thoroughly for any explosive devices, but no threats were identified. Investigators later discovered that Suppes had made another strange call earlier that same day, claiming to 911 dispatchers that he and his sister were being microwaved from overseas, leading them to suspect that his mental health might be a factor. Court documents indicated that he had been unemployed and homeless for at least six months, according to WLTX. Using security cameras and information gathered during the investigation, police tracked down Suppes, who was still near Lakewood Church. He was arrested without incident and later taken to jail. During a court appearance on Christmas Day, Suppes was formally charged with a felony offense of making a terroristic threat, with his bond set at $15,000. Although the threat was determined to be a hoax, the incident raised concerns about security and safety at the megachurch. This follows a previous incident in February, where an armed woman wounded two people before being killed by off-duty officers at Lakewood. On February 11, during a Sunday service, a woman carrying a long rifle, accompanied by a child, entered the church before being shot by off-duty police officers. The child, a 7-year-old boy, was critically injured, and a bystander aged 57 was shot in the leg. The woman was later identified as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, who had also used the male name Jeffrey Escalante but identified as a Hispanic female. According to Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, it was two off-duty officersa Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission agent and a Houston Police Department officerwho shot and killed Moreno. Two weapons were recovered from the scene, including a 22 caliber rifle and an AR-15 with a "Palestine" sticker. Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, addresses the crowd at the U.S. Capitol Building during the unveiling of evangelist Billy Graham's statue on May 16, 2024. | Photo Credit: The Christian Post/ Nicole VanDyke President-elect Donald Trump has publicly endorsed House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. In a statement posted to Truth Social on Monday, Trump urged congressional Republicans, with an emphatic message in capital letters, not to blow this great opportunity which we have been given. The Republican Party faces a narrow margin in the upcoming 119th U.S. Congress compared to the Democratic Party. Trump highlighted the party's victories in the swing states during the presidential election and their win in the popular vote, asserting that Americans need immediate relief from all of the destructive policies of the last. He praised Johnson, a committed Baptist, as a good, hardworking, religious man who will do the right thing, expressing confidence that we will continue to WIN under Johnsons leadership. Trump added, Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. This endorsement from Trump comes as the Republican-controlled House of Representatives is set to elect a speaker on Friday. Following the 2024 election, Republicans secured 220 seats while Democrats claimed 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 support Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., as speaker, Johnson has little room to lose support from within his own party. However, one congressional Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, stated on X Monday morning, I won't be voting for Mike Johnson. Massie criticized Trump's endorsement, stating, 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. In an interview on Fox & Friends Monday, Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., also suggested she might not support Johnson for Speaker. She insisted that Johnson must commit to President Trump's agenda and expressed doubts about whether he would genuinely work to implement the policy priorities of Trump and Republicans. The 118th U.S. Congress was notably marked by Republican infighting, which culminated in the ousting of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., in October 2023. It took three weeks for Republicans to unify behind Johnson as the consensus candidate to replace McCarthy. To become a speaker, a candidate needs the support of a majority, totaling 218 out of 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives. However, the number required decreases if members of Congress choose to vote present. Home News 15 dead, dozens more injured in apparent New Orleans terrorist attack; suspect identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar Handgun, rifle, ISIS flag found in truck bed; Sugar Bowl postponed An apparent terrorist attack on famed Bourbon Street in New Orleans early New Year's Day left 15 people dead and more than 30 others injured. The attack occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. Wednesday as thousands of people gathered in the French Quarter to celebrate the New Year, according to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). A white pickup truck slammed into a crowd near the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets, one of the busiest spots in the city during the annual festivities. After crashing into the crowd, the driver stopped the vehicle and opened fire on police officers as they arrived at the scene. The responding officers, who were stationed nearby to monitor the New Years Eve festivities, returned fire, killing the suspect, police said. The driver has been identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Houston, Texas. Jabbar was shot dead at the scene. U.S. defense officials said he served in the U.S. Army from 2006 to 2015, followed by the Army Reserves from 2015 to 2020, according NBC News. 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 According to law enforcement sources, Jabbar was driving a Ford pickup which appeared to have been rented. The FBI said the agency is working to determine how Jabbar obtained the vehicle. Earlier Wednesday, Fox News reported that the truck used in the attack was registered in Texas and had crossed the southern U.S. border just two days before the incident. Two anonymous federal law enforcement sources told the network that the truck entered the U.S. at Eagle Pass, Texas, although it remains unclear whether Jabbar was the one driving the vehicle at the time of the border crossing. Investigators found an Islamic State (ISIS) flag in the trucks bed, along with a handgun and an AR-style rifle, sources told The Associated Press. Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBIs New Orleans field office, told reporters that investigators do not believe Jabbar acted alone, but did not offer any further details. Speaking live on WWL-TV, New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno noted that the suspect was reportedly dressed in full military gear at the time of the assault. An improvised explosive device (IED) was also found at the scene of the attack, though it is not yet clear whether the device was a viable threat. Police confirmed that two New Orleans police officers were injured in the exchange of gunfire with Jabbar. Both officers were taken to a nearby hospital and are listed in stable condition. Authorities confirmed that 10 victims were declared dead at the scene, while five more were declared deceased after receiving medical attention. Another 35 people were injured, many of whom were transported to local hospitals with varying degrees of injury. President Joe Biden released a statement which read in part: I am grateful for the brave and swift response of local law enforcement in preventing even greater death and injury. I have directed my team to ensure every resource is available as federal, state, and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat of any kind. ... My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nations communities. Security was beefed up at the Caesar's Superdome, where the Sugar Bowl was scheduled to be played Wednesday evening. While officials initially signaled the Georgia-Notre Dame matchup would proceed as scheduled, they later announced the playoff game would be postponed. "The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the terrible events from early this morning," Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are in ongoing discussions with authorities on the local, state, and federal levels and will communicate further details as they become available." The attack comes less than a week after a deadly Christmas Day attack in which a 50-year-old Saudi doctor plowed into a crowded Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg, killing four women and a 9-year-old boy. Home News Daytona Beach repeals ordinance, allows church to operate food pantry for families Daytona Beach, Florida, has repealed an ordinance that previously restricted the Seventh-Day Baptist Churchs ability to operate its food pantry, enabling the church to continue providing essential assistance to impoverished families. The citys decision follows a federal lawsuit filed by the church, culminating in a settlement that makes the temporary allowance of the pantrys operations permanent. The city of Daytona Beach had initially agreed to permit the Seventh-Day Baptist Church to resume its food distribution ministry while the contested ordinance was repealed. The finalization of the repeal on Tuesday solidifies that agreement, leading to the dismissal of the federal case as per the settlement terms submitted by both the church and the city, according to a joint statement by the First Liberty Institute and Sidley Austin L.L.P. We are grateful to Daytona Beach city officials for working with us so that Seventh Baptist can resume its mission of providing food for the hungry, hurting people in the community, said Ryan Gardner, counsel at First Liberty. People who take action to care for the hungry should be encouraged and affirmed. The church is thrilled to be able to continue helping those in need. 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 Seventh-Day Baptist Church has provided community support since 2007. For the majority of its existence, the churchs efforts were met with support and encouragement from both city officials and local residents. This collaboration allowed the food ministry to thrive without significant obstacles, even after the church relocated to its current premises within a designated redevelopment area. Redevelopment areas in Daytona Beach are zones identified by the city for improvement projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors. Despite the relocation, the churchs food pantry continued its operations without issue until an enforcement action by the city mandated the closure of the pantry. Following the closure, the Seventh-Day Baptist Church filed a federal lawsuit challenging the ordinance that restricted their food distribution activities. Pastor David Troxler, who has led Daytona Beachs First Christian Church since 1995, told Spectrum News 13 last month that the congregation operated a food distribution center until it was closed by city authorities last fall. In November, the pantry was permitted to resume operations after officials found documentation proving it was exempt under a 2011 regulation. Troxler, who initiated the pantry in 2010 to address Daytonas status as a food desert, noted a significant increase in demand, with monthly service rising from about 200 families to over 500 last year. The pantry operates on the third and fourth Fridays each month, providing canned goods, dry supplies and meat to families facing food insecurity. Home News Pope Francis calls for debt forgiveness in Jubilee Year In his message for the World Day of Peace, Pope Francis lamented the "devastation" seen worldwide and "the conflicts that presently plague our human family." Pope Francis said that certain challenges were causing "havoc" in the world, including "the inhuman treatment meted out to migrants, environmental decay, the confusion willfully created by disinformation, the refusal to engage in any form of dialogue and the immense resources spent on the industry of war." "All these, taken together, represent a threat to the existence of humanity as a whole," he said. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "At the beginning of this year, then, we desire to heed the plea of suffering humankind in order to feel called, together and as individuals, to break the bonds of injustice and to proclaim God's justice. "Sporadic acts of philanthropy are not enough. Cultural and structural changes are necessary, so that enduring change may come about." He said he wanted 2025 to "be a year in which peace flourishes." "A true and lasting peace that goes beyond quibbling over the details of agreements and human compromises," he said. The pope also called for international debt forgiveness during the Catholic Church's Jubilee year, which is being marked throughout 2025. "I have repeatedly stated that foreign debt has become a means of control whereby certain governments and private financial institutions of the richer countries unscrupulously and indiscriminately exploit the human and natural resources of poorer countries, simply to satisfy the demands of their own markets," he said. "In addition, different peoples, already burdened by international debt, find themselves also forced to bear the burden of the 'ecological debt' incurred by the more developed countries. "Foreign debt and ecological debt are two sides of the same coin, namely the mindset of exploitation that has culminated in the debt crisis. "In the spirit of this Jubilee Year, I urge the international community to work towards forgiving foreign debt in recognition of the ecological debt existing between the North and the South of this world. This is an appeal for solidarity, but above all for justice." He continued, "The cultural and structural change needed to surmount this crisis will come about when we finally recognize that we are all sons and daughters of the one Father, that we are all in His debt but also that we need one another, in a spirit of shared and diversified responsibility. We will be able to 'rediscover once for all that we need one another' and are indebted one to another." The Catholic Church holds a Jubilee once every 25 years as a time for Catholics to focus on renewing their faith and spiritual life. The 2025 Jubilee of Hope was officially inaugurated by Francis when he opened the Holy Door of Saint Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve. In his final homily for 2024, Francis said that all people were welcome to Rome during the Jubilee year as he invited not only Catholics but "other Christians; believers in every religion, and seekers of truth, freedom, justice, and peace all pilgrims of hope and fraternity." "The hope of the world lies in fraternity," he said. The Jubilee year will conclude on Jan. 6, 2026, when the same Holy Door of Saint Peter's Basilica is closed. Inaugurating the year, Francis prayed, "May the light of Christian hope illumine every man and woman, as a message of God's love addressed to all." This article was originally published at Christian Today Home Books Former Australian prime minister details God's faithfulness amid trials: 'He's always been there' The former prime minister of Australia explained to The Christian Post how God sustained him when he led his country through an especially tumultuous time, and explained how he has learned to find his value not in power, but in God's love for him. Scott Morrison, a Christian who served as Australia's 30th prime minister from 2018 to 2022, detailed his faith journey in his 2024 book, Plans For Your Good: A Prime Minister's Testimony of God's Faithfulness. The book posits three main questions based on Jeremiah 29:11, exhorting readers to consider "Who am I?," "How should I live?," and "What should I hope for?" The book provides pastoral reflections on how to answer such fundamental questions while weaving compelling stories from his own life and time in office. 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 Morrison emphasized to CP that the book is not a political memoir, but rather a message of hope to readers facing their own doubts and struggles. "It's not a political book," he said. "If I wanted to write a political book, it probably would have been three times longer and would have been full of defenses and advocacy of my political agenda. That's what I did in politics, and I did that for a long time." Morrison said his faith was not something he went into very often in great depth while serving as prime minister, but that leaving the public stage has offered him "an opportunity for me to just to be very open about my Christian faith and to declare it." 'A very difficult time' Morrison's time as prime minister was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, which he described as the biggest crisis Australia had faced since World War II. The COVID-19 protocols in Australia drew criticism from some who believed they were too strict, though the country of 25 million people was one of the few able to bring new community-acquired COVID-19 cases down to zero in 2020. Morrison pushed back against critics who maintain there was a global conspiracy to oppress citizens. "It was a very difficult time, and I think there was a lot of uncertainty and anxiety at the time," Morrison said. "People were trying to understand and explain what was going on. I just knew that we were dealing with a pathogen which was very, very dangerous and we had to deal with it. If there was a conspiracy, no one invited me to the meetings." "It was tough. You're never going to get remedies and responses to that which was going to make everybody happy," he added. Morrison said dealing with the rise of China was the most difficult issue he had to deal with as prime minister, noting how the Chinese government "sought to bully and break Australia," even as they were straining under the weight of the pandemic, a recession and some of the worst natural disasters the country had seen "in quite some time." "Everywhere I went, I was seeing devastation and heartache in my own country, and that was heartbreaking," he said, adding that he credits God for strengthening him "to stand up to China and to do so with the backing of many of our friends, particularly in the United States, with whom I formed some very good personal and close relationships." 'Anxiety is human' Morrison is also very open in his book about how he began to suffer anxiety attacks while serving as prime minister that required medication in 2021. He urged Christians not to be ashamed if they need help with their mental health amid what he described as "an anxiety crisis, particularly in Western society." "Anxiety is human," he said, adding that his anxiety was not caused by policy challenges or security threats, but rather "physical exhaustion combined with the tenacious, relentless, personal, vindictive attacks principally through secular voices in the media and opponents." "We're all flesh and blood, mind and spirit," he said. "And these things can affect us after some period of time." "I say to Christians that you take a pill for a headache, and your mental health is no different," he said. "The stresses that we labor under at times need that sort of support." "I was on my knees at that time, I was praying, I was seeking the counsel and support of Christian friends and others, but there are physical things that happen that can affect your mental health, and you've got to be mindful of those things." Morrison also said Christians should acknowledge the spiritual aspect of anxiety by casting their anxieties on the Lord. "As Christians, we need to learn how we can just hand these things over to God; the anxieties are real, the things we're anxious about are real," he added. "We can't pretend they're not there, and we've just got to deal with them and hand them over to Him and allow Him to give us peace." 'Constant source of strength and wisdom' Morrison stressed the importance of having a community of believers who upheld him in prayer while he was in office, including a tight-knit group of pastors. "You can't live your faith other than in community of brothers and sisters in Christ, and that's intentional by design, I believe," he said. "God helps us when we're on our knees in prayer; He helps us when we're reflecting on His work, and He also encourages us and supports us through those he puts around us. I've always been blessed with that, and, frankly, sought it out." Morrison suggested the increasingly secular nature of Western societies makes Christian fellowship even more vital. "You can't live in a secular society faithfully and strongly if you're not in a community of those who love Christ," he said. "They are a constant source of strength and wisdom and support and love, and to be in such a community is one of the great joys and blessings of Christian life." 'We don't have to prove anything' A section in the third chapter of Morrison's book delves into the many setbacks and failures he has suffered, starting with when he was fired from his job in the country's tourism agency during his late 30s. He claims he was fired for political reasons by then-Prime Minister John Howard, with whom he had a good relationship and whose campaign he worked for. The experience, he writes, was "humiliating and soul destroying," but revealed to him how much he was placing his self-worth in his own accomplishments instead of in God's unconditional love for him. "We dont have to prove anything to God, even the things we think we are doing for Him," Morrison writes. "Gods love has nothing to do with what we think we can offer. He loves us just as we are, in all our brokenness." "Gods love is transformational if you allow it to be. Its one thing to accept it; its entirely another to let it transform you and allow you to see yourself through His eyes instead of through the perspective of what you have or haven't accomplished." That lesson would prove invaluable throughout the rest of his life and steel him to experience other losses, including ultimately losing reelection as prime minister in 2022. He writes that while some politicians who lose begin to crave the "relevance" they lost, he is free from such an "affliction." Morrison suggested to CP that one of the greatest lessons he has learned is God's faithfulness regardless of what vocation to which he is called in the different seasons of his life. "I just found God faithful to me in every walk of life, whether it was as prime minister, as a treasurer, as a cabinet minister, a member of parliament, a father, senior chief executive, all these sorts of things that I've done over the course of my life," he said. "He's always been there with me, and that's really what I'm trying to say. It doesn't matter what your vocation is, what job you have, what you're doing in life. The prize is Christ and His presence. That's what will sustain you always in everything." Home News Homelessness in US soars, tops over 770K due to illegal immigration: HUD Immigrants who entered the United States unlawfully contributed to the highest level of homelessness on record, with the number topping 770,000 in 2024, according to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The department's report, released in December, measured the number of homeless people in the U.S. at 771,480 in January 2024. This marked an 18% increase from the 653,104 individuals experiencing homelessness in the U.S. in 2023 and the largest since HUD began tracking homelessness in 2005. While HUD cited several reasons for the increase, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 Maui fires, much of the growth occurred in parts of the country overwhelmed by the volume of illegal immigrants seeking access to shelter systems. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In response to rising levels of illegal border crossings during the Biden-Harris administration, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sent immigrants to sanctuary cities, including New York City, Chicago and Denver. Reports emerged of the cities using airports, police stations and local schools to house immigrants, which politicians said was the result of a lack of space at homeless shelters. In the 13 communities that reported the impact of illegal migration to HUD, family homelessness more than doubled, according to the report. HUD compared this to the other 373 communities included in the report, where family homelessness was reportedly less than 8%. "No American should face homelessness, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring every family has access to the affordable, safe, and quality housing they deserve," HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman said in a statement announcing the report's release. "While this data is nearly a year old and no longer reflects the situation we are seeing, it is critical that we focus on evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness," Todman added. "We know what works, and our success in reducing veteran homelessness by 55.2% since 2010 shows that." At the time of the report's release, HUD said unlawful crossings at the border had dropped by 60% and encounters had reached their lowest level since July 2020. "As a result, migrant arrivals to communities across the country have dropped significantly," the department added in its statement. "In Chicago, for example, the migrant shelter census is down more than 60%, and in Denver, the shelter census is down nearly 100%. This fall, both cities announced an end to their migrant shelter systems." It is difficult to fully assess whether the increase in homelessness is due to illegal immigration or other issues, however. City and federal officials do not track the immigration status of homeless individuals, as The New York Times reported. A senior U.S. Customs and Border Protection official told The Associated Press in a statement published Monday that there had been about 44,000 arrests for illegal border crossings in December. The official stated that December will mark the sixth straight month that arrests for illegal border crossings were less than the monthly average in 2019, according to the AP. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas attributed the decline to asylum restrictions implemented in June and other border enforcement policies. Throughout his tenure, President Joe Biden and his administration have faced criticism over immigration policies that Republican lawmakers credit with increasing the number of illegal border crossings. President-elect Donald Trump focused heavily on the issue of illegal immigration and border security throughout his campaign, promising to initiate deportation efforts of illegal immigrants. In response, the Mexican government announced plans to open 25 shelters along its northern border for deported illegal immigrants. The facilities are scheduled to open their doors on Jan. 20. A San Francisco jury convicted Oren Zakhrabov of driving under the influence in the South of Market neighborhood. Marilyn Nieves/Getty Image A 35-year-old man was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol in San Franciscos South of Market neighborhood, prosecutors said Tuesday. Oren Zakhrabov was arrested on March 23 on suspicion of speeding in a yellow Lamborghini with no license plates on Harrison Street, just east of Ninth Street, according to the San Francisco District Attorneys Office. California Highway Patrol officers smelled a strong odor of alcohol when they approached Zakhrabovs vehicle, prosecutors said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A jury convicted Zakhrabov of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or greater. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 24. Home News Pastor Jack Hibbs urges Christians to 'armor up' in 2025 Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills is calling on Christians to armor up spiritually as they enter the new year. In his final message of 2024, Hibbs, reflecting on the current cultural climate, encouraged his congregation not to be unwise but to understand and embrace the will of God in their daily lives. Drawing from a famous passage in Ephesians 6 in which Paul urges followers of Jesus to put on the full armor of God, Hibbs said doing so is essential to standing firm against the spiritual battles Christians face. Every day with Jesus is going to be one of, Let's armor up, he said. So weve got to wake up first, and then the next thing we do after our big toe hits the ground is we armor up. We put on the armor of God. 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 Christians, listen carefully, you can't go outside without the armor of God. Hibbs reminded the congregation that the challenges faced by believers are not merely earthly struggles but spiritual warfare. He highlighted the importance of prayer, reading Scripture, and remaining vigilant. "We are in a war," he said, stressing that the enemy doesn't mind us going to church; what he's upset about is when the church gets hot for Jesus and hot for the Word of God. Then the enemy gets all bent out of shape, he added. The pastor also shared a memorable analogy, comparing spiritually unprepared Christians to participants in the reality show Naked and Afraid. Yes, if you are naked you should be afraid, very, very afraid but how much more so for the Christian? he asked. Do not go out into this new year without your spiritual armament on, you will be naked. That's why you're afraid." Hibbs emphasized that spiritual preparedness is not just about church attendance but actively engaging with Gods Word and living out ones faith daily. He referenced Romans 12:1, where Paul calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, an act of worship that reflects total dependence on Gods mercy. He also noted that prayer is integral to maintaining spiritual armor, a principle that even non-Christians understand. Everybody prays when something's wrong, said Hibbs. Even the atheist will pray when something's wrong. The problem is no one's listening, but for us as believers, pray! That's part of being armored up. Drawing attention to the spiritual warfare described in Ephesians 6, Hibbs explained the theological significance of the armor of God: the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit, and the belt of truth. He emphasized that each piece is designed to protect believers from the wiles of the devil and the spiritual forces of evil that threaten their faith and purpose. He concluded the message by underscoring that faith, according to the Bible, is "a verb, it's active" and that "faith never sits still." Hibbs illustrated this point with an anecdote about his grandson at the mall, who, while trying to go up an escalator, was "going down" instead, exerting "twice the effort in the opposite direction" and getting nowhere. He compared the visual to a "backsliding Christian" who, though heading toward Heaven, is "not walking with God" and is instead "going backwards." You're on the escalator because you're going to Heaven, but you're not walking with God, you're going backwards, he said. If you're backsliding in here, if you're backsliding right now, where you going? Not going anywhere, but boy, are you sweaty. Hibbs concluded by quoting John 14:31: But that the world may know that I love the Father and as the Father gave me commandment, so I do you. Arise and let us go from here. That is our marching orders for this year, Hibbs said. Every day, arise, let us go from here because God's Will and plan is for us to be ahead every day, amen? And none of us want to miss that, in Jesus' name. Home News 2 survivors of deadly South Korea plane crash detail moments before explosion The two survivors of the Jeju Air plane crash that killed 179 passengers detailed the last moments they remembered before the plane skidded down the runway and hit a structure before bursting into flames. Jeju Air flight Boeing 737-800 was carrying 181 passengers and crew when it crashed at Muan International Airport on Sunday. Two crew members, a man and a woman, survived the collision and were taken to separate hospitals to recover following their rescue from the rear section of the plane that separated in the crash. Muan fire chief Lee Jung-hyun said during a briefing that the two were rescued from the tail section of the plane, CNN reported. Video and images of the charred aircraft show that the tail section where the survivors were recovered was the only part of the plane that remained mostly intact. 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 male survivor, a flight attendant identified by his surname Lee, received treatment for fractures at an intensive care unit, ABC News reported Monday. Koo, 25, the female flight attendant who survived, is also recovering but is not in intensive care. Ju Woong, director of the Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, revealed during a Monday press conference that Lee was able to communicate with the hospital staff after he awakened. The man reportedly told doctors that he knew when he woke up that he had been rescued. Lee repeatedly asked, what happened? and why am I here? before recalling wearing his seat belt before the crash, The Korea Times reported. Ju, said Lee was fully able to communicate and there was no indication yet of memory loss or such, but he is being kept in the hospital because of concerns of "full body paralysis." While neither survivor appears to have life-threatening injuries, according to multiple reports, both had trouble remembering what happened after the plane landed. Koo, who The Telegraph reports was transported to the Asan Medical Center in Seoul for her injuries, reportedly said in her initial statements: Smoke came out of one of the planes engines and then it exploded. The U.K. publication added that the two flight attendants were saved because they were seated in the safest part of the aircraft with their harnesses on. In response to an inquiry from The Christian Post, a spokesperson from 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." A team of U.S. investigators, which includes members of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, arrived in South Korea this week to assist with analyzing the wreckage of the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The plane, which had taken off from Bangkok, Thailand, skidded down the runway and crashed into a wall beyond the tarmac after it landed, according to multiple reports. Investigators are assessing other B737-800 models, which officials have noted are in operation with six local airlines. "There are no plans to suspend operations, but they will examine those parts once more and check them thoroughly during the inspection process, Song Kyung-hoon, head of Jeju Air's Management Support Division, said in a statement. Officials confirmed, however, that the Muan International Airport runway is to remain closed for the investigation until Jan. 7. According to CBS News, the Boeing 737-800 had attempted to land before it received a warning from the ground control center about a bird strike. After sending a "mayday" distress signal, the aircrew attempted to land on a different runway. When the aircraft touched down three minutes later, according to CBS News, the plane was unable to lower its landing gear. While some sources suggest the eventual crash was the result of engine trouble, others say that the landing gear might have malfunctioned. Officials investigating the crash believe that the cockpit voice recorder will help provide some answers. According to South Korean Transport Ministry officials, it will likely take months before the investigation into the crash reaches a conclusion. One former Royal Air Force pilot told The Telegraph that the placement of the runway barrier that the aircraft collided with was "verging on criminal" and believes it is what led to the passengers' deaths. The landing was absolutely perfect, the pilot put it down wings level, doing a good job in bad circumstances, David Learmount, an aviation safety expert 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. In the aftermath of the aviation disaster, the National Council of Churches in Korea, Chairman Rev. Kim Jong-hook, expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and urged other people to join him in prayer. "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 in a statement. "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." Home News Elon Musk backs call for releasing names of lawmakers who used 'sexual slush fund' Two members of the U.S. House of Representatives, along with entrepreneur Elon Musk, are calling for the names of federal lawmakers whose offices have used tax dollars to settle claims of sexual and other types of harassment to be made public. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., published an X post last week stating that Congress has secretly paid out more than $17 million of your money to quietly settle charges of harassment (sexual and other forms) in Congressional offices. The $17 million statistic cited by Massie comes from a report released by the Office of Compliance of the U.S. Congress in 2017, at the height of the #MeToo movement defined by allegations of sexual misconduct implicating powerful men. The report noted that the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 established an account of the Office in the Treasury on the United States for the payment of awards and settlements. 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 According to the data compiled in the report, a total of 272 settlements were paid between 1997 and 2017. The combined total of the settlements amounts to more than $17.2 million. The report did not disclose which office the settlements originated in. The number of settlements reached on an annual basis ranged from a low of six in 1997 and 1999 to a high of 25 in 2007. Total settlement amounts ranged from just over $39,000 in 1997 to more than $4 million in 2007. Nearly a decade has passed since the reports publication, meaning that it is likely that additional settlements have been reached since then. Dont you think we should release the names of the Representatives, Massie tweeted. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., shared Massies post and expressed support for his proposal. I want to release the congressional sexual slush fund list. Tax payers should have never had to pay for that. Along with all the other garbage they should not have to pay for. Elon Musk, the CEO of X, SpaceX and Tesla, also agreed. In a reply to Massies X post, Musk wrote, Whoa? Yeah. The discussion about making the identities of Congress members who settled sexual harassment claims in the past two decades comes as President-elect Donald Trump has tasked Musk with co-leading a newly formed Department of Government Efficiency that will operate independently from the federal government. Trump said the purpose of the Department of Government Efficiency is to pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies essential to the Save America movement and to drive out the massive waste and fraud which exists throughout our annual $6.5 Trillion Dollars of Government Spending. Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate also tapped to co-lead DOGE, elaborated on their vision for the agency in a Wall Street Journal op-ed. While the two did not explicitly identify the harassment settlements as expenditures they would put on the chopping block, Musks statement in support of making the names public and the suggestion of members of Congress that taxpayer money should no longer go to such payments raise questions about how much longer the status quo will continue. Home News Operation World celebrates 60 years since first edition of prayer guide Operation World, dubbed the definitive volume of prayer information about the world, celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, 2024. The global editions of the prayer manual that are released every few years have become a familiar resource to inform Christians how to pray for the nations. What might be lesser known, however, is that the first edition in the year 1964 by Patrick Johnstone, a missionary for WEC International, comprised a mere 32 pages and included hand-drawn maps. It was printed in South Africa during the days of apartheid by using an old hand-cranked Gestetner machine, according to a recent OW news update (Dec. 16). A larger print run occurred in Germany the following year, 1965. It is remarkable to think that this humble but ambitious work grew into all that Operation World is today, said Jason Mandryk, also from WEC International, and author, team co-director and researcher for OW. 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 Even more astounding is that this work was completed under an apartheid government that was doing all it could do to keep black African Christians and white believers (both foreign missionaries and South Africans) from worshiping, praying and ministering together. Postal sanctions against South Africa meant that a young Patrick Johnstone was unable to correspond directly with contacts who could provide him with data and prayer points. He needed to rely on couriers friends or co-laborers who were traveling to and from Africa to carry correspondence by hand. His research office was a pair of boxes he toted around in the back of the van that his evangelism team used to go from gathering to gathering. A far cry from the world of instantaneous search results, AI, and digital media that we find ourselves in today. OW's ministry has expanded to include four childrens editions, and additional titles such as The Church is Bigger Than You Think and The Future of the Global Church. There have also been digital formats, including a free mobile app. Altogether, the OW resources have been translated into 20 languages with 3 million units. Mandryk explained in the news update the various ways in which the OW resources have helped Christians with their faith. Believers, churches, prayer movements, mission organizations, and theological institutions have been impacted all around the world, said Mandryk. Many leaders in mission and ministry from the Majority World and beyond attribute the birth of their global vision to encounters with Operation World. Mandryk and his colleagues have been looking at the history since 1964 and considered the changes in both world mission priorities and the wider global landscape itself, during those intervening years. He noted that Hans von Staden, director of the Dorothea Mission, which printed the 1964 volume, in the original preface said, nearly half mankind is now out of reach of normal Christian work. From 1964 to 2024, that proportion went from roughly 50 percent to around 28 percent cutting down the worlds unevangelized population by such an amount is testament to so much faithful endeavor and travailing prayer, commented Mandryk. Yet the absolute numbers of those beyond the ordinary reach of the Good News have increased to an alarming degree, he added. Half of the population untouched by the Gospel correlated to 1.67 billion people in 1964, Mandryk calculated, but in 2024, 28% of the world represents 2.28 billion people, an increase of 37%. Despite all that has gone into global mission in the past 60 years, taking the good news to every person is that much further away, lamented Mandryk. The unevangelized population is increasing faster than we are reaching them, an increase of more than 50,000 people every single day. The missionary challenge in the 1960s, less than a lifetime ago, was very different to now, the OW team co-leader added. He noted global events in that period such as the Cold War and the greatest threat to global missionary work being atheistic Communism. Christianity was still a majority-Western religion; the voices of Christian leaders from Africa, Asia, and Latin America were only beginning to be heard. In those days, Western missionaries primarily resourced sources for OW, which stands in stark contrast to today where now-thriving missionary movements are found in the Majority World, and comprise most sending missionaries. Mandryk also noted that OW played a key role in this wider transition from harvest field to harvest force. On a note of particular importance, the convergence of the mission, research and prayer movements had not yet reached its true advent, he added. There were some foreshadowing moments, such as William Careys Enquiry in 1792 and the World Mission Atlas in 1925. But many of the usual suspects of international mission as we know them today are conspicuously absent from this list. These usual suspects include Youth With A Mission, founded by the late Loren Cunningham, which did not become an entity until 1966. Operation Mobilization was also in its earliest days, founded in 1963 by the late George Verwer. The Lausanne Movement did not exist until 10 years later, Mandryk continued. Incidentally, this was the same year that Operation World started covering every country in the world with its first global edition. The World Christian Encyclopedia was not published until 1982. The 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World initiative began in 1993. The Joshua Project and Praying Through the Window emerged a couple of years later, riding the momentum of the AD2000 Movement. 24-7 Prayer hit the scene in 1999. It was not until after 9/11 that the IPC (International Prayer Council) came into being. On a positive note, Mandryk noted that there are more mission initiatives today than we can keep track of, and all fuelled by intercession, more prayer movements driven by research, and more research efforts to mobilize mission. But those first five editions of the full Operation World (1974, 1978, 1980, 1986 and 1993) provided a unique impetus in the advancement of this convergence, he added. The eternal impact of our accumulated prayers will never be known this side of the New Heaven and New Earth, Mandryk said. In the same way, and as a result of Patricks [Johnstone] vision and faithfulness, the effect of Operation World upon the past, present and future cannot be measured. But until Jesus returns to fully reclaim and restore the Earth, we will continue to do what He has called us to do research that inspires prayer, and prayer that changes the nations. This article was originally published at Christian Daily International Home News Tesla Cybertruck explodes outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas 1 person is dead, 7 others injured Updated Jan. 1, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill announced in a press conference that the driver of the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded in front of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada Wednesday was killed. Law enforcement officials who arrived on the scene found gasoline canisters and large firework mortars in the back of the vehicle. McMahill also told reporters that the truck was rented in Colorado, arriving in Las Vegas just over an hour before the explosion. Before pulling in front of the Trump Hotel, the truck drove up and down Las Vegas Boulevard, the street that the property is located on. He insisted that there is no further threat to the community. The FBI is investigating the explosion as a possible terror attack. A vehicle fire occurred outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to take office and as the nation remains on high alert following a suspected terror attack in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said Wednesday that one unidentified person is dead and seven others were injured, but not severely, according to ABC News. In a statement posted on X Wednesday, the Trump Hotel Las Vegas announced, Earlier today a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochere of Trump Las Vegas. The safety & well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response. According to ABC News affiliate KTNV, the fire occurred at approximately 8:40 a.m. Pacific time. A witness who spoke with the local news station described the vehicle as a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded with dozens of fireworks. There was enough fireworks that the car blew up and it was just flaming, he recalled. The incident forced the evacuation of the property. As of Wednesday afternoon, guests at the hotel have not been allowed back inside. Cybertruck is a product of electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla. Teslas CEO, Elon Musk, has emerged as an outspoken supporter of Trump, who tapped Musk to co-lead a proposed Department of Government Efficiency that will operate outside the federal government for the purpose of cutting wasteful government spending. The explosion of a vehicle manufactured by one of Trumps strongest supporters outside one of his hotel properties raises questions about whether the explosion was politically motivated. The fire also occurred just hours after 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar drove his pick-up truck into a crowd gathered to celebrate New Years Eve in New Orleans, Louisiana, killing at least 15 people and injuring three dozen others. The truck used to target New Years Eve celebrants had an Islamic State flag on it, raising concerns that the attack was an act of terror. While LaToya Cantrell, the Democratic mayor of New Orleans, initially described the incident as a terrorist attack, FBI Special Agent Aletha Duncan maintained that it was not a terrorist attack. However, the FBI later issued a statement indicating that it was working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism. The New Orleans attack concluded in a standoff when the suspect stopped the vehicle and opened fire on police officers. The officers returned fire, killing him. Two officers were injured in the confrontation. They were hospitalized and remain in stable condition. This is a developing story and details might change as authorities provide more information. Home Opinion What should be the ultimate New Year's resolution? At the beginning of every year, Christians all over the world send prayer requests to God asking Him to do one thing or the other for them. In Africa, many churches gather all the prayer requests on the first day of the year and fast and pray in order for God to answer these requests. It has also become a norm for every church to come up with prophetic words declaring what God will do for worshipers in the new year. These requests are always geared towards satisfying the needs of man: Lord! Give me a job, prosper me in 2025, I want to get married this year, heal my diseases and infirmities, etc. Pastors usually give worshipers the assurance that God will surely grant their requests. Some pastors collect money from the worshipers to fast-track answers to their prayer requests. Unfortunately, many of them end the year without answers to their prayers. What could be the reason for unanswered prayers? The challenge with most Christians is that we are convinced that Christianity is all about us and that God exists mainly to solve our problems. We are so much engrossed in our comfort to the extent that nothing in Christ matters except our welfare. We are not looking beyond ourselves and do not care about Gods will. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe While it is true that God is all-powerful and has no physical needs as we do, he still has a will He wants fulfilled. It is the desire of God the Father to have fellowship with all His children whom He created. It is because He wants to fulfill this desire that He sent Christ to come and die to reconcile all of us to Himself. It is the need of God for His knowledge to saturate every nook and cranny of this planet. The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14). It is a promise that God will fulfill His original purpose of filling the earth with His glory. This means that God will bring people to the saving knowledge of Christ in every part of the earth. He is presently carrying out this project and has a need for laborers. Then he said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few (Mathew 9:37). God has need for workers who will bring back His children who are separated from Him. Christianity is a relationship between humanity and divinity, it should not be parasitic but symbiotic. In 2025, let's deny ourselves, carry our crosses and follow Him wherever He leads us in fulfillment of the mandate of the Great Commission. For us to achieve this, there must be a paradigm shift in our prayer requests. Instead of asking God to help us meet our needs, let us ask God to tell us what we should do for Him. Instead of waiting for answers to prayer requests from January to December, let us take responsibility and ensure that everyone hears the Gospel of the Kingdom. When we ask God what He wants from us, He will surely direct our steps, teach us His ways, and send us as His workers. That should be our ultimate desire. Lets endeavor to make this happen. (Photo: Getty/iStock) In his message for World Day of Peace on 1 January, the Pope lamented the "devastation" seen in much of the earth and "the conflicts that presently plague our human family". Pope Francis said that certain challenges were causing "havoc" in the world, including "the inhuman treatment meted out to migrants, environmental decay, the confusion willfully created by disinformation, the refusal to engage in any form of dialogue and the immense resources spent on the industry of war". "All these, taken together, represent a threat to the existence of humanity as a whole," he said. "At the beginning of this year, then, we desire to heed the plea of suffering humankind in order to feel called, together and as individuals, to break the bonds of injustice and to proclaim God's justice. "Sporadic acts of philanthropy are not enough. Cultural and structural changes are necessary, so that enduring change may come about." He said he wanted 2025 to "be a year in which peace flourishes". "A true and lasting peace that goes beyond quibbling over the details of agreements and human compromises," he said. The Pope also called for international debt forgiveness during the Catholic Church's Jubilee year, which is being marked throughout 2025. "I have repeatedly stated that foreign debt has become a means of control whereby certain governments and private financial institutions of the richer countries unscrupulously and indiscriminately exploit the human and natural resources of poorer countries, simply to satisfy the demands of their own markets," he said. "In addition, different peoples, already burdened by international debt, find themselves also forced to bear the burden of the 'ecological debt' incurred by the more developed countries. "Foreign debt and ecological debt are two sides of the same coin, namely the mindset of exploitation that has culminated in the debt crisis. "In the spirit of this Jubilee Year, I urge the international community to work towards forgiving foreign debt in recognition of the ecological debt existing between the North and the South of this world. This is an appeal for solidarity, but above all for justice." He continued, "The cultural and structural change needed to surmount this crisis will come about when we finally recognise that we are all sons and daughters of the one Father, that we are all in his debt but also that we need one another, in a spirit of shared and diversified responsibility. We will be able to 'rediscover once for all that we need one another' and are indebted one to another." The Catholic Church holds a Jubilee once every 25 years as a time for Catholics to focus on renewing their faith and spiritual life. The 2025 Jubilee of Hope was officially inaugurated by Pope Francis when he opened the Holy Door of Saint Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve. In his final homily for 2024, Francis said that all people were welcome to Rome during the Jubilee year as he invited not only Catholics but "other Christians; believers in every religion, and seekers of truth, freedom, justice, and peace all pilgrims of hope and fraternity". "The hope of the world lies in fraternity," he said. The Jubilee year will conclude on 6 January 2026 when the same Holy Door of Saint Peter's Basilica is closed. Inaugurating the year, the Pope prayed, "May the light of Christian hope illumine every man and woman, as a message of God's love addressed to all." (Photo: Getty/iStock) Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster reflects on the meaning of the story of Joseph. At the end of the year, encapsulated in the name of our latest parsha, Miketz, (Genesis 41-44:17), Joseph the dreamer finds himself in a hole. What do you do in a hole? Resign yourself to your fate; or, as in Joseph's case, use your talents in order to extricate yourself and forge a new future? Pharaoh has a famous dream of seven fat cows followed by seven thin cows which swallow the fat cows. This dream is succeeded by seven ears of corn in similar mode. Joseph, known as the interpreter of dreams, is called upon to interpret the dream and advises Pharaoh to appoint an economist to help Egypt save up during times of plenty for the time of famine which will arrive in seven years. Joseph is chosen and appointed to the role of economist. He also marries Pharoah's daughter, so is now related to Pharaoh himself, the same Pharaoh who had him imprisoned on trumped-up charges. Why is Miketz ('At the end ...'), the Joseph story, read towards the end of the gentile year and around the time of Chanukah, the eight-day festival which we are currently celebrating? Both the Joseph story and the Chanukah story deal with Jews who make good in diaspora, only to find that, at the end of the day, diaspora repudiates Jews. Chanukah commemorates the heroism of the Maccabees from Modiin in Israel. Almost single-handedly, they stood out against the Syrian Greek rulers who had succeeded in Hellenizing a large part of Israel. In 168-167 BCE, the Syrian Greek king, Antiochus Epiphanes, defiled the Temple in Jerusalem and at best most Jews stood by and let it happen. The Maccabees defeated the Syrian Greeks and in the Temple a miracle took place. They found a cruse of oil, just enough for one day. But the oil lasted for eight days and this is what we commemorate at our annual Chanukah festival. We light candles every day for eight days, starting with one, and increasing the number each day. If not for the heroic stance of the Maccabees, the miracle of the oil would not have happened. Today the Jews in diaspora find themselves in the same predicament as both Joseph in Egypt and the Hellenized Jews of 168 BCE. Unlike at Purim which takes place in Persia a few centuries earlier, the Hellenized Greeks did not want to physically exterminate the Jews; they simply wanted to de-Judaize them and force them to adopt their own customs. Joseph has his name changed by Pharaoh and becomes outwardly an Egyptian. But in the long run this total assimilation is not good for the Jews, as we discover when a new Pharaoh arises who 'knows not Joseph' (Exodus 1:8). This year, in a rare incidence, Chanukah started at Christmas and ends in the New Year. But the two festivals couldn't be more different. Chanukah celebrates the nation that was extricated from near-certain death and oblivion through assimilation. And it was human beings who made this happen, human beings who went against the grain and were unpopular among their own people. As a result, belief in one G-d was saved by the Jews for the world. A rabbinic explanation states how the cruse of oil in the Temple was actually split in two, the numerical value of the letters of the Hebrew 'pach' being 88. This is why we light 44 candles in total today. However, we also sing about the word 'pach' in our song 'Maoz Tsur' which accompanies the nightly candle-lighting. This song, the title of which was incorporated into Israel's Declaration of Independence of May 1948, includes a reference to those who wish to destroy the Jewish people. These destroyers end up being hoist on their own petard and the means of execution becomes a 'pach', here not a cruse, but a 'snare'. To return to Joseph's 'hole'. Is this hole a snare, a trap which will imprison him for life? Or, will it break open to reveal the oil of life, illuminating him in his appointed role as saviour of the Egyptian people at their time of need? This is the story of the Jewish people, some of whom are still imprisoned in Gaza today by the forces of evil. Jews have always been called upon to help the world, but too often they have been made to pay for the envy and greed of others by punishment of their good deeds. May the coming year, paralleling the onset of longer days, shine a new light on the world as our final eight candles are lit on the new month of Tevet in the Jewish calendar. This year the Jewish new moon of Tevet, always taking place on the 8th and final night of Chanukah, coincides with January 1 2025. Chanukah is dedication. May we rededicate ourselves to both the tasks at hand and the new tasks awaiting us in the future. Last year, Spains tourism sector, its economic growth engine, reached historical levels, contributing nearly 187 billion (about $195 billion) to its GDP thanks in part to the fruits of digitalization. Technology, says Soltour CIO Miguel Abril, has taken on a fundamental role, transforming not only the customer experience through personalization and operational efficiency, but also the way in which consumers plan, book, and enjoy their trips. However, he adds, the maturity varies in one of the most consolidated verticals at a national level. The big players, such as OTAs [Online Travel Agencies], are advancing in their adoption of new technologies, taking advantage of AI and big data tools, while other actors are in earlier stages of integration, he says. Referring to the latest figures from the National Institute of Statistics, Abril highlights that in the last five years, technological investment within the sector has grown more than 40%. This reflects the growing dependence on digital solutions to maintain competitiveness, he says. A former preschool teacher injured twice and forced to quit, Irma Marie Harvey was stuck in a rat- and roach-infested Daly City apartment until Season of Sharing helped her secure a new place to live. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Irma Marie Harvey remembers the instant everything changed. She was running, then she was airborne, then her body came crashing down and with it, her life. A preschool teacher of three decades, Harvey was chasing after a boy in her care in November 2023 when she tumbled, dislodging several disks in her neck and spine. Three months later, her car was struck by a bus while idling at a red light in Pacifica, compounding the injuries she sustained in the fall. Chronic pain forced her to give up teaching, a job she loved. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Harveys days were once spent greeting parents, handing out snacks and tending to the whims of her pint-sized students, some of whom affectionately called her Mama Marie. She misses being surrounded by kids. But now, the 61-year-old said, if I walk a block, it hurts. After her injuries, Irma Marie Harvey says her doctors told her to avoid carrying anything heavier than 5 pounds, a rule she said she follows except when it comes to her spoiled, overweight cat Mel, whose companionship has helped buoy her during her most difficult moments. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Her days are filled with medical appointments and often debilitating pain. Household chores have become difficult. She cannot stand for long stretches to cook or lift loads of laundry. Her doctors told her to avoid carrying anything heavier than 5 pounds, a rule she said she follows except when it comes to her spoiled, overweight cat Mel, whose companionship has helped buoy her during her most difficult moments. Shortly after her fall, Harvey filed a workers compensation claim for lost wages and began receiving permanent disability benefits. With the help of government assistance, she was able to keep paying rent on the Daly City apartment where she had lived for 13 years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the midst of her recovery, however, she noticed something odd. Her neighbors were moving out in droves. Soon she understood why. Cooking dinner one evening in March, she found a cockroach in her refrigerator. Then she spotted one crawling out of her kitchen cabinet. Neighbors warned her that theyd begun seeing rats. Days later, when Harvey saw her cat chasing yet another cockroach, she knew it was time to find a new place to live. More about Season of Sharing Since its inception in 1986, the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund has raised and distributed $206 million to help house, care for and nourish Bay Area residents. All administrative costs are covered by the San Francisco Chronicle and the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund, so 100% of donations go directly to help people facing crises. For more information or to donate, visit www.seasonofsharing.org/donate. Out of work and living on a limited budget with no savings, Harvey was unsure how she would afford a rental deposit on a new apartment. James Bohm from services agency Daly City Partnership pointed her to the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund, hoping the organization might be able to help. Season of Sharing works year-round to prevent homelessness and hunger in the Bay Areas nine counties. All donations are spent helping people in need. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Irma Marie Harvey was surprised when Season of Sharing approved her request for help with a rental deposit. I did not have the money for it, Harvey says. I thank them for helping me. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Harvey had never heard of the fund and didnt expect to receive financial assistance. When she was granted enough to cover the deposit, she was shocked. I was thanking God for the blessing, Harvey said. I did not have the money for it. I thank them for helping me. But soon her attention turned to another concern: Mel. While Harvey had secured a new one-bedroom apartment in South San Francisco, she worried that her new landlords wouldnt accept her 25-pound indoor cat, the whiskered best friend she sometimes suspects of being the feline incarnation of her late father. To her surprise, they did. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With the help of her daughter Lamika, Harvey moved into the new apartment in May. Mel came with her. Irma Marie Harvey, talking to a new neighbor, now enjoys an apartment that is cleaner and free of pests. And whenever she feels overwhelmed by chronic pain, her cat Mel is there to comfort her. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle The new apartment is cleaner and free of pests. And whenever Harvey feels overwhelmed by chronic pain, Mel is there to comfort her. He lays on me and puts his paws on my chest, she said. COLUMBUS Ohios redistricting fight, like all epic battles, is ready for a sequel. When the new Ohio General Assembly convenes in January, one task already on legislators agendas is to redraw the map for Ohios 15 congressional districts. Thats because the current map didnt earn bipartisan support. When the courtroom battles and political gamesmanship ended, voters were left casting ballots in districts that now must be redrawn. Under that map, Republicans hold a 10-5 advantage in the congressional delegation. But three of the five seats Democrats hold are competitive districts. Could Republicans who still hold the pen after redistricting reform failed again try to press their advantage? They repeatedly flouted court decisions that struck down the maps. And in November, voters delivered a victory that could further embolden GOP mapmakers. Voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have stripped power from self-interested politicians and created a citizen commission to handle the task. That defeat left redistricting in the hands of those who gerrymandering opponents say are defying Ohio law to protect their political power. After the new General Assembly is seated in January, the battle begins anew. The congressional map used in 2024, the same map used for the 2022 elections, was declared unconstitutional by the Ohio Supreme Court. By law, it must be redrawn. When voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment on redistricting in 2018, the new rules mandated that without bipartisan support for a map, it could only be in effect for four years, rather than the full decade until the next decennial census. Only Republicans voted in favor of the congressional map. In the background, meanwhile, is a proposal from Gov. Mike DeWine, who in July said the gerrymandering issue needed to be solved once and for all. DeWine proposes using a system like Iowa, entrusting a non-partisan research arm of the General Assembly to draw the new maps. He promised voters last summer that he would pursue the Iowa plan via ballot initiative if they sided with him and rejected the reform on the November ballot. Im not locked into every word thats in the Iowa plan. But lord, its worked for 40 years, he recently told statehouse reporters. The gerrymandering fights began after the 2020 census was completed and the redistricting process commenced. Seven times the Ohio Supreme Court slapped down maps approved by Republicans for state legislative seats and congressional seats as unconstitutional. Eventually, Democrats on the GOP-dominated Ohio Redistricting Commission joined Republicans to approve Ohio House and Senate maps, which locked state legislative districts in place until after the 2030 census. The Ohio General Assembly, however, draws the congressional map. Republicans hold massive supermajorities in both chambers that allow them to pass legislation without Democratic support. The General Assemblys map for congressional districts was deemed unconstitutional for leaning too heavily in favor of Republicans. The redistricting commission passed a second, similar map that also was unconstitutional. But Republicans effectively ran out the clock before the 2022 elections, refusing the courts order to pass a more Democratic-friendly map and forcing use of the unconstitutional map. In 2023, litigants including the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, the League of Women Voters of Ohio, and the A. Philip Randolph Institute of Ohio -- sought the dismissal of their cases.They feared Republicans could force an even more GOP-friendly map than the current one, under which Republicans hold 10 seats and Democrats hold five. The three most competitive districts set by the unconstitutional map were all won in the last two elections by Democrats Emilia Sykes, Marcy Kaptur and Greg Landsman in both 2022 and 2024. A spokeswoman for the Ohio House said the process for the General Assembly to take up the new maps hasnt been laid out yet, but she expects the House will take the lead. Matt Huffman, a Republican from Lima who now is Senate president, will be the new speaker of the Ohio House. As a member of the Ohio Redistricting Commission, Huffman took a lead role in the preparation of maps after the 2020 census. Huffman has said he is open to ideas. That includes considering DeWines pitch to overhaul the entire system. Im always willing to sit down at the table, Huffman said recently following a Senate session. Those pushing for reform havent given up. People want fairness, they want representation, Democrat Nickie Antonio, the Senate minority leader and a member of the Redistricting Commission, said in a recent interview. If we have a job to do, we should do our job, she said. We dont want a court to do our job. Finding a solution is important, Antonio said, because many Ohioans already have given up on the system, feeling their vote doesnt count for anything because theyve been disenfranchised by the gerrymandering. A whole bunch of people stayed home, she said of Novembers voter turnout. We have a lot of work to do in our core cities. DeWine was adamant in July that Ohios redistricting process needed reform, threatening to push for a constitutional amendment if the legislature didnt act. But after voters defeated the ballot measure, he hedged. I think we need to, you know, take a deep breath and look to see how we can remove this from politics and do something that the people will have you know a lot of confidence in, he said. Ohio League of Women Voters Executive Director Jen Miller said the Iowa plan might be a starting point for conversations, in her view, it isnt the answer. I hope it continues to work for Iowa, Miller said. Iowa and Ohio are very different. Iowa is not as diverse as Ohio, and its population, much smaller than the Buckeye State, is more evenly distributed across the state. Ohio, though, has concentrations of people in a handful of population centers, with nearly half of its nearly 11.8 million residents living in just eight of 88 counties. About two in every five voters live in either Franklin or Cuyahoga counties. And in Millers view, having the legislators involved still is problematic. They have a lot of power, still, she said. Superintendent of Police for the New Orleans Police Department Anne Kirkpatrick makes a statement Wednesday after a vehicle drove into a crowd on the city's Canal and Bourbon streets. Kirkpatrick was at the Oakland Police Chief. Gerald Herbert/Associated Press In light of the terrorist attack in New Orleans early New Years Day, the San Jose Police Department said they will deploy additional police resources in high visibility areas, including downtown, but that there is no intelligence suggesting any immediate threat to the area. In the early hours of Jan. 1, a Texas man drove a pickup truck at high speed into a crowd of people celebrating on the popular nightlife destination, Bourbon Street, in New Orleans, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens. The perpetrator, a U.S. citizen, was shot by police after a standoff. The FBI is investigating the incident as a terrorist attack. Our thoughts and condolences are with the New Orleans Police Department and the victims of last nights tragic attack on Bourbon Street, a statement posted by the department on social media read. We stand in solidarity with the New Orleans community during this difficult time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The department added that it is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining heightened vigilance. The safety of our community remains our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe and secure as we ring in the New Year, the statement read. In San Francisco, police issued a statement expressing condolences for the victims of the New Orleans attack. At this time, we are not aware of any credible threats to San Francisco, the department said on social media. We ask the community to alert the SFPD if they see any potential threats or suspicious activity if you see something, say something. Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X condemning the terror attack as unconscionable and conveying gratitude for law enforcement and first responders. While there are currently no credible known threats directed at California events, Californians should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity at public gatherings today, Newsom wrote. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2022, actor Tom Holland decided to try a "dry January" and give up alcohol for 31 days, but the challenge was harder than he'd expected. "I couldn't quite wrap my head around how much I was struggling without booze in that first month and it really scared me," Holland said on an episode of the Rich Roll podcast in October. "I decided, as a sort of punishment to myself, that I would do February as well as January." The second month turned out to be even more intense for the Spider-Man star. It "was no easier. If anything, it got a little bit harder," the 28-year-old said during the podcast. "I was starting to kind of panic, thinking, 'Damn. I have a bit of an alcohol thing.'" This pushed Holland to stay sober even longer, especially after having a conversation with his doctor about the state of his liver. His struggle with giving up alcohol coupled with the damage it seemed to be doing to his body prompted him to commit to yet another alcohol-free month. Once March rolled around, he "started to feel a little bit better, but was still really struggling." So, he set a goal to stick to his sobriety until his birthday. "I said to myself, 'If I can make it to June 1st, which is my birthday, and I can do six months without booze, I will have then proved to myself that I don't have a problem. I'm just young and enjoying a drink." Holland was successful, and by then was enjoying his sobriety so much that he didn't want to drink again until the year was over. "I started sleeping better. I was handling stressful situations better. My relationship was better. My relationship with my family was better. My relationship with my work was better," he said. "By the time I'd crossed that annual mark I was done. I was like, 'I'm never gonna drink again because this is the best version of myself.'" Though Holland didn't consider himself "a bad drunk," he said, as an actor, "you always have a reason to be drinking. Or, I felt like I always had a reason to be drinking." And he didn't limit himself with how much he was drinking: "I wasn't the type of person that could nip to the pub for a pint," he said. "I wanted to lock the door behind me." But once Holland committed to his sobriety, his support system kept him honest. "A real ally" of his is Robert Downey Jr. who has appeared on the big screen alongside him many times, and has been sober for more than 20 years himself. Want to make extra money outside of your day job? Sign up for CNBC's online course How to Earn Passive Income Online to learn about common passive income streams, tips to get started and real-life success stories. Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life. A water tower at the U.S. Steel Corp. Edgar Thomson Works steel mill in Braddock, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 4, 2024. Japan's Nippon Steel has proposed giving the U.S. government veto power over any potential cuts to U.S. Steel 's production capacity, as part of its efforts to secure President Joe Biden's approval for acquiring the American steelmaker, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. Last week, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States referred the decision to approve or block the deal to Biden. Biden, who will leave office on Jan. 20, must decide on the deal by Jan. 7. If he takes no action, it would result in the merger's automatic approval. "We received the CFIUS evaluation and the President will review it," a White House spokesperson said on Tuesday. The Washington Post reported earlier that in its proposal, Nippon Steel pledged a 10-year commitment not to cut production capacity at U.S. Steel's domestic mills, unless approved by a Treasury-led review panel. Shares of U.S. Steel popped on the Washington Post report, closing up 9.5% Tuesday. U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Police officers stand at the scene where a truck drove into a large crowd on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. January 1, 2025 in this screengrab taken from a video. A 42-year-old Texas man crashed a pickup truck into a crowd celebrating New Year's Day in New Orleans' French Quarter and then opened fire on police, killing at least 10 people and injuring 35, in an early morning attack the FBI said was a potential act of terrorism. The driver, identified by the FBI as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, died at the scene in the shootout with police and may have been acting in concert with others, officials said. The incident occurred at 3:15 a.m. (0915 GMT) near the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets, a historic tourist destination in the city's French Quarter known for attracting large crowds with its music and bars. An ISIS flag was found in the vehicle, prompting an investigation into possible links to terrorist organizations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in a statement. It said the vehicle appeared to have been rented. "We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible. We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates," FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan told a press conference. Investigators found weapons and a potential explosive device in the vehicle, and other potential explosive devices were found in the French Quarter, the FBI said. Two explosive devices were rendered safe, Duncan said. She confirmed the death toll of 10, after a member of the U.S. Congress said the number may have risen. Officials postponed the Sugar Bowl, a classic American college football game played in New Orleans each New Year's Day, for 24 hours, event organizers said. The city will also be the site of the NFL Super Bowl on Feb. 9. One city leader described the assailant as being in full military gear. "This is not just an act of terrorism, this is evil," Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick told the press conference. "He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did," she said at a previous press conference. Kirkpatrick said the driver, who swerved around barricades, shot and wounded two police officers from the vehicle after it crashed. The officers were in stable condition, she added. "As we search for a motive, remember there is no making sense of evil," said New Orleans City Councilman Oliver Thomas. About 400 officers were on duty in the French Quarter at the time of the incident, police said. "This is a fluid situation and we are in coordination with numerous local and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure a complete and thorough investigation to bring those who may have been part of this incident to justice," Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said on X. YANTAI, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 - A large LNG tank deck ship loaded with liquefied natural gas imported from Malaysia is docked at the Longkou Port area of Yantai Port in Yantai, Shandong province, China, September 11, 2023. As the country's first oil and gas terminal, tank farm, pipeline integrated operation of the port, Yantai port from Malaysia, Russia, Brazil, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and other countries along the "Belt and Road" the proportion of imported oil and gas increased year by year, the first eight months of 2023 reached 86%. (Photo credit should read CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images) Russian gas exports via Soviet-era pipelines running through Ukraine came to a halt on New Year's Day, marking the end of decades of Moscow's dominance over Europe's energy markets. The gas had kept flowing despite nearly three years of war, but Russia's gas firm Gazprom said it had stopped at 0500 GMT after Ukraine refused to renew a transit agreement. The widely expected stoppage will not impact prices for consumers in the European Union - unlike in 2022, when falling supplies from Russia sent prices to record highs, worsened a cost-of-living crisis and hit the bloc's competitiveness. The last remaining EU buyers of Russian gas via Ukraine, such as Slovakia and Austria, have arranged alternative supply, while Hungary will keep receiving Russian gas via the TurkStream pipeline under the Black Sea. But Transdniestria, a breakaway pro-Russian region of Ukraine's neighbour Moldova also reliant on the transit flows, cut off heating and hot water supplies to households early on Wednesday. Local energy company Tirasteploenergo urged residents to dress warmly, hang blankets or thick curtains over windows and balcony doors, and use electric heaters. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said the end of gas transit through his country to Europe was "one of Moscow's biggest defeats" and urged the U.S. to supply more gas to Europe. "The more there is on the market from Europe's real partners, the faster we will overcome the last negative consequences of European energy dependence on Russia," he wrote. Europe's "joint task" now, he wrote, was to support ex-Soviet Moldova "in this period of energy transformation." The European Commission said the EU had prepared for the cut-off. "The European gas infrastructure is flexible enough to provide gas of non-Russian origin," a spokesperson for the Commission said. "It has been reinforced with significant new LNG (liquefied natural gas) import capacities since 2022." Russia and the former Soviet Union spent half a century building up a major share of the European gas market, which at its peak stood at around 35%. But the EU has slashed its dependence on Russian energy since the start of the war in Ukraine by buying more piped gas from Norway and LNG from Qatar and the United States. Ukraine, which refused to extend the transit deal, said Europe had already made the decision to abandon Russian gas. "We stopped the transit of Russian gas. This is a historic event. Russia is losing its markets, it will suffer financial losses," Ukraine's Energy Minister German Galushchenko said in a statement. Flames rise from a Tesla Cybertruck after it exploded outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., January 1, 2025 in this screengrab taken from a social media video. Alcides Antunes | Alcides Antunes Via Reuters A Tesla Cybertruck exploded and burst into flames Wednesday morning just outside the entrance of Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing a person inside the vehicle and injuring several others standing nearby, local officials said. The suspicious blast is being investigated as a possible terrorist attack, three senior law enforcement members briefed on the matter told NBC News. A motive has yet to be established. The blast came hours after a driver in a rented pickup truck who was flying an ISIS flag plowed into New Year's Eve revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing at least 15 and injuring more than 30 others before he was shot dead by police. Read more from NBC News: Palestinian Authority temporarily suspends broadcast of Qatar's Al Jazeera TV South Korea police search Jeju Air and airport operator over fatal plane crash Much of the U.S. bracing for a big blast of winter and serious cold That pickup truck and the Tesla in the Las Vegas explosion were rented from the same company, Turo, said Clark County/Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill. "I don't know," McMahill said when asked at a news conference whether the two incidents are connected. "But we are investigating whether there is any connectivity." Turo, in a statement, said the company is actively aiding investigators. "We do not believe that either renter involved in the Las Vegas and New Orleans attacks had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat," the company said. McMahill said officials know the Tesla was rented in Colorado but declined to divulge the name of the person who died in the inferno. "We do know who rented this truck," he said, adding they have found no link to ISIS or any other terrorist organization. "We believe this is an isolated incident," added Jeremy Schwartz, the FBI's acting special agent in charge of the investigation. TOPSHOT - An investigator photographs a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the lobby of President-elect Donald Trump's hotel on January 1, 2025, in Las Vegas. Wade Vandervort | Afp | Getty Images McMahill said officials were able to track the route the Tesla took to Las Vegas with the help of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who provided video of the Cybertruck at Tesla charging stations and by having the truck unlocked after it auto-locked in the explosion. The Tesla arrived at 7:30 a.m. in Las Vegas and exploded an hour later, about 15 seconds after it got to the hotel, the sheriff said. McMahill showed video of the explosion at an evening news conference. "So the individual who was in the truck is obviously deceased," he said. Earlier, Musk, who is also a top Trump adviser, insisted on X that the explosion had nothing to do with the vehicle. "We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself," Musk declared. "All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion." McMahill confirmed there were gasoline cannisters and large fireworks mortars in the back of the truck. "I don't know how they were ignited," the sheriff said. "We haven't been able to process the vehicle yet." McMahill also reiterated that "there does not appear to be any further threat to our community now." Meanwhile, in New York City, extra police officers were assigned to Trump Tower as a precaution and the security perimeter was expanded to keep the public and traffic further away from the building, an NYPD spokesperson said. Security at the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago has also been boosted, police there confirmed. The explosion outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas was reported about 8:40 a.m. local time, police said. "We were told that a 2024 Cybertruck pulled up to the front of the hotel, and, in fact, I can tell you it pulled right up to the glass entrance doors of the hotel," McMahill said at an earlier press conference. "We saw smoke start showing from the vehicle, and then an explosion from the truck occurs." Clark County Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Touchstone said that as first responders began to extinguish the fire, they "realized at the same time that there were multiple persons with injuries located around the vehicle." Clark County fire vehicles surround the valet area where a Cybertruck caught fire at the Trump International Hotel on January 1, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. David Becker | The Washington Post | Getty Images Video posted to X showed a man found shot near Ellis and Jones Streets in San Franciscos Tenderloin district on Oct. 30. Michael Javius, 22, is facing murder charges in connection with the shooting. Courtesy J.J. Smith A 22-year-old Hayward man will face murder charges in connection with a point-blank shooting in San Franciscos Tenderloin neighborhood that became the focus of an unsettling viral video. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins on Tuesday announced the prosecution of Michael Javius in connection with the Oct. 30 shooting, which occurred outside a liquor store at Ellis and Jones streets. Prosecutors say the victim identified by police as 64-year-old William Edward Clark appeared to enter the store and cut Javius in line at the counter to buy something. After Clark left the store, Javius allegedly put on a sweatshirt, walked outside and shot Clark in the face at close range before fleeing, the district attorneys office said in a statement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Video of the stark aftermath, captured by a citizen documentarian who goes by the name J.J. Smith on X, showed Clark sprawled on a corner with blood gushing from a wound in his head. Bystanders gathered around him, a couple shouting frantically as a police SUV pulled up. In the video, two officers ran out to check Clarks pulse and canvass the crowd for witnesses. Doctors later pronounced Clark dead at a local hospital. Police arrested Javius on Dec. 12. My office will now do everything in our power to fight for justice in the courtroom on behalf of the victim in this case and also the Tenderloin community who is also impacted by such senseless acts of violence, Jenkins said in a statement. She thanked police for their investigation that led to Javius arrest. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In this article WEN DIN DENN NDLS Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT A rough year for the restaurant industry led many chains to close underperforming locations in 2024, as they try to improve their sales in the years to come. Inflation-weary consumers pulled back their restaurant spending in 2024 and instead sought value and discounts when they did choose to dine outside their homes. Overall U.S. restaurant visits fell for the first 10 months of the year, according to data from industry tracker Black Box Intelligence. The decline in restaurant spending led to weak sales and a surge in bankruptcies for the industry. Twenty companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2024, the most since 2020, during the height of the pandemic. With few exceptions, casual-dining chains in particular struggled to attract customers, adding to the segment's challenges that have mounted since the Great Recession. Since the rise of fast-casual chains, many diners have opted for the convenience and promised quality of players like Chipotle or Sweetgreen over the casual-dining chains that dominated in the prior decades. Here are the restaurant chains that announced closures in 2024: The Wendy's logo is seen on a sign outside the restaurant in Muncy. Paul Weaver | Lightrocket | Getty Images In late October, Wendy's announced it would shutter 140 underperforming locations by the end of the year, in addition to the roughly 80 closures it had in the first three quarters. Executives made the decision to prune some outdated restaurants that had annual unit volumes of about $1 million each to improve the company's overall footprint. Despite the closures, the company expects to end 2024 with an unchanged restaurant count, thanks to its new restaurant openings, Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner told investors on the company's third-quarter earnings conference call. A sign is posted in front of an Applebee's restaurant on June 12, 2024 in Hayward, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images In May, Applebee's parent, Dine Brands , said it planned to shutter between 25 and 35 of the brand's U.S. locations. By late September, Applebee's global unit count had fallen by 36 locations compared with the year-ago period. Applebee's same-store sales have declined for the last six straight quarters, according to company filings. Dine Brands, which also owns IHOP, has closed more stores than it has opened every year since 2016, with the exception of 2022. In an aerial view, customers enter a Denny's restaurant on February 13, 2023 in Emeryville, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Denny's closed about 50 locations in 2024 and plans to shutter an additional 100 restaurants by the end of 2025. Including this year's closures, the 24-hour diner chain still has roughly 1,300 open locations. The restaurants marked for closure are in the lower third of the chain's performers, with annual unit volumes of $1.9 million to $2 million, executives said at the company's investor day in October. Once those restaurants shutter, Denny's expects that both its same-store sales and annual unit volumes will improve. In its latest quarter, the chain's same-store sales were roughly flat. After 2025, Denny's plans to open between 45 and 50 net new locations annually. TGI Fridays TGI Fridays logo is seen on one of their branches. John Lamparski | Lightrocket | Getty Images In November, TGI Fridays joined the slew of restaurant companies that filed for bankruptcy protection. But before it filed for Chapter 11, it shuttered 86 restaurants, starting with 36 closures in January and another 50 in late October. The last round of closures took the chain's footprint down to roughly 160 open locations worldwide. But the count could dwindle more. A bankruptcy court in Texas will determine TGI Fridays' future, which could mean closures for the chain. Red Lobster The exterior of a Red Lobster restaurant on May 20, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after a failed lease-back agreement and "endless shrimp" promotion backfired against company revenue. Brandon Bell | Getty Images Red Lobster permanently shuttered more than 120 restaurants in 2024. The seafood chain closed roughly 100 locations before it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May. Before it exited bankruptcy with a new owner and CEO, the company rejected the leases of another 23 restaurants. But with 2024 now in the rearview mirror, Red Lobster is hoping that a comeback with no more restaurant closures is in its future. Noodles & Co. Michael Siluk | UCG | Universal Images Group | Getty Images Fast-casual chain Noodles & Co. announced in August that it would close roughly 20 locations after reviewing its entire 475-restaurant footprint. The review was part of the company's efforts to improve its operations and finances after a rocky few years. Noodles & Co. has also been overhauling its menu, cutting items that don't sell and adding new entrees that might appeal to more customers. But the turnaround will take time. In its latest quarter, the company said same-store sales fell 3.3%. Customers arrive at an Outback Steakhouse restaurant on November 02, 2021 in Skokie, Illinois. Scott Olson | Getty Images Bloomin' Brands , the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill, shuttered 41 underperforming restaurants in 2024. The closures affected older locations with leases dating back to the 1990s and early 2000s, executives said on the company's earnings conference call in February. To make the decision, the company weighed the locations' sales and traffic, as well as the cost of investments to improve the locations. Most of the closures were Outback locations. Like many other casual-dining companies, Bloomin' has struggled to grow sales in recent quarters. Its U.S. same-store sales fell 1.5% in the third quarter. Indian nurse Nimisha Priyas 13-year-old daughter clings to the hope of reuniting with her mother, who faces the death penalty in Yemen for allegedly murdering a Yemeni national.Priyas husband, Tomy Thomas, has expressed his willingness to offer diya (blood money) to save her life."For the past seven years, we have been trying every possible legal way to seek pardon and bring Nimisha home alive. Our child was just two years old when this happened. She has seen her photographs and speaks over video calls, but she needs the support and love of a mother. We are hoping that we can connect to the family of Talal Abdo Mahdi and find a solution. We are ready to offer 'diya' (blood money) in return for the life of my wife," Thomas told News18.Priyas ordeal began when she was arrested while attempting to leave Yemen. Convicted of murder in 2018, she was sentenced to death by a trial court in Sanaa in 2020. The verdict was upheld by Yemens Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023. On December 30, 2024, Yemens President Rashad al-Alimi reportedly approved the execution order.Following this decision, Nimishas family and human rights advocates have intensified their efforts to save her.Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed it is providing all possible assistance. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, We are aware of Nimisha Priyas sentencing in Yemen. The family is exploring available options, and the government is extending full support.According to Yemeni media, Priyas execution could be carried out within a month.Despite the challenges, Thomas remains hopeful. I believe our appeals to Mahdis family will lead to a resolution. I am optimistic about discussing diya. My wife is a compassionate and kind person. We are determined to find a way to save her, he said.Thomas, a daily wage labourer and autorickshaw driver, has been forced to send their daughter to a hostel due to financial difficulties. The family is burdened by a debt of 60 lakh, taken in 2015 to set up a clinic in Yemen, which was shut down in 2017. We sold our home, and Nimishas mother sold hers too. Now, we live under one small roof, he shared.International groups have joined the familys efforts. With support from the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Councila collective of NRI social workers in Yemenactivist Prema Kumari has been stationed in Sanaa since early 2024 to negotiate the payment of blood money. However, the discussions have faced numerous setbacks, prolonging the familys anguish. India and Pakistan on Wednesday exchanged a list of their nuclear installations under a bilateral pact that prohibits the two sides from attacking each others atomic facilities, in continuing an over-three-decade practice.The exchange of the list took place under the provisions of an agreement on the prohibition of attacks against nuclear installations and facilities, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.It was done simultaneously through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad."India and Pakistan today exchanged, through diplomatic channels, simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the list of nuclear installations and facilities covered under the agreement on the prohibition of attack against nuclear installation and facilities," the MEA said.The exchange of the list came amid frosty ties between the two countries over the Kashmir issue as well as cross-border terrorism.The agreement was signed on December 31, 1988 and entered into force on January 27, 1991.The pact mandates the two countries to inform each other of the nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the agreement on the first day of January every year."This is the 34th consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries, the first one having taken place on January 1, 1992," the MEA said in a statement.The ties between the two countries came under severe strain after Indias warplanes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Pakistans Balakot in February 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack.The relations further deteriorated after India, on August 5, 2019, announced the withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmirs special powers and the bifurcation of the state into Union territories.India has been maintaining its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan on the issue of terrorism and has remained firm in its position of not having any talks with Islamabad until it stops cross-border terrorism.However, there were indications of some positive approach in the India-Pakistan relations as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar travelled to Islamabad in October to attend a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).It was the first such visit from India to Pakistan in nearly a decade that came amid the frosty ties between the two neighbours. A nigiri set from Ebiko, a takeout sushi restaurant that opened this year in downtown San Francisco. Janelle Bitker/The Chronicle Theres no need to look into a crystal ball. Here are five Bay Area food and beverage trends that began percolating in 2024 and we hope to see more of in the new year. Actually good takeout sushi High-quality sushi has gotten a lot more accessible lately, with more spots focused on what is essentially fancy takeout sushi. The boxes are beautiful, delicately packed with gleaming nigiri; some pieces topped with salmon roe or slivered scallions, others lightly torched. The most high-profile in this category to arrive last year is San Franciscos Aji Kiji, which opened in August and is still prone to selling out fast. There, the omakase boxes cost $54 for 10 pieces, a small roll and pickles. Its not cheap, but its a little taste of bliss for a whole less than going to a sit-down omakase restaurant. Based on Aji Kijis popularity, as well as even more affordable spots like Ebiko and Itani Sushi, we expect to see more. Janelle Bitker Advertisement Article continues below this ad A group drinking at Best Friends, a wine bar and bottle shop that recently opened in Albany. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Affordable wines by the glass After what felt like an unstoppable march toward ever-higher costs, a handful of Bay Area spots recently have begun offering wines by the glass at much more accessible prices. How accessible? $10! This has been especially true of the new crop of wine bars that opened in 2024 like Albanys Best Friends, San Franciscos Golden Sardine and Oaklands Clio, all of which currently feature $10 glass pours. It feels like a relief to see these options at a time when the average glass of wine in Bay Area restaurants hovers around $17 for reds, according to data provided by Toast. We know that restaurants and bars costs are growing, and their wholesale wine pricing isnt getting any cheaper. So were especially grateful to the spots that have gotten resourceful and are willing to pass along a good deal to us. Lets hope others follow their lead. Esther Mobley Oakland coffee shop House of Phin specializes in Vietnamese-style drinks. Mario Cortez / The Chronicle Cafes devoted to Vietnamese coffee After visiting Vietnam for the first time several years ago, I came back to the Bay Area wishing the countrys incredible coffee culture had more of a presence here. Now it feels like its really happening. The turning point was Lacaphe drawing hour-long lines in San Jose in late 2023. Then a few new Vietnamese coffee shops followed suit last year. They all have a similar formula: Strong iced coffee sweetened with condensed milk and topped with a layer of flavored cream or eggy custard. Oaklands House of Phin and Berkeleys Binge Coffee House, for example, both offer ube, pandan and black sesame versions. My favorite, however, features a layer of salty cream, which brings balance to the sugar high. J.B. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Shave ice covered in strawberry and mango fruit puree from Diamond Head General Store in San Bruno. More spots devoted to Hawaiian shave ice opened in the Bay Area in 2024. Cesar Hernandez/The Chronicle Hawaiian food Last year, I got a glimpse of the winding momentum behind Hawaiian cuisine in the Bay Area. The short-lived Kuma Nori, a slightly upscale Japanese-Hawaiian restaurant in Burlingame, brought a fun, unpretentious attitude, while two casual openings, Little Aloha in San Francisco and Shaka Shack in Alameda (the better of the two), delivered comforting plate lunches. Union City spots like the Lone Crow and popup Mamas Papas showcased Hawaiian cuisines expansive foodways, blending Filipino, Korean and Salvadoran influences. These players in addition to more established spots like Diamond Head General Store in San Bruno, Kehaulanis Cafe in Vallejo and Santo Market in San Jose show how far the cooking tradition extends. So call it gut feeling, but I am hopeful that Hawaiian food might be thriving in the coming year. Cesar Hernandez Goodthing Coffee in Burlingame serves housemade Hokkaido milk cheesecake. Cesar Hernandez/The Chronicle Places to sit down for cake The Bay Area isnt short on bakeries, but places where you can actually sit down and leisurely devour a slice of cake are tougher to find. Luckily, dessert cafes are on the rise, and were ready for more of them. Last year, loads of Yemeni cafes opened all over the region with similar offerings, including tres leches-like milk cakes flavored with rose. After opening last January, Elaichi Co. has been packed at all hours with UC Berkeley students sipping chai and nibbling on pistachio cake. Goodthing Coffee in Burlingame specializes in fluffy Japanese cheesecake, while Menlo Parks Temp and Time serves light chiffon cakes rolled around creamy fillings. At the Buoy in San Francisco, the Korean rice flour cakes are all gluten-free. While some of these dessert cafes are, like other bakeries, daytime spots, we especially appreciate the ones offering a late-night place to hang out for people who dont want to drink alcohol. More, please! J.B. Sometimes, our quests to tame the land work out great. Planting food, for example, turned out to be an excellent improvement over nibbling random berries and is why, today, we have Fritos. Domesticating wolves was also a great idea. Its why, today, you have a pet dog who is coincidentally also named Fritos. Other times? The quest doesnt quite succeed. 5 Floridas Bat Tower Don't Miss Bats are marvelous creatures. Theyre like kittens with wings, and if youre scared of them, thats just an irrational fear of vampires. Best of all, bats kill mosquitos. Thats why, in 1929, Sugarloaf Key in Florida decided to build a tower that would attract and house 100,000 bats, to end the islands insect problem. If that sounds like a batshit plan to you, youre correct: They also hoped to use the tower to collect bat guano, which they could sell. Ebyabe/Wiki Commons This baby s gonna pay for itself! Building the tower was easy enough, if expensive. Trickier was attracting the bats. The answer came from Texas bat expert Charles Campbell, who put together a special bait of his own invention. No one is entirely sure of its ingredients, but rumor said that it mixed bat guano with mashed-up bat vaginas. The process of attracting the bats involved placing a box of bait into a receptacle, pouring in water and then fleeing to get away from the smell. The very first day they set up the tower to attract its flying residents, a hurricane hit the island. It swept away all the bait. Now, it was time to get Campbell on the line for a resupply, but the guy had died and had taken his bait recipe to the grave with him. For nearly a century, the bat tower remained there on Sugarloaf Key, without a single bat living in it. Then, in 2017, another hurricane came by, and this one was strong enough to smash the tower into splinters. 4 The Dunes That Slipped Away Advertisement A storm also ended this next coastal project. This one happened in the town of Salisbury, Massachusetts, where storms always risk damaging homes. So, residents came up with protective measure: dunes. Theyd create their own artificial sand dunes, a nice buffer between houses and the sea. Massachusetts CZM They could buy boulders, but those would be too heavy. A quick collection among residents produced $565,000, which was enough to buy 15,000 tons of sand. They trucked the stuff in and created the dunes as planned. Three days later, a storm came in, and the tide washed the sand away. The storm didnt wash the houses away, so you can say the dunes did their job. Still, as the group that raised the money for the dunes put it, Everybodys upset, and no one thought trying the same thing again was a great idea. A more permanent solution for residents might involve moving somewhere that doesnt directly face oncoming storms, but life in Salisbury has its advantages. The views are marvelous. Advertisement 3 Japans Vengeful Crows Power lines often run overhead, which offers a lot of problems versus sticking them underground. Overhead is easy to construct and easy to repair but is vulnerable to various threats, including mylar balloons and carefully aimed shoes. Overhead wires can also take damage from bird nests. In 2008, the city of Kagoshima in Japan realized that crows were responsible for the citys blackouts. So, the electric company created a Crow Patrol, which scoured the skyline with binoculars and then swept in to destroy nests. As for the birds themselves, the city targeted them by laying out garbage bags full of poisoned meat. Keep in mind, crows arent little pests the size of pigeons. They have a wingspan of three feet, and they terrorize children (with their voluminous droppings). Advertisement Advertisement This isnt bat guano. No ones making money off this shit. Following the anti-crow operations, the city attempted a new census and discovered that there were now even more crow nests than before. The crows were still building, and they were even building dummy nests they didnt use, to waylay members of the Crow Patrol. If that sounds like people attributing human-like reasoning to animals, its not. Its people attributing crow-like reasoning to crows. Crows are wily creatures and will ultimately defeat us all. Advertisement 2 The Mission to Blow Up the Sky Weve been spending a great many generations trying to figure how to make it rain. Rain dances often seem to be effective, but we might just be imagining their effects. Seeding clouds with silver iodide also sometimes seems to help, but here as well, we arent always so sure. In 1891, the thirsty people of Texas had a new plan. Stories often recorded rain breaking out over battlefields, so its only logical to assume that the events of battle somehow precipitate those exact weather events. A team assembled, consisting of a weather man, a patent clerk, a chemist and some guy named John. Together, they attached 156 pounds of explosives to kites and flew them into the sky to unleash the waterworks. Archives of History Next time, theyd try using a giant balloon. Following the explosions, lightning and thunder really did erupt. And some rain fell. Very little rain, but some. Based on what we know now of how rain works, this had nothing to do with the explosions, but the men had smartly scheduled their experiment on a day when rain seemed likely regardless. Advertisement Advertisement Later, they repeated the experiment, this time with half a ton of explosives. This time, it really did rain on the other side of town, somewhere not impacted by the blasts. So, dynamite offered some limited promise. Not quite as much as rain dances, but some. Showbiz stories dont get much uglier than the war between It Ends With Us star Blake Lively and the films director, Justin Baldoni. After Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, leaked messages from PR firms threatened to bury Lively in retaliation. Its a story thats unfolding in real time but that didnt stop comedian Whitney Cummings from weighing in on TikTok. For context, Baldoni promoted his film by trumpeting its anti-domestic abuse messaging, sentiments that allegedly conflict with his real-life behavior. Cummings isnt buying any of it from a dude whos giving her Criss Angel/Burning Man vibes. I dont like when guys especially symmetrical ones try to get points for being, like, a feminist or an ally, the comic says in her TikTok. When guys fight for womens rights, its how they get laid. Cummings also put Baldoni on blast for his big charity energy, including partnering with the No More Foundation to provide resources for domestic abuse victims timed with the promotion of his movie. If I was a bad person, what is the first thing I would do? she wondered. Start a charity. Don't Miss Are Hollywood people allowed to just donate and participate without telling a publicist? Cummings has it in for feminist men because, she says, they always support the same causes free the nipple and normalize breastfeeding. (She shared screenshots showing Baldoni very much in favor of the latter.) Advertisement Can you blame her for laying into a guy who lists himself as a Changemaker on his bio? She figures that means changing his V-neck or his pomade. What else could he be changing? Oh, your wifes mind on her stance on polyamory. What about Baldonis man-centric guide for boys? This is like a sociopaths idea of what the world needs, she says. Advertisement For more than four minutes, Cummings kept the burns coming: Justin Baldoni is totally the guy whos, like, You look so much prettier without makeup unless youre starring in the movie Im directing.' Why is he like Russell Brand if Russell went to Kylies face guy? Im calling his agent on Monday and asking how many times Justin has subtly requested to play Jesus in a movie. I bet its like 12. Justin Baldoni is the kind of guy whos like, Im gonna go to Slutwalk to advocate for these sluts that are being shamed. If I see one slut thats being shamed, I will invite her to my house that is a safe space for her to be a slut. Why do I feel Justin Baldoni is one of those people who suns their butthole? Geez, Whitney, tell us how you really feel. You grow up thinking that gems are incredibly special and rare. That theyre only owned by kings and nobility, and that at least a couple dozen probably have magical powers. Then, you grow up and learn that theyre not much more than cool rocks with sky-high prices buoyed by sentimentality. That embedding a ruby in a staff does nothing more than make one part of the staff shiny and red. But there is one real-life jewel that, per legend, does have some supernatural sway and not the good kind. The Black Orlov is a massive black diamond thats rumored to have started its life on display embedded in a statue of the Hindu god Brahma (the source of its other name, the Eye of Brahma). It was extricated without permission by a holy man who I've seen named as both a monk and Jesuit priest. An action that as stealing something precious from a religious structure so often seems to, resulted in great misfortune for the future owners. YouTube It definitely doesn t look like a lucky diamond. The holy man in question was murdered, but that doesnt seem spooky, given that he was hauling around a massive diamond. Where it gets unsettling, if the stories are to be believed, are a couple of degrees and generations of separation later, when the diamond re-emerged on the market. The seller was a man named J.W. Paris, and youd think unloading a massive stone for what had to be a notable amount of cash would put him in a good mood. Instead, he threw himself off a building. Don't Miss Despite an increasingly unpleasant history, the stone kept changing hands. It would end up a decade and a half later owned by a couple of Russian princesses: Nadia Vyegin-Orlov and Leonila Galitsine-Bariatinsky. Both women would also end up dead within a month of each other, both in the same method of one-time skydive used by J.W. Paris. Now, is this all just a good story embellished to balloon a diamonds auction price? Possibly, but its clear that the superstition behind it isnt being completely ignored. It bothered a later owner enough that he cracked open the diamond in an attempt to remove the curse, cutting it into three smaller, hopefully unhaunted stones. Advertisement Everything Ive read recommends not breaking open cursed things, but no ones taken a long walk off of a short roof with the diamond in tow recently, so maybe it worked out after all. The US Department of the Treasury revealed on Monday that an attacker was able to bypass security, access an undisclosed number of Treasury workstations, and steal certain unclassified documents, in what it called a major cybersecurity incident. In a letter to the US Senates Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, the Treasury Department said that it was notified by BeyondTrust on Dec. 8 that a threat actor had gained access to a key securing remote technical support access to Treasury workstations. Based on available indicators, the incident has been attributed to a China state-sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actor, the letter said, adding, in accordance with Treasury policy, intrusions attributable to an APT are considered a major cybersecurity incident. A run of Stone Pale Ale during the bottling production process in San Diego County. A verdict in favor of the California brewer in a trademark lawsuit against Molson Coors was affirmed Dec. 30 by the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. Don Tormey/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Molson Coors Beverage Co. must pay millions in damages to Californias Stone Brewing Co. for trademark violations, a panel of judges in San Jose affirmed Dec. 30. Stone, a Southern California craft beer pioneer, was originally awarded $56 million in general damages from Molson Coors, which owns beer brand Keystone Light, at trial in San Diego in 2022; it must now also pay interest. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Stone argued that a rebrand of Keystone Light, featuring new packaging that emphasized the word Stone and called individual beers stones in marketing, was copyright infringement and damaged its brand. Shortly after the trial, Stone was bought by another major beverage company, Sapporo Breweries, for $165 million. Molson Coors went on to appeal the 2022 verdict, attempting to claw back the jury award. That appeal was argued in November before the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in San Jose. A three-judge panel ultimately upheld the verdict and jury award. San Francisco Law firm BraunHagey & Borden, which argued the case for Stone, claims it is one of the biggest trademark verdicts in history. Stone Brewing opened in 1996 and became a standard-bearer for the aggressively hoppy West Coast IPA style. Headquartered in Escondido (San Diego County), it operated a Napa taproom at the historic Borreo Building from 2018 through 2021. The Chronicle reported that Stone was evicted by its Napa landlord, West Pueblo Partners, for failing to make rent payments throughout the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions following a lengthy dispute. California public school students will get additional coursework on the harms of alcohol beginning in 2025, thanks to a new law from a former lawmaker whose drunken driving arrest inspired her legislation. Pablo Unzueta/CalMatters California public school students will get additional coursework on the harms of alcohol in 2025, thanks to a new law from a former lawmaker whose drunken driving arrest inspired her legislation. In September, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2865 by former Los Angeles Democratic Assembly Member Wendy Carrillo, whose DUI last year helped derail her political career. California schools are already required to provide instruction about alcohol, narcotics and other dangerous drugs. This bill would require that schools also provide instruction about the short- and long-term harms of excessive drinking including alcohols link to chronic diseases, mental health problems and deaths. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As she pitched her bill to her colleagues in 2024, Carrillo told them that it was important for students to learn about alcohols consequences in the hopes they dont go down the path she did. I wish I would have known in high school what I know now, she said at one hearing. I would have made different choices. On Nov. 3, 2023, Carrillo crashed into parked cars in Northeast Los Angeles. Police said her blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit, according to the Los Angeles Times. She ended up pleading no contest to the DUI in the middle of her race for Los Angeles City Council, which she lost. In deciding to run for City Council, Carrillo left her Assembly seat this year. Wendy Carrillo, D-Los Angeles, listens during the opening session of the California Assembly in Sacramento on Jan. 4, 2023. I wish I would have known in high school what I know now, she said at one hearing. I would have made different choices. Jose Luis Villegas/Associated Press Carrillo said her DUI was a wake-up call for her. She said she started going to therapy and became sober. As she reflected on her life, she said her own struggles with booze began at an early age. And she was troubled by how prevalent alcohol is in society, despite its documented dangers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Alcohol is a national and global health issue According to federal health officials, alcohol-related diseases kill 178,000 people in the U.S. each year, and death rates are increasing. Noting that alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, including bowel and breast cancers, the World Health Organization last year declared that when it comes to alcohol consumption, there is no safe amount. Carrillo testified that 54 Californians die each day from alcohol. I want young people to learn early how something that is so legally and easily accessible can do so much harm if not consumed with more knowledge and more responsibility, she told her colleagues. Her bill passed with no lawmakers voting against it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What the law will do Under the new law, school boards can decide which grades receive the new instruction. They can ask the state for reimbursements for the costs of instruction, training and updates to instructional materials, said Nicholas Filipas, a spokesperson for the California Department of Education. At the San Juan Unified School District in the Sacramento region, educators shouldnt have trouble rolling the bills requirements into their schools curriculum, said Raj Rai, a spokesperson for the district, which educates about 39,000 students. Alcohol education has been embedded into our high school health class curriculum for quite some time, Rai said in an email. Our curriculum team will review the currently adopted health materials to see if anything additional is needed to meet the new requirements. The district has several programs that teach students grades six through 12 about the harms of alcohol and drugs with the goal of reducing or eliminating teen substance abuse. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The districts high schools also regularly participate in Californias Highway Patrols Every 15 Minutes, Rai said. Historians will look back on 2024 as a year of global conflict, division and political tumult. At its close, as at its beginning, chaos reigns across great swathes of our world. In Gaza the bloody war rages on, hostages remain in captivity and Hamas is not yet destroyed despite the Israeli military reducing much of the territory to rubble. Iranian-backed Houthis continue their terrorist activities from Yemen, and in Syria the psychotic Assad regime has been swept away by Islamist militias. It is hoped the new government will bring some semblance of civic order to that benighted country. But the jury is still out. Vladimir Putin maintains his brutal assault on Ukraine, and in Sudan civil war has displaced 12million people. Armed insurrection continues across much of sub-Saharan Africa, and in the Caribbean, Haiti is now a lawless gangster state. To paraphrase WB Yeats, anarchy has been loosed upon the world. Yet there are some green shoots of optimism in this bleak landscape. Iran, prime sponsor of terrorism in the Middle East, has been humiliated by the fall of its ally Assad and severely weakened by devastating Israeli strikes on its proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon. Incoming US president Donald Trump is eager to work towards a negotiated settlement in Ukraine, and though that will be difficult without selling out the Ukrainian people, it is not impossible. Vladimir Putin continues to wage his bloody war on Ukraine, with the conflict set to enter its third year in late February Israel continues its military offensive into Gaza despite the majority of the Palestinian enclave having been reduced to rubble Uncertainty remains over Donald Trump's campaign promises of delivering piece in Ukraine and the Middle East In the UK, 14 years of Conservative rule ended not with a bang but a whimper, with the party reduced to a rump of just 121 MPs. They have an able new leader, but with Reform snapping at their heels, renewal seems a long way off. However, this was a loveless Labour landslide. Despite their huge majority, the party won just a third of the vote and Sir Keir Starmers popularity rating was lower than any previous incoming prime minister. Six months on, it has sunk even further thanks to a litany of broken promises, sleaze scandals, policy missteps and shock tax rises for everyone from pensioners to farmers. In opposition, he claimed to have all the answers. In government, his performance has varied from unconvincing to downright inept. He promised energy prices would fall, yet the cap is set to rise for the third time since he entered Downing Street. He promised high and rising education standards for every child, yet he has declared war on private schools and plans to diversify the national curriculum widely seen as an excuse for politicisation and dumbing down. His Foreign Secretary thought Syria was next door to Libya, his Home Secretary is clueless about how to stop the migrant boats and his hapless Chancellor doctored her CV to make it look as if she was qualified for the job, but clearly isnt. It has not been an edifying start, but to be fair, they may grow into the job. If not, the next four years will feel like a painful eternity. Sir Keir Starmer's first six months as Prime Minister have seen him slump hugely in popularity polls Starmer's administration has so far been mired by multiple scandals, including senior figures failing to properly declare gifts Foreign Secretary David Lammy alarmingly thought Syria was 'next door' to Libya In his New Year message, Sir Keir promises more cash in your pocket, wherever you are. To achieve that he must be realistic about Net Zero, reduce taxes, genuinely support business and make this country a place where investors want to spend their money. Hes in government now and must put the Punch-and-Judy politics of opposition behind him. To quote TS Eliot: Last years words belong to last years language. Next years words await another voice. In that spirit of hopeful anticipation, the Mail wishes a happy and healthy New Year to all our readers. Almost a quarter-of-a-century on from the devastating terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, America is once again haunted by the risk posed by global terrorist groups. Nothing as grotesquely spectacular as 9/11 has happened again, but yesterday's carnage in New Orleans is a grisly reminder that ghostly Islamist terrorists still lurk in Western societies, even across the Atlantic. The mayhem caused by the attacker US citizen Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, whose truck carried an Islamic State flag came out of the blue, at least from the perspective of the local authorities and police. From the first news of the attack, Islamic State websites have been echoing with sick celebrations of the attack. This alone suggests that it was not the work of a lone wolf claiming to be an agent of IS, but was in fact organised from abroad by its underground HQ in the Middle East. The fact that investigators found guns and concealed pipe bombs wired for remote detonation as well as a corresponding remote control device inside the truck was enough for the FBI to declare it does not believe the driver was acting alone. Have US authorities and intelligence services taken their eye off the ball on domestic terror? Have the American public became too complacent about the risk back home? There is no doubt that, after 2017 when IS lost control of Syrian cities like Raqqa and Mosul in Iraq, many assumed its threat had gone away. In recent years, the US and her allies have concentrated on taking the war on terrorism into the Middle East, aware IS still has a sinister shadowy presence there. The flag of Islamic State was reportedly found in the back of New Orleans attacker Shamsud Din Jabbar's vehicle Shamsud Din Jabbar (pictured), 42, has been identified as the driver who massacred pedestrians The driver who plowed into pedestrians celebrating the New Year in New Orleans killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens is dead following a shootout with police The suspect rammed into the large group at high speed, then got out and started firing a weapon, witnesses said On New Year's Eve, French fighter bombers joined the American campaign against IS hideouts in Syria. Since the fall of the Syrian dictator, Bashar al Assad, Western eyes have been focused on what might become of the 40,000 or so IS activists and their families in that country. Only minutes before the rampage in New Orleans, many Western terrorism experts were expressing relief at the failure of IS to disrupt New Year celebrations in Syria or Iraq. But the relief was sadly premature. Because, for all its previous ambitions to control territory in the Middle East, the IS leadership now sees so-called 'spectacular' terrorist attacks abroad as its best way to grab the headlines. Atrocities, especially in the US, act as recruiting sergeants for IS as it tries to indoctrinate sympathisers into talking part in terrors activities and mass murder. The fact that yesterday's perpetrator was well-equipped suggests he had training and backup. He was wearing Kevlar body-armour and carrying a serious rifle. As for the explosives, it is worth remembering that the Saudi man who crashed through the Christmas Market in Magdeburg in Germany two weeks ago had explosives in his BMW though he, too, failed to detonate them. Yet a vehicle running amok in a crowded place driven by a gunman is a potent terrorist weapon. Both in Magdeburg and New Orleans the terrorist found a flaw in the security precautions so he could drive through a gap in them to plough into innocent pedestrians. Following the horrific tragedy, an image of what appears to be a flagpole on the back of the unidentified driver's truck circulated online Videos circulating on social media that appear to have been recorded at the scene shows multiple casualties on the ground as shots ring out in the background With forthcoming major events like Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20 and the Super Bowl due to be played in New Orleans, of all places, on February 9 the FBI and America's other security agencies are going to need to race to get security precautions updated. Another mass casualty event can't be ruled out. Eight years ago, Donald Trump began his first presidential term with his self-professed Muslim ban, which saw nationals of seven majority-Muslim countries all tarred as potential terrorists restricted from entering the US. That played into the terrorists' hands in terms of propaganda. What IS wants is for Washington to take similar blanket measures, in the belief it would tip a few more young Muslims in Western countries into its deranged mindset. Of course, the reawakening of the spectre of terrorism at home will cause Americans to demand effective counter-measures. They are necessary, but effective police work is often not spectacular. A high-profile, knee-jerk response may be psychologically satisfying but is not always the wisest move. Donald Trump's statesmanship faces an early severe test. Mark Almond is Director of the Crisis Research Institute, Oxford . Jack Ohman/Tribune Content Agency In the honor of former President Jimmy Carter and the rather stark difference between his civility and that of the incoming administration, I invite everyone to volunteer or donate to the Habitat for Humanity on Jan. 20. We can show that being human is the antidote for what the next four years may look like. Remember, when the power of love takes the place of the love of power we will know peace. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Michael Hrast, Danville Hopes and dreams Heres hoping that we may all enter the new year with a positive outlook. So many of us take for granted what the late David McCullough called, The Blessings of American life. America is not perfect, but America is good. Also, remember that in America, someone who disagrees with you politically is not an enemy, but an opponent; someone to try and win over with a better argument someone to try and persuade by your good example. Advertisement Article continues below this ad May 2025 be a year of hope, civility, and goodwill. Lets work together to improve our nation and build a better future for the next generation. Happy New Year! Pete Campbell, San Jose He healed so many Regarding The father of S.F. street medicine retires after decades of caring for the homeless, (Bay Area/San Francisco, Dec. 26), Kevin Fagans report about the retirement of Dr. Barry Zevin: My brother and his partner lived in poverty with AIDS and HIV and injustice. Advertisement Article continues below this ad My brother was a Filipino-Chinese American and his partner a Chippewa/Sioux both gay men in the early 1990s. They lived in a cockroach infested SRO on Market Street in the Tenderloin. They would visit Dr. Zevins clinic for health care and treatment. They trusted him, had confidence in him, and appreciated his demeanor and honesty. My brothers partner later died of AIDs and later my brother of pancreatitis given the HIV meds prescribed over the years. Dr. Zevin was always there for them. Dr. Zevin offered them hope, and gave them compassion, understanding, and humanity. I have Dr. Zevins phone number in an old phone book because my brother said if anything happened to him to call the doctor. Thank you, good doctor. You healed and helped so many, more than you realize. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jovita Pajarillo, Oakland Join the fight Regarding Feeling powerless in the fight against climate change? Become a citizen scientist, (Open Forum, Dec. 28), the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources has a Climate Steward program that is worth mentioning and is supported with our taxes. Check it out at https://calnat.ucanr.edu/cs/ and participate. Dennis Baldocchi, Kensington Advertisement Article continues below this ad What, Lee worry? Regarding Barbara Lee talks legacy, regrets and unpopular opinions as she leaves Congress, Politics, Dec. 27), the need for a female president couldnt be greater. I was perplexed when I read reporter Shira Steins passive question to Congress member Barbara Lee, are you worried this means we may not see another woman as the partys nominee for a while? Worried? Barbara Lee, who came of age in the U.S. womens liberation movement, responded as a feminist: Im not worried. Masculine politics built on woman-hating is now normalized and dominant in the United States. Our only two female presidential nominees, both amazingly qualified, lost to the same unqualified man who demeaned women and used sexualized theatrics at his rallies. This didnt happen in Mexico. Mexico has its first female president and its past election was between two female nominees! They also have more women representatives in their congress than we do and decriminalized abortion. Why is the U.S. stagnant and moving backwards? Lee continued her answer to Stein, Look, weve got a long way to go, but we cant give up now. And so Im hoping to see a woman elected president. Thats the spirit. Jennifer Hall Lee, Altadena, Los Angeles County Run, Barbara, run Im hoping that trailblazing and experienced legislator, Barbara Lee, will decide to run for mayor of Oakland and lead us out of this polarized moment in our city. 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 She respects our history and understands our needs. Shell focus on bringing all available resources to our struggling working families and small businesses while protecting us from outside big money interests who seek to divide us further. She still speaks for me. As the 2024 comes to an end, millions across the globe are setting their resolutions and goals for the new year - but can you control what will happen to you in 2025? Some people believe that what you do right when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve and how you spend the first day of the new year can set the tone for the next 12 months. Over the years, a slew of superstitions have taken over the web, and they're rumored to bring you good luck and fortune in the new year. Some of them are simple acts like opening windows at midnight or making loud noise, while others involve eating particular foods. These are just a few of the ways that people make sure their new year gets off to the best start possible. Below, FEMAIL rounded up some of the most-tried traditions - and you never know, they could change your luck in 2025. Avoid laundry and cleaning up Some people believe that what you do right when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve can set the tone for the next 12 months (stock image) Some people believe that avoiding laundry or cleaning on the first day of the new year could forge a prosperous year ahead (stock image) No, this isn't just an excuse to not clean up after your New Years Eve party. Some people believe that avoiding laundry or cleaning on the first day of the new year could forge a prosperous year ahead. According to Chinese superstition, tidying up on January 1 can cleanse away any good fortunes for the upcoming year. In addition, some superstitions say that if you wash clothes on New Years Day, could mean that someone in your household will die in the coming year, as per Kiro7. Walk around with an empty suitcase 2024 has been a big year for suitcases - thanks to Barron Trump's viral video - and superstition says that if you have the travel bug, you should lug an empty one around on New Year's day. According to CBS News Miami, the Latin American tradition is supposed to draw in adventure and traveling to new places in the upcoming year. Some even take it a step further and say you can manifest exactly you want from a vacation by packing the suitcase full of those items. Superstition says that if you have the travel bug, you should lug an empty one around on New Year's day (stock image) Eat black-eyed peas and lentils Eating round foods like black-eyed peas and lentils may be able to help with good fortune in the new year (stock image) Eating round foods like black-eyed peas and lentils may be able to help with good fortune in the new year. According to USA Today, round foods resemble coins and money. Black-eyed peas are served as a part of a lucky dish in many countries; in the south, they are part in a dish called Hoppin John for New Years Eve. And in Italy, lentils are mixed with pork for a lucky dish, as noted by the Mildford Daily News. In addition, it's been said that if you eat peas with greens and cornbread, it can spark a financially prosperous new year, as green is meant to bring luck because it's the color of money and while cornbread represents gold. Eat noodles, pork, whole fish and pomegranate seeds Noodles are lucky in many Asian cultures as they symbolize a long life - especially if you eat them without breaking them It's not just lentils that can help bring in good luck for the New Year. Noodles, pork, whole fish, and pomegranate seeds are also said to bring good fortune to you in the new year - but it's best to avoid lobsters. Pigs have always been considered lucky, so a meal with pork can bring prosperity. 'Pigs take their snout and root forward, as opposed to digging backward,' Linda Pelaccio, the host of A Taste of the Past, previously told USA Today. 'Its not good to eat lobsters because they walk backward,' she noted. Noodles are lucky in many Asian cultures as they symbolize a long life - especially if you eat them without breaking them. Eat 12 grapes under a table Eating 12 grapes under a table is a long-standing Spanish tradition that goes viral every New Year on social media, as it's believed that it can help you find love Eating 12 grapes under a table is a long-standing Spanish tradition that goes viral every New Year on social media, as it's believed that it can help you find love. Singletons are advised to eat 12 grapes for each of the 12 chimes of the clock at midnight. The tradition is thought to date back to the turn of the 20th century when a group of grape farmers in Alicante tried to get rid of their surplus stock. Another theory states that a group of Madrid residents decided to eat grapes to mock the aristocratic custom of drinking wine on New Year's Eve. Some believe that the custom actually came from France, but was later popularized in Madrid while others eat the grapes in an attempt to ward off evil spirits. Open the doors and windows and make a lot of noise Opening the doors and windows at midnight is meant to let our the bad spirits and help enter the new year with a fresh beginning. In addition, Penn Live reported that you should make a lot of noise because it can ward off any evil spirits from the past year. A former paramedic has warned Aussies about the potential dangers of sparklers after a woman's life was turned upside down in seconds. Nikki Jurcutz, who worked as a paramedic for eight years with Ambulance Victoria, re-shared the harrowing story of a young woman named Rachael to highlight the risks of the $3 supermarket item commonly used at New Year's parties and birthdays. For most of Rachael's life, she was in and out of the hospital after suffering severe burns after her sparkler unexpectedly ignited her clothes, turning her into a 'literal human torch'. Reflecting on that fateful day, Rachael, now aged 32, wanted to warn others about the innocent hand-held firework that led her down an excruciating path for more than 10 years - after her left hand was amputated and she had to learn how to walk again. 'As much as I have adapted, one split second changed my life. Yet it's something that people don't think about,' she said. 'Sparklers are highly dangerous and account for the majority of firework related serious injuries. Yet we class them as "safe".' It all started when her parents gave her sparklers to play with as a child. 'I remember thinking I felt like a magical fairy... That was until sparks from the sparkler ignited my clothing,' Rachael said. Former paramedic Nikki Jurcutz (pictured) has warned Aussies about the potential dangers of sparklers after a woman's life was turned upside down in seconds She explained how the terrifying ordeal left her in an induced coma for several weeks while undergoing major surgeries, including an amputation. 'Upon regaining consciousness, I had most of my left hand amputated and my parents discovered that I needed grafting on full thickness burns on 49 per cent of my body and face,' she recalled. 'I had multiple reconstructions, grafts, muscle flaps, physio to learn how to walk, pressure garments and masks.' Despite spending months in intensive care, her nightmare wasn't over. '(Doctors) taught my mother how to dress my wounds at home between surgeries,' Rachael said. She explained how the simple act ended up leaving her with a life of pain. 'For years until I was 20 I spent the majority of my life in hospital having surgeries or physio,' she said. 'Even now at the age of 32 I still have them.' Rachael shared her story with the former paramedic, who runs an Australian children's safety page called Tiny Hearts Education, in hopes of raising awareness. For most of Rachael's life, she was in and out of the hospital after suffering severe burns after her sparkler ignited her clothes, turning her into a 'literal human torch' (file image) 'Sparklers are often given to kids who may not understand the dangers and are encouraged to wave them around. Sparklers cause more injuries to children under five than any other type of firework,' Nikki warned. 'Unlike other fireworks, sparklers are held in the hand, increasing the risk of burns. Sparklers burn at temperatures of up to 1200C. Sparks can ignite clothing, especially synthetic fabrics, leading to serious injuries. 'If you still want to use sparklers, a good tip is to stick the end into a carrot and have the child hold the carrot.' Many parents shared their own experiences, while others warned that adults can get injured from using sparklers too, not just children. 'Thank you for posting - we had a burn last night (minor to our daughter's fingers) but knowing the carrot trick would have been so handy,' one mum said. 'When I was seven, an idiot waved one around and put it in my hair. It was excruciating, it melted the flesh and my hair almost instantly. I've suffered many burns since including a ripper on my hand (third degree burns) and the sparkler is still four times more painful, please be careful with these,' another shared. 'I stood on a spark off a sparkler as a teen and I will never forget the pain, I'm super paranoid now and that was 13 years ago,' one recalled. 'My daughter's clothes caught alight and ended up in intensive care at the children's hospital... it happens,' another revealed. Many said they wished they'd known about the carrot trick sooner after suffering burns as a child from playing with sparklers. 'Where was this warning when I was 10 and the sparkler lit my skirt on fire?' one said. 'If only I knew that back when I did sparklers with the kids,' another shared. Shoppers reluctant to fork out hundreds of dollars on designer dresses have discovered what they believe to be an affordable alternative at Target. One mum couldn't believe her eyes when she spotted a stunning pink ruffle dress for just $70 - after spending $495 on a similar style by Aje. 'I just came into Target. Please tell me why they have the dress that I bought from Aje for $500? It literally looks the exact same as my Aje one,' she said in disbelief. 'It's only $70. I paid close to $500. Obviously the dresses are a little different but come on. Quality and material are very different but still a good dupe. Go Target.' Both pastel pink dresses have similar features, including the V-neckline, ruffles throughout and adjustable straps. However, the styles are different side by side. Target's dress, featuring an off-the-shoulder sleeve design, accentuates the waist while Aje's version has layers of ruffles, giving it a flowy look. Despite the huge price difference, many fashionistas pointed out that Aje, an Australian luxury fashion label renowned for its unique statement pieces made from high-quality materials, offers features that the cheaper version doesn't have. Target Australia shoppers are loving the stunning $70 pastel pink dress, which many believe is the affordable alternative to designer label Aje's $495 style 'I've got both dresses and I can assure you the Aje is nicer. However Ive gotten equally as many compliments on the cheaper option from Target,' one shared. 'If it makes you feel any better, they are significantly different and I think yours is worth the extra price,' another said to the mum. 'Yours is much nicer, you cant compare on quality,' one explained. 'You are paying $500 for better fabric, better quality control and a better fit but also a brand name,' another added. However, many shoppers insisted that Target's dress was a great alternative for those who can't afford to spend hundreds of dollars on designer labels. 'The Target one looks better,' one said. 'Target is so much nicer - everyone in Australia wears Aje... I don't get it,' another added, laughing. 'The Target dress silhouette looks so much more nicer along with the ruffle placements,' one pointed out. One mum couldn't believe her eyes when she spotted a stunning pink ruffle dress (left) for just $70 at Target - after spending $495 on a similar style by Aje (right) Meanwhile, many bargain hunters expressed their love for Target, with one saying she now only wears the department store's stylish pieces. 'My wardrobe is now mostly Target, worth every cent and quality tends to be great too,' one said. 'Target has been so good lately with clothes,' another raved. A woman with one ovary who had a 'less than one per cent' chance of conceiving while on the coil was shocked to discover she was pregnant - with twins. Lindsay Green, 43, from Hull, East Yorkshire, was working a busy 13-hour shift as a trainee nursing associate when she suddenly noticed she was bleeding. She'd had her fallopian tube and ovary removed the year before after being diagnosed with an ovarian tumour. Fearing that it had grown back, the mother-of-five rushed down to her colleagues in the A&E department for a scan. She was left 'totally shocked' when tests revealed that she was five months pregnant with twins while using the contraceptive coil. Lindsay was told by medics that the device is '99 per cent effective' in preventing pregnancy. She then had to break the news to her partner, Joe Wood, 47, a HGV driver - whom she'd only met 12 months before - after she got divorced from her first husband. Both Joe and Lindsay have older children - Lindsay has three daughters, aged 20, 19, and 17, and Joe has three sons, aged 28, 21, and 18. Lindsay Green, 43, from Hull , East Yorkshire, who had a 'less than one per cent' chance of conceiving while on the coil was shocked to discover she was pregnant - with twins Despite children 'not being on the cards', the couple were over the moon when their miracle twins, Eloise and Eddie, were born on December 12, 2023, at 9.59am and 10.01am, weighing 5lbs 5 oz and 5lbs 11oz respectively. Lindsay said: 'They really are little miracles. 'They're doing really well - they're so healthy and happy, which is a relief considering I hadn't taken the best care of myself for most of the pregnancy because I had no idea. 'It was such a shock, it never occurred to me that I could be pregnant. 'I'm really enjoying motherhood as an older mum - I feel more laid back.' Lindsay was 'going through a difficult time' in July 2021, when her marriage of 20 years came to an end. She was left 'totally shocked' when tests revealed that she was five months pregnant with twins while using the contraceptive coil Despite children 'not being on the cards', the couple were over the moon when their miracle twins, Eloise and Eddie, were born on December 12, 2023, at 9.59am and 10.01am, weighing 5lbs 5 oz and 5lbs 11oz respectively Eloise Eileen Wood was born at 9.59am weighing 5lbs 5oz, and Eddie Charles Wood was born at 10.01am weighing 5lbs 11 oz Four months later, she started to experience heavy bleeding, pain and tiredness - and was diagnosed with an ovarian tumour. It was the second time she'd been diagnosed with an ovarian tumour - after previously having one removed in 2019. She requested a hysterectomy but says she was told by doctors she was too young and instead had surgery to remove her fallopian tube and ovary. Lindsay said: 'I thought the tumour might come back, so I wanted to have a hysterectomy to be safe. 'At the time, I didn't want anymore kids. 'I was quite angry when I was told I was too young to have one, and was put on the coil instead.' The following year, in September 2022, Lindsay met her now-partner, Joe, through mutual friends. They had decided they didn't want more children and instead had plans to go on holidays and enjoy their time as a couple. Lindsay - who was 43 at the time - only knew about her pregnancy for the final three months, which she described as 'hard going' They had only been together for a year when Lindsay discovered she was expecting. Lindsay said: 'I didn't want to tell Joe over the phone, so I asked him to meet me at the hospital. 'He sat down, and when I told him, the colour literally drained from his face. 'He went grey and was nearly sick. 'Of course he came around - it was just such a shock because he wasn't expecting more kids at his age!' Lindsay - who was 43 at the time - only knew about her pregnancy for the final three months, which she described as 'hard going'. Lindsay claims she had no symptoms and was left completely shocked to find out she was so far along. After tragically experiencing two miscarriages in the past, the expectant mother had to have a cervical stitch - to prevent the cervix from opening too soon and the twins being born prematurely. She spent two months on bed rest, before giving birth to her miracle babies on December 12, 2023, at Hull Royal Infirmary. Eloise Eileen Wood was born at 9.59am weighing 5lbs 5oz, and Eddie Charles Wood was born at 10.01am weighing 5lbs 11 oz. Proud mum Lindsay said: 'My delivery was better than I expected - I had a scheduled c-section so everything was planned. 'The recovery was hard, but Joe was amazing and so supportive. 'My older daughters have been brilliant, it's like having little mothers around to help out. 'The twins are doing so well, they're both so healthy and happy. I'm really happy, it's like a dream. 'I'm very tired but I wouldn't change a thing!' As Harlan Cobens latest Netflix thriller hits screens, fans might be surprised to learn that his 'college best friend' is an even more famous writer. The American mystery novelist, 62, who's book has been adapted into the gripping series Missing You, is a former fraternity brother of The Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown. Before their names became synonymous with best selling crime fiction, the pair attended Amherst College in Massachusetts together in the 1980s. The talented duo quickly became close while in the Psi Upsilon fraternity, with Coben graduating in 1984 and Brown just two years later in 1986. Coben has since become a household name thanks to his addictive Netflix adaptations, such as, The Stranger (2020), Stay Close (2022), Fool Me Once (2023) and now Missing You, which is out today. Meanwhile Brown has earned the title of one of the world's most famous writers thanks to his thrillers such as Angels & Demons (2000), The Da Vinci Code (2003), The Lost Symbol (2009), Inferno (2013), and Origin (2017). His novels have sold more than 200 million copies and have been translated into 57 languages, while tree of his books have been adapted into films, starring Tom Hanks. Speaking to The Sunday Times Culture Magazine Coben revealed he was one of the first to read The Da Vinci Code and he even wrote a blurb for the cover. American mystery writer Harlan Coben, 62, who's novel has been adapted into the gripping series Missing You , is a former fraternity brother of The Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown He said: 'I was one of the first people to read it. It was a cultural touchstone, like no novel in our lifetime.' He recalled walking into Barnes & Noble to find Brown's book at number one, while his own was second. 'A year later I had a new book out. Dan's was still number one and mine was number two.' However despite not being the best selling author in his fraternity, Coben is still sitting pretty at the top of the literary food chain, dominating Netflix with his adaptations. Hot off the heels of the huge success of Michelle Keegan's Fool Me Once, the crime author has signed a five-year deal to bring more of his novels to the streaming service. Fool Me Once centred around Judiths (Dame Joanna Lumley) opulent home, which also featured as Tommy Shelbys abode in Peaky Blinders. Dan Brown has earned the title of one of the world's most famous writers thanks to his thrillers such as Angels & Demons (2000), The Da Vinci Code (2003), The Lost Symbol (2009), Inferno (2013), and Origin (2017) Jessica Plummer as Stacey, Rosalind Elezar as Kat Donovan in the Netflix Missing You, which is out today The streaming giant revealed that Missing You will premiere today on New Year's Day. The official synopsis reads: 'Eleven years ago Detective Kat Donovan's fiance Josh - the love of her life - disappeared and she's never heard from him since. 'Now, swiping profiles on a dating app, she suddenly sees his face and her world explodes all over again. 'Josh's reappearance will force her to dive back into the mystery surrounding her father's murder and uncover long-buried secrets from her past.' Nimer Rashed, the director of Fool Me Once, has returned once again to direct episodes alongside Isher Sahota, known for Ridley and Grace. Victoria Asare-Archer, who co-wrote the 2021 Coben thriller Stay Close, was in charge of screenwriting. The series will comprise of five hour-long episodes and is set to be a huge hit for Netflix. The full-length trailer shows Rosalind Eleazar character Kat with her fiance Josh, played by Ashley Walters, before he went missing. Director Ron Howard, actor Tom Hanks and author Dan Brown at the world premiere of the film Angels and Demons in Rome in 2009 Audrey Tautou and Tom Hanks pictured together in the The Da Vinci Code which was released in 2006 It then jumps forward 11 years to show her friend, played by Jessica Plummer, suggesting she looks for Josh on a dating app. Choppy clips show the Missing Persons detective appealing for information about a missing man by the name of Rishi Magari and being asked to help find a man's mother. The trailer's editing then appears to suggest that the man his missing mother was last seen with was Kat's missing fiance Josh, as we see her find his profile on the dating app. The rest of the video shows Kat struggling with leads on the investigation and being confronted with the idea that Josh was perhaps not the person she thought he was. Teasing what viewers can expect from Missing You during a recent interview with Digital Spy, Coben said: 'I think it may be my most gripping, and the ending will not only surprise you. 'In fact, [when] I recently re-watched it, I was completely fooled by the ending and I wrote it. 'But I think you'll genuinely be moved,' he added. 'Tell me if you shed a tear at the last episode of Missing You.' Missing You follows the success of Fool Me Once, which released on the streaming platform last New Year's Day and thrust Michelle Keegan back into the spotlight. Fool Me Once became the most-watched series for the first half of the year, racking up an impressive 108 million views. Michelle, who plays the main character Maya Burkett, was completely starstruck after the series hit number one worldwide. She thanked fans in disbelief of the popularity it has gained with a slew of snaps of her on set, with the caption: 'Number 1 in the world & in more than 60 countries. I feel like I'm in a dream right now. 'Thank you to every single person who has reached out or messaged me re Fool Me Once i promise you I read them all. 'Over the moon that youve enjoyed the show as much as we enjoyed making it. Its been a very very special week.' Fool Me Once was released as a novel in 2016, and follows the likes of The Stranger and Stay Close to become the eighth member of Netflix's Harlan Coben Collection. Mike and Zara Tindall's youngest child put on a very animated display as he joined his parents for the New Year's Day racing at Cheltenham Racecourse. The cheeky three-year-old was a bundle of energy during the family outing, looking adorable in a black zip-up coat, trousers and trendy white trainers. Zara's love of horse-riding has clearly rubbed off on him as photos from the annual event in Gloucestershire showed the toddler excitedly cheering in the stands whilst holding onto a piece of bread for a snack. But little Lucas did seem put out by the rainy and windy weather and was visibly frustrated at the stormy conditions. He pulled a face at the grey skies, looking horrified and upset by the overcast conditions. In other shots, the playful child could be seen swinging around while holding onto handlebars and watching the races. Meanwhile, his parents Mike and Zara appeared loved up as ever as they enjoyed a day out with their children. Greeting the New Year, Princess Anne's daughter and her husband cuddled up to one another as they brought Lucas, three, Lena, six, and Mia, 10, to the races. Lucas Tindall, three, put on a very animated display as he joined his parents on a family day out at the races Lucas had his eyes locked on the action as he cheered enthusiastically alongside his siblings Zara, 43, who is an Olympic equestrian herself, arrived at the historic racecourse holding the hand of her son Lucas, three. Dressed in a navy pinstripe suit with a burgundy turtleneck jumper layered underneath it for warmth, Zara looked regal even as she braved the adverse weather conditions. She and her husband Mike, 46, who donned a brown suit jacket paired with a matching burgundy tie, stopped to pose for the cameras. In a sweet moment, the former rugby star lovingly planted a kiss on Zara's cheek. The experienced sportswoman swept her blonde hair out of her face in an elegant updo and held a crocodile print Loxley bag from luxury British brand Fairfax & Favor worth 345 by her side. She completed her sophisticated look with a burgundy headband, chunky gold earrings and brown leather gloves. Mike and Zara Tindall's youngest child put on a very animated display as he joined his parents for the New Year's Day racing at Cheltenham Racecourse The cheeky three-year-old was looked visibly upset at the weather conditions during the family outing. He is wearing a black zip-up coat, trousers and trendy white trainers Mike and Zara looked loved up as ever as they attended the races together - braving the rainy weather Zara looked effortlessly stylish in a pinstripe suit and a burgundy turtleneck jumper She oozed elegance as she held her programme whilst strolling around the rounds at the racecourse Zara's older brother Peter, 47, was also in attendance at the races today. Despite being dressed for the dreary weather, he looked dapper in a long black woolen coat with his collar upturned and dark trousers. It was his partner Harriet, 44, who stood out from the crowd in a bright yellow wide-brimmed hat contrasted with a houndstooth knee-length coat. The NHS paediatric nurse sipped from her drink as she read the New Year's Day racing programme. It seems Zara's passion for the sport is rubbing off on her kids, as the entire brood looked highly engaged in the action taking place on the racecourse. With seven races scheduled throughout the afternoon, the royal revellers were fixated on the track. Three-year-old Lucas was seen cheering on the horses with a bit of bread in his hand as a snack. Mia looked lovely in a black dress decorated with white bows. She also wore a pair of subtle silver earrings as she watched the horses. Peter Phillips also braved the rain to attend with his partner Harriet Sperling today Mia Tindall - Zara and Mike's eldest child - is seen cheering on the racing during the outing on Wednesday Mia Tindall was snapped reacting to the racing at Cheltenham Racecourse today alongside her siblings and parents Lena Tindall looked disappointed by the results of a race as she attended the New Years Day Racing Meet at Cheltenham Racecourse on Wednesday Youngest child Lucas sticks his tongue out in concentration as he watched the New Year's Day races at Cheltenham Meanwhile middle child Lena, who sported an adorable beige high-neck dress, looked less impressed and threw her hands up in despair at the results of one of the races. It comes days after Zara joined the royals for the Christmas Day service at Sandringham last week alongside her husband and their children. The family were also joined by Zara's brother Peter as they were welcomed by fans of the royals. Dressed in a plum-coloured long coat, Zara walked towards the service hand in hand with her daughter Lena, with her niece Isla Phillips on her other side. The couple's older daughter Mia and her father Mike followed behind Prince William and Kate Middleton and their children - Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis. The families joined King Charles, 76, and 77-year-old Queen Camilla for the short walk from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church past the crowd of well-wishers. William walked hand in hand with Charlotte, and Kate who wore a green coat and hat smiled at the crowds. Also in the walking party was the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Dressed in a plum-coloured long, Zara Tindall arrived alongside her husband Mike Tindall and their children as they attended the Christmas Day service at Sandringham today Lena Tindall, Zara Tindall, Isla Phillips and Peter Phillips attending the Christmas Day morning church service Mia Tindall and Mike Tindall followed behind Prince William and Kate Middleton and their children - Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis William walked hand in hand with Charlotte, and Kate who wore a green coat and hat smiled at the crowds The families joined King Charles, 76, and 77-year-old Queen Camilla for the short walk from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church past the crowd of well-wishers While Catherine, Princess of Wales, often takes the spotlight for her fashion choices, Zara Tindall has become a stylish dark horse. Zara, who recently attended Kate's carol concert, ended her year with a bold fashion move in a velvet suit, having recently launched her very own line of clothing. The mother-of-three looked effortlessly stylish in a Veronica Beard velvet trouser suit in a rich wine hue. She accessorised with Kurt Geiger pumps and a contrasting metallic gold Strathberry Crescent bag last month. Often named one of the most fashionable royals, Zara opened up about her style choices and hailed her mother, Princess Anne, for teaching her the importance of 'good quality clothing'. Zara has worked in collaboration with Musto and Fairfax & Favor to create a collection of jackets, which range in price from 350 to 450. The collection, named Odyssey, includes 'very versatile' styles, including both longline and shorter styles to suit every outdoor activity this autumn and winter. She said the jackets combine the strongest parts of two of her favourite brands. Zara Tindall arrived alongside her pregnant cousin Princess Beatrice at Westminster Abbey this afternoon to the Princess of Wales' carol concert, a firm fixture in the royal festive calendar Zara clearly enjoyed the royal fashion memo, donning a velour trouser-suit the colour of burgundy, alongside matching heels and a gold bag The royal was all smiles as she arrive inside the abbey on Friday for the special festive service Zara said: 'Combining Musto's technical prowess and Fairfax & Favor's quintessentially British style has resulted in a collection of coats I'm looking forward to wearing this winter.' She also told The Telegraph that her mother, the Princess Royal, has influenced what she values most when choosing her clothing. She said: 'Mum taught me the importance of having good quality clothing that keeps you warm and comfortable outdoors. 'As a sportswoman who spends most of my time in nature, this is more important than ever to help me stay at my best.' The jackets created by Zara include the longline Odyssey Waterproof Coat, which comes in dark navy or forest green, and includes a removable hood. The coat retails for 395, but also comes in a shorter jacket form for 350. There's also the padded Pertex Primaloft coat - in both long and short styles - which retails for 450 and 380 respectively. Zara said of the styles: 'These jackets are the perfect choice for staying warm and dry, as the colder, wetter weather starts to set in. 'I have worn Musto for years, and its the perfect kit for riding horses, walking the dogs, and being outside, all of which I love.' Melania Trump looked incredible as she rang in the New Year alongside her husband, Donald Trump, in a low-cut black dress on Tuesday evening. The 54-year-old showed off her slender figure in the chic Versace garment, which featured a sexy thigh-high split and a plunging neckline. Melania wore her hair down in loose waves and completed her look with black heels as she celebrated the holiday at their Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Donald, 78, for this part, wore a smart black tuxedo, complete with a bowtie - but some people were critical of his appearance. When a photo of the couple enjoying dinner together was posted on the Team Trump Instagram page, many were quick to comment on his looks. Some gushed over how 'amazing,' he looked, with one person writing, 'President Trump looks healthier than he did during his first administration. He looks amazing.' 'He's not using that fake orange tanner anymore. He looks so much better and healthier without it,' someone else responded. Another agreed and said: 'First thing I noticed. He looks fit and ready to get this country back in shape.' Melania Trump looked incredible as she rang in the New Year alongside her husband, Donald Trump, in a low-cut black dress on Tuesday evening The couple walked side-by-side as they arrived at Donald's Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida Melania flaunted her slender pins thanks to the Versace dress' thigh-high split and she teamed it with a pair of black heels Someone else added: 'Same I didnt pay much attention but yeah he does look a lot better. Strangely hes probably better looking now not sure lol.' However, others couldn't resist making a dig at the businessman - who will be moving back into the White House later this month. 'Makeup does a person good,' one person mocked, while another said: 'He looks old lol.' In response to the original comment about Donald looking 'amazing,' someone else replied: 'I don't even know what you mean by that.' Another user simply replied with, 'Bulls**t.' While walking the red carpet as he arrived at Mar-A-Lago with Melania, the President-Elect was asked what he was looking forward to in the coming year. 'Just a great year, I think we're gonna do fantastically well as a country,' he predicted. 'We're gonna bring it back. It has to be brought back. People are not respecting our country very much and they're gonna respect us a lot.' The 54-year-old showed off her slender figure in the chic Versace garment, which featured a sexy thigh-high split and a plunging neckline Some people commented on Donald's appearance and said he looked 'amazing' while others criticized his appearance He then talked about the hard work that has gone into the transition, with the inauguration just a few weeks away. 'I think a lot of progress has been made over the last five weeks. It's been pretty amazing when you look at what's happened,' he said. Donald added that he believes that the entire planet has been uplifted following his victory over Kamala Harris. 'There's a light over the whole world, not just our country. There's a lot of very happy people,' he said. When asked, aside from the election, what his highlight of 2024 was, he revealed that it was 'the fact that we're gonna have a great nation again.' 'We're gonna' bring it back better than it ever was,' he concluded. He was also asked about his New Year's resolution but politely deferred, saying: 'I just want everybody to be happy, healthy and well.' Gypsy Rose Blanchard is officially a mom. The Munchausen-by-proxy victim, 33, gave birth to a healthy baby girl on December 28, exactly one year after she was released from prison, TMZ has reported. She and her partner Ken Urker named their little girl Aurora Urker. 'Aurora is healthy and we are so happy,' Ken told the publication. Gypsy was released from prison on December 28, 2023, after serving seven years behind bars for her part in the killing of her abusive mother, Claudine 'Dee Dee' Blanchard. She spent her childhood posing as a wheelchair-bound invalid after mom Dee Dee shaved her daughter's head, pumped her full of drugs and convinced the world she was suffering from leukemia and muscular dystrophy. Their 'inseparable' bond ended when Gypsy burst free of her warped mom's control in 2015 by letting her besotted internet boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, creep into their Springfield, Missouri, home to stab 48-year-old Dee Dee to death. She ultimately plead guilty to second-degree murder and spent nearly a decade locked up before she was granted early parole and released last December. Gypsy Rose Blanchard is officially a mom. The Munchausen-by-proxy victim (seen with her partner, Ken Urker), 33, gave birth to a healthy baby girl on December 28 She gave birth exactly one year after she was released from prison after serving seven years behind bars for h er part in the killing of her abusive mother, Claudine 'Dee Dee' Blanchard While in prison, she bonded with Ken after he sent her a letter; they started corresponding and things soon turned romantic, with him proposing in 2018. But after the Hulu show The Act - which starred Joey King as Gypsy and Patricia Arquette as her mother - premiered a few months later and put an intense spotlight on Gypsy's story, she admitted in her memoir that Ken couldn't handle all the sudden attention. They ultimately split and she moved on with Ryan Scott Anderson, and they wed in July 2022. Ryan was by her side when she was freed - but just three months later, news hit the web that they had split. Soon after, it was reported that Gypsy had reconciled with her ex, Ken; she then revealed that they were expecting in July. In a YouTube video at the time, Gypsy spoke about how her horrific upbringing would affect her outlook on motherhood. 'All the things that I wanted in a mother, I want to give to this baby,' she stated. 'I just want to be a good mother to my child, I want to be everything my mother wasn't.' Gypsy added that the pregnancy had given her 'freedom in a way she never expected,' and a newfound peace on 'everything that has ever happened to her.' She and her partner Ken (seen together) named their little girl Aurora Urker . 'Aurora is healthy and we are so happy,' he told TMZ Gypsy spent her childhood posing as a wheelchair-bound invalid after her mom, Dee Dee, convinced the world she was suffering from leukemia and muscular dystrophy In 2015, Gypsy (left) let her besotted internet boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn (right), creep into their Springfield, Missouri, home to stab 48-year-old Dee Dee to death 'It doesn't matter because it all lead to me to be who I am today,' she stated. 'It all lead me to this moment right here right now.' Last month, Gypsy opened up to People about the 'backstory' behind her baby's name. 'Ken came up with that. There's a whole backstory to it,' she dished. 'Some people think that it's because of the Disney Princess. 'Some people think that it's because Kristy's dog is named Aurora Grace,' she said of her step-mother, adding: 'It's not because of that.' Instead, Aurora was selected because of the couple's shared love of the Northern Lights. 'Back whenever Ken and I were together seven years ago, both of us have a fascination with the Northern Lights, and the proper term is the Aurora Borealis,' she said recalling her time dating Urker while imprisoned. 'I think it was maybe in 2018, we wrote each other's future kid's name on pieces of paper and Aurora is what we both picked without even knowing each other was picking it.' Gypsy said that she reminisced over the name when she split from Ken and married her now ex-husband Ryan. 'When we had broken up [it was like], "Oh, Aurora is never going to be born." A lot of people think the origin is one thing, but they don't know that little story,' she continued. Gypsy added that once she's off parole later this year, she and her family plan to see the Northern Lights for themselves at some point. Meghan Markle's make-up artist best friend has declared 'my sis is back' as the Duchess of Sussex teased a new project on her Instagram account. Daniel Martin, who is often described as the mother-of-two's best friend, was quick to show his support for the Duchess of Sussex as she teased plans for the year ahead. Meghan, 43, today shared an elusive clip of herself running down the beach - the first post to be shared on her brand new social media handle @meghan. In the video, shared with 112,000 followers, the wife of Prince Harry runs towards the shoreline of a beach in an all-white ensemble. As she reaches the ocean, she draws the digits of the New Year - 2025 - into the sand, perhaps hinting at change to come in the months ahead. The clip is thought to have been filmed by Prince Harry near to their home in Montecito, California. Hailing Meghan's return to social media, her friend Daniel Martin shared the clip on his own Instagram, writing: 'My sis is back!' He added: 'Watch this space...' Daniel Martin, who is often described as the mother-of-two's best friend, was quick to show his support for the Duchess of Sussex as she teased plans for the year ahead Daniel Martin (above) is often described as Meghan Markle's best friend The royal's return to Instagram comes after Meghan shut down all of her social media channels in January 2018, shortly after getting engaged to Prince Harry. A source for Kensington Palace said at the time: 'Ms. Markle is grateful to everyone who has followed her social media accounts over the years, however as she has not used them for some time she has taken the decision to close them.' Daniel is believed to have known Meghan for over a decade, having met her while the former actress worked on Suits. As Meghan didn't have a publicist, she personally reached out to Daniel's agent at The Wall Group - and he described how they both had an 'instant connection.' Meghan Markle has teased a new project with an elusive Instagram video of herself at the beach Daniel cemented himself in the history books when he did Meghan's make-up for her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018 - and worked alongside her at various events in her two years as a working royal. Meghan is pictured on her wedding day in 2018 - when her make-up was done by Daniel The pair, pictured together, are believe to have last worked together in May 2022, when Meghan and Harry visited the Netherlands for the Invictus Games. 'I knew what she wantedit was one of those things where, she looked at herself in the mirror and was like, 'Oh my God, this is what I always wanted, but I didn't know how to get there,' he told the publication. The pair then kept in touch and while working on her former blog The Tig, Meghan asked Daniel to give her a helping hand. He has remained in contact with the Duchess throughout her life in the royal family and was by Meghan's side on her wedding day as he perfected her make-up. Jocelyn Wildenstein, the woman who was known for her drastically changing face and alleged cosmetic procedures, has passed away at the age of 84. The socialite, who was nicknamed Catwoman due to her pronounced cat eyes and leonine features, certainly went through somewhat of a transformation over the years - but actually denied having plastic surgery at one point. Jocelyn was born in Lausanne, Switzerland, on August 5, 1940, and it's been reported that she started undergoing cosmetic procedures after she got married to Alec N. Wildenstein in April of 1978. Over the years, she developed slanted cat eyes, a prominent chin, and exaggerated cheek bones. She was adamant however, that her looks didn't come from plastic surgery, but rather, from her Swiss heritage. Her ex-husband Alec, who died in February 2008, told a different story. He once said: 'She was thinking that she could fix her face like a piece of furniture. Skin does not work that way. But she wouldnt listen.' Throwback photos of Jocelyn prove she needn't have done so as she was certainly a natural beauty before she allegedly went under the knife. Jocelyn Wildenstein, who has died at the age of 84, underwent a dramatic transformation over the years. She is pictured left when she was younger and right in 2017 Jocelyn was last seen here in Paris on December 18 with her fiance Lloyd Klein Speculation about her face began in the late 90s during her divorce from Alec N. Wildenstein. Jocelyn is pictured here in February 1999 In a photo she shared on Instagram back in August, Jocelyn was seen with her daughter Diane as a baby - and she looked radiant with regular sized features. It's believed that Jocelyn was age 39 or 40 in the photo, but by the time she was in her fifties, her face looked very different. During her 1999 divorce from Alec, Jocelyn claimed that she kept getting cosmetic procedures partially because Alec 'hated to be with old people.' However, she had insisted to Vanity Fair the year prior that her catlike features were actually natural. 'The lynx has perfect eyes. If I show you pictures of my grandmother, what you see is these eyes - cat eyes - and high cheekbones,' Jocelyn said. But Alec rubbished her quotes and told the magazine of his ex-wife: 'She was crazy. I would always find out last. 'She was thinking that she could fix her face like a piece of furniture. Skin does not work that way. But she wouldnt listen.' According to reports, Jocelyn was awarded $2.5 billion in the divorce, along with an additional $100 million annually for the next 13 years. Jocelyn's ex-husband Alec, pictured here in 2000, claimed that she was trying to 'fix her face like a piece of furniture' The socialite, pictured here in 1998, credited her Swiss background for her 'high cheekbones and long hair' As part of the settlement, the judge in their divorce case reportedly ordered Jocelyn not to spend any of the settlement money on cosmetic surgeries. Despite the obvious change in her appearance, Jocelyn at one time bizarrely claimed to have never had plastic surgery. In a 2018 interview with DailyMailTV alongside her fashion designer then-fiance Lloyd Klein, the Swiss-born Manhattan socialite explained that her distinct appearance dated back to her youth. She credited her Swiss background for her 'high cheekbones and long hair,' which she said helped her channel French actress Brigitte Bardot. 'It's wild. Usually when we go to restaurants or some French places, they go,"Hi, Brigitte." And I'm like, "Actually you do, you do look like Brigitte Bardot,"' Lloyd said. 'And I don't understand the whole press and the Catwoman thing because Jocelyn always looked like that. 'She never really did anything to change her face. I have pictures from 16 years old where she looks exactly the same as today.' When asked if she had undergone surgery Jocelyn replied: 'No, especially when we look back at my pictures - I think of course I am maybe more beautiful [back then]. Jocelyn, seen here in 2003, claimed to have only had Botox twice in her life Lloyd said in a 2018 interview that Jocelyn 'never really did anything to change her face.' They're seen together in 2006 'When we are young there's a certain freshness we lose with the years. But you still find the same eyes, same high cheeks, or same nose. I think I was more pretty.' Jocelyn doubled down on her denial in a more recent interview in November 2024 with The Sun. 'I havent had plastic surgery, I am scared of what can happen and I dont like to have something heavy, sometimes it is a bit heavy and terrible,' she told the publication. She also said that she hadn't had any fillers and had heard unfortunate stories from those who have. 'I dont like the Botox,' she said, before adding: 'Everyone has a different reaction to it. 'I have had Botox only twice. I dont know if I am allergic, but when I had it, it did not go well with me. It was not a good result, my face swelled up.' Tesla's Shanghai energy storage Megafactory begins trial production Xinhua) 14:09, January 01, 2025 An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 15, 2024 shows a view of Tesla's megafactory in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua) SHANGHAI, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- U.S. carmaker Tesla's Shanghai energy storage Megafactory has begun trial production, serving as a good example of cooperation between China and the United States to address climate challenges. The new plant is dedicated to manufacturing Megapacks, Tesla's energy-storage batteries, with mass production expected to commence fully in the first quarter of 2025, Tesla China told Xinhua on Tuesday. The facility was built with an initial annual production capacity of 10,000 units, equal to around 40 gigawatt-hours of energy storage, according to the company. The project is Tesla's second plant in Shanghai, underscoring the U.S. company's commitment to investing in the world's second-largest economy, its confidence in China's manufacturing capabilities, and the strengthened economic ties between the two countries in the new energy sector, Wu Qisheng, a researcher at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, told Xinhua. Trial production was launched just seven months after construction began, setting a new record for "Tesla speed" in China, with the Shanghai Gigafactory -- Tesla's first plant in the country's eastern financial hub -- having been built and inaugurated within a year in 2019. Covering an area of approximately 200,000 square meters, the new plant represents a total investment of about 1.45 billion yuan (about 201.7 million U.S. dollars), according to the administration of the Lin-gang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. The Megafactory is the first of its kind that Tesla has built outside the United States. At its launch ceremony in May, Tesla signed a deal with Shanghai Lingang Economic Development (Group) Co., Ltd., securing the first batch of orders for its Megapacks in China. Lauding China's efforts to develop the new energy industry, including the energy storage sector, Tesla Vice President Tao Lin in May told Xinhua that the country offers a complete industrial chain, vast market potential, and a production and business environment crucial for enterprise growth. As a global renewables powerhouse, China is a major market for energy storage. In 2023, its installed renewable energy capacity surpassed its thermal power capacity for the first time, accounting for approximately 50 percent of all additions to the global renewable energy capacity. Tesla's energy storage technology has already achieved a high level of commercialization and market success in the United States, said Liu Qing, vice president of the China Institute of International Studies. There remains room for market-driven cooperation between China and the United States in addressing climate challenges, particularly in advancing energy storage and energy-saving technologies. Wu Xinbo, head of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, credited the rapid construction of Tesla's new factory to China's world-class infrastructure capabilities and the exceptional business environment offered by Shanghai and the broader Chinese market. Tesla has not been alone in strengthening its commitment to the Chinese market this year. A record 52,379 foreign-invested companies were established in China in the first 11 months, an 8.9 percent increase from the previous year. In November, foreign direct investment in the Chinese mainland in actual use also saw a 6 percent year-on-year rise, data from the Ministry of Commerce shows. In a bid to help foreign investors leverage its supply chain, market potential and innovation strengths, China has made significant strides in its opening-up. Throughout 2024, the Chinese government has rolled out a range of key measures to foster a more welcoming environment for global investors. These measures included expanding access to key industries and launching pilot programs to facilitate foreign investment. A key move was the rollout of the 2024 national negative list for foreign investment, effective Nov. 1, which removed all market access restrictions for foreign investors in China's manufacturing industry. This unprecedented breakthrough overcame the final hurdles that global manufacturers face when entering a pillar industry in China. In October 2024, the 3-millionth vehicle produced by Tesla's Gigafactory in Shanghai rolled off the assembly line. Of the total, one-third have been sold to markets outside the Chinese mainland, including Europe and the Asia-Pacific, the company said. The first three quarters of this year saw the Shanghai factory deliver 675,000 vehicles, accounting for over half of the company's global deliveries during the period. "China-U.S. economic and trade relations are fundamentally mutually beneficial. Attempts at 'decoupling' or severing industrial and supply chains will harm U.S. industries," Wu Xinbo said, emphasizing that half of Tesla's global vehicle production capacity is based in Shanghai, with China playing a dominant role in the new energy vehicle supply chain. Tesla's two Shanghai factories showcase the mutual benefits of China-U.S. cooperation, demonstrating that decoupling is impractical as U.S. investors cannot afford to forgo the vast opportunities of the Chinese market, he noted. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu) People who died and were brought back to life are revealing what they saw on the other side. On social media, people have described what they felt and saw during a near-death incident, a lucid experience that occurs when a person is considered clinically dead. One person who suffered a car crash last year described being 'knocked out' of their body and sent to a 'void.' In the hospital, once they were brought back to life, they spent four days with bizarre visions. They wrote: 'I could see bugs crawling on a tree from a mile away. I could travel in an instant anywhere. Every time I blinked, a new vision.' Another felt a 'supernova of consciousness,' feeling like they could be multiple places at multiple points in history all at once. And a devout Christian had their faith shaken when they got to the other side and saw nothing. They said: 'Everything I'd been promised at church was NOT there.' Social media users have detailed what they saw during their near-death experiences (stock image) Amber Cavanagh was 43 when she suffered two strokes and entered the 'meeting point' of heaven. She said she met guides when she crossed over who gave her two options: remain there or return to her family Your browser does not support iframes. Their stories come as doctors work to determine what happens during a near-death experience and shortly after death, with some research suggesting dying people may still have sparks of brain activity an hour after they stop breathing. Other small studies have found the long-term impact of a near-death experience isn't significant. A report published last year found of 19 patients who were considered dead, none showed personality changes or improved quality of life following their experience. In a recent Reddit thread, the user who spent four days experiencing visions - it is unclear how long they were considered dead - called it 'the most defining moment in my life.' Once they decided they could no longer handle the visions because they were too intense, they thought: 'I can't handle these right now. Please take them away.' And in an instant, the visions stopped. In the same thread, another user said they 'could feel everything that connected to me - forward and back.' They added: 'If I had to abstractly model it, it'd almost be like an invisible universal neural network suddenly fired that was connected to, I suppose, everything related to fate/destiny.' In some moments, they saw images from ancient cultures, such as the pyramids of Egypt. In another older Reddit post, a user who did not see anything after death said the incident strained their faith. They wrote: 'Being raised in a nondenominational household, I have been raised to believe that when we die, we go straight to heaven. However, my personal experience negates this belief, to an extent. 'So how can I believe what the Bible says, when one of the core teachings I have been brought up on does not reflect what I have experienced? 'I used to be a super devout Christian, having attended church, praying, and even having the blessing of "speaking in tongues." But now, I am doubting my faith and wondering why I believe what I do.' In one case report, a Hindu woman claimed to have seen the three gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva and a 'brilliant light' when she was declared dead. And a four-year-old boy thought he had spent months surrounded by 'silvery white clouds' while he was unconscious - though not considered dead - from gastroenteritis for a week. Other people have shared their near-death experiences publicly. Jose Hernandez, from Canada, was a lifelong atheist before his near-death experience in 2000. Now about 70, Mr Hernandez, pictured here, said: 'Everything I believe was destroyed when I died' Lynn Mildner, 70, from the UK, recalled a 'beautiful white light' and talking with deceased family members when she technically died Jose Hernandez, from Canada, was raced to intensive care after getting into a car crash in 2000. Despite being a lifelong atheist, he 'started thinking about God' while he was clinically dead for three minutes. He said his consciousness transported him through a dark otherworldly portal that led to a mysterious transitional realm of living light and color that left him 'instantly amazed.' Now in his 70s, Mr Hernandez said: 'Everything I believe was destroyed when I died. 'Everything I believed in science and all that. That wasn't the answer. No. There was something more that was created.' Amber Cavanagh was just 43 when she suffered two strokes and had a near death experience. Mrs Cavanagh said: 'I heard everyone saying their goodbyes and crying, not knowing I was still in there. 'It's still, to this day, one of the most terrifying things I have ever experienced.' As she was flown by helicopter to the hospital, she closed her eyes and when she opened them again, she was in another dimension, having crossed to the 'other side,' she said. Mrs Cavanagh said: 'I could see my physical body beneath me, but I could also see my kids being driven by their grandparents to the hospital. I could see my husband weeping over my body. 'There was no going toward the light, or people calling me I was just watching over everything and everyone.' Amber Cavanagh, from Canada, was just 43 when she suffered two strokes and heard her family saying their goodbyes She added: 'I went into what I can only describe as the "meeting point" of heaven before officially passing over. There was no fear, only love. 'Then, I saw all my loved ones to the right, every version of me, past, present and future to the left, and my guides stood right in front of me. 'I spoke telepathically to everyone, including my nan and grandma... there was such a deep-rooted feeling of pure comfort.' And Lynn Mildner, 70, from the UK, recalled a 'beautiful white light' and talking with deceased family members. She said: 'I couldn't wait to pass that threshold, and meet my grandmothers. But Auntie Nellie told me I couldn't. 'I had to go back because I had so much yet to do and to achieve. I begged her to just come in for a short while and she said no. That threshold was final. When you passed it there was no going back. And I must go back.' After one too many drinks last night, many will be waking up this morning and swearing off alcohol for the month. But Dry January is becoming a fashionable exercise and is increasingly being used as an excuse for dangerous year-round drinking habits, an expert has warned. Dr Niall Campbell, consultant psychiatrist at the Priory and one of the UKs leading alcohol withdrawal specialists, has issued an urgent warning about Britains drinking culture. If you use Dry January as an excuse to drink to excess in December and February, and the rest of the year, then youre missing the point. Increasingly, thats what were seeing, he said. Dry January is a fantastic initiative. It is very popular and the health benefits of completing it are significant. But I worry that it has become a fashionable exercise for a lot of people. As a society, we need a wake-up call. Alcohol is causing record breaking numbers of deaths across the UK, according to figures released in December (file image) Around 15.5 million people in the UK are expected take on Dry January this year (file image) Around 15.5 million people in the UK are expected take on Dry January this year, the popular annual challenge where people abstain from alcohol for 31 days. Yet alcohol is causing record breaking numbers of deaths across the UK, according to figures released in December, with more than 8,200 deaths in 2023 - a 42 per cent rise on 2019. New figures released by Priory - an independent provider of addiction treatment services - confirms that alcohol remains Britains primary addiction by far. In 2024, 59 per cent of people seeking support through their addiction treatment services were seeking help for alcohol misuse. Dr Campbell warned that the numbers of alcohol-related deaths may be even higher than the figures indicate. The official numbers of deaths are startling, but they are just the tip of the iceberg, he explained. It is clear from my long clinical experience with alcoholics that the number of deaths from alcohol is much higher than the figures indicate. The government statistics only cover a limited number of causes, mainly from liver disease. January should be a time for everyone to reflect on their drinking habits and learn how to enjoy social events or relax at home without alcohol, one expert has said (file image) Many more people die as a result of other alcohol-related causes, especially intoxication resulting in fatal accidents, withdrawal seizures, heart attacks and strokes, even at a younger age. Often post-mortems are either not done or do not pick up on alcohol as a cause of death in these conditions. While one-in-five people now classify themselves as non-drinkers, particularly younger generations, significant numbers of those who do drink alcohol do so harmfully, he added. He said January should be a time for everyone to reflect on their drinking habits and learn how to enjoy social events or relax at home without alcohol. These lessons should be carried through the rest of the year, he added. A popular type of worktop seen in kitchens up and down the country should be banned due to its deadly effects on lung health, union leaders have demanded. Trendy quartz worktops have been linked to 18 UK cases of a lethal lung disease called artificial stone silicosis, which develops when those manufacturing the worktops breathe in toxic silica dust. The youngest case was in a stonemason aged just 24. Two UK men aged under 50 - both stone engineers - have already died from the condition. The risk of working with the material is such that the Australian Government banned the use, supply and manufacture of the stone in July last year. Now in fresh calls for a UK ban, The Trade Union Congress (TUC), which represents around 5.5million workers, has told The i that stopping manufacturing of quartz in Britain would 'prevent hundreds of deaths'. Shelly Asquith, Health and safety policy officer at the federation of trade unions, said current exposure limits for silica dust have been set 'far too high'. 'Research shows if we were to halve the amount of dust workers were legally allowed to be exposed to, it would prevent hundreds of deaths. The above shows a quartz countertop in a kitchen. It releases silicon dust while being cut, which can raise the risk of lung disease for workers 'Britain must go further still in prioritising the health of workers and ban the use of high silica engineered stone which, as the tragic and preventable deaths show, can be lethal.' Last month, father-of-three and stonemason Marek Marzec, 48, died after months of receiving end-of-life care for silicosis. Mr Marzec said the dust he inhaled while cutting trendy quartz kitchen worktops has left him 'unable to breathe' and 'in terrible pain'. Meanwhile in May, Wessam al Jundi, 28, died in hospital while waiting for a lung transplant in what is believed to be the first confirmed death from quartz worktop-related silicosis. The worktops, popular in kitchen refurbishments, are cheaper than granite or marble. Engineered from one of the hardest minerals on earth, they are typically composed of about 90 per cent ground quartz, and 10 per cent resins and pigments. When prepared for installation, they are also often dry cut and polished with an angle grinder or other hand tools without the use of water to suppress dust generation, further boosting the volume of fine dust. Last year, eight men were referred to a specialist occupational lung disease clinic, aged between 27 and 56 at the time of diagnosis. Mr Marzec, who is originally from Poland, has worked for several engineered stone manufacturers in north London and Hertfordshire since 2012. He was diagnosed with silicosis in April 2024. Two were being assessed for lung transplants, three for an autoimmune disease and two for opportunistic lung infection caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria when the disease was uncovered. Exposure to stone dust averaged 12.5 years but was anywhere between four and 40 years, with all men working for small companies of under ten employees. Although none worked in worktop manufacture or installation they all carried out the finishing process, specifically cutting and polishing the worktops before installation. They all reported that this was done without consistent water suppression and without what they felt was appropriate respiratory protection. Even where workshop ventilation was present, the men stated that the system had not been serviced or cleaned regularly. None of them was aware of active airborne dust monitoring in the workplace Now, the total toll of patients is reported to have reached 18. The head of the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), the chartered society for workplace protection, has described the workplaces engineering the stone as 'sweatshops' which he said endangered workers by flouting safety rules. In August, doctors treating the rising number of patients in The Royal Brompton hospital in London called for a ban of the material. Marek Marzec was left terminally ill at 48 after spending a decade working with quartz worktops at a stone manufacturer. His family have since confirmed his death Writing in the British Medical Journal's Thorax, they wrote: Onset of disease is likely to relate to exposure levels, suggesting levels, at least for some of the UK caseswere extremely high and implying that employers failed to control dust exposure and to adhere to health and safety regulations. The market is dominated by small companies in which regulation has been shown to be challenging to implement. Furthermore, at least some worktop manufacturers may fail to provide adequate technical information relating to potential risks. Even with cessation of exposure, disease progression has been noted in over 50 per cent of cases over [an average] of 4 years. Prevention of disease is therefore critical. These calls are backed by a second study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, which stated the substance could be gradually phased out. The researchers wrote: In the meantime, all possible control measures should be taken to keep exposures to [respirable crystalline silica] as low as possible. We believe that this proposal is proportionate and would protect the health of European workers and other workers from across the globe, while encouraging the industry to continue to develop safer products. Lung disease expert Dr Johanna Feary, who is currently treating patients with the condition, said there is 'no good treatment' for the deadly disease. 'Diagnosis can be devastating. It is affecting young men, many of whom have only worked with this material for a few years,' she told The Sun. Speaking from his hospital bed in October, tragic victim Marek Marzec, said:'I arrived in the UK hoping to build a better life and wanting to make sure that my young daughters were financially secure. 'Instead, because of the work I did cutting quartz worktops, I have been left unable to breathe and in terrible pain. 'I cannot tell you how angry I am that I was allowed to work in these conditions and that my life has been cut short simply for doing my job. 'I am not the only person whose life has been put at risk by this lethal dust. 'It is time for urgent action to stop these dangerous working conditions I had to face before other stone workers contract this terrible disease and die.' In a statement published in August, a spokesperson from the Government's Health and Safety Executive said: Our sympathies are with those who have lost loved ones to any work-related disease. Great Britain has a robust and well-established regulatory framework in place to protect workers from the health risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances. We continue to work with industry to raise awareness of managing the risks of exposure to respirable crystalline silica and we are considering options for future interventions to ensure workers are protected. Care workers will be trained to perform routine health checks including blood pressure in an attempt to slash NHS waiting lists by reducing unnecessary trips to the doctor. Staff will be given the right to deliver health interventions in order to speed up access to routine care and prevent a further increase in the health service's backlog of cases. The move would also include wound care, administering insulin for diabetes patients and supporting those with mental health to a crisis plan. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said the move would free up hospital beds and ensure people 'won't be forced to repeat themselves over and over again' to different healthcare staff. Ministers are also set to draw up national standards and guidelines for care bosses to help them invest in the best technology to support patients. The measures are part of both adult social care reforms set to be announced in more detail tomorrow as well as the wider plan to further integrate the NHS and social care sector. Ministers will work with the health service to create a digital platform for sharing data between social care, GP and hospital staff and hope for all care providers to be fully digitised by 2029. This would allow staff to have full access to all medical information. Mr Streeting said: 'There is a revolution taking place in health and care technology, and this government is reforming social care so disabled and older people benefit from the latest cutting-edge tech. Care workers will be trained to perform routine health checks including blood pressure in an attempt to slash NHS waiting lists by reducing unnecessary trips to the doctor Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said the move is part of a revolution of the health sector in this country 'Patients won't be forced to repeat themselves over and over again, staff will be equipped to deliver the best possible care and it will help free up hospital beds.' Cutting NHS waiting lists has been a consistent theme in the Prime Minister's 'Plan for Change' Sir Keir has pledged that 92 per cent of patients should wait no longer than 18 weeks for elective treatment by 2029. But he has been accused of failing to act on the nation's social care crisis during Labour's first six months in government. Technology has also been at the forefront of the PM's proposed health reforms. He has vowed to create a 'digital NHS', with ministers drawing up plans to allow different health services to share patient data and reduce waste. Dr Vin Diwakar, national director of transformation at NHS England, said: 'Research shows digitising social care and linking up records enables people to live independently for longer and families to participate in caregiving, as well as releasing staff from time-consuming administrative tasks to free up more time to care. Cutting NHS waiting lists has been a consistent theme in the Prime Minister's 'Plan for Change' 'This new focus will ensure teams are supported to deliver the best possible care and that patients can benefit from the latest innovations.' Procurement will also play its part in helping tackle health issues in care homes at source. Officials say sensor-based technology and detection technologies can significantly reduce patient falls, allowing people to live independently for longer. They claim new national standards will allow care providers and families to have the most up-to-date information on the latest and safest market products, too. Sally Sorts It is delighted to reveal the column won back well over 1million for readers in 2024. Although I am thrilled at the grand total, I am proud of every penny that I've helped to return to readers' pockets. The column's aim is to help put things right for readers who struggle to resolve matters on their own and hopefully achieve a result that is fair, whether the financial outcome is a few pounds, or six figures being reimbursed or wiped. One of the smallest wins was having a 100 parking charge cancelled for a woman who had struggled to download and use a parking app and left the carpark 15 minutes later without having parked her car. My inbox is gridlocked with motorists frustrated by unfair fines meted out by parking firms. The grand total included cash handed over in compensation, reimbursement of fraud losses, insurance payouts previously denied, money released from accounts hitherto held prisoner or mislaid by banks and investment firms, legitimate refunds sat upon, sometimes for as long as a year, and erroneous bills waived. One of the greatest wins last year was when a reader got in touch after wealth manager St James's Place made an error after cashing in their investments to meet a 213,197 inheritance tax bill, so that it went missing inside HM Revenue and Customs. Sally Sorts It: Sally Hamilton steps in to help readers right those wrongs - and has plenty of advice to help you battle unjust decisions On my intervention the firm made a second payment for the same sum to the taxman so the reader would not be penalised for late payment (and handed the reader 500 for the distress), while it pursued the taxman for reimbursement of the misdirected original payment. Adding up the big and small cases, the total won back was 1,064,994. My mission is to ensure readers are treated fairly by financial providers and consumer businesses. All too often, it appears organisations show reckless disregard for their customers. Whether it's over-reliance on robot customer service systems or poor training of staff, there are many situations that leave customers fuming because they can't get a simple complaint resolved. It shocks me that some companies bat away customers with valid issues too swiftly. For example, I covered two cases where policyholders made a claim on critical illness policies but were declined when they mentioned they had suffered a cardiac arrest. But on my intervention, they had their medical conditions fully investigated and, in the end, in both cases, the insurers involved, LV= and Aviva, found ways to pay 50,000 each to their policyholders. My hope is that the organisations that slipped up in 2024 resolve not to repeat the same mistakes. But I confidently predict consumer champions will not be out of a job in 2025. As with any long-running drama, some actors have regular roles in this column. Transport for London (erroneous charges), British Airways (compensation not forthcoming) and Tesco Bank (various, including doubling a driver's premium following a case of mistaken identity) appeared more than once over the last year. Faceless scammers featured on several occasions, from those masquerading as caring banks to dupe victims by phone into shifting their balances into 'safe' accounts, to the nasty Paris taxi scam where a brazen driver charged a reader 500 for a five-minute taxi ride. Some financial organisations offered refunds following my intervention (John Lewis for the taxi scam), but others (Revolut and Chase Bank) stubbornly refused despite my best endeavours, forcing customers to seek help from the ombudsman instead. There have been cases where money wasn't the most worryingaspect of a complaint. One episode involved a woman whose late husband's ashes were mislabelled by an undertaker's assistant, leaving her in torment over whether they belonged to him. On my request Co-op Funeralcare made further investigations. It concluded the ashes were his, but the widow remained upset. It was small compensation, but she was awarded 750 and the firm confirmed it had re-trained staff. The huge number of cases investigated last year threw up a host of practical tips all readers can use if something similar goes wrong. And if this doesn't work, then please contact me at the email below. 1. STUDY POLICY WORDING A Curry's customer was denied full cover for repairs on a computer damaged when she fell into a canal, despite paying 800 in insurance premiums over the years for the retailer's policy that promised to fix it free. The wording proved she had the right to a free repair. One point said, 'If you require support and advice or for any reason your Product isn't working . . . we will repair the Product or replace it .' 2. KNOW WHERE PURCHASES ARE COMING FROM A reader bought a wig from what she believed was a British company wigsell.co.uk. But when she wanted to return the unlovely hairpiece of the wrong colour, it turned out the goods were sent direct from China, and it would cost 50 to return the 66 wig. On my suggestion, she made a successful chargeback claim via her credit card provider. This is a voluntary scheme operated by banks where card transactions can be reversed if goods turn out to not be of suitable quality, are not as described or don't arrive at all. Remember to check the returns policy and where you are buying from before you make a purchase and if all else fails, consider a chargeback claim. With chargeback a bank can withdraw the funds sent to a retailer and return them to your account. Customers normally need to do this within 120 days of the disputed transaction. 3. USE SECTION 75 OF THE CONSUMER CREDIT ACT This hero piece of legislation helped several readers out of a tight spot last year. Like chargeback, but laid down in law, it protects customers who make purchases of over 100 and under 30,000. It means a credit card provider is equally responsible for a breach of contract or misrepresentation by a retailer. In one case I resolved, it enabled a woman to be reimbursed in full afterhe bought 12,000 of clothing from online fashion brand Matches shortly before it went bust. 4. SEEK SMALL CLAIMS COURT HELP It's often the last resort, but can come up trumps. One reader who felt misled by a stay at Alton Towers when its most famous rides were shut won his case for a full refund. 5. REMEMBER INSURANCE DIES WITH YOU THE case of a man whose brother died leaving him with an uninsured car to look after raised the question of what happens to cover generally when someone dies.n In another case, a widow was turned down for a 1,500 pet insurance claim because she had left the policy in her husband's name, who had died two years earlier. She had assumed that the relevant name on the policy was that of the pet, not the owner. On my intervention the insurer sorted out the policy and the claim was paid. 6. DON'T FORGET MY THREE Ps PATIENCE, persistence and politeness are vital when making a complaint. Treat the person dealing with you with respect and chances are they will try to help. My persistence paid off for a reader whose Revolut prepaid card was drained by a fraudster while she was on a holiday in Africa. I got the response I felt was right a full refund. I'm sure it helped that I kept my cool and my manners in check. Sally@dailymail.co.uk Where next for the London stock market? A steady year of gains saw the FTSE 100 climb 5.7pc to 8,173 in 2024, while the FTSE 250 was up 4.7pc. Goldman Sachs analysts believe that the FTSE 100 will end 2025 at 8,500 points, while Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, reckons the blue-chip index will hit 9,000 in 2025 a rise of 10pc. 'UK stocks feel unloved, and unloved can mean cheap,' he notes. It won't be straight forward, however, and another year of volatility is very much on the cards as Donald Trump returns to the White House, Germany and France face further political upheaval and investors grapple with geopolitical events in the Middle East, Ukraine and beyond. 'Expect volatility to reign in 2025,' says Emma Wall at Hargreaves Lansdown. 'But, while it can be difficult to manage the emotional rollercoaster of a volatile investment market, it also creates opportunities.' So which stocks should investors take a look at? We asked City experts for their tips for 2025. Each one recommends a share for brave investors who are willing to take a risk, and one for the more cautious. Following tips always involves the risk of losing some or all of your money, so it's a good idea to do your own research before investing. 'UK stocks feel unloved, and unloved can mean cheap,' says Russ Mould Experts: Abby Glennie & Amanda Yeaman, fund managers at abrdn For the cautious: ME GROUP INTERNATIONAL Current price: 205p Change in 2024: up 64pc ME Group isn't one you'll get excited about when we tell you what it does communal laundry and photo booths being its main revenue. But that is providing resilient revenue streams, predictability, many growth opportunities in its rollout and attractive return on capital. Photo.ME, which is especially strong in mainland Europe and operates in 19 countries where passport photos can't be taken with smartphones, is the cash cow of the business and delivers strong margins. That is helping fund the rollout across Wash.ME, a 24/7 self-service laundry, an even higher margin division with lots of room for growth. The firm continues to invest in growth, evolving its offering through new technology adoption in all divisions. For the brave: RASPBERRY PI Current price: 625p Change in 2024: up 123pc Raspberry Pi has the potential to be one of the most unique tech stocks UK markets have seen. You'll use its single board computers every day without realising. Listed on the stock market in 2024, it's had a good start, but the industrial markets which make up 70pc of its revenue have been lacklustre this year. In 2025 we expect some recovery in that, which will help drive growth. The firm's education and enthusiast customers, who make up 30pc of revenue, create strong and stable demand. New product development is also key for this business, and its execution has been strong on this. It is globally diversified in sales, and is also evolving its sales strategy. Expert: Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown For the cautious: GSK Current price: 1346.5p Change in 2024: down 7pc GSK is becoming a dependable name for raising and meeting share price predictions. And the pharmaceutical firm shows signs of continuing to be a steady performer. Litigation risk over its Zantac heartburn drug has eased, and HIV treatments remain a cornerstone of its performance, contributing 20pc of revenues. Hargreaves Lansdown's Susannah Streeter suggests Nvidia shares for investors feeling brave GSK's strength lies in its research and development pipeline, which delivered 11 positive late-stage clinical updates year to date, with five major product approvals expected next year. Its newer treatments are a key part of GSK's future. The smaller oncology division is growing rapidly, with promising growth drivers in both existing treatments and the development pipeline. For the brave: NVIDIA Current price: $137.50 Change in 2024: up 185pc Given the stratospheric growth Nvidia has seen this year and the recent wobble in the share price, questions have been raised about its prospects. But this chip giant, which has revolutionised management of artificial intelligence workloads, has a technological edge which makes it hard to beat. It sees a $1trillion opportunity in upgrading outdated data centres and expanding AI infrastructure. This cements Nvidia as a once-in-a-generation company and it is forecast to deliver treble digit sales growth in 2025. Despite emerging competition, Nvidia's technological supremacy and financial strength mean rivals will struggle to knock off its crown. Expert: Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell Russ Mould says Diageo is a good option for the more cautious investor this year For the cautious: DIAGEO Current price: 2537.5p Change in 2024: down 11pc Lockdowns and the pandemic fooled management and shareholders into thinking spirits had entered a new era of rising demand and 'premiumised' prices. Reality has since set in, thanks to the cost of living crisis, and Diageo's share price has tumbled back to 2020 levels. But a 25-year streak of growth in the annual dividend is testament to the power of the drinks giant's portfolio of brands, which would be nigh-on impossible to replicate even at the company's current 58bn stock market valuation. If chief executive Debra Crew cannot get a better tune out of the business, then an activist investor may do it for her. For the brave: C&C Current price: 146p Change in 2024: down 4pc The power of C&C's drinks brands, such as Bulmers, Magners and Tennent's, has been tested by rotten British weather, the cost of living crisis and self-inflicted wounds, notably a bungled software implementation and productivity programme at the Matthew Clark drinks distribution business. As a result, the shares are no higher than they were in 2009. But the appointment of Roger White, formerly of AG Barr, is a huge step for a firm with scope for self-help, via investment in its premium cider and beer brands, cost efficiency in distribution and perhaps more dramatic action to simplify the group structure. There is scope for net borrowing to come down, too, and less risk can mean a higher share price. Expert: Ben Yearsley, founder of Fairview Investing For the cautious: BT Current price: 144p Change in 2024: up 17pc BT has been a disappointment for years down 64pc over the past decade. But it now feels as though the company is putting many of its issues behind it. The pension deficit has been reduced and the roll-out of fibre broadband to homes is now going at what you could almost call the speed of light. There is also a decent dividend yield of 5.4pc. For the brave: PRUDENTIAL Current price: 637p Change in 2024: down 28pc This life insurer's shares are cheap because of its links with China, Ben Yearsley explains This life insurer's shares are cheap because of its links with China: Asia is its main focus nowadays. But this is a quality business on a ridiculously cheap valuation. The icing on the cake is a 2.6pc dividend yield. At some point the markets will wake up and finally start taking notice. Amish Patel, head of equity research at Charles Stanley For the cautious: THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC Current price: $518.80 Change in 2024: down 2pc This US-listed firm is a leading player in the life science tools market. It produces scientific instruments, lab equipment, consumables as well as reagents for life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotech and diagnostics research. It is also a leader in contract research and drug making. With a high level of recurring revenue more than 80pc of revenue is in services and consumables this is a quality growth stock with defensive characteristics. Next year it stands to benefit from long-term structural trends in healthcare and the short-term recovery in the life science tools market after a tricky two years. For the brave: SYNOPSYS Current price: $487 Change in 2024: down 5pc Synopsys develops software to develop superior microchips that power everything from phones to artificial intelligence systems. US-listed, it operates against a backdrop of political tension, as Washington and Beijing clash in a race for computing superiority. In 2025 it should complete the $35bn purchase of engineering simulation group Ansys, its largest-ever acquisition. Greater computing power requires more complex chips, and companies such as Amazon and Google are developing their own custom chips to cut reliance on third parties such as Nvidia. Synopsys has even embedded artificial intelligence into its own software tools, letting it accomplish in weeks what may take months for big engineering teams. This boosts its productivity, as well helping solve challenges brought by an industry-wide talent shortage. Something to look forward to in 2025 is the potential clash of two of the worlds biggest egos. These are owned by a reborn president-elect Donald Trump and his best new pal and government efficiency tsar Elon Musk. If Musk were to achieve his goal of slashing $2trillion (1.6trillion) from US government spending, by using ruthless tactics deployed at Twitter, now X, he could become as much of a hero to conservative, smaller state Americans as to those who follow his technology exploits. Governments across the globe need to recognise that keeping Musk on side is as vital as seeking to blunt Trumps tariff agenda. Labour is not off to a brilliant start when it comes to courting Musk as an entrepreneur or political influencer. A failure to issue Musk an invitation to Septembers City-based investment summit, attended by the good and the great from across the Atlantic, was not a clever move by a growth-driven Keir Starmer government. Elon Musk: A failure to invite him to September's City-based investment summit was not a clever move Indeed, earlier this week Musk, the worlds richest and possibly most tech savvy person, asserted that very few businesses want to invest in Britain under the current Starmer administration. He previously has accused the Government of going full Stalin with its attacks on inheritance. Certainly, the chance of Britain becoming a home for a Tesla gigafactory in Scotland dont look good. It is Labours misfortune that it aligned itself so closely with incumbent president Joe Bidens economics. Chancellor Rachel Reeves trumpeted that securonomics was based around the idea that if Britain threw money at the climate change manufacturing revolution, the nation would be less dependent on fossil fuel markets. Musk is going to be a force in a climate change-sceptical White House, even if through Tesla he has done more to normalise the idea of electric vehicles than anyone else on the planet. As a regular visitor to Austin where one of my sons lives and works it is impossible not to recognise the impact that Musk can have on economic prospects. A hike in the hills above the Colorado River, which runs through the Texas state capital, reveals Musks Tuscan-style 14,400 square foot mansion, below. The billionaires family campus, which The New York Times reports houses three homes and 11 children, is just the tip of his investment iceberg. Tesla headquarters and tens of thousands of colleagues have been transferred to Austin. Musks arrival in the region has sped up development in Americas fastest growing city. Once a cattlemans town, known for its country music, TexMex food, arts, low-rise buildings and many neon signs, it is being transformed. A high-rise core is being encircled by motorways and apartment blocks, offices, and upmarket hostelries. In the Texas Hill country next to Austin, where the late president Lyndon Johnson lived, there is also evidence of a Musk takeover. The small town of Bastrop, known for country festivals and craft brewing, is at the core of another enterprise. Musk is buying up agricultural land on the fringes of the town ready to construct a new home for The Boring Company. Musk developed the idea of a company that tunnels under cities while sitting in a Los Angeles traffic jam in 2016. The $7.5bn (6bn) plus enterprise is reimagining public transport in the US. Among the projects under way is the 29-mile Vegas Loop Tunnel connecting 51 stations between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Also being planned is the Hyperloop, which would see people travel between destinations in autonomous electric pods at high speeds. Maybe the Boring Company could be tapped to resolve the problems of HS2? Musks other great success story, beyond $1.3trillion Tesla, is SpaceX. Its Starlink constellation, with some 7,000 small satellites, provides much of the intelligence for the Pentagon on the Ukraine-Russia war. It is also developing a new satellite-based commercial and consumer mobile phone network for Ukraine. Musk is a rascal who has an ability to latch on to and transform new technologies into booming enterprises. He is a global investor who can transform national and regional economies. His political and social views may be objectionable. But to alienate this raw capitalist as an inward investor would be an act of self-harm. EXCLUSIVE A 'Centrelink heiress' who cannot inherit her late father's fortune because she refuses to work has become embroiled in a court dispute with the cousin who is blocking her from her dad's $12m estate. Daily Mail Australia can reveal private schoolgirl Clare Brown faces a new front in her war over the inheritance left by her father, wealthy stockbroker Christopher Hylton Brown. Ms Brown, who was educated at elite Sydney private school Ascham, was sensationally blocked from inheriting her father's estate after he died in January 2022, because of bizarre clauses inserted in the family trust. Those clauses essentially stipulated she needed to 'get a job and contribute something to society', according to members of her family. Ms Brown says she cannot work as she has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Ms Brown - who was turfed out of one of her late father's two $6m apartments in Sydney's exclusive Darling Point - has now become embroiled in a probate stoush that will have its first day in court next year. Her first cousin, cafe industry entrepreneur Benjamin Sweeten, and his partner Elizabeth Howlatt, are listed as the plaintiffs in the case, with Ms Brown listed as caveator and defendant. Mr Sweeten's twin brother, Jimmy, laid bare the feud when he told A Current Affair two years ago that the stumbling block to Ms Brown inheriting her father's estate was that she needed to have a job. 'Centrelink heiress' Clare Brown was turfed out of her dad's $6m mansion on Sydney Harbour - trading it in for this Mount Druitt house (above) after a dispute over her late father's will Jimmy and Ben Sweeten are first cousins of Clare Brown involved in the family fight over their uncle's $12m estate which is now due to be heard in the Victorian Supreme Court Ms Brown is pictured above in 2022 'One clause was to get a job, another clause is to contribute something to society. Tick those two boxes and you can access all the money you like,' he told Channel Nine. But Ms Brown, who says she can't work because she has Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), has disputed the fairness and legality of her father's demands, saying that her getting a job 'is not going to happen'. 'You have to look at my diagnosis,' said Ms Brown who has high-functioning autism and an NDIS carer. Jimmy Sweeten described the family feud and Ms Brown's status as a welfare recipient as 'just embarrassing'. 'Instead of agreeing to her dead dads wishes she turned around and sued her trust,' he said. 'Wed like her to get a job and just contribute to society,' said Mr Sweeten, who runs landscaping business Showtime Lawns. 'She doesnt know the first thing about a hard days work. 'And to have a cousin who has millions at her fingertips sit and take the governments money every week is highly embarrassing and highly un-Australian.' Ms Brown swapped this $6m Darling Point apartment for Mount Druitt, in Sydney's west. She has long been fighting against a clause in her father's trust which says she must get a job Clare Brown grew up as an only child attending elite private girls' school Ascham and travelling the world with her wealthy dad as he made millions on the stock market Ms Brown (right) with wife Lauren Barr. The couple, who are both on welfare with multiple health issues, say they are broke despite Clare's inheritance of millions Clare Brown is an only child and, growing up, she travelled the world with her wealthy dad as he made millions on the stock market. As an adult she said she tried working for Autism Australia, and lasted about an hour training as a barista, surviving on a $500-a-week allowance from her father. She admitted she had gone on the dole while still receiving the $500-a-week, but said it was from necessity and 'financial abuse'. 'I didn't start on Centrelink because I wanted to, my dad kept on cutting me off,' she said. Ms Brown ended up in a cramped rental property in Sydney's 'struggle street' suburb of Mount Druitt four years ago when she was forced to leave her father's $6m apartment with stunning Sydney Harbour views. Ms Brown had been living with her wife Lauren Barr when her father arranged for Benjamin Sweeten to move in rent-free in exchange for renovating the property. Jimmy Sweeten claimed the couple 'trashed' the flat, which Ms Brown denied, adding that 'hes in the lap of luxury in Darling Point. Its infuriating.' Of the fall-out with her first cousins, she said, 'I dont even call them family. We share blood and thats it'. Ben Sweeten is listed as the plaintiff in the looming court hearing over the $12m estate of his late uncle, who Ms Brown must work and contribute to society to inherit the fortune Wife Lauren said Ms Brown's late mother Catherine would 'be devastated to know that this happening from her own nephew'. From the opposing side of the cousins, Jimmy Sweeten said his late uncle 'would be embarrassed. 'Were just at our wits end. We have done nothing but love Clare.' A death notice for Christopher Hylton Brown three years ago reads that he: 'Died peacefully in Melbourne on 19th January 2022. 'He was dearly loved by daughter Clare, late wife Catherine, nephew Benjamin and partner Elizabeth.' The probate stoush is expected to go to court next year. The Louisiana Supreme Court has revived a lawsuit between a middle school librarian and furious parents who accused her of promoting pornography and 'erotic content' to children. Amanda Jones, the school librarian at Live Oak Middle School, sued the Citizens for a New Louisiana, its leader Michael Lunsford, and parent Ryan Thames for defamation in 2022. Her lawsuit, seen by DailyMail.com, claimed they publicly accused her of promoting porn and 'erotic contents' to minors by placing 'inappropriate' books in the 'kid's section' of her library. The controversial books involved in the argument include 'Dating and Sex: A Guide for the 21st Century Teen Boy' by Andrew P. Smiler and 'Let's Talk About It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human' by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan, according to Lunsford. The lawsuit was dismissed that same year, but Jones' appeal reached the state supreme court who overruled the judgment on Friday - sending the case back to the court of appeals to reconsider. 'Before all this, I was just a school librarian, but they wanted to silence me, so I thought I would do the exact opposite and become an activist,' Jones told The New York Times. 'What we're seeing now is full-scale attacks on people's characters if they stand up for books. The hate level and the vitriol is unreal to me.' The ordeal began when Jones spoke out about book bans at the Livingston Parish Library board meeting on July 19, 2022. She immediately faced backlash - and people online started targeting her for 'defending the literature.' Librarian Amanda Jones (pictured) was accused of promoting pornography and 'erotic content' to kids Jones sued Citizens for a New Louisiana its leader Michael Lunsford (pictured) for defamation after they posted on social media claiming she was exposing kids sexualized material At the meeting, a board member expressed her concerns about books for children and teens that had 'inappropriate' content. During the public comment section of the meeting, Jones criticized banning books from the library without naming specific titles. She said: 'Just because you don't want to read it or see it does not give you the right to deny others or demand its relocation. 'If we remove or relocate books with L.G.B.T.Q. or sexual health content, what message is that sending to our community members?' Within days, Jones said her social media was flooded with posts accusing her of sexualizing children. 'Here is Amanda Jones at the Livingston Parish Library board meeting on Tuesday, July 19, 2022,' Citizens for a New Louisiana wrote in a Facebook post provided to Law&Crime. 'Why is she fighting so hard to keep sexually erotic and pornographic materials in the kid's section?' The content in question is so very terrible that The Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA) won't even print it! What kind of influence would she have over what your six-year-old kindergartner sees in your local SCHOOL's library?' Another post accused Jones of 'advocating teaching anal sex to 11-year-olds,' according to The Times. The online abuse triggered Jones to launch the legal battle - as she admitted that two years on, she still can't leave her home to buy groceries because of the alleged defamation. Jones faced backlash from the community when she spoke out about book bans at the Livingston Parish Library board meeting on July 19, 2022 The controversial books included 'Let's Talk About It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human' by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan, including Lunsford Pages in 'Let's Talk About It' depict images of two women being intimate and discussing 'check-in' words Another page includes drawings of genitalia to depict the 'different ways to have sex' The Live Oak Middle School (pictured) librarian faced backlash from the community when she spoke out about book bans at the Livingston Parish Library board meeting on July 19, 2022 Images in 'Let's Talk About It' - one of the allegedly disputed books - include drawings of genitalia and a comic of two women engaging in intimacy discussing 'check-in words' such as 'lubey enough?' and 'I want to change positions.' In the Frequently Asked Questions section of 'Dating and Sex,' the author addresses the length of the average erect penis and masturbation. 'That book is a comic-style book... with vivid depictions of genitalia, the performance of sex acts, as well as instructions for using adult novelty toys,' Lunsford told Law&Crime about 'Let's Talk About It.' 'Louisiana Revised Statute makes clear that most, if not all, of this type of content is clearly not suitable for shelving in the library children's section. 'The fact that anyone would stand up and defend that this material should be in the children's section just blows my mind.' In January, Lunsford told supporters in a fundraising email that Jones had tried to stop them from exposing explicit material being shown to their children. 'To catch you up, when we discovered erotic materials in several local public library children's sections, we got SUED by a librarian,' the email said. 'She wanted the court to issue a gag order to prevent us from telling you about these raunchy materials, how they go there and who was supporting leaving them there.' Jones has gained notoriety since the board meeting including publishing her own memoir Another one of the controversial books included 'Dating and Sex: A Guide for the 21st Century Teen Boy' by Andrew P. Smiler In the Frequently Asked Questions section of 'Dating and Sex,' the author addresses the length of the average erect penis The author said it is not possible to masturbate too much in the Frequently Asked Questions section of 'Dating and Sex' Jones' lawyer, Alysson Mills, told WBRZ they are looking forward to their day in court and presenting the case to a jury. 'I believe a jury of ordinary citizens, whey they hear what happened to her, they would want to hold the defendants accountable. The First Amendment does not protect falsehoods,' Mills said. In a concurring opinion, State Supreme Court Justice Jefferson Hughes said the burden of proof in the case falls on Lunsford and his group. 'If defendants (Lunsford) can prove that plaintiff (Jones) did the things they claim, then the truth is a defense. If they cannot, they have defamed the plaintiff,' Hughes said. 'Defendants have publicly stated that plaintiff 'promot(ed) pornography and erotic contents to kids' and 'advocat(ed) teaching anal sex to 11-year-olds.' If plaintiff did not do these acts, she cannot prove a negative. 'The burden will be on the defendants that plaintiff did in fact do the acts they have publicly accused her of.' Two years later, Jones told the Times she still feels like an outcast in her town and stopped leaving her home to get groceries and go to church. 'I'm the town pariah now,' Jones said. 'I get called a pervert. I can't grocery shop or go to the store without being called names.' One post accused Jones of 'advocating teaching anal sex to 11-year-olds' However, Jones has gained notoriety since the board meeting including awards such as the American Association of School Librarians' Intellectual Freedom Award and the Louisiana Library Association's Alex Allain Intellectual Freedom Award in 2023. During the 2023 National Book Awards Ceremony, Oprah Winfrey praised her and Oprah Daily published an excerpt of Jones newly released memoir, That Librarian, on August. DailyMail.com contacted Jones' attorney for comment. The Post Office should no longer be in charge of the scheme to compensate victims of the Horizon postmaster scandal, MPs have said. Labour MP Liam Byrne, the chair of the Commons Business and Trade Committee warned that too much money was being spent on lawyers. He said the beleaguered Post Office should be taken out of the process because victims were not being compensated quickly enough and the legal bill appears to be racking up all the time. The committee said that the Government should face financial penalties if it does not speed up the rate of payments. In its report on the matter, the MPs said that the redress schemes were poorly designed and payment was not fast enough. The report is published today on the anniversary of the ITV drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office, which brought the scandal to the publics attention. Just 499million of the budgeted 1.8billion has been paid to victims so far, while 14per cent of those who had applied to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) before the original 2020 deadline have still not settled their claims. The committee was also scathing about the fees being paid to lawyers who are responsible for administering the compensation scheme. The wrongful prosecution of more than 900 people was the biggest miscarriage of justice in British legal history (pictured: Alan Bates, former sub-postmaster and founder of Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance leaving Portcullis House in London) Just 499million of the budgeted 1.8billion has been paid to victims so far, while 14per cent of those who had applied to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (pictured: Postmasters accused of theft by Post Office celebrate outside the High Court In London) Mr Byrne said: The fault lies with the Post Office but ultimately Government is the shareholder in the Post Office and acts on our behalf. And so the first thing that needs to happen is we need clear, regular monthly statements from the Post Office about how much theyre actually spending on lawyers, because its incredibly difficult for us to extract the information, and Parliament, frankly, has got the right to know, and so does the public. And I think creating some of that transparency would also just create an incentive for the Post Office to actually get a grip. But then what you need from ministers is really clear instructions to use best endeavours to get the cases settled quickly, because if the lawyers dont have a budget that theyre having to work with, then its obviously in their interest to string the cases out and that would appear to us to be whats going on. Legal firm Herbert Smith Freehills has received 82 million in fees for work so far for its work on the schemes linked to the scandal, the Post Office told the committee in December. It said that legal fees have made up 136 million of the cost of administering the Post Office-led schemes since 2020 - 27per cent of the actual compensation paid out. Post Office minister Gareth Thomas indicated earlier in December that the new Government was considering taking over responsibility for the compensation schemes Mr Byrne added: The legal bill appears to be racking up all the time, so the whole thing is just, frankly, out of control. And when youve got so much being paid to lawyers and so little being paid to victims, then theres only one conclusion you can draw, which is that the system isnt working and it needs to change. The committee has also repeated its call for the Post Office to be removed from its role in the schemes, something the company has previously said it would have no objection to. The last Government warned that designing a new scheme would take months and cost millions which should instead be spent on redress for postmasters. However, Post Office minister Gareth Thomas indicated earlier in December that the new Government was considering taking over responsibility for the schemes from the company. December 31, 2024: In Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, one of the enduring problems since the end of World War II in 1945 is the difficult and often rebellious tribes in the north. One of the more troublesome tribes are the Arakan in northwest Burma. There, Rakhine state has been turning into a war zone where the Arakan are gaming ground as they battled their way south for over five years. The Arakan people are predominant in Rakhine state. Until 1990 this area was called Arakan State. The Arakan militias want their state back and by this year they had taken back most of Rakhine with most of the soldiers defending that area killed or missing. The missing soldiers were usually deserters who changed into civilian clothes and joined the growing number of civilian refugees fleeing the fighting. Myanmar Army efforts to suppress the tribal forces have not only failed but the fighting has spread to most of Rakhine state. Soldiers have been fighting the Arakan Army/AA rebels in the area since mid-2019 and periods of active combat have been increasingly common in the last few months. Not a lot of casualties but enough armed men shooting at each other to make life miserable and the economy weaker. The traditional army tactics initially worked in Rakhine and neighboring Shan states. The usual approach was to use a combination of artillery fire and advancing infantry to push AA rebels away from roads or other areas the army wants to control, at least temporarily. The rebels have adapted to that and taken advantage of growing anger throughout Rakhine state at the army. This is the result of several years of increased violence that is largely the fault of the army. Part of this is due to the army campaign to drive hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Moslems into Bangladesh. Nearly a million Rohingya were pushed out of Rakhine in the past decade, and the government has not cooperated with Bangladesh and the UN to allow the Rohingya to return. That means Rakhine state has lost about 30 percent of its population and nearly all its Moslems. Before all the anti-Rohingya violence started in 2011 Rakhine state had long been the poorest state in Burma. The economic situation got worse and worse through 2018 as the economy of Rakhine state was hurt badly by the population losses and disruption of economic activity in general. While the rest of the country saw an improved economy since democracy returned in 2011, its been quite the opposite in Rakhine and the remaining tribal militias have shown a preference for fighting the army rather than just submitting to the growing poverty and chaos. The violence in Rakhine never escalates into what might be considered heavy combat. It is a war of skirmishes. There have been a lot more skirmishes over a wider area in the last few years. In that time several hundred thousand civilians, mostly rural villagers, have been driven away by the fighting and the army's reliance on lots of firepower. Rakhine state only has about two million people so that many refugees is a heavy burden. The escalation began in mid-2018 as the army increased its efforts to impose control on Rakhine and Chin states along the west coast. A major reason for all this army effort is the army attempts to tax illegal enterprises established by tribesmen. The tribes have been mistreated by the military for so long it is difficult to generate a lot of trust and put an end to the armed resistance. So the army decided to try more emphasis on brute force. This posed some special problems in Rakhine state because of the AA rebels. Unlike most tribal militias in the north, the AA was never given official recognition, in large part because the AA was more of a gangster operation than just tribal rebels. All this police activity was unpopular but at least it was less arbitrary and lawless than what the army does. Soldiers tend to torture and kill people they pick up or kidnap. That sort of behavior has always been illegal but now some violators are prosecuted. AA leaders believe they are winning and have established base camps and a headquarters in Rakhine state. The AA and their ally the KIA/Kachin Independence Army have joined forces to recruit and train local men to resist the army. Together the two rebel groups have over 10,000 armed men. In nearby Shan state, the army has been fighting KIA/Kachin Independence Army forces. Efforts to seize KIA base areas in the forests have failed. The AA and the KIA are long-time allies and have joined forces to recruit and train local men to resist the army. This combined force of over 20,000 well-armed troops is expensive to maintain and the rebels pay for it with all manner of legitimate and illegal money-raising schemes. Absent from the plethora of official documents just released is the embargoed opinion the then prime minister Tony Blair received on the legality of Charles and Camilla marrying in a register office in 2005. Lord Chancellor Charlie Falconer apparently allowed the then Prince of Wales's marriage to proceed, declaring that the 1998 Human Rights Act trumped the ban on royal register office weddings contained in the 1949 Marriages Act. Curiously, Charles once detested the Human Rights Act. When an earlier Lord Chancellor, Derry Irving, pontificated on the act in a letter to him, Charles scrawled 'Rubbish' on it. Presumably he has softened a little since then. Apparently the 1998 Human Rights Act trumped the ban on royal register office weddings contained in the 1949 Marriages Act and allowed Charles and Camilla to be wed At last the curse of performing as Doctor Who has been broken after 15 actors playing the Time Lord were ignored by the Honours Unit. Forty-four years after laying down his sonic screwdriver, Tom Baker, 90, has been given an MBE. Prurient Tom admits to enjoying sexual perks during his stint, adding: 'I was often pulled by women who were keen fantasists. 'The Star Trek women seemed to be very libidinous and extremely forward. But, of course, there were Who fans and Dracula fans and ex-nuns, too, who were all keen to have a slice of me.' Announcing the New Years Honours list, the Cabinet Office press release highlights gongs for Gareth Southgate, Sarah Lancashire and Carey Mulligan. But no mention of London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Is someone, somewhere embarrassed by the reward-for-failure knighthood? The curse of performing as Doctor Who has been broken after 15 actors playing the Time Lord were ignored by the Honours Unit, with Tom Baker having been given an MBE Stephen Fry boasts in his memoir of snorting cocaine in Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Sandringham and Clarence House. He also brags of hoovering up 'the old nose candy' in the House of Commons lavatories. When he gets his knighthood and has his shoulders tapped with a sword, Sir Stephen had better make sure there's no dandruff on his collar. The palace footmen might suspect it's something else. Stephen Fry has previously bragged in his memoirs about his cocaine usage on various royal premises The Split star Stephen Mangan, who announces that he would refuse to accept an honour and bow to King Charles because of his Irish immigrant parents, didn't mind being nicknamed 'Spud' at Cambridge. 'I filed it under 'affectionate' and 'I'm proud to be Irish',' he says. 'I think these days we'd file that under 'casually racist'.' Comedian and actor Stephen Mangan has revealed he would refuse a potential honour due to his Irish parents Romeo and Juliet star Olivia Hussey, who has died at 73, was just 15 when director Franco Zeffirelli selected her to portray Juliet in his 1968 film version. And who did Franco originally audition for the role of Romeo, which was eventually taken by Leonard Whiting? Step forward Beatle Paul McCartney. Macca and Juliet isn't quite what Shakespeare had in mind. QUESTION Are there any rules to determine whether a person is working or middle class? This was neatly summed up in Marty Feldman and John Law's famous Class Sketch for The Frost Report in 1966. It featured a bowler-hatted John Cleese representing the upper class, Ronnie Barker, of average height, as the middle class, and the smaller Ronnie Corbett in cloth cap and smock as the working class. Cleese: 'I have got innate breeding, but I have not got any money. So sometimes I look up (bends knees, does so) to him (Barker).' Barker: 'I still look up to him (Cleese) because although I have money, I am vulgar. But I am not as vulgar as him (Corbett) so I still look down on him.' Corbett: 'I know my place. I look up to them both; but while I am poor, I am industrious, honest and trustworthy. Had I the inclination, I could look down on them. But I don't.' Tim Brooks, Shrewsbury, Shropshire Working class is when your TV is larger than your bookcase. Kevin Roberts, Littlehampton, West Sussex John Cleese, Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett in the classic 1960's comedy sketch, 'Three Ages of Man' The class system is a social construct whereby people are categorised by their education, employment and lifestyle (file image) The class system is a social construct whereby people are categorised by their education, employment and lifestyle. It emerged over time as the shifting needs of society meant that a more educated class was required to manage businesses. The first recorded use of the term 'middle class' is in James Bradshaw's 1745 pamphlet A Scheme To Prevent The Running Of Irish Wools To France. In feudal times there were only two main classes, the landowners and the serfs, who worked the land or were employed as craftsmen. There was a wealthier merchant class but in terms of numbers they were a small minority. Professions such as law, medicine and the church were taken up by the younger sons of the aristocracy who wouldn't inherit land or titles. This was later extended to the officer ranks of the military following the English Civil War. However, as time passed it was necessary to employ people with some education to manage businesses. This led to the founding of 'public' schools to provide education for the clever sons of working-class families. Tomorrow's questions: Question: In a BBC interview, Jack Nicholson stated that he got his start in MGM's animation department. What was it that he did there? Lauren Davies, Worthing, West Sussex Question: Why are a group of employees called 'staff'? Kiran Hurley, Chorley, Lancs Question: As a renowned playwright of his day, did Shakespeare die a wealthy man? Colin Tunstall, Worcester Advertisement These public schools soon became the educational establishments for the elite (Eton, Harrow, Winchester et al) and were replaced by what would one day be called grammar schools. Shakespeare attended such a school in Stratford-upon-Avon. The provision of education of this sort allowed people to obtain the knowledge to enter professions such as teaching, medicine and the law. It also allowed for the introduction of professional managers into commerce and industry. The 'Red Brick' universities, which were established during the Victorian era, provided higher-level education for this class of people. With the higher salaries paid to these people came a new lifestyle built on education, employment and property ownership, and the middle class as we know it emerged. Bob Dillon, Edinburgh QUESTION: We are told that all creatures naturally fear fire. Is there any species that doesn't? A few species exhibit little or no fear of fire, particularly when they associate it with accessing food or habitat advantages. In northern Australia, raptors such as black kites, whistling kites and brown falcons have been observed picking up burning sticks from fires and dropping them into dry fields to spread the fire and flush out prey. The birds then target the small birds, lizards and insects that flee the grasslands. A few species exhibit little or no fear of fire, particularly when they associate it with accessing food or habitat advantages - pictured is a forest fire in Greenwood Lake, New York In the U.S., fire chaser beetles are attracted to fire because they lay their eggs in freshly burned wood. They possess two sensory pit organs on their thorax that contain infrared receptors. Inside each receptor is a small pocket of water that expands when heat is detected, triggering a nervous system response to follow the heat source. A 2012 study examining records from a historic 1925 fire which attracted 'untold numbers' of these beetles showed that many of them came from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, almost 80 miles away. Vic Hanson, Sheringham, Norfolk QUESTION: Why are there so many places in the United States called Manchester? Further to the earlier answer, there is one too many Manchesters for me. Some time ago, I tried to book a room at the Holiday Inn in Manchester (England). What I got was a room at a Holiday Inn in one of America's Manchesters. I didn't get my money back. Emma Harding, Ilkley, West Yorks Supermarket giant Woolworths is re-embracing Australia Day and stocking up on special holiday items ahead of January 26 after being blasted for ditching the national celebration last year. The retailer revealed all its Woolworths and Big W stores will be offering a special 'Perfect for Australia Day' section this month. Although the offerings will be primarily focused on food, customers will also have the chance to pick up an Australian-made Australian or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag while doing their shop. Those keen for additional branded items will be able to find a further selection, including flags, t-shirts, bucket hats, sunglasses and temporary tattoos, on Woolworths' selection of marketplace sellers, My Deal, BIG W Market and Everyday Market. The aboutface comes after the retailer was slammed last January after it shocked customers by announcing it would not be stocking Australia Day merchandise. A Woolworths spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia last year's decision had been driven by 'a decline in demand in our stores' but that the company's outlets will be 'celebrating Australia Day as a team, and with our customers' this time around. 'We listened and recognised that many customers and teams wanted us to do more to help them celebrate the day,' the spokesperson said. 'In our [Woolworths] supermarkets, we will do this through the lens of great Australian food that is perfect for the day, while BIG W will also showcase products perfect for family and friends coming together over the Australia Day long weekend. After a firestorm of protest last year, Woolworths have done a backflip on Australia Day merchandise, selling Australian-made flags in-store. Pictured an Australia Day reveller A Woolworths spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia last year's decision to stop selling Australia Day merchandise was driven by 'a decline in demand in our stores' 'Customers can expect to see 'Perfect for Australia Day' sections in our Supermarkets and BIG W in the lead up to the day.' 'Our store team members are also welcome to celebrate the day in-store.' 'We respect everyone's choices in how they choose to spend the day.' The spokesperson added individual team members were also free to celebrate the day in-store. 'Our position is aligned with the theme for the day from the National Australia Day Council - reflect, respect and celebrate,' they said. The retailer's controversial decision to pull Australia Day merchandise from the shelves last year ended up being extremely divisive. The move resulted in howls of protest from customers, with opposition leader Peter Dutton even calling for a boycott of Woolworths stores. 'I think the customers should have the final say here...and that's why I think people should take their business elsewhere,' Mr Dutton said at the time. Last year's Australia Day debacle eventually led to the resignation of then Woolworths group chief executive Brad Banducci (pictured) Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also weighed in, saying his primary focus focus was on 'making sure that supermarkets do the right thing by their customers at the checkout'. 'Its a day in which we can give respect to First Nations people and acknowledge that its a difficult day for them,' he said. 'But its also a day in which we can reflect on what it means to be an Australian and how we can make the greatest country on Earth even better in the future. 'What I'd say to Australians is that Australia Day is a day in which you should buy Australian buy some of that wonderful lamb.' Woolworths' staff reported receiving a barrage of negative and comments online and abuse from customers in the wake of last year's decision. The Australia Day debacle eventually led to the resignation of then Woolworths group chief executive Brad Banducci. The extravagant expense has been slammed as a waste of money Victorian taxpayers are being forced to fork out almost $40,000 for a new dining table to replace an older, 'uncomfortable' model in the state's parliament house. The eight-seat table, to be made from solid timber, will cost $39,420 to build and has been designed to provide more accessibility for parliamentarians and staff. The construction of the custom-designed furniture has been awarded to local business Steel Road Custom Furniture. Three other furniture suppliers are also understood to have contributed to the construction of the table. The extravagant expense comes as everyday Victorians continue to struggle during the cost of living crisis. The state's Department of Parliamentary Services secretary Trish Burrows defended the cost of the table and the decision to replace the outdated parliamentary furniture. The eight-seat table will be made from solid timber at a cost of $39,420 (pictured stock image) 'The table that was previously in the room was very old and was not a dining table, it had a low apron which meant it was difficult and uncomfortable for many people to sit at,' Ms Burrows told the Herald Sun. 'The table was too large for the room, and it was difficult to manoeuvre around the table, including for serving staff, if the room was at capacity.' Ms Burrows said the new table, which will be located in one of the 'pre-eminent rooms in Parliament House', would be used by staff to conduct parliamentary business. The furniture will also be used to host visiting dignitaries and other public servants. The custom built table will be located in one of the pre-eminent rooms in Parliament House (pictured) Ms Burrows explained the purpose of replacing the outdated furniture was also made to provide an opportunity to promote high quality products produced by local furniture designers. She said the table and chairs would be included in the register of assets of the Parliament of Victoria and would become a heritage item in 30 years. However, the state's shadow parliamentary secretary for scrutiny of government Nick McGowan said the purchase of the table needlessly wastes taxpayer funds. 'I am disgusted at what has happened here how can anyone think it is OK to spend $40,000 dollars of taxpayers' money to replace a perfectly good table with an ugly designer table while Victorians go hungry and homeless in the streets?' Mr McGowan said. The controversial decision to install a custom table comes as the Victorian government's 7.5 per cent tax on short stay bookings comes into effect today. Around 50,000 properties that provide short-term accommodation services will be hit with the additional cleaning and GST charges to start the New Year. It also comes as the state's Labor government continues to trail the Coalition according to a recent RedBridge Poll. The survey, which was conducted between September 26 and October 3, 2024, showed the Coalition ahead of Labor by 51 to 49 on a two party preferred basis. Daily Mail Australia has contacted the office of Victoria's Premier Jacinta Allan for further comment. A Florida mother whose son wandered away from a Marriott hotel and drowned in a retention pond just outside of Walt Disney World has brazenly filed a wrongful death suit against the hotel and its management. Tarina Akbari is seeking more than $50,000 in damages from Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation, Vistana Management Inc, Vistana Development Inc and Vistana Spa Condominium Association Inc. for the July 18 death of her son, Rakim. Officials with the Orange County Sheriff's Office said at the time that the three-year-old autistic boy wandered away from the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, and deputies found his body in a retention pond on the resort grounds a few hours later. But Tarina now claims that the hotel allowed 'dangerous conditions' to persist at the Orlando property 'thereby increasing the risk of drowning posed to children. 'Defendant owed a duty to [Rakim] to exercise reasonable care in keeping its retention ponds in a reasonably safe condition for the safety of all persons lawfully on the premises,' the lawsuit filed on Thursday by the Haggard Law Firm and Ben Crump on behalf of Akbari reads, according to Law & Crime. 'The Defendant breached its non-delegable duty to maintain these premises in a reasonably safe condition,' it continued, alleging that the 'dangerous conditions existed for a sufficient period of time such that a reasonable person and/or corporation, its agents, servants and/or employees knew or should have discovered and corrected.' Tarina Akbari, the mother of three-year-old Rakim Akbari, has brazenly filed a wrongful death suit against a Marriott hotel and its management Orange County Sheriff's officials said Rakim wandered away from the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, and deputies found his body in a retention pond on the resort grounds a few hours later Akbari's lawyers go on to claim that the retention pond was 'only partially secured' and had a 'dangerous side slope, thereby increasing the risk of drowning posed to children on the premises.' They allege the resort companies failed to comply with 'mandatory regulations' relating to the maintenance of the retention pond, including those set forth by the local water management district and Florida administrative code. Resort officials are further accused of failing to maintain the retention pond in 'conformity with the minimum design specifications that were submitted to and approved by the management district.' The suit also calls out resort management for 'failing to actively monitor the retention pond' and 'failing to warn residents and guests that the retention pond was dangerously not in compliance with mandatory safety regulations,' Law & Crime reports. 'Defendant, its agents, servants and/or employees, carelessly and negligently failed to have any procedures governing the maintenance, inspection and supervision of the area where the subject accident occurred,' the lawsuit states. 'As a direct and proximate result of Defendant's negligence, [Rakim Akbari] suffered severe bodily harm, which led to his death.' Akbari claims in her lawsuit that the hotel and its management failed to maintain the retention pond and allowed 'dangerous conditions' to persist Tarina is now seeking damages for 'past and future mental pain and suffering,' past and future loss of Rakim's 'support and services' from the date of his death to his 'statutory survivors,' expenses of his funeral arrangements, loss of his 'prospective net accumulations' and loss of inheritable estate. In a statement to Click Orlando, a spokesperson for Marriott Vacations Worldwide said it was unable to comment on active litigation. But, the spokesperson said, 'We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and send our sincere condolences.' DailyMail.com has also reached out to the law firm representing the resort and its management for comment. Chaos has erupted in a remote South Dakota community where residents live in anticipation for the end of the world after it was revealed to be the subject of dozens of lawsuits, a near-fatal shooting and the center of an FBI investigation. The Vivos xPoint doomsday complex, a former military munitions site located eight miles south of Edgemont, is home to more than 200 people who live in concrete bunkers to seek safety from potential national or global disasters that could endanger society and the world. But a different version of the dreamy self-sustainable lifestyle has emerged in recent months - leaving its residents feeling anything but safe. 'It's been nothing but a nightmare,' 51-year-old David Streeter, a resident of 18-months told South Dakota News Watch. 'We just wanted to get away from the rat race and live peacefully, but obviously that hasn't happened.' The former Black Hills Army Depot munitions storage facility, which has more than 500 above-ground bunkers that resemble earthen igloos, stored the military's conventional and chemical munitions from 1942 to 1967. A new development in 2016 transformed the abandoned base into the survivalist residential community owned and operated by California businessman Robert K. Vicino. But over the past four months, News Watch uncovered at least 16 lawsuits or legal actions that have been filed by residents or former residents against Vicino, Vivos or its subcontractors against former residents and property neighbors. Chaos has erupted in the Vivos xPoint doomsday complex, a former military munitions site located eight miles south of Edgemont that is home to more than 200 people who live in concrete bunkers in anticipation for the end of the world Over the past four months, News Watch uncovered at least 16 lawsuits or legal actions that have been filed by residents or former residents against the complex and its owner California businessman Robert K. Vicino, the owner and operator of the survivalist residential community, attributed the lawsuits surrounding him to 'bad apples' who may have 'their own agenda' while residing in the community In addition, at least two former residents have been interviewed by FBI agents. The lawsuits include eviction disputes, demands for refunds and claims that Vivos failed to deliver amenities, security and services that were promised to its paying residents. Those who wish to own a bunker pay Vivos an up-front lease fee of up to $55,000 including an additional $3,000 for water services. They also pay a monthly fee of $111 for 'common area fees' and an annual $1,124 for a 'ground rent free' to have their bunker ready for them upon arrival. Vivos uses a 99-year-lease agreement, meaning residents do not legally own their own bunkers, and they have to sign a 14-page agreement and an eight-page list of rules to follow within the community. Those who violate the rules or talk to the media about the bunker complex face the possibility of eviction or fines. In one lawsuit, Daniel Sindorf, a former resident, alleged that Vivos misrepresented facts to illegally evict him. In the eviction notice, Vivos claimed that Sindorf pointed a gun at a person - a violation of the lease - while the lawsuit claims that he only pulled his gun to prepare for a possible attack by 'dangerous dogs', and never pointed it at a person. Those who wish to own a bunker pay Vivos an up-front lease fee of up to $55,000 including an additional $3,000 for water services They also pay a monthly fee of $111 for 'common area fees' and an annual $1,124 for a 'ground rent free' to have their bunker ready for them upon arrival - but those who violate the rules or talk publicly about the complex face threats of eviction The lawsuit demanded that Sindorf and his wife be refunded the majority of their up-front lease fee and their monthly fees that were supposed to go toward amenities and services that were never actually provided. Another former resident, Brandon Elliott, also claimed that his bunker was leased to a new resident after he was illegally evicted following a $15,000 home improvement project. 'There have been so many people in my situation,' Elliott told News Watch. 'As soon as there's a problem and they complain, they get pushed out illegally and their bunkers are resold.' Wayne Corriea, one of the community's first residents who formally worked as security for Vivos, said that Vicino is an unethical businessman who takes questionable actions against anyone who decides to challenge him. 'I won't torment, harass or intimidate people, and I won't do anything that I feel is wrong,' Corriea said. 'So several times I disagreed with him, and I wouldn't do stuff, and I think that caused a lot of issues with him and me because he wanted me to lie for him, but not to him,' he added. In response to the lawsuits and complaints surrounding himself and Vivos, Vicino attributed the growing situation to 'bad apples' who may have 'their own agenda' while residing in the community. The former Black Hills Army Depot munitions storage facility, which has more than 500 above-ground bunkers that resemble earthen igloos, stored the military's conventional and chemical munitions from 1942 to 1967 The lawsuits include eviction disputes, demands for refunds and claims that Vivos failed to deliver amenities, security and services that were promised to its paying residents 'There is a group of disgruntled people, they call themselves the pioneers, and you know, they seem to have nothing better to do but to complain,' Vicino told the outlet. Custer attorney J. Scott James, who is litigating several lawsuits related to Vivos, said that the entire situation seems like an 'inequitable relationship'. 'If it's truly a 99-year-lease, and you're evicting my client in year three or four and they've prepaid 95 years of lease money, then you should have to give it back - at least a prorated amount,' James argued. FBI agents from the San Diego office have also been said to have interviewed at least two residents - both Streeter and Elliott. Elliott said that he was interviewed this past November in relation to Vicino 'dealing with problems in an illegal way'. Streeter said that he had also been interviewed twice by agents since November in regards to leases and financial dealings within the complex as well as other allegations related to Vicino. Although Vicino told the outlet that he wasn't aware of the FBI inquiries, he welcomes any investigation. 'I welcome it, good, come talk to me,' Vicino said. 'We love being vetted because as far as we know, we're all by the book.' Brandon Elliott, a former resident, claimed that his bunker was leased to a new resident after he was illegally evicted following a $15,000 home improvement project Wayne Corriea, one of the community's first residents who formally worked as security for Vivos, said that Vicino is an unethical businessman who takes questionable actions against anyone who decides to challenge him Streeter - an Army veteran who was injured during his service in Bosnia - abandoned his traditional life to relocate to the prepper community with his wife and daughter. His goal was to leave his former life of stress, expenses and restrictions of the modern world and protect his family from a possible apocalypse or some other event that could threaten the course of mankind. But after only living in the community for a little over a year, he found himself in a situation where a life of worry and danger - things he specifically sought to avoid - crept up on his family. He initially began to contact Vivos management to complain that his septic system at the bunker wasn't functional and that the tires on his truck had been destroyed by nails and railroad spikes within the road gravel. Streeter asked to be compensated for the tires and have Vivos pay to repair the septic system. He also made extensive allegations regarding how the complex was being run and how resident money was being spent. In August, the father shot a Vivos contract employee at close range after he claimed the man had threatened his family. He claimed that the employee would drive by his home and give him the middle finger or take videos of him, his home and his family. Streeter also claimed that the employee ran him and his wife off the roadway several times - but the dangerous behavior only continued after he complained to management. He claimed that his fears intensified in August when his adult daughter and young children moved into the property. That's when he tracked down the employee, pulled him other and reached into his truck - grabbing his shirt and warning him to stay away from his family. But awhile later, another contract employee drove up to his bunker and began to threaten him - at which point he pulled out his handgun and fired a single shot to his chest. No charges were ever filed in the case or in another fatal shooting involving Streeter in Montana in 2010 - but he was charged with one count of simple assault for the earlier confrontation. 'It's like they think, "If we don't see any problems, they're not there,"' Streeter said. 'All we need is for someone to take an interest and do something. All of this has happened down here, and I've reported it to every entity I can find, everybody that should have authority over it, and nothing has been done to help me or all these other people being hurt down here.' He and his wife, Katja, were evicted from their bunker and now reside in a cramped home consisting of one hot shower with nine other adults and children - a home located not too far from the Vivos complex. Another lawsuit demands that a former resident and his wife be refunded the majority of their up-front lease fee and their monthly fees that were supposed to go toward amenities and services that were never actually provided Other court filings are related to up-front payment for the bunker leases and projects that seem to take years to be completed - despite having to continue to pay for the monthly common area fees But Streeter said that even after moving out of the remote community, the subcontractor he shot - who is a convicted felon known to carry guns - frequently drives by or parks outside the house where they now live. 'I think Mr. Streeter came here with a lot of hope about how his life would be when he got here, and I think that he's frustrated and disappointed with the way his interactions with Vivos have gone, and that he certainly didn't expect to be in the middle of a shooting match with an employee,' James said about his client. 'He didn't expect to be fearful for his safety and his life at all times and has to basically guard himself 24 hours a day to keep everything from being taken from him,' he added. Both he and his wife are the plaintiffs in a handful of lawsuits related to their eviction, the shooting, a protection order request against him and small claims cases. At least three current and former residents told the outlet they they were also concerned about two on-site subcontractors with criminal records. Kelly Anderson, one worker on the property, served prison time in 2006 after a felony armed robbery conviction. In response to residents distaste with the complex's employees, Vicino acknowledged that he may be a convicted felon but 'that doesn't mean he doesn't serve society and that he's upstanding at this time.' Other court filings are related to up-front payment for the bunker leases and projects that seem to take years to be completed. At least three current and former residents told the outlet they they were also concerned about two on-site subcontractors with criminal records David Streeter, another former resident, abandoned his old life to relocate to the complex with his family for stability and safety - but shot an employee after he claimed that he's been threatening he and his family Several amenities - which are all listed on a large sign at the complex entrance - include things such as a gym, general store, community theater, medical clinic, woodworking shop and restaurant. But residents are claiming to be frustrated over the length of time it takes to begin building the promised amenities - even though they must continue to pay for the monthly common area fees. 'Stuff just doesn't get done,' said one 70-year-old former resident. 'And when you complain to Robert about it, he isn't going to help you, you're on your own,' they added. 'So people feel betrayed.' James added how his clients are disappointed that they have ended up in court after making the fundamental commitment to uproot themselves and find stability in another way of life. 'What's being sold to them is essentially that they have this great, sustainable community of like-minded people that they'll be able to thrive in. And I think that's what a lot of people came here for,' James said. 'And I think some of them still hope it can be that. But I think that they all, over time, have lost confidence in that vision of what this was supposed to be.' Yet throughout all of the chaos, Vicino said that he has found great success in leasing the bunkers - making the project highly successful and profitable. Yet throughout all of the chaos, Vicino said that he has found great success in leasing the bunkers to like-minded people - making the project highly successful and profitable Additionally, he stated that the complex has evolved into a thriving community of like-minded people - most of whom are happy to live there. 'I know all the gripes... But you cannot respond to unreasonable gripes,' Vicino said. 'I can point to hundreds of others that will say, "Yeah, we love it. We love what you're doing and how you're doing it,"' he added. 'We do exactly what the lease says... There's nothing criminal here, there's nothing under cloak, it's all right out there and it's all justified.' Unexpected change has been caused by an organic compound Millions of frustrated Aussies have finally found out the real reason their tap water has suddenly become 'undrinkable' - and it's down to the recent wet weather. Queenslanders across several regions, including the densely populated Brisbane, Ipswich and Logan areas, have all complained about the taste, smell and colour of their water over the past week. South East Queensland Water, also known as Seqwater, issued a notice on Tuesday advising residents that the issue has been caused by naturally occurring compounds known as Methylisoborneol (MIB). The material, which was detected in the Mount Crosby Water Treatment Plant, has formed due to heavy rainfall and hot weather conditions across parts of the Sunshine State. 'Customers should begin to notice the taste and odour of their tap water beginning to return to normal over the coming days,' the notice read. 'We can assure residents the treated water supplied from Mount Crosby Water Treatment Plant remains safe to drink and use as normal. 'These compounds are filtered out through the water treatment process, but sometimes, it can temporarily affect the taste and may smell earthy or grassy directly from the tap.' Councils have been scrambling to find a solution to ensure the residents have access to enough water over the steamy summer period. Millions of frustrated Aussies across Queensland have complained about the taste of 'undrinkable' tap water across parts of Queensland (pictured stock image) Logan mayor John Raven said the capacity of the water at the local desalination plant had been increased to help meet the demand. 'In response to concerns raised by residents all over the region, they (South East Queensland Water) have now increased the desalination plant output to full, and have lowered production from the Mt Crosby Water Treatment plant to dilute the water,' he said. 'This will mean you should notice a change in flavour and odour soon - however, it may get worse as it gets better in some parts of the network as the earthy tasting water is pushed through the network.' Several residents took to social media to vent their frustration over the issue and revealed they had turned to consuming bottled water instead. 'Don't care what you say, Seqwater, doesn't seem safe to drink if my nose and taste buds are telling me otherwise,' one person wrote. The material, which was detected in the Mount Crosby Water Treatment Plant, has formed due to heavy rainfall and hot weather conditions across parts of the state (pictured a flooded road in Queensland) 'It tastes and smells terrible, undrinkable,' another person said. The notice also stated that Seqwater was working around the clock to ensure large quantities of water was moved to the SEQ Water grid. The move would help increase the flow of water and help improve the taste. 'We have also increased monitoring of the water catchment and throughout the treatment processes,' the notice read. 'The water will return to its usual taste, potentially over the coming days, pending weather conditions.' Residents who were sensitive to the taste of water have been advised to cool the liquid to reduce the earthy taste. MIB is a naturally occurring compound that is produced by blue or green algae in raw water storages such as dams and weirs. The substance can also be produced by bacteria in water and soil. MIB doesn't pose a risk to public health and once drinking water that contains the compound is treated it is safe to consume. A Horizon Air flight was forced to return to an Alaska airport on Christmas Eve, after the plane struck an eagle - just days after another bird strike in South Korea left 179 people dead. Alaska Airlines officials, which owns Horizon Air, told NBC News Horizon Air Flight 2041 took off at noon on December 24 and soon 'the crew reported a bird strike.' The flight to Fairbanks then turned around, and arrived back at Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage about half an hour later. 'The captain and first officer are trained for these situations and landed the aircraft safely without any issue,' a spokesperson for the airline noted. 'No emergency was declared.' Passengers were then put on another aircraft at the airport to continue their trip to Fairbanks, as the plane was removed from service for inspection. It has since returned to service, according to NBC News. '[It's a] Christmas Eve story,' passenger Michelle Tatela told KTUU in the aftermath. 'We're like, "Only in Alaska do you have to wait for a new plane, cause there was an eagle flying with you."' Horizon Air Flight 2041 was forced to return to an airport in Anchorage, Alaska on Christmas Eve after it struck an eagle. The airline is owned and operated by Alaska Airlines It returned to the Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage just about half an hour after it took off She recounted how they were only in the air for a few minutes, when the captain said they were turning back 'out of an abundance of caution.' It was only after the plane landed that the passengers learned the plane struck an eagle - the same day President Joe Biden signed a law establishing the bald eagle as the official bird of the United States. 'The eagle survived at that time,' said Tatela, whose mother and sister were visiting from Chicago. 'And there were a bunch of police cars around the plane.' She said that it would have been 'a scarier situation' to see all the emergency vehicles if she had not known that the return was just because the plane hit a bird, which was being taken to an eagle hospital with a broken wing. 'Everybody was really excited that they said the eagle had been removed and he was going to the sanctuary,' Tatela recounted. 'We're hoping for a happier ending for the eagle, but it's a jet, so there's that.' Unfortunately, the eagle suffered a fracture in its left wing that was too great for rehabilitation, and it was euthanized upon arrival, Bird Treatment and Learning Center Executive Director Laura Atwood said. Meanwhile, Tatela said she and her family finally arrived in Fairbanks about four hours later than scheduled. Passenger Michelle Tatela (center) told how they only learned the plane struck an eagle after the plane landed safely back at the airport Still, the situation ended better than it did for the passengers of a Jeju Air plane that skidded off the runway in the town of Muan, slammed into a concrete barrier and burst into flames on Sunday. 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. Pilots explained that the jet likely lost power on at least one engine and suffered a hydraulic failure after the plane struck a bird. After abandoning a first landing attempt due to a loss of power, the pilots touched down on the runway at a high rate of speed on their second attempt - without extending the flaps and deploying speed brakes that would normally slow the plane down. On December 30, a South Korean plane struck a bird, causing it to crash during landing and killing 179 people on board The thrust reverser, used to slow down the aircraft once on the ground, was also 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, the pilots explained. Leading air safety expert David Learmount also 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,' Learmount said. The head of the National Border Patrol Council is warning Democrats that Donald Trump is going to keep his promises on mass deportations to clean up the border. NBPC president Paul Perez, who endorsed Trump in October, represents over 18,000 who work at protecting America at the border. Trump made a key element of his platform a multi-billion dollar mass deportation plan targeting the millions of people residing in the US illegally. In an interview, Perez said the leaders in Democrat cities in states who have promised resistance should stand back and let the president-elect do what he promised. 'They're going to do the job of protecting Americans,' he said of the Trump Administration, which includes 'Border Czar' Tom Homan and Interior Secretary nominee Kristi Noem. 'And so it would be incumbent upon those sanctuary cities and jurisdictions to understand one thing: Federal law supersedes state law. Any municipality, anybody that's going to get in the way is going to be dealt with.' He further advised that Trump had made a promise to the voters that he was going to get this done no matter the cost. 'They need to take this incoming administration at its word because they're going to have some of the best legal minds working within the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. So it's not something that they're taking lightly. They're going to do the job.' The head of the National Border Patrol Council is warning Democrats that Donald Trump is going to keep his promises on mass deportations to clean up the border Democrats nationwide have made exaggerated promises of how they plan to resist the Trump agenda. California Governor Gavin Newsom has demanded the state 'Trump-proof' its laws after Trump won a second term. A spokesperson for Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro told Newsweek he will 'never back down from defending Pennsylvanians' fundamental freedoms.' Mayor of Denver Mike Johnston has warned that potential resistance to Trump's proposed immigration policies could compare to the infamous 1989 Tiananmen square protests in China. Johnston has said he's ready and willing to be arrested for defying the incoming administration. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently said he would uphold his state's sanctuary policies and declared that: 'If you come for my people, you come through me'. Meanwhile, the city of Los Angeles reaffirmed its sanctuary status on Tuesday, with Mayor Karen Bass declaring that 'immigrant protection make our communities stronger and our city better'. Trump clinched the presidential election after a campaign that promised large-scale deportations of undocumented migrants and a return to fast-tracked deportations to Mexico, in addition to halting entries across the US border with Mexico. Trump made a key element of his platform a multi-billion dollar deportation plan targeting the millions of people residing in the US illegally Trump clinched the presidential election after a campaign that promised large-scale deportations of undocumented migrants and a return to fast-tracked deportations to Mexico, in addition to halting entries across the US border with Mexico The president-elect's proposed immigration policies also include ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. During his previous administration, between 2017 and 2021 Trump put in place policies that left hundreds of thousands of migrants stranded in camps along the Mexican border, reshaping U.S. immigration politics. More than 3,000 Mexican migrants were pictured marching towards America on Election Day earlier this month after Trump vowed to carry out 'the largest deportation operation' in American history'. US Border Patrol was aware the election could trigger mass migrations of asylum seekers, according to sources who told that the migrants wanted to arrive in the country as 'one last f*** you to America' before Trump takes office. 'Border Czar' Tom Homan said all people residing in the US illegally would be targeted by the campaign, noting: 'Bottom line: if you come to the country illegally, you're not off the table.' Homan, who was head of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump's first stint in the White House, said he would revive the president elect's 'remain in Mexico' program, in which Mexicans would have their asylum applications processed on their side of the border. He also promised to close the southern border and build a wall - another flagship Trump pledge. Trump has vowed to tackle migrant gangs using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 - which allows the federal government to round up and deport foreigners belonging to enemy countries - as part of a mass deportation drive he christened 'Operation Aurora.' Aurora was the scene of a viral video showing armed Latinos rampaging through an apartment block that spurred sweeping, false narratives about the town being terrorized by Latin American migrants. California police discovered a monkey traveling in a Rolls-Royce Ghost when they stopped the vehicle on suspicion of drunk driving. California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers in Madera County stopped the luxury vehicle for traveling at an 'excessive speed' on Highway 99 on Monday night, according to the authorities. The driver, Ali Mused Adelmuhomed, was detained for driving under the influence and possession of cannabis for sale. Before his arrest, police found the adorable one-month-old spider monkey wearing a pink polka-dotted shirt in the reckless driver's jacket pocket. 'Some next level monkey business!' the CHP wrote in a Facebook statement. It is illegal to own primates in California, so police tacked on a charge of possession of an exotic animal. The small monkey was taken by Animal Control to receive proper care and Adelmuhomed was booked at the Madera County Jail. 'With New Years in a few hours, CHP Madera reminds everyone to celebrate,' the CHP said. Ali Mused Adelmuhomed was arrested on Monday after being pulled over for speeding The driver now faces several charges, including driving under the influence and possession of an exotic animal The luxury vehicle Adelmuhomed got pulled over in is worth about $400,000 and has been towed The Rolls Royce, valued at more than $400,000, was towed, according to KFDM. The CHP's post about the arrest sparked hundreds of online reactions, with many gushing over the culprit's 'little friend.' 'Awwww I'll take him love monkeys,' one user reacted. Another chimed in: 'Omg the monkey is so cute!!' 'I want oneeeee,' someone added. This bizarre incident comes a little over a month after an influencer was arrested for a Texas DUI crash with her pet spider monkey in the car. Fashion influencer Brandi Botello had her three-month-old furry friend taken away after she wrecked her car with him inside. Police found an adorable one-month-old spider monkey in the reckless driver's pocket The small monkey was taken by Animal Control to receiver proper care Named Jorgie Boy, the spider monkey was taken to Funky Monkey Ranch near Burleson after the accident, where staff said he had rickets. He weighs just six pounds - half what a spider monkey his age should - and had tiny fractures in his bones due to the metabolic bone disease caused by poor nutrition. Botello begged police to give Jorgie Boy back after Dallas police found them in a car wreck on the early morning of November 9. Jorgie Boy was sleeping on her lap when the vehicle hit the curb so hard its wheels flew off, but the monkey was not injured from the impact. She said: 'These past few days have been the hardest days of my life, I'm devastated. I can't eat, I can't sleep, I can't sit still. 'I'm so used to waking up every morning with him hugging my face we do everything together we share food, we take baths together I'm willing to keep trying my hardest to get him back home. 'It breaks my heart knowing his probably caged up when he's never been in one before he's with me 24/7.' The driver was also charged with possession of cannabis for sale and taken to the Madera County Jail Botello faced being charged with a DUI, but claimed it was a 'very drunk' young man who was behind the wheel and she moved to the driver's seat moments before police arrived. Botello admitted she was drunk and passed out in the passenger seat and shouldn't have put herself or Jorgie Boy in that situation, but called it 'one mistake.' Dallas police gave the monkey to the City of Irving, where Botello lives, which transferred him to a wildlife sanctuary. Botello has been fighting to try and get him back. January 1, 2025: At a high school in the northwestern city of Arkhangelsk, high school students have been using 3-D printers to produce grenade components for Russian soldiers in Ukraine. The government is encouraging Russian civilians to help out any way they can to provide Russian soldiers equipment and components they need. The Russians are emulating what the Ukrainians were doing even before the war started, especially when it came to homemade drones. Children make weapons components and adults are encouraged to collect winter clothing and other equipment for soldiers. Calling on civilians to supply the troops that the government cant afford to provide is traditional in Russia. Local and Republic governments in 2022 and 2023 had to supply uniforms and equipment for raw recruits from their areas. Government-supplied equipment is subject to loss or substituting inferior items because of corruption. All of this is a desperate effort to close the capability gap between Russian forces and those of the NATO coalition. One reason Russia is still fighting in Ukraine is to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. Russian military experts believe that the American and NATO military superiority over Russia is greater than it was during the Cold War. That explains why many Russians support Russia threatening to use its nuclear weapons and special operations subterfuge and deception forces to achieve anything against foreign enemies. While this has proved to be useful in explaining how the current Russian government will somehow do the impossible and rebuild the ancient Russian empire, it has not worked in practice. Despite that, the current Russian leadership has kept trying. In 2014 Russian leaders began using a new term, New Russia, to describe what they were doing in Ukraine and, without saying so, planned to do elsewhere. The objective was to restore the old Russian Empire built by the czars over several centuries, taken over by the communists in the 1920s and then lost by the communists in 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. This caused half the Soviet population to leave for newly formed, or re-formed, nations. Current Russian leaders, especially Vladimir Putin, are quite explicit in describing this loss of empire as the greatest tragedy of the 20th century. Many Russians agree, although most of the people in the 14 new nations created from the wreckage of that empire do not. Nor do most Russian neighbors. Officially Russia denies all this ill will but the restoration of the centuries old Russian Empire remains a popular goal among Russians, whether the state controlled media puts a spotlight on that or not. Ukraine was always a key component of that empire and Russians wants it back. To do that the cost, in political, financial and military terms has, so far, been higher than expected. While rebuilding the empire is popular inside Russia it has terrified and united the rest of Europe and led to a growing militarization effort. Russias economy cannot match the rest of Europe and as Europe revives its military power Russia will be at a disadvantage there as well. While Russia has nuclear weapons, so does France and Britain. Then there is the United States which has the largest GDP on the planet as well as nuclear weapons, large armed forces and is the primary supplier of weapons for Ukraine. Meanwhile Russia has a very embarrassing problem in the former parts of the Soviet Union that were not mainly Slavs. This means Central Asia where the locals, mainly Turkic and other non-Slavs always resented Russian domination. The ethnic Russian minority left in the 1990s and now the number of locals who can speak Russian is rapidly shrinking. Since the early 1990s, these unwilling provinces of the former Russian empire have lost between a third and half of their Russian speakers. Next to Poland there are the Baltic States where the favorite second language is now English while in the east it is Chinese and English. During the Soviet years the majority of the locals could speak or at least understand some Russian. The speed with which that disappeared was amazing, and demoralizing for Russians. Russia still has a lot of non-Slav minorities and these minorities have higher birth-rates than the ethnic Russians. For centuries Russia, which was rebranded as the Soviet Union in the early 1920s, was considered a threat to its neighbors in part because of its larger population. But since the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991 the remaining Russian population has been in decline. Twenty years after the Soviet Union collapsed, the Russian population implosion was getting worse. Currently Russia has the 11th largest economy in the world but without more local or foreign investments and fewer sanctions the economy will shrink. Meanwhile the workforce is also disappearing as couples are not having enough children. Poverty rates fell from 29 percent of the population in 2000 to just under 12 percent in 2012 and 11 percent in 2024. A major reason for the change was the collapse of world oil prices in 2013 when it went from 166 dollars a barrel to $44 dollars in 2016 and $23 in 2020. At the end of 2024 it was $70 a barrel. That spotlights another economic problem, expanding non-oil and gas industries so Russia can cover its oil production costs, which are currently $69 dollars a barrel. The government insists that growing international sanctions, imposed because of Russian aggression in Ukraine, are manageable. But many of the economic experts on the government payroll disagree and as long as they disagree only with the handful of officials who make the final decisions, they keep their jobs. Details of these disagreements eventually leak out and disclose the obvious problem with the government promising more than the current economy can provide. Increasing taxes is difficult because it creates unpopular increases in the cost of living at a time when more people have less to spend. Another contentious issue is popular demand that the government go after the many businesses that evade taxes, often on a massive scale. This is possible because there are so many corrupt officials and a tolerance for the use of gangster-style violence to intimidate officials into going along with criminal scams. The government prefers short term fixes that create long term problems. Most of the Russians this policy hurts have not been born yet so this approach tends to be favored by rulers who are willing to sacrifice the future to preserve the current power. For Russia this policy seems to be leading to Russia falling apart rather than rebuilding the old empire. The core problems for Russia are lack of maintenance of, well, everything, and the widespread corruption which limits the formation of new businesses as well as discouraging investments in current or new businesses by both foreign and Russian investors. In addition Russia is becoming more dependent on oil and gas exports. These commodities are suffering from falling prices and increased foreign competition. Unlike Western politicians, who have less corruption and vigorous growing economies, Russia lacks the potential for turning its current dilemma around. As more Russians become aware of that they will, as they did in the late 1980s, they seek other solutions. Cases of whooping cough have exploded to the highest rate in more than a decade across Queensland with young children affected the most by the deadly infection. The number of infections skyrocketed to a massive 14,783 cases in the Sunshine State in 2024 according to the latest figures from Queensland Health. The figure is well above the 11,868 cases that was registered in 2014 and it is 16 times higher than the 928 infections that were detected in 2023. The staggering statistics comes as vaccination rates drop across Australia and the end of Covid-19 advertising encouraging hand hygiene and wearing a mask. Mater Health infectious disease director Paul Griffin said that while it was not uncommon for whopping cough outbreaks to occur, the sudden increase in cases was alarming. 'There's additional factors. Part of it is declining vaccination rates ... and we've seen both the childhood and maternal vaccination rates drop off in recent times,' Mr Griffin told Brisbane's Courier Mail newspaper. 'I think the other factor is that for a few years at least we did all the right things and some additional things to mitigate the risk of infectious disease and that probably reduced those numbers for a little while.' Across Queensland there were 90.8 per cent of one-year-olds, who were vaccinated against the respiratory infection, as of September 2024. Cases of whooping cough have exploded to the highest rate in more than a decade across Queensland with young children affected the most (pictured stock image) The figure represents a 3.6 per cent decrease from the 94.4 per cent of one-year-olds, who were vaccinated at the end of 2018, according to figures from Queensland Health. An infant in Queensland died in November after contracting the contagious disease. Fewer pregnant women have also received their vaccination with 70.7 per cent receiving the treatment in 2023 compared to 77.2 per cent in 2020. Figures from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance reveals vaccine coverage among children across the country also declined overall in 2023. Infants aged 12 months had a vaccination coverage of 92.8 per cent in 2023 compared to 93.3 per cent in 2022. More than 41,000 whooping cough cases were recorded in Australia as of November 2024, The Guardian reports. The staggering statistics comes as vaccination rates drop across Australia (pictured stock image) Queensland Health Communicable Diseases Branch Executive Director Dr Heidi Carroll urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against the disease. 'This disease can be life-threatening for young children, with most hospitalisations and deaths related to whooping cough occurring in babies less than six months old,' Dr Carroll said. 'Vaccination is the most effective way to control whooping cough and is an important step towards reducing the risk associated with whooping cough infection and keeping more people safe from the disease.' Dr Carroll said it was crucial for pregnant women to be vaccinated against the infection to ensure infants and toddlers are protected. 'Vaccinating pregnant women reduces the risk of babies contracting whooping cough by 75 per cent and also reduces the risk of serious illness avoiding hospitalisation,' Dr Carroll said. Queensland Health Communicable Diseases branch executive director Dr Heidi Caroll (pictured) urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against the disease The whooping cough vaccine is available for free for children aged 18 months, 2, 4 and 6 under the National Immunisation Program. Pregnant women are also eligible to receive the free dose and children and young adults aged 12-19 are also eligible to receive the vaccine. Booster doses are recommended 10 years after vaccinations. Whooping cough is a serious infection that is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Common symptoms include a cough, runny nose and sneezing before patients experience regular bouts of intense and heavy coughs. The infection can cause pneumonia, brain damage and occasionally death. The disease is dangerous for babies, however the infection can affect people at any age. Self-driving taxi company Waymo has revealed what would happen if a passenger passes out drunk in one of its vehicles, as many New Years Eve revelers across the San Francisco Bay Area may opt to use one to get home safely. The vehicles will first sense that something is wrong if nobody opens the door when the robotaxi reaches its destination, a spokesperson for the California-based company told the San Francisco Chronicle. When that happens, the car's many cameras will spring into action. The cameras, which use a machine-learning model trained on 'specific real time cases,' are able to determine whether a passenger is incapacitated, the spokesperson said, noting that they are also able to detect if someone is smoking inside the vehicle or not wearing a seatbelt. At that point, one of the company's human employees would take a look. Most of the staff members can only see a 'blurred vision' of the car's interior through the cameras, but a small number of authorized employees can view an uncensored live feed, the spokesperson explained. If both the robotaxi and the human employee agree the rider is passed out drunk, one of Waymo's 'rider support agents' would reach out 'after a while' using the car's customer service interface to ask the rider if they need help. If the passenger still doesn't respond, the agent will contact emergency personnel. Self-driving taxi company Waymo has revealed what would happen if a passenger passes out drunk in one of its vehicles New Years Eve revelers across the San Francisco Bay Area may opt to use one of the vehicles This scenario has not yet taken place in San Francisco, Fire Department Lt. Mariano Elias told the outlet. He noted that fire crews have responded to other Waymo-related calls, like when a teenager allegedly set fire to one of the vehicle in February or when a man stalled the self-driving vehicles to talk to a woman inside - but thus far no calls about passed out passengers. By contrast, Elias said it is 'pretty common' for the fire department to receive a call from an Uber or Lyft driver about a passenger passed out in a vehicle, especially on New Years Eve. But if the fire department did receive a report of someone incapacitated in the robotaxi, first responders would do what they normally do - assess the situation and provide medical help if necessary. The only difference with a Waymo, Elias said, might be that a company employee would have to unlock the car's doors remotely to let fire personnel in. 'Worst case scenario, we'll break the window,' Elias said. It is unclear how often intoxication-related incapacitation occurs in one of the self-driving cars, but the spokesperson said it happened 'infrequently in the context of the over 150,000 trips served each week across our markets.' Waymo currently operates in San Francisco, and expanded its operation to nearby cities in August. San Francisco Fire Department Lt. Mariano Elias said it is 'pretty common' for the department to receive a call from an Uber or Lyft driver about a passenger passed out in a vehicle, especially on New Years Eve The precautions come as drunk driving deaths hit the highest level in 15 years, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In December 2022, the last year for which data is available, 1,062 people died in drunk-driving related crashes - the most since 2007. Waymo now has partnerships with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Students Against Destructive Decisions to help dissuade people who have been drinking from getting behind the wheel. '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.' A huge show of fireworks lit up Big Ben in spite of storm warnings that forced many displays to be axed today, with many fans left stunned by a 'world-first' Paddington Bear cameo appearance within the London Eye. The beloved bear's appearance at London's New Year fireworks thrilled fans but left many wondering about how it all worked and what the cost was. This year millions watching at home on the BBC were treated to a world-first use of hologauze animations to celebrate the new year. These created holographic illusions of British icons and memorable events as the fireworks were taking place. The special animations included the London Eye being filled with the Union flag in honour of the 80th anniversary of D-Day last year, Olympic medals to celebrate the success of Team GB at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, and wishing a happy upcoming 25th birthday to the London Eye. It also featured the world-first special appearance from Paddington Bear. Hologauze is a specialised projection screen designed to create holographic effects. It's a patented gauze that is coated with a highly reflective silver metallic layer. A huge show of fireworks lit up Big Ben in spite of storm warnings that forced many displays to be axed today, with many fans left stunned by a 'world-first' Paddington Bear cameo It also featured the world-first special appearance from Paddington Bear Fireworks light up the sky around the London Eye to celebrate the New Year in London The unique design allows the gauze to effectively reflect projected images or animations while simultaneously allowing the visibility of objects located behind it. 'No matter what happens, London will always be a city of hope and a home for everyone,' Paddington Bear, voiced by Ben Whishaw, said in a special appearance during the fireworks display. Taking to X, one person said: 'Just takes seeing Paddington for three seconds and I burst into tears'. 'The chokehold Paddington has on this country is hilarious to me,' another added. A third posted: 'You can always rely on Paddington to start the year with hope and sincerity.' But some were confused as to the mechanics behind the display. One said: 'Trying to figure out how they're projecting stuff into the empty space in the middle of the London Eye.' It also featured a reference to Charli XCX's viral 'brat summer' which captured millions of young people on social media in 2024. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: 'It's fantastic to welcome 2025 with our biggest and best-ever New Year's Eve celebrations. Around 100,000 Londoners and visitors joined together on the banks of the Thames for an unforgettable night of fireworks, lighting and music, while millions at home were able to see our world-first use of hologram animations to celebrate the new year. Some were confused as to the mechanics behind the display Fireworks light up the sky over the London Eye London Eye in central London during the New Year celebration 'From honouring the heroes of the D-Day landings to Paddington Bear celebrating our capital's diversity, I'm proud that we sent a message of hope and love to the world, as we build a better London for everyone.' The fireworks culminated in a golden extravaganza of sparkles illuminating the sky above London, with Paddington signing off the show by saying: 'As you enter the new year, always remember [...]: In London, everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in. Happy New Year.' Thousands stood along the Embankment of the Thames to watch a spectacular fireworks display around the London Eye. The annual showstopper saw around 100,000 ticketholders unite on the banks of the River Thames to witness the capital's biggest-ever celebration of fireworks, lighting and music, with many millions watching from homes around the globe. More than 12,000 fireworks and 420 lights lit up the sky around the London Eye as the eyes of the world watched London's unforgettable show, set to a soundtrack of songs for people to dance the cold away and voice-over clips. The iconic celebration, which began with Big Ben's renowned chimes, is shown live to many millions around the world and tens of millions more on social media, boosting London's economy and providing an incredible global advert for our tourism industry. LONDON: Fireworks explode in the sky around the London Eye and The Elizabeth Tower, commonly known by the name of the clock's bell, 'Big Ben', at the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament, in central London, at midnight LONDON: Fireworks light up the sky over Elizabeth Tower, also known as Big Ben, and the London Eye in central London during the New Year celebrations LONDON: Fireworks explode in the sky around the London Eye and The Elizabeth Tower, commonly known by the name of the clock's bell, 'Big Ben', at the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament, in central London, just after midnight on January 1, 2025 Last year, the BBC's coverage was the most watched TV programme in the UK, with many millions more watching on the iPlayer and online. Mayor Sadiq Khan promised that the fireworks would be the 'best we've ever laid on', adding that they were the 'biggest fireworks taking place anywhere across Europe'. Robin Goodchild, Senior General Manager of the London Eye, said: 'What an incredible moment to bring in the new year and begin celebrating 25 years of the world's most iconic ride! 'We are delighted and honoured to have been the official partner this year, and once again be the iconic location to host The Mayor of London's New Year's Eve fireworks. For all those who joined us here onsite, and the millions who watched on TV at home with their friends and family both in the UK and globally, we wish you all a very Happy New Year.' Hannah Clark, Project Director at Identity, said: 'Identity is so proud to once again be working in close collaboration with the GLA, and leading names across music production, lighting, and pyrotechnic design, to create this dazzling spectacle for London. 'The Mayor of London's New Year's Eve firework celebrations have become an iconic and globally recognised event, reflecting our unique and wonderfully vibrant city. It's a unique showcase that puts London firmly on the map for the year ahead.' Police have arrested a 40-year-old man on suspicion of dangerous driving, causing grievous bodily harm and possession of controlled drugs, after a car swerved towards crowds of people watching the New Year fireworks in London. Metropolitan Police officers were called to the junction of Primrose Hill Road and Regent's Park Road in central London at about 00.13am today, following reports a car had crashed into a pedestrian. It comes after police officers encouraged people to avoid the area on New Year's Eve after 16-year-old Harry Pitman was fatally stabbed in the neck as crowds gathered at the viewpoint on December 31 a year ago. Police said the driver left the scene and sped off long Primrose Hill Road where a second pedestrian was struck. Video footage taken at the scene today shows panicked crowds running away from Primrose Hill after the fireworks display had commenced. People can be heard screaming and shouting as police officers gathered around the junction. The Metropolitan Police has since confirmed a 21-year-old man was hit by a vehicle. He sustained minor injuries and did not require medical treatment. A second pedestrian who was struck, a 59-year-old man, was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital where his injuries were assessed as non-life changing. The incident is not being treated as a terror-related, Scotland Yard added. Video footage taken at the scene today shows panicked crowds running away from Primrose Hill after the fireworks display had commenced Pictured: Officers from Met Police running towards the junction of Primrose Hill Road and Regent's Park Road, following reports a car had crashed into a pedestrian A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'At 00:13hrs on Wednesday, 1 January a vehicle was involved in a collision with a pedestrian at the junction of Regent's Park Road and Primrose Hill Road. 'The driver failed to stop at the scene, making off along Primrose Hill Road where a second pedestrian was struck. 'Officers who were in the area as part of the New Year's Eve policing operation located the vehicle a short distance away at the junction of Primrose Hill Road and King Henry's Road.' Police added: 'A 40-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, causing grievous bodily harm and possession of controlled drugs. 'The pedestrian who was initially struck, a 21-year-old man, sustained minor injuries that did not require medical treatment. 'The second pedestrian who was struck, a 59-year-old man, was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital where his injuries were assessed as non-life changing. 'An investigation is under way. This is not being treated as a terrorist incident.' It comes after tragedy struck at last year's event, when 16-year-old Harry Pitman was stabbed to death with a hunting knife at the top of Primrose Hill as people gathered to watch fireworks. The stabbing death of 16-year-old Harry Pitman on Primrose Hill on New Year's Eve last year came as crowds gathered in the park to watch central London's fireworks display Police are seen conducting a fingertip search on Primrose Hill the day after the stabbing - now officials have drawn up a special plan for patrolling New Year's Eve this year A 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with murder but an Old Bailey trial ended in October with a jury unable to reach a verdict. A retrial is expected to begin next October. Local figures, as well as officials, described Harry's death was an isolated incident, though local traders and neighbours have raised concerns about crime levels in the area. The Royal Parks, which which runs the 62-acre Grade II listed green space rising above affluent north London streets, set up a Safety Advisory Group including Met Police for the New Year's Eve gatherings last night. It previously stressed the park is 'not suitable for large gatherings' and that police officers along with stewards would be in attendance to remind people the park will close at 1am on New Year's Day. Since last year, the park has been closed to the public from 10am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, reopening at 6am, after complaints about anti-social behaviour. The restrictions were meant to last only during British Summertime months, yet the gates have remained in place despite the clocks changing in October - with Bonfire Night on November 5 highlighted as a particular concern. Britain is bracing for a sub-zero freeze for the first days of the New Year, with a 72-hour cold health alert issued for England. Temperatures are starting to drop on Wednesday until they reach below freezing late Thursday, plummeting as low as -5C in London as well as -7C in Manchester and Birmingham early Friday. Winds of up to 60mph are forecast across much of England and Wales all day on Wednesday, with gusts of 75mph likely around coastal areas and hills, according to the Met Office. Weather warnings are in place across parts of England, Wales and Scotland on New Year's Day. This includes an amber alert for heavy rain which has been put in place across parts of North-West England until 9am. The Met Office warning stretches from Settle in the Yorkshire Dales across to Preston and down to parts of the Peak District. It states that heavy rainfall is 'likely to lead to disruption including flooding in some locations' with a chance some places could see more than four inches (10cm) of rain. The forecaster warned of difficult driving conditions, 'danger to life' flooding, potential road closures and transport delays. There may also be power cuts. Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service said it was experiencing a high number of 999 calls regarding flooding. Vehicles driven on the A9 in Inverness on New Year's Eve as snow, rain and wind warnings are in force White water at the Falls of Dochart in Killin, Stirlingshire, on New Year's Eve as stormy weather hits Scotland Vehicles driving through massive puddles on the A9 in Inverness on New Year's Eve Network Rail said the Conwy Valley Line between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno Junction would be closed throughout New Year's Day due to fallen trees on the line and an assessment of the embankment. The up to 75mph winds set to batter the country could lead to travel delays, damage to buildings, power cuts, and even danger from flying debris or large waves, the forecaster said. Some roads and bridges may close, and injuries could occur, particularly in coastal areas. Historic Royal Palaces said Kensington Palace would be closed on Wednesday due to high winds, and Hampton Court Palace would have a delayed opening to assess any damage. Worthing Pier will also remain closed on New Year's Day due to the weather. Rain turning to snow on New Year's Day is likely to cause travel disruption, particularly on roads and railways across Grampian, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the Highlands & Eilean Siar, the Met Office said. Forecasters say the high winds and rain may also cause flooding, particularly in the Midlands and Pennines, with the Environment Agency urging people to stay away from swollen rivers and avoid driving through floodwater. In the Highlands, flooding has forced the closure of the A9 at Tomich. The A832 between Avoch and Fortrose in the Highlands was closed due to a landslide on New Year's Eve The Far North Line was also shut down temporarily, while rail services between Dingwall and Inverness were halted due to flooding. Train operator ScotRail said that its services would be disrupted by speed restrictions due to 'very heavy rainfall' until at least January 2. Forecasters warn of possible blizzard conditions, particularly over high ground in Sutherland and Caithness. Snow is expected to fall heavily over the Highlands, with 10-20cm accumulating above 150-200 metres. Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said: 'It will be a tricky couple of days and a wet and windy spell for many up into the new year. 'We're encouraging anyone who is planning to travel to keep up to date with the weather forecast and news from their local authorities.' It comes after Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations, including street parties and fireworks, were cancelled due to safety concerns. Fireworks displays in Blackpool, Newcastle, Ripon in North Yorkshire, and the Isle of Wight were axed. London's New Year's Eve fireworks event went ahead as planned. People watch waves crashing in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, as snow, rain and wind warnings are in force and are expected to cause travel issues on New Year's Eve Snow in Dingwall in Scotland on New Year's Eve amid weather warnings A homemade boat race set to be held in Poole, Dorset, on New Year's Day was also cancelled because of the expected poor weather. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said in a statement: 'Unfortunately the Bathtub Race is now cancelled due to the severity of the swell of the water forecast for New Year's Day and the incapability of the Rescue Ribs to launch. 'The classic car and vintage vehicle event is still going ahead on Poole Quay from 10am-12.30pm.' The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis has also cancelled its Lyme Lunge sea dip on Wednesday because of forecast winds of 50-60mph and it said in a statement: 'I think you will all agree that we must put the safety of Lungers first.' The body of one of the California brothers who vanished while duck hunting more than two weeks ago has been recovered, according to police. Andruw and Wesley Cornett, 19 and 17, were last seen near the Thermalito Afterbay in Butte County on the morning of December 14. The Butte County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) confirmed on Tuesday night that a body recovered earlier in the day had been identified as Andruw. Wesley has yet to be found. BCSO spokesperson Megan McMann told SFGate that a sheriff's office pilot made the grim discovery while flying over the area. On Monday, before a body was found, the BCSO revealed that their once extensive search and rescue efforts have shifted into search and recovery ones. McMann told SFGate the efforts 'shifted to a continuous limited search for Andruw and Wesley Cornett on December 23, 2024. This involves surface search methods, including aircraft, drones, boats, on-shore vehicles and K9s.' Wesley went out on the water in a kayak to retrieve a duck he hunted, but the boat capsized. Andruw jumped in the water to try and save his brother after calling 911. Andruw made the call at 8:33 am and the first deputy arrived 14 minutes later. By 8:55 am Cal Fires water rescue unit had arrived. Andruw and Wesley Cornett, 19 and 17, were last seen near the Thermalito Afterbay in Butte County on the morning of December 14 A sheriff's office pilot identified spotted Andruw's body on Tuesday morning Search teams have been scouring the water for more than two weeks since they vanished Search teams have been scouring the water for more than two weeks since they vanished A deputy spotted the kayak and potentially a victim at 9:02 am and responders went out on the water and searching the area just seven minutes later. Shortly after, the kayak and other hunting equipment were spotted - but the teens were nowhere to be found. For more than a week after they disappeared, diligent search efforts persisted. The BCSO wrote on December 21: 'Approximately 250 people from 21 different organizations have been searching for Wesley and Andruw Cornett since last Saturday, the day the two brothers went missing while duck hunting at the Thermalito Afterbay.' But the search efforts, conducted by deputies, detectives, the BCSO Aviation and Marine Unit, and BCSO Search and Rescue, were challenging. In a video posted on December 21, documenting these search efforts, Jeff Eggleson of Big Valley Divers said: 'The most difficult thing we're having to get through the weeds. 'We got the diver on the bottom, he's in about 15 feet of water and the weeds vary from about three feet to about 10 feet of weeds. 'So the hardest part is just making our way through those.' Dive and search teams have been intensely search for the brothers since they went missing, but after about a week, authorities declared they were performing search and recovery efforts The brother's devastated mother said she 'will have to also plan to lay my two boys to rest' He added that those weeds were hindering the effectiveness of Sound Navigation and Ranging (Sonar) technology that could help locate the teens. Eggleson highlighted another obstacle - the water's low visibility. 'Visibility is very low so it ranges from about six inches to about four, five, six feet.' As law enforcement agencies began to dwindle down their search efforts, the teens' parents are asked for volunteers to step up and continue the search. Member of nonprofit search team Angels Recovery Jared Foster said in a December 22 Facebook video alongside the brother's parents: 'Here we are, going into the holidays and we're still looking for their two sons. 'Volunteer divers are gonna keep going, so if you are in this area or close by and you have a boat with Sonar, camera equipment, if you're a diver, we need more people on the water.' 'This is a freak accident that my family and I are trying to wrap our heads around,' Clark wrote. April Clark, the teens' mother, created a GoFundMe page when her son's went missing. April Clark said the 'freak accident' that caused her sons to go missing has shocked her entire family The weeds in the area being searched vary from about three feet to about 10 feet She wrote on December 21: 'The Sheriff is saying this is now a search and recovery so i will have to also plan to lay my two boys to rest. 'This is a freak accident that my family and I are trying to wrap our heads around.' Clark has received more than $42,000 in donations. A candlelit vigil was hosted in the teens' honor on Saturday, with several hundred people in attendance. An Aussie council is so concerned about homeless people, it is hiring private security guards to protect its garbage collectors from violent attacks while picking up local bins. The City of Moreton Bay in South-East Queensland, north of Brisbane has revealed it has employed a private security firm to protect workers cleaning up areas near the region's booming homeless camps. In a statement released on Monday the council said the guards would escort staff following an increase in violence and 'life-threatening situations'. The implementation of security comes after reports of toilets not being cleaned for more than a week and overflowing rubbish bins. The council said the number of complaints regarding People Experiencing Homelessness (PEH) and illegal camping has doubled in the last year. 'As a result of ongoing interactions involving some People Experiencing Homelessness and some people who are camping illegally, all Operations and Safety staff have been instructed to remain 50 metres away from PEH and illegal camp sites in public spaces,' the council said. 'These interactions include escalating violence, aggression and life-threatening situations towards Council staff and members of the public. 'This has resulted in some delays in regular servicing of bins and amenities in public spaces. The City of Moreton Bay in South-East Queensland, north of Brisbane has hired private security guards to protect workers cleaning up areas near homeless camps. A homeless camp is pictured The council stated, 'from 30 December 2024, security will accompany Council staff to service public spaces where it is possible and safe to do so.' A homeless camp is pictured The council said it has zero tolerance on aggression and violence towards its employees and the new measure 'complies with a recent Workplace Health and Safety Queensland order'. 'To address the safety challenges of the service, from 30 December 2024, security will accompany Council staff to service public spaces where it is possible and safe to do so,' the council said. Founder of community initiative Nourish Street Beau Haywood told the Courier Mail he doesn't understand why the council has hired a security detail. 'It might be a way of potentially stopping any sort of safety issues that they might perceive, but you know I am yet to see anyone be abused or mistreated from anyone homeless,' Mr Haywood said. The council's move comes as new legislation was passed last month banning homeless people form owning pets. City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the council was taking action on homeless people camping in public areas after he received 'hundreds' of complaints from locals. He said the sharp increase in the number of homeless people in the council area had resulted in a steep decline in public health, safety and amenity. The move comes as the City of Moreton Bay passed new legislation last month banning homeless people fom owning pets. Mayor Peter Flannery (pictured) insisted it was not safe for homeless people to own dogs The council estimates there are currently around 200 homeless people in its district, with approximately 30 dogs owned by them. A council spokesman claimed the number had grown by 90 per cent in the last 10 years. 'In the last two years there has been a 250 per cent increase in referrals to council of people sleeping rough,' the spokesman told the Courier Mail. Mayor Flannery insisted it was not safe for homeless people to own dogs. 'Concerns for public safety are mounting in some council parks and we have received hundreds of calls from residents and visitors citing serious concerns,' he said in a statement. He said the council had been 'lenient' in the past with homeless on the issue. A City of Moreton City Bay spokesman reiterated the Mayor's claim that keeping animals in public spaces was unsafe and violated local laws. 'This is consistent with our local laws for all members of our community,' they added. 'All animals in public spaces must be kept under effective control at all times.' The new rules completely ban the homeless from owning dogs and also include new guidelines around 'public space camping in caravans, camper trailers and other vehicles equipped for the purposes of camping', the spokesperson added. The man accused of shoving a stranger in front of an oncoming subway train has been pictured for the first time as he's marched through a station in handcuffs. Kamel Hawkins, 23, was charged with attempted murder and second-degree assault following the sickening random attack on Tuesday afternoon. Surveillance video showed the unnamed victim, 45, standing by the edge of the platform as the train approached at 18th street in Chelsea, Manhattan about 1.30pm. Hawkins, wearing a mask, paced behind the man for several seconds before pushing him onto the tracks as a train approached. The man miraculously survived. Pictures show the moment Hawkins was captured by police and escorted through the subway into custody. In the photographs, Hawkins is wearing a grey hooded sweatershirt and navy pants, having changed out of the clothes he was wearing at the time of the assault. Kamel Hawkins, 23, was charged with attempted murder and second-degree assault following the sickening random attack on Tuesday afternoon Pictures show the moment Hawkins was captured by police and escorted through the subway into custody In the photographs, Hawkins is wearing a grey hooded sweatershirt and navy pants, having changed out of the clothes he was wearing at the time of the assault In the photographs, Hawkins is wearing a grey hooded sweatershirt and navy pants, having changed out of the clothes he was wearing at the time of the assault A law enforcement official told the New York Post the man survived because 'he fell perfectly in the trench,' describing the near miss as an act of God. According to the publication, Hawkins has a pending assault cases going through the courts. He was allegedly charged with assault in June 2019 after attacking a police officer, and was charged on October 12 for assault, harassment and possession of weapons. Cops said the subway shover did not appear to know the victim, and described it as a random attack. Two young men who jumped the turnstile to avoid paying for their ticket just seconds before then turned and fled after witnessing the shocking attack. It is the latest in a string of concerning attacks on the New York City subway system, after a woman was tragically and fatally set alight by a stranger earlier this month. Separate footage shared by stunned passengers later showed the moment the victim was rescued from under the train. Around a dozen firefighters were worked to pull the man from the subway tracks. Authorities said the victim, who appeared to have blood on his face, was hospitalized in critical condition. Shocking footage captured the moment a man was shoved underneath a New York City subway by a masked assailant who fled the scene Cops launched an urgent manhunt for the 23-year-old suspect, who was taken into custody several hours later. Charges against him are pending Separate footage shared by stunned passengers later showed the moment the victim was rescued from under the train, as bystanders breathed a sigh of relief to see he survived Video shared by stunned passengers showed around a dozen firefighters working to pull the man, who appeared to have blood on his face, from the subway in Manhattan An NYPD officer stands guard after the subway on Manhattan's 18th Street was closed off He is expected to survive the incident, but has suffered an injury to his head and has a broken rib, NBC reported. A woman filming the encounter could be heard expressing her relief that the victim had survived as he was helped onto the platform. 'He's alive!' she said, before turning to other passengers and repeating: 'He's alive.' The subway platform was evacuated and the NYPD closed the scene as they investigate the incident. Tuesday's incident took place just hours before up to one million people are expected to pack out nearby Times Square to celebrate the end of 2024 and ring in the new year. Travelers are directed to use the subway amid mass road closures, with increased services coming into and out of the city. The latest incident will put more pressure on officials to bring an end to horror subway attacks. On Christmas Eve, two people were injured in Manhattan's Grand Central Station after a maniac went on a stabbing rampage. Sources told DailyMail.com at the time that a 28-year-old man slashed two strangers with a knife in the seemingly random attack just after 10pm at the busy tourist hotspot. And just days before, the Big Apple was stunned when a homeless woman was set on fire and burned to death while she slept on a subway car. The victim was identified Tuesday by the NYPD as Debrina Kawam, a 61-year-old homeless woman from New Jersey. Kawam's murder captured international headlines as people were left reeling by the response of the NYPD. An officer was seen walking past the victim while she was still ablaze, while the man who allegedly set her on fire - illegal immigrant Sebastian Zepeta - stood by fanning the flames with his jacket. Zepeta, 33, is facing murder and arson charges following the horror incident. Officials used fingerprint data, dental records and DNA evidence to identify Kawam, and said she was believed to have been homeless. She was originally from Tom's River, New Jersey. Kawam was reportedly sleeping on the subway car around 7:30am on December 22 at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn when she was set ablaze. The shocking incident is the latest of a string of horror attacks on New York City's subway system, including a homeless woman who was burned to death days before Christmas Sebastian Zepeta, 33, is facing murder and arson charges following the horror incident Shocked social media users blasted the police response - describing the behavior of cops caught on camera as 'cowardly' and 'shameful' while calling for them to be named or fired. Despite widespread outrage at the cop failing to step in, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Titsch praised the police response to the heinous incident as 'an example of great technology and even greater old fashioned police work' during a press conference on Sunday night. Condemnation of the response from officials was led on Tuesday by New York Congressman Ritchie Torres, who slammed fellow Democrat New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Condemnation of the response from officials was led on Tuesday by New York Congressman Ritchie Torres, who slammed fellow Democrat New York Governor Kathy Hochul The woman who was set on fire and burned to death on a New York City subway car has been identified as Debrina Kawam of New Jersey The same day Kawam was identified, Hochul shared a tweet boasting of 'dedicating our efforts to putting more money in your pockets and building an Empire State where everyone has an opportunity to succeed.' Torres said in response: 'On the same day the murder victim of the subway fire, Debrina Kawam (61) was finally identified, Governor Hochul feels the need to take a victory lap. ''Mission accomplished' is the ultimate form of gaslighting.' Lara Trump captivated the bustling Mar-a-Lago crowd as she performed a cover of Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down' at Donald Trump's annual New Year's Eve bash. Prominent party attendees - including Elon Musk, JD Vance and the president elect himself - could not take their eyes off Lara as she belted-out the classic rock tune. The former RNC co-chair and wife to Eric Trump publicly released her version of the popular song earlier this year. Footage from inside the extravagant event shows Musk holding his son X on his shoulders as he intently watches and listens to Lara. Lara father-in-law is seen standing next to his 'First Buddy' Musk while she performed. Trump seemed focused on the song, as he hardly moves and looks content face during the video. Melania is seen standing closely behind her husband, with a similarly focused facial expression. Other crowd members sported gleaming smiles while listening - especially the soon-to-be vice president. In the video clip, Vance bops his head and grins from ear to ear. Lara Trump released her cover of the Tom Petty classic as a single earlier this year Elon Musk with X (left) stand alongside President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump (right) during Tuesday night's New Year's Eve party at Mar-a-Lago The captivated crowd turned their full attention to Lara's performance, with many taking out their phones to record The rest of the guests sang along - with some throwing their arms into the air to express their enjoyment. Many people whipped out their phones to capture the jaw-dropping musical number. This year's exclusive party is expected to bring in 300 guests, the Palm Peach Post reported. Among the high-profile attendees were Donald Trump Jr and his new girlfriend Bettina Anderson - who made their first public debut as a couple at the event. As president-elect Trump, who is hosting the glamorous party, answered a few questions from the media on his way inside the event. He told the press that he wishes Biden well and pointed out how far behind the Democrat was in polls and his performance at the infamous Georgia debate. 'He had a chance to do it in the debate and that didn't work out too well for him,' Trump said. The president-elect also expressed confidence in his Cabinet nominees and demanded Hamas' Israeli hostages be freed. JD Vance happily smiled and bopped his head to the classic tune Trump and Melania seemed focused on the performance, without showing too much expression He reiterated his support for House Speaker Mike Johnson, explaining the current leader would be the only Republican who could get the votes in a speakership fight. Trump also confirmed that he would be attending Jimmy Carter's funeral but would not say if he had spoken to the late president's family. 'I'd rather not say,' Trump told the journalists, including DailyMail.com. DOGE co-chair Musk alongside son X and mother Maye, Vance and his wife Usha, longtime Trump confidant Roger Stone and lawyer Alina Habba walked the red carpet before Trump arrived. Musk carried his son X on his shoulders past waiting reporters. Trump Jr.'s brother Eric and sister Tiffany were both there with their spouses. Tiffany's baby bump was starting to show in her black dress. She announced her first pregnancy in October. Trump's ex-wife, Marla Maples, also walked the red carpet. Melania Trump wore a slinky and stylish black dress. On his way in, Trump's father, president-elect Donald Trump, answered a few questions from the press, including casting doubt on the rumors Joe Biden believed he would've beaten him Donald Trump Jr. and new girlfriend Bettina Anderson made their public debut at his father's annual New Year's Eve blowout at Mar-a-Lago Her father, Victor Knavs, wasn't far behind. Asked by a reporter if she had a new year's resolution, the former and future first lady responded, 'we all know what we want ... world peace.' She also stopped for a quick snap with Paolo Zampoli, her former modeling agent and the man who introduced her to the president-elect. Zampolli discovered the future first lady in the 1990s in Milan and helped secure her H-1B visa. He held a party for the president after he won the election in 2016. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz walked the red carpet, with his wife Heidi - whom Trump once insulted - not far behind. Donald Trump has denied he has changed his position on H-1B visas after the subject fractured the MAGAverse. The President-elect spoke to reporters on the red carpet as he and first lady Melania Trump arrived at his annual New Year's Eve bash at Mar-a-Lago. The incoming commander-in-chief was asked why he changed his mind and publicly backed the H-1B visa program. 'I didn't change my mind,' Trump pushed back. 'I've always felt we have to have the most competent people in our country.' He added: 'We need competent people, we need smart people coming into our country and we need a lot of people coming in, we're going to have jobs like we've never had before.' 'But sir, you changed your position!' the journalist responded. Trump ignored the reporter, choosing to answer a question about whether he would attend President Jimmy Carter's funeral instead. The president-elect said he would be there. President-elect Donald Trump (left) denied that he'd changed his position on H-1B visas after the subject fractured the MAGAverse in recent days. He spoke with reporters as he arrived alongside Melania Trump (right) to Mar-a-Lago's New Year's Eve bash The fight over H-1B visas split the Magaverse with Trump (right) siding with tech billionaire Elon Musk (left), who he publicly asked to be at Tuesday night's party. Musk indeed came with his son X in tow The tussle over H-1B visas pit Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy - selected to run the newly created Department of Government Efficiency - against traditional MAGA mainstays like Steve Bannon. As tech industry insiders, Musk and Ramaswamy were pro the visas that bring in high-skilled laborers, while Bannon and the MAGA right argued those jobs should go to Americans first. Trump ended up siding with Musk and even posted publicly to Truth Social about his desire to see the X owner at the New Year's shindig. 'Where are you? When are you coming to the 'Center of the Universe,' Mar-a-Lago,' Trump wrote. 'We miss you and x! New Year's Eve is going to be AMAZING!!!' Elon indeed came to the fete, walking the red carpet with son X on his shoulders. He was later spotted standing next to the incoming president and first lady in Mar-a-Lago's grand ballroom watching Lara Trump, the president-elect's daughter-in-law who served as a Republican National Committee co-chair, sing Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down.' Bannon was seemingly not at the party, as the former Trump White House chief strategist didn't walk the red carpet. During the row Bannon said of Musk: 'We're going to rip your face off.' President-elect Donald Trump ignored the claim that he had changed positions on H1-B visas and answered a question about whether he would attend President Jimmy Carter's funeral instead Donald Trump Jr. and new girlfriend Bettina Anderson made their public debut weeks after it was announced Trump Jr. had parted ways with Kimberly Guilfoyle at his father's annual New Year's Eve blowout at Mar-a-Lago DOGE co-chair and 'First Buddy' Elon Musk alongside son X and mother Maye walked into the party ahead of Trump. The president-elect had posted to Truth Social asking Musk to come after the MAGA war over the H-1B visas Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and his wife Usha were among those in attendance. More than 300 people were expected to turn up to the annual Mar-a-Lago New Year's Eve celebration Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz walked the red carpet, with his wife Heidi not far behind Lara Trump, who co-chaired the Republican National Committee during the 2024 race, got up onstage and sang Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down' Bannon also called Musk a 'toddler' after the tech billionaire said of those against the program: 'Take a big step back and F*** YOURSELF in the face.' In the past, Trump has said negative things about the H-1B visa program but also conceded that he uses those visas to hire some of his own workforce. During a 2016 primary debate Trump called the visas 'very bad' and 'unfair' to American workers - the point Bannon, Laura Loomer and others on the MAGA right made in their spat with Musk and Ramaswamy. 'First of all, I think and I know the H-1B very well. And it's something that I frankly use and I shouldn't be allowed to use it. We shouldn't have it,' Trump said at the time. 'Second of all, I think it's very important to say, well, I'm a businessman and I have to do what I have to do,' he added. Once taking office Trump's 'Buy American and Hire American' executive order directed Cabinet officers to suggest reforms to the H-1B program to do more to protect American jobs. In October 2020, a month before the 2020 presidential election, the Trump White House announced a plan to severely curb H-1B visas going forward. Trump lost the election a month later and was replaced by President Joe Biden that January. Says she first noticed something was amiss during filming Former MasterChef Australia finalist Rhiannon Anderson has urged Aussies to pay attention to their health after having a 'melon-sized' tumour removed from her stomach. The mother-of-five revealed she'd had the massive non-cancerous fibroid taken out during a gruelling operation six months ago after noticing something was wrong while in season 15 of the Channel Ten hit reality cook-off series in 2023. The 47-year-old, who is from Townsville in Queensland's Far North, revealed she also had a hysterectomy. In a heartfelt update on her health battle on Instagram on Tuesday, Ms Anderson shared a graphic image of the large tumour doctors removed from her body. Another photo showed Ms Anderson lying in a hospital bed as she smiled at the camera. 'This year has been the hardest in my life in relation to my health,' she wrote. 'I spend so much time encouraging women to look for signs in their bodies that aren't right, however chose to ignore my own issues due to being 'too busy'!? Ms Anderson, (pictured) 47, took to Instagram on Tuesday to upload an honest post about how she had neglected her own health and urged others not to do the same 'To say I'm disappointed in myself is an understatement.' The talented cook noticed she was struggling to fit into her jeans while filming on MasterChef. 'When I laid down I could feel something in my stomach and I was kind of like "Oh, that's weird". It was sort of as if I was pregnant, but there wasn't a baby,' Ms Anderson told the Townsville Bulletin. 'When I was on MasterChef I would get ready in the mornings and put my jeans on and because it went right across [the tumour], it would make me actually quite sick.' After she finished as the runner up behind winner Brent Draper, Ms Anderson said she went for an ultrasound in August 2023. The ultrasound detected a large fibroid, but Ms Anderson said she was so overwhelmed with work she failed to notice the size of the tumour as it continued to grow. Ms Anderson, who is an ovarian cancer ambassador, said she told prominent obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Sally Aubrey some time later that she had a fibroid. Ms Anderson (pictured) she became so busy that she forgot to notice the size of tumour as it continued to grow after she had an ultrasound that detected the fibroid The conversation led her to set aside six weeks in her calendar to book the surgery. 'She (Dr Aubrey) said to me we all knew it was going to be big, once [the surgeons] went in they were like "Oh my god this is far bigger than we imagined," Ms Anderson said. On a positive note, she said her health has improved slowly since the surgery last year. 'I still have a lot of swelling and soreness but [I] am able to carry on with most of my everyday activities,' she wrote in the social media post. Dozens of commenters praised Ms Anderson for revealing the details of her terrifying health battle. 'Thank you for honesty, sharing, courage, empathy for others and a teaching moment for us to learn from you,' one person wrote. 'Thank you for sharing, if this encourages just one person to get checked, it was well worth it,' another wrote. 'You are a force! Thank you for sharing. Im going to go get checked!' a third added. Others expressed their relief that Ms Anderson had recovered from her surgery. The talented cook (pictured) noticed something was wrong while she was competing during season 15 of the hit Channel 10 reality TV program in 2023 'Oooft that is a melon of a growth. Glad that youre ... on the mend!,' one person wrote. 'What a huge operation and recovery that would have been. Glad to hear that youre ok,' another person said. Some were left baffled by the size of the overgrown fibroid. 'I cant believe that was inside you! I can only imagine the pressure and pain that would have caused,' one person wrote. Donald Trump said there has been 'a light over the whole world' since he was elected and made a bold prediction for 2025 as he prepares to return to the White House. After four years our of office, the MAGA crowd was in a celebratory mood at Mar-a-Lago for Trump's annual New Year's Eve bash which featured family, friends and members of the incoming administration. As he walked the red carpet with wife Melania in tow to enter the party, he was asked what he looked forward to in the coming year. 'Just a great year, I think we're gonna do fantastically well as a country,' Trump predicted. 'We're gonna bring it back. It has to be brought back. People are not respecting our country very much and they're gonna respect us a lot.' He then talked about the hard work that has gone into the transition with the inauguration just a few weeks away. 'I think a lot of progress has been made over the last five weeks. It's been pretty amazing when you look at what's happened,' he said. Trump believes that the entire planet has been uplifted following his victory over Kamala Harris. Donald Trump said there has been 'a light over the whole world' since he's been elected and made a bold, positive prediction for 2025 as he prepares to return to the White House After four years in exile, everyone was in a celebratory mood at Mar-a-Lago for Trump's annual New Year's Eve bash which featured family, friends and members of the incoming administration 'There's a light over the whole world, not just our country. There's a lot of very happy people,' Trump said. When asked, aside from the election, what his highlight of 2024 was, it was 'the fact that we're gonna' have a great nation again.' 'We're gonna' bring it back better than it ever was,' he concluded. He was also asked for his New Year's resolution but politely deferred, saying: 'I just want everybody to be happy, healthy and well.' Trump briefly held court the press on several topics, including rumors President Joe Biden believed he would've beaten him. 'I wish him well,' Trump said of Biden while pointing out how far behind the Democrat was in the polls and the Georgia debate disaster. 'He had a chance to do it in the debate and that didn't work out too well for him,' Trump said, Melania Trump at his side. The president-elect also expressed confidence in his Cabinet nominees and demanded Hamas' Israeli hostages be freed. He reiterated his support for House Speaker Mike Johnson, explaining the current leader would be the only Republican who could get the votes in a speakership fight. As he walked the red carpet with wife Melania in tow to enter the party, he was asked what he looked forward to in the coming year Trump also confirmed that he would be attending Jimmy Carter's funeral but would not say if he had spoken to the late president's family. 'I'd rather not say,' Trump told the journalists, including DailyMail.com. During his first term, Trump attended the funeral of former President George H.W. Bush but not that of Sen. John McCain, who didn't want him to be there. The largescale Washington event will likely bring Trump face-to-face with Biden and the other living Democratic presidents including Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Former President George W. Bush will also likely attend. That same group is expected to attend Trump's second swearing-in 11 days later. Things briefly got testy when Trump denied that he'd changed his position on H-1B visas after the subject fractured the MAGAverse in recent days. 'I didn't change my mind,' Trump pushed back. 'I've always felt we have to have the most competent people in our country.' He added, 'we need competent people, we need smart people coming into our country and we need a lot of people coming in, we're going to have jobs like we've never had before.' Trump was later that night presented with a lifetime achievement award 'But sir, you changed your position!' the journalist responded. Trump ignored the reporter, choosing to answer the question about whether he would attend President Jimmy Carter's funeral instead. Upon entering, the president-elect gave a brief speech onstage and was later that night presented with a lifetime achievement award. Trump was surrounded by friends and family at the annual gathering, including son Donald Jr. and his new girlfriend, socialite Bettina Anderson, making their most public appearance together to date. Father Donald joined the crowd in singing happy birthday to his son, who turned 47 on Tuesday. DOGE co-chair and 'First Buddy' Elon Musk alongside son X and mother Maye, Vice President-elect JD Vance and his wife Usha, longtime Trump confidant Roger Stone and lawyer Alina Habba walked the red carpet before Trump arrived. Musk carried X on his shoulders past waiting reporters. Trump Jr.'s brother Eric and sister Tiffany were both there with their spouses, former RNC co-chair Lara Trump - who sang Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down' onstage at the party - and Michael Boulos. Trump addresses the media on the red carpet leading into the party Trump's son Eric (pictured right) and daughter Tiffany were both there with their spouses, former RNC co-chair Lara Trump (pictured left) - who sang Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down' onstage at the party - and Michael Boulos Tiffany's baby bump was starting to show in her black dress. She announced her first pregnancy in October. Trump's ex-wife, Marla Maples, also walked the red carpet. Melania Trump wore a slinky and stylish black dress. Her father, Victor Knavs, wasn't far behind. Asked by a reporter if she had a new year's resolution, the former and future first lady responded, 'we all know what we want ... world peace.' She also stopped for a quick snap with Paolo Zampolli, her former modeling agent and the man who introduced her to the president-elect. Zampolli discovered the future first lady in the 1990s in Milan and helped secure her H-1B visa. He held a party for the president after he won the election in 2016. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz walked the red carpet, with his wife Heidi - whom Trump once insulted - not far behind. Asked by a reporter if she had a new year's resolution, the former and future first lady responded, 'we all know what we want ... world peace' Vice President-elect JD Vance and his wife Usha were among those in attendance Linda McMahon, the nominee to lead the Department of Education, was also in attendance. Female violinists on pedestals and wearing all-black lined the way for the guests as they entered the ornate Florida property. They played tunes including 'Jolene,' Led Zeppelin's 'Kashmir' and Journey's 'Don't Stop Believing.' Trump has been hosting the New Year's fete for years. This year's event, according to the Palm Beach Post, is expected to draw as many as 300 guests. Past VIPs have included Sylvester Stallone, Jason Aldean, Lou Dobbs and Fabio. During the 2020 party, held amid the COVID-19 pandemic and after Trump's bruising election loss to President Joe Biden, '90s rapper Vanilla Ice perked up the crowd. Palm Beach Police Department spokesman Capt. William Rothrock told the Palm Beach Post that no fireworks are expected outside. Inside, however, Trump's crowd will be coming together after a major rift among his top allies on the subject of H-1B visas. Elon Musk and son X stand together with Trump and Elon's mother Maye U.S. Senator Ted Cruz walked the red carpet, with his wife Heidi not far behind The fight pit Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy - selected to run the newly created Department of Government Efficiency - against traditional MAGA mainstays like Steve Bannon. As tech industry insiders, Musk and Ramaswamy were pro the visas that bring in high-skilled laborers, while Bannon and the MAGA right argued those jobs should go to Americans first. Trump ended up siding with Musk and even posted publicly to Truth Social about his desire to see the X owner at the New Year's shindig. 'Where are you? When are you coming to the 'Center of the Universe,' Mar-a-Lago,' Trump wrote. 'We miss you and x! New Year's Eve is going to be AMAZING!!!' Trump signed the post 'DJT,' indicating he had penned the post himself. Ramaswamy was not spotted on the red carpet at the event, which featured Musk and son X on his shoulders near the president-elect at all times. However, Trump Jr. out with Anderson in public at a Trump event is likely to be the headline of the evening. Born in Palm Beach with a twin sister, Anderson's late father was Harry Loy Anderson who became the youngest bank president in the country when he took the helm of Worth Avenue National Bank at the age of 26. Donald Trump Jr. and new girlfriend Bettina Anderson made their public debut weeks after it was announced Trump Jr. had parted ways with Kimberly Guilfoyle at his father's annual New Year's Eve blowout at Mar-a-Lago Mother Inger, 74, still lives in an $11.5million home in an exclusive section of the mega-rich enclave. Statuesque Bettina co-founded The Paradise Fund with her two brothers in 2005. She attended Palm Beach Day School followed by St Andrews School in nearby Boca Raton where fees range from $30,885 a year for lower school to $72,420 for the most senior boarders. Next it was a BA in Art History, Criticism and Conservation from Columbia in New York City, where she lived for a further three years before returning home and starting her ascent to become an essential part of Palm Beach's exclusive social circuit. Her social media is crammed with glamorous professional modeling shots and vignettes of her life including spearfishing in the Bahamas where she claims to be the happiest. Her profile with online designer store Moda Operandi which features her modeling outfits gushes: 'Her style, like her personality, blends flirty femininity with a spicy sense of humor and embraces a broad range of brands. 'Whether she's headed out for a night in a show-stopping Oscar de la Renta mini, sporting a Zimmerman one-piece poolside, or hosting at home in a matching set from Cult Gaia, she's a walking paragon of style.' An Arizona five-year-old died after she was hit by a truck while crossing the street with her mother and five other children. Ariyah Marie Elias was struck at the intersection of East Guadalupe and South Hawes Road in Mesa on December 26. Ariyah, her mother Alora Silva, and several other neighborhood children were crossing the road, the traffic light changed from red to green. The truck driver, traveling along west Guadalupe, told police they did not see the group until it was too late. 'When she got hit, it spun her around and [her mother] saw her flying through the air. Like, no one should experience that,' Ariyah's father, Jordan Elias, told 12News. Police rushed to the scene to perform life-saving measures and the child was taken to Banner Desert Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. 'I don't wish this on my worst enemies. This is the worst thing anyone could possibly go through,' Silva tearfully said to 12News. 'I feel guilty, I feel like I ruined not just my daughter's life but these other children's lives that witnessed this.' Ariyah Marie Elias, 5, was struck at the intersection of East Guadalupe and South Hawes Road in Mesa on December 26 Ariyah celebrated her fifth birthday exactly one month before she passed away The truck driver traveling down west Guadalupe told police they did not see the group crossing the road She heartbreakingly revealed that Ariyah still had unopened gifts underneath the Christmas tree. The Mesa Police Department has launched an investigation into the horrific incident. Police have not released the driver's identity and no charges have been filed - the devastated family is hoping this changes soon. Silva told the outlet: 'I want some answers. I want justice for my daughter. 'She did not deserve to go - I needed her and I loved her so much.' Ariyah's parents have organized a GoFundMe titled 'Help stand with Ariyah's family in grief.' The page reads: 'As much as weve tried theres no making sense of this, and there never will be. 'Attempting to put it into words does not make it any less brutal. A perfect little girl, our baby, just gone, because the world decided to show its teeth and bite down hard that night. The girl's parents, Jordan Elias and Alora Silva, have been left heartbroken by the loss of their daughter Ariyah still had unopened gifts underneath the Christmas tree when she passed away 'What happened on that wide stretch of road, with the lights changing and the world spinning out of control, wasnt fair, it wasnt right.' Ariyah celebrated her fifth birthday on November 26 - exactly a month before her tragic death. So far, the child's family has raised over $3,100 towards funeral expenses. On the same day Ariyah passed away, a Canadian nine-year-old girl died after the car she was traveling in was hit by an alleged robber who ran a red light trying to avoid police. Victoria Desjardins, her sister Madison, 12, and her mother Amanda Reitmeier were in their family vehicle when a man driving a stolen car hit them in Calgary, Canada, causing a five-car collision. Victoria, Madison and Amanda were all rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Victoria tragically died as a result of her severe injuries. The suspected culprit, Duane Arlen Nepoose, 30, was arrested at the scene at the intersection of Southland Drive and Macleod Trail South. Ariyah's parents have organized a GoFundMe page to raise money for the child's funeral arrangements Ariyah was crossing the street with her mother and five other children when the accident occured Before the car crash, Nepoose allegedly robbed a nearby Pharmasave. Police said he attacked the pharmacist and stole his car, CTV News reported. He sped away from the pharmacy and refused to pull over for police before he made the fatal decision to run a red light, causing a collision with four other cars. Nepoose is facing a slew of charges relating to the alleged offenses, including robbery, theft of a motor vehicle, flight from police, dangerous driving causing death and three counts of dangerous driving. Roy Wood Jr. refused a New Year's Eve shot from CNN's Anderson Cooper by delivering a brutal joke in reference to ousted host Don Lemon. The comedian joined Cooper and Andy Cohen for their annual Times Square telecast as the duo continued their tradition of taking a shot every hour starting at 8pm. But when the dynamic New Year's Eve duo offered Wood Jr. a shot - he demurred. 'Oh, no!' Wood Jr. said when Cohen offered him a the drink on live television to ring in 2025. 'No, I don't. The last Black man that drank on this network got fired,' he said. 'I'm going to keep it with water for right now. I need some stability.' Cohen and Anderson quickly moved on and strayed away from asking any follow-up questions. Although Wood Jr. didn't name anyone in particular, he seemed to be referring to Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor who would previously host the network's New Year's Eve coverage. Lemon part ways with the network in 2023 after being one of their notable faces for 17 years. Comedian Roy Wood Jr., 52, refused a shot from Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen during this years New Year's Eve live broadcast - joking that 'the last Black man that drank on this network got fired' Although no names were particularly mentioned, Wood Jr. seemed to be referring to Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor who would previously host the network's New Year's Eve coverage before he was terminated by the network in 2023 'I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned,' Lemon said in a response to the seemingly abrupt news on X in April of 2023. 'After 17 years at CNN, I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly,' he added. 'At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play.' His sudden termination came after he made a series of remarks that sparked up controversy at the network during a segment about Republican Nikki Haley, CBS News reported. Lemon was responding to Haley's urging for mandatory mental competency tests for politicians over the age of 75 in 2023 when he said: 'Nikki Haley isn't in her prime, sorry'. 'When a woman is considered to be in her prime - in her 20s, 30s and maybe her 40s,' he added. He doubled down on his statement, saying that a simple Google search would show that women are considered to be in their prime at the ages he mentioned. He later apologized for his statement saying they were 'inartful and irrelevant' after they were widely viewed as sexist by the public. 'Oh, no!' Wood Jr. said on air while appearing on the notorious New York City celebration. 'I'm going to keep it with water for right now. I need some stability' Lemon's 17-year career at CNN came to an end in 2023 following a series of remarks he made regarding women in their prime that sparked up controversy at the network during a segment about Republican Nikki Haley 'A woman's age doesn't define her either personally or professionally,' Lemon wrote on X in February of 2023. 'I have countless women in my life who prove that everyday.' In an X post responding to Lemon's departure, Haley wrote that it was 'a great day for women everywhere'. Despite the quick televised joke, Cooper and Cohen continued their eighth consecutive year broadcasting live from the big apple before the massive ball officially drops - marking the end of 2024. As per usual, Cohen promised viewers that there would be shots on the hour - one of the hallmarks of the broadcast as the nation gets to watch the pair interact with celebrities and get drunker as the night goes on. Just a mere five minutes into the live special, Cohen grabbed a bottle of tequila and two shot glasses. 'We are going to do this at the top of every hour,' he explained to those celebrating from the comfort of their own home. 'And we want you to join us.' 'That's the fun of New Year's Eve... Anderson doesn't drink,' he continued. 'This is our virtual celebration, whether you are at home alone with family or with one other person, we are all here together. This is an incredible community that we've built up together over these eight years, and so I am excited.' Despite the quick televised joke, the public was still looking forward to Cooper and Cohen's eighth consecutive year broadcasting live from the big apple and continuing their tradition of taking a shot every hour starting at 8pm Just a mere five minutes into the live special, Cohen grabbed a bottle of tequila and two shot glasses and gulped it down - leaving viewers excited as they get to watch the pair interact with celebrities and get drunker as the night goes on And of course he revealed that he and Cooper were taking shots out of their 'Daddy Got His Juice' glasses. 'If you're joining us at home, wherever you are in the world - if you're with friends, if you're alone - you are here with us, and we are here with you, and we see you,' Cooper added. 'Welcome.' 'We are all together,' Cohen tacked on. 'Raise your glasses, everybody. 2025: health and happiness to all. Cheers, buddy. So honored to be spending this with you.' After taking their first shot, Anderson revealed that it may have already taken affect - leading the pair to joke that it was going to be a 'long night'. CNN announced that it would dial down the on-air drinking in 2022 - prompting a sober 2023 celebration. But the beloved pair were able to continue their alcoholic tradition this year - leaving viewers excited for their potential unfiltered thoughts live on television. In an exclusive interview with Parade earlier this month, Cohen divulged that he was prepared to get 'wild' this New Year's, but that he and his co-host would still 'drink responsibly'. 'Wild to me just means fun, and our directive is to have fun,' he explained. 'That's what I'm focused on. My focus is to make Anderson loosen up and to create a lot of laughs and memorable moments.' And his favorite part of the evening - 'just getting to hang' with his longtime buddy. 'It's such an unusual experience,' Cohen described. 'It's five hours of standing in Times Square in the elements, just shooting the sh** and having fun.' 'It's a very unique broadcast, and it's really fun, and you're actually counting down to something,' he added. 'You're waiting for something to happen, and then something does happen, so it's great!' Robberies targeting businesses reached a record high last year with 33 every day, figures have revealed. Office for National Statistics data showed that robbery of a business property rose by 52% inthe year to June 2024 - rising from 7,884 to 12,000 - the highest ever recorded. An investigation conducted by Udsaw - the shop workers union - also revealed one in five retail staff members had been the victim of a violent assault last year. And although attacks on retail workers is also up by eight per cent from 2022, not even one in ten robberies end with an assailant. According to The Times, almost 50 per cent of business robbery investigations were concluded without police forces able to determine a suspect. Robbery is a different crime from burglary. It is when an individual uses force or threats while stealing. Fresh statistics indicate criminals are setting their sights on businesses over personal dwellings, with the rise of personal property robbers seeing a one per cent rise. Shoplifting offences across Britain soared by 30 per cent in a year to the highest level in two decades. Robberies in business reached record high last year with 33 ever day, as critics blame the Conservatives 'shoplifters charter' for the soaring rise (stock image) As of the year to June 2024, there was a 52 per cent rise in business robberies, skyrocketing from 7,884 to 12,000 - the highest ever recorded, according to ONS (stock image) Tommy Banks (pictured) appealed to the thieves to take the pies to someone in need Tommy Banks, who owns two restaurants and a pub in North Yorkshire, posted on Instagram to say his van with 2,500 of his pies, worth 25,000, had been stolen Almost 444,000 crimes were recorded by forces in England and Wales in the year to March, up from 342,428 in the previous 12 months. This is the highest figure since records began in 2003, according to the Office for National Statistics. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BURGLARY AND ROBBERY? Robbery and burglary are two difference offences and vary in several ways including intent, location and use of threat or violence. A burglary is to enter into a property without permission with the intent of committing a crime. However a robbery involves the use of violence or threats against a victim, whereas a burglary wouldn't necessarily involve direct confrontation. A robbery can also happen at any location, and is deteminted by the interaction with the alleged victim. Unlike the aforementioned, burglary is limited to entry - without permission- into a building or part of a property. Advertisement It comes after a recent slew of criminals have targeted food businesses as the festive season approached, with Michelin-star chef Tommy Banks having 25,000 worth of mince pies stolen. Policing minister, Dame Diana Johnson has laid blame with the Tory's 'shoplifter's charter', whilst adding that it was 'vital' to protect businesses during the festive season. 'This Labour government will deliver 13,000 extra neighbourhood police as part of our plan for change,' she told The Times. 'We'll tackle retail crime and assault of shop workers and scrap the Tory shoplifters' charter. 'This is a government committed to our mission for safer streets, for safer communities, and for a safer Britain, and we have a plan to get there.' She alongside the government has also promised to come down on robberies targeting properties, through making it a separate offence to assault a retail worker. It is expected that the Labour government will introduce the Policing in Crime Bill next spring. The legislation will see the rule crack down on shoplifting, getting rid of the rule that thefts of goods of less than 200 are automatically a summary offence. Almost 444,000 shoplifting offences were recorded by forces in England and Wales in the year to March, up from 342,428 in the previous 12 months The relaxed thief brazenly stashed away items in his bag at the M&S store on Chancery Lane on December 23 Despite being confronted by a member of staff, the thief persists in taking items from the shelf and putting them in his duffle bag Your browser does not support iframes. It comes weeks after a new police unit set up to combat soaring shoplifting rates has made 93 arrests and disrupted 28 organised crime groups responsible for 4m of thefts, police leaders said. Five Romanian shoplifters have been deported as a result of Operation Pegasus, which aims to build a national intelligence picture to combat the epidemic. Shoplifting offences are at their highest since records began in 2003, and it is estimated that the cost to retailers is 1.8bn a year. A total of 469,788 offences were logged by forces in the year to June 2024, an increase of 29 per cent on the 365,173 recorded in the previous 12 months. Pegasus, which is part-funded by major retailers, receives referrals from retailers and maps out offending across the country so repeat offenders who target stores in different force areas can be tracked. Since it launched in May, police have identified 228 repeat offenders previously unknown to law enforcement. The team has also identified 70 vehicles being used in organised retail crime. So far, 32 of the 93 arrested offenders have appeared in court, including the five offenders who were sent back to Romania. Izzy Du, 26, pursued two e-bike riding thieves on foot after they grabbed her iPhone 15 Pro Max on Seven Sisters Road in Tottenham on the morning of December 17 Izzy - who has designed custom garments for stars including Katy Perry - and another man whose phone was also taken had managed to locate their devices hidden in a plastic bag in Finsbury Park along with four other stolen phones Your browser does not support iframes. Mobile phone thefts have also been an endemic particularly over the last year in London, where phones are often snatched from the hands of city-dwellers. Izzy Du, 26, pursued two e-bike riding thieves on foot after they grabbed her iPhone 15 Pro Max on Seven Sisters Road in Tottenham on the morning of December 17. After bravely catching and restraining the thug - described as a black teen aged between 16 and 20 - police arrested the man but told her he didnt have the phone on him and they were too busy to look for it even though her Find My iPhone GPS service showed it was nearby. But within an hour Chinese-Canadian Izzy - who has designed custom garments for stars including Katy Perry - and another man whose phone was also taken had managed to locate their devices hidden in a plastic bag in Finsbury Park along with four other stolen phones Shocked bystanders have recalled the moment a young man drowned at a popular swimming spot. Jonas Safari, 21, was enjoying an afternoon with family and friends at Canberra's Pine Island on Sunday when he dived into Murrumbidgee River. Despite the calm conditions, he experienced trouble in the water and failed to resurface. A bystander recalled how a man who jumped into the water to try and save Mr Safari asked onlookers if anyone had a knife in case the 21-year-old required freeing. She told the ABC Mr Safari was underwater for about five minutes before swimmers were ordered by emergency services to evacuate. Police divers pulled Mr Safari's body from the water two hours later. His death has sent shockwaves through Canberra's Congolese-Kenyan community. Jonas Safari, 21, drowned in an ACT waterway, as his family grapple with their second loss The tragedy unfolded at Pine Island, a popular swimming spot in Canberra Mr Safari had lived in Canberra with his mother and four younger siblings for almost five years. 'It is with great sadness and sorrow that we have lost one of our youth in the Canberra community after a tragic drowning at Pines Island on (Sunday) while swimming with other youth,' a community leader wrote. 'The family and community are still coming to terms with this traumatic incident. Pray for the family and friends who were there with Jonas.' 'There will be daily prayers and personal visits at their home for support.' Relatives also left touching tributes for the young man. Jonas' body was recovered from the water by police divers at Pine Island two hours later 'Rest in eternal peace, young brother Jonas,' Akon Safari wrote on social media. 'I know you are in a better place in paradise with your brother Moses.' Others were heartbroken by the family's loss. 'I am so sorry for the tragedy that befell Papa Safari again. May Jehovah God comfort you,' one woman wrote. A memorial service will be held on January 10. Community leaders set up a GoFundMe to support Mr Safari's family, including his four younger siblings, which has raised more than 2,000. Police are not treating Mr Safari's death as suspicious and will prepare a report for the coroner. It's the second drowning death in ACT waters this year after a man, 23, died in the Murrumbidgee River in February. Mr Safari was one of 33 drownings across Australia in December alone in what has been a horror start of the summer. The tragedy has prompted warnings from authorities for swimmers to take precautions before entering the water. 'Even on hot summer days, the water can be very cold, and it can also induce fatigue and cramping without warning,' ACT Acting Detective Inspector Alex Chapman said. 'Supervise your children, and always check water conditions, including the depth before diving in, and also have some idea of your swimming ability.' It was the hit BBC show that enthralled Brits for 50 years, showing off some of the top scientific tech of the day. But Tomorrow's World also prided itself on making a number of prophecies about what the future could look like. And 2025 was no different, with the programme predicting 30 years ago just what sort of world-shaking innovations would appear. From asteroid mining and doctors operating using holograms and robots, to space junk gel and people being able to use an implanted microchip in their arm to pay for their shopping. The show, which ran from 1965 to 2003, made plenty of accurate predictions about how technology would change in the future - including the rise of the computer. In 1995, as Tomorrow's World marked its 30th anniversary, the programme cast its vision forward to see what the next 30 years would hold. Now MailOnline looks at some of the prophecies about this year to see just how accurate they were. Cyberspace 'riots' of 2005' and rise of digital terrorism By 1995, the internet was really taking off - and Tomorrow's World feared the world was on the cusp of opening Pandora's box with the web's continued boom. In 1995, Tomorrow's World made a number of predictions about what 2025 would look like It said that by 2000, 'banking barons' would take over the internet and transform it into a 'supernet' with more restrictions and tighter controls The show predicted 'business barons' and banks would take control of the internet by 2000, renaming it the 'supernet' and restricting access to it. As people rebelled against the draconian rules, Tomorrow's World believed hackers would launch a series of cyber attacks, with computer viruses terorrising cyberspace. So out of control was the disorder, the show even believed it could trigger riots The late Professor Stephen Hawking featured in the 1995 show warned how computer viruses could run rampant 'The internet is a bit like the ocean when life first developed,' he said. 'Computer viruses are a form of life that can survive in this ocean and can reproduce themselves. 'At the moment, we still have control because we can switch the internet off. But that may not always be the case.' Verdict? The internet, for the most part, has remained free and there has been no massive takeover by 'business barons'. And there have yet to be any riots on the streets over restrictions to the internet. But hackers have certainly become a major issue - although perhaps not in the way Tomorrow's World envisioned. Russia has been accused of launching a series of damaging cyber attacks across Europe. The late Professore Stephen Hawking also appeared on the show to give a prediction The programme feared the rise of hackers would lead to 'cyberspace riots' by 2005 The riots, it feared, would spill out onto the streets, with violent uprisings over new restrictions place on the internet by so-called 'business barons' Kremlin-backed cyber terrorists are believed to have been behind the ransomware attack that crippled some major hospitals in London last year. Kings College Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' - including the Royal Brompton and the Evelina London Childrens Hospital - and primary care services were among those affected. According to Ciaran Martin, the former chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre, Russian hackers were 'looking for money' by targeting the pathology services firm Synnovis. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'We believe it is a Russian group of cyber criminals who call themselves Qilin.' He added the group, which works through the dark web, operated 'freely from within Russia'. Lucrative asteroid mining and space junk 'gel' Tomorrow's World also believed that come 2025, asteroid mining would become a booming industry, capable of making companies billions. It speculated that firms would send spaceships to land on asteroids close to Earth to mine them for precious metals. Tomorrow's World predicted the rise of a lucrative asteroid mining industry And with the surge of commercial space travel, the show also feared that space junk would become a huge problem. But, it had a solution - a huge foam gel that could be deployed in orbit to catch and slow down the speeding debris as it zipped through space. The gel would be used to protect space stations and astronauts from the deadly debris, zipping above the Earth at 10 miles a second, by catching the junk and slowing it down, before burning up in the atmosphere. Verdict? Space junk is certainly a problem. It's estimated there are about 170million pieces of debris, from old satellites to tiny shards of metal, orbiting the Earth. But despite this, no gigantic foam has been developed to capture all the rubbish. And there is no space mining industry yet - although in 2020 NASA successfully landed a probe on an asteroid, proving it could be done. Some futurists are still adamant that asteroid mining will be part of our future. In 2022, a group of rocket engineers predicted the first human space mission to the asteroid belt could take place within 50 years - provided man reaches Mars by 2038. Super doctors, robots and holographic surgeries Tomorrow's World predicted that by 2004, a law would be passed forcing all UK hospitals to publish a league of surgeon success rates. This, in turn, would lead to the top-performing doctors becoming so popular and well paid that it would make little sense for them to travel to see patients. The show also claimed that doctors would use robots to carry out surgeries and operate on virtual 'holographic patients' from anywhere in the world Instead, the show predicted people would appear in the operating theatre as a holographic form of themselves, with doctors would then 'operate' on. Using 'special gloves', doctors would carry out the surgery on the hologram - with a robot at the patient's end perfectly mimicking the doctor's movements. Verdict?- There aren't any holographic patients being operated on - yet. But Tomorrow's World didn't get it totally wrong - robots are now helping with some surgeries. Banking using a microchip in your arm The programme also predicted that people would have microchips implanted in their arms to carry out their banking. In its vision of the future, the show featured a woman going into an bank and complaining there were no 'humans' staffing it. The future would also see people using microchips in their arms to carry out all their banking She then withdraws 100 'Euro marks', with the bank giving her the cash after a chip in her arm is successfully scanned. Verdict? The show wasn't totally off the mark with this one; banking has become more automated since 1995 - and the rise of biometrics is playing a role. People can now use banking apps on their phones which can scan their faces. And although it is possible for people to implant chips in their body to pay for items - there's a small community in America and Canada who experiment with body modification and microchip implants - this technology is not widely used. Self-driving cars hitting the roads Tomorrow's World speculated that by 2025, the world's highways would be packed with self-driving cars. It said that by 2012, London's orbital motorway had become a '10-lane monster', with government's refusing to bump up taxes on privately-owned motors. The show said future efforts to persuade people to give up their cars in favour of public transport 'failed miserably'. The show predicted driverless 'smart car' would hit the roads on new hi-tech roads But as technology improved, the programme predicted there would be a rise of automated highways to ease traffic. These highways would link to new 'smart cars' on so-called 'z routes' with cars using sensors to keep a constant distance from each other, braking an accelerating 'in perfect harmony'. Verdict? This is probably the closest prediction. Although London does not yet have a 10-lane orbital super highway, so-called 'smart motorways' have started to rollout across the UK. They use sensors to monitor traffic flow. And driverless cars are a thing, now, too - although not widely in use. The rise of virtual reality and spark speakers with floating heads The show also predicted the rise of virtual reality, with headsets being used in most homes by 2025 Tomorrow's World featured a man in the future, wearing a virtual reality headset, with his wife and a young girl in what appears to be a modern take of London. In one part, a floating head of a woman comes out of 'smart speaker' to tell the man it has been a year since his holiday to 'Indo Disney'. She then urges him to take another trip away, via a 'shuttle to Bangalore' - which would only take 40 minutes. Verdict? VR headsets are on the rise, with millions sold worldwide - however holographic smart speakers and ultra-fast travel, is not. A stormy start to 2025 for Britain saw dozens of flights cancelled, a 'do not travel' rail warning imposed and London's New Year's Day Parade delayed due to strong winds. The annual parade through London was due to begin at midday today, but is set to start 30 minutes later than planned and inflatable cartoon characters will not be inflated after advice from the Met Office, according to show spokesman Dan Kirkby. Meanwhile 36 flights to and from Heathrow Airport were cancelled this morning, including 28 British Airways services which the airline said was because of 'air traffic control restrictions across London airports due to adverse weather conditions'. BA flights linking Heathrow with destinations such as Barcelona, Copenhagen and Nice were among those axed, as well as two round-trips to Milan. Other carriers to cancel flights at Europe's busiest airport were Lufthansa, Swiss and Air France. The stormy weather also caused chaos across the UK rail network with multiple disruptions and rail passengers in northern England told: 'Do not travel'. TransPennine Express, which runs trains in northern England and southern Scotland said 'persistent heavy rain' had flooded several routes, primarily in the North West. The operator said the deluge caused 'significant issues in Greater Manchester and Cheshire', with travellers advised to 'delay journeys at least until the afternoon'. It comes as Met Office wind, rain and snow warnings are in force for parts of the UK, with flooding bringing disruption to many of those travelling on New Year's Day. Waves crashing into Dover in Kent today as wind, rain and snow warnings are in force Stranded cars on a flooeded Shaftsbury Avenue in Timperley, South Manchester, this morning Large parts of England and Wales will be hit by strong winds until 3pm today, while north-west England and Wales will endure heavy rain for much of the morning. More than 130 flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, are in place for England, 10 for Wales and 32 for Scotland. Over the last 48 hours, some parts of the North West of England saw almost a month's worth of rain, Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said. Honister Pass in Cumbria saw nearly 6in (150mm) of rain, while Rochdale in Greater Manchester had 3in (77mm). Mr Morgan said: 'There's still probably likely to be further flooding across the course of the day, I'm expecting further issues this afternoon. We are potentially expecting the flood situation to get worse before it gets better.' The yellow wind warning means there is a chance of delays or cancellations to road, rail, air and ferry services as winds of up to 60mph are forecast across much of England and Wales, with gusts of 75mph likely around coastal areas and hills, according to the Met Office. And a yellow warning for snow and ice is in force for northern Scotland until 9am tomorrow, as rain turning to snow is likely to lead to some travel disruption and difficult driving conditions on New Year's Day, the forecaster added. It comes after Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations, including street parties and fireworks, were cancelled due to safety concerns. Wet and windy weather ahead of London's New Year's Day Parade 2025 this morning A tree surgeon inspecting a fallen tree on Showell Lane in Meriden, Coventry, this morning Cars stuck on a flooded road in Manchester this morning following torrential rain Wet and windy weather ahead of London's New Year's Day Parade 2025 this morning Waves crash against the harbour wall at the Port of Dover in Kent this morning Swimmers brave bad weather for the St Andrews New Year Dook at East Sands this morning Stranded cars on a flooded Shaftsbury Avenue in Timperley, South Manchester, this morning Cars trapped in flood water on the A555 near Wilmslow in Cheshire this morning Wet and windy weather ahead of London's New Year's Day Parade 2025 this morning Swimmers brave bad weather for the St Andrews New Year Dook at East Sands this morning A tree surgeon inspecting a fallen tree on Showell Lane in Meriden, Coventry, this morning Cars stuck on a flooded road in Manchester this morning following torrential rain People walking on the beach at Barry Island in the Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales today Wet and windy weather ahead of London's New Year's Day Parade 2025 this morning Stranded cars on a flooded Shaftsbury Avenue in Timperley, South Manchester, this morning Waves crashing into Dover in Kent today as wind, rain and snow warnings are in force Cars stranded in deep water due to flooding at Stockport in Greater Manchester today Swimmers brave bad weather for the St Andrews New Year Dook at East Sands this morning Firework displays in Blackpool, Newcastle, Ripon in North Yorkshire, and the Isle of Wight were also axed. However, London's New Year's Eve fireworks event went ahead as planned. Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service said it had been experiencing a high number of 999 calls due to flooding. TransPennine Express urged customers not to travel before noon today, with the rail line closed between Manchester Piccadilly and Warrington Central. Disruption is also expected for trains between Manchester Airport and the city's stations, as well as routes between Manchester and Liverpool Lime Street. Trains between Liverpool and Newcastle, Hull and Sheffield were being affected by flooding, as well as lines between Manchester Airport and Redcar Central, Manchester Victoria and Scarborough, and Manchester Piccadilly and York. Services running between Manchester Piccadilly and Preston were also being disrupted due to flooding, which Network Rail said would disrupt services running between Manchester Piccadilly and Glasgow Central/Edinburgh. Meanwhile a spokesperson for BA said: 'We operate hundreds of flights every day without disruption, successfully getting tens of thousands of our customers to where they need to be. 'Like other airlines, we've had to make some small adjustments to our schedule today because of air traffic control restrictions across London airports due to adverse weather conditions. A ferry heads out to sea in Dover today as wind, rain and snow warnings are in force Wet and windy weather ahead of London's New Year's Day Parade 2025 this morning People walking on the beach at Barry Island in the Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales today Stranded cars on a flooded Shaftsbury Avenue in Timperley, South Manchester, this morning Swimmers brave bad weather for the St Andrews New Year Dook at East Sands this morning Cars trapped in flood water on the A555 near Wilmslow in Cheshire this morning Swimmers brave bad weather for the St Andrews New Year Dook at East Sands this morning A ferry heads out to sea in Dover today as wind, rain and snow warnings are in force People walking on the beach at Barry Island in the Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales today A tree surgeon inspecting a fallen tree on Showell Lane in Meriden, Coventry, this morning Swimmers brave bad weather for the St Andrews New Year Dook at East Sands this morning Cars stuck on a flooded road in Manchester this morning following torrential rain Swimmers brave bad weather for the St Andrews New Year Dook at East Sands this morning Stranded cars on a flooded Shaftsbury Avenue in Timperley, South Manchester, this morning Swimmers brave bad weather for the St Andrews New Year Dook at East Sands this morning 'While the vast majority of our customers will be unaffected, we apologise for the inconvenience caused and our teams are working hard to help get their journeys back on track.' National Highways said the westbound M56 between Junction 6 for Manchester Airport and Junction 7 for Bowdon was expected to be closed 'for some time' due to flooding across all three lanes. The UK Health Security Agency activated a 72-hour 'cold health alert' at 9am today, running until 9am on January 4. The M57 in Merseyside was closed in both directions between Junction 6 for Kirkby and Junction 7 for Switch Island, Aintree, due to flooding and the work to clear the water is expected to take some time. And a section of the A628 Woodhead Pass between Woolley Bridge and Flouch was closed in both directions. Other parts of the country were also seeing disruption with the M48 Severn Bridge closed in both directions due to high winds. London's New Year's Day Parade was due to begin at midday, but is set to start 30 minutes later than planned, and inflatable cartoon characters will not be inflated after Met Office advice Train operator TransPennine Express urged customers not to travel before noon today In Wales, Network Rail said the Conwy Valley Line between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno Junction would be closed throughout New Year's Day because of fallen trees on the line and an assessment of the embankment. The Far North Line in the Scottish Highlands was temporarily closed, while rail services between Dingwall and Inverness were halted due to flooding. Met Office forecaster Mr Morgan said there is expected to be widespread frost overnight, followed by a 'particularly cold' couple of days, with the potential for widespread snow and disruption into the weekend. Temperatures are set to be between 3C and 5C below average by day over the next few days, with a maximum of 5C to 6C in the south, and the coldest spots expected to see -10C during the nights. The UK Health Security Agency activated a 72-hour 'cold health alert' at 9am today, running until 9am on January 4. People have arrested three suspects in connection with murder after a Good Samaritan was lured to his death by a stranger who claimed to be having car trouble. Paul Clifford, 53, was found dead next to burning car on Christmas Eve, just hours after a man rang the doorbell at his family's southern Arizona home and asked for help with his car. Jack Daryl Upchurch, 40, Elmer Glenn Smith, 19, and 16-year-old Wendy Scott were taken into custody Monday night following a SWAT standoff, KVOA-TV reported. All three suspects were charged with first-degree murder in connection to Clifford's death, as well as a slew of other charges included armed robbery and arson of an occupied structure. Upchurch and Smith are each being held on a $1million bond, while Scott's bond was set at $500,000. Sabrina Vining, one of Clifford's two daughters, has been very vocal on social media about the case. She issued a statement Tuesday night hailing the efforts of police. 'We are devastated by what has happened but are very grateful that they have these vile people in custody and intend to do everything in our power to make sure they are prosecuted to the full extent of the law,' she said in a statement to KOLD-TV. She also posted on Facebook to thank law enforcement for 'working diligently' on Clifford's case. Paul Clifford, 53, set out from his Benson, Arizona home on the evening of December 23 when a man appeared at the Clifford's home claiming his car had broken down. He was found dead the next day along a desolate stretch of road northeast of Tucson Jack Daryl Upchurch, 40, (left) Elmer Glenn Smith, 19, (center) and 16-year-old Wendy Scott (right) were taken into custody Monday night following a SWAT standoff. All three have been charged with first-degree murder, as well as a slew of other charges included armed robbery and arson of an occupied structure Police found Clifford's body along a desolate stretch of road northeast of Tucson next to a smoldering car. The remote location was so difficult to access that deputies described it as being 'nearly impossible' to reach without specialized vehicles A man approached Clifford's family home in Benson, about 45 miles outside of Tucson, late on December 23, claiming his car had broken down. Clifford, whose family says had a generous nature, took his daughter's truck and left with the stranger on 11.30pm to help. When he failed to return home after several hours, his concerned family called 911. Pima County Sheriff's deputies responded to reports of suspicious activity, possibly related to a vehicle theft investigation, around 1am on December 24. They found Clifford's body along a desolate stretch of road northeast of Tucson next to a smoldering car. The victim's vehicle was missing from the scene. The remote location was so difficult to access that deputies described it as being 'nearly impossible' to reach without specialized vehicles. Paul Clifford, 53, was said to be a loyal family man. He is pictured with his wife and two daughters, Sabrina and Samantha Paul Clifford is pictured in a photo from his younger years Paul is seen alongside his wife, Christine, daughters Sabrina and Samanatha together with his young grandson Sabrina Vining, one of Clifford's two daughters, has been very vocal on social media about the investigation. She posted on Facebook Tuesday night to thank law enforcement for 'working diligently' on Clifford's case 'It's very far, it's very remote and to get out there it takes a specific vehicle. I think you can get there in a two wheel vehicle but it's going to be very slow going,' said Deputy Adam Schoonover of the Pima County Sheriff's Department. Police found Clifford's truck later that day, abandoned at an apartment complex in Tucson between Prince Road and Roger Road. Investigators received information that the suspects were possibly in south Tuscon, near the area of Benson Highway and Country Club. Detectives obtained a search warrant and the regional SWAT Team served it at the location on Monday, December 30. The suspects barricaded themselves into the residence, resulting in a standoff, and eventually called 911 to negotiate a surrender. Police say they were arrested without incident. Police have not released details about a possible motive for Clifford's murder. True to his generous nature, Clifford took one of his daughter's truck and left around 11.30pm on December 23 - but as the hours passed by with no word from him, his family grew increasingly concerned Paul Clifford is pictured alongside his wife Christina Clifford Vining, who has been updating the public about the case, described her dad as a 'gentle giant' with a heart of compassion. 'We are devastated. He was the kind of man who would do anything for anyone, and this is how he was repaid,' she wrote on a GoFundMe page to support her grieving family. 'I'm at a loss for my mom and am doing everything I can to support her through this unimaginable pain. 'I'm trying my best to help my mom with anything I can. Any help is appreciated and not expected, people have reached out and I want to make sure my mom is taken care of because that's what my dad would have wanted,' Vining added. Nearly $25,000 has been raised to support the family during this difficult time. Scott Morrison has been roasted by Australians after he partied with Donald Trump on New Year's Eve with at a very exclusive private party. The former prime minister and his wife Jenny spent the night at the incoming US President at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, alongside with the world's richest person, Elon Musk and Mr Trump's soon-to-be vice president JD Vance. Mr Morrison shared a photo on social media of he and Jenny flanking Melania Trump and her husband, who's seen grinning and giving a thumbs up. 'HNY 2025 from Mar-a-Lago,' Mr Morrison captioned the photo. But the replies weren't what he would have wished for with retired radio legend Neil Mitchell leading the backlash. 'And thats a positive?' the former 3AW breakfast host wrote. Another added: 'As a pastor and Christian what a disappointment to see you celebrating this ungodly man.' Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (right) is pictured with his wife Jenny and Melania and Donald Trump A third wrote: 'Congratulations on achieving the remarkable feat of being the most despised individual in Australia!' 'Do yourself a favour - show a shred of dignity and spare the public the misery of seeing your face.' But not everyone was so negative, with one commenter writing 'Congratulations, Mr Morison! We all like you!' Another wrote 'Dreams coming true mate. You earned it no matter what the rest rightly say. Enjoy it.' 'Good on you. Where is KRudd? Busy packing his bags?', wrote another commenter, referring to former prime minister Kevin Rudd, who is the current Australian Ambassador to the US. Other prominent guests at the glamorous VIP event included Senator Ted Cruz, Tiffany Trump and her husband Michael Boulos, and Lara and Eric Trump. Mr Trump's extraordinary return to the White House - sworn in as the 47th US president on January 20 - could be followed by a political comeback from Mr Morrison. Mr Morrison resigned from politics a year ago and announced earlier this year that he was moving to Washington to work at political advisory group American Global Strategies (AGS), where he is vice-chairman. AGS was co-founded and chaired by Robert O'Brien, who was National Security Advisor to then-president Mr Trump from 2019 to 2021. This connection will become significant when Mr Trump returns to the Oval Office and the Albanese government seeks to leverage any influence it can with the new leader, including Mr Morrison's relationships. These alliances are vital, given Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was recorded saying Mr Trump 'scares the s*** out of me' while he was shadow minister for transport and infrastructure in 2017. Donald Trump (left) and Scott Morrison (right) both give thumbs up at one of their many previous meetings Mr Morrison's prime ministership coincided with Mr Trump's first presidency from 2018 to 2021. They are pictured in Ohio in September 2019 Mr Rudd has encouraged Mr Morrison to join a diplomatic charm offensive to woo the incoming Trump administration. Mr Morrison caught up with the incoming President in New York on October a few weeks before the US election. A day later, his book Plans For Your Good was former by former political rival Mr Rudd at the Australian embassy in Washington. Many of Mr Trump's former colleagues, including former secretary of state Mike Pompeo and close advisor Kellyanne Conway attended Mr Morrison's launch. 'The book launch was a very public demonstration by Rudd that he and Morrison have put aside their differences and that the two can work together in Australia's interests,' an Australian government insider told the Saturday Paper. After Mr Trump's stunning victory over Kamala Harris in November, Mr Morrison said it would lead to a 'rejuvenation of the US economy' and that Mr Trump had given a 'stellar' performance in the election campaign. Jenny and Scott Morrison are pictured with Donald and Melania Trump at the White House on September 20, 2019 'The US is an entrepreneurial animal... and I think we'll see great confidence come into that economy,' he said. Mr Morrison's prime ministership coincided with Mr Trump's first presidency from 2018 to 2021 - with Mr Trump once even lavishing ScoMo with praise, describing him as a 'man of titanium'. Before he was elected in 2022, Mr Albanese criticised the-then Prime Minister for being too close to Trump. 'Scott Morrison went too far partly out of his affinity with Donald Trump, partly because of the political constituency they share,' Mr Albanese said in early 2021. 'There is no doubt Mr Morrison put this affinity and his political interests first when he effectively went on a campaign rally stage with Donald Trump in Ohio (during the 2020 US presidential election campaign).' Despite their previous differences, though, Mr Albanese and his Labor government will be hoping Mr Morrison can help heal its fractured relationship with Mr Trump. Speaking on Tuesday night, Mr Trump issued a stark warning to every other country in the world. 'People aren't respecting us as much as a country, and they will be,' he said. Virgin Australia crew members were allegedly raped and robbed in Fiji prompting local police to advise them to stay in their hotel rooms while an investigation took place. The Fiji Sun reported the incident allegedly took place after an evening of clubbing in Martintar, Nadi, on Tuesday. 'We confirm police are investigating the Australian airline crew case as they were victims of theft of allegations of sexual assault after clubbing,' Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew said. It is not yet clear if any arrests have been made, but Mr Chew added that 'locals are the suspects'. The crew members are currently confined to separate rooms at Hotel Tanoa, near Nadi International Airport in the nation's capital. Virgin officials have flown to Fiji to investigate the incident. The families of the crew involved have also travelled to the island nation. A replacement crew will stand in for the plane's flight back to Australia. Three Virgin Australia flight crew have been confined to separate hotel rooms in Fiji after an alleged 'incident' (stock image) The Virgin Australia crew members are holed up in the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi (stock image) Virgin Australia confirmed an incident occurred in Fiji but refused to provide more details. 'Our focus is on the wellbeing of our team members affected,' a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia. 'Out of respect for our crew we will not be providing further comment.' Fijian authorities have also been contacted for comment. The incident comes amid strained diplomatic relations between Australia and the South Pacific nation in recent weeks. A mass alcohol poisoning incident at a luxury resort on Fiji's Coral Coast saw six people - including four Australians - rushed to hospital with life-threatening symptoms on December 14. As a result, the Australian government issued a warning for travels heading to Fiji. 'Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks,' the Smartraveller website states. The Warwick Fiji, where the six people were rushed to hospital, is pictured 'Don't leave food or drinks unattended, and pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Get urgent medical help if you suspect drink spiking.' Following the release of toxicology reports which indicated there was no traces of illegal substances or methanol, Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka pleaded with Australia - and several other nations - to ease their travel advice. 'I'll just ask our friends from foreign governments to please review the travel advisory. 'Take away the word 'spike' from the advisories, and take away all those precautionary stuff that could affect people making the decisions for [visiting] Fiji, so I'm asking them to try if they could review that.' Do you know more? Email tips@dailymail.com Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds are accused of 'bullying' the producer and director of the film It Ends With Us, Justin Baldoni, in a bombshell lawsuit which says Reynolds 'berated' Baldoni in a heated meeting at their New York penthouse. Reynolds, one of the biggest stars in Hollywood who is on a high after the success of last year's movie Deadpool & Wolverine, is said to have 'aggressively' accused Baldoni of a string of offences against his wife, including 'fat shaming' her. On the evening of January 4 last year, the lawsuit says Baldoni plus other producers and a representative of Sony were invited to the home shared by the couple. It says: 'They arrived eager to discuss plans for the next day's filming, prepared with their production materials. Instead, they were blindsided by Lively and Reynolds, who presented a list of grievances that were both unanticipated and troubling. 'Reynolds launched into a tirade, berating Baldoni in what Baldoni later described as a 'traumatic' encounter, stating he had 'never been spoken to like that in his life.' Reynolds demanded an apology to Lively for actions that were mischaracterised and demonstrably false, the lawsuit says. It adds: 'When Baldoni resisted apologising for what he had not done, Reynolds became further enraged. Everyone, including the producer Lively had asked production to engage and a representative of Sony that was in attendance, left that 'meeting' in shock. The producer offered that in his 40-year career he had never seen anyone speak to someone like that.' Baldoni says after the filming was complete that Lively took over the movie project from him, refused to walk the red carpet with him or let him attend its premiere, and that she and husband Reynolds allegedly used their power to try and damage him. Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds attend the It Ends with Us premiere in New York last August Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in a scene from It Ends With Us, which came out last August Blake Lively previously shared a glimpse on social media inside the New York penthouse A photo posted by Blake Lively on Instagram of the actress inside her New York penthouse The lawsuit says that in July last year, before the film's release, he got word that: 'during the premiere of his movie Deadpool & Wolverine, Reynolds approached Baldoni's agent at William Morris Endeavor and demanded that the agent 'drop' Baldoni.' The lawsuit was filed last night against the New York Times after its story on December 20 said that a Hollywood 'smear machine' had been summoned into action to discredit Lively. That article was based in part on an 80-page legal complaint filed by Lively which accused Baldoni and his partner of sexual harassment. Instead, says the lawsuit, the 'true source of tension between Lively and plaintiffs.. was Lively's brazen and calculated effort to expropriate the film.' Lawyer Bryan Freedman promises to file more lawsuits in the coming days. Lawyers acting for Baldoni and his publicists have produced a wealth of text, email and WhatsApp evidence which they say proves that Lively undertook a 'hostile take over' of the film. It lays out a litany of alleged diva behaviour by the actress. It says that she 'disrupted' the film by refusing to meet with an intimacy coordinator, demanded that her wardrobe was changed and that outfits were taken to her home so that she could look at them, and added lines to the film. Eventually she took over editing the movie and produced her own cut. It is alleged that she 'threatened' producers Sony that she would walk out and eventually wrested full control from Baldoni. Justin Baldoni in a scene from It Ends With Us which was released in the UK on August 9, 2024 Blake Lively poses for photographers at a photo call for It Ends With Us in London last August Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni on the set of It Ends with Us in Jersey City on January 12, 2024 A photo posted by Blake Lively on Instagram of the actress inside her New York penthouse She then allegedly demanded a PGA (Producers Guild of America) credit, and despite feeling that she had not done enough to get a producing credit, Jamey Heath wrote a letter in her support, which is produced. Baldoni says that he, his family and friends were not invited to the film's after party, were forbidden from the red carpet and on the night of the premiere even ended up sheltering in a basement holding area because Lively wouldn't permit them to be in the same room as her. The lawsuit says that the allegations that Baldoni, aided by crisis PRs Melissa Nathan and Jen Abel at TAG, created a global smear campaign against the actress are false, and this was a strategy used by Lively to try and reclaim her damaged public image. The New York Times ran an August 16 text exchange in which Nathan allegedly shared a link to an article with Abel. The text exchange shows Abel responding, 'Wow,' followed by, 'You really outdid yourself with this one,' to which Nathan allegedly replied, 'That's why you hired me, right? I'm the best.' The lawsuit says that these text messages were altered and edited. The lawsuit includes a longer version of the exchange. In it, Nathan forwards a screenshot of an article and writes: 'Damn this is not fair because it's also not me,' followed by, 'Everything now looks like it's me.' Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively in a scene from It Ends With Us, released by Sony Pictures Blake Lively is photographed in the Meatpacking District of New York City on July 31, 2024 Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have a penthouse in this block in New York City A photo posted by Blake Lively on Instagram of the actress inside her New York penthouse Her following statement: 'That's why you hired me, right? I'm the best' just sarcastic, 'facetious juvenile banter' and not evidence of a conspiracy, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit adds: 'The Times, like Lively, misrepresented these communications to support its salacious and unfounded 'smear campaign' narrativeAny negative press about Lively was unequivocally a consequence of her own action 'Lively's marketing efforts, which included encouraging audiences to 'grab your friends, wear your florals' while promoting her hair care and alcohol brands, were widely criticized as insensitive. 'This was particularly glaring given World Health Organization statistics showing that 55 per cent of domestic violence incidents involve alcohol. 'Her actions naturally triggered organic public criticism and unleashed a cycle of negative coverage, including, as is common in the digital age, the resurfacing of old, unflattering content. 'Far from being the product of a calculated smear campaign by plaintiffs, the backlash against Lively was the inevitable fallout of her own tone-deaf messaging and self-promotional tactics, amplified by her inability to read the room in addressing such a serious subject.' As Nathan says in another text: 'None of us would ever do this. Its organic she's blown herself by her own actions'.' Accusations of sexual harassment against Heath and Baldoni are denied. The New York Times said that Heath showed Lively a video of his naked wife which she had mistaken for pornography. The lawsuit shows a still image from the video and adds: 'This claim is patently absurd. The video in question was a (non-pornographic) recording of Heath's wife and baby during a home birtha deeply personal one with no sexual overtone. To distort this benign event into an act of sexual misconduct is outrageous.' The video was shown as part of a 'creative discussion' to prepare for a birthing scene in the film. Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in a scene from It Ends With Us, which came out last August A photo posted by Ryan Reynolds of the actor with Blake Lively at their New York penthouse Justin Baldoni attends a Variety awards ceremony in Beverly Hills on December 4, 2024 The New York Times also said that both men entered her make up trailer uninvited and when she was topless. The lawsuit says that Lively invited Baldoni into her trailer while she was 'pumping' (expressing breast milk) so that they could work out their lines. It includes a text message allegedly from Lively which runs: 'I'm just pumping in my trailer if you wanna work out some lines.' The lawsuit notes: 'Both Heath and Baldoni have children, and are comfortable around breastfeeding mothers, and Lively seemed equally comfortable. As revealed in a text message exchange between Baldoni and Lively less than two weeks into filming, Lively invited Baldoni to her trailer to rehearse lines while she was pumping breast milk. 'Breastfeeding was an activity she often conducted openly in the presence of both Baldoni and Heath, including during production meetings Lively suggests Heath walked in her trailer unannounced while 'in state of undress' and topless, which is false. 'Heath was invited into her trailer, along with a female producer, Baldoni, and a Sony representative for a meeting requested by Lively. Mr Heath arrived first to see if Lively was ready for the meeting, and after knocking and being invited in, saw that Lively was breastfeeding. She was not topless. She was having makeup removed from her collar bone while fully-covered. 'Heath asked if they should return at a later time. Lively said no, they could move forward with the meeting as initially planned and would meet them after she finished removing makeup. 'Roughly two weeks later Lively announced that she thought she had seen Heath make eye contact with her. Heath immediately apologised and said he hadn't even realized he looked her way, in response to which Lively remarked, 'I know you weren't trying to cop a look.' Accusations that Baldoni improvised unwanted kissing and discussed his sex life in ways which were inappropriate are said to be 'misleading.' The lawsuit says: 'Lively refused to meet with the intimacy coordinator to plan out the Film's sex scenes. Baldoni, in turn, was forced to meet with the intimacy coordinator alone and relay any suggestions to Lively separately. A photo posted by Blake Lively on Instagram of the actress inside her New York penthouse Justin Baldoni at the premiere of It Ends with Us at AMC Lincoln Square in New York last August A photo posted by Blake Lively on Instagram of the actress inside her New York penthouse 'Notwithstanding Baldoni's reluctance, he and Lively would later sketch out the scenes together, absent the intimacy coordinator. As part of those creative discussions, Baldoni and Lively sought to personalise and develop their characters and, in doing so, engaged in conversation about their individual experiences. 'The Times characterises this discussion as an inappropriate attempt by Baldoni to talk about his sex life - it was not. More still, Baldoni consistently acted at the direction of the intimacy coordinator.' The lawsuit says that claims Baldoni made inappropriate comments about Lively's appearance are also misleading. He had actually been 'relaying' 'concerns' allegedly shared by Sony over reaction to her wardrobe from pictures taken during filming, it is claimed. The lawsuit says Lively leveraging this conversation to support an allegation of harassment was 'the beginning of a troubling pattern of manipulative behaviour.' The lawsuit goes on: 'The fact is that Lively embarked on a hostile takeover of the production, strong-arming Sony into blessing her with ultimate control. 'As they became increasingly frantic and unsettled by the usurpation of their roles, Baldoni remained resolute that they continue to take the 'high road' and be proud of the 'beautiful baby' they had all made together. 'Notwithstanding, Lively waged war on Baldoni, weaponizing innocuous interactions from May and June 2023 - long before there was any tension between them - to vilify and discredit him. At the time, Baldoni and Lively had a solid working relationship, and Lively expressed no unease around him.' Three migrants have been arrested after they allegedly attacked and killed an immigration agent at a checkpoint near the US southern border. Luis Alberto Olivas Garcia was attacked Monday around 12.30pm after he asked a group of migrants for their identification documents. Preliminary reports indicate he sustained several wounds caused by a sharp object, possibly a knife, and a head injury most likely from a rock, El Horizonte reported. When emergency crews found Garcia - who was stationed at Mexico's Precos-Samalayuca checkpoint, across the border from El Paso, Texas - he had no vital signs. His body also showed 'signs of violence'. Two Venezuelan men - identified only as Carlos A. S., 36, and 29-year-old David Jose V. - were arrested in connection to Garcia's murder, according to Mexico's National Immigration Institute. A Colombian national referred to as Carlos N. was also detained over the attack. As of late Monday, no official charges had been filed against the trio. Luis Alberto Olivas Garcia was attacked at a checkpoint in Samalayuca, Mexico on Monday around 12.30pm after he asked a group of migrants for their identification documents Two Venezuelan men - identified only as Carlos A. S., 36, and 29-year-old David Jose V. - were arrested in connection to Garcia's murder. A Colombian national referred to as Carlos N. (not pictured) was also detained over the attack When emergency crews (pictured at the scene) found Garcia, he had no vital signs. His body also showed 'signs of violence' Garcia was killed just hours after he had received an award recognizing his 30 years of service as a federal agent with the National Immigration Institute. Several agents have taken to social media to pay tribute to their slain colleague, with many posting images of black bows bearing the agency's initials in yellow, according to local newspaper Regeneracion. 'Rest in peace Luis Olivas, my condolences to his family and coworkers' one wrote. Another added: 'Our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Luis Olivas.' Garcia's death of the agent marked a rare case of deadly violence against agents weeks before an expected crackdown on immigration when President-elect Donald Trump takes office. The death of the migration official comes as would-be migrants await an expected tightening on entry to the US once Trump takes office on January 20. Luis Alberto Olivas Garcia, pictured, was killed just hours after he had received an award recognizing his 30 years of service as a federal agent with the National Immigration Institute Two Venezuelan migrants are pictured in police custody after they allegedly murdered immigration agent Luis Alberto Olivas Garcia Hundreds of migrants waited in long lines outside an immigration office in southern Mexico on Monday, hoping to secure safe passage north and enter the US legally before Trump returns to power. Trump plans to end President Joe Biden's humanitarian programs, including one that allows migrants in parts of Mexico to make an appointment on a US government app, known as CBP One, to approach a port of entry and enter the country legally. The Mexican government runs a program of busing migrants with confirmed CBP One appointments from southern Mexico to the northern border, seeking to protect them from gangs and organized crime groups that extort and kidnap migrants traveling across the country. The Mexican government's buses generally run two or three times a week, transporting migrants over a thousand miles north to Mexican border cities. Europe could see a 'drastic' rise to energy costs as Russian natural gas exports via Soviet-era pipelines running through Ukraine were halted on New Year's Day. The move comes as a transit deal expired while warring Moscow and Kyiv have failed to reach an agreement to continue the flows. The shutdown of Russia's oldest gas route to Europe ends a decade of fraught relations sparked by Russia's seizure of Crimea in 2014. Ukraine stopped buying Russian gas the following year. 'We stopped the transit of Russian gas. This is a historic event. Russia is losing its markets, it will suffer financial losses. Europe has already made the decision to abandon Russian gas,' Ukraine's Energy Minister German Galushchenko said in a statement. The stoppage of gas transit through Ukraine will have 'drastic' impact on European Union countries but not on Russia, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Wednesday. The pro-Russian Slovak leader has repeatedly warned that the end of transit would cost Slovakia hundreds of millions of euros in lost transit revenue and higher fees for the import of other gas, and argued it would also lead to a rise in gas and electricity prices in Europe. The stoppage of gas flows was expected amid the war, which started in February 2022. Ukraine has been adamant it would not extend the deal amid the military conflict. Europe could see a 'drastic' rise to energy costs as Russian natural gas exports via Soviet-era pipelines running through Ukraine were halted on New Year's Day The move comes as a transit deal expired while warring Moscow and Kyiv have failed to reach an agreement to continue the flows This photograph taken on April 22, 2015 shows a part of a gas installation at a gas-pumping station on the gas pipeline in the small town Boyarka in the Kiev region According to an industry source, Gazprom last year assumed the absence of the gas transit via Ukraine, which accounted for roughly a half of Russia's total pipeline gas exports to Europe. Russia still exports gas via the TurkStream pipeline on the bed of the Black Sea. TurkStream has two lines - one for the Turkish domestic market and the other supplying central European customers including Hungary and Serbia. The European Union redoubled its efforts to reduce its dependence on Russian energy after the outbreak of the military conflict in Ukraine in 2022 by seeking alternative sources. The remaining buyers of Russian gas via Ukraine such as Slovakia and Austria have also arranged alternative supply. Moldova, once part of the Soviet Union, is among the countries worst affected. It says it will now need to introduce measures to reduce its gas use by a third. There were no immediate comments from Europe in the early hours of Wednesday. The five-year gas transit deal between Russia and Ukraine expired early on Jan. 1. 'Due to the repeated and clearly expressed refusal of the Ukrainian side to renew these agreements, Gazprom was deprived of the technical and legal ability to supply gas for transit through the territory of Ukraine from January 1, 2025,' Gazprom said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app. The stoppage of gas flows was expected amid the war, which started in February 2022 'Starting from 08:00 Moscow time (0500 GMT), the supply of Russian gas for its transportation through the territory of Ukraine is not carried out.' Ukraine's energy ministry also said the transportation of Russian gas through Ukraine 'has been stopped in the interests of national security'. Ukraine now faces the loss of some $800 million a year in transit fees from Russia, while Gazprom will lose close to $5 billion in gas sales. Russia and the former Soviet Union spent half a century building up a major share of the European gas market, which at its peak stood at around 35%, but the war has all but destroyed that business for Gazprom. The Yamal-Europe pipeline via Belarus has also shut and the Nord Stream route across the Baltic Sea to Germany was blown up in 2022. Combined, the various routes delivered a record high 201 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas to Europe in 2018. Russia shipped about 15 bcm of gas via Ukraine in 2023, down from 65 bcm when the last five-year contract began in 2020. It comes amid fears that Putin could sabotage a key North Sea pipeline and cause winter blackouts in Britain. The concerns come as the RAF was put on alert last month and follow recent incidents in the Baltic which have seen ships controlled by Russia or its allies linked with damage to subsea infrastructure and suspected of spying. Security officials are worried that the next target could be pipelines that transport about 42 per cent of Britain's entire gas supply. Were such an attack to occur, the impact would be devastating and could translate to winter blackouts in Britain along with numerous other tangible impacts on the island's inhabitants. The fears come as two Baltic pipelines to date have been severed by explosions, one in 2022 and another last year with concerns that similar damage could also be maintained in the North Sea. Gassco, the Norwegian state-owned company that owns the pipelines running to Britain, said: 'Incidents such as the explosions in Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 in 2022 and the Baltic Connector incident in 2023 are not linked to Norwegian gas infrastructure, but nevertheless resulted in a need for increased vigilance. The father of a teenage girl killed in the Lockerbie bombing said he is concerned about the forthcoming drama about the 'quest for truth' of a grieving relative played by Colin Firth. Sky TV production - Lockerbie: A Search for Truth - starring Colin Firth, will begin tomorrow and is based on Dr Swire's book Lockerbie: A Father's Search for Justice. Paul Hudson, whose daughter Melina died in the bombing aged just 16, said he had met Dr Jim Swire on several occasions and 'profoundly disagreed' with his 'theories' on the atrocity. Dr Swire, who lost his daughter Flora in the disaster, said he hopes the dramatisation will raise greater awareness and spark fresh public debate about what happened. But Mr Hudson, who has only seen trailers, fears if it is based around similar views expressed in the book it could have a negative impact on public opinion ahead of a trial of a suspected bombmaker next year. Mr Hudson, who now lives in Florida, recently marked the 36th anniversary of the crash, that took 270 lives when Pan Am 103 blew up over Lockerbie in Scotland. Among those on board was his daughter Melina, who was returning home for the holidays after spending a semester at Exeter School as part of an exchange agreement. The 16-year-old had originally been scheduled to fly home from the Devon school to New York on December 22, 1988, but travel plans were changed at the last minute. Paul Hudson, the father of Melina Hudson who died in the bombing aged just 17 Melina Hudson, aged 16 at the time of the bombing, was returning home for the holidays after spending a semester at Exeter School Colin Firth pictured of the set of Lockerbie for Sky TV in Bathgate, Lothian Colin Firth pictured as Dr Jim Swire in the upcoming Sky TV drama Lockerbie Mr Hudson has since spent decades fighting for justice for the victims of Pan Am 103. He said: 'I spoke with Dr Swire a few years ago. He has various theories that I don't agree with. 'I happened to be on a cruise this past summer to Norway with a stop in Skye, and I picked up a copy of his book. 'I started to read it and could only get a quarter of the way through. 'Of course I can't react to the docudrama as I haven't seen it and they've only put out teasers. 'But from what I can gather from talking to him over the years, it is not about a search for the truth - but a search for his truth.' Mr Hudson said he was shocked to read how 'pro-Gaddafi he was' and claimed Dr Swire is also quite 'anti-American. 'His theories revolve around punching holes in the evidence over the trial of al-Megrahi and other theories - such as the CIA, Palestine, or Iran might have done it,' he added. 'But he has gone to such extremes - claiming al-Megrahi is innocent. That does not make any sense as the evidence was overwhelming he was involved. 'He had multiple trips to Libya and met Gaddafi on a couple of occasions - and said he felt a common bond because they had both lost their daughters to 'American aggression.' Hudson Family (from left to right): David, Eleanor, Paul, Paul Joseph, Melina, and Stephe Melina Hudson with brothers Stephen and Paul Joseph in a family photo before her death 'He also seemed upset and dismayed that Gaddafi was overthrown in 2011. 'It is a drama and not a documentary. If it is a version of what he might like to think happened and follows his political views, or his simple quest as a grieving father - that would be two totally different things. 'The timing seems coincidental before the trial here - I hope it's doesn't do anything to influence the jury pool. 'They have an A-list actor playing him so that can't have come cheap and I'm sure it will be popular with a lot of people.' Mr Hudson says his other concern is the son of al-Megrahi was said to have 'political ambitions' and was treated like a 'hero' on his release from UK prison. 'He could be looking to trade on that if his reputation is enhanced,' he added. Of his daughter's time in Exeter, he said: 'Of course the whole thing is bittersweet - how it ended of course was not good at all. It was difficult for her as she never been away from home before. 'But she did have a good semester and made some friends - I can not really say much more than that. Melina Hudson pictured in Paris, was one of the 270 killed in the Pan Am flight 103 bombing 'Her flight got changed and she was put on the wrong flight. 'I was there some years ago with my youngest son and we visited one of the people she stayed with. 'They didn't have facilities for women at the school so she was a boarder. 'Hopefully the lessons of it and the memories won't be lost. The one good thing I can say out of it, is that after this I don't believe there has been any significant cases of aviation bombing sponsored by governments.' Mr Hudson said he was also recently informed the trial of the alleged Lockerbie bombmaker has been delayed for up to four months - due to 'medical issues.' Libyan Abu Agila Masud, 71, has been accused of making the bomb which killed 270 victims over Lockerbie on 21 December 1988 and was due to go on trial in Washington in May next year. Masud was due to stand trial at a federal court in Washington next May accused of two counts of destruction of an aircraft resulting in death and destruction of a vehicle resulting in death. He has denied all three charges. But Mr Hudson said: 'I only found out he had an unspecified medical condition that requires treatment. Paul Hudson, pictured with his family, said the show could have a negative impact on public opinion ahead of a trial of a suspected bombmaker next year 'The message from the prosecution was that it will delay everything by between 90-120 days that will push the trial back. 'The longer times goes by the more difficult it becomes to get justice. 'We will just have to see what happens now. I believe he is in his early to mid 70s so it could be for a number of things. 'I guess we will know more in the next month as these things have a way of coming out. But that's all we've been told for now and it is obviously very disspointing. 'The longer the delay there is less chance we will see any form of justice.' Libyan intelligence agent Abdelbasset Al-Megrahi was found in 2001 to have played a key role in the bombing and convicted him of the murder of 270 people. He was jailed for life but had terminal cancer and was freed on compassionate grounds by the Scottish government in 2009. He died in Libya three years later while still protesting his innocence. Mr Hudson has been an active campaigner for justice since December 1988 and travelled to Lockerbie in the aftermath to see the devastation and speak to other relatives. The following year he co-founded and became the initial leader of two victim family relative organizations, the Victims of Pan Am Flight 103 and then the Families of the Pan Am 103/Lockerbie. He is presently a board member of the Pan Am 103/Lockerbie Legacy Foundation. Mr Hudson said he spent the anniversary marking it with his close family. He added: 'Of course we always remember and do something every year. Melina had originally been scheduled to fly home from the Devon school to New York on December 22, 1988, but travel plans were changed at the last minute 'This year the family are scattered and gathered together remotely to commemorate it. 'It changes in the sense that time goes by but the memories are always there. I would say it has become a tradition and one that we are now letting our grandchildren join.' Mr Hudson said they were also facing an ongoing battle to provide remote access to the court case. He added: 'We are still looking for a final decision from the judge. The defence is against it and the judge is not in favour but there was a law passed by congress.' Dr Swire has said he believes the bombing was carried out by a Syrian-backed group, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine General Command (PFLP-GC), in retaliation for the shooting down of an Iranian airliner by an American warship earlier in 1988. He claimed forensic evidence fatally undermined the case against Libya and Megrahi. In a recent interview he called on PM Keir Starmer to publish all documents relating to the case. He added: 'One thing we can do is ask the government of today to release all the documentation about Lockerbie. 'That would be a tremendous help. Here we are, 36 years down the road, and we know a lot of material has been kept out of public view. 'Why isn't it in the public interest to release it after 36 years? I think that's something a lot of people would think is pretty fishy.' Nearly 200 Royal Navy sailors were recalled on Christmas Day so they could be deployed to shadow Russian warships spotted in the North Sea and English Channel. The crew of frigate HMS Somerset set sail on Friday December 27, to keep a watch on the corvette RFS Soobrazitelny and two support vessels, MV Sparta II and MV General Skobelev for almost 500 miles. The Russian ships remained in international waters until December 31 when Somerset finished shadowing them. A Navy helicopter was also deployed to support the mission. It also captured aerial images of the operation released by the marine force this morning. The Russian manoeuvres are just the latest grandstanding effort by Russia under Putin as he continues to posture against NATO and the West amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Top Naval officers have given their thanks to sailors for answering the call of duty at the peak of the festive period - dropping plans at the last second to protect Britain. HMS Somerset's commanding officer, Commander Joel Roberts, said: 'As the UK is an island nation, at all times of the year the Royal Navy maintains units at very high readiness to conduct operations in support of the UK's national objectives. 'Maintaining maritime security, demonstrating an assertive presence, ensuring compliance with maritime law, and deterring malign activity in our territorial and adjacent waters are essential components of our maritime strategy and crucial to our national interests.' The Royal Navy issued this photograph of HMS Somerset (right) tracking Russian corvette RFS Soobrazitelny (left) over the festive period A close-up shot of the Soobrazitelny, which was tracked by the Royal Navy for around 500 miles between Christmas and New Year Warrant Officer Stephen Doyle, the frigate's executive warrant officer, said: 'Despite being recalled on Christmas day, HMS Somerset's crew spun up at short notice for operational tasking in a swift and professional manner. 'Personnel returned from leave from all parts of the UK; although returning during this period is always emotional, the requirement for the tasking was understood by all onboard. 'Support from our families remains a key factor in allowing the sailors to perform at the highest level.' Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said: 'I would like to thank the crew of HMS Somerset for their dedication after readying themselves for action at short notice during the Christmas period, and promptly setting sail from Devonport to keep the UK safe. 'All the sailors involved are testament to the professionalism of the UK Armed Forces, with thousands more sailors, soldiers, and aviators keeping us secure at home and strong abroad, throughout the year.' A Royal Navy spokesman said: 'With conditions in the Channel and North Sea foggy, aside from visually monitoring the Russian ships' progress, HMS Somerset used her extensive suite of hi-tech sensors to follow the trio for more than 500 miles. 'When the weather has cleared, the ship's Merlin helicopter, provided by 814 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall, became airborne to support the monitoring mission and also capture imagery of both the Russian vessels and HMS Somerset's shadowing operation. The manoeuvres came a month after Putin's suspected spy ship was sent packing from the Irish Sea - and days after Finnish police boarded another Russian boat suspected of sabotaging an underwater power cable. A Navy-issued image of HMS Somerset (right) monitoring RFS Soobrazitelny (left) and its support ship MV Sparta II (centre) in the North Sea Finnish Border Police seen boarding the Eagle S oil tanker in the Gulf of Finland last week. The ship, suspected to be a Russian 'dark' vessel, is thought to be linked to the severing of a power cable in the gulf at Christmas The Eagle S was seized by Finland and has been anchored inland while an investigation is carried out into the Estlink 2 severance A 60 mile drag mark was reportedly discovered in the Gulf of Finland (pictured: the severed Estlink 2 power cable) Britain is not alone in confronting Russia's posturing by air and sea. Earlier this week NATO Maritime Command warned 'We. Are. Watching' after Russian ships passed through the Med The Yantar, described by Russia as an oceanographic research vessel, was spotted off the coast of the Isle of Man, prompting Royal Navy and Irish defence chiefs to send boats in response. RAF jets have also been scrambled in recent months after Russian jets have skimmed British airspace, as Putin continues to posture in defiance at the ongoing international outrage against his continuing campaign in Ukraine. Last week, Finnish police boarded the Russian oil tanker Eagle S after suspecting it of dragging its anchor to rupture the Estlink 2 power link between Finland and Estonia on Christmas Day. A 60-mile long drag mark was discovered in the Gulf of Finland. In response, Finnish police raided the vessel and seized it, suspecting it of being part of Putin's so-called 'dark fleet' used to evade sanctions. The Eagle S has since been anchored in Svartbeck near Porvoo, 30 miles east of Helsinki, while Finland's National Bureau of Investigation continues investigating on board the ship. Seven staff members designated suspects have been banned from leaving the country, Detective Chief Inspector Elina Katajamaki said yesterday. Underwater investigations are continuing around the site of the drag marks with the support of Finnish border police. In response, NATO is urgently boosting patrols in the Gulf of Finland, a busy seaway also widely used by Russian naval and commercial shipping. Elsewhere in the world, the Portuguese Navy escorted Russian naval forces in the Mediterranean - under the watchful eye of NATO's Maritime Operations Centre (MOC). In a pointed message shared on X on December 30, the MOC made clear NATO would not be intimidated by Putin's flexing. Sharing an image of the Russian ship, it said: 'We. Are. Watching. The Portuguese Navy escorted Russian Naval Forces in the Eastern Mediterranean recently. 'The Maritime Operations Center monitored the activity of these ships with NRP Alvares Cabral and NRP Sines which accompanied these ships during their navigations along the continent's EEZ. 'NATO Allied Maritime Commands ever-present coordinated efforts with regional allies and partners ensures the defense and security of the maritime environment 24/7/365.' But the bold gestures are likely a cover for Russia's weakening military position in Ukraine - with an estimated 760,000 soldiers killed or injured as of November, according to Ukraine's estimates. The Kremlin has passed a new law that writes off loan debts for all new recruits and their spouses, up to 10 million rubles (72,000) in a bid to drive military recruitment. Putin is also facing questions following the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash that killed 38, after he admitted Russian anti-air defences had been operating at the time the plane came down. Russia has not accepted responsibility for causing the crash. Brits proudly shunned traditional New Year's Eve celebrations last night by staying indoors and staging low-key get-togethers instead. Torrential rain and strong winds washed out the end-of-2024 festivities for some, with firework displays in Blackpool and Newcastle axed. Meanwhile the streets of Edinburgh, normally heaving for New Year's, appeared deserted after the Scottish capital cancelled its Hogmanay event due to the weather. And while some braved the foul conditions to watch London's fireworks bonanza, or trekked to clubs in Leeds - other Brits opted to slip into their pyjamas and stay home. Tiktokker Hannah Sami was among the influencers turning their backs on NYE, opting to enjoy reading a 'book and maybe a glass of prosecco' while celebrating with family. Bragging to her 233,000 followers on social media, the 24-year-old said: 'All of my friends are going out for New Year's Eve today without me. The reason they're all going out without me is because I said no. 'It's New Year's Eve today, right. You would think that a 24-year-old, with friends that are going out today would also be going out. 'But I actually haven't spent New Year's Eve at home with my family in a long time... I just felt that this year, I wanted to start the year fresh. Tiktokker Hannah Sami was among the influencers turning their backs on NYE, opting to stay at home with her family This Tiktokker shared an image from inside her home where she was spending NYE While this person urged for people to 'normalise staying home' on New Year's Eve 'I've been out just been out so much in the past few weeks, like I haven't stopped doing stuff. I just really feel like I want to stay in this year. 'I've made a frontal lobe decision. This is the woman that's about to turn 25 next year... if you're not doing anything today, if you're staying in with the family, it's OK.' DannyTheVlogger said on Tiktok that he just couldn't be 'a***d' with New Year's, claiming previous celebrations had been underwhelming. 'I always have this little thing in the back of my head where I start thinking to myself "s***, if I don't go out, I'm going to miss something" - and then I look back to previous New Year's Eves where I've gone out, paid double fares for a taxi, queued at a bar for half and hour to try and get drinks... everywhere is overcrowded - you can't move where you are - I just never end up having a great time.' he said. In another video, one lone TikTokker is seen prancing around her living room, eating ice cream and singing along to a song. 'Normalise staying in on NYE to eat fun food and watch a film,' the video says. Another wrote: 'POV [point of view]: it's your first time in years staying home on NYE, you realise spending time with your family and laughing with the people you really love is so much more valuable than being surrounded by strangers in the freezing cold with plans that will always end up being so underwhelming.' Others shared clips of themselves tucking into platters of food and drink while watching TV. But not everyone stayed inside - in London, thousands took to the streets to watch the capital's fireworks bonanza, which narrowly avoided being axed due to the wind. While revellers in Newcastle braved the rain to party the night away, after the city's fireworks show was cancelled. DannyTheVlogger on TikTok said he found previous New Year's Eve events a letdown Other people shared pictured of their food they were tucking into at home for New Year's it comes as revellers braved the rain to party in Newcastle after the city cancelled its fireworks display These two women in Newcastle were determined to go out and enjoy the party last night Thousands watched London's fireworks display marking the New Year In Edinburgh, the streets of the city centre appeared empty after its Hogmanay celebrations were cancelled due to poor weather. It's feared the stormy conditions over the helped deter some other Brits from going out. But others say the high price of food, drink and taxis had a role to play in persuading cash-strapped revellers to stay at home. Manchester's nightlife tsar, Sacha Lord said: 'Since Covid people have decided to stay at home generally for house parties. Certainly, the cost-of-living crisis is hitting people with the expense of taxis which can be double the normal price on New Years. So, it can be a very dear expense.' Mr Lord also warned of a crisis which could see swathes of pubs and clubs shutting up shop across Britain within a matter of weeks due to Labour's Budget, with hikes to VAT and national insurance set to cripple some traditional nightlife venues 'Its extremely doom and gloom,' he added. 'We will see more closures now in Q1 than we did in Covid. People are just about to be hit with VAT rises, at the same time there is a cliff edge facing companies, with business rate hikes and national insurance hikes. I know from speaking to operators there are some that are ready to hand their keys in. 'Within the next four month we're going to see the biggest blow to the hospitality industry that weve ever seen Other trade organisations are saying this and so are staff. The budget was a huge blow. Its only going to get worse.' Edinburgh's normally packed city streets were empty last night after its Hogmanay celebrations were cancelled due to the poor weather People on the near-deserted Royal Mile in Edinburgh after all outdoor events including the street party and fireworks display were cancelled The scenes were a far cry from previous New Year's celebrations in Edinburgh. Pictured are the crowds packing out the city's streets in 2018 Pictured are the busy crowds packing out London at 2021 New Year's event - during the Covid pandemic A report by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), the trade body representing businesses in the night-time economy, revealed there just 851 nightclubs remained in the UK in 2023, compared with more than 3,000 in 2005. As of June 2024, this has shrunk further to 786, according to figures from the analysts CGA by NIQ and AlixPartners - amid fears Gen Z were shunning booze and clubs. Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UK Hospitality which represents hundreds of restaurants and pubs nationwide, said the weather had 'dampened' sales. 'Christmas and New Years Eve and Day are strong days for the hospitality sector as people choose to celebrate with family and friends with a unique, warm and friendly environment - and 2024 was no exception,' she said. 'However, we have seen people choosing lunch, dinner and experiences as well as traditional festive occasions. 'The weather has, however dampened sales in some parts of the country with Christmas markets and some fireworks displays cancelled.' The number of Channel migrants arriving in the UK was up by 25 per cent in 2024 as new figures show almost 37,000 aspiring settlers made the perilous journey. Home Office statistics reveal the year just gone saw the second highest tally of entrants since data on Channel crossings began in 2018. It comes as the total had been considerably lower in previous years, standing at 299 in 2018 then 1,843 in 2019 before climbing up to 8,466 in 2020, 28,526 in 2021 and finally a record 45,774 in 2022. The number then fell in 2023 to 29,437, before rising in 2024 to 36,816. Final crossings of the year took place on December 29, when 291 people made the journey from France in six boats. The Home Office recorded no further crossings for the remaining two days of 2024, amid blustery weather conditions. Labour has come under fire over the new data as it also indicates the number of small boat migrants reaching Britain since the party seized power soared by 29 per cent compared with the same period in 2023. Between July 5 - the day after the general election - and the end of the year 23,242 migrants arrived across the Channel. In the same period in 2023 the figure was 18,004. 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 graph which indicates the number of migrants arriving in the UK after crossing the English Channel in small boats A graph indicating the cumulative arrivals of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats The jump in crossings for 2022 came in a year that former prime minister Rishi Sunak had to accept he had failed to meet his vow to 'stop the boats' when the Conservatives were defeated by Labour in the general election. The change in government also meant former home secretary Suella Braverman never got to see her 'dream' of sending migrants to Rwanda become reality, after the policy stalled amid legal action and was then ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court. Her successor, James Cleverly, never succeeded in his bid to get flights off the ground, despite bringing fresh legislation back to Parliament and signing another treaty with the east African nation in a bid to firm up the agreement and satisfy concerns raised by the court. Some 13,574 migrants arrived in the UK between the start of 2024 and the general election on July 4, according to analysis of Home Office data. It was a record number for this period of the year and was 19 per cent higher than the 11,433 who arrived between January 1 and July 5 in 2023, as well as being 5 per cent higher than the 12,900 who arrived in the equivalent period in 2022. The number of arrivals between the general election and the end of 2024 was also higher than the equivalent period in 2023, but lower than the figure for 2022. At his first press conference after entering Number 10 as Prime Minister in July, Sir Keir Starmer said the deportation plan was 'dead and buried', with Labour swiftly meeting one of its manifesto pledges by scrapping the scheme. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said last month that the Government has a moral responsibility to tackle Channel crossings but refused to set a deadline on when a target to see the numbers fall 'sharply' will be met. Between July 5 - the day after the general election - and the end of the year 23,242 migrants arrived across the Channel - pictured is the RNLI bringing a group of migrants into Dover A graph indicating the number of migrants per boat crossing the English Channel since recording began in 2018 She said the UK must 'go after' the gangs behind the dangerous crossings and appeared to rule out creating more safe and legal routes for asylum seekers as a way of curbing the number of attempts when facing questions from MPs. Sir Keir has put international co-operation with law enforcement agencies in Europe at the heart of his bid to cut the number of arrivals. The Prime Minister previously said his Government 'inherited a very bad position' with record numbers of migrants in the first half of last year 'because the entire focus until we had the election was on a gimmick, the Rwanda gimmick, and not enough attention was on taking down the gangs that are running this vile trade'. But 'if the boats and the engines aren't available, it obviously makes it much more difficult for these crossings to be made', he said. His comments follow him previously vowing to 'treat people smugglers like terrorists' as he announced extra cash for his new border security command. The National Crime Agency said it is leading around 70 live investigations into organised immigration crime or human trafficking. The year 2024 was considered the deadliest for Channel crossings, according to incidents recorded by the French coastguard, with 53 people dying while embarking on the journey across the busiest shipping lane in the world to reach the UK. The International Organisation for Migration has reported several more migrant deaths which are believed to be linked to crossing attempts last year. The number of small boat migrants reaching Britain since Labour seized power has soared by 29 per cent compared with the same period in 2023 Chris Philp MP, the shadow home secretary, said: 'These figures make clear Labour has totally failed on illegal immigration by small boat' Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said Labour has 'lost control of our borders' and made a 'catastrophic mistake' in cancelling the Rwanda scheme. 'These figures make clear Labour has totally failed on illegal immigration by small boat,' he said. 'Numbers have sky-rocketed since the general election. Over three times more illegal immigrants crossed in December this year compared to last year - an insult to the British people. 'The National Crime Agency warned that a removals deterrent was needed, and the law enforcement alone would not be enough. This means Labour made a catastrophic mistake by cancelling the Rwanda removals to deterrent before it even started.' He added: 'Labour's claim to smash the gangs is nothing new. That was happening already, and Labour voted against measures to increase prison sentences for these very same gangs when they were in an opposition.' There are usually more small boat arrivals in the second half of the year because the weather in summer and autumn is generally more favourable, with days on which the wind and wave levels in the Channel are most conducive to crossings referred to as 'red days'. Home Office sources said there were 88 such days in the second half of 2024 compared with 50 in the second half of 2023, citing this as the key reason for the difference in the number of arrivals between those periods. There were 11 red days in the final three months of 2023, which was the lowest number for any quarter since records began, while 41 in the same period between October and December was the highest since 2020, according to Government analysis. A Home Office source said: 'The Tory government failed to take our border security seriously. They let criminal gangs take hold all along our borders and, on their watch, small boat crossings grew from just a few hundred in 2018 to tens of thousands by the time they left office. 'They spent an eye-watering 700 million to send just four volunteers to Rwanda - the failed scheme was more of a distraction than a deterrent. 'Labour is fixing our border security, with a new Border Security Command backed up by an additional 150 million and 100 new specialist investigators to go after the evil smuggling gangs making millions out of small boat crossings.' A Wyoming couple could face centuries in prison after they allegedly arranged and had group sex with a child, who they supplied with drugs. Jennifer Renee Fahrney, 39, and Richard Allen Turner, 56, both of Rock Springs, face dozens of felony charges after their arrest on October 22. Fahrney garnered 66 felony counts and faces up to 858 years in prison, according to Cowboy State Daily. An affidavit filed claimed that she brought the teenage girl into sex acts with her boyfriend over multiple months. They were arrested by Rock Springs Police Department at a Pilot Butte Avenue home after a warrant was issued for a child welfare check. The police and Family Services had visited the home prior and was denied entry, according to a police statement. Officers found animal urine and feces throughout the property, exposed wires, minimal food, drugs, and 'extreme filth' in the home, alongside three minor children. Four adults - including Fahrney and Turner - were arrested. The victim, a female, told Detective Jennifer Saloga that someone had helped her inject meth into her arm as she didn't know how to do it herself. She also admitted to having sex with Turner, according to Cowboy State Daily. The girl did not tell police who injected the drug into her, but allegedly admitted Turner had performed sexual acts on her multiple times. Jennifer Renee Fahrney, 39, (pictured) and Richard Allen Turner, 56, both of Rock Springs, face dozens of felony charges after their arrest on October 22. Fahrney garnered 66 felony counts and faces up to 858 years in prison The female victim told detectives she had sex with Turner (pictured) multiple times. Fahrney allegedly arranged for them to have sex with the minor on numerous occasions over a year. The victim also said someone injected her with meth, but didn't say who Fahrney allegedly arranged sex acts between the girl and them for more than a year, according to an affidavit. She also watched Turner and the girl have sex. Police found Fahrney arranging the sexual encounters with a contact on her phone labeled: 'My Biggest Mistake.' Through the contact, the suspect was trying to arrange the girl to have sex with various people, according to Cowboy State Daily. Saloga also found pornography on Turner's phone, the affidavit alleged. More than 50 of Fahrney's charges deal with sex crimes against a child, while nine involve exposing that child to drugs. Turner - who had an outstanding warrant for failure to register as a sex offender - has two cases, pending in two different courts. One of his cases have been up to the felony level, while he is expected to be arraigned in the other on January 27. His case in Sweetwater County case, he faces 13 counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor. Each of those can be punished as a sex offense, which carries a life sentence. He is also accused of giving minors drugs and sex abuse on three occasions each, which holds 20 and 10 years in prison for each offense, respectively. In a second case, he faces 24 counts of child pornography, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison for each offense. President Joe Biden is being criticized for his 'tone deaf' response after an overnight tragedy left at least 10 dead and 30 others injured at a New Orleans New Year's Eve celebration. Biden's first post on X in 2025 was a simple 'Happy New Year, folks' at 10am ET. That comes just hours after an alleged attacker plowed into a joyous crowd on Bourbon Street around 3 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Furious social media users immediately pointed out his 'heartless' blunder, calling it out of touch and insensitive to the victims and their families. 'Joe Biden is a heartless pos,' wrote one user. 'People lost their lives in a terror attack, and he just tweeted 'Happy New Year, Folks.' Jan 20th can't come fast enough.' Another wrote in disbelief: 'This is President Joe Bidens first post of the day. No mention of New Orleans or the victims. [Shaking my head].' 'It's utterly clumsy and tone deaf,' a third user chimed in. The president had not directly addressed the deadly incident before making the celebratory New Year's post. But approximately an hour after his New Year's post, Biden finally issued a formal statement condemning the 'act of terrorism' and sending condolences to the victims' families. He then addressed reporters as he boarded a plane to Camp David on Wednesday, saying he'd have 'more to say' soon and that his first reaction was one of 'anger and frustration.' Biden addressed reporters as he boarded a plane to Camp David on Wednesday, saying he'd have 'more to say' soon and that there is 'anger and frustration' among his national security agencies Security personnel investigate the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd New Orleans latest: Multiple fatalities after SUV ploughs into New Year's Eve partygoers in Bourbon Street Biden would not comment on whether the suspect is an illegal migrant, as President-elect Donald Trump has suggested. Earlier, the White House revealed that the president spoke with New Orleans' Democratic mayor LaToya Cantrell on Wednesday morning to offer 'full federal support.' 'President Biden called New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell this morning to offer full federal support following the horrific news that a driver killed and injured dozens of individuals in New Orleans overnight.' The White House said that Biden has been briefed on all the 'latest developments' and will continue to get updates throughout the day. The FBI is leading the investigation into the 'horrific' tragedy and is working closely with local and state officials. Biden issued a formal statement detailing the 'horrific incident' that occurred in New Orleans overnight. He said he's been 'continually briefed since early this morning by federal law enforcement leadership and my homeland security team, including Secretary of Homeland Security Ali Mayorkas, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and the Mayor of New Orleans/' The president thanked the 'brave and swift response of local law enforcement in preventing even greater death and injury.' He says that his team will ensure 'every resource is available as federal, state, and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat of any kind.' Biden issued a formal statement detailing the 'horrific incident' that occurred in New Orleans overnight Biden said there is 'anger and frustration' among his national security agencies 'I will continue to receive updates throughout the day, and I will have more to say as we have further information to share. In the meantime, my heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation's communities.' Attorney General Merrick Garland also issued a statement saying the country 'woke up this morning to news of a terrible tragedy in New Orleans that killed at least 10 people and injured many more.' 'My heart is broken for those who began their year by learning people they love were killed in this horrific attack, and my prayers are with the dozens who were injured, including the New Orleans Police Department Officers who risked their lives to save others.' He said the FBI continues to investigate with assistance from the ATF and DOJ's National Security Division, along with the local U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The president is heading from Wilmington, Delaware, where he spent New Year's Eve, to Camp David, for what could be one of his final trips there with just 19 days left of his presidency. Biden just wrapped up a five-day swanky St. Croix vacation before returning to the United States to serve out the remainder of his term. Biden, 82, along with his daughter Ashley Biden, Hunter and his grandson Beau and First Lady Jill Biden, spent his traditional New Year's getaway in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The president had little on his public schedule and spent his time basking in the sun at a beachfront villa owned by friends Bill and Connie Neville. He then spent the evening ringing in the New Year at the wedding of his niece, Missy Owens. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump spent his New Year's celebrating at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida where his daughter-in-law Lara Trump performed. Biden, who meanwhile rang in 2025 with First Lady Jill Biden at their home in Wilmington, Delaware, was briefed on the attack ahead of the couple heading to presidential retreat Camp David. But New Year's morning took a somber turn for the country after a driver rammed into a large crowd before getting out of the vehicle and firing a weapon. Biden spoke with New Orleans' Democratic mayor LaToya Cantrell on Wednesday morning to offer 'full federal support' according to the White House Mayor Cantrell declared it a terrorist attack. The White House says that the FBI is on scene in New Orleans, Louisiana to support local law enforcement and that Biden will be briefed throughout the day on developments from the ground. Witnesses detail a suspect ''wearing full body armor' and 'armed with an assault rifle.' Police returned fire after the individual opened fire on the crowd. Videos circulated on social media from the scene showing multiple casualties on the ground as shots rang out in the background and people were seen fleeing the area. The vehicle plowed into the crowd at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Canal Street around 3:15 a.m. local time on Wednesday morning, city officials confirmed. The city of New Orleans divulged that wounded were transported to five different area hospitals in the wake of the 'mass casualty event.' No information about the suspect has been released so far and it is unclear if any arrests have been made or if police fire made contact with the individual. But a federal law enforcement official told NBC News that the suspect is believed to be dead. Germany has been plunged into New Year's chaos after five people were killed by fireworks and 400 were arrested as rioters caused mayhem across the nation. While revellers across the country traditionally ring in the new year by setting off large numbers of fireworks in public places, last night's celebrations were heavily tainted by the use of fireworks against emergency officials. Among the dead was a 24-year-old man who was killed by a homemade firework that is believed to have gone off prematurely near Paderborn in North Rhine-Westphalia Police believe he had constructed the pyrotechnic rocket himself. In Berlin, 30 police officers and one firefighter were injured in confrontations or attacks during New Year's Eve, leading to 400 arrests, city officials said. Hundreds of police officers from across the country were deployed to the capital to help prevent further violence. Terrifying footage showed windows getting shattered by the force of the explosions as Germans fled the area. In Cologne, police said that two officers were injured after fireworks had been shot at emergency service workers, while Leipzig saw 50 people attack firefighters and cops. Police officers stand guard as fireworks burst during New Year's celebrations in Berlin, Germany, January 1, 2025 Fireworks illuminate the sky behind a police officer during New Year's Eve celebrations in Berlin, Germany, 31 December 202 Riot police officers attempt to put out the flames from an exploded pyrotechnic during the New Year's celebrations in Berlin, Germany, 01 January 2025 Over in Neuwied, a small city in western Germany, though, police believe a firework was used to set a warehouse ablaze at around 1am. 'At the site a large warehouse, storing timber among other things, was discovered fully ablaze,' Neuwied/Rhein police said in a statement. Affected locals were cleared from nearby homes by emergency services and the fire was brought under control, it said. 'Work to extinguish the fire continues. The severe heat build-up also caused damage to nearby buildings', local cops said in a later update. They estimated costs to be in 'a medium six-figure range.' The German government on Wednesday condemned the series of incidents on New Year's Eve. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said: 'The deployment of strong police forces from the federal states and the federal police and an early and consistent crackdown are the right means against perpetrators of violence and chaos. 'However, the many arrests in Berlin alone and the renewed attacks on police officers also show that this crackdown was absolutely necessary.' A parking garage was set alight in the chaos Riot police stand guard on a street during New Year's Eve celebrations in Berlin, Germany, 01 January 2025 An apartment building was lit ablaze by the fireworks Police officers stand guard as fireworks burst during New Year's celebrations in Berlin, Germany, January 1, 2025 Fires were set in the street by rioters She wished all injured officers a speedy recovery and vowed that all perpetrators will be 'prosecuted and punished with the utmost severity.' The rest of the world, meanwhile, largely celebrated the new year peacefully. More than one million people packed the area around Sydney Harbour to watch around nine tonnes of fireworks be blasted from the famed Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The self-proclaimed 'New Year's capital of the world' welcomed in 2025 11 hours before Big Ben rings in the new year in London. Celebrations were more muted in South Korea after the country was rocked in recent days by political turmoil and the Jeju Air plane tragedy, with a moment of silence held for the 179 victims. With Seoul's famous Lotte Tower countdown called off and parties cancelled, the new year milestone was marked by somber crowds who watched as the traditional Bosingak bell was rung, without the performances that usually accompany it. In Japan, crowds gathered at Tokyo's Tokudai-ji to offer their prayers for the new year and take part in the yearly bell-tolling to mark the start of the new year. In Brazil, revelers at Copacabana Beach were treated to a 12-minute long fireworks display over the shore, as the celebrations moved to the Americas, where thousands of people packed New York City's Times Square to watch as a 12-foot ball adorned with nearly 3,000 crystals dropped at midnight, despite rainy and stormy weather. The first place to ring in the new year was Christmas Island, officially known as Kiritimati, which is home to more than 7,000 people and is the farthest forward timezone in the world. The island, which is part of the small nation of Kiribati, was followed by Tonga, Somoa and New Zealand's Chatham Islands soon after. A San Diego police officer heroically saved the life of a one-year-old infant who stopped breathing on Tuesday. Authorities received a frantic phone call at about 1:35 pm on New Year's Eve concerning a one-year-old baby who was unable to breathe in Point Loma. The panicked woman was first provided instructions on how to perform CPR on the non-breathing child by the 911 dispatcher, however Officer Warner of the San Diego Police Department arrived on scene soon after. Warner, who had been patrolling nearby, arrived on the chilling scene and acted quickly to get the breathless baby breathing again. 'Any death call, in general, is always intense. But you add the element of a juvenile it gets you going a little bit,' Warner said. Footage of the crowded scene, captured by an onlooker, shows officer Warner outside the Sunset Cliffs Boulevard home holding the shirtless infant against his chest as his gloved hands pat and rub the child's back. Outside the house, worry-stricken people can be seen crowding around the Warner and the distressed infant before emergency medical services arrive. As the ambulance arrives at the home, Warner can be seen carrying the child out of the front yard and into the back of the ambulance. A San Diego police officer heroically saved the life of a one-year-old infant who stopped breathing on Tuesday Footage of the crowded scene, captured by an onlooker, shows officer Warner outside the Sunset Cliffs Boulevard home holding the shirtless infant against his chest as his gloved hands pat and rub the child's back Warner credited the dispatcher for their lifesaving CPR instructions as he and the others present at the southern California home helped to save the ailing infant. 'Baby was conscious, awake, breathing, crying,' Warner said after the struggling infant was sent to a nearby hospital for further medical treatment. It remains unclear as to what exactly happened to the child at this time, however Warner noted the child suffers from underlying health conditions. 'Based off what I heard he's got some underlying medical issues. I am not 100 percent sure what they were, I was just caring to him,' Warner told the recording onlooker. 'You got here really quick, you went in there ... good job,' the onlooker said. 'Happy New Year! Hopefully this will be one of the most exciting things to happen today and hope that everyone stays safe.' A similar event unfolded last year when a hero police officer resuscitated a baby in the middle of a highway, after his mom sped past a patrol car on her way to the hospital. Officer Brendan Fraser, had been on duty in Warren, Michigan, in September 2023 when he saw a speeding blue Camaro pass his patrol car. As the ambulance arrives at the home, Officer Warner can be seen carrying the child out of the front yard and into the back of the ambulance After pulling the vehicle over, Fraser quickly realized that the family inside the car had an emergency and rushed to their aid. Footage captured the moment he manages to get their eighteen month old baby boy breathing again, after the choking baby became blue in the lips. In the footage, the mother of the child can be heard screaming: 'Help, help we got a baby in here dying.' Springing into action, Fraser immediately makes his way towards the car and can be seen reaching inside to assist the family. He can be heard repeatedly asking: 'What do you mean? What do you mean?' The family inside the car can be heard pleading to let them continue on their way to the hospital One woman tells Fraser: 'We took him to the hospital. They said he had COVID and then he just started seizing.' One of the parents can be heard screaming: 'No, please don't take him' before Fraser says: 'I'm not going to take him.' The dash cam footage on his patrol car then captured Fraser repeatedly patting the child on the back and attempting to dislodge what was choking the baby. Holding the baby in one hand, Fraser attempts to dislodge whatever the child is choking on Soon after, he can be heard saying: 'He's getting air, he is getting air. I can feel him.' The panicked parents, who remain unknown, can be seen frantically crowding round the officer as the video ends. Speaking to ABC, Officer Fraser said: 'At this point, it's not about writing a ticket, stopping a speeding driver, there's an actual emergency here. 'Watching it now its kind of overwhelming but in the moment theres really not much thought other than relying on the training.' A Utah family has been left grieving after the unexpected loss of a 23-year-old mother just days after she gave birth to twins, fulfilling her lifelong dream of having children. Widower Sam Hughes, 23, revealed that he is overcome with grief after his wife, Morgan Hughes, 23, tragically died on Saturday - just nine days after delivering her two children, a baby boy and girl. The first-time mother was told by doctors and nurses that she had a 'perfect birth,' however, in the days following her delivery, she suffered from fainting spells, prompting a hospital visit. On December 28, doctors found high levels of white blood cells - a possible sign of leukemia - however, the young mother passed later that day of cardiomyopathy - a chronic condition that affects the heart muscle, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood. Though, she displayed no symptoms of the life-threatening condition. 'The official cause of death was a Cardiomyopathy, which doctors said was extremely rare and with her being a young healthy individual a lot of the symptoms were completely masked,' her brother, Justin Hodson, told KSLTV. 'To go from just pure happiness to losing her is really tough. It's all just a nightmare that we are waiting for us to wake up from.' Her mourning family says her death happened so quickly and unexpectedly after her flawless delivery. 'All the doctors and nurses said she was just a Rockstar. A perfect birth,' Morgan's brother, Justin told ABC4 News. Widower Sam Hughes (left), 23, is overcome with grief after his wife, Morgan Hughes (right), 23, tragically died on Saturday, just nine days after delivering her two children, a baby boy and girl The first time mother was told by doctors and nurses that she had a 'perfect birth,' however, in the days following her delivery, Morgan suffered from fainting spells, prompting a hospital visit. Pictured: Morgan and Sam holding their twin babies, Hudson and Georgia Justin said the babies were small and the baby girl, Georgia, needed some help breathing, but overall, the babies and mom were healthy. 'She couldn't wait to get into the NICU to see those babies,' he said. The family was delighted to see that baby Hudson looked like a miniSam and baby Georgia looked like a mini-Morgan. 'It just doesn't feel real,' her husband, Sam said. 'Morgan was amazing. She was the best wife, the best daughter and nobody loved more than she did. The only choice is to believe in an afterlife otherwise there is no hope.' 'It's hard because not only did I lose my sister, but I feel like I lost my best friend,' Morgan's younger brother, Kaden Hodson, said. Morgan had always dreamt of being a mother, her brother, Justin said remembering his sister always taking care of babies as a little girl. And when it was finally her time to finally become a mom, Morgan's pregnancy came with a happy surprise - twins. A shock, but a result that seemed to be destiny for the longing soon-to-be mother. 'Everyone was like, "That's Morgan. Out of everyone, she deserves to have twins,"' Justin said of his sister. 'She was just proud and happy. Anybody who knows Morgan knows that all she ever wanted in her life was to be a mom.' Morgan had always dreamt of being a mother, Justin said remembering his sister always taking care of babies as a little girl. When it was finally her time to finally become a mom, Morgan's pregnancy came with a happy surprise - twins! Pictured: Morgan and Sam at their gender reveal celebration Almost immediately the family was delighted to see that baby Hudson looked like a miniSam and baby Georgia looked like a mini-Morgan, Kaden said Sam says he visits and cares for his twins twice a day and that's where he feels his wife near. 'The twins are where I feel my peace that she's there. She is helping the twins,' he said. Pictured: The first-time parents welcome their children to the world Following Morgan's unanticipated death, the neighborhood she grew up in, Cedar Hills, is now adorned with blue ribbons, yellow balloons and flowers. Home-cooked meals and community-wide support have been pouring into her parents' home and messages from people who knew Morgan are coming in from all over the country. 'It's really cool to see how many people Morgan touched,' Kaden said. 'And [how they] felt special because Morgan made them feel special.' 'We have just been so grateful for the love and support and outreach from the community,' Justin said. 'The community, the church, the schools, family, friends, everybody doing everything they can to help.' Now, Morgan's beloved babies are continuing to improve in the hospital, with baby Georgia slowly weaning off oxygen support. 'Those babies are improving so quickly. It's almost like they know they need to get out of the hospital. They took Georgia off oxygen yesterday. They are both feeding really well,' Justin said. Morgan's funeral is scheduled for Friday, January 3 Sam says he visits and cares for his twins twice a day and that's where he feels his wife near. 'The twins are where I feel my peace that she's there. She is helping the twins,' he said. Morgan's funeral is scheduled for Friday, January 3. Two GoFundMe accounts have since been set up to help Sam and his babies. One was set up by the family, while the other by the Lone Peak Fire Association, where Morgan's father is a fire captain. A group of lucky travelers have pulled off what many would think impossible - traveling back in time. Passengers aboard Cathay Pacific Flight 880 were able to successfully time travel - and celebrate New Year's twice - by literally flying from 2025 back into 2024. The trans-Pacific flight took off from Hong Kong just after midnight on January 1, 2025, minutes after the city welcomed the New Year. After crossing nine time zones and the international dateline during its 14-hour journey, it was scheduled to touch down at Los Angeles International Airport at around 10pm on December 31, 2024 - just in time for another New Year's countdown. 'This flight took off from Hong Kong in 2025 and will land in Los Angeles back in 2024,' flight tracking service Flightradar posted on X. 'After 11 and a half hours in the air, it's time to celebrate the new year again!' Passengers of Flight 880 aren't the only ones able to experience this unique feat. 'I'm about to take the shortest flight to the past: Talofa Airways from Apia (Samoa) to Pago Pago (American Samoa). In just 25 minutes, I'll go from 2025 straight back to 2024!' one traveler revealed on social media. Passengers aboard Cathay Pacific Flight 880 were able to successfully time travel - and celebrate New Year's twice - by literally flying from 2025 back into 2024 The post quickly went viral, gaining millions of views and hundreds of comments. 'Can any airlines take me back to 2019?' one joked. 'Time travel truly exists. Imagine getting to celebrate New Year's twice,' another commented. A third user cleverly commented: 'Passengers should tell us what to expect in 2025!' Some travel enthusiasts deliberately plan for this experience, however, it doesn't always go as planned. The flight took off from Hong Kong just after midnight on Jan. 1, 2025. After crossing nine time zones and the international dateline during its 14-hour journey, it was scheduled to touch down in LA at around 10pm on Dec. 31, 2024 - just in time for another New Year's countdown Air New Zealand Flight 27 from San Francisco caused some travelers to miss New Year's entirely - departing on December 31 evening only to land in Auckland on January 2. A luxurious private jet company has even advertised this experience years ago - allowing its customers to celebrate first in Sydney, and then in Los Angeles. This is possible because the time in Los Angeles is 19 hours behind which allows customers to make the second party just in time. 'The flight time from Sydney to LA in a Gulfstream G550 is 13.5 hours, so with the 19-hour time difference, you get to replay over 5.5 hours of party time, by flying eastwards,' Carol Cork, marketing director of PrivateFly, said in a statement to Business Insider back in 2018. Cork explained at the time that because the flight timing is so close together doing this is only possible by private jet - but that does not seem to be the case anymore. The party was advertised to begin at 8pm on December 31 in Sydney, at 'one of the city's glamorous night spot or VIP parties'. 'For the Wellness experience, the private flight attendant will adjust the lighting and temperature of the jet's cabin for the 'optimum restful flight experience.' 'Passengers can lounge in designer pajamas and slippers, pamper their skin with luxury skincare products and masks, and sip detox juices.' The twisted driver who massacred pedestrians celebrating the New Year on a New Orleans street and died in a shootout with police has been identified. Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S citizen, drove a rental truck brandishing an ISIS flag into the crowd on Bourbon Street, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens. He was killed by cops after he exited his vehicle and started shooting. The electric-vehicle-driving terrorist - who the FBI believes did not work alone on the horrifying attack - grew up in Texas and served in the U.S. Army. Jabbar worked for white-collar Deloitte as a Business Developer and Data Engineer, after working in real estate at Blue Meadow Properties. He had a Bachelor's degree from Georgia State University - and used to work for the US Army. 'We believe he was honorably discharged, but we are working through this process, figuring out all this information,' said FBI assistant special agent in charge Alethea Duncan. The suspect's love life was scattered - having been married twice. His first marriage ended in 2012, and his second in 2022. His second wife's new husband, Dwayne Marsh, said Jabbar had begun to convert to Islam within the last year and was 'being all crazy,' reported The New York Times. Marsh said Jabbar had two daughters, one a teenager and one a young adult, and that they were 'a mess' after the attack. Shamsud Din Jabbar (pictured), 42, has been identified as the driver who massacred pedestrians The driver who plowed into pedestrians celebrating the New Year in New Orleans killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens is dead following a shootout with police The suspect rammed into the large group at high speed, then got out and started firing a weapon, witnesses said In a YouTube video from 2020, Jabbar spoke about his professional life in real estate - and said that he was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. Jabbar worked as a human resources specialist and an information technology specialist during his decade-long tenure in the armed forces, he said. The terrorist, who was shot dead in the bloody scene on New Year's Day, also had a criminal history - including being charged with misdemeanor theft in 2002 and for driving without a valid license in 2005. A motive for the heinous crime of killing at least 15 people has not been revealed. The electric vehicle was rented by the suspect through the Turo app - a carsharing company - that is registered to a 42-year-old Houston man. Police recovered a handgun, an AR-style rifle, and pipe bombs from the bloody scene, according to a Louisiana State Police intelligence bulletin obtained by The Associated Press. The devices, which were concealed within coolers, were wired for remote detonation, the bulletin said, and a corresponding remote control was discovered inside the vehicle. The FBI said other potential explosive devices were also located in the French Quarter. His second wife's new husband, Dwayne Marsh, said Jabbar had begun to convert to Islam within the last year and was 'being all crazy' Surveillance footage the New Orleans terror suspect maneuvered around the police barricade According to the intelligence bulletin, surveillance footage captured three men and a woman placing one of multiple improvised explosive devices. The truck came through Eagle Pass, Texas, over a month ago, according to Fox News. It was initially reported that the truck crossed the border two days ago. The FBI confirmed Jabbar had attached an ISIS flag to the truck he used to plow through the crowd. 'An ISIS flag was located in the vehicle and the FBI is working to determine the subject's potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations,' the agency said. Witnesses claim Jabbar was 'wearing full body armor' and 'armed with an assault rifle.' The driver rammed into the large group at high speed, then got out and started firing a weapon, witnesses said. Investigators later added that they found what appeared to be improvised explosives at the crash site that did not detonate. The FBI confirmed they are investigating the attack 'as an act of terrorism.' Following the horrific tragedy, an image of what appears to be a flagpole on the back of the unidentified driver's truck circulated online, sparking mass speculation. Photos taken after the collision show what appears to be a metallic gray jacket wrapped around a flagpole, but a video shot earlier in the morning shows what appears to be a black flag dangling from the same 'pole'. Following the horrific tragedy, an image of what appears to be a flagpole on the back of the unidentified driver's truck circulated online Videos circulating on social media that appear to have been recorded at the scene shows multiple casualties on the ground as shots ring out in the background NOLA police superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said the man intentionally drove the truck into the crowd at a high speed to cause chaos. 'It was very intentional behavior... this man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could,' she said. 'He was hellbent on creating the carnage that he did.' Kirkpatrick noted it was 'not a DUI situation and is 'more complex and more serious based on the information we have right now.' Videos circulating on social media that appear to have been recorded at the scene showed multiple casualties on the ground as shots ring out in the background. People were also seen running from the area. Dozens of police officers responded to the attack and a portion of the road was cordoned off. Paramedics and vehicles from the coroner's office were also seen at the scene. Ambulances transported the wounded to five area hospitals. Jeremy Clarkson's pub has issued a stern warning to customers at the start of the new year as part of a desperate attempt to deter thieves. The former Top Gear star is mustering all his strength as he sets out to change the fortune of the Farmer's Dog following a spate of thefts. The criminal acts of some of the customers, along with financial troubles, had led the TV presenter to label the first few months of his new pub's life a 'disaster'. Drastic action has now seen the 64-year-old print an image of his face on the establishment's beer mats accompanied by foreboding text that reads 'Jeremy is watching. Don't steal his pint glasses!' The photo of the new item was uploaded to his pub's Instagram account, with the caption: 'Feel free to take our new beer mats .. but please dont steal our Hawkstone pint glasses! Happy New Year..' This was then followed by the hashtag #backbritishfarmingdrinkhawkstone. Last weekend Clarkson wrote in his newspaper column of how profits had been lost during the 'total disaster' of a first few months of trading. He gave the designation to his pub - run only on British produce - amid a backdrop of thefts, traffic chaos and toilet nightmares. Writing in The Times, the television presenter revealed a number of those frequenting his pub were stealing the branded pint glasses and this was costing thousands, making it difficult to turn a profit. Drastic action has now seen the 64-year-old print an image of his face on the establishment's beer mats accompanied by foreboding text that reads 'Jeremy is watching. Don't steal his pint glasses!' On their opening day back in August, which Clarkson himself has described as a 'sh** show', he emerged through the front doors of the pub and shouted: We are open. It is hoped that the long opening hours at the restaurant could help him claw back some profits In a recent Times column, Clarkson has divulged the myriad of issues he has faced as a pub-owner, from 104 glasses going missing in a single day to 500 spent weekly on keeping the property and terrace warm He wrote: 'The theft, for example, is extraordinary. People seem to have it in their heads that if they come in for a pint they are entitled to go home with the glass in which it was served. 'Last Sunday 104 went missing. And that cost must be added to the 100 a day we spend on fuel for the generator, the 400 a week it costs to provide warmth on the terrace and the 27,000 a month we must spend on parking and traffic marshals to keep the council off our back.' Many took to the comments section of Instagram to share their thoughts on Clarkson's recent social media post with some blaming the theft on 'unreasonable' prices. But others feared: 'I always feel that if you draw attention to a problem, you make the problem worse.' One person said: 'You should start selling them with the pint.' Another added: 'Here in South Africa we asked a deposit for the pint glass when you return the glass the deposit gets returned see how many sober peoples turn up for their deposit.' While a third suggested: 'If people cant be respectful then just use plastic ones that are reusable or get a big bouncer on the door to search in the way out.' When the Farmer's Dog first opened in Oxfordshire in August many had travelled far and wide to the picturesque spot for a chance of a pint, with the car park rammed within an hour of its opening. It has now been revealed that Jeremy Clarkson will be able to open his pub at 6am and keep it open for 20-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, allowing him to claw back profits after a dreary first few months which he described as a 'total disaster' He has also told of how he was having to cough up 27,000 in fees for parking and traffic marshals to keep the local council on side. Despite pubs closing their doors up and down the UK, and amid warnings that his strict British products only policy would mean much smaller profit margins, the broadcaster steamed ahead. And although punters have flocked to his watering hole, Clarkson revealed that being a publican isn't at all what he imagined it to be, sharing it required 'much effort' for 'little money' in return. 'It's galling to see how much effort is required to make so little money on the farm. It's worse at the pub,' he wrote. And his troubles certainly don't end with pint glasses, as he shared he was having to cough up 27,000 in fees for parking and traffic marshals to keep the local council on side. The long list of problems also included a hellish toilet incident which required a 'whole team' of chemically trained hazmat engineers to tackle. Recalling a recent occurrence, where one of employees called wailing on the phone after discovering a 'horror' bathroom 'accident', the presenter hired a team of specialists - a cost he had never envisioned listing on his business plans. The farmer and his partner Lisa also encountered some barriers in the run up to Christmas, with her Goose Night feast failing to sell out and only managing to shift five turkeys after ordering 40. But despite the hurdles Clarkson is more determined than ever to make his pub work. Pictured: The ex-Top Gear host and his partner Lisa. Her latest 'Goose Night' feast failed to sell out, only managing to shift five turkeys after ordering 40 'It's warm and there's a fire and the staff are friendly and young and happy. It's a proper, traditional pub,' he said. 'By which I mean you'll love it, and I'll lose a fortune and develop a skin disease from the stress of running it.' Clarkson last week launched an 'anti-Dry January' calendar for people bucking the trend and refusing to go alcohol-free in the new year. The Not Advent, Advent Calendar: Damp Edition - by his very own Hawkstone Brewery - has more than 30 cans, an entire bottle of vodka and comes in at 85. After being hit by huge costs, extended opening hours could be used by Clarkson to meet a spike in demand when the fourth series of Clarkson's Farm starts in the Spring. Filming of the upcoming hit Amazon Prime series has regularly focussed on life prior to and after the rocky August launch of the pub near Burford, in West Oxfordshire. The last series of the show which aired in May, and focused entirely on farming, was the biggest on Amazon Prime all year and resulted in a huge spike in fans visiting the Diddly Squat farm shop near Chadlington where it was filmed. President-elect Donald Trump's lavish New Year's Eve party gave a hint on who really holds the power in Trumpworld as he's set to take over Washington again in less than 20 days. Trump already sided with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy on the issue of H1-B visas over MAGA mainstays including Steve Bannon and Laura Loomer. But he doubled down on that pronouncement by keeping Musk at his side all night. Musk got a better position alongside Trump in the ballroom than Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, who, with his wife Usha, was the first of the VIPs to walk Mar-a-Lago's red carpet Tuesday night. Soon after the Vances walked by the row of cameras, Elon sauntered in, with his son X on his shoulders and his mother Maye nearby. Melania Trump appeared ready to resume her role as first lady as she comfortably stood alongside the president-elect on the red carpet and inside the ballroom. She looked stately in a black ballgown and even answered a reporter's question. Bannon - whose 'Breitbart embassy' was known to throw packed house parties back in the day - wasn't in attendance. A source familiar said not to read too much into that. Elon Musk and his son X (center left) were seated directly beside President-elect Donald Trump (center right) and Melania Trump in Mar-a-Lago's ornate ballroom where revelers greeted the new year Former and future first lady Melania Trump (right) was at her husband's side as he talked to reporters Tuesday night and again inside the ballroom 'Steve spends the Christmas and New Year's with family out west - he has never attended Mar-a-Lago NYE,' the source told DailyMail.com. 'Those who know him, know he doesn't do parties. He didn't attend one party during 2017 inaugural festivities. He is not a party guy. His focus is the work.' Loomer, who lives in Florida and has appeared at other Trump events across the bridge at the Palm Beach Convention Center, also appeared not to be there. She didn't immediately respond to DailyMail.com's inquiry about whether she had been snubbed, though continued to post on X Wednesday about her clash with Musk, which saw her account limited on the social media platform. 'I didn't realize that when I was traveling the country working 20 hours a day to help Trump get elected that I would be getting a co-presidency with tech billionaires who have so much disdain for the MAGA base,' Loomer wrote Wednesday morning. 'Sad to see so many who fought for him get unverified. Disappointed.' Among Trump's famous family members one was noticeably missing: daughter Ivanka. While she and her husband Jared Kushner moved to Washington to work in the first administration, Ivanka has mostly stayed away from the political fray heading into Trump 2.0. Laura Loomer, a conspiracy theorist who's a top Trump ally, was not at the party and continued to rage against Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy during posts on X on New Year's Day Vice President-elect J.D. Vance (left) and Usha Vance (right) were the first of the VIPs to enter Mar-a-Lago during Tuesday night's New Year's Eve party - though Elon got prime seating Elon Musk (center) walked the red carpet with toddler X on his shoulders and alongside his mother Maye (back left) Donald Trump Jr. debuted his new girlfriend, Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson, on the Mar-a-Lago red carpet, whirling her by waiting TV news cameras Vice President-elect J.D. Vance (right) and his wife Usha (center) pose for a photo with another Mar-a-Lago guest at Tuesday night's New Year's Eve fete President-elect Donald Trump (left) and former and future first lady Melania Trump (right) react to one of the performances during Tuesday night's New Year's Eve party Trump gave a brief address to partygoers at Mar-a-Lago as the party got underway She did appear alongside her father at the Mar-a-Lago election night shindig. Ahead of Christmas she, Kushner and the couple's three kids went on a beach vacation. Barron Trump was also a no-show on the Mar-a-Lago red carpet Tuesday night. Trump has credited Barron with his decision to go on certain podcasts during his 2024 run, which made him more palatable to Gen-Z voters, especially young men. Donald Trump Jr. turned heads Tuesday as he debuted his new girlfriend, Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson, after calling off his engagement to Kimberly Guilfoyle, who the president-elect is shipping to Athens to be the next U.S. ambassador to Greece. Anderson didn't post any pictures of herself and Trump Jr. at the fete, though coyly tagged her dress and jewels in a post. Lara Trump was also the center of attention after walking the red carpet with Eric, as she got up onstage and sang her rendition of Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down.' Lara recently pulled herself out of contention for the Florida U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Marco Rubio, who Trump selected to be his first secretary of State. Lara Trump, who co-chaired the Republican National Committee during the 2024 race, got up onstage and sang Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down' The president-elect's ex-wife Marla Maples (left) was at the party with her daughter Tiffany Trump (right) who's expecting her first child Tiffany Trump walked into the party with husband Michael Boulos - and showcased a growing baby bump, as the couple announced in October that she was expecting. Tiffany's mother, Trump's second wife Marla Maples, was also invited to spend New Year's with the Trump clan. 'Welcome 2025, shine bright,' Maples posted to her Instagram story cheesing for the camera alongside her daughter. Several top members of Trump's incoming administration were on hand including Rep. Mike Waltz, who will serve as his national security adviser, Alina Habba, who's slated to be his counselor to the president and Linda McMahon, his secretary of Education designate. Roger Stone, one of Trump's original political advisers, also attended the fete. Members of Congress included GOP Reps. Tom Emmer, Jason Smith and Guy Reschenthaler. Emmer and Trump had a previous beef but they patched it early last year before the election. Same with Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz, who was also at the party. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who was a 2016 primary rival of Trump but has since become an ally, is photographed arriving at Mar-a-Lago. His wife Heidi wasn't far behind Ginger Gaetz, the wife of former Rep. Matt Gaetz, posted a picture that suggested the couple was at Mar-a-Lago but they didn't walk the red carpet. She later posted something that suggested she was watching New Year's Eve festivites on TV They were political opponents for the 2016 Republican nomination, with Trump even insulting the looks of Cruz's wife Heidi. Heidi Cruz was at the senator's side Tuesday night. While House Speaker Mike Johnson wasn't physically at the property, Trump doubled down on his support of the Louisiana Republican when talking to reporters. 'He's the one who can win right now. People like him, almost everybody likes him others are very good too but they have 30 or 40 people that don't like 'em,' Trump said. 'He's a wonderful person and that's what you need,' the president-elect added. Ginger Gaetz, the wife of former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, posted a picture Tuesday night that seemed to suggest the couple was on hand. 'You never forget a New Years Eve at Mar a Lago,' she wrote. But they didn't walk the red carpet in front of the TV cameras and later Ginger indicated she was watching New Year's Eve programming on TV. She didn't respond to a request for comment about the post. Gaetz resigned from Congress after Trump named him his first choice for attorney general but bowed out of the confirmation process when the president-elect told him the votes weren't there. He was the subject of a House Ethics Committee investigation that found he paid women he was sleeping with, including an underage girl, and took illegal drugs while a House member. At least 170 dead young men in Israel have had their sperm extracted and preserved in the wake of the October 7 massacre, new figures have revealed. More and more Israelis are choosing to extract sperm from their dead relatives to continue their bloodlines. The latest figures, from between October 7 2023 and this June, are around 15 times higher than in previous years. Iris Haim, whose son Yotam was accidentally killed by IDF forces in Gaza in December 2023 after he was kidnapped by Hamas during its terror attack, told the Telegraph that military officials had asked her whether she wanted her son to go through the extraction procedure the same day she found out he was dead. The officers who broke the news gave her around half an hour to prcess the information about his death, before one whispered in her ear: 'Iris, do you want them to take sperm from Yotam?' 'I was very surprised. I asked my husband, and we immediately said yes', she told the newspaper. Dr Jehoshua Dor, a medical specialist who deals with sperm extraction, said there is generally a 72-hour window for these procedures, though there is a higher rate of success with extractions made within 24 hours of death. Iris Haim's (pictured, right) son Yotam (pictured, left) was accidentally killed by IDF forces in Gaza in December 2023 after he was kidnapped by Hamas during its terror attack Iris was asked whether she wanted Yotam to go through the extraction procedure the same day she found out he was dead 'A biopsy is done on the testes, tissue is taken to the IVF lab like we do when they are alive,' he explained. 'The question when they are dead is: how much damage has been done when you wait many hours? If the sperm is still alive, can we show the DNA is intact? Once it's retrieved, we freeze the sperm and then we wait.' The process of artificial insemination is then the same as in regular IVF treatment when both parents are alive. Yotam's sperm was taken within hours of his parents' approval, allowing for 10 vials to be collected and frozen. The family are now waiting for a final approval to be given by an Israeli court for it to be used with a friend of the family to produce a grandchild for the grieving parents. 'We have a chance to have a continuation of Yotam. I know he really wanted children,' said Iris. 'When we got this idea that we can do it, it really gave me a lot of hope and light and room to breathe. Because I said, it was not the end. I know that Yotam's soul is with us always. Smoke rises following an explosion in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025 Injured Palestinians are transported to Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital for treatment following an Israeli attack on the Shuja'iyya neighborhood in Gaza City, Gaza on January 01, 2025 Smoke rises following an explosion in the Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel, Wednesday, January 1, 2025 'This will be something real that we can feel. I hope it will be really successful and we will have grandchildren.' The Israeli military kept up the pressure on northern Gaza on Wednesday, striking in a suburb of Gaza City, medics said, and told residents in a central part of the enclave to evacuate from an area where militants were firing rockets. Air strikes in Shejaia, a suburb of Gaza City, killed at least eight Palestinians, according to local emergency services. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military and it was not immediately clear who was killed in the attack. In al-Buriej, in central Gaza, the Israeli military said it struck a militant operating in an area from which rockets had been fired into Israel the previous day. Its Arabic spokesman had ordered people to leave the area before the strike. The Palestinian news agency WAFA said two people had been killed in that strike and 15 more in an airstrike in Jabalia. There was no immediate confirmation from Gaza health officials. Much of the area around the northern towns of Beit Hanoun, Jabalia and Beit Lahiya has been cleared of people and razed, fuelling speculation, which Israel denies, that it intends to keep the area as a buffer zone after the fighting in Gaza ends. Israel says its almost three-month-old campaign in northern Gaza is aimed at preventing Hamas militants from regrouping. Its instructions to civilians to evacuate are meant to keep them out of harm's way, the military says. Palestinian and United Nations officials say no place is safe in Gaza and that evacuations worsen the humanitarian conditions of the population. According to the Palestinian civil defence, more than 1,500 tents sheltering displaced people across Gaza were flooded by heavy rains over the past two days, leaving people exposed to the cold, their belongings damaged. Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 45,500 Palestinians, according to health officials in the Hamas-run enclave. Most of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been displaced and much of the tiny coastal strip is in ruins. The war was triggered by Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and another 251 taken hostage to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. An adorable two year-old girl died an avoidable death after her father downed 30 beers then got behind the wheel and crashed his truck. Christopher Johnson, 44, was fleeing from police in his Chevy pickup truck with his 20-month-old daughter, Addison 'Addi' Jo, when he killed his little girl and himself in March 2020 by driving off an embankment and into a river. Addi's body wasn't found until a month later and had been trapped in a beaver dam. More than four years after their deaths, Johnson's fiancee and Addison's heartbroken mom, Janelle Sharbutt Johnson, is working to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving - particularly on the festive holiday of New Year's Day. 'Addison and her father went into the river due to bad choices made by alcoholism,' Janelle previously told KWCH 12News. She still grapples with the loss of her daughter and questions why Johnson would get behind the wheel with their child when he was three times over the legal limit. 'There's a lot of anger, there's a lot of grief. I wonder why,' she told KSNW this week. Today she is an advocate speaks on the panel for the DUI Victims Center of Kansas. 'I speak because I want to hopefully keep one person from experiencing something like this,' she said in part. On New Year's Eve, she posted a picture of her daughter with angel wings. 'Please dont drink and drive, she wrote. 'If anyone needs a ride, please call me! Think about and remember Addi! Christopher Johnson, 44, is pictured with his baby daughter, Addison, who is now the subject of an intense search in Butler County, Kansas, after her dad's death Janelle Johnson pictured overcome with grief after learning that her baby daughter was killed Johnson had just picked up his daughter from daycare because she wasn't feeling well and reassured his wife, they would be 'fine.' But after a friend spotted Johnson in a store buying alcohol Janelle called the Butler County Sheriff's authorities to perform a welfare check. Police found Johnson in a field near Little Walnut River with his daughter on his lap. There was no car seat in the truck, and they discovered he had been drinking. When they tried to take his child from him he refused and drove off. During the chase, Johnson's truck crossed the field, drove off the embankment and plunged into the river with the with the truck landing on its top. An intoxicated Johnson drove his truck into the Walnut River with his little girl on his lap while fleeing police He drove his pick-up truck off a 30-foot embankment that landed on its roof in the river, killing him and his two-year-old daughter It took emergency crews 90 minutes to reach the deceased Johnson, who was found trapped inside the vehicle, with its rear window smashed. Police believed Addison had gone out threw the window. Her body wasn't recovered until April, a month after the devastating tragedy, with Addi's remains found jammed in a beaver dam. Police believe that alcohol played a role in the tragic accident. She called Johnson a 'good' father and had comfort knowing they were now together, but the pain of what she lost is always with her. 'As a mom, I got to Walmart, and I get triggered by the baby section, or a song, or even just seeing other people's little kids because I'm never going to have the chance to have mine back,' she told KSN News. Johnson and his little girl pictured together Baby Addison was loved by family and friends who are still devastated over her 2020 death Janelle Sharbutt Jones is working on raising awareness of the dangers of drunk driving Jones posted a beautiful photo of her baby daughter Addison Joe smiling with angel wings Johnson keeps her daughter's memory alive by sharing her story, and has designated March 11 as 'Addi's Day.' The bridge at Little Walnut River located in Leon, south of El Dorado, where the accident took, serves as a memorial with pink balloons, ribbons, and teddy bears. When people pass they honk their horns in remembrance, Jones said. Johnson, a father of five from his first marriage, worked as a mechanic and electrician. Family members remembers Baby Addison Jo as 'the sweetest little girl who would always leave a smile on your face.' A little girl was seen dancing just before she was mowed down by a terrorist in New Orleans on New Year's Day, a witness revealed. Fifteen people were killed and 35 others injured after Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, drove a white Ford SUV into pedestrians ringing in 2025 in New Orleans' French Quarter Wednesday around 3.15am local time, NOLA.com reported. One reveler, Jimmy Cothran, shared the horrific scenes he witnessed, including 'horribly disfigured' and 'twisted' bodies that were run over by Jabbar, a US citizen born in Texas. Cothran, a New Orleans resident of 15 years, told NBC News that he took cover on a nightclub balcony as the heinous attack unfolded, counting a total of eight bodies on the street within 'just a couple seconds'. One of those bodies belonged to a little girl that Cothran said he saw enjoying the New Year celebration before she was left on the ground 'as flat as a pillow'. 'A little girl that we had seen dancing as we were walking up the street was as flat as a pillow. I mean, it just kept going,' Cothran recalled. 'Every eye shot - body, body, body, body, body. It was unbelievable.' Further details on the girl's identity and whether she survived the attack have not yet been shared. A little girl was seen dancing just before she was tragically mowed down by a terrorist, Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, in New Orleans early New Years Day Fifteen people were killed and 35 injured after Jabbar (pictured) drove a white Ford SUV into pedestrians ringing in 2025 in New Orleans' French Quarter around 3.15am local time Jabbar was killed in a shootout with officers after he exited his vehicle and started shooting, injuring two NOLA police officers who are in stable condition Cothran, who compared the nightmarish scene to a movie, said he also witnessed a mother 'obviously deceased' and a man with multiple tire tracks across his body. 'Dead right in front of us was someone's mother, twisted, obviously deceased,' he said, adding that she was 'horribly disfigured'. 'One man, deceased, had tire tracks across his back, and then when someone turned him over, he had tire tracks across his stomach and he was clearly crushed.' Two Israeli citizens were among at least 35 that were injured in the terror attack. None of the victims have yet been identified. Jabbar was killed in a shootout with officers after he exited his vehicle and started shooting, injuring two NOLA police officers who are in stable condition. Ambulances transported the wounded to five area hospitals, the city added, and the FBI have taken over the ongoing investigation. The FBI has formally confirmed they are investigating the tragedy 'as an act of terrorism' after New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell said she had spoken to the White House about what she described as a 'terrorist attack'. The truck used to kill 15 in the massacre came into the US from Mexico through Eagle Pass, Texas, over a month ago, Fox News reported. It was earlier misreported as two days ago by the outlet. One reveler, Jimmy Cothran, shared the horrific scenes he witnessed, including 'horribly disfigured' and 'twisted' bodies that were run over by the unidentified male driver The vehicle was rented from Turo - a car sharing app. Another 42-year-old man who listed it lives in Houston and 'has already been contacted by federal investigators,' ABC 13 reported. Following the horrific tragedy, an image of what appears to be a flagpole on the back of the unidentified driver's truck circulated online, sparking mass speculation. Photos taken after the collision show what appears to be a metallic gray jacket wrapped around a flagpole, but a video shot earlier in the morning showed what appears to be a black flag dangling from the same 'pole'. The vehicle was reportedly carrying an ISIS flag and a chest with explosives inside it. Guns and pipe bombs were also located inside the truck, according to a Louisiana State Police intelligence bulletin obtained by The Associated Press. The devices were contained in coolers and wire for remote detonation. A remoted control was also discovered inside the vehicle, the bulletin detailed. Further potential explosive devices were also found in the French Quarter, and surveillance footage caught three other men and one woman planting the bombs around New Orleans. 'We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible,' Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent with the FBI's New Orleans field officer said in at a news conference. Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser told WDBU officials are probing if the attack was connected to ISIS and if the flag displayed on the back of the truck was connected to the group. Authorities investigating the 'mass casualty incident' say the driver showed 'very intentional behavior' after driving into crowds before they got out and fired a weapon. A picture circulated online of what appeared to be a flag pole with a gray object resembling a coat wrapped around it (pictured) Officials said an improvised explosive device was found in the area. Around 8.30am a 'small explosion' went off in the quarter. It was detonated by the bomb squad, WLWT's Steven Albritton reported. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said the suspect was 'hellbent on creating carnage.' No information about his identity has been released. Videos circulating on social media showed a chaotic scene at the tourist hotspot as people ran from the casualty-strewn area while bullets rang out in the background. Other witnesses claim the suspect was 'wearing full body armor' and 'armed with an assault rifle', and officials said he was 'trying to run over as many people as he possibly could'. Dozens of police officers responded to what authorities have declared a 'mass casualty event' and a portion of the road has been cordoned off. Paramedics, ambulances and vehicles from the coroner's office were also seen at the scene. At a press conference, Cantrell described the incident as a 'terrorist attack.' At first, the FBI said that it was not linked to terrorism - before later confirming that the mass fatality indeed is being investigated as such. President-elect Donald Trump took to Truth Social Wednesday morning stating that 'The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans.' 'When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true,' he wrote. Ambulances transported the wounded to five area hospital, the city added, and the FBI have taken over the ongoing investigation 'The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before. Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department. 'The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil!' President Joe Biden also shared a statement, saying that he has told his team 'to ensure every resource is available' to New Orleans, and that 'there is no justification for violence of any kind.' 'I have directed my team to ensure every resource is available as federal, state, and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat of any kind. 'I will continue to receive updates throughout the day, and I will have more to say as we have further information to share. In the meantime, my heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday. 'There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nations communities,' Biden said. The Hague, Jan 1 (UNI) At least 200 people were arrested by police and one person died due to fireworks during the New Year's Eve celebrations in the Netherlands, Dutch police said on Wednesday. Those people were arrested for charges including rioting, vandalism, violence, public drunkenness and insults while a 14-year-old boy died in Rotterdam when the heavy fireworks he wanted to set off exploded prematurely. Elsewhere, serious injuries from fireworks were reported. Two young people in Wognum, North Holland, were critically hurt when fireworks exploded. Additional injuries due to heavy fireworks also occurred in some other towns in the country. A son who allegedly murdered his mother and four sisters in a suspected honour killing on New Year's Eve shared a video of the shocking scene and described how he killed them, Indian media reports. The 24-year-old man, named locally as Arshad, was arrested after the bodies were found soaked in blood at a hotel in Lucknow, where the family were staying to celebrate the new year. In a twisted video circulating social media made after the alleged killings, Arshad claimed he had killed his family to 'protect' them from his family's neighbours, who he claimed were planning on selling his sisters in Hyderabad. He also showed the bodies, local media reports, with claims that he strangled his mother with a scarf and stuffed cloth in her mouth, before doing the same to his younger sisters and slitting their wrists. Local media also reported that Arshad fed his family laced food and drink before fatally attacking them. His father Badar, who is still on the run, is also suspected to have been involved in the horrific killings. The victims have been named as Alia, nine, Alshia, 19, Aksa, 16, Rahmeen 18, and their mum Asma. Pictures purporting to show the family before the tragedy have been circulating in Indian media. In a twisted video circulating social media made after the alleged killings, Arshad (pictured) claimed he had killed his family to 'protect' them Pictures purporting to show the family, including the father Badar, who is still on the run, have been circulating on India media Police are investigating the gruesome murder Arshad reportedly said in the video following the brutal killings: 'Our neighbours were trying to take over our property and planned to sell my sisters in Hyderabad. I couldn't let that happen,' he said. Arshad also claimed that relentless pressure and harassment from his community in Agra drove him to commit the heinous act. He also alleged that his father, Badar, assisted him in the murders, the report added. Deputy Commissioner of Police Raveena Tyagi said: 'Today, the bodies of five people were found in a room of Hotel Sharan Jeet. 'The local police reached the spot, and a person named Arshad, around 24 years old, a resident of Agra, was detained.' 'In the preliminary interrogation itself, he said that due to a family dispute, he had killed his four sisters and mother. Further interrogation is being done.' Forensic officers are now combing the scene (pictured) to collect evidence Forensic officers are now combing the scene to collect evidence. Joint Commissioner of Police Babloo Kumar said: '(The) bodies of five people have been found four girls and their mother. 'The hotel staff said they had come here on December 30, and their brother and father were also there. The matter is being further investigated.' 'Inquiry is also being conducted with nearby hotel staff, and any findings will be shared with the media as soon as they come to light,' PTI quoted Babloo Kumar as saying. 'Regarding the bodies recovered, some show signs of injuries -- on the wrist of one, on the neck of another. Based on these marks, statements from witnesses and the post-mortem report, we are conducting a detailed investigation into the matter,' he added. The New Yorker accused of shoving a stranger in front of an oncoming subway has appeared in court following the near-fatal incident on New Year's Eve. Kamel Hawkins, 23, looked on indifferently as he was arraigned on attempted murder and second-degree assault charges at Manhattan Criminal Court on New Year's Day. He did not enter a plea over the sickening attack against a 45-year-old man, who was launched into the path of a train at 18th street in Chelsea around 1.30pm. The unnamed victim miraculously survived after landing on the center of the tracks, but suffered a fractured skull, four broken ribs and a ruptured spleen during the fall, per the New York Times. Hawkins wore a gray hoodie and black tracksuit pants with white trainers for his arraignment. He is due to enter a plea at the Supreme Court at a later date. NYPD told DailyMail.com they recorded 24 incidents of people being pushed onto subway tracks this year - a 41 percent increase on last year's total of 17. Surveillance footage caught the horrific incident on Tuesday afternoon. The subway shover paced behind the victim for several seconds before pushing him onto the tracks as a train approached. Pictures show the moment Hawkins was captured by police and escorted through the subway into custody. Kamel Hawkins (pictured), who is accused of shoving a stranger in front of an oncoming subway has appeared in court following the near-fatal incident on New Year's Eve Hawkins, 23, looked on indifferently as he was arraigned on attempted murder and second-degree assault charges at Manhattan Criminal Court on New Year's Day Hawkins wore a gray hoodie and black tracksuit pants with white trainers for his arraignment. He is due to enter a plea at the Supreme Court at a later date A law enforcement official told the New York Post the man survived because 'he fell perfectly in the trench,' describing the near miss as an act of God. According to the publication, Hawkins has a pending assault cases going through the courts. He was allegedly charged with assault in June 2019 after attacking a police officer, and was charged on October 12 for assault, harassment and possession of weapons. Cops said the subway shover did not appear to know the victim, and described it as a random attack. Two young men who jumped the turnstile to avoid paying for their ticket just seconds before then turned and fled after witnessing the shocking attack. It is the latest in a string of concerning attacks on the New York City subway system, after a woman was tragically and fatally set alight by a stranger earlier this month. Separate footage shared by stunned passengers later showed the moment the victim was rescued from under the train. Around a dozen firefighters were worked to pull the man from the subway tracks. Authorities said the victim, who appeared to have blood on his face, was hospitalized in critical condition. A woman filming the encounter could be heard expressing her relief that the victim had survived as he was helped onto the platform. 'He's alive!' she said, before turning to other passengers and repeating: 'He's alive.' The subway platform was evacuated and the NYPD closed the scene as they investigated the incident. Kamel Hawkins, 23, looked on indifferently as he was arraigned on attempted murder and second-degree assault charges at Manhattan Criminal Court on January 1 Tuesday's incident took place just hours before up to one million people packed out nearby Times Square to celebrate the end of 2024 and ring in the new year. Travelers are directed to use the subway amid mass road closures, with increased services coming into and out of the city. The latest incident will put more pressure on officials to bring an end to horror subway attacks. On Christmas Eve, two people were injured in Manhattan's Grand Central Station after a maniac went on a stabbing rampage. Sources told DailyMail.com at the time that a 28-year-old man slashed two strangers with a knife in the seemingly random attack just after 10pm at the busy tourist hotspot. And just days before, the Big Apple was stunned when a homeless woman was set on fire and burned to death while she slept on a subway car. The victim was identified Tuesday by the NYPD as Debrina Kawam, a 61-year-old homeless woman from New Jersey. Kawam's murder captured international headlines as people were left reeling by the response of the NYPD. The woman who was set on fire and burned to death on a New York City subway car has been identified as Debrina Kawam of New Jersey Condemnation of the response from officials was led on Tuesday by New York Congressman Ritchie Torres, who slammed fellow Democrat New York Governor Kathy Hochul An officer was seen walking past the victim while she was still ablaze, while the man who allegedly set her on fire - illegal immigrant Sebastian Zepeta - stood by fanning the flames with his jacket. Zepeta, 33, is facing murder and arson charges following the horror incident. Officials used fingerprint data, dental records and DNA evidence to identify Kawam, and said she was believed to have been homeless. She was originally from Tom's River, New Jersey. Kawam was reportedly sleeping on the subway car around 7:30am on December 22 at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn when she was set ablaze. Shocked social media users blasted the police response - describing the behavior of cops caught on camera as 'cowardly' and 'shameful' while calling for them to be named or fired. Despite widespread outrage at the cop failing to step in, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Titsch praised the police response to the heinous incident as 'an example of great technology and even greater old fashioned police work' during a press conference on Sunday night. Condemnation of the response from officials was led on Tuesday by New York Congressman Ritchie Torres, who slammed fellow Democrat New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The same day Kawam was identified, Hochul shared a tweet boasting of 'dedicating our efforts to putting more money in your pockets and building an Empire State where everyone has an opportunity to succeed.' Torres said in response: 'On the same day the murder victim of the subway fire, Debrina Kawam (61) was finally identified, Governor Hochul feels the need to take a victory lap. ''Mission accomplished' is the ultimate form of gaslighting.' President-elect Donald Trump slammed the New Orleans terror attack as a 'pure act of evil' and claimed an illegal migrant is to blame. Sources told Fox News that the truck used by the suspect who allegedly killed at least 10 and injured over 30 New Orleans partygoers recently crossed the border through Eagle Pass, Texas, in November. But it appears that the alleged killer was not the same individual who drove across the border with the vehicle that has Texas license plates. And the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, was confirmed to be a U.S. citizen. Nevertheless, Trump took to social media to pin the blame for the attack on rampant illegal migration perpetrated under President Joe Biden over the last four years. 'When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true,' Trump posted to Truth Social on Wednesday morning. 'The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before. Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department.' 'The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil!' Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is being criticized for his 'tone deaf' response after the overnight tragedy. President-elect Donald Trump slammed 'pure act of evil' and alluded to reports that the attack may have been carried out by an illegal migrant President-elect Donald Trump spent his New Year's celebrating at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida 'The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil!' said Trump on Truth Social Biden's first post on X in 2025 was a simple 'Happy New Year, folks' at 10am ET. That's hours after the alleged attacker plowed into a joyous crowd on Bourbon Street around 3am local time. The president had not directly addressed the deadly incident before making the celebratory New Year's post. Hours later, Biden addressed reporters as he boarded a plane to Camp David on Wednesday, saying he'd have 'more to say' soon and that his first reaction was one of 'anger and frustration.' He would not comment on whether the suspect is an illegal migrant, as President-elect Donald Trump has suggested. Over an hour after his New Year's post on X, Biden issued a formal statement condemning the 'act of terrorism' and sending condolences to the victims' families. But furious social media users immediately pointed out his 'heartless' blunder, calling it out of touch and insensitive. 'Joe Biden is a heartless pos,' wrote one user. 'People lost their lives in a terror attack, and he just tweeted 'Happy New Year, Folks.' Jan 20th can't come fast enough.' Another wrote in disbelief: 'This is President Joe Biden's first post of the day. No mention of New Orleans or the victims. [Shaking my head].' 'It's utterly clumsy and tone deaf,' user @LetsGetRandy chimed in. Earlier, the White House issued a statement saying he spoke with New Orleans' Democratic mayor LaToya Cantrell on Wednesday morning to offer 'full federal support.' 'President Biden called New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell this morning to offer full federal support following the horrific news that a driver killed and injured dozens of individuals in New Orleans overnight.' The White House said that Biden has been briefed on all the 'latest developments' and will continue to get updates throughout the day. The FBI is leading the investigation into the 'horrific' tragedy and is working closely with local and state officials. Security personnel investigate the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd Speaker Mike Johnson, who represents a district in Louisiana, condemned the 'vicious attack.' 'The vicious attack on innocent people celebrating the New Year in New Orleans early this morning was an act of pure evil, and justice must be swift for anyone who was involved,' he wrote on X. 'Please join us in praying for the victims, their families, and the first responders and investigators on the scene.' New Orleans latest: Multiple fatalities after SUV ploughs into New Year's Eve partygoers in Bourbon Street Biden just wrapped up a five-day swanky St. Croix vacation before returning to the United States to serve out the remainder of his term In contrast, Attorney General Merrick Garland quickly issued a statement saying the country 'woke up this morning to news of a terrible tragedy in New Orleans that killed at least 10 people and injured many more.' 'My heart is broken for those who began their year by learning people they love were killed in this horrific attack, and my prayers are with the dozens who were injured, including the New Orleans Police Department Officers who risked their lives to save others.' He said the FBI continues to investigate with assistance from the ATF and DOJ's National Security Division, along with the local U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The president is heading from Wilmington, Delaware, where he spent New Year's Eve, to Camp David, for what could be one of his final trips there with just 19 days left of his presidency. Biden just wrapped up a five-day swanky St. Croix vacation before returning to the United States to serve out the remainder of his term. Biden, 82, along with his daughter Ashley Biden, Hunter and his son Beau and First Lady Jill Biden, spent his traditional New Year's getaway in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The president had little on his public schedule and spent his time basking in the sun at a beachfront villa owned by friends Bill and Connie Neville. He then spent the evening ringing in the New Year at the wedding of his niece, Missy Owens. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump spent his New Year's celebrating at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida where his daughter-in-law Lara Trump performed. Biden, who meanwhile rang in 2025 with First Lady Jill Biden at their home in Wilmington, Delaware, was briefed on the attack ahead of the couple heading to presidential retreat Camp David. But New Year's morning took a somber turn for the country after a driver rammed into a large crowd before getting out of the vehicle and firing a weapon. Biden spoke with New Orleans' Democratic mayor LaToya Cantrell on Wednesday morning to offer 'full federal support' according to the White House Mayor Cantrell declared it a terrorist attack. The White House says that the FBI is on scene in New Orleans, Louisiana to support local law enforcement and that Biden will be briefed throughout the day on developments from the ground. Witnesses detail a suspect ''wearing full body armor' and 'armed with an assault rifle.' Police returned fire after the individual opened fire on the crowd. Videos circulated on social media from the scene showing multiple casualties on the ground as shots rang out in the background and people were seen fleeing the area. The vehicle plowed into the crowd at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Canal Street around 3:15 a.m. local time on Wednesday morning, city officials confirmed. The city of New Orleans divulged that wounded were transported to five different area hospitals in the wake of the 'mass casualty event.' No information about the suspect has been released so far and it is unclear if any arrests have been made or if police fire made contact with the individual. But a federal law enforcement official told NBC News that the suspect is believed to be dead. Kim Jong Un has pushed back the inauguration of his Benidorm-style beach resort, but he has vowed that the tourist destination will still open its doors this year. The North Korean leader has been building luxury hotels and recreational facilities in the Wonsan-Kalma zone to create a 'coastal wonderland' for tourists. It has been the dictator's most talked about tourism project since plans for its development were announced in 2015. Boasting 150 buildings, the resort is set to be one of the largest single-operator beach resorts in the world. Plans previously showed that the resort would be able to accommodate up to 100,000 visitors at a time. Originally set to open in May 2025, the holiday resort which sits on an immaculate white beach is also located next to a rocket-testing site. Now, according to the official Korean Central News Agency said Tuesday that the resort's grand opening will be pushed back and should open for tourists in June this year. It will be kitted out with water parks, hotels and an airfield. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae visit the newly built Kalma coastal tourist area in Wonsan, North Korea, December 29, 2024 The resort has been the dictator's most talked about tourism project since plans for its development were announced in 2015 The resort's gran opening has been pushed back from May to June Kim's inspiration came after his officials were left 'amazed' during a research trip to Spain's Costa Blanca in 2017. Over the weekend, the North Korean leader Kim and his daughter made a visit to the showpiece tourist resort on the country's east coast. State media on Tuesday released dozens of images of Kim Ju Ae accompanying her father on a tour of the Kalma resort on 29 December. The photos show Kim and his daughter walking along the seaside, and touring opulent hotel rooms and facilities with heavy interior decoration. He reportedly said: 'The construction of the Kalma coastal tourist area is the first big step of great significance in putting the national tourist industry on a track of epochal development.' North Korea has remained closed to tourists since Covid-19 in 2020. The communist regime was the first to seal itself in 2020 as a response to the Covid-19 outbreak. The holiday resort which sits on an immaculate white beach, is also located next to a rocket-testing site Kim's inspiration came after his officials were left 'amazed' during a research trip to Spain's Costa Blanca in 2017 North Korea has remained closed to tourists since Covid-19 in 2020 Since the pandemic, North Korea has only welcomed a select group of visitors, such as travelling diplomats or the odd tour group from Russia North Korea has previously tried to promote tourism to earn income Foreign tourists wanting to visit the super secretive North Korea can only do so under a supervised tour, through which guides have complete control over visitors will see Kim Jong Un and his daughter pictured in a hotel room while they visited the newly built Kalma resort Domestic travel is still strictly controlled but it could be possible that North Koreans will be allowed to go to the new resort at Wonsan Foreigners are waiting to see if North Korea will allow them to return in 2025 Boasting 150 buildings, the resort is set to be one of the largest single-operator beach resorts in the world Since the pandemic, North Korea has only welcomed a select group of visitors, such as travelling diplomats or the odd tour group from Russia. It is not clear how North Korea is going to manage its relations with the outside world in 2025. Previously, it tried to promote tourism to earn income. Foreign tourists wanting to visit the super secretive North Korea can only do so under a supervised tour, through which guides have complete control over visitors will see. Domestic travel is still strictly controlled but it could be possible that North Koreans will be allowed to go to the new resort at Wonsan. There is an airport nearby and a ski resort which North Korean authorities promoted before Covid. Foreigners are waiting to see if North Korea will allow them to return in 2025. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has been accused of using the capital's annual fireworks spectacular to score political points again this year - but it's not the first time he has faced criticism for his involvement in the display. The newly knighted Labour mayor was accused of poking fun at former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's rain-sodden call for an election in July and harking back to the New Labour era with some of the soundtrack choices in last night's display. Among the song choices - which, by coincidence, were also chosen in July - were Travis' Why Does It Always Rain On Me? followed by D:Ream hit Things Can Only Get Better, famously used by the 1997 Blair election campaign. It was also blasted at top volume by the infamous 'Stop Brexit' and anti-Tory campaigner Steve Bray by a loudspeaker through the gates of Number 10 as Rishi Sunak called for the election. He would later quip that he was 'not a fair weather politician' after images of him standing in the rain without an umbrella became infamous on social media. Lasting 11 minutes, the high-tech display featured a world-first 'hologauze' projection to depict Paddington Bear within the London Eye as the cuddly immigrant bear decreed that London was a place where 'anyone can fit in'. It also featured a voiceover saying: 'Let's take it back to 2024', and the sound of rainfall, followed by clips noting that Britain had faced 'one of the soggiest summers on record' before launching into Travis. Some took to social media to suggest the display was political in nature - a charge levied at Sir Sadiq in the past. Sir Sadiq Khan has been accused of politicising the London fireworks display this year 2025: As in previous years, the display opened with 'The Mayor of London presents...' - a move he has previously been criticised Song choices in the display are thought to have been a veiled swipe at Rishi Sunak's sodden election call in July - including Why Does It Always Rain On Me? by Travis Last year, the show was criticised for being an 'ego trip' - opening with a 'Mayor of London presents' message and a quote from King Charles hailing the Windrush generation as 'collectively enrich(ing) the fabric of our national life'. One viewer took issue with the 'Place for Everyone' title of the display, noting glibly on social media: 'London, a place that isn't safe for everyone more like. A violent crime epidemic. 'Hate mobs on the streets. regular clashes between different communities. No thanks. London has been turned into a total dump.' Matthew Goodwin-Freeman, a Conservative councillor for Hatch End in North West London, said: 'They're OUR fireworks Mr Mayor, not yours. Talk about an ego trip.' And in 2021, the Mayor was criticised for including overt political references in the display, including lighting bridges in blue and yellow in an apparent reference to the European Union, just as the UK formally left the bloc. That display, also featured drones that were synchronised to take the shape of a raised fist in reference to the Black Lives Matter movement, infuriating Conservatives and former UKIP leader Henry Bolton. But the drones, which took flight over the O2, also took the shape of a turtle carrying the Earth on its back, a heart thanking the NHS, and lockdown icon Captain Sir Tom Moore. Mr Khan defied his critics later that morning, sharing a MailOnline story on Twitter and writing: 'Anyone else think it was pretty good?' And he said of the BLM display: 'Our New Year's Eve show just sent a loud, proud message to the world: London stands together against racism - tonight and always.' This year's display also featured Things Can Only Get Better by D:Ream - a New Labour anthem that was blasted into Downing Street by Steve Bray in July 2025: An image of the sun projected onto the London Eye, with the song Things Can Only Get Better 2024: Last year's fireworks show was slammed as the 'Sadiq Khan show' - once again putting the mayor at the centre of it all 2021: Fireworks are set off at Tower Bridge in a change to the usual proceedings after the coronavirus pandemic curtailed displays 2021: The display was criticised as being heavily political - with a drone display featuring a raised fist, synonymous with the Black Lives Matter movement In 2019, he made clear the display was a showing to Europeans that London remained 'open-minded' and 'outward looking' post-Brexit. Speaking on New Year's Eve 2018, he said: 'One of the things which upset many, many Londoners and many people across our country and in Europe is the tone and language used by politicians in Westminster, giving the impression we're insular, inward looking, not welcoming to Europeans.' There was little criticism of the 2023 display, which paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II almost three months after her death at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. It also recognised Ukraine's resistance against Russian invaders 10 months after the invasion began in February 2022, and 50 years of Pride celebrations. And in January 2022, the harshest criticism directed at the display was simply that the fireworks, live poetry and drone display was a bit dull. The event had been staged at several locations across London to prevent huge crowds from gathering in a single space at the peak of the pandemic. Nevertheless, huge crowds turned out despite both Mr Khan and then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson urging people to stay home and watch coverage of the event on TV. This year's display featured special animations on the 'hologauze' display, including the Union flag in honour of the 80th anniversary of D-Day last year, Olympic medals to celebrate the success of Team GB at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, and a happy 25th birthday to the London Eye. 2021: The display also featured a tribute to the NHS for the efforts of health workers during the Covid pandemic 2019: Mr Khan made clear the display was a showing to Europeans that London remained 'open-minded' and 'outward looking' post-Brexit It also featured a world-first special appearance from Paddington Bear sharing a message of hope and unity, and a reference to Charli XCXs viral brat summer movement. The wide-ranging soundtrack included hits from Sabrina Carpenter, Natasha Bedingfield, Travis, Sir Elton John, One Direction, Dame Vera Lynn, Panjabi Hit Squad, Tems, and Shaboozey. Voice clips included D-Day veterans, Dame Imelda Staunton, Sir Ian McKellen, Mawaan Rizwan, Carol Kirkwood, Alex Scott MBE, Ellie Simmonds OBE and Sir Sadiq. A spokesperson from the mayor's office said of last night: 'The Mayor was delighted to welcome 2025 with our biggest and best-ever New Year's Eve celebrations. 'Around 100,000 Londoners and tourists joined together on the banks of the Thames for an unforgettable night of fireworks, lighting and music, while millions more watched all around the world. 'This year's soundtrack included a wide-range of recent hits and classics from all across the globe, including One Direction, Dame Vera Lynn, Natasha Bedingfield, Travis, Sir Elton John, Panjabi Hit Squad, Tems, and Shaboozey. 'The Mayor is proud London sent out a message of hope and love to the world and showed once again why it's the greatest city on earth.' Many were also full of praise for elements of the show, including a segment that some One Direction fans interpreted as a tribute to Liam Payne following his death in October at the age of 31. A New York luxury interior designer has been charged with drunkenly crashing his Porsche on Christmas Day. Edward Yedid, 46, was allegedly speeding down an East Hampton road when he swerved into the oncoming lane and struck another car, reported the New York Post. Yedid's silver 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S smashed into a 2016 black BMW SUV carrying a family of three on their way to the movie theater on December 25. When police asked how much he'd been drinking, the co-founder of design company Grade New York allegedly replied, 'Just today?' Yedid started the company with his business partner Thomas Hickey in 2004 after they met when Yedid was a student in one of Hickey's classes at Parsons School of Design. The company has gained notoriety designing luxury homes around the world including million dollar projects in New York City, Florida and Israel, according to their website. Yedid, a married father-of-one, allegedly told the family in the other vehicle after the crash: 'Sorry, my car just drives really fast.' Arianna Thomas, 30, of East Hampton told The Post she was driving with her partner and father to go see Wicked when the Porsche crashed into them. Edward Yedid (pictured), 46, was allegedly speeding down an East Hampton road when he swerved into the oncoming lane and struck another car Yedid's silver 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S smashed into a 2016 black BMW SUV carrying a family of three 'We only had a second to react, and he just smashed into us,' Thomas said. She noted Yedid asked if the family was okay but she told him not to speak to them. 'We could smell alcohol immediately. He was wearing head-to-toe designer clothes when he got out of the car, eyes completely bloodshot.' Thomas said she is bruised on her right knee, her partner has a cut on his nose and bruised his head. She also said her father is experiencing back pain. 'We were in the hospital for Christmas,' she lamented. An arrest report viewed by the outlet noted 'the odor of an alcoholic beverage upon [Yedid's] breath,' stating he was 'unsteady on his feet' and had 'bloodshot glassy eyes.' The police report said he 'performed poorly on all standardized field tests... produced a breath sample' and 'was subsequently placed under arrest,' but did not reveal his blood-alcohol content. Yedid was arrested then transported to the Southampton hospital, where he was eventually released told to return to the police station on December 27 to complete his arrest. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, failure to keep right, speed not reasonable and driving an uninspected car. Yedid (pictured with wife), a married father of one, is the co-founder of design company Grade New York Yedid was released and told he must show up for his arraignment on January 8, according to police records. The interior designer is well-known in the area and was featured in an interview on The Invisible Collection about his favorite spots in the Hamptons. Yedid and Hickey wrote a book in 2019 titled, 'New York Contemporary: Grade Architecture and Interiors.' A council has been slammed for cruel plans introduce a 'tourist tax' that could see pregnant mothers charged when they have to travel to hospital from remote areas to give birth. Patients in the north of Scotland are having to travel hundreds of miles for hospital care. Expectant mothers living in Caithness, where local services have been drastically cut, have to travel to Inverness to give birth at Raigmore Hospital - more than 100 miles away from the main Caithness towns of Wick and Thurso. They will also be affected by the Highland Council's proposal to introduce a levy on overnight visitors from autumn next year. The hope is that the plan will raise 10m a year for the local authority, but health campaigners say it is common for heavily pregnant women to travel 100 miles south in the days leading up to their due date. Those staying in hotels ahead of hospital visits will have to pay extra money. But cruise ship passengers and those exploring the Highlands in motorhomes will be exempt. The Caithness Health Action Team (CHAT) has sent a report on the breach of their right to healthcare to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) in Geneva. Expectant mothers living in Caithness, where local services have been drastically cut, have to travel to Inverness to give birth at Raigmore Hospital The hospital is more than 100 miles away from the main Caithness towns of Wick and Thurso. Pictured is Castle Sinclair Girnigoe on the coast of Wick Iain Gregory, of the Caithness Health Action Team, told The Telegraph it is an 'incredible lack of humanity' for pregnant mothers to face such a levy. He said: 'A woman who is forced to undergo this journey, and who wishes to stay in a hotel or B&B for a day or so before her confinement, will be taxed along with her unborn baby. 'It will also apply to the thousands of other Caithness residents who require to travel south for medical treatment.' The move comes after a report by the Scottish Human Rights Commission found that mothers in Caithness and Sutherland felt 'unsafe' and 'terrified' about going to Raigmore to have their babies. CHAT says that other patients from Caithness are also denied their rights to 'accessible and adequate facilities'. Its submission states that access to the NHS for people living in Caithness 'has been substantially curtailed over recent years with maternity care suffering particularly badly'. It adds: 'Citizens face disenfranchisement, and are unable to enjoy their basic human rights in relation to medical care.' The consultant-led maternity unit at Caithness General Hospital was downgraded in 2016 to a midwife-led facility and the vast majority of local women now give birth in Inverness. Locals have been campaigning for better maternity services for years Some of the CHAT members during a meeting with NHS Highland bosses CHAT vice-chairman Mr Gregory said: 'CHAT has been convinced for some time that the present situation facing mums-to-be, and indeed many other patients who are required to undergo the 200-mile-plus round trip to Raigmore, at all times of the day and night, sometimes in seriously dangerous weather conditions, and often in pain and distress, simply had to amount to a breach of their human rights.' The campaigners hope the CESCR will respond to its report and put pressure on the Scottish Government and NHS Highland to improve local services. The changes it wants include having Caithness' midwife maternity unit led by a consultant to enable more women to give birth there. The submission is due to be considered at the UN in the new year. The CESCR is a UN body that monitors how countries implement human rights such as the right to the best standard of health. Governments who are signed up to it, including those in the UK, are supposed to follow any recommendations it makes. Mr Gregory added: 'CHAT has been campaigning for many years now, yet we still await action. 'We hope now that we may, at last, ensure that our case is recognised and upheld and that the state, who are ultimately responsible, will be called upon to act.' A spokesman for NHS Highland said: 'We appreciate the unique challenges that are faced by people in remote, rural and island areas and in providing safe and effective services as close to home as possible. 'There are regular consultant clinics in Caithness and we have successfully increased the midwifery team there. 'We are currently looking at developing some specialist nursing roles for Caithness to add resilience to the service.' Seven victims have now been identified among the 15 innocent people who were killed in the horrific New Orleans terror attack. A former college football star, high school senior, father-of-two and young mother are some of the 15 victims who tragically died when Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, deliberately drove into pedestrians with an ISIS flag attached to his car. Tiger Bech, 28, Ni'kyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, 18, Reggie Hunter, 37, Nicole Perez, 27, Matthew Tenedorio, Kareem Badawi, and Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, lost their lives in the senseless attack in the early hours of News Year's Day in the French Quarter. Horror unfolded when Jabbar drove a white Ford F-150 into crowds ringing in 2025 in New Orleans' French Quarter Wednesday around 3.15am local time. Bech, who played football for Princeton University, was taken to a New Orleans area hospital after being struck by the vehicle. He was placed on life support until his family arrived, Kim Broussard, the athletic director at St. Thomas More Catholic High School, told KLFY. Ni'kyra, who was known to her family as Cheyenne, ran toward the street into the path of the speeding truck after she, her cousin and friend panicked when gunfire rang out. Reggie, of Baton Rouge, also died after he decided to go to Bourbon Street to ring in 2025 after a shift at work, his cousin Shirell Jackson told NOLA.com. Hubert Gauthreaux's family had been frantically sharing posts to social media that he was missing in the aftermath of the attack, before revealing he was found dead at a hospital Matthew Tenedorio's family said in a fundraiser that he was gunned down during the attack Tiger Bech, 28, of Lafayette, Louisiana, died in the horrific New Orleans terror attack on Wednesday Both he and his cousin were hit by the truck. Reggie died from his injuries, while his cousin is among the at least 35 people injured from the massacre. A fourth victim, Nicole, described as 'a great mother', was out with her friends for the holiday when the truck hit her. She was taken to University Hospital where she later died. Several GoFundMe pages have since been launched to help support the grieving families of victims. As of Wednesday evening, more than $6,400 had been raised to support Nicole, while Tenedorio's family has raised more than $9,000. They described him as a beloved son, brother and uncle who had a 'laid-back spirit and infectious laughter'. He was employed as an audiovisual technician. Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, drove a white Ford SUV into pedestrians ringing in 2025 in New Orleans' French Quarter Wednesday around 3.15am local time Hubert Gauthreaux's family had been frantically sharing posts to social media that he was missing in the aftermath of the attack, before revealing he was found dead at a hospital. In a statement, his former school Archbishop Shaw High School said: 'It is with great sorrow that we share that alum Hubert Gauthreaux, Class of 2021, was tragically killed in the senseless act of violence that occurred early this morning in the French Quarter. 'He was 21 years old. We are asking the entire Archbishop Shaw family to pray for the repose of Huberts soul, his family and friends during this difficult time, and all those affected by this tragedy.' Cheyenne was not supposed to be in the city, but decided to sneak away with her 18-year-old cousin and friend, Zion Parsons, also 18, her mother Melissa Dedeaux, 40, told NOLA.com. Cheyenne was leaving Voodoo Chicken & Daquiris on Bourbon Street when 'out of nowhere' Zion heard 'banging' and 'commotion', the victim's friend said. Melissa's niece told her that the trio began running after gunfire rang out, as Cheyenne ran into the street into the path of the speeding truck. Although the Orleans Parish Coroner's Office has not yet confirmed Cheyenne's death, Melissa said she knows her daughter was killed. 'As a mother, when my niece and [Parsons] said they covered her [Cheyenne] with a sheet, I just knew that was it for my daughter,' Melissa said. Ni'kyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, 18, also lost her life in the attack Reggie Hunter, 37, (left). Nicole Perez, 27, (right) 'I just want to see my baby. She was the sweetest person. She would give you anything, anything.' Melissa said Cheyenne was the third oldest of her six children. She recently graduated from Harrison Central High School in Gulfport in 2024 and was set to start at Blue Cliff College on January 13 in the school's nursing program. Hunter, a 37-year-old father of two from Baton Rouge, headed to Bourbon Street on a whim once he got off work to bring in the new year with a cousin, according to another cousin, Shirell Jackson. Tiger's older brother, Jack Bech, former Louisiana State University and Texas Christian University wide receiver, later confirmed his older brother's death in a heartbreaking post on X. 'Love you always brother ! You inspired me everyday now you get to be with me in every moment. I got this family T, don't worry. This is for us,' Jack wrote. Bech was in New Orleans for the holidays. He graduated from the Ivy League in 2021 with a degree in finance. He worked as a trader at a New York brokerage firm, Broussard shared. He graduated from Princeton University in 2021 with a degree in finance. He worked as a trader at a New York brokerage firm Although the Orleans Parish Coroner's Office has not yet confirmed Cheyenne's death, Melissa said she knows her daughter was killed as her niece 'said they covered her [Cheyenne] with a sheet' He played high school football for St. Thomas More Catholic High School as a quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back and punt runner. An unidentified student from the University of Georgia has also been left critically injured following the horrific attack, according to the school's president. 'At this point, we have learned that a University of Georgia student was critically injured in the attack and is receiving medical treatment,' President Jere W. Morehead said. 'I have spoken to the students family and shared my concern, support and well wishes on behalf of the entire UGA community. 'I would like to express my gratitude to all the first responders who moved so quickly to help those affected by this senseless act of violence, as well as to the medical personnel who are caring for the injured. 'As we continue to hold the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers, the University will do everything in its power to support those in our community who have been impacted by this unspeakable event,' Morehead added. Badawi's father Belala Badawi revealed how he received a final heartbreaking text from his son before he was killed. Were going through an awful time right now, our son is just 18 years old, he said. He is a good kid, hes smart. Everyone was back together for the holiday period, thats why he was back in town.' Two unidentified Israeli citizens are also amongst at least 35 people injured in the senseless attack. None of the other victims have yet been identified. The FBI is investigating the massacre 'as an act of terrorism' and New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell described it as a 'terrorist attack'. An ISIS flag and weapons were found inside the vehicle, as the FBI continues to assess Jabbar's connection to the terror group. An ISIS flag and weapons were found inside the vehicle, as the FBI continues to assess Jabbar's connection to the terror group Guns and pipe bombs were also located inside the truck, according to a Louisiana State Police intelligence bulletin obtained by The Associated Press. The devices were contained in coolers and wire for remote detonation. A remoted control was also discovered inside the vehicle, the bulletin detailed. Further potential explosive devices were also found in the French Quarter.. 'We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible,' Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent with the FBI's New Orleans field officer said in at a news conference. The vehicle was rented from Turo - a car sharing app. Another 42-year-old man who listed it lives in Houston and has been contacted by investigators. Jabbar was killed in a shootout with officers after he exited his vehicle and started shooting, injuring two NOLA police officers who are in a stable condition. Investigators recovered a handgun and an AR-style rifle after the shootout, law enforcement officials said. Authorities investigating the 'mass casualty incident' say the driver showed 'very intentional behavior' after driving into crowds before he got out and fired a weapon. Videos circulating on social media that appear to have been recorded at the scene shows multiple casualties on the ground as shots ring out in the background Officials said an improvised explosive device was found in the area. Around 8.30am a 'small explosion' went off in the quarter. It was detonated by the bomb squad, WLWT's Steven Albritton reported. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said the suspect was 'hellbent on creating carnage.' Witnesses claim Jabbar was 'wearing full body armor' and 'armed with an assault rifle', and officials said he was 'trying to run over as many people as he possibly could'. The FBI will now lead the investigation into the attack. At first, the FBI said that it was not linked to terrorism - before later confirming that the mass fatality indeed is being investigated as such. Videos circulating on social media showed a chaotic scene at the tourist hotspot as people ran from the casualty-strewn area while bullets rang out in the background. Ambulances rushed the wounded to five hospitals and paramedics, ambulances and vehicles from the coroner's office were at the scene. For the first time since 1979, I enjoyed Christmas week in Glasgow, in my mothers new pad and not far from our old manse off Queen Victoria Drive. I attended a reverent, splendid Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at St Brides, Hyndland. Really enjoyed my turkey dinner it was the first time in many years someone else had cooked it and otherwise spent my week, during scant daylight hours, exploring old childhood haunts in G13. There were disconcerting aspects. The weather was unseasonably mild our last Glasgow winter, from 1979 into 1980, was such a deep-freeze job it was the last occasion curlers could enjoy a Bonspiel on the Lake of Menteith. And even the Victoria Park boating-pond froze solid. Negotiating Anniesland Cross as a pedestrian, too an intersection of four thundering dual-carriageways and, I believe, the busiest road-junction in Europe will daunt the stoutest heart. But weirdest of all is how my Seventies manor has shrunk. Everywhere I went, I felt about ten feet tall and in 7-league boots. I kept miscalculating walking distances; jaunts I thought would take the best part of an hour took scarce fifteen minutes. There were disappointments. The Renfrew ferry, last Friday, was not running; and the Knightswood Shopping Centre, the last word in retail-shopping when it opened in 1972, has seriously come down in the world: vaping stores and betting-shops. Anniesland Cross in Glasgow, a confusing place for pedestrians and motorists alike Though I did enjoy, near Christmas Eve, doing some analogue research on Frank Sinatra at another happy place of yore, Knightswood Library. But it was on Duncan Avenue, at the heart of the beautiful terraced housing that is the Scotstoun Conservation Area, that I beheld to my incredulity - an open gate. And so, for the first time in half a century, I stepped into the grounds of my very first school. I have never written before about Scotstoun Primary. Thats partly because I wasnt really there very long from August 1971 to February 1974 and because, inevitably, memories of it are bound up with the trauma of a little boys dislocation from a friendly West Highland village to a daunting, noisy and then very grubby city. Its an oddly elegant building, erected by the Renfrew Landward School Board in 1905 for the area was not then part of Glasgow and with two nonchalant towers. Indeed, as I moseyed into the playground, the original building is all that survives from my era. The disgusting, outdoor, largely roofless toilets have gone. So have the chill, steel-walled hutted classrooms in which I endured Primary 2, and the blaes playing-field. All was swept away in the late Seventies and what arose in its place has in the last few years been bulldozed for what looks like a pleasant block for Upper Primary pupils. The school was, of course, last Friday shut. But I did a brief circuit of the campus, climbed the concrete steps to both external doors, and glanced with a grimace at the steps down to the basement gym. There were dispiriting aspects to the school in my time. First, 1971 was the last year when Scottish primary schools had two annual intakes. Older pupils began Primary One in February; younger ones like me were enrolled that August. So I felt immediately on the back foot, in the shade of mature sophisticates already fluent in Janet and John. It didnt help that I had three successive Primary One teachers Miss Barr, Miss Niven and Mrs Kinnis. Classes were huge I entered this world at the height of Scotlands baby-boom and staff, in hindsight, were visibly stressed. By the standards of the time, it was a gentle place. Though I did once see a classmate thrown over Miss Barrs knee and soundly spanked, and while I had the odd smacked calf or knuckled head, I never saw anyone get the belt. Though I did once see Mr Smith quietly show a tawse to some raucous older boys: they fell in an instant into line. And over all presided the headmaster, a Mr Pate, vast echelons above my level of importance and with a burdened, knitted-brow air. At terms end we would pile across the road into Scotstoun Parish Church it is still there; the Scotstoun West kirk perished years ago in a fire and I remember that staff always threw a pleasant Christmas party for us, complete with a small gift for every pupil doubtless funded from their own pockets and Mr McGahey as an unconvincing Santa. And then, of course, there was the day I died. I was walking home to the manse one lunchtime when my shrieking father, white as a sheet, pounded up the little cul-de-sac, picked me up and shook me, and I could not understand why he was so angry. It turned out that a sick little five-year-old classmate told my younger brother he had just seen me run down and killed by a car, a joke so appalling my mother speaks of it to this day. Not that my parents complained to the school or demanded vengeance: in those days, parents simply didnt. For most of my Scotstoun course, through Primary 2 and Primary 3, I was taught by Mrs Morven Raeside: tweed-skirted, butterfly-glasses, and patience personified. I fear I tried it many times I was often sentenced to a disgraced standing behind the blackboard, as some colleague was summoned in for a bit of theatrical, Oh, Mrs Raeside, is that a bad boy you have there? - but Mrs Raeside quickly grasped the central problem, that I was bored out of my skull. And that, accordingly, I kept acting up, in little stunts of passive-aggressive behaviour. She began urgently pressing my parents to secure me a place in Jordanhill. Perhaps the behind-the-blackboard thing with a truculent little Highlander had begun to pall. In the event, I was snatched from Scotstoun Primary without warning. The school closed for the day to serve as a polling-place at the February 1974 election, which at least gave the janitor a break from ringing a handbell amidst the incessant power-cuts. Who governs Britain? Ted Heath dramatically asked. And that same Thursday, as the nation rose as one to declare, Well, not you, chum, the letter offering me a place finally bounced off the doormat from Jordanhill College School. I promptly celebrated by going down with pneumonia and never, till Friday last, entered the gates of Scotstoun Primary again. But there was an interesting twist. When I fetched up at Jordanhill, Mrs Kinnis who had taken rather a shine to me in Primary One was there before me. She proved a still more inspirational Primary Seven teacher, we kept in touch for the rest of her life and, in 2010, I dedicated my book on the Clydebank Blitz to her; she glowed amidst those assembled for its launch like the Queen Mother. Morven Raeside, I discovered some years ago with sorrow, died in 2015. The funeral notice described her as an inspirational teacher to many children in Scotstoun and Yoker, and I am sad I never had the chance to thank her. Scotstoun Primary is in dank precincts, most of my memories are drab, and to this day I still wince when I see a free-standing blackboard. Nevertheless, it was there and in almost the greatest gift you can give anyone I learned to read. The terrorist behind the attack on New Year's Eve revelers in New Orleans is an army veteran, real estate agent, and Deloitte IT guru. Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, rammed a pickup truck flying an ISIS flag into a crowd on Bourbon Street about 3.15am, killing 15 and injuring at least 25 more. Wearing military gear and with bombs inside the white electric Ford F-150 Lightning, he mowed down pedestrians then got out and gunned more of them down. But just two years before his horrifying massacre, Jabbar was living a normal American life - working hard, starting businesses, and was married with a family. Jabbar was born in Beamont, Texas, to Abdal and Herma Jabbar, who still live in the town, and grew up with two brothers and attending Central Senior High School. 'I've been here all my life, with the exception of traveling for the military where I spent 10 years as a human resources and IT specialist,' he said in a video promoting himself as a real estate agent in 2020. Jabbar first enlisted in the US Navy in 2004 but left a month later before basic training started. Three years later he joined the army instead. His only criminal history was during this period, with arrests in 2002 for class B misdemeanor theft, and in 2005 for driving with a suspended license. Jabbar working as the information technology team chief for the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team during Leaders Training Program rotation on November 16, 2013, at Fort Polk, Louisiana Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, rammed a pickup truck flying an ISIS flag into a crowd on Bourbon Street about 3.15am, killing 15 and injuring at least 25 more After enlisting, he was on active duty from March 2007 to January 2015 and was deployed to Afghanistan between February 2009 and January 2010, the US Army confirmed. Jabbar graduated from the Fort Gordon NCO Academy in Augusta, Georgia, and the Richardson NCO Academy in Alaska. He got his associates degree in computer science at Central Texas College in 2008 to 2010. He was discharged at the rank of staff sergeant, and stayed on in the US Army Reserve as an information technology operations manager in 2015. The same year, he began his bachelor's degree in business administration for computer information systems at Georgia State University. Jabbar's career took off after he graduated in 2017 as he pursued both real estate and cloud computing at the same time, living in Houston. He founded Blue Meadow Properties in 2017, acting as its property manager and president, and promoting it as a veteran-owned business. 'I ran a service desk responsible for support services to thousands of soldiers,' he wrote on the company website. 'Today, every member of my company understands these values and apply them here daily at Blue Meadow Properties loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.' Despite starting the company in 2017, he didn't get his real estate license until 2019 and didn't take any classes until 2018. His license lapsed in 2023. Jabbar founded Blue Meadow Properties in 2017, acting as its property manager and president, and promoting it as a veteran-owned business Jabbar was arrested in 2002 for class B misdemeanor theft, and in 2005 for driving with a suspended license Jabbar told prospective clients in the video that his military experience was 'where I learned the meaning of great service'. 'What it means to be responsive and take everything seriously - dotting Is and crossing Ts to make sure things go off without a hitch,' he said. He said what set him apart was being a 'fierce negotiator' who could 'brilliantly market your property to make sure it gets sold as quickly as possible'. Jabbar promised to 'take every ounce of energy into negotiating for you' to get the best deal possible. At the same time, Jabbar was working for some of the biggest consulting firms in the world where helped 'several Fortune 100 companies to guide them in large transformation projects'. Archives of his LinkedIn page showed he worked at Accenture as a cloud migration engineer in 2018 to 2019, Ernst & Young in cloud computing in 2018 to 2021, and in data engineering and business development for Deloitte in 2022. 'We are shocked to learn of reports today that the individual identified as a suspect had any association with our firm,' Deloitte said in a statement. 'Like everyone, we are outraged by this shameful and senseless act of violence and are doing all we can to assist authorities in their investigation.' An official photo of Jabbar from government indentification The Blue Meadow Properties Instagram page, which was taken down on Wednesday The driver who plowed into pedestrians celebrating the New Year in New Orleans killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens is dead following a shootout with police But suddenly it all appeared to unravel in 2022, when his work history abruptly stopped and he went through a messy divorce with one of his ex-wives. 'I cannot afford the house payment,' he wrote in an email to his estranged wife Shaneen Jabbar's lawyer Daryl Longworth in January 2022. 'It is past due in excess of $27,000 and in danger of foreclosure if we delay settling the divorce.' Jabbar was in a financial hole because his real estate company was bleeding money, losing $28,000 the previous year, and he had $16,000 in credit card debt to pay his own lawyer, he told Longworth. He suggested he and Shaneen sell the house and divide the profits evenly, but instead sold the house, in Fresno, Texas, to her to cover his debts. Shaneen blamed his financial situation on 'excessive cash withdrawals, gifts to paramours' and 'unreasonable and unnecessary spending' in her court filings. A later court document, when the case was finally resolved in August 2022, revealed he earned $120,000 a year in his job at Deloitte. Jabbar first filed for divorce in July 2020 and Judge David Perwin felt it wise to order the couple to stay away from each other while it was ongoing. The standard conditions prohibited them 'threatening the other party or a child of either party with imminent bodily injury'. They also couldn't withdraw the child from school, hide them, or move them out of the jurisdiction. Jabbar was said to have a six-year-old son with Shaneen. Shaneen, who reverted to her maiden name McDaniel after the divorce, wasn't his only ex-wife, as he was married two, possibly three, times. A previous ex-wife, Nakedra Ball, from whom he divorced in 2012 while stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, remarried to Dwayne Marsh - who revealed the final piece of the puzzle. Marsh told the New York Times that Jabbar began to convert to Islam only within the past year or so, and was 'being all crazy, cutting his hair' since then. His behavior was so concerning that she stopped letting him see their daughters, aged 15 and 20, whom he said were 'a mess'. After selling the house to Shaneen, he moved into a mobile home on a squalid block surrounded by farm animals in Houston he found in a Facebook marketplace listing. Jabbar also spent 10 days in Egypt last year. His landlord, Asia Maryam, told the New Orleans Advocate that he paid cash on time every month, worked from home, and never caused problems. Then a few weeks ago he told her he was moving to New Orleans and would give his keys to the new tenant after he visited his new city ahead of the relocation. He never came back. US transfers Guantanamo prisoner back to Tunisia: Pentagon Washington, Jan 1 (UNI) The United States transferred a Tunisian detainee from the Guantanamo Bay prison back to his home country, the Pentagon said. The Department of Defence announced the repatriation of Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the Government of Tunisia, the statement said. US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin notified Congress of his intent to support this repatriation in January. The US completed the process in consultations with its partners in Tunisia, it added. A gunman has killed himself after being surrounded by police who were hunting him after he opened fire in a Montenegro restaurant and shot dead at least 10 people including two children. Officers had dispatched special troops to search for an armed 45-year-old named in reports as Aco Martinovic in the city of Cetinje, 18 miles northwest of the capital Podgorica. A statement said the man opened fire in a bar and fled the scene, as civilians were warned he was 'armed and dangerous'. Police have now revealed the suspect 'shot himself in the head' after being tracked down and surrounded - while Montenegro's prime minister has vowed to tighten the Balkan country's firearms laws. The suspect 'took the lives of at least 10 people, two of whom were minors' who were the children of the restaurant owner, Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic said. The bar owner and relatives of the suspect were also killed. It was reported that the suspect was in 'conflict' with another person at the bar and went home to get a gun before returning and killing several people. RTCG claimed he went on to a second location and killed the bar owner's children, along with a woman. Police said the suspect, named in media reports as Aco Martinovic, has been tracked down officers only to shoot himself in the head Police officers and civil protection units secure a crime scene after a gunman killed several people Police and security personnel stand on a street in front of a firetruck near the scene Mr Saranovic said 'a number of people were killed', including the bar owner and his family members, as well as the shooter's relatives - but did not give a definitive death toll. President Jakov Milatovic said he was 'shocked and stunned' by the tragedy, writing on X: 'Instead of holiday joy we have been gripped by sadness over the loss of innocent lives.' Prime Minister Milojko Spajic went to the hospital where the wounded were being treated and announced three days of mourning. from Thursday. 'This is a terrible tragedy that has affected us all,' said Mr Spajic. 'All police teams are out.' Police launched an hours-long manhunt for the suspect, who 'shot himself in the head' when he was surrounded, police chief Lazar Scepanovic has now told reporters. Mr Scepanovic added: 'An attempt was made to transport him to a clinical centre but he succumbed to his injuries in the meantime.' Four people were also seriously wounded and transported to a hospital in the capital Podgorica, though Mr Scepanovic later said their lives were 'no longer in danger'. The police chief said the suspect 'had consumed alcoholic beverages all day' before the incident between him and another restaurant guest. Police officers and civil protection units secure the crime scene The gunman killed several people on January 1, 2025 in a village restaurant Mass shootings are comparatively rare in Montenegro which has a deeply-rooted gun culture He then 'went home, took a weapon, used firearms and killed four people at one location', and then went to three other places, Mr Scepanovic said. Prime Minister Mr Spajic told state broadcaster RTCG the incident was a 'restaurant fight' gone wrong and that he would be tightening the country's criteria for firearms possession. 'It was simply a restaurant fight where guns were drawn and everything went in a different direction in which it should not have gone," he said. 'This is a tragedy after which we must ask ourselves who should be allowed to possess firearms in Montenegro.' Mass shootings are comparatively rare in Montenegro which has a deeply-rooted gun culture. In 2022, 11 people, including two children and a gunman, were killed in a mass shooting in Montenegro, and six others were injured. Despite strict gun laws, the Western Balkans remain awash with illegal weapons dating back to World War One. President-elect Donald Trump indicated that House Speaker Mike Johnson's job is safe because it's the path of least resistance. Trump was asked about a brewing speakership battle as he arrived Tuesday night to his Mar-a-Lago New Year's Eve party, Melania Trump at his side. Johnson can only stand to lose one vote to retain the speaker's gavel and Rep. Thomas Massie has already indicated he won't support him. 'He's the one that can win right now,' Trump told reporters. 'People like him, almost everybody likes him.' 'Other are very good too,' the incoming president continued. 'But they have 30 or 40 people who don't like 'em.' Trump said he would call members if he had to but predicted that wouldn't be needed. 'Oh I think they'll support Speaker Johnson,' Trump said. 'I think we're going to have a great time in Washington. I think we're going to get great support.' Trump was expected to host Johnson at Mar-a-Lago on New Year's Day, the speaker previously told a Louisiana talk radio station. President-elect Donald Trump (left) indicated from the red carpet of his Mar-a-Lago New Year's Eve party that House Speaker Mike Johnson's job is safe because it's the path of least resistance Trump noted that the Louisiana Republican was a 'good man.' 'He's a wonderful person and that's what you need,' Trump added. Congress gavels back in for a new session on Friday ahead of two important dates - January 6, when both houses will certify Trump's election victory and January 20, Trump's second inauguration. When Republicans earned back control of the House in the 2022 elections, 2023 kicked off by an extended speakership battle despite GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy being the heir apparent for the job for years. McCarthy finally got the votes on the 15th try - an embarrassing way to start his tenure. More leadership drama took place that October when now former Rep. Matt Gaetz filed a motion to vacate, ousting McCarthy from the top job. Johnson ended up the next House speaker after several other contenders flamed out. Heading into this session House Republicans' majority is even more narrow, especially with Trump selecting several lawmakers for Cabinet positions. Some allies of Trump have warned that the speakership needs to be settled quickly in order to prevent there being yet another dramatic January 6 - albeit this one hopefully without any violence. House Speaker Mike Johnson can only stand to lose two Republican House members in Friday's speakership vote or there could be chaos in the caucus - including a delay in certifying President-elect Donald Trump's election win on January 6th 'I strongly encourage Donald Trump to get on the phone with those five or six members who won't commit to voting for Mike Johnson because all this is going to do is delay us,' House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer told Fox News. 'It's going to delay the certification of President Trump's election. It's going to delay the start of his first 100 days in office, which is the most important timeframe of his whole presidency. That's when you get the most done historically, 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 pressed. Without the election of a speaker the House can't do anything. Members can't be sworn-in, committees can't be formed and Congress can't certify the election, which takes members of both houses. If there was a stalemate that lasted through inauguration day, the Senate's president pro tempore, in this case 91-year-old Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, would become 'acting president' until Trump was properly sworn-in. Melania Trump danced and bopped away to YMCA as she rang in the New Year with her husband's favorite song at Mar-a-Lago. The incoming First Lady wore a large smile on her face as she swayed to the Village People gay anthem on Tuesday night. Her husband enjoyed the moment as he delighted onlookers with his signature dance moves, which became a regular sight at Trump's rallies throughout the year on his way back into the White House. Melania was less subtle in her moves, but was seen in footage that circulated across social media belting out the chorus. Fans quickly praised the First Lady's efforts, with one X user saying: 'Never in my life did I think Melania Trump would be jamming to YMCA on New Year's.' 'Trump has infected the whole country, including his family and Elon Musk, with his dance moves. Everyone is doing it.' 'Love Melania doping her own moves to YMCA,' another said. 'And how some people can't crack a smile at Trump doing his dance is beyond me.' It came as Trump hosted the annual New Year's event at his Palm Beach, Florida club, which was littered with political heavyweights and Trump world insiders including Elon Musk, JD Vance, Donald Trump Jr and his new girlfriend Bettina Anderson. Melania Trump danced and bopped away to YMCA as she rang in the New Year with her husband's favorite song at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday night The incoming First Lady wore a large smile on her face as she swayed to the Village People classic and was seen in footage that circulated across social media belting out the chorus Melania also won plaudits for her elegant look at the New Year's gala, wearing a plunging black dress with a thigh-high split. Donald, 78, for this part, wore a smart black tuxedo, complete with a bowtie - which led some fans to also gush over his slimmed down appearance. Some gushed over how 'amazing,' he looked, with one person writing, 'President Trump looks healthier than he did during his first administration. He looks amazing.' 'He's not using that fake orange tanner anymore. He looks so much better and healthier without it,' another responded. Another agreed and said: 'First thing I noticed. He looks fit and ready to get this country back in shape.' The event also saw a surprise performance from Lara Trump, the former RNC co-chair and wife of the president-elect's son Eric Trump, who belted out a cover of Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down.' Attendees could not take their eyes off Lara as she belted-out the classic rock tune, with Musk seen holding his son X on his shoulders as he intently watched and listened to Lara. While walking the red carpet as he arrived at Mar-A-Lago with Melania, the President-Elect was asked what he was looking forward to in the coming year. 'Just a great year, I think we're gonna do fantastically well as a country,' he predicted. Melania Trump looked incredible as she rang in the New Year alongside her husband, Donald Trump, in a low-cut black dress on Tuesday evening The couple walked side-by-side as they arrived at Donald's Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida The event also saw a surprise performance from Lara Trump, the former RNC co-chair and wife of the president-elect's son Eric Trump, who belted out a cover of Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down' 'We're gonna bring it back. It has to be brought back. People are not respecting our country very much and they're gonna respect us a lot.' He then talked about the hard work that has gone into the transition, with the inauguration just a few weeks away. 'I think a lot of progress has been made over the last five weeks. It's been pretty amazing when you look at what's happened,' he said. Donald added that he believes that the entire planet has been uplifted following his victory over Kamala Harris. 'There's a light over the whole world, not just our country. There's a lot of very happy people,' he said. When asked, aside from the election, what his highlight of 2024 was, he revealed that it was 'the fact that we're gonna have a great nation again.' 'We're gonna' bring it back better than it ever was,' he concluded. He was also asked about his New Year's resolution but politely deferred, saying: 'I just want everybody to be happy, healthy and well.' Outspoken media commentator Prue MacSween has called out a small group for inflaming the Australia Day debate and claims the majority of the public were 'sick of it'. Last year, major retailers pulled Australia Day merchandise from shelves, claiming the decision was a result of 'declining sales', but it was widely regarded as a capitulation to pressure from those pushing an anti-Australia Day agenda. Woolworths was one of the companies to end sales of green-and-gold or Australian flag goods. Now the supermarket giant has backflipped on that decision and such items will return to the shelves ahead of January 26. Woolworths revealed to Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday its supermarkets and Big W stores will be offering a special 'Perfect for Australia Day' section for the month. Although the offerings will be primarily food, customers will also have the chance to pick up an Australian-made Australian or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag while doing their shop. Conservative commentator Prue MacSween said Woolworths' reversal was no surprise as Australians were 'sick' of companies dictating social values. 'When did corporations, banks, people like Woolworths and pubs decide they're the authority and could dictate to the rest of us how we should think and feel?' she told The Daily Telegraph. Outspoken media commentator Prue MacSween said Aussies were 'fed-up' with being told how to celebrate Australia Day Ms MacSween said she was not surprised major retailers, such as Woolworths, had backflipped on their decision to stock Australia Day Merchandise after receiving a barrage of backlash last year 'We're fed up to the back teeth with either accused of being racist, guilty of something, greedy, heartless and we aren't.' She added the public had 'simply had enough' of sanctimonious corporations, and said they would be well advised to focus on more immediate priorities such as reducing their endlessly escalating prices. When it comes to the Australia Day debate, Ms MacSween said the public should not be made to feel they are at odds with their own government and businesses just because they want to mark a national holiday. 'They (Labor) have no idea what they've done to Australia,' Ms MacSween said. She added corporations, like Woolworths (pictured) should not have the authority to dictate how everyday Australians should think and feel about the national holiday 'This is all adding to our angst and the fact we resent companies like Woolworths, companies like Wesfarmers, all of them telling us that we're imbeciles, morons and selfish bastards.' A Woolworths spokesman told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday that last year's decision to pull merchandise had been driven by 'a decline in demand in our stores'. However, the company's outlets will be 'celebrating Australia Day as a team, and with our customers' this time around. 'We listened and recognised that many customers and teams wanted us to do more to help them celebrate the day,' the spokesman said. 'In our [Woolworths] supermarkets, we will do this through the lens of great Australian food that is perfect for the day, while BIG W will also showcase products perfect for family and friends coming together over the Australia Day long weekend. 'Customers can expect to see 'Perfect for Australia Day' sections in our Supermarkets and BIG W in the lead up to the day. 'Our store team members are also welcome to celebrate the day in-store. We respect everyone's choices in how they choose to spend the day.' The spokesman added individual team members were also free to celebrate the day in-store. 'Our position is aligned with the theme for the day from the National Australia Day Council - reflect, respect and celebrate,' he said. The Australia Day debacle eventually led to the resignation of then Woolworths group chief executive Brad Banducci. Australia Day marks the day of the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney Harbour, marking the start of British colonisation of Australia. Opponents of the celebration say it is disrespectful to the country's Aboriginal people who lost land and became subject to a foreign power. A would-be bank robber's plan of escape was ironically foiled after the suspect's getaway bicycle was nabbed by another unrelated thief. The amateur bank robber tried to get away after the attempted heist went south, only to find his bike had been stolen by another delinquent, Hamilton Police said in a news release. The unidentified suspect, dressed in a long, multi-colored scarf, sunglasses, a surgical mask and a black jacket, cycled up to the BMO Bank in Hamilton, Ontario around 12:30 pm on December 18. Leaving his bike parked outside, the masked man entered the bank, approached the teller and 'passed a note demanding cash,' before verbally threatening the employee, suggesting he was carrying a weapon, police said. The man was then confronted by other employees before fleeing, empty-handed. However, when he returned to the location of his two-wheeled chariot he shockingly discovered the bike had vanished. 'Upon exiting BMO bank, the suspect returned to his bicycle location only to discover a fellow delinquent had stolen his bike,' the release said. The unidentified suspect, dressed in a long, multi-colored scarf, sunglasses, a surgical mask, and a black jacket, cycled up to the BMO Bank in Hamilton, Ontario around 12:30 pm on December 18 Leaving his bike parked outside, the masked man entered the bank (pictured), approached the teller and 'passed a note demanding cash,' before verbally threatening the employee, suggesting he was carrying a weapon With no other choice, the 'dazed and confused' almost-robber kicked his legs in high gear and escaped on foot. 'The suspect was last seen near Upper Paradise Road and Elmwood Avenue,' police said. Authorities were able to obtain photos of the failed bank robber and bike thief using nearby security cameras. The bank robbery suspect is described as a white man standing between five-feet-four and five-feet-eight inches tall. The bike thief, who also remains at large, is described only as a male in dark clothes. Hamilton Police said they're investigating and are now looking for both suspects. The man was then confronted by other employees before fleeing, empty-handed. However, when he returned to the location of his two-wheeled chariot he shockingly discovered the bike had vanished Authorities were able to obtain photos of the failed bank robber and bike thief using nearby security cameras, the bike thief, who also remains at large, is described only as a male in dark clothes Vehicle theft is on the rise in Canada, as earlier this year, residents in Toronto attempted to curb the out-of-control crime by hiding their cars in secret locations and hideouts with round-the-clock security. The revelation, reported by The New York Times, followed a federal liberal announcement at a national summit aimed at addressing the nationwide issue. The publication spoke to collectors who have taken to storing luxury cars in compounds with hired guards and dogs at night, only to still have them burglarized. The cars are typically stolen and shipped abroad, experts at this month's conference said. An investigation in 2022 tracked a stolen car from Ottawa to a lot in Nigeria. Some have blamed the uptick on the government's mandating of immobilizers in vehicles, as burglars have taken to using devices that trick the anti-theft technology into thinking the robber has a key. Others have cited lax laws from Justin Trudeau, who in turn has blamed the previous Conservative government. Meanwhile, an estimated 90,000 cars are stolen each year and car theft is up 150 percent over six years in Canada's largest city, Toronto. Despite residents taking great pains in protecting their vehicles, auto thefts are up across the board in Canada's provinces - 50 percent in Quebec, 48 percent in Ontario, 34 percent in Atlantic Canada, and 18 percent in Alberta - costing residents about $1.2 billion a year. After a wet and windy Hogmanay, Scotland was yesterday gripped by an icy Arctic blast not that it stopped revellers enjoying their New Years Day festivities. Across the country, hardy souls marked the arrival of 2025 by braving freezing waters in Loony Dook celebrations. It came as large parts of Scotland woke up to a blanket of snow after days of wet, windy but mild temperatures. Overnight, the mercury plunged well below freezing, with the sub-zero weather set to continue. Strong winds and torrential rain ruined the Hogmanay celebrations of tens of thousands, with travel plans dashed and many outdoor events cancelled including Edinburghs street party. Stirling, however, was able to welcome 2025 with a spectacular fireworks display over the National Wallace Monument. In a New Years Day tradition, many braved an icy dip in the Firth of Forth. Among them was Mina Essentia, 40, from South Queensferry, who dressed up in a tutu with bauble earrings for the event. She said: It was snowing earlier, its been a great New Year nothing can stop us. Similar swims took place in other parts of the country, including Argyll, Arran and Aberdeenshire, despite a 30-hour weather warning which came into force at 4am yesterday. Paul Gundersen, chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: Overnight we have a series of national severe weather warnings in place with a combined yellow warning for both snow and ice for northern Scotland, while a yellow ice warning is in place as far south as the Midlands. Snowploughs battle through blizzards on the A9 at Daviot near Inverness People take part in the annual "Loony Dook" to celebrate New Year's Day for 2025 Snow covered Murieston, West Lothian Sanday the Labradoodle enjoys the snow in Balerno, Perthshire Seven-year-old Eudora and ten-year-old Bianca sledge on hill in snow covered Livingston, West Lothian Stirling's spectacular fireworks display over the National Wallace Monument Standing water remaining from the heavy rainfall of the last few days will freeze, creating a risk for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians navigating untreated surfaces. Wintry showers remain a hazard, especially for north-facing coasts and hills. On Hogmanay winds battered Scotland, with speeds of up to 54mph recorded at Lerwick and South Uist. Rain also drenched the country, with more than 2.6in falling in Coille Mhorgil, Inverness-shire. Transport Scotland urged travellers to be cautious and plan ahead. A spokesman said: Please drive to the conditions, follow police travel advice and allow extra time for your journeys. There is still a fair amount of localised flooding and a number of weather warnings remain in place. Health experts have renewed calls for people to check on their neighbours amid bitter conditions. Beatrix Von Wissman, consultant in public health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: Tough winter conditions can make it difficult for older and frailer people to leave their homes for essential items. Winter viruses also tend to increase in colder weather, leaving people vulnerable. We ask everyone to take a minute to check in with those around them to see if they need support. Meanwhile, the Met Office has issued a warning for snow which is expected to hit part of the country between Saturday and Monday. Dan Holley, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: Weve currently issued a yellow warning for snow covering a large part of England, Wales and southern Scotland to cater for possible disruption over the weekend, but its quite likely this will be refined over the coming days as confidence in the forecast increases. One of Saddam Husseins alleged former weapons chiefs has been recruited as a scientist at one of Britains most important research facilities. Physicist Dr Saleh Al-Atabi was a commander in the Iraqi dictators Baath party and a supervisor at a weapons-making facility, according to High Court papers. The party was described in a UN Commission on Human Rights and UN General Assembly report as an all-pervasive order of repression and oppression... sustained by broad-based discrimination and... terror. Iraqs Military Industrialisation Committee, where Dr Al-Atabi worked for 11 years, made chemical weapons before the regime fell. The scientist who fled to Britain in 2006 now works for Diamond Light Source, based in Didcot, Oxfordshire. It is funded by the Government and Wellcome Trust and conducts experiments using intense beams of light. The 57-year-old joined the institute in May, as a beamline scientist, according to his social media. Previously, he was a scientist at Imperial College London. Dr Al-Atabi fled here with his wife and two children three years after the 2003 US invasion which toppled Saddam. He sought asylum claiming he would be killed if sent to Iraq, due to his Baath party involvement. The application was rejected by the Home Office but he was given indefinite leave to remain in 2013 on appeal. His bid for British citizenship was opposed by two Tory home secretaries. Physicist Dr Saleh Al-Atabi was a commander in the Iraqi dictators Baath party and a supervisor at a weapons-making facility, according to High Court papers Dr Al-Atabi fled here with his wife and two children three years after the 2003 US invasion which toppled Saddam Amber Rudd refused him citizenship in 2017 due to his association with... organisations that regularly committed international crimes. In 2020, Priti Patel also rejected an appeal but he still has indefinite leave to remain. Dr Al-Atabi, recently living in a 400,000 flat in Maida Vale in west London, sought a judicial review of the decision at the High Court. A report to the court by security analyst Dr Alison Pargeter, of Cambridge University, said: As a committed Baathist, Dr Al-Atabi would doubtless have been aware of the actions and gross human rights abuses carried out by the Saddam Hussain regime. In his 2006 asylum bid, the Iraqi said he was involved in the manufacture of bullets, explosives, small guns, AK-47s. But while fighting the decision to deny him UK citizenship, he said he was not involved at all but had worked at a plastics factory. In November 2021, the High Court threw out Dr Al-Atabis bid for a judicial review of the Home Office decision. A Diamond Light Source spokesman confirmed his role, adding: Diamond has completed all required pre-employment and sanction checks and Dr Al-Atabi was cleared to have the right to work in the UK. Dr Al-Atabi was unavailable for comment. The family of missing teenager Cale Bramwell is 'heartbroken' at the news his body has been found more than two weeks after he went missing. The 17-year-old boy from Beecroft in north-west Sydney was reported missing on December 16, when he failed to return home and could not be contacted. NSW Police searched for the boy in North Rocks and surrounding areas, a spokesperson said. The body found on Saturday is believed to be that of the missing teen. Police are not treating the death as suspicious. Cale's relatives took to social media on Wednesday to pay tribute to him revealing the moment they learned the sad news his body had been found. 'I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who shared Missing Cale Bramwell over the past few days, we didnt receive the news we had hoped for this morning,' said an aunt. 'We are heartbroken. Rest in peace my beautiful nephew.' A report will be prepared for the Coroner. Do you know more? Email max.aitchison@mailonline.com Her male partner has been arrested A woman has died after plunging from the seventh storey of an apartment balcony in western Sydney while her male partner has been arrested. Emergency services were called to a unit block on River Road in Parramatta at about 1.40am on Thursday. Officers arrived at the scene and discovered the woman, believed to be aged 39, on the street with critical injuries. Despite efforts to revive the woman, she was pronounced dead at the scene. She is yet to be formally identified. NSW Police said a 40-year-old man had been arrested. 'A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident has commenced, with police speaking with a number of people at the unit block,' police said in a statement. 'Detectives have arrested a 40-year-old man which police allege is the woman's partner. He remains at Parramatta Police Station.' Officers were seen stopping and interviewing residents as they left the underground carpark later on Thursday morning. NSW Police said a 40-year-old man had been arrested in a statement on Thursday morning (pictured, officers are seen at the apartment complex) Officers were seen interviewing residents as they left the Parramatta apartment block The woman fell from the seventh storey balcony during the early hours of Thursday morning Officers who arrived at the scene in Parramatta (pictured) at 1.40am discovered the woman on the street with critical injuries A neighbour who lives six floors above the balcony crime scene heard a 'piercing' scream at 12.47am. 'I was half asleep watching TV in our sitting room and I heard a distinctive female scream,' he said. 'I immediately rang my partner, who was in the other room, to ask if it was her.' The man dismissed the noise and went to bed but understood the gravity of the situation when greeted by officers cordoning off the street later that morning. 'I think she (the victim) landed in the flower bed,' he said. 'It's so awful. The innocence of the building is totally gone.' Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Private schools are set to pass on most of Labour's punishing VAT raid to parents despite fears it will 'damage' children. Analysis shows that half of the country's 2,600 independent schools are planning to hike fees by around 15 per cent, despite Treasury predictions. In October the Treasury suggested the average fee increase from January 1 would be 10 per cent across the nation's 2,600 independent schools. But a fifth of schools including Eton will go even further by demanding the full 20 per cent from parents, according to The Daily Telegraph. The average fee increase was found to be 14 per cent. This is equivalent to an extra 2,600 a year for day pupil fees, taking them up to an average of 21,800 a year. For boarding pupils, the increase would be worth 6,200 a year. At Eton College, boarding fees have increased from 17,583 to 21,100 per term, while Harrow and Marlborough have passed on 15 per cent to parents, putting both schools' yearly fees at around 60,000. Labour's controversial move to apply 20 per cent VAT to private school fees was designed to fund education in the state sector. However, critics fear the tax raid will only further burden state schools by forcing some pupils out of the private system due to unaffordable costs. Secretary for Education Bridget Phillipson has defended the implementation of Labour's VAT raid on private school fees this week Due to the introduction of the new VAT rates, boarding fees at Eton College have increased from 17,583 to 21,100 per term The Treasury expects 3,000 children to move from independent to state schools, but an industry survey revealed 5,500 had either applied to join a state school or given notice that they would leave after fees were hiked. Laura Trott, the Conservative shadow education spokesman said it would be 'pupils, parents and teachers from the state sector that will end up paying the price'. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage believes 'it will damage children'. Research has also found that Labour's pledge to recruit 6,500 more teachers could cost 4.9 billion far higher than the 1.7 billion the VAT policy is set to raise. Last night, Independent Schools Council chief executive Julie Robinson said she was concerned about the effect the tax would have on children who needed support. A Government spokesman said they were 'confident' the state sector would be able to accommodate the 'less than 0.1 per cent of pupils' who may switch schools. This is the moment rescue workers waded through floods to help an elderly man stranded in waterlogged car get to safety. Firefighters rescued the man from his car, after he became trapped in flood water on the A555 near Bramhall, in Stockport, Greater Manchester. Touching images show two workers supporting him on either side as they wade through the water. People have been left trapped in their homes, cars have been abandoned and a canal has breached its banks for the first time in over 50 years due to the weather. Torrential rain which has battered communities across north-west England. Greater Manchester Police has declared a major incident in a number of areas, including Bolton, Stockport and Wigan, following severe and persistent rainfall throughout New Years Eve into New Years Day. Larger parts of Cheshire and Lancashire have also been hit, while roads in many areas have become 'impassable' due to flood waters. Some residents in Greater Manchester have been urged to evacuate their homes, the city's council said, while others remain stranded - and one block of flats was left without running water. This is the moment rescue workers reached an elderly driver stranded in his flooded car Rescue workers waded through the treacherous conditions as a 'major incident' was declared due to the downpours in northern England Firefighters rescued the man from floodwater near Bramhall in Stockport Residents leave the Meadow Mill building on Water Street in Stockport after it flooded today Stranded cars on a flooded Shaftsbury Avenue in Timperley, Manchester, this morning About 500 people were set to be evacuated from a Didsbury hotel, while 400 homes were at a lower risk with no widespread evacuation needed, police said. About 400 occupants of a block of flats in Meadow Mill, Stockport, were also due to be evacuated on Wednesday. A section of The Bridgewater Canal embankment near Dunham Massey collapsed overnight as a result of the heavy rain. Damage was also caused to The Bridgewater Canal in Cheshire due to the severe flooding, which has overflowed into the Little Bollington area. Cheshire Police are dealing with the canal breach and alongside Manchester Police, they have been working to evacuate nearby properties. The M56 westbound near Manchester Airport has been closed since the early hours due to a flooded carriageway. And the submerged A555 airport relief road is shut. Chief Superintendent Colette Rose of Greater Manchester Police said: 'Following events overnight a major incident has been declared. This is to ensure we can continue to keep people safe through a co-ordinated effort from our collective emergency services, supported by key partner agencies. 'Anyone affected should check the relevant detail being shared by their local council, the fire service and Transport for Greater Manchester to ensure they can get the support available, which include any road closures and information centres for those displaced. Residents leave the Meadow Mill building on Water Street in Stockport after it flooded today Stormy weather in Brighton today as the south coast is lashed by heavy rain Pictured: Cars submerged in floodwater as Greater Manchester Police declares a major incident following severe flooding on New Years Eve into New Years Day Pictured: A car which was stuck in flood water in Gressingham, Lancashire 'It is advised to travel if it is only necessary and to take care if out and about. 'Our officers with the fire service are in the key locations and can be spoken to if you need anything urgently, as we understand the distress those affected will be faced with as we begin 2025. It will be a continued team effort as we monitor how the weather and water levels progress throughout today.' Floods minister Emma Hardy said she met officials from the Environment Agency on Wednesday to 'ensure that impacted communities are receiving the necessary support' and added she wants to 'express my heartfelt thanks for the vital work that the Environment Agency and emergency services are doing to keep people safe'. She added: 'The Government is working at pace to accelerate the building of flood defences through our new Floods Resilience Taskforce, so we can continue to protect people and their homes.' Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: 'At the moment we've issued a very large snow warning for Saturday until Monday but it doesn't mean that everywhere within that warning could see snow, it's just a heads-up there could be some impacts. Waves batter the lighthouse at Newhaven Harbour in East Sussex this afternoon The Met Office has issued a snow warning between 12pm on Saturday and 9am on Monday 'It's definitely going to start off as snow in many places but it's a question of how quickly that snow melts and turns back to rain, it's more likely that the snow won't last that long in southern England. 'It's quite likely the warning will be updated quite frequently between now and the weekend. 'Certainly if you've got travel plans on Sunday and perhaps Monday stay tuned into the forecast.' The Met Office snow warning said: 'Outbreaks of rain spreading northeastwards later on Saturday and overnight into Sunday will likely be preceded by a spell of snow on its northern flank. 'Whilst there is a fair bit of uncertainty as to how far north this may spread, and how long any snow will last, significant accumulations of snow are possible, especially - but not exclusively - on hills.' Parts of the Midlands, Wales and northern England are most at risk of disruption, where 5cm (2in) or more could accumulate fairly widely, with as much as 20cm (8in) to 30cm (1ft) over high ground of Wales and the Pennines. The warning continued: 'This, accompanied by strengthening winds, may lead to drifting of lying snow. 'In addition, as milder air attempts to move northwards into southern and central areas, snow may turn to a spell of freezing rain for a time, adding to the risk of ice. 'If milder air is able to spread more bodily northwards, any snow in southern parts of the warning area may be relatively short-lived before turning to rain.' The Met Office added that 'given the uncertainties, it is quite likely this warning area and start/end times will be refined over the coming days as confidence increases in areas most likely to be impacted'. Meanwhile, 36 flights to and from Heathrow Airport were cancelled this morning, including 28 British Airways services which the airline said was because of 'air traffic control restrictions across London airports due to adverse weather conditions'. Two lucky Aussies rang in the New Year with a massive cash boost after taking out a Lotto prize worth more than $40,000. The two winners from Western Australia were among seven Aussies who entered 2025 $44,647.30 richer after the Oz Lotto draw on Tuesday. Three winners from NSW and the ACT also claimed the earnings. The winning numbers for draw number 1,611 were 12, 47, 4, 15, 24, 38 and 7. The supplementary numbers were 43, 46 and 8. More than $4,600 was claimed by 80 division three winners including 28 winners from NSW and the ACT. The division three prize pool was worth $369,356. Hundreds of winners took out the division four prize worth $437.10 including 77 West Australians. It comes after a couple from Parmelia, in Perth's south, won $100,000 from a Scratch 'n' Win ticket on Saturday. Two lucky Aussies rang in the New Year with a massive cash boost after taking out a Lotto prize worth more than $40,000 (stock image) The two winners from Western Australia were among seven Aussies who entered 2025 $44,647.30 richer after the Oz Lotto draw on Tuesday (pictured, NYE in Sydney) The man in his 50s claimed the prize money at the Lotterywest office on Monday. 'On Saturday I woke up feeling funny and with itchy palms, so I decided to take this as a sign to go and treat myself to a scratchie ticket,' the man said. The couple intend to spend some of their fortune on a trip to Bali to celebrate the New Year. Last month, a father from the Northern Rivers in NSW took out $1million in prize money just days before Christmas after he picked the winning numbers in the Weekly Windfall draw. The father was left in tears after he received a call from The Lott informing him that he had become an overnight millionaire. 'Thank you, lord. This is the biggest blessing. I'm crying,' he said. 'This is the best Christmas present ever... in my entire life!' Fewer than half of Labour voters are optimistic about the year ahead despite the Prime Minister's vow to 'fight for change' in 2025, a new poll has revealed. Sir Keir Starmer hailed the past 12 months as a 'year of change' and insisted Britain was already starting to see the fruits of a Labour government. But new YouGov polling has revealed that just 31 per cent of the electorate are upbeat about the upcoming year, with 37 per cent feeling pessimistic. There appears to be a particular disillusionment among voters who backed Labour in July's general election - many who did so for the first time - casting doubt over whether the party can hold on to them in 2029. Some 46 per cent of them said they 'expected them to do well but have been disappointed', while just over a third say they have done well so far. The Prime Minister's own personal ratings show the problem appears to be with both party and leader, with 42 per cent of Labour voters saying they were disappointed. Sir Keir Starmer hailed the past 12 months as a 'year of change' and insisted Britain was already starting to see the fruits of a Labour government Pictured: Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer shakes hands with supporters after winning the General Election The wider electorate see the party as 'incompetent', 'dishonest' and 'unsuccessful', according to the survey, with many feeling Sir Keir will fail to achieve the six 'milestones' he set out on housing, the NHS, education, policing, clean energy and economic growth. On the economy, more voters - 24 per cent - prefer the Conservatives over Labour, who command the confidence of just 21 per cent of people on the matter. When Labour entered government, they led by nine points on the economy. On immigration, they are trailing Reform by 13 per cent, suggesting Nigel Farage's party may threaten Labour in constituencies which voted for Brexit. Despite earning a commanding majority in the Commons last July, Labour's popularity has continued to falter as the Prime Minister admitted to making 'tough decisions' to stabilise the economy. This included slashing the Winter Fuel Allowance and imposing harsher inheritance tax laws on farmers. A poll from More in Common earlier this week showed Labour would lose its majority and nearly 200 seats if an election were held now. Party insiders are also concerned about next May's local elections after data showed that Labour have lost more than one in five council by-elections since taking office. House prices across affordable regional Queensland cities are expected to keep surging by double-digit figures in 2025 as they fall in Australia's biggest cities. Propertyology research director Simon Pressley is predicting double-digit booms in only nine of Australia's 25 largest cities this year, defined as having at least 100,000 people. This is despite expectations of interest rate cuts from the Reserve Bank of Australia. Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra are expected to do poorly. But cities where house prices are still affordable or near the beach are forecast to do particularly well, especially in northern Australia which is prone to flooding and cyclones. Mr Pressley, a buyers' agent, is particularly upbeat about Townsville in north Queensland, forecasting increases of 25 to 30 per cent this year. 'The biggest city in all of northern Australia will win the national property market premiership in 2025,' he said. South Townsville is particularly affordable, having a median house price of $539,771, following a 24 per cent surge during the past year, based on CoreLogic data. House prices across affordable regional Queensland cities are expected to keep surging by double-digit figures in 2025 as they fall in Australia's biggest cities (pictured is a house in South Townsville on the market in the low $500,000s) Yet it's still attainable for someone with a 20 per cent mortgage deposit of $107,954 on an $83,000 salary. Mackay, also in north Queensland, was expected to have growth of 12 to 16 per cent. 'Investors from all corners of the country are also attracted to the above-average rental yields from Mackay real estate,' Mr Pressley said. South Mackay's median house price of $462,902 is still very affordable, and attainable for someone earning $71,216 even after prices rose by 16.5 per cent during the past year. Cairns in far north Queensland was expected to have growth of 7 to 11 per cent, noting the tropical city was home to a Navy base, health and construction jobs, and was getting an $80million airport upgrade. Parramatta Park near the city still has an affordable mid-point house price of $596,882, following a 7.2 per cent annual increase, and is a possibility for someone earning $91,828. In southern Queensland, the inland Lockyer Valley city of Toowoomba was expected to have growth of 9 to 13 per cent. Mr Pressley said 2025 in Australia's second largest inland city after Canberra 'looks set to be another year of double-digit growth in real estate values'. Cairns in far north Queensland was expected to have growth of 7 to 11 per cent. Parramatta Park near the city still has an affordable mid-point house price of $596,882 (pictured is a house in that suburb that sold for $631,000 in November 2024) Inner-city Newtown has seen its median house price skyrocket by 17.5 per cent during the past year to $580,097. Brisbane's property market was expected to see 7 to 10 per cent growth this year, following on from the 11 per cent increase last year that saw median house prices climb to $974,396. The Gold Coast was tipped to see 10 to 13 per cent growth in 2025. Burleigh Waters has been the strongest performing suburb near the beach during the past year with its mid-point house price soaring by 13.2 per cent to an even more unaffordable $1.681million. The Sunshine Coast was expected to see a 12 to 16 per cent boost. Moffat Beach near Caloundra was a particularly strong performer, seeing a 14.2 per cent annual rise to $1.464million. Outside of Queensland, Perth was expected to also see double-digit growth in 2025. The West Australian capital was forecast to have 10 to 14 per cent house price growth, adding to the 20.7 per cent growth from last year that has taken the city's median house price to $842,227. The Sunshine Coast was expected to see a 12 to 16 per cent boost. Moffat Beach near Caloundra was a particularly strong performer, seeing a 14.2 per cent rise to $1.464million (pictured is a house that sold for $1.6765million in September) Adelaide was expected to see 8 to 11 per cent growth, adding to the 13.4 per cent increase during the past year that has taken the city's mid-point house price to $865,563. But the story was expected to be very different in Australia's most populated cities. Sydney house prices were expected to fall by 3 to 5 per cent in 2025, after a year where annual growth slowed to just 3.5 per cent. The median house price of $1.483million means investors get poor rental yields, defined as the annual income from rent minus expenses as a proportion of the property price. 'Aside from the unattractive outlook for Sydney's real estate values, the cash flow equation from Sydney investment properties is as awful as one has ever seen anywhere,' Mr Pressley said. Melbourne, Australia's worst performing capital city property market in 2024, was expected to have another lacklustre year as the Victoria's government's $975 investor land tax continued turning off prospective buyers. Mr Pressley predicted a best case scenario of prices rising by just 1 per cent and a worst-case of them falling by 2 per cent in 2025, despite the city receiving a big influx of overseas migration. 'While it will always be a grandiose city, the sad reality is that Melbourne is now in the middle of a "Doldrums Decade" created by a cesspit of poor policies, terrible taxes, poisonous collusion, vicious attacks on financial aspirants and a disastrous state government debt,' he said. Melbourne's median house price fell by 2.3 per cent during the past year to $923,422, putting it behind Brisbane and Canberra. Canberra, the national capital, was expected to see house prices fall by 1 to 4 per cent in 2025, following a 0.7 per cent increase to $972,753 in 2024, as more residents moved to other parts of Australia. 'Multiple metrics are trending in the wrong direction for Canberra's property market,' Mr Pressley said. 'I expect this property market to be flat for a while yet.' While the Royal Family greatly contribute to charity work and are committed to good causes, there have been moments when members' manners have royally slipped. BBC Radio 4 presenter Matthew Parris revealed in The Times how Antony Armstrong-Jones was 'evidently bored' when he featured on his programme. Lord Snowdon's former wife, Princess Margaret, behaved questionably at times too, and Andrew Morton described her 'discourteous behaviour' in his book. Even Princes William and Harry have had their rude moments. When William was a child, he earned quite a reputation at his nursery, while as an adult Harry was scolded by the late Queen. Meghan Markle previously faced allegations that she bullied palace staff members, though the duchess strongly denied the claims. While Wallis Simpson was described as 'abominably rude' by a royal biographer. Read on below as MailOnline looks back at the moments the Royals have surprised with their behaviour. Lord Snowdon, Antony Armstrong-Jones, featured on BBC Radio 4's Great Lives Lord Snowdon Antony Armstrong-Jones (Lord Snowdon) was married to Princess Margaret for 18 years before the couple divorced in 1978. When Lord Snowdon went on the BBC's Great Lives, which features guest who speak about figures who have inspired them during their life, he chose Mini designer Alec Issignonis. However, Mr Parris wrote in The Times how the radio show 'evidently bored' the Earl. When he arrived for the radio show in the afternoon, he reportedly demanded a glass of wine and seemed to have little interest in or knowledge of Issignonis. His behaviour made the presenter feel as though Snowdon regretted even agreeing to feature on the show. It isn't the first time people have recalled experiences with Princess Margaret's former husband. In 2020, Fern Britton said that Antony was the 'most spectacularly rude and uncooperative interviewee' she had ever met. She had watched BBC Two's series 'Princess Margaret: The Royal Rebel' and took to X to post about her experience. The television presenter recalled: 'Watching the documentary about Princess Margaret and Lord Snowden on @BBC2. 'I interviewed Lord Snowden about 12 years ago and I can tell you he was the most spectacularly rude and uncooperative interviewee I have ever met. And I've met a few so, Bravo!' Lord Snowdon, pictured carrying a camera in Sloane Street, London back in 1959 Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon pictured at Badminton Horse Trials in 1970 Princess Margaret Queen Elizabeth's sister, Princess Margaret, was known for her regal beauty, but her pampered life didn't always reflect well in her behaviour. Mark Bonham Carter, grandson of prime minister Herbert Asquith, danced twice with Margaret when she was a teenager and Andrew Morton wrote in his 2021 book, Elizabeth & Margaret, how 'she was 'full of character and very tart in her criticisms'. The royal author described Margaret's 'discourteous' behaviour and how she would miss key events, including the Queen's 10th wedding anniversary celebration with 'no apology, present or even a card'. Craig Brown wrote in the Mail how Sir Roy Strong, who had dined at many dinner parties with the Princess, remarked on her behaviour in his diary. The entry described Margaret as 'so inconsiderate' and he stressed how he 'really couldn't stand any more of it'. He wrote: 'This was a Princess who never seemed to think of anything other than everyone's role to fulfil her slightest whim.' Princess Margaret's 'discourteous behaviour' was outlined in Mr Morton's book, she is pictured here at a theatre in 1951 Meghan Markle Meghan Markle was previously dubbed as 'Duchess Difficult' by her staff after claims that she 'terrifies' and 'belittles' people. Hollywood Reporter published allegations that Meghan was 'absolutely relentless' and 'marches around like a dictator in high heels fuming and barking orders'. A spokesperson for Meghan previously declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline. She had previously been accused of bullying palace staff when the couple still lived in the UK. The claims prompted an inquiry by palace aides after some were said to have been left in tears and feeling 'traumatised'. Though details of the report were never published, Meghan has always strongly denied the allegations and her lawyers described them as a 'calculated smear campaign'. Prince William As a child, Prince William reportedly wasn't very polite at times and the youngster seemed to let his future as King go to his head. He repeatedly told his nanny, Barbara Barnes: 'No one tells me what to do! When I am King I will have you punished,' Tina Brown wrote in her book, The Palace Papers. William's cheeky antics continued outside of his palatial home and he gained quite a reputation of being an 'entitled little monster' at Mrs Mynors' Nursery School where he was known as 'Basher Wills', Ms Brown revealed. Meghan Markle pictured back in 2018, months after marrying Prince Harry Princess Diana with Princes Harry and William as children back in 1988 Prince Harry While William's younger brother, Prince Harry, had a telling off from their grandmother as an adult. The late Queen scolded Harry after he apparently used offensive language about the monarch's dresser and close confidante Angela Kelly, The Mail on Sunday previously reported. Meghan had requested to try on a tiara so her hairdresser could practice styling her hair for their wedding in 2018. However, protocol means access to the crown jewels is restricted and an appointment is needed, so Ms Kelly could not allow them to use the tiara at that time. The Prince was understood to have used offensive language about Ms Kelly and put pressure on courtiers to persuade her to travel to London and unlock the cupboard where the tiara is kept. Ms Kelly heard about Harry's behaviour and informed the Queen. A source said at the time: 'He was put firmly in his place. He had been downright rude.' Though in Finding Freedom, written by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, the event is recalled differently. It accuses Ms Kelly of 'deliberately dragging her feet' when Meghan asked for access to the tiara and according to the authors, Harry felt that some of the 'old guard' at the Palace 'simply didn't like Meghan and would stop at nothing to make her life difficult'. However, a royal source previously told the Mail: 'The book's version of what happened would not be everyone else's recollection of events and certainly not those who were close to it.' The late Queen Elizabeth with Harry and Meghan on Buckingham Palace's balcony in 2018 Wallis Simpson Edward VIII abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. However, opinions on the socialite were mixed. Royal biographer Philip Ziegler described her as 'abominably rude, Andrew Lownie previously wrote in the Mail on Sunday. He said: 'The Duchess of Windsor was harsh, dominating, often abominably rude. She treated the Prince at the best like a child who needed keeping in order, at the worst with contempt. But he invited it and begged for more.' Andrew Morton previously wrote in the Mail how an acquaintance of the couple, Lady Gladwyn, said: 'She became rude, odious and strange.' It is a question that has eluded philosophers, scholars and scientists for thousands of years. But now, researchers might be close to finally discovering the true secret to happiness. Over 1,000 scientists from more than 70 countries have come together to lead the biggest happiness study ever attempted. At least 30,000 participants from around the globe will be recruited to take part in the 'Global Happiness Megastudy'. Each participant will be assigned a short, daily 'happiness intervention' ranging from quick yoga routines to making time to call a relative. By recruiting their subjects from a mixture of different backgrounds and nationalities, the researchers hope to find some universal trends that could expose the secret of what really makes humans happy. Professor Elizabeth Dunn, a psychologist from the University of British Columbia who is working on the study, says: 'Our goal is for this to be the largest, most comprehensive, most diverse experiment on happiness ever conducted. '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.' Scientists could be on the brink of discovering the secret to happiness as they prepare to launch the biggest study of its kind ever attempted (stock image) Over the last year, more than 1,000 scientists have submitted their proposals for what the study should look into. Those ideas have now been whittled down to just 24 interventions broken down into seven different categories. Each participant will either be assigned to a control group who will go about their lives as they were before, or to a group receiving one of these interventions. These have been designed to take no more than 25 minutes per day, require no special equipment, and be completed entirely within the home. The treatments include daily exercises such as yoga or high-intensity interval training and social changes like calling a loved one or speaking with an AI chatbot. Principal investigator Dr Barnabas Szaszi, of Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest, told The Guardian: 'All of the interventions can be done at home, people dont need anyone watching them or helping them. That was a very conscious decision on our part.' By recording a self-reported happiness assessment from each of the participants as they make these changes, the researchers hope to see what really makes a difference to someone's happiness. But what makes this study different from early investigations is the scale and diversity of the sample size. Previous studies like the World Happiness Report (pictured) are based on people's own assessment of their happiness, as well as economic and social data. What makes this study different is that it will use targeted interventions to see what measures improve happiness for people around the world Each of the 30,000 participants will be assigned a short, daily 'happiness intervention' which range from a dose of high-intensity exercise to a 20-minute call with relatives (stock image) The researchers point out that these previous studies have generally focused on countries which are 'WEIRD': Western, educated, industrialised, rich, and democratic. However, when it comes to happiness, what brings a smile to someone from Manchester or New York might not be so effective for someone from Mombasa or New Delhi. By widening their scope to include people from as many different backgrounds as possible, the researchers hope to pick up on any trends which hold true for someone no matter where they live. Professor Dunn says: 'What will we have at the end of it? We will have the largest and most diverse dataset ever collected on the strategies that promote happiness. 'How effective are these strategies? Do they work everywhere? Do some work extremely well for a small group of people and barely do anything for many others?' Already, more diverse happiness studies are helping scientists understand the mysteries of happiness. Earlier this year, researchers from Barcelona and Canada surveyed 2,966 people from indigenous and local communities in 19 locations across the globe. Their results found that people in these small, indigenous communities showed surprisingly high levels of happiness despite living in relative poverty. An earlier study looking at small indigenous communities around the world (pictured) found that money might not be as important for happiness as had been thought as these areas ranked among some of the happiest in the world A previous survey of 2,966 people from Indigenous and local communities in 19 locations across the globe, found that people were very happy despite having little to no money Economic growth and higher household incomes have historically been seen as a way to increase people's well-being - and global surveys have shown people in high-income countries tend to report higher levels of happiness than people in low-income countries. However, this evidence could challenge assumptions that higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a monetary measure of the value of a country's yearly production, is a reliable measure of happiness. Instead, researchers suggest that factors like a connection to nature and a strong social network could be far more valuable than material wealth. If their research is successful, the Global Happiness Megastudy could lead to even more valuable insights into cheap, reliable ways of making people's lives noticeably better. With the basic work now complete, Professor Dunn, Dr Szaszi and their co-researchers are looking for funding to take the project to its next step. According to their plans, a report detailing their intended methods will be published in a major academic journal with actual research to begin shortly afterwards. An onboard computer watching your every move might sound like something out of 2001: A Space Odyssey. But now, a futuristic superyacht plans to use AI to learn what you want before you even realise it. Just like HAL 9000 from Stanley Kubrick's sci-fi classic, the ship's computer will spy on its passengers to learn more about their desires. Designed by the Italian shipyard Rossinavi, the 43-metre-long Solsea will use that information to tailor itself to the needs of individual guests. Rossinavi says that this onboard AI has been designed to make travel more comfortable and maximise the yacht's eco-friendly potential. Crew members will be able to interact with the system, with the AI offering guidance on sustainable practices and encouraging greener behaviours. Partly powered by solar panels, the yacht will also use its AI to optimise the efficiency of its hybrid-electric motors, allowing for transatlantic journeys. Federico Rossi, chief operating officer of Rossinavi, says: 'Following the success of the first catamaran equipped with artificial intelligence, were thrilled to unveil Solsea, a fresh reinterpretation of this cutting-edge naval technology.' Italian shipbuilder Rossinavi has unveiled a futuristic superyacht which uses AI to predict its passengers' needs before they are even aware of them Just like the HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey (pictured), the onboard AI will monitor the guests in order to predict their desires The Solsea yacht is the second AI-enhanced yacht released by Rossinavi. The first, the Seawolf X, was released earlier this year at the Monaco Yacht Show and featured an onboard AI responsible for monitoring the ship's hybrid engines. By optimising the power balance and keeping the batteries at the right level of charge, this AI helped the yacht get much further on its electric reserves. According to Rossinavi, the Seawolf X is able to run completely on electric power for a day trip, on 90 per cent electric power for multi-day journeys, and on 80 per cent electric power for transatlantic crossings. Solsea, which was announced by Rossinavi during Miami's cultural and design week in Miami Beach, Florida, takes that innovation to a completely new level. The inbuilt 'Rossinavi AI' monitors the Solseas batteries, ensuring they remain in the optimal charge range, between 20 and 80 per cent, to further boost efficiency on long journeys. That gives the yacht the ability to charge to full in just five hours, helped by the large rooftop solar panels. To save energy further, the computer places the boat into 'hibernation mode' whenever it is docked to ensure there is always power when needed. Rossinavi says the 43-metre-long superyacht, called the Solsea, will use its AI to make its journeys more eco-friendly and comfortable Partly powered by solar panels built into the sunshades, the boat uses its AI to optimise the hybrid-electric engine in order to make transatlantic journeys using up to 80 per cent electric power Inside, the boat features interiors chosen by designer Yves Behar and includes a large bar area Additionally, the AI has now been given the ability to learn from passengers' behaviour in order to anticipate their desires. Although Rossinavi hasn't revealed the AI's exact capabilities, the shipbuilder says that Solsea will tailor itself to guests' needs as its computer learns from experience. However, it's not just the impressive computing power that will ensure guests have a comfortable stay. Designed in collaboration with world-renowned designer Yves Behar, the yacht has been decked out with every imaginable luxury. Solsea boasts a spacious platform for water sports, a lounge pool and an owners cabin with 180-degree views of the ocean. The superyacht also features a large bar and shaded areas built out of energy-saving solar panels. Mr Rossi says: 'Its been an incredible journey to see how Yves Behar reimagined the naval platform of our hybrid-electric catamaran. 'His fresh, external perspective brought a style that is both luxurious and refined. This collaboration began shortly after we developed the Seawolf X concept three years ago and marks an exciting new chapter for us.' Solsea features a large living area, a spacious platform for water sports, and a lounge pool The owner's cabin (pictured) features 180-degree views of the ocean around the bed The Solsea yacht is currently just a design concept and Rossinavi hasn't announced when it will be built or how much it is likely to cost. However, given that it costs up to $450,000 (359,000) per week to charter the Seawolf X, we can expect the Solsea to be extraordinarily expensive. Yves Behar adds: 'For me, Solsea is a return to simpler, more respectful ways to enjoy the oceans while integrating the future of efficient propulsion, and cutting-edge technologies.' Rossinavi has been contacted for further information. He is EastEnders' most notorious hardman but hasn't been seen since 2016. Now Ross Kemp, 60, is set to return to Albert Square in his role as bad boy Grant Mitchell as the BBC soap celebrates its 40th anniversary. The actor joined the show almost 35 years ago and soon made his mark as one of half of the legendary Mitchell brothers alongside Phil (Steve McFadden), and loving son to Queen Vic landlady Peggy Mitchell, who was played by the late Dame Barbara Windsor. Ross said he was 'delighted' to return to the show that made his name: 'EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary, is an absolute honour.' 'Grant has never been far from the action and lets just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang.' Grant Mitchell has been part of some of the most memorable storylines in soap history including uncovering his brothers affair with his wife Sharon in 1994, the death of his second wife Tiffany who was run over by Grants stepfather Frank Butcher on New Years Eve 1998, and the Mitchell brothers car crash in 1999. Ross Kemp, 60, is set to return to Albert Square in his role as bad boy Grant Mitchell as the BBC soap celebrates its 40th anniversary The actor made his mark as one of half of the legendary Mitchell brothers, and loving son to Queen Vic landlady Peggy Mitchell (pictured with Barbara Windsor and Steve McFadden) It is not his first return to Albert Square after his initial stint from 1990-1999, he returned for a year in 2005, and again in 2016 for Dame Barbaras final scenes with her sons. His character later returned to Portugal with daughter Courtney (Megan Jossa). Playing on his notorious character's image, Ross has found success as a documentary maker covering the criminal underworld, including the BAFTA award-winning television series Ross Kemp on Gangs. His character's storyline is currently being held under wraps, however, BBC bosses say that his return will 'play a significant part in the show's 40th anniversary'. Chris Clenshaw the Executive Producer of EastEnders added: 'We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross Kemp back to EastEnders as he reprises the legendary role of Grant Mitchell.' 'Whilst Im not currently revealing exactly what brings Grant back to Walford, I can say that his return will play a significant part in the shows 40th anniversary, and will make up many moments of truly unmissable TV.' The 40th-anniversary episode of EastEnders next year looks like it will be the show's most dramatic yet. Pictures from the 87million set reveal Albert Square as viewers have never seen it before with the windows of the Queen Vic blown out and the surrounding streets strewn with rubble. Ross said he was 'delighted' to return to the show that made his name: 'EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary, is an absolute honour' His character's storyline is currently being held under wraps, however, BBC bosses say that his return will 'play a significant part in the show's 40th anniversary' The sensational storyline, designed to entice audiences back to the BBC's flagship show after a steady decline, sees an explosion rip through the fictional pub, whose landladies have included Peggy Mitchell and Anita Dobson's Angie Watts. There is even what appears to be blood on the pavement, raising fears that some of the show's best-loved characters could be at risk. An industry insider said producers are 'pulling out all the stops' for the anniversary special, which will air in February. And they hinted that fans could expect some famous actors from the show's past to make a return, adding: 'Curious viewers will undoubtedly recognise a few familiar faces.' Soap bosses are said to be bringing back Paul Bradley as lovable Nigel Bates alongside Ross. It is hoped the show will go down in history alongside other memorable episodes. Grant joined the show as part of the famous Mitchell brothers (pictured with Steve in 1990) This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Comedian Whitney Cummings opened up about her time as the showrunner of ABC's Roseanne revival, and how she passed on future superstar Sabrina Carpenter. Cummings, 42, served as as the showrunner, writer and executive producer for Roseanne but left the show before it was canceled. The show was later reworked as The Conners, following the family without controversial actress Roseanne Barr. Cummings - who recently roasted Justin Baldoni - was a guest on CNN's New Year's Eve Live with Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper when she was asked about her time on the show. Cohen asked if she 'passed' on the 25-year-old actress for a role on Roseanne, the role of Harris Conner-Healy, the daughter of Sara Gilbert's Darlene. The comedienne scoffed though ultimately admitted it, before joking that she wants some of the pop star's touring revenue. Comedian Whitney Cummings opened up about her time as the showrunner of ABC's Roseanne revival, and how she passed on future superstar Sabrina Carpenter Cohen asked if she 'passed' on the 25-year-old actress for a role on Roseanne, the role of Harris Conner-Healy, the daughter of Sara Gilbert's Darlene. Emma Kenney (above) would ultimately land the role of Harris Conner-Healy in Roseanne and then The Conners 'No one passes on Sabrina carpenter for anything. But she came in. She was not a match for a million reasons,' Cummings admitted. She then turned to Cohen and said, 'Of course you're going to bring up this drama. Of course.' while Anderson Cooper joked, 'This is what he does.' Cummings then added 'I think I deserve a percentage of her touring money for not hiring her, because otherwise she would still be on that show. You're welcome Sabrina.' Carpenter was just 12 years old when she started her acting career in a 2011 episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and had roles in 2012's The Goodwin Games and 2013's Horns. Her breakthrough role also came in 2013 when she was cast as Maya Hart on the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World, a spin-off of their hit Boy Meets World. She appeared in 72 episodes of Girl Meets World from 2014 to 2017, while continuing to record and release new music along the way. Carpenter also appeared in 2018's The Hate U Give, 2019's Tall Girl, 2020's Cloud and 2022's Emergency and Tall Girl 2. She also signed on to star in a new Alice in Wonderland film for Netflix back in 2020 though there has been little movement on that project since then. 'No one passes on Sabrina carpenter for anything. But she came in. She was not a match for a million reasons,' Cummings admitted She then turned to Cohen and said, 'Of course you're going to bring up this drama. Of course.' while Anderson Cooper joked, ' This is what he does' Cummings then added 'I think I deserve a percentage of her touring money for not hiring her, because otherwise she would still be on that show. You're welcome Sabrina' Carpenter was just 12 years old when she started her acting career in a 2011 episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and had roles in 2012's The Goodwin Games and 2013's Horns She had one of the biggest hits of the summer with Espresso off her sixth studio album Short n' Sweet, which debuted in August She had one of the biggest hits of the summer with Espresso off her sixth studio album Short n' Sweet, which debuted in August. Cummings also spoke about passing on Carpenter with People back in November, where she insisted she was glad she didn't cast her. 'Sabrina Carpenter auditioned ... and it wasn't the right fit. She got a rejection that day when we were casting the daughter,' she said. And by the way, thank God we said no to her, because she'd be stuck on a sitcom set and not being Sabrina Carpenter,' she added. Vera (ITV1) Rating: Old detectives never retire. They either die, or keep on solving cases . . . and sometimes, as in the case of Sherlock Holmes, do both. Before his inexplicable return to Baker Street, Holmes plunged to his death over the Reichenbach Falls, wrestling with his nemesis Professor Moriarty. Vera (Brenda Blethyn) nearly suffered her own Reichenbach moment as she moved to arrest a killer on a North Sea clifftop, in the penultimate episode of the show that has been running since 2011. The suspects dad intervened, Veras gallant but troubled junior Joe (David Leon) got involved and, with a stumble and a scream, a body tumbled to the rocks below. Not Veras, though. She will return for the final time tonight with a tribute called Vera, Farewell Pet airing tomorrow. But how will her exit be arranged? Surely not like that other north-east copper, Martin Shaws Inspector George Gently, who was shot dead by a sniper on a bleak beach in a scene that mimicked the climax of Get Carter. And it seems unlikely Vera will take to her bed and expire poignantly, whispering a secret, as John Thaw did with Morse. Hercule Poirot (David Suchet) died in his bed too, in Agatha Christies posthumous mystery Curtain though his secret was . . . shh! No spoilers here. The final episode of Vera, which has been running since 2011, is set to air tonight on ITV1 Viewers are eagerly awaiting to see how the 14-year-long series will finish Sherlock Holmes, one of television's other most beloved detectives, plunged to his death in his final episode Its hard to imagine Vera will take the promotion offered and spend her last years as a superintendent in uniform behind a desk. She wouldnt get her tunic to fit over her shabby coat. Perhaps the final shot will see her chugging over the horizon in her Land Rover, in search of a garage to fit a new exhaust, and shell simply never return not retired, not dead, just waiting for an MoT certificate. Its touch and go whether her faithful servant DC Kenny Lockhart (Jon Morrison) will return either. Vera found him face down in a beauty spot car park after he was bashed on the bonce with a rock. Poor old Kenny was ever underappreciated. Vera always leaves him at the station, working through unglamorous tasks such as tracing numberplates or ringing around witnesses, while she and Joe dash off in search of their next clue. Yet when a body is found, Kenny is invariably there first, setting up a boundary around the crime scene with a roll of blue tape. He reminds me of Gromit nothing much to say, unfailingly competent, asks for nothing but the occasional pat on the head. Kevin Whately, who was another Gromit-like sidekick in Inspector Morse, showed up in a cameo as retired detective Gary Creelan. Theres an unwritten rule in TV crime dramas that whenever old coppers are consulted about cold cases, it will transpire that they hid or forged evidence, and so it was this time. Cathy Tyson also appeared, as a social worker who laughed off Veras abrasive questions and asked, mockingly, Why arent you Chief Constable yet? Perhaps thats the surprise ending tonight . . . silver oak leaves on Veras scruffy hat. Ashley Walters' fans were left delighted on New Year's Day as he made his grand return to TV after his hugely popular Top Boy series came to an end last year. The actor, 42, stars in Netflix series Missing You, an adaptation of Harlan Coben's popular mystery novel. The latest series - released on Wednesday - stars Slow Horses actress Rosalind Eleazar, who plays Missing Persons detective Kat Donovan. The five-part show follows Kat who is shocked to see her ex fiance Josh (Ashley) on a dating app 11 years after he disappeared from her life without a trace. Josh's reappearance forces her to dive back into the mystery surrounding her father's (Lenny Henry) murder and leads her to uncover long-buried secrets from her past. With the last Harlan adaptation, Fool Me Once, becoming one of Netflix's biggest hits, it's expected that Missing You will also break records and help the cast achieve worldwide fame. Ashley Walters' fans were left delighted on New Year's Day as he made his grand return to TV in Netflix series Missing You, an adaptation of Harlan Coben's popular mystery novel The five-part show follows Kat (Rosalind Eleazar) who is shocked to see her ex fiance Josh (Ashley) on a dating app 11 years after he disappeared from her life without a trace. What was Ashley Walter's group? Ashley was raised in Peckham, South East London by his mother Pamela while his father was in and out of prison. While he kept his head down at school, achieving 10 GCSEs, he started to stray when he joined UK garage and hip hop group So Solid Crew using the nickname Asher D. They enjoyed commercial success with their chart topping 2001 single, 21 Seconds, the first of five consecutive top-20 hit singles for the group. Yet the band were marred with controversy, with several of the members having brushes with the law while their gigs were rife with shootings, stabbings and a murder. Recalling his youth, Ashley said: 'We live in a place where if young people are not fully occupied, then what are they doing? They're hanging around, maybe getting themselves into trouble. 'It was only when I got to maybe 16, I changed, as a kid. In those years is when I went out and I got in trouble, and joined So Solid. 'I wasn't rebelling against my mum, but it was rebelling against all of those things that she'd built up for me and how safe she kept me... I didn't grow up rich, but I had no reason to sell drugs or to be out on the street. 'But I was walking with some real gangsters at the time, so it was easy for me to become a target.' Ashley (bottom left) started to stray when he joined UK garage and hip hop group So Solid Crew using the nickname Asher D In 2001, So Solid Crew member Skat D broke a 15-year-old fan's jaw. He escaped a jail sentence but was fined 5,500 for hitting the teenager after she slapped him around the face. The following year a teenage fan was beaten to death outside a venue in Luton after one of their gigs. In 2003, founder member G-Man was charged and jailed for possession of a handgun, while Skat D was fined after admitting to breaking the jaw of a 15-year-old fan who rebuffed his sexual advances. That same year teenagers Letisha Shakespeare and Charlene Ellis were shot dead in crossfire between rival gangs after the party. In the immediate aftermath, the Labour culture minister Kim Howells pointed the finger at idiots like the So Solid Crew glorifying gun culture and violence, while Home Secretary David Blunkett branded their lyrics appalling. Why was Ashley Walters in prison? At one point it looked like Ashley was going to follow in his convicted father's footsteps when he was jailed in 2002 for carrying a loaded Brocock air pistol modified to fire live ammunition. The Top Boy actor reflected on the incident in a candid chat for the BBC's Louis Theroux Interviews where he spoke about his run ins with the law. Ashley recalled how he once had a gun pulled on him while he was carrying his son Shayon, who is now 23, after he made a comment about someone copying his lyrics on the radio. Following the incident, father-of-eight Ashley spent 1,300 on a pistol in order to 'protect himself'. However, afterwards when the actor was arrested when he lost his temper in a disagreement with a traffic warden and said: 'I'm going to shoot you.' The TV star's then partner Natalie Williams and their children Shayon and China, now 21, saw him being handcuffed and taken away by police. Recalling the incident, he said: 'I wasn't actually going to shoot. I weren't willing to risk my liberty over shooting a traffic warden. But I mean, I made my comments, I said what I said. 'It was horrific. My biggest regret is that my kids were there. It was a big part of my life,' he admits. 'I didn't ever want to go back to prison.' Ashley was raised in Peckham, South East London by his mother Pamela while his father was in and out of prison What happened after Ashley Walters left prison? Speaking on Adwoa Aboah's The Gurl Talk podcast, he revealed that after leaving prison, he felt the world had 'moved on without him' and he struggled to cope with his mental health, becoming 'abusive' to those he loved. He said: 'I felt like as a man, I didn't want to believe there was something wrong with me. 'I came out (of prison) and the things that were happening and the way I was acting, I kind of attributed them to me being upset, me being slightly angry, but in hindsight I realise I was suffering with depression. 'When I was released from prison, I didn't want to leave my house for the first three months. I stayed inside and at the time I just felt like I didn't face people. 'I didn't want to talk about what had happened and I just felt like I had a lot of catching up to do, because when you're in that scenario - your world stays the same and everybody else's world keeps on moving. You feel behind, you feel left out, you feel lonely. ' He went on to tell that he found himself 'segregating' himself from friends and family, and became 'flippant and angry'. He said: 'I realised that I was segregating myself from people, staying in my house led to me eventually losing friends and kind of it's slightly being abusive to people that I loved and cared about. 'Being really flippant, angry so it was at that point I realised I needed to talk to someone.' Ashley's biggest regret is his children seeing him arrested for carrying a loaded Brocock air pistol modified to fire live ammunition (pictured with five of his eight children) The star told of how he drank to cope with his feelings, and how his wife Danielle Isaie was able to help him recover. When asked who it was that Ashley finally opened up to, he replied: 'I think it was my wife. 'I had a really bad month, I think, for me and not many people know this I'm going to speak frankly now, but to get through it, to get around it I drank.' He went on to remember an evening where he drank so excessively, he completely blacked out, and was asked to leave the bus by the conductor after circulating the route while passed out, several times. 'Alcohol became a vice and something I leaned on, so I drank for a while and I was drinking excessively. One day I went out with some friends', he told. 'Cut to the next morning at 7 o'clock I was on a bus and the conductor woke me up and was like mate I can't let you go around anymore. 'I think I'd been robbed, my wallet my phone was gone and I didn't have my shoes and I didn't know how I got there or what had happened. 'I walked home and when I got back my mum had called her and we sat and she held me and she said "You need to get some help.". When was Ashley Walters attacked? Ashley has revealed he was the victim of a near-fatal stabbing when he was a teenager. He made the confession in 2020 when speaking out about racial discourse in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. Taking to Instagram, Ashley told followers: 'My point of coming on here today is that no one can tell me I am complicit because I havent posted anything about the scenario for several reasons, but the main one is I have been fighting this f**king thing all my career. 'Ive seen black people and big corporations posting stuff about your silence is a betrayal. Dont ever tell me my silence is a f**king betrayal, where Ive been left for dead on the street by white men. Stabbed and left for dead, and these people have never been brought to justice. Ashley broke down in 2020 as he recalled being stabbed by racist thugs while addressing claims that he has not been vocal enough following the death of George Floyd 'Ive f**king worked hard, put my life on the line for all these f**king men, out here while this s**t has been going on, and I aint said nothing. Im talking now because Ive had enough of this s**t. 'People are being killed out there and treated like s**t, and all people can complain about is whos posting or whos f**king not. 'You dont know what Ive been through for this thing. Half of you wouldnt be working now if I hadnt been out here doing my thing for the last however many years, being bullied and held back by white people in this game. 'Dont ever question my loyalty for this this thing. These people are cold blooded killers and no one aint doing s**t, but Ive been going through this for years, f**king years. 'Look at the scar on my neck where they left me for dead. I was 15-years old, like a little piece of s**t, and no one went to jail for that, and Ive dealt with that forever. 'So the moral of my story is dont ever tell me that because I dont post I dont have passion of feeling for anything, You people are really slow and stupid to be turning on each other at a time like this.' Ashley achieved nationwide fame in the Noughties with his lead role as Dushane Hill in the British crime series Top Boy, which ran on Channel 4 for two seasons What has Ashley Walters starred in? Ashley made his TV debut as a teenager, landing roles as Omar in The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles and as Andy in Grange Hill, at the age of 14. His feature film debut came in in Saul Dibb's 2004 Bullet Boy, where he played an ex-con adjusting to normal life outside of prison. He was praised for his performance, being named Best Newcomer at the British Independent Film Awards. Ashley achieved nationwide fame in the Noughties with his lead role as Dushane Hill in the British crime series Top Boy, which ran on Channel 4 for two seasons. After the show's shock cancellation he appeared in Sky series Bulletproof. In 2019, following interest from Canadian rapper Drake, Netflix decided to take on Top Boy, going on to produce series three, four and five with the original cast, with Ashley as an executive producer. The fifth and final season concluded in September last year. Ashley found love with Danielle Isaie a fellow actor who starred in Gavin And Stacey playing Sheridan Smith's friend Cherice (pictured in 2023) Who is Ashley Walters wife? Ashley found love with Danielle Isaie a fellow actor who starred in Gavin And Stacey playing Sheridan Smith's friend Cherice. She has also starred in shows including The Legend of Dick and Dom, Chewing Gum, and Casualty. In 2023 ,Danielle starred alongside her husband in the final series of Top Boy, playing a character called Amanda for two episodes. The couple met in 2011, just as his Top Boy career was taking off and tied the knot in June 22, 2013. They share two children together - a daughter, Amiaya-Love Walters (born 2014), and a son, River Leslie Walters (born 2016) and Danielle has a child from a previous relationship. Ashley is also father to Shayon, 23, and Panerai, 19, and daughter China with his former partner Natalie Williams. The Netflix star also has two young daughters Antonia and Ashleigh with another unnamed woman. Jennifer Aniston has no plans to 'offer any congratulations' to her ex Brad Pitt following the finalization of his divorce from Angelina Jolie, according to sources who revealed that the Friends star 'would love Brad to be happy' as he moves forward. After a bitter eight-year battle, Pitt and Jolie officially reached a settlement in their divorce - with the Tomb Raider actress finally signing her papers on Christmas Day. Pitt famously ended his marriage to Aniston in 2005 after meeting Jolie on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith. The Troy actor and Jolie were then together for 11 years before their marriage came to its own explosive end in 2016. Despite the very public love triangle and the many headlines it spawned over the years, Aniston and Pitt have managed to remain friendly since his split from Jolie - notably sharing a warm hug together at the 2020 SAG Awards. However, a source exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com that Aniston has no interest in speaking about her ex-husband's new divorce update - both in public or in private. 'Jen isn't looking to talk about Brad and Angelina's divorce publicly, nor is she looking to reach out to Brad and offer any congratulations,' the insider began. Jennifer Aniston has no plans to 'offer any congratulations' to her ex Brad Pitt following the finalization of his divorce from Angelina Jolie, sources have revealed After bitter eight-year battle, Pitt and Jolie reached a settlement in their divorce - with the Tomb Raider actress finally signing her papers on Christmas Day Opening up about how Aniston plans to approach her ex when they next bump into each other at industry events, the insider explained: 'The next time they see each other, they'll be cordial with each other, they have been in the recent past and that won't change. 'They will talk about life and mostly anything else, but they aren't going to dive into his feelings about the divorce or anything like that.' 'Angelina is not a talking point between them and that will remain the same forever,' the insider revealed. However, noting that the pair have built up an amicable relationship in recent years, the source said: 'Jen is good with Brad and is friendly with him. Over the years they both have settled their issues with each other and will never stop being respectful with each other. 'Jen would love Brad to be happy first and foremost, and believes he is happy.' DailyMail.com has contacted reps for Jennifer for comment. Last week, Jolie and Pitt reached a settlement in their divorce but confirmed that they are still locked in a $62million dispute over a French chateau and vineyard they once jointly owned. Jolie's lawyer James Simon told People: 'More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family. 'This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over.' Aniston and Pitt have managed to remain friendly in the years since his split from Jolie in 2016 - notably sharing a warm hug together at the 2020 SAG Awards (pictured) The source stated: 'Jen would love Brad to be happy first and foremost as she believes he is happy... Angelina is not a talking point between them and that will remain the same forever' Although the split was acrimonious, a source close to Jolie added: 'She doesn't speak ill of [Pitt] publicly or privately. She's been trying hard to be light after a dark time.' Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt in September 2016 after just two years of marriage. The move came just days after a journey on a private plane in which Angelina claimed Brad was abusive to her and their six children but authorities did not charge him after investigating. Jolie and Pitt later released a joint statement declaring that they would keep all divorce proceedings private for the sake of their children. They said: 'The parties and their counsel have signed agreements to preserve the privacy rights of their children and family by keeping all court documents confidential and engaging a private judge to make any necessary legal decisions and to facilitate the expeditious resolution of any remaining issues. 'The parents are committed to act as a united front to effectuate recovery and reunification.' The former couple share children Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 18, and twins Vivienne and Knox, now 16. Since their parents' bitter split, Zahara, Shiloh and Vivienne has all dropped Pitt from their last name. Pitt famously ended his marriage to Aniston in 2005 after meeting Jolie on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith (pictured together in 2014) Pitt has been linked to jewelry designer Ines de Ramon November 2022 and the pair reportedly live together in the same house in the Los Angeles area It has been reported that Maddox and Pax do not talk to their father - while it is believed that Knox and Vivienne still confer with the Fight Club star, though they have not been pictured with him in several years. While the former power couple have finally settled their divorce, there is still the ongoing battle over Chateau Miraval vineyard in France, which is considered one of the country's top wine producers. Pitt and Jolie have been locked in a bitter legal battle over Miraval after Pitt alleged Jolie sold her $62 million stake of the winery to the Stoli Group, famed for its Stolichnaya vodka, without his approval. Both sides have said they would be willing to take the Miraval case to a jury trial or mediation, a source told told DailyMail.com. The insider with knowledge of the situation added Jolie has 'been trying hard to be light after a dark time.' 'She doesn't speak ill of him publicly or privately,' the insider said. 'The kids have grown up seeing that some people have so much power and privilege that their voices don't matter. Their pain doesn't count.' The insider continued: 'They have wanted her to speak up for herself, to defend herself over these years but she reminds them to focus on changing laws over telling public stories.' Pitt has since been dating Los Angeles based jewelry designer Ines de Ramon, 34, for almost two years. The pair were initially seen spending time with one another during a November 2022 Bono concert. The two are believed to now live together, and Pitt is even considering marriage once more. DailyMail.com previously revealed that Ines has made it clear to her friends, family, and work contacts that her relationship with Brad is off-limits for discussion. Pitt and Jolie are still embroiled in an ongoing legal battle, dubbed the War of the Roses, over their Chateau Miraval estate The former couple conceived three children - Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16 - and also adopted Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, and Zahara, 19; Jolie pictured with all six children in 2018 The entrepreneur even required her business contacts to sign non-disclosure agreements to ensure that no details about her personal life are leaked. Ines reportedly takes these precautions to avoid giving the actor any impression that she's using their relationship to gain fame. Now the actor is said to be looking to share his future with the brunette beauty as another source stated in early December: 'Brad is interested in getting married again, and it is all thanks to Ines. 'The thing about her is that he is so comfortable with her that it just feels right with her, and he would be more than OK to make it official.' The source noted that Ines even has the seal of approval from Brad's close circle as they continued: 'He has spoken to those close to him, including George, and everyone has signed off on him doing it, it would be a nice thing for him as it would be the official moving on from his romantic past with [Jennifer Aniston] and Angie. 'That is obviously in everyone's mind and will always be forever in the minds of millions, but it is Ines and her no nonsense nature that has finally been the person to settle down with.' The source even teased that an engagement will likely take place in the New Year as they stated: 'It is time and 2025 at some point is going to be the moment he will get engaged to her.' Tributes have flooded in for veteran New Zealand journalist and broadcaster Bob McNeil who has passed away aged 82. Bob, who worked at TV3 as a reporter and presenter for 20 years, died on December 30 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. As news of the award-winning journalist's passing broke, colleges and viewers took to social media to offer their tributes. Bob's daughter Sacha McNeil, herself a reporter for TVNZ, took to instagram to share a sweet post in honour of her late father. Posting a duo of images of Bob, Sacha remembered her father as 'brave' and 'good humoured'. 'Words were always Dad's thing. Memories. Stories. Listening to others. But he wouldn't have penned what was to be the last part of his story of his own volition,' she wrote. Tributes have flooded in for veteran New Zealand journalist and broadcaster Bob McNeil who has passed away aged 82 'And yet, after a long, brave but always good humoured battle with Alzheimer's, he called time when he was ready.' 'As The Beatles pointed out "...in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make".' Sacha continued: 'Dad will be taking so much love with him.' 'Our kind, creative, funny, gentle, twinkling dad is finally free and resting as he deserves. We'll all miss you every single day Dad.' Sacha's post was met with an outpouring of condolences from friends, followers and colleagues.' Bob's TV3 (now known as Three) colleague Samantha Hayes remembered Bob as a 'joy'. 'Bob was always such a joy to be around in the newsroom,' she wrote. 'His unique style of storytelling full of empathy and humour. Sending lots of love.' Bob, who worked at TV3 as a reporter and presenter for 20 years, died on December 30 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Pictured: Bob's 2014 autobiography One follower summed up the sentiment of many, replying with: 'Beautiful words for a beautiful man Sending all our love to you and your family.' 1 News reporter Barbara Dreaver also remembered Bob as 'a damn fine journo and a gentleman.' Similarly TV and radio reporter Donna-Marie Lever offered: 'Very sad news. Always so lovely in the field and a class act.' Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, Sacha revealed why she believed Bob had such an impact on audiences. 'I think because people could relate to this small-town boy from Taranaki who fought for the underdog and had a glint in his eye,' she told the publicaiton. 'He was genuine, he loved people, and he loved hearing their stories. His warmth was evident on the telly,''she said. Bob was born in Wellington in 1942 and after leaving school, began his journalism career at the Taranaki Daily News in New Plymouth. Bob's daughter Sacha McNeil (pictured) herself a reporter for TVNZ, took to instagram to share a sweet tribute to her late father He then got his teacher's qualification, eventually working as a teacher for seven years, including in the UK. After returning to New Zealand with his wife Jeanette, Bob worked in radio for many years. However it was his work on TV3 for which he is most fondly remembered, starting with the channel during its 1989 premiere until his retirement in 2010. Bob also published an autobiography, News Tales, in 2014. Elizabeth Hurley celebrated the New Year in glitzy fashion on Tuesday, as she joined a slew of famous pals for a boat party on the River Nile. The model, 59, put on a showstopping display in a dramatic rainbow dress as she rang in 2025 with her son Damian, and pals Trinny Woodall and Elizabeth Day. In a group snap shared on Day's Instagram, all of the stars showed off their sequinned looks as they enjoyed the lavish celebrations. Trinny put on an equally showstopping display in a shimmering silver dress, while Elizabeth slipped into a fun 1920s metallic fringed mini. She captioned the post: 'Happy New Year from a floating boat in the Nile and a pile of sequins. LOVE YOU ALL! Have an amazing 2025.' Elizabeth and Damian were among a string of stars who shared a glimpse of their New Year celebrations, including Amanda Holden, Perrie Edwards and Cruz Beckham. Elizabeth Hurley celebrated the New Year in glitzy fashion on Tuesday, as she joined her son Damian, Trinny Woodall and Elizabeth Day for a boat party on the River Nile Just days earlier, Elizabeth and her 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'. 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. The model put on a showstopping display in a dramatic rainbow dress as she rang in 2025 with her son Damian, and pals Trinny Woodall and Elizabeth Day 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. 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. Just days earlier, Elizabeth and her lookalike son Damian enjoyed a spot of early morning 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 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.' Ruby Tuesday Matthews was not afraid to pack on the PDA on Tuesday, sharing a pulse raising photo with her rarely-seen fiance Shannan Dodd. The Byron Bay-based influencer, 27, took to her Instagram story to share a selfie on New Year's Eve, that showed the couple getting very up close and personal. Ruby flaunted her svelte figure in a printed mesh crop-top - a collaboration between John Paul Gaultier and London-based fashion house KNWLS. The long sleeve, semi-sheer top, which retails for around $480, flaunted Ruby's taut and toned torso. Ruby matched the quirky top, with a similarly unique pair of pants, also from the same label. The flared pants, which finished at the floor, featured a two-tone brown pattern and quirky graffiti prints including a love heart with the phrase 'JPG + KNWLS'. Ruby Tuesday Matthews was not afraid to pack on the PDA on Tuesday, sharing a pulse raising photo with her rarely-seen fiance Shannan Dodd The pants were also semi sheer and a plain black G-string could be seen underneath. The pants, retailing at around $600, were the same worn by Heartbreak High star Ayesha Madon at the recent GQ Men of the Year Awards. As Ruby seductively posed for the camera, Shannan stood behind his ladylove as his hands caressed her hips. He also leant in to give Ruby a kiss on the cheek as she tenderly stroked his ear. 'Mum and dad,' Ruby simply captioned the steamy photo. Despite Ruby being very active on social media, Shannan rarely pops up in her feeds. Back in November, the influencer was spotted with her beau, attending the Byron Bay wedding of Tammy Hembrow and Matt Zukowski. However, the couple dipped out of the celebrations early, to make a beeline for the airport. Back in November, the influencer was spotted with her beau, attending the Byron Bay wedding of Tammy Hembrow and Matt Zukowski Posting to her Instagram Stories, Ruby revealed that she and Shannan had caught an international flight to Hong Kong. She shared a photo of the boot of a cherry red taxi cab overflowing with their luggage. Last year, Ruby was forced to deny the pair had split, after rumours swirled they had called time on their relationship. 'I love my kids and I am not separated,' she told her fans on Instagram at the time. 'I'm very much committed and engaged in my relationship. These things I sometimes like to keep private.' Fans questioned the status of their relationship when Ruby revealed she would be checking into a facility 'for some deep therapy' after having a nervous breakdown. 'You are an amazing mum. You should be proud of yourself! Where is your partner in all of this, is he showing up for you?' one person asked. A second agreed, adding: 'He seems to have vanished. Why is he never helping out with the children? And supporting her.' Loved-up Instagram photos of the pair began appearing on the platform in May 2021 with the lovebirds announcing their engagement in June of that year 'Ruby, your so strong! You have such a beautiful family. You've got this! I never see your man in the pics, I hope he is supporting you,' another commented. Ruby has gained a huge fanbase on Instagram for her candid fashion videos as well as her content documenting her day-to-day life with her family. She shares two sons Rocket, eight, and Mars, seven, with her ex partner Ryan Heywood. She also has a daughter Holiday, two, with her fiance Shannan. It is unclear when exactly Ruby and Shannan began dating, but loved-up Instagram photos of the pair began appearing on the platform in May 2021. The lovebirds announced their engagement in June of that year. Lisa Rinna bared it all with a racy, nude selfie on New Year's Eve on Tuesday. While preparing to ring in 2025, the reality TV personality, 61, enjoyed a massage and took to Instagram to share a photo of herself after disrobing and before getting on the table. She paid attention to protect her modesty with carefully placed star emojis on her boobs and a '2025 Happy New Year' sticker to shield her nether region. 'Out with the Old,' she wrote alongside the sultry snap and a partying face emoji. 'In with the New!' The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum who grabbed breakfast with her former co-star, Kyle Richards, amid the ongoing feuds on the current season of the hit Bravo series appeared to be makeup-free and had her short pixie hair styled in a messy, voluminous 'do. This comes just months after she showed off her birthday suit and shared a completely nude selfie while marking her 61st over the summer. Lisa Rinna bared it all with a racy, nude selfie on New Year's Eve on Tuesday. While preparing to ring in 2025, the reality TV personality, 61, enjoyed a massage and took to Instagram to share a photo of herself after disrobing and before getting on the table Her latest risque Instagram post was accompanied by Auld Lang Syne by Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians for the year end celebrations. Earlier this year, while celebrating her 61st birthday in July, the Bravo star who is no stranger to showing off her sexy, topless snaps posted a similar selfie before quickly deleting it. While celebrating the New Year last year, she also posted a similar nude selfie with her naked body partially covered by animated stickers. Back in July 2023, she posted the photo for the first time and said she drew inspiration from Catherine O'Hara's character on Schitt's Creek. 'Moira Rose says you should take as many naked pics of yourself while you still can and celebrate it,' she wrote alongside the snap. Meanwhile, her husband Harry Hamlin also posted a New Year's Eve post in preparation for 2025. Rather than a revealing snap, however, he posted a video teasing a new addition to his pasta sauce line, Harry's Famous Sauces. 'I just wanted to say Happy New Year and also let you know that we got a little something special coming out in the New Year,' he said. The Bravolebrity is no stranger to posting naked selfies. This comes just months after she showed off her birthday suit and shared a completely nude selfie while marking her 61st over the summer; pictured December 5 in Los Angeles While celebrating the New Year last year, she also posted a similar nude selfie with her naked body partially covered by animated stickers. Back in July 2023, she posted the photo for the first time and said she drew inspiration from Catherine O'Hara's character on Schitt's Creek Meanwhile, her husband Harry Hamlin also posted a New Year's Eve post in preparation for 2025. Rather than a revealing snap, however, he posted a video teasing a new addition to his pasta sauce line, Harry's Famous Sauces; pictured April in Beverly Hills Their youngest child, daughter Amelia, 23, reposted the video to her Instagram Story and wrote: 'Awwww daddddd.' In addition to Amelia, Rinna and Hamlin also share daughter Delilah, 26; pictured October 2017 in Los Angeles Their youngest child, daughter Amelia, 23, reposted the video to her Instagram Story and wrote: 'Awwww daddddd.' In addition to Amelia, Rinna and Hamlin also share daughter Delilah, 26. Hamlin is also a father to son Dimitri, 44, whom he shares with his ex Ursula Andress. He dated Andress from 1979 to 1983, welcoming their son together in 1980. The actor, 73, was previously married to his first wife Laura Johnson from 1985 to 1989, then his second wife Nicollette Sheridan from 1991 to 1992. Hamlin and Rinna were first romantically linked a few months after meeting in 1992. After five years of dating, they tied the knot in 1997. Blake Lively has formally filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, less than two weeks after her previous legal complaint against him went public. Her New Year's Eve filing came on the same day he initiated a $250M libel suit against the New York Times for its bombshell report on Lively's first complaint. In that first suit, she accused him of sexually harassing her and fostering a toxic work environment on the set of their movie It Ends With Us, in which he both directed her and acted with her. He has staunchly denied the allegations. Also in the initial complaint, which is a precursor to the more formal complaint filed on Tuesday, Lively claimed Baldoni worked to tarnish her reputation with a team including his publicist Jennifer Abel and crisis PR Melissa Nathan, who previously worked with Johnny Depp. Abel has denied waging a 'smear campaign.' Lively, 37, filed her first complaint earlier this month with the California Civil Rights Commission, but is now suing Baldoni in federal court in New York. Launched on New Year's Eve, her new lawsuit is a more formal proceeding which targets Baldoni, Abel and Nathan as defendants, as well as Baldoni's production company Wayfarer Studios. In her latest legal action, Lively is demanding both 'punitive' and 'compensatory' damages and a jury trial, accusing the defendants of causing her 'mental pain and anguish,' as well as 'severe and serious emotional distress' and 'lost wages.' Lively's attorneys gave a statement to DailyMail.com alleging their client has been subject to 'further retaliation and attacks' since she made the 'decision to speak out' about her allegations against Baldoni. DailyMail.com has reached out to Nathan, Abel and Wayfarer Studios, as well as representatives for Baldoni for comment. Blake Lively has now filed a second lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, less than two weeks after her previous legal complaint against him went public In her new lawsuit, Lively demands both 'punitive damages' as well as 'a money judgement representing compensatory damages, lost wages, earning, and all other sums of money,' plus 'interest' on the above 'in an amount to be proven at trial.' She also wants 'an award of money judgment for mental pain and anguish and severe and serious emotional distress, in an amount to be proven at trial.' Her lawyers provided a statement to DailyMail.com Tuesday, saying: 'Earlier today, Ms. Lively filed a federal complaint against Wayfarer Studios and others in the Southern District of New York. 'Ms. Lively previously sent her California Civil Rights Department Complaint in response to the retaliatory campaign Wayfarer launched against her for reporting sexual harassment and workplace safety concerns. Unfortunately, Ms. Livelys decision to speak out has resulted in further retaliation and attacks.' Lively's attorneys continued: 'As alleged in Ms. Livelys federal Complaint, Wayfarer and its associates have violated federal and California state law by retaliating against her for reporting sexual harassment and workplace safety concerns. Now, the defendants will answer for their conduct in federal court.' They added: 'Ms. Lively has brought this litigation in New York, where much of the relevant activities described in the Complaint took place, but we reserve the right to pursue further action in other venues and jurisdictions as appropriate under the law.' On New Years Eve, the day Lively filed her second lawsuit against Baldoni, he initiated a $250 million libel action against the New York Times, which broke the news of Livelys first complaint earlier this month. In a statement, the New York Times stood by its reporting and denied the allegations. It said it plans to 'vigorously defend against the lawsuit'. Since news of Lively's first lawsuit broke, Baldoni's career has imploded, as he was dropped by his agency William Morris Endeavor. Liz Plank, one of the co-hosts of Baldoni's Man Enough podcast that billed itself as a space for 'positive masculinity,' announced she was quitting the show. In the run-up to the movie's August 9 release, rumors began swirling of a rift between Lively and Baldoni, who are pictured in the movie Since news of Lively's first lawsuit broke, Baldoni's career has imploded, as he was dropped by his agency William Morris Endeavor; he and Lively are pictured in the film Lively, who is married to Deadpool lead Ryan Reynolds and who is close friends with pop superstar Taylor Swift, has seen former colleagues rally around her. Her It Ends With Us co-stars Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate have spoken out to support her, as has Colleen Hoover, author of the novel on which the film is based. Lively's first lawsuit contained a raft of accusations against Baldoni, whom she says showed her nude images and videos of other women, 'improvised physical intimacy' during a scene without prior discussion, entered her trailer while she was 'nude' and allowed his 'friends' to watch her filming sex scenes. In legal documents from the first complaint, Lively's team claimed an 'all hands' meeting was held on January 4 of this year, purportedly 'to address the hostile work environment that had nearly derailed production of the Film.' The meeting is said to have included both Baldoni and Jamey Heath, the CEO of Wayfarer Studios and a producer on It Ends With Us. Attendees allegedly discussed supposed 'inappropriate conduct' by Baldoni and Heath, and at the end of the meeting, 'all parties present agreed that the outlined conduct would cease,' per Lively's first lawsuit. In the run-up to the movie's August 9 release, rumors began swirling of a rift between Lively and Baldoni - and Lively now claims that around this time, Nathan and Abel worked for Baldoni on a targeted strategy to vilify her. During the run-up to the release of It Ends With Us, Lively repeatedly went viral as social media users slammed her 'mean girl' behavior in interviews - a trend she now insists was the result of an 'astroturfing' campaign waged by Baldoni's PR team. Lively's first complaint included purported screen-grabs of text messages, many of them between Nathan and Abel, allegedly showing the PR takedown being planned. She has accused him of sexually harassing her and fostering a toxic work environment on the set of It Ends With Us, claims he denies; they are pictured on the set in January One exchange, obtained by subpoena, showed Abel allegedly saying that Baldoni 'wants to feel like she [Lively] can be buried.' Nathan supposedly replied: 'Of course - but you know when we send over documents we can't send over the work we will or could do because that could get us in a lot of trouble,' adding, 'We can't write we will destroy her.' She allegedly also texted Abel: 'Imagine if a document saying all the things that he wants ends up in the wrong hands. You know we can bury anyone but I can't write that to him. I will be very tough.' In Lively's first suit, she also submitted an alleged text that Baldoni purportedly sent Abel - a screenshot of an X thread about bullying allegations against Hailey Bieber, along with the message: 'This is what we would need.' There is no suggestion that Bieber was in any way involved or associated with the alleged smear campaign against Lively. In her new lawsuit filed New Year's Eve, Lively doubles down on her claims about the all-hands meeting and the subsequent alleged smear campaign. Along with her claims of sexual harassment, Lively's first complaint accused Baldoni of 'other behaviors that were shocking and emotionally distressing.' Lively, who is married to Deadpool lead Ryan Reynolds (right) and who is close friends with pop superstar Taylor Swift, has seen former colleagues rally around her One example was her allegation that he insisted he could speak to the dead and had communicated with her late father Ernie Lively. 'It was off putting and violative for Ms. Baldoni [sic] to claim a personal relationship with her recently deceased father,' that lawsuit stated. Ernie Lively, an actor and acting coach, died of cardiac complications aged 74 in June 2021, less than two years before principal photography began on It Ends With Us. Baldoni's lawyer Bryan Freedman responded to Lively's first lawsuit by calling her claims 'false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt'. He argued that Lively's suit was a gambit to 'fix her negative reputation' after rumors spread that she had been difficult to work with during the making of the film. This included her allegedly 'threatening to not show up to set [and] threatening to not promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release,' Freedman asserted. New Year's Eve music festival revellers were left outraged after headline act American rapper Ice Spice, performed for 'less than six minutes'. Fans of the 25-year-old artist were already disappointed when she arrived on stage at Brisbane's Wildlands 25 minutes behind schedule on Tuesday night. As Ice Spice, whose real name is Isis Naija Gaston, had only been allocated a 30-minute slot for her performance, hundreds of revellers stuck around, determined to make the most of the remaining five minutes. Sporting a bright pink jacket and long, signature bright-orange wig, the international star reportedly performed two to three songs before her microphone was cut. A stagehand was seen running over to the artist before the stage was quickly cleared. Ice Spice threw her fans a peace sign and was booed from the stage as she marched from the stage. Revellers paid up to $242 to attend the festival held at Brisbane Showground after some travelled six hours to see the rapper perform. Dozens of attendees vented their anger online afterwards. American rapper Ice Spice was very late to her 30-minute set at Wildlands in Brisbane, on Tuesday night Attendees slammed the artist for being 'entitled' and 'disrespectful' of her fans and the event organisers 'She is getting paid to show up and perform, probably a lot of money, and she's late? Entitled,' one fumed. Another added: 'Genuine question: does anyone actually like Ice Spice?' A third commented: 'Can someone explain to me how/why artists are late for their sets at a festival? They're usually at the festival all day so like what makes them late?' A fourth added: 'That's embarrassing for Ice Spice, that's what you get for arriving late to the job,' another said. Other attendees commented festival organisers Untitled Group on how it handled the situation. 'Honestly iconic of the organisers to enforce the schedule and not just let her lateness make everything else run later,' one wrote. Another added: 'She's disrespectful, so good on Wildlands.' A third wrote: 'Them pulling the plug on her was iconic.' It's understood Ice Spice was similarly late for her set at the Beyond the Valley festival in Victoria on Saturday Others called for Ice Spice to be dropped from upcoming Wildlands festivals in Perth and Adelaide this weekend 'Ice Spice gonna be late for every single set in Australia lmao take her off the line-up,' one said. Another added: 'Drop her for Perth wildlands and give her spot to an Aussie artist. A third wrote: 'Tell Ice Spice to go home, Perth doesn't need her.' Organiser, Untitled Group - the same team behind the Beyond the Valley festival, had touted Wildlands as the 'very best audio and visual experience'. Other artists included Australian DJ Fisher, electronic duo Chase & Status, and German DJ Marlon Hoffstadt. It's understood Gaston was similarly late for her set at the Beyond the Valley festival in Victoria last Saturday. Organisers were forced to quickly rearrange the schedule so she could perform. Ticketholders called for Ice Spice to be dropped from upcoming Wildlands festivals in Perth on and Adelaide this weekend Untitled Group is yet to make an official statement but addressed Tuesday night's saga by responding to a disappointed reveller on Instagram. 'We understand that Ice Spice's delayed arrival caused some disappointment,' it replied. 'Managing a stacked festival means that we have to be extremely firm with set times. 'We had a strict curfew of 12.30am and needed to ensure that the final act went on stage on time, so everyone could enjoy the New Year's Eve countdown'. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Untitled Group and Ice Spice for comment. Emma Hernan and Chelsea Lazkani turned up the heat during winter while enjoying a BFF tropical getaway to The Bahamas. On Monday, the Selling Sunset stars took to their Instagram pages to show off their stunning ocean sights and incredible physiques in barely-there bikinis as they left little to the imagination. Emma, 34 who celebrated her birthday on December 29 shared sexy snaps of herself showing off her size zero body and sun kissed tan in blue string bikini with gold accents. She looked straight out of magazine, letting her wavy golden locks cascade over her shoulders as her slender frame and endless legs stole the show. The real estate agent added a touch of glam to her look with designer sunglasses, gold hoop earrings and a gold bangle bracelet. Chelsea, 31, managed to do the impossible showing off side boob, under boob and cleavage in a pomegranate slice bikini top. Emma Hernan and Chelsea Lazkani turned up the heat during winter while enjoying a BFF tropical getaway to The Bahamas On Monday, the Selling Sunset stars took to their Instagram pages to show off their stunning ocean sights and incredible physiques in barely-there bikinis as they left little to the imagination On the bottom, she wore an orange thong bikini and tied a green a sarong cover-up around her voluptuous curves. She let her curly raven locks loose and even gave fans a glimpse of her rinsing off the ocean water while munching on an apple on a yacht. The BFF's appeared to be spending time in The Bahamas for the holidays and for Emma's 34th birthday. In the comments of Chelsea's post the birthday girl wrote: 'Bday with bestie.' And underneath Emma's post, fans rushed to the comments to send that star well wishes for her special day. The highly anticipated ninth season of Selling Sunset is slate to hit the Netflix library sometime in 2025. The duo's cheeky vacation comes after their Selling Sunset co-star Nicole Young explosively claimed that Emma had an affair with an unnamed married man. Just days ago, Hernan broke her silence on the shocking rumor, telling People, 'Lies were told, but I'm focused on telling my truth in Season 9. 'I'm really looking forward to getting my truth out and being able for people to get to know me more. I'm really looking forward to getting my truth out and being able for people to get to know me more.' Emma, 34 who celebrated her birthday on December 29 shared sexy snaps of herself showing off her size zero body and sun kissed tan in blue string bikini with gold accents She looked straight out of magazine, letting her wavy golden locks cascade over her shoulders as her slender frame and endless legs stole the show Chelsea, 31, managed to do the impossible showing off side boob, under boob and cleavage in a pomegranate slice bikini top On the bottom, she wore an orange thong bikini and tied a green a sarong cover-up around her voluptuous curves She let her curly raven locks loose and even gave fans a glimpse of her rinsing off the ocean water while munching on an apple on a yacht The drama had gotten to such a point that Hernan considered leaving the realty due to the relentless controversy. But with support from fellow cast members Chelsea Lazkani and Chrishell Stause, she chose to confront the allegations publicly. They accused Done and Done Productions, the company behind Selling Sunset, of 'spreading lies for views.' In solidarity with the 33-year-old socialite, her pals on the show threatened to leave the series and slammed the production company for allegedly not giving Emma an opportunity to clear the air and respond to the affair allegations. Referring to Young, Stause said, 'Are we still giving air time to LIARS who just want air time?' In another post on social media, she added: 'I will NEVER work on a show with her on it again. I would rather be sued.' 'Disclaimer when you watch just know she spews a disgusting lie about a bestie that is categorically FALSE and SUPER damaging. It is NOT TRUE.' During the post rant, she share another message tagging Done and Done Productions, calling the company 'disgusting' for not shedding light on the other side of the story. The BFF's appeared to be spending time in The Bahamas for the holidays and for Emma's 34th birthday In the comments of Chelsea's post the birthday girl wrote: 'Bday with bestie' And underneath Emma's post, fans rushed to the comments to send that star well wishes for her special day The highly anticipated ninth season of Selling Sunset is slate to hit the Netflix library sometime in 2025 'You are disgusting for blindsiding her with this to see with the world instead of letting her at LEAST defend herself with the TRUTH,' 43-year-old actress said. Chelsea chimed, blasting the production company and branding Nicole as 'diabolical.' The 31-year-old realtor said, 'Good morning everyone except for @nicoleyoung. You are the most diabolical piece of [wastebasket emoji] I've ever met. 'You wanna start a rumor about Emma because all the rumors about you are true. Okay let's see how this works out for you. @done_and_done_productions where is your moral ground and integrity?? Spreading lies for views is so damaging.' 50 Cent had a surprising guest waiting for him backstage after his Las Vegas residency show Amanda Bynes. Bynes, 38, met the rapper after his show during a meet-and-greet at his residency at the theater PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Saturday. In fan-taken footage, she was seen flashing a big smile and throwing up a peace sign while posing for a photo with 50 Cent, born Curtis James Jackson III. She thanked him for taking a picture with her and as she walked away, he smiled at her. The former actress reportedly told the Candy Shop rapper who 'scored a $15M paycheck' for his six-date residency about a screenplay she's been working on and told him she's 'been a fan of 50 Cent for years,' per Complex. The Amanda Show star, who recently held a sold-out art show in Los Angeles, also told him she traveled to from Las Vegas just to see him perform. 50 Cent had a surprising guest waiting for him backstage after his Las Vegas residency show Amanda Bynes; pictured December 27 in Las Vegas Bynes, 38, met the rapper after his show during a meet-and-greet at his residency at the theater PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Saturday; pictured September in Los Angeles Amanda Bynes goes to 50 Cent's meet & greet in Las Vegas pic.twitter.com/drmHI33LeV SOUND | Victor Baez (@itsavibe) December 30, 2024 The weekend before Christmas, Bynes hosted an exhibit to showcase her 'latest love.' Sources told DailyMail.com that she was 'happy and relaxed' at the star-studded, sold-out art show, adding that it would take a 'minor miracle' for her to return to acting again. Bynes' show which she hosted in collaboration with fashion designer Austin Babbitt highlighted her passion for art and fashion following her graduation from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Insiders revealed that Bynes is planning on focusing all of her attention on her aspiring fashion career and has no plans to go back to acting. 'This is and was a tremendous step forward for Amanda,' the source exclusively told DailyMail.com. 'She will be going through her mental health struggles for the rest of her life but to be out and about and share with friends and fans and to be around her latest love, her art was exactly what she needed.' Previously, Bynes quit acting in 2010 and went on to have highly-publicized mental health struggles, which resulted in her being placed under a legal conservatorship overseen by her parents for nine years. The In da Club hitmaker is headlining his first Las Vegas residency in a limited capacity to celebrate the winter holidays and ring in the new year. She was seen flashing a big smile and throwing up a peace sign while posing for a photo with 50 Cent, born Curtis James Jackson III. She thanked him for taking a picture with her and as she walked away, he smiled at her; pictured August in Atlanta The Amanda Show star, who recently held a sold-out art show in Los Angeles, told him she traveled to from Las Vegas just to see him perform. The weekend before Christmas, Bynes hosted an exhibit to showcase her 'latest love': art; pictured October 2014 in New York City The In da Club hitmaker is headlining his first Las Vegas residency in a limited capacity to celebrate the winter holidays and ring in the new year; pictured July in Quebec City He announced that the residency shows would kick off after Christmas in an October statement. 'I always bring the energy, and Las Vegas is the perfect spot to create an unforgettable experience for my fans,' he said. 'We're talking big production, surprises, and the ultimate New Year's Eve party for my Vegas residency.' 50 Cent performed a string of shows on December 27, 28 and 30. He will also be hitting the stage on New Year's Eve as well as January 3 and 4 after New Year's. Following his six-night residency, he will be heading to Europe to perform in various cities including London, Paris and Glasgow. Multiple legal, policy measures take effect in China Xinhua) 14:18, January 01, 2025 BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- A set of legal and policy measures took effect in China on Wednesday as part of the country's efforts to advance high-quality development and high-standard opening up. These measures include the country's first energy law, a new regulation on data security, import tariff cuts on a large number of goods, and a free trade agreement between China and the Maldives, among others. The energy law aims to promote high-quality energy development, ensure national energy security, accelerate green transition, and support the country's efforts to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. To boost data security, the new regulation on network data security management seeks to regulate network data processing, protect the legitimate rights and interests of individuals and organizations, and safeguard national security and public interests. Wednesday also saw a reduction in import tariffs on a large number of goods, aimed at boosting imports of quality products and expanding domestic demand. Provisional import tariffs, lower than the most-favored-nation rates, will be applied to 935 commodities as part of an annual tariff adjustment plan. According to the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement, the vast majority of China's industrial exports to the Maldives, including ships, electrical equipment, and furniture, as well as agricultural products such as vegetables and fruits, will benefit. The vast majority of the Maldives' aquatic exports to China will also enjoy zero tariffs. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu) by William Benzon, with the assistance of ChatGPT Its that time again. You may have heard about it, you may even have played with it. Another AI engine has dropped! one of those black boxes that Tim Sommers talked about last week. This one is called ChatGPT and, as its name indicates, its a close relative of GPT-3, which set off shockwaves when it dropped in the summer of 2020. It was difficult for ordinary mortals to get access to GPT-3, but anyone can sign up for a free account on ChatGPT, and so I did, on December 1, the day after it dropped. Since then Ive having a lot of fun playing with it. Ive chatted with it about brass instruments, trumpets in particular, though I had to work a bit to get it to cough up information about Bud Herseth, one of the most important orchestral trumpeters of the last half-century. We had a long and engrossing exchange about Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and Gojira, the original Japanese film from 1954. I even coaxed it into writing a parody of Kubla Khan that managed to pwn [sic] Donald Trump. But I want to tell you about our conversation, if you will, about Steven Spielbergs Jaws and the ideas of the late Rene Girard. As you may recall, I published a 3QD article about subject earlier this year, Shark City Sacrifice: A Girardian Reading of Steven Spielbergs Jaws. So Im familiar with the topic. Of course, when I did my work, I started by viewing the film, several times in fact. ChatGPT didnt do that; as far as I know we dont have any AI system that could view a feature-length film and create a competent summary of the plot much less offer an interpretation of it. However, Jaws is well known and there is a great deal about it on the web, including several different scripts, though I have no idea whether or not any of those scripts were in ChatGPTs training corpus. With that in mind, pour yourself a drink and get comfortable, for this is going to take a while. What happens in Jaws? ChatGPT has been optimized for conversation. You offer a prompt, which may take any convenient form, and ChatGPT responds. While I was aiming for a Girardian reading, I decided to start with the basics: BB: Tell me about Spielbergs Jaws ChatGPT: Jaws is a 1975 American thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Peter Benchleys novel of the same name. The film is about a great white shark that terrorizes a New England beach town and the three men who set out to hunt it. Jaws was a critical and commercial success, and it is often credited with launching Spielbergs career as a major filmmaker. It also had a significant impact on the development of the summer blockbuster movie genre. The film was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won three for Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, and Best Sound. Tell me more about what happens in the film. In Jaws, the seaside town of Amity Island is suddenly terrorized by a series of shark attacks. The towns police chief, Martin Brody, becomes determined to hunt down and kill the shark, but he faces resistance from the towns mayor and a local shark hunter named Quint. Eventually, Brody teams up with Quint and a marine biologist named Hooper to track down and kill the shark. The film follows their efforts to hunt the shark, which becomes increasingly difficult as the shark proves to be a formidable adversary. The men must overcome their own personal fears and overcome the challenges posed by the shark in order to succeed in their mission. Throughout the film, the shark attacks and kills several people, including a young boy and a woman who was skinny dipping. The men eventually discover that the shark is a large great white and they set out to kill it using various methods, including using barrels to track it and using a large explosive to try to kill it. In the end, the men are able to kill the shark, but not before it takes a significant toll on the town and its inhabitants. The film concludes with the men triumphantly returning to shore as heroes, having saved the town from the terror of the great white shark. I like that, I like it a lot. I especially like that it picked up on the conflict between Brody and the mayor. However, ChatGPT stumbles at the end. While I can see why one might think the hunters used those barrels to track the shark, thats wrong. The barrels were intended to tire the shark out. Theyre attached to a line sunk into the shark and theyre empty, so they float. When the shark dives the barrels resist going under water, thus tiring the shark. (It didnt work.) But where did it get the idea that the barrels were tracking devices? If it made it up, good try. Moreover, the remaining men, Brody and Hooper, did not return triumphantly to town. As the film ends, we see Brody and Hooper swimming toward the shore. Then the end credits start rolling over a shot of a deserted beach. If you look very carefully you can see two men swimming toward shore and then standing up, beneath the end credits. There is no triumphant return. So, weve got problems. Had ChatGPT seen the movie it might have recalled the ending. As it isWell, I dont know what it did. Did it just make up an ending, perhaps because hero-quest movies often end with a triumphal return, or had it found some place on the web that made that mistake (I found such a place). Still, Im pleased with how this is going. Moving on, I decide to ask ChatGPT about Quint, who is at the center of my own interest in the film. What do we know about Quints background? In the film Jaws, Quint is a local shark hunter who is hired by the police chief, Martin Brody, to help track down and kill the great white shark that is terrorizing the town. However, very little is revealed about Quints background in the film. We do know that Quint is an experienced shark hunter and that he has a deep hatred for sharks, likely stemming from an encounter with a shark in his past. He is also shown to be a tough and skilled sailor, as well as an expert in the use of various weapons and shark-hunting techniques. Other than these details, however, very little is revealed about Quints background or personal life in the film. It is possible that the characters backstory was explored in greater detail in the novel on which the film was based, but this is not addressed in the movie itself. That last paragraph is not true. The film gives us one big incident from Quints past when, in a lull during the chase, he talks about being aboard the U. S. S. Indianapolis at the end of World War II when it was sunk in shark infested waters. I attempt to elicit that information: Was Quint ever in the Navy? There is no mention in the film Jaws or in the novel on which it is based of Quint ever serving in the Navy. In fact, very little is revealed about Quints background or personal life in the film. We do know that he is an experienced shark hunter and that he has a deep hatred for sharks, but there is no indication that he has any military experience. It is possible that the characters background and personal life were explored in greater detail in the novel, but this is not addressed in the film. Without more information, it is difficult to say whether or not Quint has any military experience. Wrong. So I gave up on that and, after more discussion about this and that, went on to discuss Girard, which Ill get to in a minute. But I want to stay with Quint for a moment. About an hour after Id finished my first Girard conversation, I decided to go back in and see if I can elicit more information about Quints background: In Spielbergs Jaws, what happened to Quint in World War II? In the movie Jaws, the character Quint tells a story about his experience in World War II, during which he was a sailor on the USS Indianapolis. The ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine and sunk, and Quint was one of only a few survivors who had to spend several days floating in the open ocean before being rescued. Its a harrowing tale, and Quints experiences during this time clearly had a profound effect on him. Bingo! Thats what I was looking for. ChatGPT had the information but, for some reason, wasnt able to access it in our original interaction. And that, by the way, seems common. Just to be sure, I asked ChatGPT to respond to the WWII prompt again In Jaws, Quint tells the story of his experience in World War II as a member of the U.S. Navy on the USS Indianapolis. He describes how the ship was sunk by a Japanese submarine and how he and a small group of survivors were stranded in the ocean for four days without food or water. They were eventually rescued, but only 316 of the original 1,196 crew members survived. Quint explains that the experience has left him with a deep hatred for sharks. and again: In the movie Jaws, it is revealed that Quint was a survivor of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis during World War II. He and a handful of other sailors were stranded in the ocean for five days before being rescued, during which time they were attacked by sharks. This traumatic experience left a lasting impact on Quint, who became obsessed with hunting sharks as a result. Notice that it offers up slightly different information each time. * * * * * Now were going shift gears. Up to this point I gave ChatGPT a prompt which may have been broad (the whole movie) or narrow (Quint in World War II) and asked it for relevant information. Whether broad or narrow, its one body of information. Im going to ask ChatGPT to apply one body of conceptual material, the theories of Rene Girard, and apply it to a different body, the events of Jaws. Now were dealing with two dissimilar bodies of conceptual material and asking for links between them. This, I believe, and could argue though not here, is a more complex process that what weve already seen. Mimetic Desire in Jaws Lets turn to the ideas of Rene Girard. Would ChatGPT have even the foggiest idea about how to produce an interpretive reading of a film, specifically, a Girardian reading of Jaws? I didnt know. I began by asking: What would a thinker like Rene Girard say about Jaws? ChatGPT offered a reasonable answer, but I want to skip over that here. Im not trying to hide anything. Rather, I just want to bring this article home in well less than 5000 words. So I cant report and comment on everything that transpired. I took a different approach: What is mimetic desire? Mimetic desire is a concept developed by the French philosopher and literary theorist Rene Girard. It refers to the idea that human desire is often based on the desire of others. In other words, people often desire things because they see others desiring them, and they believe that by obtaining those things they will be able to achieve the same level of satisfaction and fulfillment that the other person appears to have. Girard argued that this dynamic is at the heart of many conflicts and social tensions, as people compete with each other for the same objects of desire and become jealous and envious of each others possessions and achievements. He also believed that mimetic desire can be dangerous and destructive, as it can lead people to pursue their desires to the point of obsession, causing harm to themselves and others in the process. Girards concept of mimetic desire has been influential in a number of fields, including philosophy, anthropology, and literary theory. It has been used to explain a wide range of phenomena, from the dynamics of social groups and the origins of violence, to the role of desire in art and literature. Thats a reasonable short answer. So then: How does mimetic desire work in Jaws? Mimetic desire is a concept developed by the French philosopher and literary theorist Rene Girard. It refers to the idea that human desire is often based on the desire of others, and it can be seen at work in the film Jaws in a number of ways. One example of mimetic desire in the film is the way that the townspeople of Amity Island desire the safety and security that the towns police chief, Martin Brody, is able to provide. When the town is terrorized by a great white shark, the townspeople look to Brody to protect them and to find a way to stop the shark. This desire for protection and security is mimetic, as the townspeople are basing their desire on Brodys ability to provide it. Another example of mimetic desire in the film is the way that the shark itself is driven by its own insatiable hunger and desire. The shark is driven to attack and kill the townspeople because it desires their flesh and blood, and it is unable to control its own desire. This mimetic desire ultimately leads to the sharks own destruction, as it is killed by the towns police chief in a final confrontation. Overall, Girards concept of mimetic desire can be seen as a useful way of understanding the dynamics at play in the film Jaws, and the ways in which desire can be both destructive and transformative. Thats reasonable, sorta. However, the sharks desire is not mimetic on the evidence offered. The shark may desire flesh and blood, and its desire may be uncontrollable, but theres no imitation there. Theres just desire. And, for that matter, its account of the townspeople needs adjusting as well. One of the townspeople (a woman whose son had been killed) had offered a reward to whomever kills the shark. People were competing with one another, that is, imitating one another, for that reward. And, once a shark but not THE shark had been killed, people scrambled to get in the photograph (I was in on the kill) that was going to be published in the paper. ChatGPT was looking in the right place for mimesis, but didnt get the connections right. But how did it know where to look, and just what do we mean by place in this context? Presumably its some kind of region in the very high-dimensional space of ChatGPTs language model. But this is not the place for that kind of discussion. Sacrifice in Jaws Girards account of sacrifice is closely related to his theory of mimetic desire. I asked ChatGPT about that: What is Rene Girards theory of sacrifice? Rene Girard was a French philosopher and literary critic who developed a theory of human behavior and culture based on the concept of desire and mimetic rivalry. According to Girard, human desire is not self-generated, but rather is a product of imitation, or mimetic desire. We desire things because we see others desiring them. This mimetic desire can lead to rivalry and conflict between individuals or groups, which in turn can lead to violence and other destructive behaviors. In Girards view, sacrifice is a way for a community to resolve this mimetic rivalry and restore social order. The community selects a victim, often through some form of ritual, and directs its collective violence toward that victim, who is then sacrificed. This sacrifice serves as a release valve for the communitys pent-up tensions, allowing them to move on and return to a state of social harmony. Girards theory of sacrifice has been influential in a number of fields, including anthropology, sociology, and religious studies. Critics of Girards theory have pointed out that it is based on a narrow and potentially overly simplistic view of human behavior, and that it may be difficult to apply to all societies and cultures. However, many scholars have found his ideas to be thought-provoking and illuminating. Can you apply Girards theory of sacrifice to Steven Spielbergs Jaws. Girards theory of sacrifice could potentially be applied to the 1975 film Jaws by Steven Spielberg. In the film, a small town is terrorized by a great white shark that is attacking and killing people in the waters off the town. The townspeople, who are initially in denial about the sharks existence, eventually come to see it as a threat that must be dealt with. According to Girards theory, the shark could be seen as a scapegoat, or a victim that is selected by the community and sacrificed in order to restore social order. In the film, the shark is eventually hunted down and killed by the towns police chief, who becomes a hero for his actions. This act of killing the shark could be seen as a sacrifice that allows the town to return to a state of peace and harmony. However, it is worth noting that Girards theory is not without its critics, and some may argue that it is not applicable to the film Jaws in this way. The theory is based on a particular view of human behavior and culture, and it may not be appropriate to apply it to all situations or contexts. Ultimately, the applicability of Girards theory to Jaws would depend on how one interprets the events of the film and the motivations of the characters. Thats an entirely reasonable approach to the film. If you look at the films Wikipedia page youll see that a lot of attention has been given to the shark: what does it represent or symbolize? Its thus the natural focus of a sacrificial reading, not to mention the fact that animal sacrifice has been a common practice at various times and place, and still is. But one could also argue that Quint was the sacrificial victim, though its a more subtle and demanding argument. Thats what I argued in my article. Rather than trying to lead ChatGPT to that argument by a series of Socratically devious questions, it decided to head straight at it: What about Quint? Could you argue that Quint is a sacrificial victim? If so, how? In the 1975 film Jaws by Steven Spielberg, the character of Quint could potentially be seen as a sacrificial victim in the context of Rene Girards theory of sacrifice. According to this theory, sacrifice involves the selection of a victim by a community, who then directs their collective violence toward that victim in order to restore social order. In the case of Jaws, Quint could be seen as a sacrificial victim because he is selected by the community (represented by the other main characters in the film, Chief Brody and Matt Hooper) to help them hunt and kill the shark that is terrorizing their town. Quint, as a professional shark hunter, is seen as the best person for the job, and he willingly agrees to help. However, in the process of hunting the shark, Quint ultimately meets his demise. He is killed by the shark, and his death could be seen as a sacrifice that allows the town to move on and return to a state of peace and harmony. In this way, Quints character could be interpreted as a sacrificial victim within the framework of Girards theory. Again, it is worth noting that Girards theory is not without its critics, and some may argue that it is not applicable to the film Jaws in this way. The theory is based on a particular view of human behavior and culture, and it may not be appropriate to apply it to all situations or contexts. Ultimately, the applicability of Girards theory to Jaws and the character of Quint would depend on how one interprets the events of the film and the motivations of the characters. OK. First, notice the formulaic nature of that last paragraph, which is very like the final paragraph in its previous reply, about the shark as sacrificial victim. The initial paragraphs in each reply are also somewhat formulaic. As for the substance of its argument, its much the same as in the case of the shark: SHARK: This act of killing the shark could be seen as a sacrifice that allows the town to return to a state of peace and harmony. QUINT: He is killed by the shark, and his death could be seen as a sacrifice that allows the town to move on and return to a state of peace and harmony. Formulaic, yes. But theyre in the right region of conceptual space. Now, if only we knew how to map this conceptual space more accurately. Whats This Tell us about the Relative Capabilities of Humans and Computers? In an exact way? Very little to nothing. This isnt a question we know how to address with exactitude. Im afraid the best I can do is to offer a sophisticated, but (merely) qualitative, judgment. I was impressed with ChatGPTs capabilities. Interacting with it was fun, so much fun that at times I was giggling and laughing out loud. But whether or not this is a harbinger of the much-touted Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), much less a warning of impending doom at the hands of an All-Knowing, All-Powerful Superintelligence are you kidding? Nothing like that, nothing at all. A useful assistant for a variety of tasks, I can see that, and relatively soon. Maybe even a bit more than an assistant. But thats as far as I can see. We can compare what ChatGPT did in response to my prompting with what I did unprompted, freely and of my own volition. Theres nothing its replies that approaches my article, Shark City Sacrifice, nor the various blog posts I wrote about the film. Thats important. I was neither expecting, much less hoping, that ChatGPT would act like a full-on AGI. No, I have something else in mind. Whats got my attention is what I had to do to write the article. In the first place I had to watch the film and make sense of it. As Ive already indicated, have no artificial system with the required capabilities, visual, auditory, and cognitive. I watched the film several times in order to be sure of the details. I also consulted scripts I found on the internet. I also watched Jaws 2 more than once. Why did I do that? Theres curiosity and general principle. But theres also the fact that the Wikipedia article for Jaws asserted that none of the three sequels were as good as the original. I had to watch the others to see for myself though I was unable to finish watching either of that last two. At this point I was on the prowl, though I hadnt yet decided to write anything. I now asked myself why the original was so much better than the first sequel, which was at least watchable. I came up with two things: 1) the original film was well-organized and tight while the sequel sprawled, and 2) Quint, there was no character in the sequel comparable to Quint. Why did Quint die? Oh, I know what happened in the film; thats not what I was asking. The question was an aesthetic one. As long as the shark was killed the town would be saved. That necessity did not entail the Quints death, nor anyone elses. If Quint hadnt died, how would the ending have felt? What if it had been Brody or Hooper? It was while thinking about such questions that it hit me: sacrifice! Girard! How is it that Girards ideas came to me. I wasnt looking for them, not in any direct sense. I was just asking counter-factual questions about the film. Whatever. Once Girard was on my mind I smelled blood, that is, the possibility of writing an interesting article. I started reading, making notes, and corresponding with my friend, David Porush, who knows Girards thinking much better than I do. Can I make a nice tight article? Thats what I was trying to figure out. I was only after Id made some preliminary posts, drafted some text, and run it by David that I decided to go for it. The article turned out well enough that I decided to publish it. And so I did. Its one thing to figure out whether or not such and such a text/film exhibits such and such pattern when you are given the text and the pattern. Thats what ChatGPT did. Since I had already made the connection between Girard and Jaws it didnt have to do that. I was just prompting ChatGPT to verify the connection, which it did (albeit in a weak way). Thats the kind of task we set for high school students and lower division college students. Did I just write that? Did I imply that ChatGPTs performance is comparable to that of high school students. Lordy, lordy! Im going to catch hell for that! It aint so! It aint so!! No matter. I dont really think that ChatGPT is operating at a high school level in this context. Nor do I NOT think that. I dont know quite what to think. And Im happy with that. The deeper point is that there is a world of difference between what ChatGPT was doing when I piloted it into Jaws and Girard and what I eventually did when I watched Jaws and decided to look around to see what I could see. How is it that, in that process, Girard came to me? I wasnt looking for Girard. I wasnt looking for anything in particular. How do we teach a computer to look around for nothing in particular and come up with something interesting? Angelina Jolie is reportedly optimistic that Brad Pitt will now refrain from 'attacking her' following the conclusion of their grueling eight-year divorce battle. 'Angelina hopes the finalization of their divorce will enable him to move on, stop attacking her, and instead help heal their family,' a source told People on Tuesday, a day after the former Hollywood power couple settled their contentious legal dispute. The insider continued, 'Brad has successfully used his power and his privilege to cover up his conduct at his familys expense, to punish Angelina for leaving, and even to attempt to paint her as the reason why his relationship is so challenging with the children.' Jolie, 49, and Pitt, 61, share six children: three biologicalShiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16and three adoptedMaddox, 23, Pax, 21, and Zahara, 19. Another source close to Jolie described the divorce process as a nightmare for her and her family. 'These last eight years have been such a horrendous time for her and her family,' a different source told the outlet. Angelina Jolie is reportedly optimistic that Brad Pitt will now refrain from 'attacking her' following the conclusion of their grueling eight-year divorce battle; (seen in December) 'Angelina hopes the finalization of their divorce will enable him to move on, stop attacking her, and instead help heal their family,' a source told People on Tuesday; (seen in September) A source close to Pitt, however, pushed back on Jolies claims, telling People, 'Jolie has engaged in one-sided attacks for the past eight years, including a never-ending distortion of facts and projecting their own behavior onto others, causing tremendous collateral damage to those in and around the family.' On Monday, Pitt and Jolie officially settled their divorce, bringing an end to a contentious legal fight that lasted over eight years. However, one major sticking point remains unresolvedtheir $62 million dispute over the French chateau and vineyard they once co-owned. The former couple, famously known as 'Brangelina,' signed off on their divorce paperwork this week. Jolies attorney, James Simon, told DailyMail.com that the actress is relieved to have closed this chapter. 'Frankly, Angelina is exhausted,' Simon said. 'More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time, she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family,' he added. Following the split, Zahara, Shiloh, and Vivienne have reportedly dropped Pitt from their last name. The insider continued, 'Brad has successfully used his power and his privilege to cover up his conduct at his familys expense, to punish Angelina for leaving, and even to attempt to paint her as the reason why his relationship is so challenging with the children'; (Jolie and Pitt in 2009) A source close to Pitt, however, pushed back on Jolies claims, telling People, 'Jolie has engaged in one-sided attacks for the past eight years, including a never-ending distortion of facts and projecting their own behavior onto others, causing tremendous collateral damage to those in and around the family'; (seen in September) Now that his divorce from Angelina Jolie is finally behind him , Brad Pitt is reportedly happier than ever with girlfriend Ines de Ramonbut wedding bells arent in their immediate future; (Ines and Brad in September) While its believed that Knox and Vivienne still maintain some contact with their father, Maddox and Pax are said to be estranged. Although their divorce has been finalized, the legal battle over Chateau Miraval, a celebrated French wine estate, remains contentious. Pitt has accused Jolie of selling her stake in the winery to the Stoli Group, known for its Stolichnaya vodka, without his consent. Despite progress in their divorce proceedings, the vineyard dispute shows no signs of resolution. Sources told DailyMail.com that both parties are prepared to take the matter to a jury trial or pursue mediation if necessary. Troubled The Block star Suzi Taylor has shared a heartbreaking confession in her final social media post for 2024. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the former reality star, 52, revealing that she is still estranged from her three children Bella, 20, Zac, 18, and Alex, 16, following 'years' of legal woes. Posting a selfie to her followers, Suzi shared that the past few yers, which have seen her mired in legal woes, had taught her a 'heartbreaking lesson.' 'The past few years have been filled with heartbreak- losing loved ones, the absence of my children in my life,' she began the expansive post. She claimed family members had cut ties with her due to exaggerated media reports without 'ever seeking to understand the truth.' 'This experience has been a heartbreaking lesson in the meaning of family and unconditional love,' she wrote. Troubled The Block star Suzi Taylor has shared a heartbreaking confession in her final social media post for 2024 The candid post continued with Suzi admitting that the situation had forced her to redefine what family is. 'Even in the midst of such profound loss and isolation, I have found resilience. I have learned that family isn't always defined by blood; it can be the unexpected souls who step in during our darkest moments,' Suzi said. Finishing the expansive post, Suzi said that she was hopeful for a more positive 2025. 'As we enter 2025, I carry with me the lessons of the past and the hope for brighter days ahead,' she said. 'Here's to healing, new connections, and redefining what family means. May this year bring us all the strength to embrace the love that truly matters. #newbeginnings' The reality star also shared a sweet tribute to her three estranged children prior to her frank admission. Taking to Instagram to share a photo of the Sydney New Years Eve fireworks, Suzi told her children that her love for them was unconditional. 'Early fireworks for all the children,' she began. 'My three angels remain my guiding light. I carry them with me every day of my life.' Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the former reality star revealing that she is still estranged from her three children Bella, 20, Zac, 18, and Alex, 16 'The past few years have been filled with heartbreak- losing loved ones, the absence of my children in my life, and the harsh reality of family and friends who have turned their backs at a time when I needed them the most,' she began the expansive post 'Here's to healing, new connections, and redefining what family means. May this year bring us all the strength to embrace the love that truly matters. #newbeginnings' 'Happy New Year, my darlings. Not a day goes by that I don't miss you. My love for you is forever.' Taylor was arrested in August after she was allegedly caught with methylamphetamine at Southport on the Gold Coast. Police also alleged the former star was driving a vehicle without a licence and ignored police requests to stop on Stapylton Jacobs Well Road a day before. The former Penthouse Pet was charged with breaching a bail undertaking she signed on August 1 when released from custody on separate drug trafficking charges. Taylor's latest charges include evasion offence at night, possessing dangerous drugs, breaching bail, unlicensed driving as a repeat offender, and failing to stop on a red traffic arrow or stop line. The arrest came a fortnight after Taylor was released on bail for alleged drug trafficking and other offences. Police alleged she trafficked heroin, MDMA, meth and marijuana between March 24 and July 13. Taylor was also charged with possession of drugs, possession of firearms and more than $55,000 said to be the proceeds of trafficking. Taking to Instagram to share a photo of the Sydney New Years Eve fireworks, Suzi later told her children that her love for them was unconditional Her defence lawyer Michael Gatenby told the bail hearing on August 1 that there was little evidence linking Taylor to the alleged trafficking or firearms and other items allegedly found in her storage shed. He added that the $55,000 Taylor was allegedly found with could be linked to her career as a 'high-class escort'. 'There are links to celebrities and the like that are alleged to be clients of Ms Taylor, so that's not a controversial proposition,' he told the court at the time. The troubled former reality TV star has been in and out of the courts on various petty offences over the years. In April 2021, Suzi stood trial on charges of extortion, deprivation of liberty, assault occasioning bodily harm, fraud and attempted fraud stemming from an alleged escort date gone wrong. Police had alleged Suzi and another man, Ali Ebrahimi, had tied up and assaulted a man who had got in touch with Suzi through a dating app. The pair were found not guilty on all charges. A month later, Suzi was convicted but not further punished on charges, including possessing small amounts of cocaine and marijuana, drink driving, trespassing and multiple breaches of bail. Suzi rose to fame as part of the 'Single Mums' renovating team on The Blockin 2015. Her wild antics, including an infamous topless dance on a boat in Melbourne, made her one of the show's most controversial stars In May 2019, she pleaded guilty to fraud and theft charges, after she was caught using a stolen credit card to buy alcohol. The mother-of-three was filmed buying booze at a bottle shop on May 2 using a credit card she'd stolen from a patient recovering at Mater Hospital. She spent more than $500 on seven separate transactions, including $400 on alcohol. A week later, Suzi was also identified on CCTV by staff at Brisbane's Westin Hotel taking a mobile phone and laptop from a guest at their bar. Police located the stolen items at her home on May 10, and she was given a notice to appear in court where she was issued a $2,500 fine. Suzi rose to fame as part of the 'Single Mums' renovating team on The Block alongside her then-BFF Yvonne 'Voni' Cosier in 2015. Even though the pair placed last on the show, they still walked away with a $349,000 profit. Her wild antics, including an infamous topless dance on a boat in Melbourne, made her one of the show's most controversial stars. Adrian 'Mr Lambo' Portelli kicked off his New Year with a sweat as he stripped down for a heated session in a sauna. The billionaire businessman, 35, flaunted his toned abs and numerous tattoos as he snapped a selfie for Instagram while giving a thumbs up to the camera. He captioned the image with some life advice for his 447,000 followers as they head into 2025. 'This game is exhausting. Sometimes I wish I could just be content, but if I were, I'd never be in the position I am today,' Adrian wrote. 'So, suck it up and let's get back to work. The only person you should be competing with is yourself from last year.' The remarks from his lavish sauna come after Adrian boasted about his notoriety and lavish lifestyle in a Gangsta's Paradise video. Adrian 'Mr Lambo' Portelli, 35, kicked off his New Year with a sweat as he stripped down for a heated session in a sauna as he offered his fans some sage advice The Block billionaire, who was never far from the headlines in 2024, shared a video montage of his 'controversial' year to Instagram. The post, which was set to the strains of the '90s Coolio hit Gangsta's Paradise, opened with a raft of TV news reports mentioning Adrian. The reports were referencing charges that were laid against him in early December over the conduct of his private membership business LMCT+. The sobering images were then juxtaposed with shots of Adrian, who has an estimated net worth of more than $1billion, enjoying his very lavish lifestyle. In scenes reminiscent of a rap video, Adrian could also be seen popping bottles and hosting lavish parties. His penchant for the finer things in life was also made abundantly clear, with Adrian hopping from a private jet to supercars and luxury yachts. Captioning the boastful post, Adrian hit back at his critics. 'The more you win, the more people wanna take a shot. I say bring it on 2024,' he wrote. The billionaire businessman flaunted his toned abs and numerous tattoos as he snapped a selfie for Instagram while giving a thumbs up to the camera It's certainly been a red letter year for Adrianfor better and worse. Back in November, the man dubbed 'Mr Lambo' snapped up all five renovated properties from The Block's 20th season. He dropped a record-breaking $15.3million to secure the Phillip Island properties which his company LMCT+ later raffled off. He announced the lucky winner of the massive giveaway last month after it was marred by technology issues which forced him to postpone the announcement. In December, Adrian also gave away $150,000 worth of Coles vouchers to 1000 Sydneysiders. He also signalled some big moves in 2025, revealing plans to build a new hospital in the Western Sydney city of Penrith. He said the hospital is being built for 'high physical needs patients' because there is a 'shortage' of medical assistance in the area for people in need. Meanwhile, Adrian hit the headlines In December after being charged over the conduct of his private membership business LMCT+. 'This game is exhausting. Sometimes I wish I could just be content, but if I were, I'd never be in the position I am today. So, suck it up and let's get back to work,' Adrian said. Pictured with his newborn son Mercy South Australia's Consumer and Business Services launched an investigation into the operations of the Melbourne businessman's membership business in September 2023. Just one day after the Coles giveaway, the SA government department confirmed it was prosecuting Adrian and Xclusive Tech Pty Ltd, which trades as LMCT+. Adrian personally faces nine counts of conducting/assisting in the conduct of an unlawful lottery, and the company faces ten counts of the same charge, the courts confirmed. If convicted on all charges, he could face a maximum penalty of $190,000. The first mention of the case is scheduled for January 15 in the South Australian Magistrates Court. He has been accused by anti-gambling advocates of preying on low-income Aussies who pay up to $100 a month for lottery draws. But the company says it is simply a 'membership reward service' that generates millions of dollars for local businesses. It has more than 300,000 customers who pay a subscription fee, with options ranging from $20 to a $100 a month. Subscribers get discounts from partners such as Amazon, Temple & Webster and Elite Supplementsalthough the website only releases the details to people who sign up. The main attraction is the company's monthly lottery draws for cash, cars and homes. The last draw, on November 24, resulted in $1million going to one subscriber. A bizarre twist has occurred following the shocking disappearance of Olivia Molly Roger's ex-husband Justin McKeone, after he allegedly stole $481,490 from his employer. The Melbourne finance executive, 37, vanished in November just before he was due to appear in the Supreme Court of Victoria on December 5. Court documents later revealed he currently resides in Scarborough, north-east of Perth and he's now expecting a baby with Bachelor star girlfriend Tahnee Leeson. McKeone and Leeson announced the shocking news to Instagram on Wednesday, just days after his whereabouts in Scarborough were revealed by the court. The couple appeared to be glowing with happiness in the reel of pictures, despite the recent accusations McKeone stole almost $500,000 from his last employer. In the images, Leeson flaunted her growing baby bump in a sheer white two-piece as she posed for a photoshoot on the beach with McKeone. A bizarre twist has occurred in the shocking disappearance of Olivia Molly Roger's ex-husband Justin McKeone, 37, after he allegedly stole $481,490 from his employer. Both pictured Meanwhile, McKeone opted for a more covered-up look, slipping on a white button-down and blue jeans as he snapped the loved up pregnancy photos with Leeson. 'Starting the new year with the most exciting news to date. Cannot believe how much we love you already. So grateful you chose us,' Leeson captioned the post. McKeone commented beneath it from his newly private Instagram account, writing: 'You're going to be an amazing mum! I cannot wait.' The pregnancy comes as McKeone recently disappeared amid claims he stole thousands working as a financial manager at a Melbourne firm. He vanished in November, sparking concerns for his safety at the time. According to court documents, he is alleged to have stolen $481,490.33 from his employer during his five-month tenure as Head of Finance at Rocket Brands (Cozmic Sales Pty Ltd). McKeone was due to appear in the Supreme Court of Victoria on December 5 to respond to a civil application to place a freezing order on his assets, but failed to appear. The court heard McKeone had not made contact with his lawyers since November 11 when he was contacted by lawyers acting for his former employer. The finance executive vanished in November just before he was due to appear in the Supreme Court of Victoria on December 5, but has now reappeared with a pregnant girlfriend (left) McKeone has not responded publicly to the allegations, with a new Instagram account set to private. Daily Mail Australia can reveal McKeone packed his bags and travelled across the country to his home state of Western Australia. Court documents state he now resides in Scarborough, north-east of Perth. He has also engaged Melbourne powerhouse legal firm Galbally & O'Bryan, the same firm representing the man accused of murdering Ballarat mum Samantha Murphy. McKeone and Leeson have had an on-again-off-again relationship since his split with Rogers. She denied getting back together with McKeone when questioned about it in July, telling reporters she was 'just friends' with him. However, the couple appeared to be smitten in photos posted by Leeson to her Instagram page at the time. In them, McKeon appeared to be fit, healthy and happy, although it remains unclear exactly when they were taken. Bachelor star girlfriend Tahnee Leeson announced the shocking news to Instagram on Wednesday, just days after McKeone's whereabouts were revealed by the court The move by McKeone to engage the legal firm followed a court decision to slap a freezing order on his assets after he failed to appear in court. The court heard McKeone needed to be contacted via social media or email in a bid to offer him an opportunity at arguing his case. The court had already ordered a freeze on McKeone's assets totalling the amount Rocket Brands claimed he stole between May 23 and October 6. That order was due to expire weeks ago, but was extended in McKeone's absence. The court heard McKeone, who once rubbed shoulders with Melbourne's high society, had limited access to $800 a week for living costs and $10,000 to pay any legal expenses. McKeone joined Rocket Brands in March this year on a $200,000 annual salary. But just weeks into his probationary period, staff reportedly raised concerns about his erratic behaviour. Evidence given in court alleges Rocket Brands director Matthew Holmes was told by other employees that McKeone was 'sleeping in the work toilets for up to four hours a day', taking excessively long lunch breaks, and frequently leaving the office without completing his duties. Further evidence provided in court alleges McKeone admitted to the theft when confronted by Holmes in mid-October, as seen in court documents obtained by Daily Mail Australia. The couple appeared to be glowing with happiness in the reel of pictures, despite recent accusations McKeone stole almost $500,000 from his last employer During the meeting, evidence given in court says McKeone allegedly confessed he embezzled the money to fund 'a very serious drug habit' and told Holmes he would 'do his best' to repay the business. During last month's hearing, barrister Kieren Hickie, for Rocket Brands, called on the court to extend the freezing order to any international assets McKeone might have hidden abroad. The court heard McKeone had failed to comply with a 'disclosure notification' that was due in on November 24 despite assurances he would engage a lawyer to act on his behalf. Rocket Brands asked Justice Peter Gray to make an interlocutory judgmenta non-final judgment that resolves an element of a claim or another issue without deciding the full caseawarding it restitution for the full amount and its legal costs. 'My client does seek to proceed by seeking interlocutory judgment be entered against the defendant with damages to be assessed,' Mr Hickie said. The company also asked that its legal costs be borne by McKeonea request that was later granted. 'We are here today, plainly the defendant is in default of filing any appearance. It would be the just, timely and cost efficient resolution of this dispute that interlocutory judgment be entered,' Mr Hickie said. Court documents allege McKeone disguised 114 unauthorised transactions as legitimate supplier payments, funnelling company money into his personal bank account to allegedly fund a drug addiction. In the images, Leeson flaunted her growing baby bump in a sheer white two-piece as she posed for a photoshoot on the beach with McKeone Meanwhile, McKeone opted for a more covered-up look, slipping on a white button-down and blue jeans as he snapped the loved up pregnancy photos with Leeson According to court filings, McKeone allegedly used his exclusive access to Rocket's financial systems to approve and process the payments. The affidavit alleges McKeone manipulated invoices to reflect payments to suppliers like 'Storage King' and 'Net Focus IT' while redirecting funds into his own Westpac account. Screenshots submitted to the court allegedly show McKeone editing and approving these allegedly fraudulent transactions using the Xero software program. Holmes told the court he had not authorised any of those payments. The alleged embezzlement was reportedly hidden in Rocket's financial statements under the guise of 'historical adjustments' totalling $310,878, further complicating the company's efforts to identify the missing funds. Holmes reported the alleged theft to Victoria Police on October 14. Detectives from the Yarra Crime Investigation Unit interviewed McKeone on November 6, but no criminal charges have yet been laid as the investigation continues. In the civil law case, Rocket Brands is seeking full restitution and has accused McKeone of breaching his duties as a senior manager. The company has described his alleged actions in court documents as calculated and damaging, claiming the alleged theft has caused significant financial losses. The court filing states McKeone's actions were allegedly a 'gross breach of trust' and that the company is 'not in a position to accept [his] representation' that he has no money left in his accounts. Olivia Molly Rogers, 32, who divorced from McKeone last year, has not commented on the legal case. Justice Gray extended the freezing order to April next year, with the matter now expected to go to trial. Jessica Alves ensured all eyes would be on her as she celebrated New Year's Eve at Komplexo Tempo Nightclub in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Tuesday evening. The TV personality, 41, showed off her surgically enhanced assets in a silver dress which boasted a semi-sheer bust, a backless design, a sequin embellishment, and a fringed hem. She further accessorised her ensemble with silver diamond drop earrings and wore a few diamond bracelets to match. The blonde beauty styled her blonde locks straight and wore a glamorous palette of makeup to ring in the new year. To finish her look, Jessica opted for adding inches to her frame with a pair of gold open-toe pointed heels. The TV star has 2220cc implants in her bottom and has said spending 1million in over 100 operations is all worth it as it's an 'investment in my happiness'. Jessica Alves ensured all eyes would be on her as she celebrated New Year's Eve at Komplexo Tempo Nightclub in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Tuesday evening The TV personality, 41, showed off her surgically enhanced assets in the dress which boasted a semi-sheer bust, a backless design, a silver sequin embellishment, and a fringe hem In October, Jessica travelled to Turkey to have her filler dissolved in the hopes of achieving a more natural look. She then warned younger generations that the procedure does not prevent ageing and she believes it makes people look older. Jessica told MailOnline: 'Most of us women who started doing fillers on the face 20 years ago are all dissolving it.' 'These facial fillers, this hyaluronic acid does not make us look younger, in fact, it makes us look older. It gives us a round puffy face.' 'All these women are the same age as me, Kim Kardashian is 44, Christina Aguilera, we are all the same age range and we are from the era where 20 years ago we started injecting ourselves for anti-ageing prevention.' 'But what it does is that with time it makes our face puffy and it deforms our face.' Jessica revealed that she went to a retreat in Turkey to see a plastic surgeon to have her fillers dissolved. But the next day, the trans TV star said she had to get a ponytail facelift - a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that tightens the skin in the face and neck and uses staples in the hairline. She further accessorised her stylish ensemble with silver diamond drop earrings and wore a few diamond bracelets to match The blonde beauty styled her luscious blonde locks straight and wore a glamorous palette of makeup to ring in the new year To finish her sizzling look, Jessica opted for adding inches to her frame with a pair of gold open-toe pointed heels Jessica appeared in high spirits as she beamed for the cameras when the clock struck midnight Jessica said she is now 'super happy' after the work done by Cagdas Orman at Trioclinic and does not intend to have any more cosmetic surgery in the future. This is not the first time Jessica has flown to Turkey. Earlier this year she arrived in Turkey for her latest round of surgery - a 15,000 face, lip and neck lift on February, 7. The former Celebrity Big Brother star said she spends more than 10,000 a month on Botox, fillers and various other beauty procedures in a bid to have a youthful appearance. 'I spend 10,000 a month alone in face and body procedures to delay my natural ageing process...' 'I find myself on a daily basis every week at a different clinic in London that has the latest therapies to improve my skin and to reverse my natural ageing process and, as much as all those procedures work, they arent permanent', she told MailOnline. Amanda Holden's daughter Lexi appeared to debut her new boyfriend as she posed a very cosy snap withn him on New Year's Eve. Lexi, 18, who is the Britain's Got Talent judge's eldest child, rang in the New Year with her mother, father Chris and younger sister Hollie in Scotland. Amanda shared snaps of the family posing in front of a Christmas tree along with one of Lexi with her arms around a boy dressed in a black blazer and kilt. Lexi wowed in a glamorous red satin strappy gown which she teamed with a matching glittering handbag. Meanwhile, Amanda looked incredible in a stunning white satin gown which boasted a huge bow on the front. Amanda Holden's daughter Lexi appeared to debut her new boyfriend as she posed a very cosy snap withn him on New Year's Eve Lexi, who is the Britain's Got Talent judge's eldest child, rang in the New Year with her mother, father Chris and younger sister Hollie in Scotland The Heart radio presenter added a stylish fur shawl and elevated her frame in a pair of towering heels as she sipped on a glass of champagne while posing in front of a lavish Christmas tree. Her husband Chris cut a dapper figure in a black blazer and bow tie which he paired with a kilt and white knee high socks. Amanda was also joined by former Formula One driver David Coulthard as they posed for a group picture with friends. Amanda penned: 'Happy #hogmanay May 2025 bring you joy and love. X'. It comes after Amanda proudly revealed Lexi passed her A-Levels, landing her a spot at her first choice of university. Amanda made sure to take the teenager out for a celebratory meal when it emerged that she had been successful in her exams. She wrote on Instagram: 'Congratulations to our @lexi.hughes__ we couldn't be prouder. All the grades and 1st choice uni what a bl**dy relief.' The former Wild At Heart actress - who has been married to Chris Hughes since 2008 and also has Hollie, 12, with him - also shared a photo of an emotional Lexi in front of a cake that read 'Lexi congratulations' and 'OMG I did it!'. Amanda was also joined by former Formula One driver David Coulthard as they posed for a group picture with friends Earlier this year, Lexi was suddenly rushed to hospital after contracting E.coli. While discussing the warning signs to look out for amid the latest outbreak, Amanda revealed to The Sun that her daughter Lexi had been suffering from bloating and stomach cramps. She said: 'For about three weeks, Lexi had been complaining of bloating and stomach cramps.' 'She was not happy at all and in quite a lot of pain with her tummy.' 'It was around the time of revision and her A-levels, so I was just putting this down to exam stress.' However, Amanda admitted that after taking her daughter to her GP, who insisted on her doing some blood and stool samples, the results came back as a bacterial infection. The star then revealed that while she was filming in Spain, she began to get calls from various government officials asking her to fill out several forms about where her daughter might have eaten and what kind of food they had stored in their home. Stating that the cultures come back, Amanda revealed that Lexi has VTEC E. coli, which is a very harmful strain of bacteria thats very rare in humans. It comes after Lexi made her catwalk debut at London Fashion Week in September - walking for Tran Hung's show Amanda recently revealed Lexi passed her A-Levels, landing her a spot at her first choice of university The HeartFM host also told how perplexed she was by the news as she couldn't work out how her daughter came down with the bacterial infection. She admitted that she even had her rabbits and cat checked after the doctor asked if she lived on a farm or had any livestock, as the infection is usually affiliated with farmers. The star also confessed that the antibiotics her daughter was given didn't seem to be working and claimed her doctor called her saying 'I don't want to alarm you' before telling her Lexi's bloods were 'through the roof' and she was in danger of 'contracting sepsis'. The mother-of-two claimed that hearing the word sepsis was 'terrifying' to say the least. Pete Doherty has insisted he 'didn't kill' aspiring actor Mark Blanco the night he fell to his death from a balcony. Mark, 30, fell from a property in Whitechapel, East London, where the Libertines frontman, 45, had been attending a party in December 2006. Rock star Pete has previously denied any knowledge of how Mark died but admitted to running away from the scene to avoid a run in with the police over drug possession. And speaking to Kirsty Young on BBC Radio 4's Young Again show on Tuesday, Pete insisted he 'didn't kill' the actor and shared his frustration at people who weren't there disputing the facts of the night. 'It's frustrating for me really, because the facts are disputed - but not by anybody that was there,' he said. 'I didn't throw him out of a window, off a balcony, I didn't kill him. What do you want me to say?' Pete Doherty has insisted he 'didn't kill' aspiring actor Mark Blanco the night he fell to his death from a balcony (Pictured in 2023) Speaking to Kirsty Young on BBC Radio 4's Young Again show on Tuesday, Pete (Pictured in 2005) said he 'didn't kill' the actor CCTV footage of the night in question showed Pete - with girlfriend Kate Russell-Pavier, 19, and his 'minder' Jonathan Jeannevol, known locally as 'Johnny Headlock' - walking past the body and then running away from the scene. During a Channel 4 documentary 'Pete Doherty, Who Killed My Son?' which aired in 2023, the dramatic video was watched by Mark's mother Sheila Blanco. She said: 'This is one piece of crucial evidence. I choose not to watch it too often, because this is the last time Mark was alive. It shows Mark being projectiled out over the railing and then straight down to the bricks and pavement below. 'A couple of minutes later we see Pete Doherty come down, stepping over Mark without stopping. And then he seems to pick up something from the ground and run away, followed by Headlock. It is absolutely callous, reprehensible lack of humanity.' Speaking on Louis Theroux's podcast, Pete admitted he ran away on the fatal night when Mark lost his life. While he denied any knowledge of how the actor fell or whether he was pushed from the balcony of a flat in East London, he described the incident as 'shady and f***ed up'. Appearing on Louis's Interview series, Pete opened up about the incident, confessing he believes the anger from Mark's mother Sheila was 'misplaced.' The rockstar, who recently revealed all about his brutal drug addiction in new documentary, admitted he regretted running away, yet he fled the scene for fear of being arrested due to his possession of class A drugs. Mark Blanco is pictured with his mother Sheila on his Cambridge graduation day in June 1997 Pete has admitted running away on the night Mark fell to his death and described the incident as 'shady and f***ed up' during an interview with Louis Theroux (pictured in 2004) He told the journalist: 'You can't blame her for that. Her son fell to his death and some people, I think, genuinely, believe he was thrown to his death. And then I'm on camera running away. 'I've never met Sheila Blanco, but I can understand her anger. I think her anger at me, well, it is misplaced.' Mark sadly died in hospital from head injuries a day after he was found under the balcony of Pete's literary agent and friend Paul Roundhill. 'No one knows what happened because no one saw it. I certainly didn't see it', added Pete. 'I probably should have stood my ground, taken a deep breath and had the f***ing balls to stay there, flush everything down the toilet and be there when the police came. 'But I didn't want to see the police. It was a f***ing inconvenience to me and that's an awful thing to say. He's lying dying in the street and I was concerned about getting nicked for possession.' Pete has left his turbulent past behind and now lives in Normandy with his partner Katia de Vidas and six-month-old daughter Billie-May. Pete told the journalist that he regretted running away, yet he fled the scene for fear of being arrested due to his possession of class A drugs Pete has left his turbulent past behind and now lives in Normandy with his partner Katia de Vidas and six-month-old daughter Billie-May Speaking to NME on Wednesday, Pete shared that he had always wanted a family but never thought it was goiong to be a reality for him. 'I always wanted a close-knit family that I was there with and for. I'm married as well and settled in a lot of ways, I suppose, maybe I'm wrong. 'I mean, that's what a lot of people want, isn't it? really? That sort of nest and a loving environment. 'I don't know if I dared to dream it was possible. I think at that time, turn of the century, 2025 seemed a hell of a long way off. Eminem's daughter Hailie Jade cradled her blossoming bump in front of her glitzy Christmas tree as she rang in the New Year on Instagram. The influencer, 29, looked smitten as she held her tummy while her husband Evan McClintock kneeled down and kissed their baby bump. For the sweet snaps, she wore a cute red velvet crop top which featured a sweet red ribbon that was tied into a bow around her waist. Cutting a casual figure, Hailie finished off her look with a pair of bagging loose-fitting jeans. Sharing the snap, she penned: 'Things are going to look so different this time next year & we cant wait. Happy New Year everyone!!' Hailie and Evan -who tied the knot in May - kept the pregnancy private for some months. Eminem's daughter Hailie Jade cradled her blossoming bump in front of her glitzy Christmas tree as she rang in the New Year on Instagram The influencer, 29, looked smitten as she held her tummy while her husband Evan McClintock kneeled down and kissed their baby bump In October, Hailie's rapper dad, 51, announced his daughter is expecting her first child and that he is going to be a grandfather. He shared the news in his new music video for his song, Temporary (feat. Skylar Grey), which included footage of him sobbing before walking her down the aisle and the moment she told him of his pregnancy. Toward the end of the video, Hailie could be seen gifting her father a Detroit Lions jersey, which had 'Grandpa' written across the back as well as an ultrasound picture of her baby-to-be. As he processed the news, the 15-time Grammy winner looked shocked as he did a double take of the ultrasound image as Hailie giggled by his side. The exciting update came just five months after Hailie and Evan tied the knot in Battle Creek, Michigan. They invited close friends and family to watch them exchange vows in a 'modestly sized' ceremony held at the Greencrest Manor, according to TMZ. For her big day, Hailie wore a gorgeous white wedding dress complete with romantic tulle skirt with sheer veil topping off her elegant hairstyle. Wearing a cute red velvet crop top which featured a sweet red ribbon that was tied into a bow around her waist Hailie and Evan -who tied the knot in May - kept the pregnancy private for some months Hailie and Evans have been dating since 2016 and became engaged in February 2023. The influencer announced their betrothal on Instagram, captioning a shot of him dropped down to one knee, 'Casual weekend recap 2.4.23 i love you @evanmcclintock11.' She grew up in Detroit with dad Eminem - real name Marshall Bruce Mathers III - and mom Kim Scott. She studied at Chippewa Valley High School (2014) and Michigan State University. Her siblings include Alaina Marie Mathers, Stevie Laine Mathers, and Parker Scott. She recently opened up about her childhood when she debuted her new podcast, Just A Little Shady, which is obviously a reference to her father Eminem's evil and mischievous Slim Shady alter ego. For the first episode, titled It's A Double Entendre, Hailie reminisced about her 'surreal' childhood alongside co-host and BFF Brittany Edni. The Michigan native then proceeded to dish about some of her memories of growing up on a tour bus. In October, Hailie's rapper dad, 51, announced his daughter is expecting her first child and that he is going to be a grandfather They both joked about how the lifestyle was 'casual' to them and a part of their 'normal conversations.' Fondly recalling her childhood, Hailie said: 'Its so fun to look back thinking back as an adult, Im like, "Wow, that's so, so surreal" and those memories of me thinking those were normal things, now I look back like, "Holy crap, that was cool."' Eminem briefly spoke about Hailie and Evan in an interview on Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson in March 2020. 'No babies,' the rapper replied when the legendary fighter asked if Hailie had any children of her own. 'Just a boyfriend. She's doing good,' he stated. 'She's made me proud for sure,' he added, sharing that Hailie graduated from college with an impressive 3.9 GPA. Hailie studied psychology at Michigan State University. In August, Hailie admitted on her podcast Just A Little Shady that her father's tracks, Temporary and Somebody Save Me, make her 'cry every time' she hears them. In Somebody Save Me, Eminem raps: 'Sorry that I chose drugs and put em above you / Sorry that I didnt love you enough to give em up.' In the video, footage from Hailie's childhood with her siblings Alaina, 31, and Stevie, 35, flash by as Eminem watches them. Eminem raps: 'Hailie, I'm so sorry I wasn't there for your first guitar recital,' he raps as she's shown playing a pink acoustic guitar as a teen. Hailie grew up in Detroit with dad Eminem - real name Marshall Bruce Mathers III - and mom Kim Scott; seen with her husband In the song lyrics, he also shares his regrets about not walking her 'down the aisle' when she got married and missing the birth of her first child, which are things he would have missed had he died during his 2007 overdose. Eminem, who battled prescription pill addiction in the past, has been sober for 16 years. She continued, 'Between that and Temporary, I mean, I can't. I audibly sobbed I think for both songs but especially Temporary. The Slim Shady artist dedicated Temporary to his daughter and addresses his eventual death in the song and urges her to move on from it and be happy. With his youthful complexion and shock of tousled hair he looks worlds away from the follically challenged hard-man responsible for turning him into a household name. Ross Kemp will reprise his iconic role as EastEnders legend Grant Mitchell for the first time in nine years when the character returns to Walford for the show's 40th anniversary in February. Famed for is bald head and no-nonsense attitude, Grant was involved in some of the show's biggest storylines before leaving in 1999 for a new life overseas. He has since made a series of brief returns, with his last coming in 2016. But EastEnders fans were stunned after Kemp, 59, shared a decades old photo of himself during an appearance on Good Morning Britain. The shots from his younger years were taken when he was a young adult, first playing rugby with short hair, and also sporting a short back and sides shortly after leaving drama school. Ross Kemp will reprise his iconic role as EastEnders legend Grant Mitchell for the first time in nine years when the character returns to Walford for the show's 40th anniversary in February But EastEnders fans were stunned after Kemp shared a decades old photo of himself during an appearance on Good Morning Britain Younger years: Kemp was pictured with short dark hair while playing rugby as a young man The actor was appearing on the ITV breakfast show in 2023 to promote his new book, Take Nothing For Granted: Tales From An Unexpected Life. Kemp recently revealed why he would never have a hair transplant after developing male pattern baldness - a condition that affects more than 50% of men - in his youth. The actor is married to his wife Renee O'Brien, a lawyer, and they have three children together - Leo, eight, and twins Ava and Kitty, six. He also has a teenage son Oliver from a previous relationship. He told The Times: 'I do try and make myself look presentable, which isn't easy with this face. I look in the mirror and think: squashed sultana. 'Do I wish I had a head of hair? Course, but I'd never have hair implants, or plastic surgery to fix this bit under my chin. This is me. If you don't like it, you know what you can do.' Kemp originally joined the EastEnders cast almost 35 years ago and soon made his mark as one of half of the legendary Mitchell brothers alongside Phil and loving son to Queen Vic landlady Peggy Mitchell, who was played by the late Dame Barbara Windsor. The actor said he was 'delighted' to return to the show that made his name: 'EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary, is an absolute honour.' 'Grant has never been far from the action and lets just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang.' Kemp originally joined the EastEnders cast almost 35 years ago and soon made his mark as one of half of the legendary Mitchell brothers alongside Phil and loving son to Queen Vic landlady Peggy Mitchell, who was played by the late Dame Barbara Windsor. Grant Mitchell has been part of some of the most memorable storylines in soap history including uncovering his brothers affair with his wife Sharon in 1994, the death of his second wife Tiffany who was run over by Grants stepfather Frank Butcher on New Years Eve 1998, and the Mitchell brothers car crash in 1999. It is not his first return to Albert Square after his initial stint from 1990-1999, he returned for a year in 2005, and again in 2016 for Dame Barbaras final scenes with her sons. His character later returned to Portugal with daughter Courtney (Megan Jossa). Playing on his notorious character's image, Ross has found success as a documentary maker covering the criminal underworld, including the BAFTA award-winning television series Ross Kemp on Gangs. His character's storyline is currently being held under wraps, however, BBC bosses say that his return will 'play a significant part in the show's 40th anniversary'. Chris Clenshaw the Executive Producer of EastEnders added: 'We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross Kemp back to EastEnders as he reprises the legendary role of Grant Mitchell.' 'Whilst Im not currently revealing exactly what brings Grant back to Walford, I can say that his return will play a significant part in the shows 40th anniversary, and will make up many moments of truly unmissable TV.' The incredible amount cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch has made thanks to her 3 cleaning sprays has been revealed. The influencer, 34, whose real name is Sophie Hinchliffe, made a jaw-dropping 4.4million last year to add to her cleaning empire. Sophie, who took a step back from the spotlight last year to grieve the sudden loss of her father, has made a fortune from an Instagram account focusing on cleaning tips. The pregnant mother of two nearly doubled her earnings from 2023, making an eye-watering 4,364,134 profit, compared to 2,789, 729 in 2023. New Companies House documents show that Sophie has multi-millions in the bank and in the financial year to April 5, 2024, she experienced her most profitable year since bursting onto the social media scene in 2018. The bumper earnings represent her first financial year after cutting ties with Tesco in April 2023 to focus on other exciting projects. The incredible amount cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch has made thanks to her 3 cleaning sprays has been revealed The influencer, 34, whose real name is Sophie Hinchliffe, made a jaw-dropping 4.4million last year to add to her cleaning empire Tesco's Mrs Hinch collection launched in January 2021 and included items such as luxury bedlinen, loungewear, heart-shaped bowls and candles. However, her main focus for 2024 was to design brand-new cleaning product scents for household brands, such as Lenor and Bold. Her company reported that she had made 4,179,283 for 2024, while she was still due 748,130 and had tangible assets at 81,123. She revealed in February last year: 'People assume I am obsessed with cleaning, but the truth is Im not.' 'I clean because it's my therapy. It helps me feel in control. I feel I have accomplished something each day, and it frees my mind from over thinking and over worrying. In fact, cleaning changed my life.' She amped up her partnership with cleaning parent company Joy of Clean last year to produce her signature laundry scent, Frosted Rose Wonderland. Joy of Clean is the parent company of brands such as Bold, Lenor, Flash and Fairy. Among her other products with the cleaning giant were the 3.50 Flash Spray Wipe Hinched Antibac Cleaning Spray in 'wild berries' and Bold White Musk and Golden Maple detergent pods, fabric conditioner and laundry gel. Last year, Sophie was left heartbroken when her father Alan passed away 'suddenly but peacefully' in April 2024 According to The Sun, New Companies House documents show that the 34-year-old was able to do so as she reportedly has multi-millions in the bank She also sold the Vacay Vibes collection of Febreeze Air Mist, Fairy-Max Power, Flash All Purpose Cleaner and Fairy dishwasher tablets. Every product was put up for sale in Home Bargains, which led to her being honoured with a branded 'Hinch Bargains' truck. Speaking about her achievement on Instagram at the time, the influencer said: 'If youve followed my crazy journey from the start, youll know just how much this means to me. My mind is blown.' Research recently revealed the author rakes in an average of 5,900 each time she posts on her social media - including ads for her cleaning products and other brand deals. She was listed as the highest paid 'homefluencer' or 'cleanfluencer' in the UK - and the second highest worldwide - by ratings site GoCompare. The mother created her Instagram account @mrshinchhome, in March 2018 and accumulated an incredible two million followers in just one year. She now has 4.8 million loyal followers who rely on her for the best home cleaning tips and tricks. Last year, Sophie was left heartbroken when her father Alan passed away 'suddenly but peacefully' in April 2024. After her father passed, the influencer chose to take a social media break as she navigated her grief. In the financial year to April 5, 2024, Mrs Hinch experienced her most profitable year since bursting onto the social media scene in 2018 Alessandra Ambrosio was proudly showing off her new boyfriend Buck Palmer on Instagram on Tuesday. The 43-year-old Victoria's Secret model was seen kissing the Australian jewelry designer as they posed at a home in Brazil. They were both dressed up as they rang in 2025. 'So grateful for all my Loved ones this year!! Ending on such a high note gathering all my closest friends and family at home Looking forward to a beautiful year ahead and sending you all Good vibes for this new year! @mhternes,' read her caption. The images were by photographer Matias Ternes. Alessandra had on a yellow and black summer dress with her hair partially down. And her new beau, whom she has been dating for the past several months, wore a cotton shirt with plenty of silver jewelry. Also at the party were her two children whom she had with ex Jamie Mazur. Last month they kissed on the beach. Buck went shirtless, showing off his chiseled physique while wearing swim trunks, and he accessorized with chunky black sunglasses and added a green cap for a splash of color. The hat, which runs for about $50 from Good Quality Human, read 'Mi Casa, Su Casa' on the front, which was broken up by a large 'LA' design. The colors perfectly matched the Brazilian flag, which fluttered in the breeze above Alessandra and Buck's heads. She let the loved-up photo do the talking and simply captioned her post with green, yellow and blue heart emojis. According to her tagged location, the couple were enjoying the day at the popular beach Praia Brava, which is located on the north end of the large Santa Catarina Island, which is home to the state's capital city, Florianopolis. She later paid tribute to the city by naming her beachwear brand GAL Floripa, using a nickname for the capital. Buck has a surprising connection to Alessandra as he's the ex-husband of Ashley Hart, the sister of Alessandra's fellow Victoria Secret model Jessica Hart. Their Instagram kiss was a rare public display of affection for the couple, who have kept their romance relatively private and under wraps until now. Last week they kissed on a beach in Brazil The Victoria's Secret model wore a textured white top with thin beaded straps and aviator sunglasses. Buck, an Australian jewelry designer, rocked a green Good Quality Human hat and went shirtless Though they only went public with their relationship earlier this month, it appears the couple have been dating for quite some time if Alessandra's post is anything to go by. Alessandra and Buck officially unveiled their romance when they were seen walking hand-in-hand together after attending a party at Art Basel in Miami, Florida. Alessandra had previously been featured with Buck in photographs shared to Instagram of them having fun at the beach during a trip to the island of Kauai in Hawaii. In the shots, the pair looked comfortable in each other's company and Alessandra tagged Buck in the post as she hinted at their relationship. She also shared a snap of herself kissing Buck on the cheek as they went Instagram official before their first public outing as a couple. Alessandra has rubbed shoulders with the Australian model Jessica Hart over the years, having both risen to fame as Victoria's Secret models in the 2000s. Buck and Jessica's sister Ashley went their separate ways after just two years of marriage in 2017, with the model candidly discussing their decision to separate in 2019. Speaking to Women's Health, Ashley recalled her heartache and said she never thought she would be divorced before the age of 30. 'I [didnt] think that would be my life having that experience before 30,' she admitted. The two have kept their relationship under the radar and only confirmed it with some PDA earlier in December 'Relationships are so often a mirror - when they're tough, I think that's some of the best material for self-growth.' Ashley confessed that getting to a place where she could reflect back on her split from Buck in a 'lighthearted manner' took some time. 'Its definitely taken me a while to... you know, to not be able to burst into a ball of tears simply by telling a story,' she added. Ashley and Buck dated for seven years before tying the knot in Los Angeles in 2015. They publicly announced their decision to separate in January 2017. Meanwhile, Brazilian model Alessandra has also had a high-profile love life over the years. She was engaged to businessman Jamie Mazur from 2008 to 2018 and they share a daughter Anja, 16, and son Noah, 12. Alessandra has also had notable relationships with Nicolo Oddi, Richard Lee, Marcelo Boldrini and Giovani Borghetti in the past. Buck used to be married to model Ashley Hart (both pictured) but the couple went their separate ways after two years of marriage in January 2017 She was most recently linked to Alexander Smurfit earlier this year before her relationship with Buck came to light. Alessandra is one of the longest-tenured models with Victoria's Secret and has walked more than 15 runways with the brand. She also returned to the catwalk for the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, its first since the brand retired the annual show in 2019. Alessandra joined a whole host of household modeling names including Kate Moss, Tyra Banks and Carla Bruni in returning for the show. Alessandra's very first time appearing in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was back in 2000 at Cannes alongside modeling icons Tyra Banks and Gisele Bundchen. Duncan Bannatyne and his wife Nigora Whitehorn have been sharing snaps from their lavish New Year's trip to St Barts. On Monday, Nigora posted two snaps showing off her slender figure in a racy black swimsuit with cut outs as she strolled along the beach. She captioned the pictures: 'Countdown 2025' and 'St Barth 2025'. A day later and a loved-up Nigora, 44, posed with her multi-millionaire business tycoon husband 75, in Le Ti restaurant in St Barth's. Duncan appeared laid back yet still dapper in a simple black half-zip jumper, whilst Nigora looked stunning in a white sparkling gown. The former dental surgery receptionist posted videos from inside the restaurant where performers dressed in raunchy underwear were dancing on stage. Duncan Bannatyne and his wife Nigora Whitehorn have been sharing snaps from their lavish New Year's trip to St Barts A loved-up Nigora, 44, posed with her multi-millionaire business tycoon husband 75, in Le Ti restaurant in St Barth's on NYE The caption of her post said: 'Here's to new beginnings and endless possibilities! Happy 2025.' She also shared mirror selfies with her friends and shots of sparklers, drinks and their food. Duncan could even be seen yawning in one video as the night went on but quickly flashed a smile for his wife when he saw the flash. Nigora is Duncan's third wife after previously tying the knot with Gail Brodie and Joanne McCue, in 1987 and 2006 respectively. Thrice-wed Duncan has four children with Gail and two with Joanna. Uzbekistan-born Nigora is also a parent to daughter Gabrielle from a former relationship. Duncan proposed to Nigora in 2016 with a 40k ring in Monte Carlo after they first started dating in 2015 when Duncan met her after visiting the dental surgery on London's Harley Street where she was working in 2014. The couple married in Portugal in 2017 before jetting off to Croatia to enjoy their honeymoon. Duncan and Nigora previously spoke to OK! Magazine about the moment they first met. She captioned the pictures: 'Countdown 2025' and 'St Barth 2025' Duncan and his wife Nigora pictured together in Tulum in March to celebrate her 44th birthday Nigora is Duncan's third wife after previously tying the knot with Gail Brodie and Joanne McCue, in 1987 and 2006 respectively The former Dragon's Den star insisted she was on his mind from the minute he saw her at the dental surgery. He said: 'I spotted her in there one day while getting some crowns done. Just as I was building up the courage to speak to her, the buzzer went for my appointment. 'When I went home I couldn't stop thinking about her, I felt obsessed! I felt in love with her.' Nigora added: 'On day one. He was like "I'm madly in love with you." I thought he was joking and was speechless!' Ethan Plath celebrated New Year's Eve by introducing the world to his new girlfriend 10 months after filing for divorce from estranged wife Olivia Plath. 'Proud to introduce my sweet girlfriend!' the 26-year-old Welcome to Plathville star announced with an Instagram slideshow. 'She truly is one of the sweetest, kindest, and patient people I've ever known! Looking forward to the next year and what it has to bring. Wishing everyone a very happy new year! Here we go 2025!' Ethan did not tag nor name the blue-eyed, blonde beauty but some in the comments worried his conservative, controlling mother Kim Plath 'is not gonna like those necklines' on her plunging floral frocks. Plath - a classic car enthusiast - appeared to be absolutely besotted with his new mystery companion in the snaps, including a shot of them with their arms around each other in front of a retro car. Instagram user @nickyrose07038 commented: 'She looks exactly the same as Olivia LOL, I'm dead.' Ethan Plath celebrated New Year's Eve by introducing the world to his new girlfriend (L) 10 months after filing for divorce from estranged wife Olivia Plath (R) 'Wow! You are free of narcissist Olivia!' Instagram user @silvinhastuckert exclaimed. Instagram user @tkral5 wrote: 'Can you say upgrade?!' 'Keep her away from your mother,' commented Instagram user @jmharris573. Instagram user @willyt51 wrote: 'That's how you rebound, my boy! Hell of an upgrade.' 'Hope he treats her better than he treated Olivia and doesn't try to change her,' Instagram user @mrs.robinson1202 commented. 'Hopefully she's a traditional wife cuz that's what he needs. He does not want a strong independent woman.' The platinum-blond mechanic is still technically married to Olivia as she told The Sarah Fraser Show on December 21 that their divorce will be finalized 'hopefully 2025.' Ethan and the 26-year-old traveling wedding photographer were only 20 when they tied the knot in October 2018 and they legally separated on February 25, 2023 but didn't publicly announce it until eight months later. Plath wrote in his split statement: 'It seemed we were constantly pulling each other in opposite directions in life with different goals. I wish Olivia the best in the future ahead. I care for her deeply and always will.' The 26-year-old Welcome to Plathville star announced with an Instagram slideshow: 'Proud to introduce my sweet girlfriend!' Ethan continued: 'She truly is one of the sweetest, kindest, and patient people I've ever known! Looking forward to the next year and what it has to bring. Wishing everyone a very happy new year! Here we go 2025!' Plath did not tag nor name the blue-eyed, blonde beauty but some in the comments worried his conservative, controlling mother Kim Plath 'is not gonna like those necklines' on her plunging floral frocks The classic car enthusiast appeared to be absolutely besotted with his new mystery companion in the snaps, including a shot of them with their arms around each other in front of a retro car Instagram user @nickyrose07038 commented: 'She looks exactly the same as Olivia LOL, I'm dead' 'Wow! You are free of narcissist Olivia!' Instagram user @silvinhastuckert exclaimed Instagram user @tkral5 wrote: 'Can you say upgrade?!' while Instagram user @jmharris573 wrote: 'Keep her away from your mother' Instagram user @mrs.robinson1202 commented: 'Hope he treats her better than he treated Olivia and doesn't try to change her. Hopefully she's a traditional wife cuz that's what he needs. He does not want a strong independent woman' On July 16, Plath (born Meggs) Instastoried a snap of her new boyfriend Brendan, whom she began talking to in September 2023. 'He's the best thing since (or before) sliced bread,' the Virginia-born, DC-based globetrotter gushed in her Instagram Q&A. 'He even shares his chicken tenders with me, which is a true sacrifice. I've had a public relationship and they come with unique challenges, so I'm keeping this one a little more quiet.' On September 1, Olivia reflected on her marriage, claiming she was 'groomed' by Ethan's 52-year-old mother. 'I had no idea who I was marrying. I was like a kid honestly,' Plath scoffed on TikTok. 'The audacity of his parents to be like, "Yeah, we just knew they weren't gonna make it, like there was issues." Bish, you were the one who carefully concocted and crafted that experience. You're the reason we didn't know each other and by the way, you groomed me to marry your son and be in your family. So like, you fully chose me.' Two years ago, Plath's famous parents - Barry Plath and Kim Plath - announced they were divorcing after 24 years of wedded bliss. The naturopathic doctor has since moved on with private pilot Ken Palmer, whom the 56-year-old transportation planner met during the sixth season but their divorce has not been finalized. Ethan is still technically married to Olivia as she told The Sarah Fraser Show on December 21 that their divorce will be finalized 'hopefully 2025' Plath and the 26-year-old traveling wedding photographer were only 20 when they tied the knot in October 2018 and they legally separated on February 25, 2023 but didn't publicly announce it until eight months later The homeschooled Zoomer wrote in his split statement: 'It seemed we were constantly pulling each other in opposite directions in life with different goals. I wish Olivia the best in the future ahead. I care for her deeply and always will' On July 16, Plath (born Meggs) Instastoried a snap of her new boyfriend Brendan, whom she began talking to in September 2023 On September 1, the Virginia-born, DC-based globetrotter reflected on her marriage, claiming she was 'groomed' by Ethan's 52-year-old mother Olivia scoffed on TikTok: 'The audacity of his parents to be like, "Yeah, we just knew they weren't gonna make it, like there was issues." Bish, you were the one who carefully concocted and crafted that experience. You're the reason we didn't know each other and by the way, you groomed me to marry your son and be in your family. So like, you fully chose me' Two years ago, Plath's famous parents - Barry Plath and Kim Plath - announced they were divorcing after 24 years of wedded bliss The naturopathic doctor has since moved on with private pilot Ken Palmer, whom the 56-year-old transportation planner met during the sixth season but their divorce has not been finalized On December 16, Ethan's 20-year-old sister Lydia Plath announced her engagement to her long-distance boyfriend Zachary Wyse after only four months of dating (pictured Tuesday) The Christian fundamentalist couple homeschooled Ethan and his eight younger siblings - Lydia, Hosanna, Micah, Moriah, Isaac, Amber, Cassia, and Mercy - and deprived them of the Internet, cell phones, or sugar. Barry and Kim's 10th child - son Joshua - tragically died, at 17 months old, in 2008 after a farming accident on the family's property. On December 16, the homeschooled Zoomer's 20-year-old sister Lydia Plath announced her engagement to her long-distance boyfriend Zachary Wyse after only four months of dating. Neil Patrick Harris shared a sweet family snap in honor of New Year's. The actor posed with husband David Burtka and their twins, Harper Grace and Gideon Scott, 14. The star, 51, often shares adorable family snaps to his Instagram page, much to the delight of his nine million followers. Harper and Gideon posed behind their parents, wearing coordinating New Year accessories. The How I Met Your Mother star captioned the family photo: 'Happy New Year!! My 2024 year-end recap will be posted tomorrow, as I'm out of time. But that seems to be indicative of this last 12 months for me, so I guess it's apropos.' Adding: 'Much love, everyone. Stay safe. Please speak to each other with kindness.' #grateful @dbelicious. Neil Patrick Harris shared a sweet family snap in honor of New Year's. The actor posed with husband David Burtka and their twins, Harper Grace and Gideon Scott, 14 Soon after, Neil shared highlights from the year, adding another New Year's snap. Last week, Neil shared another family moment - this time a hilarious reel of them by their Christmas tree. Neil, David, Harper and Gideon were all separately talking - which led to a very chaotic moment - before they wished everyone a Merry Christmas in sync. They were all each holding one of their four adorable fur babies. Fans flocked to the comments to gush about how fast their kids grew up and what a good-looking family they are. Neil and David welcomed their children on October 12, 2010 via surrogate. In August 2010, the actor revealed the news at the time via Twitter, now known as X. 'So, get this: David and I are expecting twins this fall. We're super excited/nervous/thrilled,' he had written on Twitter. Two months later, Neil announced the birth of their children. The star, 51, often shares adorable family snaps to his Instagram page, much to the delight of his nine million followers Last week, Neil shared another family moment - this time a hilarious reel of them by their Christmas tree Fans flocked to the comments to gush about how fast their kids grew up and what a good-looking family they are 'All of us are happy, healthy, tired and a little pukey. Harper has been fussy but Gideon is the easiest baby in the world. They're just now starting to recognize us and smile.' Neil and David met in passing on the street, and went on their first day in April 2004. The lovebirds announced their engagement in June 2011 after the Marriage Equality Act was passed in 2011 legalizing same same-sex marriage in New York City - revealing that they have been engaged since 2007. David proposed to Neil at the street corner they had met in 2007, with Neil proposing to him as well in 2008 on Valentine's Day. They tied the knot in Italy on September 6, 2014. In April 2024, Neil and David celebrated their 20th anniversary of their first date. In October 2024, Harper and Gideon turned 14 years, and David shared a touching note in honor of them 'Happy 14th Birthday to our incredible kids,' David wrote. 'They are becoming the best humans. I am so proud to be their dad. Although teenage years are tough, they are managing it splendidly' In October 2024, Harper and Gideon turned 14 years, and David shared a touching note in honor of them. 'Happy 14th Birthday to our incredible kids,' David wrote. 'They are becoming the best humans. I am so proud to be their dad. Although teenage years are tough, they are managing it splendidly.' Adding: 'I have witnessed - if you put the work in you get it back. I can't wait to see what the next years have in store - however, I am holding on to all the little moments when they still want to connect,' adding the hashtag #luckydads. Renee Zellweger and her boyfriend Ant Anstead looked relaxed as they took their dog for a walk in Los Angeles on Saturday. The actress, 55, who celebrated Christmas with Anstead, 45, and his five-year-old son, stepped out in a black jacket and matching leggings. They were seen side by side as they dotted on the handicapped pooch. The Oscar winner wore black-and-blue sneakers and placed an orange billed cap with a Texas Longhorns logo on it over her blonde locks in support of her alma mater, the University of Texas at Austen. She appeared to be wearing minimal makeup. Anstead showcased his biceps wearing a tight fitting black T-shirt and gray jeans with black shearling boots. Renee Zellweger, 55, and boyfriend Ant Anstead, 45, took their elderly German shepherd for a walk in Los Angeles on Saturday. It was the first time the very private couple had been seen in public together since July The Oscar winner stepped out in a black jacket and matching leggings with black and blue sneakers. She placed an orange billed cap with a Texas Longhorns logo on it over her blonde locks The aging German shepherd had a harness around his back hips to help him walk. The pair later worked together to help the pup into a wheeled cart. The couple were later spotted getting some produce and a green drink from Mother's Market. The Chicago actress and the British TV presenter have been together since sometime in 2021. The couple are fiercely private and this was the first time they had been seen stepping out together since late July. Anstead is the father of three. He shares his older children, Amelie, 20, and Archie, 17, with his former wife, Louise Herbert. He shares Hudson, five, with ex-wife Christina Haack, 41. The Born Mechanic host was spotted in November shooting an episode of Haack's upcoming makeover show The Flip Off. Haack will co-host the show with her first husband Tarek El Moussa and his wife Heather Rae El Moussa. Haack's estranged husband Josh Hall was supposed to be part of the cast, but the couple separated in July and have been going through a nasty, public split. The aging German shepherd had a harness around his back hips to help him walk. The pair later worked together to help the pup into a wheeled cart The couple were later spotted getting some produce and a green drink from Mother's Market Zellweger stepped back into the role as Bridget Jones in the upcoming Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. In this latest chapter, Bridget is widowed and juggling two new suitors, a younger man, played by Leo Woodall, and a school science teacher, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor Zellweger stepped into the role as the beloved Bridget Jones for the fourth time in the upcoming Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. The film is based on the 2013 novel by Bridget Jones creator Helen Fielding. In this latest chapter, Bridget's human right lawyer husband Mark Darcy has died and she is being pursued by two new suitors, a much younger man, played by Leo Woodall, and a school science teacher, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor. Hugh Grant will reprise his role as former flame Daniel Cleaver and Emma Thompson has joined the cast at Bridget's doctor. The romantic comedy will be released on Peacock February 13. Jocelyn Wildenstein has died at the age of 84. The Swiss socialite, nicknamed Catwoman because she reportedly had many facial cosmetic procedures in the hopes of resembling a cat, passed away on Tuesday in Paris from a pulmonary embolism. The star, born Jocelyne Perisset, was taking a nap in a Parisian palace at the time of her death, it was reported by Paris Match. 'Her partner Lloyd Klein is saddened to announce the death of Jocelyn Wildenstein in Paris,' it was shared by AFP. She was last seen looking healthy on December 18 in Paris when with Klein. The star smiled at onlookers while in a fur jacket, leggings and boots as she wore black sunglasses and her blonde hair in soft waves over her shoulders. She was nicknamed Catwoman due to her pronounced cat eyes and leonine features. Jocelyn Wildenstein has died. The socialite, nicknamed Catwoman because she reportedly had many facial cosmetic procedures in the hopes of resembling a cat, passed away on Tuesday in Paris. Seen in 1998 She was last seen looking healthy on December 18 in Paris. The star smiled at onlookers while in a coat, leggings and boots as she wore black sunglasses and her blonde hair in soft waves over her shoulders. With partner Lloyd Klein She had over 1 million Instagram followers and described herself as an 'art dealer.' This Swiss-born socialite came from humble origins, only to tie the knot in the 1970s with a French-born American billionaire. But the two courted headlines just over two decades later with their messy divorce. She became one of the wealthiest people on the planet after her divorce settlement, which left her with more than $2 billion, plus millions more annually. But she somehow managed to lose it all after years of tinkering with her face and spending on countless luxuries. The high society fixture was married to the late art dealer and billionaire Alec N. Wildenstein, who was the son of the French art dealer and horse breeder Daniel Wildenstein. Their family presided over Wildenstein & Co., an influential Paris-based art dealership. While speaking to The Times of London, Jocelyn described how she became fascinated by Africa and its fauna after finding a box of picture books about the continent when she was a child. Later, she developed an interest in hunting and wildlife, which led her to the Wildenstein family ranch Ol Jogi, located in Kenya. There, she was introduced on a safari to Alec by Adnan Khashoggi, a Saudi arms dealer. Jocelyn recalled how Alec decided to kill a lion that had been killing nearby antelope, so she accompanied him on a pre-dawn mission. She recounted how, after her future husband took down the lion with one shot - plus a second for good measure -they ate part of the animal as a kind of trophy and rubbed its blood on their necks. Here she is seen at a much younger age as she held onto a child Seen in 2022 in NYC Her throwback photo was taken at the Kenyan ranch of her late ex-husband Alec N. Wildenstein, where they met in 1977 before eloping in Las Vegas in 1978; pictured in 2000 in Paris 'You must eat a part of the heart of your game,' she said. 'Its legend. Maybe to take the power of the lion.' She recently shared a flashback photo. 'My early years at Ol Jogi building this beautiful ranch from scratch before having my children, This was my first love story with Africa and it started here at #oljogi,' she captioned the stunning photo. Although she didn't date the photo, it appeared to have been taken in the late '70s or early '80s, early on in her relationship with Wildenstein But by the '90s, Jocelyn was completely unrecognizable after her face was transformed reportedly from numerous cosmetic surgeries. Jocelyn lived a life of luxury with Wildenstein, but they divorced in 2000, allegedly after she discovered his infidelities. She won a stunning $2.5B in the divorce, plus $100M to be paid annually for 13 years; pictured in 1997 in Manhattan But the lion-faced socialite frittered away the fortune through extravagant purchases. She also claims a painting comprising part of her trust turned out to be a forgery, while another was auctioned for tens of millions less than expected; seen in 2017 in NYC Wildenstein at Cartier in Beverly Hills in 2005 They left her with slanted cat eyes, a prominent chin and exaggerated cheek bones, which some have compared to a lion's face. Despite the obvious change in her appearance, Wildenstein at one time bizarrely claimed to have never had plastic surgery. Alec did comment on her face. He told Vanity Fair, 'She was crazy. I would always find out last. She was thinking that she could fix her face like a piece of furniture. Skin does not work that way. But she wouldnt listen.' Wildenstein fired back that he 'hired a publicist and paid a plastic surgeon to certify that I completely changed my face' to win the divorce, she stated. More recently she owned up to having some procedures, though she downplayed its impact. In the wake of years of reported over-the-top spending and seemingly unending cosmetic procedures, Alec filed for divorce in 1999, though Jocelyn has said she was the one to first decide to end the marriage due to her husband's infidelities. Although he filed for divorce in Switzerland, where Jocelyn was less likely to get a significant divorce settlement, she ended up receiving what should have been a windfall a reported $2.5 billion. On top of that, she was to be paid $100 million per year for 13 years by her ex-husband, and later his estate following his death in 2008 at 67. However, her ex-husband's family cut off the payments in 2015. Despite obtaining more wealth than most people could ever imagine, Wildenstein managed to fritter it away through extravagant purchases on clothing, jewels, art and even tens of thousands of dollars in annual phone bills. Wildenstein was arrested for assault in 2016 after slashing Klein's face with scissors, and he was arrested for robbery and assault days later while allegedly trying to take his belongings from her apartment. But the two reunited and are together to this day; seen in 2017 in NYC In 2018, she claimed to Page Six that the vast majority of her wealth disappeared because one of the paintings that was part of the trust set up for her in the divorce settlement, attributed to Diego Velazquez, turned out to be a forgery, while a Cezanne that was expected to go for around $35 on auction only sold for $4.7 million Following her divorce, Wildenstein began dating the fashion designer Lloyd Klein in 2003. The two later got engaged, but they have had a bumpy relationship over the years. In 2016, Wildenstein was arrested for slashing Klein's face with scissors during a fight at her Trump Tower apartment. Klein was subsequently arrested days later for robbery and assault after he allegedly tried to retrieve some of his belongings from Wildenstein's apartment. But the couple later reunited. Mauricio Umansky celebrated New Year's Eve alongside Grid Energy Group chairman Abe Issa at a packed, raucous party held at The Snow Lodge in Aspen, CO on Tuesday night. The Italian eatery, located inside The St. Regis Aspen Resort, hired Grammy-winning DJ David Guetta to headline the bash dubbed 'A NYE Futuristic Cosmic Voyage.' Meanwhile, the 54-year-old Buying Beverly Hills producer-star's estranged wife Kyle Richards decided to quietly ring in 2025 at their $13.6M four-bedroom Aspen house where she watched fireworks from her balcony. Earlier that day, the RHOBH star - turning 56 on January 11 - enjoyed a shopping spree with her daughter Farrah Aldjufrie at the Hermes boutique in Aspen, which only opened last February. Kyle - who boasts 6.7M social media followers - captioned her Insta: 'Like mother, like daughter!' Richards welcomed the 36-year-old Agency co-founder during her four-year marriage to ex-husband Guraish Aldjufrie, which ended in 1992. Mauricio Umansky celebrated New Year's Eve alongside Grid Energy Group chairman Abe Issa at a packed, raucous party held at The Snow Lodge in Aspen, CO on Tuesday night The Italian eatery, located inside The St. Regis Aspen Resort, hired Grammy-winning DJ David Guetta (M) to headline the bash dubbed 'A NYE Futuristic Cosmic Voyage' Mauricio and The Holiday Exchange actress are still getting along as they amicably prepared Christmas dinner together for their blended brood of four daughters. Kyle even gifted Umansky (last name Sneider) a framed 'art piece' of a snowy landscape centered by a horseback rider, and he gave her a kiss on the cheek. Richards and The Agency CEO have also gone out to dinner several times with their 28-year-old daughter Alexia, 24-year-old daughter Sophia, and 16-year-old daughter Portia. 'Divorce just hasn't come up,' the former child star claimed on the RHOBH after show last month. 'We're good friends. We get along really well. We live separate lives. When the time comes, obviously, we will address it.' Mauricio has been pictured canoodling with One Management Model Klaudia K and Crescent City actress Nikita Kahn since the July 2023 separation while Kyle has raised eyebrows with her best friend since 2022, country crooner Morgan Wade. Umansky has filed to dismiss a federal lawsuit against him and his billion-dollar brokerage brought by Realtor LLC accusing him of stealing 'over $3.5M from American taxpayers and improperly used those payroll protection loans (PPP) during the pandemic.' And last August, Netflix canceled the Mexican-born, LA-raised real estate mogul's reality show Buying Beverly Hills after two seasons due to 'the viewing numbers' - according to Deadline. Fans can catch more of Mauricio and Kyle in the 14th season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, which resumes next Tuesday on Bravo/Peacock. Meanwhile, the 54-year-old Buying Beverly Hills producer-star's estranged wife Kyle Richards decided to quietly ring in 2025 at their $13.6M four-bedroom Aspen house where she watched fireworks from her balcony Earlier that day, the RHOBH star (R) - turning 56 on January 11 - enjoyed a shopping spree with her daughter Farrah Aldjufrie (L) at the Hermes boutique in Aspen, which only opened last February Kyle welcomed the 36-year-old Agency co-founder during her four-year marriage to ex-husband Guraish Aldjufrie, which ended in 1992 Mauricio and Richards are still getting along as they amicably prepared Christmas dinner together for their blended brood of four daughters The Holiday Exchange actress even gifted Umansky (last name Sneider) a framed 'art piece' of a snowy landscape centered by a horseback rider, and he gave her a kiss on the cheek Kyle and The Agency CEO have also gone out to dinner several times with their 28-year-old daughter Alexia, 24-year-old daughter Sophia, and 16-year-old daughter Portia Richards claimed on the RHOBH after show last month: 'Divorce just hasn't come up. We're good friends. We get along really well. We live separate lives. When the time comes, obviously, we will address it' Speculation that Kylie Jenner might be pregnant with her third child has gone into overdrive as some fans have claimed that the reality star is following the same pattern that she did during her previous pregnancies. The Kardashian star, 27, famously kept both of her pregnancies secret when she welcomed her two children with ex-boyfriend Travis Scott, and now, social media users are convinced that the same thing is happening again. The Kylie Cosmetics founder has been dating A Complete Unknown actor Timothee Chalamet, 29, for over a year, after the pair first went public with their romance in September 2023. Now, fans think that a recent video shared by the lip kit mogul has provided major clues that she is expecting her first child with her current boyfriend. Taking to TikTok on December 30, the mother-of-two shared a sweet video of herself, her daughter Stormi, six, and her six-year-old niece Chicago showcasing items from their Ulta shopping haul. However, Kylie's appearance and actions which caught the attention of eagle-eyed fans. Speculation that Kylie Jenner might be pregnant with her third child has gone into overdrive after she appeared to cover her stomach in a video (seen) Fans are theoizing that the lip kit mogul is expecting her first child with her boyfriend, Timothee Chalamet 'COVERING HER BELLY AND THE PREGNANCY NOSE NAURRRRRR,' one X user tweeted about the clip. Another agreed as they wrote: 'Covering her belly and the pregnancy nose? Yeah shes pregnant.' In the clip, Kylie could be seen sitting on the floor in black pajamas while she held the large Ulta bag in front of her stomach area. The makeup lover sported a fresh face that was bare of any cosmetics - and some claimed that her nose seemed to be wider. Pregnancy hormones, like estrogen, can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to swelling and a broader appearance at the tip of the nose. Elsewhere, another fan tweeted: 'I think *redacted* is pregnant and if i'm right this app is gonna be on fire real soon.' 'Timothee gonna be a step-dad to two kids and [have] his own at a young age,' one follower agreed, while other stated: 'A little Kymothee on the way.' It certainly wouldn't be a surprise if Kylie chose to keep any future pregnancy under wraps. Taking to TikTok, the mother-of-two shared a sweet video of herself, her daughter Stormi, and niece Chicago showcasing an Ulta shopping haul - but kept her stomach covered up The makeup lover sported a fresh face that was bare of any cosmetics - and some claimed that her nose seemed to be wider and wondered if she had 'pregnancy nose' Kylie's appearance and actions immediately caught the attention of eagle-eyed fans When she was pregnant with Stormi, the reality star actively avoided being pictured publicly for practically the full nine months that she was expecting. She only confirmed the news after she had welcomed her daughter into the world in 2018. The star then released footage documenting her pregnancy journey on YouTube, titled To Our Daughter. Kylie took a similar approach with son Aire, now two; she donned baggy clothing and avoided most public appearances until her child was born in 2022. In pictures taken on December 30, Kylie was seen enjoying a shopping trip with Stormi and Chicago - whose mother is Kylie's older half-sister Kim Kardashian. 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 leather jacket and baggy blue denim slacks. For comfort, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians veteran wore adidas sneakers. The Kardashian star famously kept both of her pregnancies secret when she welcomed her two children with ex-boyfriend Travis Scott (pictured in 2019) Kylie is pictured with her daughter Stormi, six, and two-year-old son Aire Meanwhile, it was reported last month that Kylie and Timothee enjoyed an early Christmas celebration with her two young kids. 'They had a really nice dinner together with Kylies family, and they drove around to look at Christmas lights,' a source shared with Page Six. 'The kids had a really magical time, and Kylie and Timothee made some very special memories together.' It was noted that because the two 'arent going to be together on Christmas Day this year, they made sure to celebrate beforehand and even exchanged some gifts.' 'Timothee not only got Kylie gifts, but also got some for the kids, which Kylie thought was so sweet and thoughtful,' it was added. Per the source, 'Kylie and Timothee are both going to be with their families for Christmas, but theyre going to stay connected despite being apart.' Page Six's insider revealed, 'When they first started dating last year, things between them were on and off because it was fairly new, and they both had very busy schedules. 'Plus, Timothee was away in New York shortly after they started dating, which made it challenging to maintain their relationship.' But now, 'Kylie and Timothee are constantly in communication even when theyre apart. Their relationship is stronger than ever, and they deeply care for one another.' The two high-profile celebrities share a 'very close connection and love each other very much,' the source divulged. 'Theyre enjoying keeping things out of the spotlight as much as possible for the time being, especially because so much of their lives are in the public eye. They like having this aspect of it to themselves for now,' per the insider. 'Catwoman' Jocelyn Wildenstein looked happy and healthy on her final public outing in France on December 18 - days before her shock death aged 84. The socialite and social media star's death was announced on Wednesday, with her longtime partner Lloyd Klein confirming she passed from a pulmonary embolism. Wildenstein - known for her drastic plastic surgeries looked as glamorous as ever as she and Klein, 57, arrived for dinner at the Ritz Paris. The couple held hands and happily posed up together just weeks before her death. The star smiled at onlookers while in a fur jacket, leggings and boots as she wore black sunglasses and her blonde hair in soft waves over her shoulders. Wildenstein, born Jocelyne Perisset, was in a Parisian palace at the time of her death, it was reported by Paris Match. 'Catwoman' Jocelyn Wildenstein looked happy and healthy on her final public outing in France on December 18 - days before her shock death aged 84 She was nicknamed Catwoman due to her pronounced cat eyes and leonine features - Seen in 2022 in NYC 'Her partner Lloyd Klein is saddened to announce the death of Jocelyn Wildenstein in Paris,' it was shared by AFP. She was nicknamed Catwoman due to her pronounced cat eyes and leonine features. She had over 1 million Instagram followers and described herself as an 'art dealer.' This Swiss-born socialite came from humble origins, only to tie the knot in the 1970s with a French-born American billionaire. But the two courted headlines just over two decades later with their messy divorce. She became one of the wealthiest people on the planet after her divorce settlement, which left her with more than $2 billion, plus millions more annually. But she somehow managed to lose it all after years of tinkering with her face and spending on countless luxuries. The high society fixture was married to the late art dealer and billionaire Alec N. Wildenstein, who was the son of the French art dealer and horse breeder Daniel Wildenstein. The star smiled at onlookers while in a fur jacket, leggings and boots as she wore black sunglasses and her blonde hair in soft waves over her shoulders The star looked in great spirits as she headed to dinner The couple courted attention as they stepped out Their family presided over Wildenstein & Co., an influential Paris-based art dealership. While speaking to The Times of London, Jocelyn described how she became fascinated by Africa and its fauna after finding a box of picture books about the continent when she was a child. Later, she developed an interest in hunting and wildlife, which led her to the Wildenstein family ranch Ol Jogi, located in Kenya. There, she was introduced on a safari to Alec by Adnan Khashoggi, a Saudi arms dealer. Jocelyn recalled how Alec decided to kill a lion that had been killing nearby antelope, so she accompanied him on a pre-dawn mission. She recounted how, after her future husband took down the lion with one shot - plus a second for good measure -they ate part of the animal as a kind of trophy and rubbed its blood on their necks. Her throwback photo was taken at the Kenyan ranch of her late ex-husband Alec N. Wildenstein, where they met in 1977 before eloping in Las Vegas in 1978; pictured in 2000 in Paris 'You must eat a part of the heart of your game,' she said. 'Its legend. Maybe to take the power of the lion.' She recently shared a flashback photo. 'My early years at Ol Jogi building this beautiful ranch from scratch before having my children, This was my first love story with Africa and it started here at #oljogi,' she captioned the stunning photo. Although she didn't date the photo, it appeared to have been taken in the late '70s or early '80s, early on in her relationship with Wildenstein But by the '90s, Jocelyn was completely unrecognizable after her face was transformed reportedly from numerous cosmetic surgeries. Jocelyn lived a life of luxury with Wildenstein, but they divorced in 2000, allegedly after she discovered his infidelities. She won a stunning $2.5B in the divorce, plus $100M to be paid annually for 13 years; pictured in 1997 in Manhattan But the lion-faced socialite frittered away the fortune through extravagant purchases. She also claims a painting comprising part of her trust turned out to be a forgery, while another was auctioned for tens of millions less than expected; seen in 2017 in NYC They left her with slanted cat eyes, a prominent chin and exaggerated cheek bones, which some have compared to a lion's face. Despite the obvious change in her appearance, Wildenstein at one time bizarrely claimed to have never had plastic surgery. Alec did comment on her face. He told Vanity Fair, 'She was crazy. I would always find out last. She was thinking that she could fix her face like a piece of furniture. Skin does not work that way. But she wouldnt listen.' Wildenstein fired back that he 'hired a publicist and paid a plastic surgeon to certify that I completely changed my face' to win the divorce, she stated. More recently she owned up to having some procedures, though she downplayed its impact. In the wake of years of reported over-the-top spending and seemingly unending cosmetic procedures, Alec filed for divorce in 1999, though Jocelyn has said she was the one to first decide to end the marriage due to her husband's infidelities. Although he filed for divorce in Switzerland, where Jocelyn was less likely to get a significant divorce settlement, she ended up receiving what should have been a windfall a reported $2.5 billion. On top of that, she was to be paid $100 million per year for 13 years by her ex-husband, and later his estate following his death in 2008 at 67. However, her ex-husband's family cut off the payments in 2015. Despite obtaining more wealth than most people could ever imagine, Wildenstein managed to fritter it away through extravagant purchases on clothing, jewels, art and even tens of thousands of dollars in annual phone bills. Wildenstein was arrested for assault in 2016 after slashing Klein's face with scissors, and he was arrested for robbery and assault days later while allegedly trying to take his belongings from her apartment. But the two reunited and are together to this day; seen in 2017 in NYC In 2018, she claimed to Page Six that the vast majority of her wealth disappeared because one of the paintings that was part of the trust set up for her in the divorce settlement, attributed to Diego Velazquez, turned out to be a forgery, while a Cezanne that was expected to go for around $35 on auction only sold for $4.7 million Following her divorce, Wildenstein began dating the fashion designer Lloyd Klein in 2003. The two later got engaged, but they have had a bump relationship over the years. In 2016, Wildenstein was arrested for slashing Klein's face with scissors during a fight at her Trump Tower apartment. Klein was subsequently arrested days later for robbery and assault after he allegedly tried to retrieve some of his belongings from Wildenstein's apartment. But the couple later reunited. Samantha Hanratty has welcomed her first child. The Yellowjackets star - who announced in August she was pregnant - had the baby with her husband Christian DeAnda. On New Year's Eve the 29-year-old posted the happy news on Instagram. 'And just like thatmy world got brighter 12-31-24,' Samantha said in her caption. There was also a black-and-white photo of her newborn son holding her finger. Samantha and Christian, who was in the movie The Suicide Squad, got married in Paso Robles, California in November 2023 after meeting on the dating app Bumble in 2020. Samantha Hanratty has welcomed her first child. The Yellowjackets star - who announced in August she was pregnant - had the baby with her husband Christian DeAnda On New Year's Eve the 29-year-old announced the happy news. 'And just like that my world got brighter 12-31-24,' Samantha wrote on Instagram In September she said her son would be born with a cleft lip and would get several surgeries after he was born. In the caption of her TikTok video, Hanratty penned, 'Baby update! We cant wait to meet our sweetheart thanks for following along with this unpredictable, incredible, and wild journey!' She added n the comment section, 'Grieving not being able to breastfeed but I'm coming to terms with it. Hearing other people's stories especially with nursing is helping a lot.' Samantha jumped to her main Instagram page to upload two snaps as she posed in the same ensemble from her recent TikTok video. She gently cradled her burgeoning stomach and flashed a cheerful smile as she sat against a wall outdoors. The star typed out, 'My son, for almost 23 weeks we have grown together. It's an honor to hold the space you grow in.' 'It's not been an easy ride but with every movement you remind me it's all going to be okay. Your dad and I love you so much, there aren't words.' Hanratty tied the knot with The Suicide Squad actor, Christian DeAnda, during a romantic ceremony at Terra Mia Vineyards in Paso Robles, California In August, Hanratty excitedly announced that she is expecting her first child; seen in February in Santa Monica In August, Hanratty announced that she is expecting her first child and uploaded an emotional clip to Instagram to share the moment she found out she was pregnant. At the beginning of the reel, the actress took a pregnancy test and later tearfully revealed that it had come out negative. However, she soon took another test and filmed herself in the bathroom as she waited for the results to come through. Upon seeing the test come back as positive, she threw her hand to her mouth and repeatedly said, 'No way,' while holding up the test towards the camera. In the caption, she wrote, 'Still in shock and its been 4 months! I will be sharing more from my journey because it has been a wild one! Come follow this new adventure #pregnant #pregnancytest #fyp.' At the time, social media users jumped to the comment section to send their congratulations over the big news. One fan penned, 'Misty going to have a baby?' referencing to the star's character in Yellowjackets. The Flash actress, Kayla Compton, wrote, 'You're going to be the best mom!' while her Yellowjackets co-star Melanie Lynskey added, 'Love you,' followed by red heart emojis. An original Gavin & Stacey actor has revealed how the BBC casting director had to track him down to return for the highly anticipated finale after he ditched acting for a new career as a barrister. Daniel Jeffrey portrayed Simon, one of Smithys stag-do companions during the first series of the hit show in 2007. During the new behind-the-scenes documentary, A Fond Farewell, which aired on Wednesday night, Daniel revealed that he has since trained to be a barrister and now works in London. However it was difficult for the show to find Daniel after 17 years as he was in fact using a 'stage name'. Speaking to creators Ruth Jones and James Corden on set, James said: 'This is Gary and Simon, the original Gary and Simon. Lauren the casting director she did a bit of detective work to track you down. Daniel explained: 'I actually can't believe she found me, I had a stage name Daniel Knightley because I was working in cinema at the time and I was like I need a better name. Original Gavin & Stacey actor has revealed how the BBC casting director had to track him down to return for the highly anticipated finale after becoming a barrister Daniel Jeffrey portrayed Simon, one of Smithys stag-do companions during the first series of the hit show in 2007 'So I kind of just landed on a Keira Knightley poster and was like, "I'll be Daniel Knightley" So I didn't even have the same name. 'She tracked me down from being in the police to being a barrister, she got in touch with my chambers, who then said, someone from a casting agency has contacted you. 'And I was like, "That can only be one thing" because I've only ever really been in one thing.' TV presenter James asked: 'Are you a barrister now then?' Daniel confirmed: 'Yeah, yeah'. Before joining Chambers, Daniel worked for the Ministry of Defence and as a police officer for the Metropolitan Police. His career saw him work in Counter-terrorism, C.I.D, the fraud squad, and in specialist domestic violence/child protection roles that involved specialist interview training. The BBC documentary, offered a glimpse at the making of the long-awaited finale, as well as taking a lookback at the show's origins, and its 17-year run. During the new behind-the-scenes documentary, A Fond Farewell, Daniel revealed that he has since trained to be a barrister and now works in London Speaking to creators Ruth Jones and James Corden on set, James said: 'This is Gary and Simon, the original Gary and Simon. Lauren the casting director she did a bit of detective work to track you down Daniel explained: 'I actually can't believe she found me, I had a stage name Daniel Knightley because I was working in cinema at the time. She tracked me down from being in the police to being a barrister' Ruth and James asked: 'Are you a barrister now then?' Daniel confirmed: 'Yeah, yeah' During the final episode, the stags reunited for Smithy's stag do ahead of his wedding to Sonia They originally wore matching T-shirts for Gavin's stag in 2007 - Daniel pictured as Simon right The Gavin and Stacey: The Finale drew in a whopping 12.5 million viewers to become the most watched show on Christmas Day. Viewers had been waiting for five years to learn the fate of the BBC sitcom's beloved characters and see if Smithy had accepted Nessa's proposal. The final episode was hailed 'perfect' by viewers, who were left in tears as the long-running show finally aired its last episode after 17 years. The BBC won the battle of the channels when it came to ratings as 10 million also tuned in to watch the return of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. The series, which debuted back in 2007 after being created by stars James Corden and Ruth Jones, concluded with on/off lovers Smithy and Nessa finally declaring their love for one another and tying the knot, but not without a few hiccups along the way. Smithy was originally set to wed his girlfriend Sonia, with it revealed he'd never given an answer to Nessa's proposal, which provided the cliffhanger to the show's 2019 Christmas Special. But after the entire Shipman/West clan finally declared that he was making a mistake, Smithy finally declared his love for Nessa, proposing to her in an emotional scene at Southampton Docks. The episode then cut to Smithy and Nessa exchanging their vows at long last in an intimate ceremony in Barry, with the series ending with an emotional montage of the family marking the occasion at The Dolphin pub, before posing for a family snap together. James and Ruth also have a book about the show due out next Autumn called When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between: A Story Of Love And Friendship. Despite ruling out a return to the series, James has said he wants to work with Ruth again. He said: 'We don't know if we have another idea in us but I can honestly say that if we didn't attempt to try and even explore the idea of writing together then I'd be so disappointed.' Angelina Jolie's brother James Haven secretly wed partner Romi Imbelli over the summer amid his superstar sister's messy divorce from Brad Pitt. Haven, 51, who famously kissed Angelina on the red carpet at the 2000 Academy Awards, wed The Real L Word star in an August 12 ceremony in Laguna Beach, California, with close family members, including father Jon Voight, in attendance, per Just Jared. Jolie, who settled her eight year divorce from Pitt this week, was said to not be in attendance. Romi shared loved-up snaps of the big day to Instagram writing: 'In 2024, I married my best friend of 23 years. 'The details of our story are too personal and complicated to share now, but I am writing it all in my book. Our wedding day was intimate, just us and our parents while exchanging vows, with plans to have a larger celebration later 'After 5 months of much crying, healing, and reflection, we decided to work through our issues and are now planning a special day with my daughter. Angelina Jolie 's brother James Haven secretly wed partner Romi Imbelli over the summer amid his superstar sister's messy divorce from Brad Pitt - pictured with her brother Haven is pictured with Angelina in 2000 Jolie settled her divorce from Brad Pitt this week - pictured Jolie and Pitt in 2009 'I feel liberated and ready to return to my husband and our home in LA. Everything that has happened in the last few months was all part of a greater plan, and I trust in Gods timing. I will always hold 2024 deeply in my heart. Life is too short. Go out and live it. 'Tomorrow is the day my dad was born. He met Jamie 23 years ago. I believe he is watching over us from heaven and smiling down on us. Jamie proposed to me at my dads grave. There is no guarantee of tomorrow, so give your all today.' Romi also paid tribute to James and Angelina's late mother Marcheline Bertrand, writing: 'Today, Jamies mom is singing for us as they celebrate in heaven together. We are both learning to accept love from someone, this was a special and private day in these pics. I look forward to celebrating with loved ones in the coming year. Happy New Year. Romi starred on the reality show - which followed a group of lesbian friends in Los Angeles - from 2010-2012. She is credited as Romi Klinger. In January 2024Haven made extremely rare remarks about his relationship with the Oscar-winning actress. He appeared on an episode of the 90who10 podcast in which he delved into how he had focused on caring for Angelina's children in the wake of her split and years-long divorce from Pitt. James who was most recently pictured in public with his father Jon Voight in October 2022 admitted that he saw it as his duty to 'protect' his sister's six children amid the tumultuous divorce and the resulting negative publicity for the sparring exes. The newlyweds wore matching white ensembles for their beach wedding James is seen sharing a controversial kiss with his sister in 2000 The conversation turned to James' connection to Angelina in recent years and questions about how he had responded to the very public split. 'That's where it all started, it started with the protection of her and then of her children, my nieces and nephews,' James said via Too Fab, indicating that he and his sister began a new phase of their relationship after her split. 'There are those are massively formative years, they're becoming young adults in their early 20s,' he continued, referencing her children. 'That's so crazy thinking that, but yeah, I think it's just very natural [to feel protective] and I just want to be there,' James continued. 'Very much like my mom. Anytime I'm blessed to be in their presence, I want to be in their presence.' He attributed that feeling to a lesson he learned from his late mother Marcheline Bertrand. '[It's] a quality I got from my mom, even though cell phones were not as prevalent as they are now, but back to that idea of her always being like, "You are the focus,"' he shared. 'I set my life up so I can be present with whatever the situation. The formative years, the young adults they're going to become, I want to be there for them or for her whatever she's going through.' Although James has had small parts on film and television throughout the years, it was his connecting to his younger sister that first increased his public profile. He often accompanied her on the awards season trail leading up to her Oscar win for Beset Supporting Actress for 1999's Girl, Interrupted. But the two were beset by rumors inspired by their overly close bond and their public affections, including their habit of kissing on the mouth on the red carpet. Angelina and James stirred up controversy back in 2000, when they shared a kiss on the lips just after she won her Oscar. While accepting her award, Jolie confessed, 'I'm in shock, and I'm so in love with my brother right now. 'He just held me and said he loved me, and I know he's so happy for me. And, um, thank you for that.' James later said the event was 'misconstrued' amid the breathless coverage of it. Angelina also tried to brush off criticism of their public displays, calling the kisses just an example of 'brotherly love.' They two later attributed the stress of having their mother in the hospital around the time of the awards season campaign on the provocative displays. Bertrand had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1999, and despite her initial hospitalization, she live several more years with the disease. The actress died in 2007 at the age of 56. James seemed happy to speak about his connection to his sister, although he mostly spoke in vague terms. However, he indicated that they two hoped to collaborate on some kind of projects in the future, though it wasn't clear if they were film projects or something else. 'We have very mutual interests, especially if it's focuses on how to help kids or stuff like that,' James explained. 'And I know there's going to be many things in the future that we'll probably be working on, which we've never done publicly, like together, but I think there's many things in the future that I think we'll do together.' James had a steady string of small film and television roles beginning in the late 1990s, though many of them were in films starring his sister or second husband Billy Bob Thornton, whom she was married to from 2000 to 2003. He has mostly stayed out of the public eye in recent years, and his last on-screen role was in Easy Silence, a short film from 2013. His sister Angelina has continued to have a varied career as an actor and occasional director, while also working as a human rights activist and a Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). On Monday, Pitt and Jolie officially settled their divorce, bringing an end to a contentious legal fight that lasted over eight years. However, one major sticking point remains unresolvedtheir $62 million dispute over the French chateau and vineyard they once co-owned. The former couple, famously known as 'Brangelina,' signed off on their divorce paperwork this week. Jolies attorney, James Simon, told DailyMail.com that the actress is relieved to have closed this chapter. Now that his divorce from Jolie is finally behind him ,Pitt is happier than ever with girlfriend Ines de Ramonbut wedding bells arent in their immediate future; (Ines and Brad in September) 'Frankly, Angelina is exhausted,' Simon said. However, she recently expressed dissatisfaction with the film industry and shared her desire to move away from Los Angeles in an interview with WSJ. Magazine. 'Of all the places in the world, Hollywood is not a healthy place,' she said at the time. Both James and Angelina have had a tempestuous relationship with their father, Jon including several years in which they were estranged from him - but his close appearance at the wedding shows they have mended their relationship. Bravo superfan Jon Hamm weighed in on the big Southern Charm breakup between Paige DeSorbo and Craig Conover this week. 'I gotta pour one out for Craig and Paige,' ,Mad Men star Hamm, 53, said of the couple during CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast with Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper. 'My goodness. The end of an era. Geez. Who'da thunk it?, he told Cohen. And if wasn't just deSorbo and Conover's breakup that Hamm wanted to discuss. He also had some words about one of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. 'I have some thoughts. Dorit Kemsley is not doing it for me these days,' the Mad Men actor said. 'I'm having some issues with her mentality and her issues,' he said without offering any further explanation. Bravo superfan Jon Hamm weighed in on the big Southern Charm breakup between Paige DeSorbo and Craig Conover this week 'I gotta pour one out for Craig and Paige,' Hamm, 53, said of the couple during CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast with Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper. The couple pictured here on November 29, 2023 Cohen pointed out that 2025 marks 10 years since Mad Men went off the air. 'Well, obviously, it's the greatest thing I've ever done in my career,' Hamm said. 'I guess what I really am impressed with is that now new generations are kind of discovering the show.' Hamm explained that he's 'especially' grateful for the fans in Chicago, which has a 'huge advertising fan base.' '30-year-olds go up to me and are like, "Oh my God, I love that show," he said. 'I was like, "You were 10 when it came out. What are you talking about?" But, it's impressive and it's obviously, it's something I'm tremendously proud of.' Back in Bravo news, Paige, 32, revealed the split from Craig, 35, on December 30 on her Giggly Squad podcast with Hannah Berner. 'Craig and I have decided to no longer be together,' DeSorbo revealed during Mondays episode. 'It's weird, it's very weird. I wasn't expecting this. 'Obviously, when we first started dating, you don't think, "Oh, what will happen? Will we get married, will we not?" You're just kind of like, in this relationship.' 'My goodness. The end of an era. Geez. Who'da thunk it?, he told Cohen. Seen here December 14, 2024 Paige, 32, revealed the split from Craig, 35, on December 30 on her Giggly Squad podcast with Hannah Berner. Seen here March 27, 2024 The former boyfriend and girlfriend seemed to be on good terms as recently as November, when they enjoyed Thanksgiving together in upstate New York. Hes definitely the best boyfriend Ive ever had. Like, I can truly say that, DeSorbo shared on Monday. She stressed, 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,' she said. '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 described their mutual decision as 'mature,' revealing, '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.' The brunette beauty stayed mum on specifics, but said her time with Conover was very transformative, noting that both parties grew during their time together. Craig and I have decided to no longer be together,' DeSorbo revealed during Mondays episode. Seen here February 10, 2024 'It's weird, it's very weird. I wasn't expecting this. 'Obviously, when we first started dating, you don't think, "Oh, what will happen? Will we get married, will we not?" Seen here March 27, 2024 Paige also denied rumors that the breakup announcement was timed to the release of their respective Bravo show premieres. Southern Charm is currently airing its 10th season while Summer House returns for season nine in February. 'No one can tell me what to do,' she explained. 'The network has power, but they dont have that much powerRumors of us breaking up months agoagain, also not a real thing.' As Paige also stressed, her news comes after the two took some time to deal with the matter on their accord. 'We both gave each other a little time to deal with it on our own, in private, with our family and friends,' she noted, 'and now I feel like it is appropriate to be able to tell people.' YouTube sensation MrBeast has announced his engagement to Thea Booysen. The social media star, 26, real name James Donaldson, popped the question to gaming streamer Booysen, 27, on Christmas Day. MrBeast - whose channel has the highest number of YouTube subscribers in the world at 340million - has been dating Booysen since 2022. He told People: 'My family flew out from South Africa for Christmas and we were going to do Christmas in our house so both families were here. We were opening presents, and then for the very last present he asked me to close my eyes because it was a surprise. 'I intentionally dropped a large box to make noise before presenting the real gift with the ring inside to her. And then I went down on a knee and proposed.' 'I was trying to think of the best way to catch her off guard so it would be a surprise. Thea is really close to her family, so I wanted to make sure that they were included in this momentous occasion. Christmas worked out great because they were in town from the other side of the world.' YouTube sensation MrBeast has announced his engagement to Thea Booysen - pictured December 18 The social media star, 26, real name James Donaldson, popped the question to gaming streamer Booysen, 27, on Christmas Day In contrast to his spectacular videos, the star said he wanted the proposal to be intimate. Booysen's ring is a 'beautiful' diamond on a rose gold band with additional diamonds on each side. The pair first connected when MrBeast visited Booysen's native South Africa when a mutual friend invited them both to dinner. The couple are now eagerly planning a tropical wedding - and after holidaying on Richard Branson's Necker Island, have taken inspiration for their big day. MrBeast said: 'We're thinking of doing it somewhere on an island where we're far away from just about everybody. We're not going to try and have a big, extravagant wedding.' In 2022 Thea spoke about their blossoming romance. She said: 'Going out as Mr. Beast's [girlfriend] was super anxiety provoking. You get common sayings like, "Oh, she's gonna break his heart," or, "She's gonna be a gold digger."' But the streamer explained that she tries not take the negative comments to heart, since the haters 'don't even know her.' 'I don't take it seriously at all like, I know this is the process that's going to take place as people are going to assume the worst of course,' she continued. 'They don't even know [me].' The pair looked smitten as they gazed at the glittering engagement ring Thea showed off her new diamond as she celebrated The couple are now eagerly planning a tropical wedding - and after holidaying on Richard Branson's Necker Island, have taken inspiration for their big day The couple first went public with their relationship in March 2022 , when she shared a snap of them together to her Instagram, which she captioned, 'Mr. Beast and Beasty,' alongside a heart. They made their red carpet debut in April, when they attended the Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles. Mr. Beast was previously linked to fellow influencer Maddy Spidell, whom he dated for three years before they split in early 2022. California has introduced new regulations aimed at easing the state's home insurance crisis, but it will mean Americans will pay more. The new rules, released Monday by the California Department of Insurance, allow providers to pass the cost of reinsurance on to policyholders. Reinsurance is effectively the insurance taken out by insurers. It transfers some of the risk so that no company has too much exposure to a potential catastrophe. The cost of reinsurance has boomed in recent years, due to the increased risk of natural disasters in the state. This, in part, is why insurers have been pulling out of the state, and regulators hope the reform will make the market more attractive to home insurers. Earlier this year, State Farm gave the state an ultimatum - threatening to ax cover if it did not allow the insurer to raise home insurance rates for millions. This will be the first time that insurers have been able to pass on the cost to consumers in California, which is a common practice in all other states. However consumer advocates warn that this change will likely lead to immediately higher prices for homeowners, many of whom are already struggling to afford soaring premiums. Doug Heller, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America, speculated that consumers could see price increases of 30 percent to 40 percent, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The cost of reinsurance has boomed in recent years, due to the increased risk of natural disasters in the state (Pictured: The Franklin Fire in Malibu earlier this month) The regulation is the final step in Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara's Sustainable Insurance Strategy, which aims to fix the growing crisis in California. To make up for the price rises imposed on customers, regulators have attached a condition to the reform. This is that insurance companies that pass on their reinsurance costs must also commit to writing more policies in wildfire-prone parts of the state, or pledge to maintain their presence there. 'Californians deserve a reliable insurance market that doesn't retreat from communities most vulnerable to wildfires and climate change,' Lara said in a statement. 'This is a historic moment for California.' Insurers will have to start increasing their coverage by 5 percent every two years until they hit the equivalent of 85 percent of their market share. That means if an insurer writes 20 out of every 100 state policies, they would need to write 17 in a high-risk area, Lara's office said. The department said it will limit the costs to consumers by tying the reinsurance charges to an industry standard that cannot be exceeded. 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, said Department of Insurance Deputy Commissioner Michael Soller. The regulation is the final step in Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara's Sustainable Insurance Strategy, which aims to fix the growing crisis in California To make up for the price rises imposed on customers, insurance companies must also commit to writing more policies in wildfire-prone parts of the state, or pledge to maintain their presence there (Pictured: A Malibu home destroyed in the Franklin fire) The regulation was praised by the trade group the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. Laura Curtis, assistant vice president of state government relations for the group, said in a statement that it was 'one of several critically needed reforms to stabilize California's insurance market.' However Consumer Watchdog, a Los Angeles based group, blasted the new rules, saying Lara is too close to the industry - a claim he dismissed as 'hogwash.' The group said it would lead to rates being 40 percent higher for homeowners, and claimed the regulation contained loopholes that do not guarantee insurers would write up more policies in wildfire-prone areas, the Los Angeles Times reported. 'Tellingly the commissioner did not do a cost impact analysis of his plan on consumers. 'That's because this plan is of the insurance industry, by the insurance industry, and for the industry,' Jamie Court, president of the group, said in a statement. RECPDCL Handovers SpV to Power Grid Corporation Gurugram: REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of REC Limited, the Maharatna CPSU under the aegis of Ministry of Power, has handed over a project specific SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle). viz, Rajasthan IV 4A Power Transmission Limited to Power Grid Corporation of India Limited on 30th December, 2024 at Gurugram. Power Grid Corporation of India Limited emerged as the Transmission Service Provider (TSP) through Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) process conducted by RECPDCL, the Bid Process Coordinator, for development of the transmission project on Build, Own, Operate & Transfer (BOOT) basis. The transmission scheme is planned for evacuation of 3.5 GW of RE power from Rajasthan Renewable Energy Zone, which covers establishment of 765/400 kV, 2 X1500 MVA S/s near Ghiror (Uttar Pradesh), Augmentation of Barmer -I Pooling Station, 283.05 Kms of 765 kV line and 43.28 Kms of 400 kV line along with associated works. The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 5378.03 Crores. The assassination of Maulvi Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani, a key leader in the Haqqani network, has sent shockwaves across Afghanistan and the region The assassination of Maulvi Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani, the Talibans Minister for Refugees and a senior figure in the Haqqani network, has exposed significant fractures within the Taliban leadership and deepened the complexities of regional geopolitics. Claimed by the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP), the attack not only highlights the Talibans internal divisions but also reshapes the broader strategic landscape, especially for India. On December 11, 2024, Khalil Haqqani was killed in a high-profile suicide bombing in Kabul. This incident underscored the Talibans failure to ensure internal security and revealed growing tensions between its Kandahar faction, led by Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, and the Haqqani network, headed by Sirajuddin Haqqani. These tensions have been fueled by the Haqqanis perception of neglect or even sabotage by the Kandahar faction. In response to this crisis, Sirajuddin Haqqani convened an emergency meeting in Gardez with key network leaders to address security breaches and the escalating threat posed by ISKP. This development points to potential fragmentation within the Taliban, which carries significant implications for regional stability and Indias security. A fragmented Taliban could destabilize Afghanistan, creating fertile ground for extremist groups like ISKP. This factions hostility toward both the Taliban and regional actors, including India, raises the specter of increased attacks targeting Indian interests. The resultant instability might also spill over into Pakistan, indirectly affecting Indias border security, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Another concern lies in the potential strengthening of the Pakistan-Taliban nexus. Pakistans historical ties to the Haqqani network could enable it to leverage this faction against Indian activities in Afghanistan, including infrastructure and development projects. Such a scenario could escalate cross-border terrorism, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, and erode Indias strategic influence in Afghanistan. Indian investments in key infrastructure projects like the Zaranj-Delaram Highway and the Chabahar Port route may face heightened risks amidst this instability. India also faces an increased terror threat as ISKP may collaborate with groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which are active in Pakistan. Such alliances could intensify attacks on Indian targets, while prolonged conflict in Afghanistan might radicalize vulnerable populations across the region, including within India. Regionally, these developments complicate Indias diplomatic landscape. Iran, for instance, might shift its focus to countering Afghan instability, potentially undermining its collaboration with India on projects like Chabahar Port. Similarly, a stronger Pakistan-Haqqani alliance could align with Chinas ambitions under the Belt and Road Initiative, further sidelining India in the region. Globally, Pakistans backing of the Haqqani network provides it with a lever to influence Afghan politics but risks alienating the Kandahar faction and exacerbating internal Taliban conflicts. ISKPs growing power, meanwhile, poses a direct challenge to South Asian security, threatening to destabilize the region and affect Indias geopolitical interests. For India, the assassination of Khalil Haqqani signifies a critical moment to recalibrate its approach. India must bolster its intelligence capabilities and border security, particularly in sensitive areas like Jammu and Kashmir. Strengthening partnerships with Iran, Central Asia, and Russia could counterbalance Pakistans influence in Afghanistan. Coordinating with international allies to combat ISKP and other extremist groups will also be vital. Furthermore, India must protect its investments in Afghanistan through global partnerships and maintain diplomatic efforts via multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the United Nations. The killing of Khalil Haqqani has revealed the fragile balance within the Taliban and underscored the potential for regional destabilization. For India, this evolving scenario demands vigilance, proactive diplomacy, and strengthened security measures to safeguard its interests amid shifting geopolitical realities. For India, the implications are profound, ranging from the potential rise of terrorism to a weakening of its strategic foothold in Afghanistan. The escalating instability could embolden extremist groups like ISKP, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed, increasing the risk of attacks targeting India. To address these challenges, India must adopt a multi-pronged strategy. Enhancing intelligence capabilities, securing its borders, and deepening ties with Iran, Central Asia, and Russia are crucial steps. Engaging multilateral platforms to combat the ISKP threat and protect investments is equally vital. The situation demands vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard Indias interests in an increasingly volatile region, ensuring its strategic and security objectives remain intact amidst shifting dynamics. (The writer is an eminent expert on counter terrorism in West Asia; views are personal) As we reflect on the year that has passed and welcome the new one, let us resolve to make this a year of progress and unity As we welcome year 2025, the world stands at the cusp of opportunities and challenges. The new year offers a chance to reflect, reset, and reimagine the future. Amidst the advancements and setbacks of recent years, 2025 should be a time for hope, action and collaboration. Here is a wish list for a better world and an earnest appeal to global and Indian leaders to strive for transformative change. The urgency of addressing climate change cannot be overstated. We hope for concrete actions to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and protect biodiversity. Let 2025 be the year when words transform into impactful deeds. The pandemic underscored the disparities in healthcare access. A global commitment to equitable healthcare systems, and increased investments in public health are essential. Bridging the digital divide, improving infrastructure and making quality education accessible to marginalised communities should be a universal priority. As AI and other technologies advance, their application should focus on solving pressing global issuesfrom poverty to climate resiliencerather than exacerbating inequalities. The crises we face are interconnected and so must be our solutions. A concerted effort is required under the UN to bring an end to wars raging in Ukraine and West Asia. The untold misery of Gaza people must end. All involved must work to deescalate tensions and bring about a lasting peace in the region which has seen enough misery and human tragedy. Policies should reflect empathy and foresight, ensuring that no one is left behind. India, with its diversity and potential, holds a unique position in shaping the global future. As we step into 2025, Indian leaders must focus on rural development, job creation and support for small businesses to bridge economic disparities. They should invest in vocational training and innovation to prepare the youth for a competitive global market. Ambitious climate targets must be implemented, alongside enhanced urban planning for sustainable cities and promotion of water and energy conservation. Transparency, accountability and citizen participation must remain central to policy-making, fostering trust and unity. The fringe elements must be brought to mainstream and efforts must be stepped up in places like Manipur to bring about a lasting peace. The government and the citizens alike must work to have a country which is as per the wishes of our Constitution makersa country which ensures dignity, liberty and freedom for all and no section of society is alienated. The people on the fringetribals and dalits need to be given their due and efforts must be made in that direction. The minorities must not feel alienated and targeted. They deserve their due respect and dignity. All religious issues must be settled amicable as per the law. The democratic institutions must be strengthened and parliamentary democracy must work for the people in the right earnest. Wishing all our readers a very happy new year! As global trade dynamics shift under Donald Trumps policies, India stands to gain from the move by multinational companies to diversify supply chains beyond China Releasing a report the Trade Watch, on December 25, 2024, NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam has suggested that trade policies under US President-elect Donald Trump could result in a potential economic boom for India, driven by significant trade diversion in global trade. He said Whatever Trump has announced so far, which is likely to come up there are opportunities. We are the man at first slip. The ball is coming in our direction. Whether we hold the catch or drop it is for us to decide. There will be huge disruption, and if we prepare for it, there will be a massive boom due to trade diversion. This comes after Trump announced additional tariffs on imports from its biggest trading partners - 25 per cent on Canada and Mexico if they fail to check illegal immigration and drug trade. He also announced a general 10 per cent tariff by the US on all imports and a 60 per cent tariff on imports from China. Meanwhile, the US has also announced restrictions on the export of computer chip-making equipment, software, and high-bandwidth memory chips to China. Trump has also threatened to impose 100 per cent tariffs on BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries if they try to undermine the US dollar. The US is the biggest importer in the world with a mammoth import valued at US$ 3200 billion during CY 2022. During that year, its import from China alone was US$536.3 billion which works out to 16.7 percent of total goods imports. US goods imports from Canada and Mexico were US$436.6 billion and US$454.8 billion or 13.6 per cent and 14.2 per cent respectively. In sharp contrast, US goods imports from India during 2022 were US$85.5 billion or a meagre 2.6 per cent of its total goods import. Now, if Trump executes his threat of imposing a 60 per cent additional tariff on imports from China, this will lead to an exorbitant increase in the cost of the latters goods to American consumers thereby rendering them uncompetitive vis-a-vis similar goods coming from other exporting countries such as India. This should help India capture a big slice of the US import basket currently served by China. This should be possible even if Trump imposes a 10 per cent additional tariff on all its imports including from India. As for Trumps threat to impose 100 per cent tariffs on BRICS countries (India is one of them) in the event of the latter putting into action their so-called de-dollarization plan (De-dollarization is a process of moving away from the worlds reliance on the U.S. dollar as the chief reserve currency), this is theoretical. At the 16th summit held on 2224 October 2024 in Kazan, BRICS leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, publicly voiced their commitment to jointly introduce an alternative payment system that wouldnt be dependent on the U.S. dollar. The feasibility of implementing this idea anytime soon is suspect. Second, the US is also hell-bent on taking measures that will undermine the capabilities of China to boost the production of its goods such as electronics (including smartphones), automobiles etc in which it has a comparative advantage. So, it has imposed restrictions on the export of computer chip-making equipment, software, and high-bandwidth memory chips to China. As a result, China not have much surplus to send to the US (and other countries), and India will have more space to boost its export of electronics, automobiles etc.Third, European Union (EU) countries have also imposed tariffs on Chinese EVs (electric vehicles) and solar equipment. Moreover, the multinational companies (MNCs) headquartered in the US and EU countries are shifting their factories away from China, thanks to growing geopolitical uncertainties, the ongoing trade war between the United States and China, cyber-security, and rule-of-law concerns, rising labour costs in China etc. This opens up opportunities as these MNCs can relocate their production bases to India. All of this reinforces a case for China Plus One, a potent business strategy that involves diversifying manufacturing and sourcing away from China aimed at reducing the risk of over-reliance on China for manufacturing and sourcing. Is India ready to capitalise? None other than NITI Aayogs Trade Watch report says that even as many Asian countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia have emerged as bigger beneficiaries of the China Plus One strategy enabled by factors such as cheaper labour, simplified tax laws, lower tariffs, signing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) leading to substantial surge in their exports especially in high-growth sectors, India has lagged. Although India has achieved production gains, they have not significantly contributed to domestic value addition, unlike its peer economies. In Indias high-tech sector, while exports surged by 350 per cent between 2017 and 2023, domestic value-added output fell by 18 per cent. In manufacturing, by contrast, during this period, even as domestic value-added grew at 26 per cent, it still trailed behind merchandise export growth of 44 per cent.In electronics, Indias share in US imports has grown from 0.2 per cent in 2017 to 2.1 per cent in 2023, courtesy of, the governments push toward high-tech exports. However, competitors like Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Thailand dominate, with each holding a substantially higher market share in US electronics imports. An overarching reason behind India dropping the catch despite the man at first slip and the ball coming in our direction is a high-cost domestic environment (this is despite a host of incentives given under the Production Linked Incentive or PLI schemes to industries) which makes our products uncompetitive in the export as well as domestic market. It also explains why our industries demand high protective tariffs and government yields; for instance, it has on the table a proposal for a 25 per cent hike in steel import duties. It is also a major factor behind Indias reluctance to join major multilateral trade agreements, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) etc which help the country to better integrate into the global economy and benefit from expanded trade opportunities by facilitating access to markets of their member countries duty-free or at close to zero tariffs. Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute nearly 40 per cent of exports. But, India not being a part of such trade alliances, they are denied an opportunity to boost exports. At the same time, they suffer due to high protective tariffs on the import of basic materials such as steel. A 25 per cent hike in import duties on steel products - asked by the Ministry of Steel - will impart a deadly blow to the MSMEs. There are four major reasons as to why costs in India are high. First, businesses in basic materials and feedstock such as copper, zinc, aluminium, oil and gas, chemicals, petrochemicals etc are natural monopolies enabling them to set high prices. Second, tax rates are pretty high particularly when it comes to petroleum products which are still taxed under the pre-GST regime. By increasing movement costs, these increase the cost of all goods across the board. Third, power tariffs are exorbitant thanks to excessive State controls on power distribution companies. Finally, industries operate in highly interest-rate environments. India can catapult itself to the position of fully leveraging the China Plus One strategy only if it effectively addresses the present high-cost syndrome. (The writer is a policy analyst; views are personal) Former MP and senior Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on Tuesday lashed out at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal, calling him a pathological liar and said he will file defamation cases against Delhi chief minister Atishi and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh over their allegation against him of taking money from the BJP. A few days ago, the Delhi CM said that we took money from the BJP. After this Press conference, I will file a criminal and civil defamation case against (CM) Atishi and Sanjay Singh. I will ask for Rs 10 crore and out of that money, I will donate Rs five crore to Yamuna cleaning and the remaining half will be donated to clean the polluted air in Delhi, he said. They used to say that they have increased sewage treatment by 1.5 times in Delhi. When the Congress lost the elections, the sewage treatment capacity was at 604 MGD and it remains the same today. The former chief minister lies that he has increased sewage treatment work, Dikshit alleged. The Lieutenant Governor took a review in 2023 and it was found that the pollution effluent going into Yamuna has doubled in the last seven to eight years, he said. The Congress leader said they have also claimed that they have saved money in construction of flyovers. Dikshit is son of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit who served as CM from 1998 till 2013. In 2013, Dikshit lost to Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency in the election that witnessed a Congress rout. The initial estimate of Madhuban to Mukarba Chowk flyover by Sheila Dikshits government was Rs 422 crore, but we built it at Rs 297 crore. The former government estimated the construction of Mangolpuri to Madhuban Chowk at Rs 423 crore, we built it at Rs 323 crore, Dikshit said, adding that they have given five to seven examples. The preliminary estimate of Madhuban to Mukarba Chowk flyover was made at Rs 422 crore in June 2012. After that the Cabinet decision came and the tendering was done on March 22, 2013 for Rs 280 crore, Dikshit said during the Press conference. That means the money was not saved by Kejriwals government, the money was saved by Sheilas government. I agree that you can say that the government had saved money, but saying that Kejriwal had saved money is not a lie, then tell me which word can we use for this? he asked. Similarly, in June 2012, the estimate for Azadpur-Prembari flyover was Rs 247 crore and the amount for tender in 2013 was Rs 182 crore, Dikshit said. I am sorry that I am using a very strong word for the former chief minister called pathological liar, he said. Continuing his attack on Kejriwal, Dikshit added, Arvind Kejriwal showed 360 newspaper cuttings. He is the first person who gives newspaper cutting as evidence...The day when CM Atishi said that we are taking money from BJP, that day former PM Manmohan Singh passed away. That is why we could not do a Press conference to counter the allegations. In education, they claimed that they have done a revolutionary work in 12th pass percentage. They used to say that students are coming to their schools in large numbers, Dikshit said. When Sheilas government lost in Delhi, there were 16.40 lakh students in Delhi government schools. Today, there are 17 to 18 lakh children. If enrolment had increased at the pace of the Congress government, today there would have been 22 to 23 lakh children, which means there are four to five lakh students less in our government schools, he said. India on Tuesday said it is extending all possible help to explore relevant options in the case of an Indian nurse facing death sentence in Yemen. Nimisha Priya, hailing from Kollengode in Kerala's Palakkad district, has been reportedly handed capital punishment for allegedly murdering a Yemeni citizen. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi is extending all possible help in the matter. "We are aware of the sentencing of Nimisha Priya in Yemen. We understand that the family of Priya is exploring relevant options," Jaiswal said. "The government is extending all possible help in the matter," he added. Jaiswal was replying to a media query. Reports said Priya was handed capital punishment by a trial court in 2020 and Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council upheld the verdict in November 2023. Yemen's President Rashad al-Alimi has reportedly approved Priya's death sentence. She is in prison since 2017. Priya was arrested for the alleged murder of Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mehdi in July 2017. A trial court in Sana'a sentenced her to death in 2020 and her appeal was dismissed by Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023. However, the option of paying blood money was kept open. Her release depended on getting the family of the victim, Talal Abdo Mehdi, and their tribal leader to forgive her. Her death sentence could have been set aside if the victim's family pardoned her and accepted blood money. The negotiations for the same were underway. However, they were stalled after the payment to the lawyer appointed on behalf of Priya got delayed. The lawyer had demanded USD 40,000 in two instalments as pre-negotiation fees. He refused to proceed further unless the entire amount was given to him. Priya's mother Prema Kumari went to Yemen in April 2024 and met her daughter at the prison there for the first time in 11 years. Since then, her mother has been in the country trying to secure her daughter's release. Nimisha left for Yemen in 2008 and worked in a few hospitals there, before starting her own clinic in 2015, with Mehdi as her local partner, which is required under Yemeni law. According to her family, differences arose between the two when she questioned him about some alleged embezzlement. To reclaim her passport, which was supposedly in Mehdi's custody, she allegedly injected him with sedatives in an attempt to make him unconscious. However, an overdose resulted in his death. She was taken into custody while reportedly trying to flee Yemen. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday apologised to the people of the state for the ethnic conflict occurring there since May 2023 and appealed to forgive and forget the past. He also said Peace is being restored in Manipur, and the only solution lies in discussion and dialogue, which the Central government has already initiated, while addressing a news conference in Imphal. However he came under attack of the Opposition leaders who said the CM failed to safeguard lives and livelihood of people and should, therefore, resign. Nearly 250 people, so far, have died in the violence. The CMs regret came couple of days after former Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla was appointed as Governor of Manipur. This entire year has been very unfortunate. I want to say sorry to the people of the state for whats been happening today, since last May 3. Many people lost loved ones. Many people left their homes. I feel regret. I apologise. But now, I hope, after seeing the last three to four months progress towards peace, normalcy will be restored in the state in 2025, Singh said. sporadic violence since May 3, 2023, between the majority Meiteis and the Kukis over quotas and economic benefits. The ongoing violence has killed over 200 people and displaced thousands. The Centre has deployed forces in vulnerable zones bordering the hill and valley districts, leading to a dip in incidents of firing in peripheral areas. The Chief Minister said 2,058 displaced families have been resettled in their original homes in Imphal West, Imphal East, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur. To curb violence along the national highways, the government has deployed 17 and 18 additional companies of security personnel along NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) and NH-37 (Imphal-Silchar via Jiribam), respectively. Whatever happened has happened... I want to appeal to all communities to forgive and forget our past mistakes and start life afresh by living together in a peaceful and prosperous Manipur, he said. Singh said firing incidents have declined in the state over the last 20 months since the ethnic conflict began in May 2023. From May to October, 2023, 408 firing incidents were reported. From November 2023 to April 2024, there were 345 firing incidents, whereas from May this year till now, 112 firing incidents were reported, he said. He said that of all the looted weapons, 3,112 have been recovered and 2,511 explosives have been seized during the period. The chief minister further said that 625 people have been arrested and 12,047 FIRs registered so far. More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May last year. Meanwhile, Manipur, which has been witnessing prolonged ethnic violence between majority Meitei and tribal Kuki communities, accounted for about 77 per cent of the total violence in the entire northeastern region in 2023, according to the latest annual report of the Ministry of Home Affairs. In 2023, Manipur witnessed an increase in violent incidents owing to the prevailing ethnic strife and the resultant increase in the casualties of civilians and security forces personnel as compared to 2022. The state accounted for about 77 per cent of the total violent incidents in Northeastern region in 2023, according to the MHA annual report. Among the total 243 violent incidents occurred in the Northeast, 187 took place in Manipur. The counter-insurgency operations in Manipur resulted in killing of 33 insurgents and arrest of 184 insurgents besides recovery of 49 weapons. Further, 80 cadres of insurgent outfits surrendered with 31 arms. Large-scale ethnic violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur on May 3, 2023. The violence resulted in numerous casualties, injuries, and incidents of arson. Though the issue of violence primarily relates to maintenance of public order, which is a state subject, the central government has been consistently extending its support, as required by the state government. The annual report said the central government took a series of immediate and sustained actions to handle the situation. Immediate action was initiated by engaging with top officials of Manipur, progressively deploying additional companies of Central Armed Police Forces, Army and Assam Rifles columns, deploying helicopters and drones, and implementing a unified command system. During the visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah from May 29 to June one, 2023, he had held more than 15 meetings with government officers, officers of security forces, political leaders and more than 100 members of civil society organisations. Further, as per the directions of the home minister, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai monitored the situation by staying in Manipur from May 25 to June 17, 2023. Reacting to remarks made by Singh Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Annie Raja said the chief minister has no moral right to continue at the top post. RJD leader Manoj Jha said everyone has seen the visuals from ethnic strife-torn Manipur and Singh should check his morality quotient. Everyone saw those visuals.... An audio clip was released recently, in which there were revelations about his conversation with the home minister..., he said. Pakistans Punjab government has opened to tourists the Bhagat Singh Gallery at the historical Poonch House here, where the independent freedom fighters trial was conducted some 93 years ago. The gallery houses historical documents, including pictures, letters, newspapers, details of trial and other memorial articles related to his life and freedom struggle. Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman inaugurated the gallery on Monday. Tourists will have access to the gallery under an agreement between the departments of industry, commerce and tourism of the Punjab government, Zaman said, adding that the historical building of Poonch House has been restored to its original form. The gallery showcases Bhagat Singhs struggle for independence, he said. Pakistans Punjab Archives Department in 2018 for the first time had displayed some records of the legendary freedom fighters case file, including his execution certificate, letters, photographs and newspaper clippings and other material. Singh, 23, was hanged by British rulers on March 23, 1931 in Lahore, after being tried under charges for hatching a conspiracy against the colonial government. The case was filed against Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru for allegedly killing British police officer John P Saunders. The record which was put on display also included a request of Singh for providing the order of court dated August 27, 1930, and his petition dated May 31, 1929, for the interview of his father. It also contained a petition of his father, Sardar Kishan Singh, against the death sentence of his son and the certificate/execution of his death in Lahore district jail by the superintendent of jail dated March 23, 1931. It also includes a petition of Singh for allowing him daily newspapers and books, and some other records related to the manifesto of the Naujawan Bharat Sabha Lahore by B C Vohra and several clippings of the daily VIRBHARAT etc. One document about the execution of the death sentence of Singh says: I (superintendent of the jail) hereby certify that the sentence of death passed on Bhagat Singh has been duly executed and that the said Bhagat Singh was accordingly hanged by neck till he was dead at Lahore Jail on 9 pm Monday the 23rd day of March 1931. The body was not taken down until life was ascertained by a medical officer to be extinct; and that no accident, error or other misadventure occurred. The revolutionary significantly did not end each application with the customary yours truly or obediently and instead he chose the words Yours etc. Etc. showing his resilience in the face of tyranny. The case files also contain documents showing how the British India police and agencies had busted the team of Singh comprising around 24 to 25 members from different parts of India and established their links to the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army and the Naujawan Bharat Sabha. Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation Chairman Advocate Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi told PTI on Tuesday that since the Punjab government has opened the Baghat Singh Gallery, it should also rename Shadman Chowk (where he was hanged) after him. We will continue pressing the government for this, he added. The Punjab Government on Tuesday informed the Supreme Court that farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite fast for over a month, has agreed for medical aid given the Centre accepted his proposal to hold talks. A vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia took note of a plea moved by Punjab government seeking an additional three days to comply with SCs December 20 order. ...As per the negotiators there is a proposal given by the farmers to the Central government that in case they get an invite for a talk, Dallewal is ready to take medical help as desired, Punjab advocate general Gurminder Singh said, therefore, the state government was seeking some more time and work positively towards compliance of the directions. The bench said, We will not comment on whats going on as far as negotiations or your law and order is concerned. If something happens, which is acceptable to both sides and all stakeholders concerned, we will be equally happy. At the moment, we are only concerned with the compliance of our orders. If you want more time, we in peculiar circumstances are inclined to grant you some time. Singh agreed with the bench on the point that no comments should be made on the negotiations at this stage and sought some time. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and Haryana government, said he did not have any instructions on this issue. Punjab AG said the intervenors and negotiators had tried complying with the court directives by engaging with the farmers in a dialogue. Additionally, the government mobilised 7,000 personnel at the protest site, but on December 30, a call for Punjab bandh was called by other farmer organisations, hindering its efforts, he said. The bench recorded the submissions and posted the matter on January 2, 2025, for the compliance of its order on shifting of Dallewal to a hospital. We are inclined to accept the request to afford some more time for compliance with the directions issued by the court, the bench said. Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police were directed to continue to appear in-person virtually during the hearing. On December 28, the top court came down heavily on the Punjab Government for not moving Dallewal to a hospital even as it doubted the intention of the agitating farmers for resisting availability of medical aid to their septuagenarian leader. The Punjab Government said it faced huge resistance from the protesting farmers who had encircled Dallewal and prevented him from being taken to a hospital. Dallewal has been on an indefinite fast at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana since November 26 to press the Centre to accept the farmers demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price for crops. The farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by the security forces. After conquering the Seven Summits across seven continents, Kaamya Karthikeyan, 17, now sets her sights on the Explorer's Grand Slam, a gruelling challenge that involves reaching both the North and South Poles in addition to completing the Seven Summits. Her ambition, coupled with her proven track record of success, makes her a strong contender to join the ranks of the worlds elite adventurers. I hope my journey inspires others to pursue their passions, Kaamya Karthikeyan said, radiating humility and determination. At just 17 years old, Kaamya has achieved an extraordinary feat, becoming the youngest girl in the world to complete the prestigious Seven Summits Challenge. This incredible accomplishment is a testament to her courage, perseverance, and unyielding spirit. Kaamyas mountaineering journey began at the tender age of 13, fuelled by an insatiable curiosity for adventure and an unshakable resolve to conquer new heights. Her ascent of Mount Everest in May 2024 marked a crowning achievement in her Seven Summits journey. Scaling the world's tallest peak alongside her father, Commander S. Karthikeyan of the Indian Navy, was a moment of triumph not only for Kaamya but for the countless individuals who look up to her as a beacon of inspiration. Rajeev Gupta, the founder of the Ideate Inspire Ignite Foundation in Ranchi, recognized the magnitude of Kaamya's accomplishment and invited her to share her story at the Everest Summit program on August 18, 2024. The program, which brought together 18 Everest summiteers from across India, served as a platform to celebrate courage, perseverance, and the transformative power of adventure sports. The foundation has consistently worked to foster a culture of adventure and inspiration in Ranchi and Jharkhand, hosting similar events in previous years to honor mountaineers and inspire local communities. Kaamyas achievement is a proud moment for India and an inspiration to the world. Her journey to conquer the Seven Summits took her to the highest peaks of each continent: Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Elbrus in Europe, Mount Kosciuszko in Australia, Mount Aconcagua in South America, Mount Denali in North America, Mount Everest in Asia, and finally, Mount Vinson in Antarctica in 2024. Each peak presented its own set of challenges, testing her endurance, mental fortitude, and adaptability. Through these climbs, Kaamya gained invaluable lessons about courage, perseverance, and the awe-inspiring beauty of our planet. Kaamya attributes her success to the unwavering support of her parents, particularly her father, who has been a guiding force in her journey. She has dedicated her achievement to all dreamers, emphasizing that no goal is too lofty if pursued with passion and determination. Gupta reiterated his commitment to hosting the Everest Summit program annually in Ranchi, ensuring that stories like Kaamya's continue to inspire generations to come. Ranchi eagerly anticipates welcoming Kaamya again, as her journey symbolizes the boundless possibilities that arise when determination meets opportunity. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Kaamya Karthikeyan and wish her all the best in her future expeditions. Her story is a shining example of how dreams, when pursued with unwavering dedication, can become reality. A miscreant attempting a burglary at the residence of a police officer in Radha Kunj Colony, Bhopal, was apprehended early Monday morning due to the vigilance of the officers family, while two accomplices managed to escape. Awadhpuri police have arrested the accused and launched an investigation into the incident. The incident occurred at around 3 a.m. when three thieves, arriving in a government vehicle, targeted the house of Manoj Singh, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) posted at Ashbagh police station. The ASIs daughter, waiting for her father to return home, became aware of suspicious activity outside the house. Hearing noises and noticing an unfamiliar presence in the veranda, the family immediately alerted the police via Dial-100. When they attempted to confront the intruder, he fled to the roof to hide. Police arrived promptly at the scene and apprehended the accused. However, two accomplices stationed outside managed to escape. The arrested individual was identified as Pawan Bijouria, an outsourced driver employed at the Registrar Medical Nursing Council office for the past three years. Bijouria resides in the Habibganj area of Bhopal. Preliminary investigations revealed that he had arrived in a government vehicle, a car bearing the registration number MP02-AB4331, which he had parked near the ASIs residence. According to Awadhpuri police station in-charge Ratan Singh Parihar, the ASIs daughter first noticed the suspicious activity when she heard the sound of someone entering the house. Initially assuming it might be her father, she discovered an unfamiliar figure moving towards the first floor. Alarmed, she informed her mother, and the two followed the sounds, only to discover that a thief had entered the house with the intention of burglary. The familys quick action and the timely arrival of the Dial-100 team thwarted the burglary attempt. The accused, Pawan, was apprehended on the spot and taken into custody for questioning. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime and revealed that he was accompanied by two accomplices who fled the scene. Police have launched a search operation to trace the two suspects. The incident has raised questions about how the accused, an outsourced employee, had access to a government vehicle. Authorities are investigating whether the vehicle was taken without authorization and if Pawans employment was verified through police checks. Additionally, they are examining his possible involvement in other thefts. The arrest has highlighted security lapses and the misuse of government resources. Police are focusing on tracing the two accomplices and determining whether the accused has a prior criminal record. The investigation aims to uncover any systemic issues that may have facilitated the misuse of a government vehicle in the commission of a crime. Awadhpuri police have registered a case against the accused and seized the government car used in the incident. The swift response by the ASIs family and police prevented the theft and ensured the apprehension of one of the culprits. Gurvinder Singh Sethi, the soft-spoken and leader of the Sikh BJP in Jharkhand, passed away due to a heart attack in Pune on Tuesday. His untimely demise has sent shockwaves of grief across the Sikh communities in Jharkhand and Bihar. Particularly in Ranchi and Jamshedpur, Sethis supporters, who had hoped to see him represent the Sikh voice in the Vidhan Sabha or Rajya Sabha, are mourning the loss of a leader they deeply admired. Sethi was serving as a member of the Jharkhand BJP state working committee at the time of his passing. He had previously held the position of vice-chairman of the Minority Commission during the tenures of Chief Ministers Arjun Munda and Raghubar Das. In this role, he was instrumental in advocating for minority rights and development. A year ago, Sethi represented Jharkhand on the Railway Advisory Board. He was proactive in inspecting passenger facilities at various railway stations, identifying deficiencies, and bringing them to the attention of the Ministry of Railways. His work demonstrated his commitment to improving public amenities and holding authorities accountable. The news of Sethis passing has left many in disbelief. Prominent Sikh leaders, including Satbir Singh Somu, Chanchal Bhatia, Ravindra Singh Rinku, and Gurmukh Singh Mukhe, patron of the Jharkhand Sikh Coordination Committee, have expressed deep sorrow over his death. It is hard to accept that Gurvinder Singh Sethi is no longer with us. His contribution to the Sikh community and public welfare was unparalleled, said one of his close associates. Gurvinder Singh Sethis passing marks the end of a remarkable journey of public service and leadership. His efforts to elevate the Sikh communitys voice in Jharkhand and beyond will be remembered as a testament to his dedication and vision. The wave of mourning that has swept through Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and other parts of the region reflects the profound impact he had on the lives of many, said Somu. Bharatiya Janata Party MP Dinesh Sharma praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for boosting economic growth through religious tourism ahead of the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, calling it an unprecedented effort that deserves recognition. Sharmas comments came in response to Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadavs concerns about the governments preparedness for the event. Responding to Akhileshs statement about the alleged lack of preparedness for Maha Kumbh, the BJP MP said: The last Kumbh Mela held under the leadership of CM Yogi was hailed worldwide. This time, around 40 crore people are expected to visit After the Kumbh, dont call him Yogi Baba, but call him Arth Prabandhan Baba (Economic Management Baba). He is improving the economy through promoting religious tourism... Such work is unprecedented and must be praised... He also urged the leaders of the SP and Congress to attend the Maha Kumbh and see the preparations. The BJP MP added, Leaders of the Samajwadi Party and Congress must have attended the Kumbh Mela earlier too, but they should visit this time; you will see the arrangements and witness the transformation this time... Akhilesh Yadav had expressed concerns, alleging the lack of preparedness by the BJP-led state government ahead of the Maha Kumbh and said that his party workers were ready to help. The 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 told reporters earlier in the month. The Maha Kumbh, held once every 12 years, is scheduled to begin on January 13 and conclude on February 26, 2025, in Prayagraj. The Delhi Police has registered a case against six 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 outer north Delhis Narela Industrial Area. On Tuesday, the Election Commission flagged six such suspicious cases to the Delhi Police, following which the police registered cases under section 318 (4) (Cheating) and Section 3 (5) (joint liability) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). 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 Matiala assembly constituency area said. The accused name includes Sampat, Shanti, Pramila Devi and Rajdhar Singh, for submitting forged Aadhar Card, in Dwarka Sector 17. Further, it also the accused have been identified as Bulbul Kumari and Inderjeet, for submitting a forged electricity bill in Bindapur area. The Delhi Police, Shaheen Bagh police station, has registered a case following a complaint received from the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of AC-52 (Matiala). 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 (outer North) Nidhin Valsan 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. An attempted theft of copper earthing strips from operational power transformers at the 132 KV Shamshabad substation in Vidisha district was thwarted by the courage and alertness of the substations outsourced operators, Dhirendra Rathore and Niranjan Vishwakarma, along with security personnel Deepak Paul. Their prompt action prevented a potential disruption to electricity supply in Shamshabad, Berasia, and Sirond areas during the critical Rabi season. The incident occurred when armed thieves attempted to steal the sensitive copper strips from two operational power transformers at the substation by cutting through the yard fence. Security personnel Deepak Paul, while on patrol, noticed suspicious activity and alerted the on-duty operators. Together, the three tried to apprehend the thieves, who fled the scene under cover of darkness. Their swift response ensured the attempted theft was unsuccessful. Copper earthing strips play a vital role in the functionality of power transformers, each valued at approximately ?4-5 crore. These strips are designed to channel high currents generated during faults, safeguarding equipment and personnel at the substation. Tampering with or removing these strips can result in severe transformer damage and endanger lives. Had the theft succeeded, the Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company would have faced significant financial losses and prolonged disruptions to electricity supply in the region. Replacing the transformers, which are custom-made to specific norms, could take three to four months, impacting farmers and other consumers during the Rabi season. Recognizing their bravery and dedication, Managing Director of MP Transco, Engineer Sunil Tiwari, directed that Rathore, Vishwakarma, and Paul be honored. They were rewarded by Superintending Engineer M.P. Patel and Executive Engineer Sanjay Srivastava in a ceremony held at the 132 KV Shamshabad substation, attended by employees from the 220 KV substation Vidisha and the 132 KV substations in Berasia and Runaha. Their exemplary actions set a commendable standard of duty and vigilance, safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted power supply for the region. Amid protest by a group of Pujaris outside the Pracheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday launched the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, registering the priest of Marghat Wale Baba temple near Kashmiri Gate ISBT while Chief Minister Atishi got the Granthis of a Gurudwara in the Karol Bagh area registered. Meanwhile, protesting Pujaris outside the Pracheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place have demanded that former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal should clarify why no financial support was provided under the government schemes in the last 10 years. "Today I visited Marghat Baba's temple (ISBT) and launched the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana. Today is the birthday of the Mahant ji here. I also celebrated his birthday with him," he said in a post on X. The ceremony began with the AAP Supremo, along with his wife Sunita Kejriwal, performing Darshan Poojan, taking blessings of Lord Hanuman, and registering temple Mahants on Tuesday. Kejriwal also addressed the BJP criticism saying the BJP members have been criticising him since the scheme's announcement and questioned whether the country would benefit from such criticism. Kejriwal pointed out that the BJP holds power in 20 states and has been in control of Gujarat for 30 years and asked why the party had not shown respect for priests and granthis in those states during that time. He further emphasised that his Government had set an example by implementing the scheme in Delhi and suggested that the BJP should replicate the initiative in its States instead of criticising him. "BJP people have been abusing me since yesterday, ever since the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana was announced. My question to them is, will the country benefit from abusing me? You have governments in 20 states. You have been in power in Gujarat for 30 years. Why haven't you respected the priests and granthis there till now? Come on, do it now? I have shown the way to everyone. Instead of abusing me, why don't you implement it in your 20 states, then everyone will benefit? Why do you abuse me?" the AAP National Convenor said on X. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi visited Gurudwara Sahib in Karol Bagh, registering Granthis who pray for a landslide victory for the Same Aadmi Party (AAP). During her visit, Atishi offered prayers at Sant Sujan Singh Maharaj Gurudwara in central Delhi. She added, During registration, granthis blessed Arvind Kejriwal and me, saying this is the first time since Maharaja Ranjit Singh that a government has thought of granthis. Pujaris and granthis are with us through lifes joys and sorrows. It is the governments duty to care for them, which is why this scheme was launched. Kejriwal earlier on Monday said all the Hindu temple priests and granthis of Gurudwaras will be paid a monthly honorarium of Rs 18,000 under the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana. As the politics over the honorarium gathered momentum in Delhi, a group of priests staged a protest against Kejriwal outside the Connaught Place temple for announcing the honorarium after a delay of 10 years. Since its launch in January 2023, the Bhopal Mayor's Helpline has helped resolve over 136,000 complaints in its first two years, city officials said on Tuesday. The helpline, an electoral promise of Mayor Malti Rai, has proved immensely successful in the redress of citizens' grievances. Conducting a review of the initiative on Tuesday, Mayor Rai received updates from municipal officials and feedback from citizens whose complaints had been resolved. Many residents expressed appreciation for the prompt response to their complaints and thanked the Mayor and the Bhopal Municipal Corporation. In December alone, 3,344 complaints were received, and 2,356 were resolved. Mayor Rai instructed officials to expedite the resolution of pending complaints, ensuring they are addressed within two days. Rai reassured callers that their concerns would continue to be addressed promptly through the helpline. Jharkhand is experiencing a sharp drop in temperatures as the winter chill tightened its grip over the state. Sub-10 temperatures returned to several districts, including Ranchi, Chatra, Lohardaga, and Simdega, bringing a renewed sense of winters chill. The state capital, Ranchi, recorded a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius today, marking a significant dip. Neighboring Lohardaga experienced even colder conditions, with the mercury plummeting to 9 degrees Celsius. Chatra and Simdega recorded minimum temperatures of 10.1 degrees Celsius and 10.2 degrees Celsius, respectively. The automated weather station at Khunti registered a low of 9.2 degrees Celsius, while Hazaribagh followed closely with a minimum temperature of 10.5 degrees Celsius. The widespread chill has been attributed to the restoration of cold and crisp north-westerly winds sweeping across the state. Experts at the India Meteorological Departments (IMD) Ranchi Meteorological Centre indicated that the cold wave is likely to intensify in the coming days. The minimum temperature is expected to drop further by 2-3 degrees Celsius over the next 72 hours, stated a senior meteorologist. The forecast suggests that residents should brace for colder nights and mornings as winter peaks. Despite the intensifying chill, the IMD has ruled out the possibility of rain or any adverse weather conditions on New Years Day. This comes as a relief to those planning outdoor celebrations to welcome 2025. The abrupt temperature drop is already impacting daily life across the state. Morning fog and frost are expected to make travel conditions challenging, while residents in colder districts are bundling up to cope with the freezing conditions. Schools, offices, and marketplaces are witnessing reduced activity during the early hours due to the icy winds. Rural areas, particularly in districts like Khunti and Lohardaga, are experiencing harsher conditions, with many villagers relying on traditional methods such as bonfires to combat the cold. Urban areas, meanwhile, are seeing a surge in demand for warm clothing and heaters. The state meteorological department is closely monitoring the temperature trends and has advised residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the cold. Health experts have urged people to stay indoors during peak cold hours, keep themselves warm, and remain hydrated to avoid winter-related ailments. As Jharkhand rings in the new year, the biting chill is likely to remind residents of the harshness of winter. While the festive spirit remains intact, the intensified winter weather adds a frosty twist to the celebrations. Our world is a dream within a dream; you must realize that to find God is the only goal, the only purpose for which you are here. --- Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda. The beloved Guru, Sri Sri Paramhansa Yogananda, often expressed that the highest purpose of human life is to seek God. Everything else can wait but ones search for God. Yoganandaji was born Mukund Lal Ghosh to devout Bengali parents, Gyan Prabha, and Bhagbati Charan Ghosh, on 5th January 1893 in Gorakhpur. When Gyan Prabha visited her Guru, Lahiri Mahasaya, with baby Mukunda in her arms, the great saint had blessed her, saying, Little mother thy son will be a yogi. As a spiritual engine, he will carry many souls to Gods kingdom. The sacred prophecy was to come true in times to come. As a child, Mukund would pray deeply to Ma Kaali and meditate. On one such occasion, he fell into a deep reverie and saw an immense flash of light in his inner vision. As he marvelled at the supernal light, he queried, What is this wondrous glow? to which he received a heavenly response, I am Ishwar, I am Light. On this other-worldly experience, Yoganandaji wrote in his autobiography, Out of the slow dwindling of my divine ecstasy, I salvaged a permanent legacy of inspiration to seek God. In 1910, at seventeen, he embarked on a spiritual journey in search of God. This quest led him to his revered guru, Swami Yukteswarji. Under his gurus loving yet strict guidance, he embraced the sacred monkhood of the Swami order, adopting the name Paramahansa Yogananda, which signifies the attainment of the highest bliss through union with God. In 1917, he founded the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) in Ranchi and the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) in Los Angeles in 1920. The primary aim of these two organizations is to disseminate the ancient spiritual science of Kriya Yoga meditation techniques, to realize lifes ultimate purpose - the union of the soul with God. Aspirants can receive these sacred teachings, written by the great master himself, as home-study lessons upon request from the YSS Ashrams. While in the USA, Yoganandaji worked tirelessly to spread the wisdom of the above Indian spiritual practices, which were very well received and appreciated. Driven by a longing to share his quest for God, he undertook to write the highly acclaimed spiritual masterpiece, Autobiography of a Yogi a book that has had a deep impact on countless individuals around the globe and has been translated into over 50 languages. His extensive teachings have profoundly influenced millions of people, and cover a wide range of subjects, focusing especially on: 1) The science of Kriya Yoga meditation, which is an advanced Raja Yoga technique, drawing human consciousness to higher levels of perception. 2) The deep-rooted unity present in all true religions. 3) Ways to achieve a balanced life encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Jagadguru is now recognized as one of the most impactful ambassadors of Indias ancient teachings worldwide. His life and teachings serve as an everlasting wellspring of inspiration and motivation for people from all walks of life, regardless of their race, culture, or beliefs Three Bangladeshi nationals, including a mother and son, were found residing illegally in southwest Delhis Katwaria Sarai and Sarojini Nagar. According to the police on Tuesday, the duo was found residing illegally in Delhi's southwest area since 2005, have been detained and deported. They were identified as 22 year old Naim Khan and his mother, Nazma Khan. "The duo had entered India illegally via the West Bengal border. Nazma entered around 20 years ago and Naim in 2020," Deputy Commissioner of Police (southwest) Surendra Choudhary said. He further said that they had been residing in Katwaria Sarai, with Nazma working as a domestic help. During a routine patrol on December 29, police intercepted Naim near Shastri Market following a tip-off. Subsequent interrogation led to Nazma's detention on December 30. The two were handed over to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and deported to Bangladesh. Naim revealed financial hardships forced his mother to migrate to India two decades ago. He followed her in 2020. Nazma worked as a domestic servant. In a related case, another Bangladeshi national identified as Mohammad Akhtar Sheikh was arrested in Sarojini Nagar. Police said that he was initially apprehended in a drug-related case on November 28. Seikh, who was working as labour at a construction site, disclosed that he was native of West Bengal. He was produced before the court and was later released on bail by the court. On dated December 30 when address verification of the above said accused was done it is found that Mohd. Akhtar had left the work and now he has been hiding himself here and there and changing his residence. On secret enquiry it is found that he is not an Indian National and is a Bangladeshi. A thorough search was made and today i.e on December 30 he was traced at near Railway Station, Sarojini Nagar, the DCP added. He said he was thoroughly interrogated and was asked for his Valid ID proof and address proof he was unable to show or proved any of his identity proof. On further interrogation he said that he was born in Madarganj, Kochaghata, Bangladesh and he came to West Bengal in 2004 by illegal means by land surreptitiously. There he married a hindu girl in 2012 and made a permanent residence in West Bangal. He is not in possession of any type of Indian ID proof. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj on Tuesday called the 'Pujari Granthi Samman Yojna' announced by AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal an "appeasement" move ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls. In a press conference, the New Delhi MP challenged Kejriwal to implement the schemes announced by him, including the 'Mahila Samman Yojna', saying there is no Model Code of Conduct in place. Kejriwal on Monday announced monthly honorarium of Rs 18,000 for all the Hindu temple priests and granthis of Gurudwaras after AAP returns to power in February.> In 1995, the World Trade Organization was formally established >> Mary Shelleys Frankenstein was published in 1818 >> American author JD Salinger, who wrote The Catcher in the Rye, was born in 1919 January 1 marks the beginning of a new year for most of the world. However, it was not always the case. Lets take a look at the history of various calendars and their different new years read more People enjoy visiting the central Ala-Too Square, decorated to mark the upcoming New Year holiday, in Bishkek on December 24, 2024. AFP 2025 is here and everyone is celebrating the beginning of something new. As another year passes, have you ever wondered why January 1 is celebrated as the new year? It was not always the case. In fact, at a point in history, the new year began in March for some. Then, how did the cold winter morning of January 1 become the start of the new year? Lets take a look. Tracing history of new years New Year festivities date back to at least 2000 BC in ancient Mesopotamia, where present-day Iraq is located. These celebrations, which could last up to 12 days, kickstarted on the day of the first new moon after the spring equinox, which usually fell around March, as per a Time magazine report. Advertisement The festival, known as akitu, marked the crowning of new kings or reaffirming loyalty to the current king. This new year celebration also coincided with the harvest of barley. Several factors like religious, astronomical, or agricultural impacted calender-making. In ancient Egypt, new year celebrations began with the sighting of Sirius, the brightest star in Earths night sky, in around mid-July. This happened at the same time as the Niles flooding, which was necessary for irrigating nearby fields, as per the magazines report. The second Islamic caliph, Umar I, set up the Islamic calendar by 638 AD in Arabia. As per this calendar, a new year starts on 1 Muharram with the appearance of the first crescent moon. It began on July 16, 622 in the Julian calendar to commemorate Muhammads migration from Mecca to Medina. The many Roman calendars The modern calendar, which is used in most parts of the world, evolved in Rome centuries back. In ancient Rome, the first known calendars were established by the first king, Romulus. As per National Geographic report, the calendar year was 304 days long and began in Martius (which later became March), named after the Roman god Mars. This 10-month calendar was replaced around the seventh century BC when Romes second king, Numa Pompilius added 50 days to the calendar year to bring two new 28-day long winter months: Ianuarius (honouring the god of beginnings, Janus) and Februarius (in honour of Februa, a purification festival). Advertisement Bust of the god Janus, Vatican museum, Vatican City. Wikimedia Commons It was anything but perfect. The Roman calendar year relied on the moon and as the lunar cycle is 29.5 days, it fell out of sync to such an extent that an extra month, Mercedonius, had to be introduced every two or three years. ALSO READ: Why February is the shortest month in the calendar How January 1 became new year Julius Caesar, who became Romes dictator in 46 BC, called on astronomers and mathematician Sosigenes to design a new calendar based on the Sun. Sosigenes of Alexandria created the new calendar, known as the Julian calendar, by 45 BC. With this, the new year in Rome began on January 1 when consuls men who formed the republics executive branch assumed office. January was named after Janus, the two-faced Roman god of beginnings, transitions, and time. Advertisement Under the Julian calendar, a year had 365 years with an extra day every four years, what is now known as leap years. This calendar, which was mostly in sync with the Sun, overestimated a years length by about 11 minutes. While the Julian calendar was followed for years, by the mid-15th century, it was unaligned to the solar cycle by an extra 10 days, reported Time magazine. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII tweaked this calendar to better capture the time taken by the Earth to travel around the Sun. The Gregorian calendar stuck with January 1 as the start of a new year. Due to its accuracy, most of the world has adopted the Gregorian calendar. Advertisement Other calendars continue While the Gregorian calendar is the most widely followed across the globe, other calendars have not been totally discarded. China celebrates the beginning of a new year on the second new moon after the winter solstice, typically around late January or February. Even in India, different cultures celebrate the start of the new year on different dates. For Punjab and Haryana, it is on April 13, marking Baisakhi. Puthandu is the Tamil New Year. Members of Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate the Christmas holiday in January as they did not adopt the Gregorian calendar. With input from agencies It is time to set our goals for the new year. With 2025 here, most of us will be making resolutions to look forward to. But when did humans start this practice? read more The practice of making New Year's resolutions is centuries old. Pixabay/Representational Image Its the time to think about your New Years resolutions. With 2025 here, most of us would set down our goals for self-improvement for the new year. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, changing jobs and losing weight are just some of the promises millions of people make to themselves on January 1. While the majority of us fail to keep them, we still follow the rituals of making new year pledges annually. In fact, this practice is not new either, dating back to some 4,000 years ago. Advertisement Lets take a close look. How New Years resolutions came to be The ancient Babylonians started making new year promises some 4,000 years ago. As per The Conversation piece, they were also the first civilisation recorded to celebrate the New Year. The Babylonians marked a 12-day new year festival called Akitu. The festivities started on the day of the first new moon after the spring equinox, which usually fell around March, coinciding with the harvest of barley. During the celebrations, they pledged allegiance to the reigning king or crowned a new king. The Babylonians also promised to repay their debts in the new year. They believed that they would receive the favour of the Gods by keeping the vows, or else invite divine wrath, reported The Conversation. The ancient Romans continued the tradition of making pledges on the new year. Around 46 BC, the emperor Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar, which marked January 1 as the beginning of the new year. According to The Conversation, Romans worshipped the two-faced god Janus, after whom January was named. They offered him sacrifices and promised renewed bonds between citizens, the state, and the deities. They also included supernatural spring cleaning in their new year rituals. These traditions focused on starting the year on the right foot: cleaning homes, stocking the pantry, paying off debts, and returning borrowed items, Candida Moss, a University of Birmingham professor specialising in ancient history and early Christianity, told National Geographic. Advertisement Centuries later, the New Years resolutions were adopted by Colonial America, with Puritans observing it as a way to introspect. There was a desire to avoid debauchery and reflect on the passing and coming years. This period marked the emergence of resolutions in a modern sense, Moss explained. As per the History channel, in 1740, John Wesley, the English clergyman who founded Methodism, created Covenant Renewal Service also known as watch night services which was mostly held on New Years Eve or New Years Day. Today, these services popular in evangelical Protestant churches are held on December 31 when people pray and make resolutions for the year ahead. Advertisement Contemporary resolutions By the 19th Century, resolutions became a common practice, so much so that people started associating humour with making and breaking vows. The Walkers Hibernian Magazine in 1802 noted, Statesmen have resolved to have no other object in view than the good of their country. In 1938, The Miami Daily News urged women to keep resolutions small and doable, warning against glittering resolutions which you know in your heart are as brittle as Christmas tree ornaments, wedding vows, or campaign promises. New Years Day postcard mailed in 1909. Wikimedia Commons Over time, New Years resolutions have become more secular than religious. Today, resolutions are largely secular, reflecting the broader secularisation of society, Moss told National Geographic. ALSO READ: Living Nostradamus eerie prophecies for 2025: From out of control AI to mass surveillance Breaking promises is not new People have been making and breaking New Years resolutions for centuries now. In 1671, the Scottish writer Anne Halkett reportedly wrote in her diary the resolution, I will not offend anymore. Advertisement An article published in the Fort Myers News-Press on December 30, 1937, mentioned psychologists saying that New Years resolutions do not work. A Forbes survey of 1,000 Americans in 2023 found that 62 per cent felt pressured to set a New Years resolution. In 2022, Time magazine reported that only 8 per cent of people keep their vows throughout the year, with a whopping 80 per cent failing to keep them by February. The New Year serves as a cyclical marker of time during which we reevaluate and take inventory of our lives, clinical psychologist Sabrina Romanoff told WebMD. The drive for making resolutions is motivated by this punctuation in time, activates hope and expectations for what we hope to achieve going forward. Advertisement While you may not be able to stick to your resolutions throughout the year, it is still okay to make them. It is better to hope to become a better version of yourself one day than to have none at all! With inputs from agencies Whatever might be the innate reason for the sudden eruption of online hatred against a single group, specifically Indians (Hindus), it must be a reflection of suppressed innate anger against the most successful ethnic religious group in the US read more Millions of illegal migrants were walking across the southern borders of the US during the past few years. This is one of the most controversial aspects of the current President Joe Bidens policy, which majorly led to popular dissatisfaction leading to the election of Donald Trump. This was also one of the central aspects of the election campaign in 2024. However, in a completely unrelated legal immigration issue, the H-1B issue became a heated controversy during the past week. Advertisement The H1B controversy caught many by surprise. The timing as well as the issue itself was unexpected, as the focus of immigration up to that point remained focused on illegal immigration on the southern borders. So, the switch to legal immigration as the main problem overlooking the illegal migrations on the southern borders was unimaginable. It began overnight on one of the busiest family holidays in America, the day of Christmas. The immediate cause noted was from social media posts of a prominent Republican Party activist soon after the appointment of Sriram Krishnan as AI (Artificial Intelligence) Advisor to the incoming President Trumps administration. It is not clear if the controversial posts originated from the Republican Party activist or if she had simply amplified some of the mild online controversy at that time. However, immediately as soon as the initial euphoria on the appointment of Sriram Krishnan and H-1B issues subsided, numerous controversial theories began to be circulated. The foremost controversy is that the far-right MAGA (Make America Great Again) base was shifting away from the Republican Party due to their dissatisfaction with legal immigration, even though the election was fought on the issue of controlling illegal immigration through closing the southern borders. The second controversy cited was that the Democrats were trying to dislodge some of the Republican popular base through disgruntled propaganda to shift the Republican popular base towards the Democratic party. The last reason cited was that online social media propaganda was launched aimed at derailing India and US relations in view of the impending visit of the foreign minister of India to Washington, DC, during the last week of December. Whatever might be the innate reason for the sudden eruption of online hatred against a single group, specifically Indians (Hindus), it must be a reflection of suppressed innate anger against the most successful ethnic religious group in the US. This might have surfaced as a backlash against the perceived role of Indians in the Trump administration. The two aspects that unmistakably dominate the online hate campaign are xenophobic hatred against Indians and directed attacks on Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Advertisement Even though tinged with racist tirades against Indian H-1B workers in general, the social media controversy quickly descended into anti-Hindu rhetoric and Hinduphobia online; it shouldnt be missed that the controversy ultimately aims to attack Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy as a way to spread misinformation on the incoming DoGE (Department of Government Efficiency). Although it is important not to ignore the racist rhetoric that surfaced in the middle of this controversy, it is also important to keep in mind that once Trump takes charge in January, this controversy might erupt into a vicious battle on the Hill due to the high-stakes government positions that the DOGE might aim to cut. Therefore, it is important for all parties involved or those accused in this H1B controversy to practice patience and exercise caution when getting involved with any online propaganda/controversy. Advertisement Another reason the issue got unmanageable online was that some bots and engagement-farming accounts began reposting memes directly insulting Hindu sentiments. The H1B controversy, which was aimed at cornering Elon Musk with the rhetoric of importing cheap workers, and Vivek Ramaswamy, for belonging to the ethnic group that is the beneficiary of the largest number of H1B visas, quickly became a xenophobic campaign against Hindus. However, numerous instances of Hinduphobia are noted on online platforms, and any complaints of hate crimes against Hindus are lacking this week. Therefore, there is a disconnect between the concerted hate propaganda online and experiences elsewhere in the nation. This discrepancy might indicate there might be an insidious plan underneath this vicious H-1B propaganda. Advertisement The controversy is still brewing on online platforms, including social media. Even though the initial vehemence decreased, attacks on Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy continue online and become more vicious, attacking their personal and work background information. This shows that the H1B controversy has more to do with attacking Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy as the incoming co-chairs of the DoGE, which aims to cut spending and control the mismanaged administration that was the original cause of dissatisfaction among the masses. This should bring the most necessary reforms and bring transparency to government administration. Another aspect that the incoming Trump administration needs to attend to immediately upon its arrival is to reform the current legal immigration system and stop illegal migrations on the southern border of the US. The online controversy seems to entwine both illegal migrations and legal immigration together in a broad generalisation. Each nation defines its national interests and institutes its legal immigration processes. It is important to have a suitable immigration process that benefits the nation in this competitive modern global world. Advertisement Whatever the conspiracy theories were expected to do would come to nil when President-elect Trump assumes charge on January 20, 2025. Trump, a long-time businessman, is not easily swayed by propaganda. Trump will start with a clean slate with his incoming administration as expected, which contains many outsiders who vowed to resize the bloated administrative machinery of Washington, DC, popularly called the three-letter acronym departments. The author is Professor of History and Religious Studies, Department of Social Sciences, Shawnee State University, the US. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.